A Darker Secret (open)

[Sweetp4u]

Lillianna

"My uncle?" I chuckled softly, "Oh no Raven is not my uncle.. He is .. My guardian." I paused a moment, that was what he was wasn't it?
"I just arrived here after years in school, that is why everything is a shambled mess around here.." I turned and bent over, looking under the bed for my other shoe? Crawling over the bed I looked under it once more. Deciding that the shoe could wait I sat down on the bed and smiled at her, "pleased to meet you Merelan, I am lillianna.. Call me Lily it's easier to remember." I sighed, she was still refusing the job, but why?
"Merelan? Do you have employment elsewhere? Or is it me why you will not work here?" I tried to keep the hurt from my voice and eyes, so I jumped up and busied myself with another trunk of clothing to unpack.

 

[Merelan]

"My uncle?"She bustled about talking to me. I had called him that so she would correct me with the right title. "Oh no Raven is not my uncle.. He is .. My guardian." She stopped and stared off in the distance. Her eyes lost.
"I just arrived here after years in school, that is why everything is a shambled mess around here.." Again and again she moved things, and then crawled right under the bed.

Startled I reached for her, but she came out and sat still, finally.

"pleased to meet you Merelan, I am lillianna.. Call me Lily it's easier to remember." She sighed and looked up and watched a moment as I folded some underskirts.
"Merelan? Do you have employment elsewhere? Or is it me why you will not work here?"

"Oh no. Not you MiLady, Lili. And i don't really have employment anywhere else. But, your Guardian, is not happy with me being here. Should i go find him and tell him I will elave in the morning? Would that make it better for you? he seemed so angry, and I caused all this troubel. It is not right you should have me as a maid. You need a real Ladies maid." Shaking out a beautiful skirt and hanging it in the wardrobe. Straigtening out the dresses there to keep them from getting wrinkled. They were so soft and pretty. Like her. Fresh and new.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Lillianna

I smiled brightly and moved to my knees on the carpet. "No, nope. Nu uh." I grinned again and stood up, glancing around I heard the clock chime.
"Oh shit!" I flushed a moment, the girls at the school taught me alot. "We need to get some much needed rest. And you are perfect for the job Merelan, Promise." I dropped a few things into one trunk of mine and dropped a few more things into an old trunk that needed to go into storage.
I walked over, stepping over my crap littered here and there and peeked into the room Raven had suggested.
"My lord! You can't sleep in there."I humped not at the least bit happy with Raven.. ".. i should go where ever the heck he is and tell him ..... well tell him .....Shoot!" I growled, anger boiling. "That is disgusting! I swear he has the laziest servants.." Shaking my head, I turned around and smiled at Merelan.
"You can sleep with me until your room is fixed and I will speak to Lord Raven on the morrow about some things that need done around here." I smiled as ideas filled my head. Nothing too grand just something clean would be nice!
"He's not really that big of a bully.. He just looks mean and gruff." I turned, settled my skirts and sat down on the bed, putting my hands under me I scooted my bottom backwards enough I could reach my boots. Confounded thing! I didn't even want to get started on corsetts. I stopped a moment, thinking about Raven. "I think he is some where between those tantilizing dreams you cant talk about out loud and ice cream..somewhere between sinfully bad and devilishly sweet." I grinned again looking over at merelan. " Are you as tired as I am?" I yawned and stretched, wanting to lay down. Damn damn damn!
"It's a good thing I have you here or I'd never get out of all these layers of clothes." I hopped up and turned my back to her, "Would you undo me please? This corset is bruising!" Someone at school had helped me ready since I had dismissed my maid, and that girl definately had no idea how to do stays. I lifted my hair from my neck and set it over my shoulder.

 

[Merelan]

I stood stunned as she fumbled and swore. A Lady should not even know those words. Was she truly not a Lady?

My hands trembled as I reached out to unfasten her. Having helped many of the higher class whores, I knew how these worked. Though myself had never worn them, except on demand from a client.
She had a sweet scent, one of freshness and flowers.

"How did you come to be his ward Mi.. i mean, Lili? You said you weren't born a Lady, but how?" So many questions tumbled through my mind.

"Who is he?"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Lillianna

I smiled and flushed for the words I used.
"You learn alot at an all woman's school. Raven? Well he is the Duke of something.. I can't recall exactly the name. Raven's something.." i paused a moment thinking, "Well see my father needed money for the rest of my family, my brothers and sisters. So he sold me to Raven. Although I was expecting to be his maid or something of my class.... he sent me to school instead. I dont know why he did it. He spent a small fortune on my education. I only assume that he wishes me to take over as head of house. Though that doesn't make sense since there are no other servants here but Manwell and now you. I dont know my role here other than I am to keep his books for him." I paused again, pushing the dress off of my shoulders.
"He put me in these grand rooms, told me to decorate them how i saw fit..... you dont think?" I gasped loudly for a moment as my eyes widened with some darker thought formulating in my mind.
"You don't think he has me here to be his..... his...you know?!" Would he really go to all this exspence for a live in whore!? My mind was upset with the prospect of that happening, but I did have to learn my station in life and not act a 'lady' when I was indeed nothing but trash.
"It does not matter, Raven owns me. I was his ward I guess until I was a grown woman, now im not sure. He did not summon me home though, I came back on my own accord." I wouldn't tell Merelan that I came back because I felt something calling me here, that would make me look even more crazy.

 

[Merelan]

I watched her closely as the thought flickered through her mind, and saw her confusion. Yes, I had already thought such things. Knowing men, and their needs. But if she was to be his whore, why had he gone to the expense of training her, and schooling her.? There were "ladies" out there already trained to act as hostess.
Unless he wanted her innocence for himself. It was clear then. He wanted her so com[pletely his own. Untouched and pure. Well, it takes all kinds in this world. Having had none to sell when I took up my "profession, but having seen it sold and traded for high amounts.
Now there was no way I could leave her. For she needed me here, to help her, to understand. The things a man wanted weren't always bad and ugly. In fact, quite wonderful and lovely too. Hoping he would be gentle with her. Tomorrow I would have to talk to Manwell, and find out more from him, egen if it meant playing up to him. The way he looked he hadn't had any in years, or centuries.
There was something about his place that made days and years seem nothing. Centuries and eons fit better.
Just the dust and shrouded furniture. Soon, with her help and my strong arms, we qould have the place looking as it should, and not some tomb.

"Come Lili, you need rest." Leaving the last petticoat on her and pushing her toward the bed. "I will be right here while you sleep dear."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Lillianna

I turned and nodded, Merelan knew what was best, she had to in my mind. She was wiser than I was. I couldn't believe I did not see this coming, that I did not know!?
I was indeed nieve in this life. Sighing heavily, I crawled onto the large bed and laid down, turning on my side to face Merelan as I yawned. I was so tired and there was so much to do here at this house!
"Thank you merelan for staying with me... It would be lonely without someone to talk to.. and I dont think manwell speaks human.." I chuckled at that and closed my eyes, shivering slightly under the bedding.
"You should sleep as well.. there is plenty of room up here.." I scooted over and made room, my eyes slowly drifting shut, popping open and then shut again. It was useless to try and remain awake now, I was beyond tired.

 

[Merelan]

I lay above the covers and pulled her close, soothing her as I had my baby sister. Soon her breathign had slowed and she rested. I lay there quiet and still. But my mind flashed back to my youth, and my husband, and my life, and his death. And our child's death.

And my inevitable turn to the selling of my body. I was firmly built, with rather a tendency to loving, so it had been obvious. But it had been hard. The first few had hurt me. Over the last two years I had seen alot, and done alot. And learned how to please, without too many lasting bruises and cuts.

Now I was here to protect her. He better realize that from the start. I was not only going to be her maid, her older sister so to speak, but her protecter. He would not take her till she was ready. I half dowzed then, letting myself relax a bit.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Lillianna

When I awoke the next day, it wasn't day at all but dusk! I couldn't believe I had slept all day long? rising from the bed, I saw Merelan asleep on the blankets next to me. She had stayed with me all night?
I glanced up as the door crept open and Manwell moved inside carrying a large tub.
"You should bathe M'lady, the master wishes you to join him for dinner." I nodded watching as two young men came in, dumping and filling the tub. Each carried several buckets of water on their strong shoulders, never met my eyes and exited quickly. Where they had come from I had no inkling?
Manwell bowed, his eyes holding mine a moment before glancing at Merelan's sleeping form on the bed. His look was strange but he said nothing as he left and shut the door. Rising from my bed, I stripped down quickly and smiled, a lovely bath would do wonders for my disposition!
I sank into the water and soaped up, washing and scrubbing until the water was creamy white and sweat trickled down my temple from the heat. This was heavenly!
I laid back, shutting my eyes and enjoying the silence around me. In the girls school it was never this quiet, not even durring mass was it this silent. I could get used to this! I smiled, stretching out a little and relaxing back into the tub.

 

[nightray]

Raven

As the sun disappears below the horizon out side my eyes open up. I sit up looking at Manwel as he waits at the door to see to my wishes. I say “Go prepare a bath for Lilly and tell her that I would like her to join me for super.”

I slowly move up the stars after Manwell I can sense that Lilly is on the verge of waking. I move to my rooms witch aren’t far from Lilly’s. I quickly fined some clean clothes. I then move to the bathing room smiling as I see that my tub is already full and steaming. I settle in to it scrubbing my self down theraly. I then get out and dry off.

I move to my would be sleeping chambers there clean and well kepped even though I only use them to change in. I chuckil softly at the ireny. I quickly dress and slip out the door making not one sound. I pass Lilly’s room stopping briefly to lison to her. I smile softly as I hear her hart betting slowly as she relaxes in the tub. I then move on down stars to the dinning room. I move to the windows looking out at the night sky waiting for Lilly to come down as the smell of cooking food fills the air.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Lillianna

I climbed out of the heated water, silently drying myself off and glancing around my bedroom for something I could wear? I glanced over to merelan where she slept so peacefully.
"Drat!" I whispered as quietly as possible. How was I to dress myself into these confounded clothes??
She looked so tired and comfortable, I did not have the heart to wake her just yet. Biting gently on my bottom lip I crept to the vanity and sat down. Wrapping in a large bath sheet, I sat combing out my hair as I thought of Raven below. There was something in his dark eyes that intrigued me, pulled me to him. His loneliness was so apparent in his gaze, I felt drawn to him like a moth to flame.
I knew I was not what he was seeking for a spouse, I was not even high born quality, his equal.. I was his ward, a servant if he desired it of me. But I longed now and then just to see his handsome face smile at me, not guarded. I paused half way down my head, my eyes looking into the mirror at my features. I was beautiful enough I guessed, in a weird sort of way. My eyes were large, too large I would say. Friends said I had 'innocent' eyes, child like. I did not think that was amusing in the slightest!
I had an aristocratic nose, slim flaring out gently at the bottom, a full set of lips and a small oval face. The dimples I was told were the cutest thing about me. But who wanted to be cute at this age?
I did not feel cute, I felt irritated with myself for picking over my face in the mirror. What care I for silly features? I would be lucky if I ever wed a wood cutter! I sighed heavily, setting down the comb and watching the halo of gold around my head dry. Sometimes I would wonder at how I would look with darker hair, perhaps not so sweet and child like then? I cocked a brow at myself in the mirror and then stuck my tongue out at myself.
Chuckling, I stood up and hunted for a suitable gown i could wear at dinner.

 

[Merelan]

I watched her through half closed yes, the warmth had stolen over me and I had slept. Laying stil I followed her movements. She was a beauty, would fetch alot in the market, escpecially now with her high training. She was lucky he had bought her.

Bought her? Again I was puzzled. This raven confused me. he seemed distant and cold. Why would he want her? Her hands slowly combed out her hair, and the play of emotions was fun to watch. Till she stuck out her tongue, and I laughed. She was a child still. Sitting up I smiled.

"You should have awoken me to help you. I am your maid Lili." Getting up and taking the brush from her. Stretching and unkinking my muscles. Not use to sleeping in such a fine bed. Slowly I let the brush slip through her hair, a riot of color and curls.. Carefully trying not to snag any snarls.

"What shall you wear for dinner dear? You must look your best."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Lillianna

I turned at Merelan's laughter and seen she had been watching me. I flushed a little and then laughed at myself.
"You should have awoken me to help you. I am your maid Lili." She replied as she climbed out of the bed.
"Oh pooh on that.." I made another face of disgust at this whole lords and paupers' life style.
"I was going too.. Once I was certain what I was going to wear." I grinned as she brushed through my hair, it felt good on my scalp. I closed my eyes a moment, just enjoying the feel of something else brushing through my wild mane of hair. It was so unruley at times, I wanted nothing more than to cut it off, but I knew better than that.
"Shall I wear something pink and frilly with lots of bows and ribbon?" I chuckled as I peeked out from between my lashes and seen her face. I giggled again at her look, it was a tollerant look but amusing as well.
"No worries I don't own anything pink and such." I thought for a moment, there were so many things in the closet I had no idea what would be appropriate for dinner?
"I've been at school all this time, surrounded by nuns and girls my own age and younger... I wouldn't know really what to wear?" I did not want to buy anything more to wear, I had gowns upon gowns Raven had kept sending to me, but none were 'proper' for school.
"Shall we dig through the closet?" I smiled and stretched, I could sit here all day but knew i had to face Raven and dinner.

 

[Merelan]

Over the next hour we chatted about this and that, mostly about her school, and her family. As we dug through the gowns, holding one, then another up.
Finally settling on a pale pink one. Though she wanted the deeper blue. It had a deep cut neckline, and I was trying to make her look younger, even more then she was.
But she was ready to dress, and grow up. Did she even know what that might entail?

"It is up to you MiLady." Stressing the last word.
"You wish to look a Lady, correct? And not some woman of the town?"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Lillianna

I gasped at the thought of looking anything like those ladies! I had seen one once, she wore hardly anything.."
"Of course I want to look proper and as a lady, Merelan." I turned from the mirror saying nothing more, just trusting her judgement to help me dress. I put a few layers on myself before it was time for the corset. This was the part of dressing I did not like, but had little choice in. It was the fashion and to go without one was sinful.
And so I was dressed, layered up with enough material and thread to probably make a large sail. Stuffed into the dress, nothing showing, hair done beautifully. I stood and thanked Merelan for all her help this tonight.
"I won't be too long.." I was a little worried but unsure just what was expected of me. I exited the room and quietly and as quickly as possible made my way to the dining room.
I spotted Raven in the furthest corner, watching outside. I just watched him, something alluring about this man that I did not even alert him to my presense. But I felt he knew I was there, his lips turned up a little in a small smile as I glanced over him and then around the room with interest.

 

[nightray]

Raven

I stand watching the night letting Lilly look at me in silence for a time as I fight the hunger back once agene bring it under control before turning to her. As I look at her I think to my self “Why are you doing this to your self you should not have let her com back hear you are unclean and you will corrupt her as well.” I shrug inwardly “But I am so alone and she will be some one to talk to until I can marry her off.” I shudder slightly at the thought of some one ells touching this gorges girl but that is the way it must be.

I smile warmly as I look her up and down. “You look lovely to night dear.” I move slowly over to her.

With out thinking I cup her chin tilting her eyes up to meat my own. I look deep in to here’s feeling my self drown to her, I blink forcing control over my body thinking “NO I will not give in she is too innocent and per for me to defile her like that.” I close my eyes briefly taking control before looking in to her eyes agene. I smile reashedly wanting her to be at ease arund me.

I gently take her arm guiding her to a sit to the right of my own. I pull the seat out for her to sit; I then easily push it and her back in. I then pore her a goblet of wine before I take my set. I pick up my own goblet with the cows blood in it sipping slowly holding the hunger at bay. I finally say “So how do you like your new rooms.” I look at her over the brim of my goblet as I wait for her to speak.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Lilianna

He moved towards him, his eyes hypnotic in depths as he came up and cupped my face. I felt my heart leap and my eyes widened a moment, wondering what he was going to do?
He backed off, taking my arm and escorting me to the table. I felt funny being so close to him and did not understand it. But I knew it felt good, so i was happy.
"Thank you M'Lord" The compliment warmed my heart and I felt a little more welcome. I sat at the table and waited for him to join me, watching him, his dark looks was entrancing, erotic almost.
"I like them very well M'Lord, thank you for giving them to me." I flushed a little, uncertain what to speak about now?
"I do hope that my arrival here has not upset you M'lord? I only wished to return home.. Well, back here and be of use to you." I fell silent once more, too nervous to try wine for the first time.

 

[nightray]

Rayen

I frone slightly saying “First thing you don’t need to call me M'Lord I never did like it and its bad enough that Manwell calls me that.” I chuckle softly “Besides you’re not a servant you’re a guest.” I smile warmly looking up as I hear the doors open though there well grist so there was know sound that Lilly could hear. I wave Manwell over with the platters of food for Lilly.

I sit back in my set watching her as she looks over the well made meal. “Eat up my dear and when you’re down I’ll take you to my office to have a look arund.” I sip from my goblet watching her eat.

As I watch her eat I let my self feel her innocents her inner beauty. I take deep breathes smelling her clean odder not tainted by gilt or bitterness like so many I’ve fed off of. Humans such as her are exceedingly rare and sot after by vampires for there blood is the most intoxicating giving the vampire a taste of what they can never have them selves. As I sit with her an internal struggle ensues with in me my darker being the predator lunging at my restraints wanting to taste her to divower her.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Lilianna

"Are you not well M'lor.... Raven?" I paused, fork held correctly and waited. He shook his head, informing me he had eaten earlier at his club.
"Oh, alright." I sat in silence, feeling his eyes devouring me, but why? To find a flaw somewhere? To make me uneasy? Curiousity? I did not understand the strange ways of men and their gazes.. perhaps Merelan would tell me tonight? I could always ask her and hope she will educate me in the ways of man. Then I could know how to best deal with Raven. I smiled between bites, he was softly spoken, quiet but intense at all times. I wondered if he had ever been married? Did he like women? Perhaps someone wronged him? My mind making up fanciful and far off ideas on what was wrong with him, far off the mark were the guesses but it occupied the silence of the room.
I finished my meal and pushed the plate away, "Thank you, that was exsquisit." Raven pulled out my chair for me and again stood waiting to escort me into the den.
The touch of his hand breifly on my own sent hot waves down my body, unexplainable reaction but it made me gasp softly, my eyes seeking his in confusion. He did not look at me, a slight smile was there as we walked slowly through the halls.

 

[nightray]

Raven

I move threw the halls to the den Lilly’s arm hulked in mine as we move. I feel her warmth radiating from her body, and where her arm touches mine it seems as if I’m touching a fernus. I feel her innocents poring from her tempting me. A small voice in the back of my head saying take a taste only a taste just to see what it’s like. But I’m abele to fight it down every time it rears its ugly face.

I open the door to the den my eyes sweeping over the disheveled room papers laid her and there seeming at random. I was never a good book keeper besides most of what’s in her I had memorized. I smile softly one of the perks of being a vampire your thoughts are clearer and quicker.

I wave to the office absently “I need this organized so I’ll have a better no shin of what I have and don’t have.” I don’t bother telling her that I already new most of what was in her and she could point at a pile and I could tell her exactly what was in it. This is manly to keep her busy until I can fined a suitable husband for her.

“I’m to bizy now a days to really keep up with all of this and I’m afraid I maybe loosing money some where.” I shrug slightly “So while I’m bizy during the day you shall be in hear sorting and organizing. You’re new friend may help you if she knows how to read.” I shrug age “You can decide that together.”

I move slowly in to the room lifting a stack of papers off of my set and laying them on the floor before sitting and pulling out a parchment and quill. I begin righting out a letter to one of my bankers in London telling him to send a larger amount of money now that I have two more mouths to feed and take car of.

I look up at Lilly as I writ. “You may ask me any questions about any of the papers the worst I’ll say is non of your bisnos but sins you do need to organza this mess you should know some thing of what you’re organizing. Am I right?”

 

[Sweetp4u]

Lillianna

The room was an utter mess, things scattered everywhere.. I could see now why he needed help.
"Yes Raven.. I understand." I spoke softly, glancing around at everything and wondering, "Where do I start?"
I said nothing aloud to him, just wandered the room. My fingers fell onto a book and delicately traced the cover as I moved around his desk to stand beside him.
"Anything else Raven?" I asked, my curiousity aroused as to what could possibly be in all these papers? I could have hours of entertainment in here, or hard labor. Did not matter, I was up for both.

 

[nightray]

Raven

I feel Lilly walking arund the room looking at all of the papers and books scattered hear and there. I finish writing the letter sinning it them putting my seal on it in some hot wax. I then rummage threw my desk until I find an envelope. I stuff the letter in it and seal it shut with a dab of wax agene putting my seal on it. I the put the address on one side. I put the finished letter on one clear corner of my desk to be taken out on the marrow.

I look up at Lilly as she comes back arund the desk still taking a cursory glans arund. I feel the voice in my mind rearing up agene saying just a taste one small taste she’ll never know. I lean back in my set closing my eyes fighting with the voice. I must have looked distrest for Lilly came arund the desk to the side of my chair asking if I was alright. I nodded yes but I wasn’t and with her so near I was loosing my fight with temptation.

I open my eyes locking them with hers exerting my will over hers. I pull her deep in to my eyes watching as her eyes grow clouded as she falls in to a light trance. With out thought I reach up pulling her down to my lap tilting her head to one side. I feel my fangs extending as my mouth moves closer to her throat. I can hear the blood in her veins pulsing with each hear bet. I feel my fangs sink in to her throat and then the hot blood gushing in to my mouth the sweet innocents flowing threw my Vance as the ecstasy of such an innocent being flows threw me. I moan as I drink pulling gently fighting the voice wailing for me to drain her.

I force my self to let go my grown of anguish matched by her grown of plesher. I look down at her disgust at what I did riton over my face plane as day. “This did not happen this was just a dream you will wake up refreshed and this dream will fade quickly.” I say in an apologetic voice knowing deep down that if she new what I did she would never forgive me for I raped her for all intensive purposes.

I stand holding her in my arms feeling her warmth not wanting to let go not now not ever but I must. I let her down in my set letting her head rest on the papers. I then nick my finger with a letter opener and I smear some of my blood on her wound watching as it heals to a brose and soon enough the brose will fade to nothing as well. I then walk to the doors and out looking arund. I see Manwell looking at me with a knowing sympathetic expiration.

“Watch her make shear she wakes safely but let her sleep for now.” I say softly shame in my voice. Manwell just nodes as I turn to go for a hunt to try and calm my self some.

 

[Merelan]

Meelan

I keep busy as she goes off. Organizing and pressing some of her clothes. Eating lightly from the tray Manwell has brought me. I try to get him to talk, but a cold stare is my response. Fine, I know how to get to him, later.
Then I start in on the room assigned to me, reluctantly, by the Lord Raven. Cleaning and making a pile of the stuff I would need help hauling away. Soon it is as clean as one good scrubbing can make it, and I go to find Manwell to help me.
As I open the door I see him struggling as he carries her through her door. Rushing forward I burst in, his stare of anger not touching me.

"What is wrong. What has he done to her?"
He brushes me aside, but I will not go. Pushing myself between him and her sleeping body. She lies so pale and still.

"Manwell, what has he done." Standing firm and not letting him near her.
"Silence woman, she will be fine after her rest. She suffers from a sleeping sickness. Let her rest and she will awaken, and remember none of this. Mind your own business or you will find yourself back on the streets, or in that whorehouse. Don't think He does not know you, and where you come from. "

Enraged I step forward, but then back down. Remembering if I leave, or am thrown out, she will be helpless here. Sitting beside her I stroke her cheek, so pale.

"Yes Manwell. I know my place. I know it well." Hanging my head in shame and guilt. How dare I touch her. But, if not me, then who? He has not provided for her in any other way.

"You can tell His lordship I will behave. Please, don't send me away."
Her beauty draws me back. A strange bruise on her neck. But a glance at him, and I do not ask. In her faint she must have fallen and hurt herself.

'The poor darling. I shall watch over you dear. nothing will get you in the night."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Lillianna

I was talking one second and the next drifting somewhere dark and quiet. I couldn't hear anything, could only see a pair of deep dark eyes looking into my own with something akin to desire burning in their depths.
I felt heated, I felt hands touching me, a moan escaped my lips. The dream was so heavenly, I had to feel more. Eyes closed and neck arched, I clung to the dream ghost and shuddered with some thing down deep. An ache that clenched at my stomach, made my head spin wildly. Another moan, those hot lips sealed to my neck, the tongue lapping. It was sinful this dream and it was seductive, I wanted more..
And just as quickly as it came, it went away as well. Tired. Must sleep, just a dream....

I awoke, a soft moan escaping my lips as I tried to focus my eyes. Stretching a little, I turned my head ever so slightly and seen a delicate hand reaching towards me. Smiling, I shut my eyes a moment, getting my bearings. Where was I? And why was I laying down? I glanced again... Merelan's worried face hovering near my own.
"Hi..." I smiled at her, blinking slowly again. I felt so tired? I did not recall having the wine at dinner, did I? Yes? I couldn't remember much.
"Why am I in here?" My voice sounded faint, the dream still had an effect on me I guessed.

 

[Merelan]

Her eyes fluttered as she woke. Finally.
Pressing a glass of water to her lips.

"Here dear, sip this. It is just water." As she had tried to push it away.
"Manwell carried you here, you must have fainted. He explained it all. Don't worry Lili. I am right here, as long as you need me." Getting her to sip again. The color was slowly coming back to her face, but her skin felt cold still. Quickly I went to the fireplace and stirred up the fire, and set her heating brick closer to it. it would warm her better then even I could. I also drew another blanket over her slight form.

'Lay there and rest. We can talk later. I am right here." Taking her hand again and trying to reassure her with my presence.