A Witch Hunt

[Britwitch]

"What life... would you have? Would it matter? Just to be alive is sweet, is it not? The gift of life is just that, a gift... and yet you sit here squandering it because you feel you need something more, to be pure, to be chaste? Is that all you want? Never to have known the horrors of this room, of what sick and twisted things you were forced to do, or that you chose to do."
"No...I...I don't know what I want..." Amber whimpered, the touch of his cheek against her own making her heart ache. Wanting to lean into the brief caress of his skin against her own. Wanting more. Need more. Such warmth in the darkness.

"You could ask him once more, he will surely give you what you seek. If it is just a matter of how you wish to live, then by all means, give him what he wants in order for yourself to survive the way you like. Give him another child, let him take what he wants and he will leave you as you are."
A kiss, all too brief but nonetheless, gentle and sweet followed his words. That simple action taking her breath away, her eyes closing in the darkness in response, her lips parted but no words coming forth.

"He asked the child and you let him have it... you are telling me you regret not having your virginity more than letting that sick man do what he will with an innocent life?"
"No! Of course not...!" Amber's eyes opened in a flash and she turned, reaching to take hold of the hands of the person beside her. Looking earnestly into the shadows, seeing only the outline of his head but somehow knowing he could see her. "I...I...I did something so selfish and horrible...how could I regret anything more than sacrificing an innocent child, my own child to such a man..." Tears sparkled in the bright blue depths of her eyes. "...what kind of a person would do such a thing...what kind of a person have I let myself become because...because of this place...?" She paused to glance around the squallid, bare cell once more. "I haven't left this room because I deserve to be here...I didn't at first but now...now I do...I have done the darkest of deeds by giving up my own baby...I know I shall never regret anything as much as that...my virginity was there to be taken...my baby was not..."

 

[RavenMaiden]

Lillianne stepped backwards from the two visitors. She realized she couldn't outrun, or overpower Ned, the man could toss her over his shoulder and drag her off if he wished. Her gaze trailed over to Susanna, why did this man take her?

Lillianne nodded calmly as she went to take her book, at least she would have something to read along the way if this plan failed. If the old man was in his study on the upper floors he would be able to stop this. She turned towards Ned and Susanna.

"If I am to accompany you, I wish to know what I am accused of." She felt a cold chill run through her entire body as the couple entered the library.

 

[Nibbles_n_Tits]

Susanna Wilson

Taken aback, Susanna passed through the door to the library as Ned held it for her. She wanted to ask Ned how he could work for a man and not know his name. The revelation of Ned’s ignorance brought to the young woman’s mind a spate of new questions to ask ad heightened her concern about the entire situation at the Mansion. It was starting to seem as if the questionings were not taking place according to the rules set down the Church. That was a thought she tried to push aside, Reverend Smythe must be overseeing the instigation, and he would not mock the law or the Faith.

Lillianne turned towards Ned and Susanna.

"If I am to accompany you, I wish to know what I am accused of." She felt a cold chill run through her entire body as the couple entered the library.

“Mistress, the accusation you face is for Goodman Bunce to address. I have never met the Stranger he speaks of, so it would be improper for me to include my voice in the invitation. I only know that when Reverend Smythe and Goodman Bunce laid the accusation of witchcraft on me, my father bade me pack my things and prepare to go with them. He knows I am innocent so I can only believe, he expects the truth will prevail.” Her fingers tighten around her book, “The innocent must have faith in the truth, and Faith that Our Lord will guide us, and give us strength. He will hear our prayers.”

 

[RavenMaiden]

“Mistress, the accusation you face is for Goodman Bunce to address. I have never met the Stranger he speaks of, so it would be improper for me to include my voice in the invitation. I only know that when Reverend Smythe and Goodman Bunce laid the accusation of witchcraft on me, my father bade me pack my things and prepare to go with them. He knows I am innocent so I can only believe, he expects the truth will prevail.” Her fingers tighten around her book, “The innocent must have faith in the truth, and Faith that Our Lord will guide us, and give us strength. He will hear our prayers.” Susanna replied to her question with something that perked her interest.

Witchcraft? They are accusing this girl of witchcraft, Lillianne had a sinking feeling she was in the same lot. She had been bringing in books of questionable nature as of late for one of the townsfolk, and it must have attracted the attention of someone after all. It wasn't her place to deny a book to anyone, nor was it the church to feel it had this right either.

She looked up to the second floor to see if the old man was working in his study at the moment. She saw no light coming from his room, he must have been out. Lillianne realized there was no other option then to go, at the very least to find out what was going on with the missing girls of this town.

"I understand, at least this is more of an instruction to an invitation, let us be off then."

 

[poohlive]

Ned smiled, looking over at Susanna. She would indeed become an asset at His house. She showed herself as so young and calm, a power coming through her that he had never seen before.

"Believe me when I say no harm will come of you. You may not trust me, but once you meet him in person you will understand... please pick up whatever you can from here. We need to leave as soon as possible."

 

[Rockingham]

Michael

He kissed her again, knowing those were the words he wanted to hear. And yet, it didn't help him. It didn't change that lump in his heart, pouring and festering inside of him. The lump of coal only left him worn and useless, hating her even more for doing it with regret in her heart.

She could not even use the excuse of selfishness, only of a weak pathetic mistake. She would give it back again if she could. Did it matter? They were only words, useless pointless words. Michael didn't need them.

Still he kissed her. He made it feel warm. He pressed up against her, and held her.

"how can I help you? How can I make it better?" He asked, unsure why he was asking. Maybe it was her own sanity. If he could save her, a woman so lost in the darkness, then he'd find a way to save himself.

That is all he truly wanted.

 

[Rockingham]

There was fire in her heart, and upon her lips. They were good enough to kiss, were he not worried of scaring her off with such a kiss. She was some scared little animal, pushing back and forth from running off, or moving forward. She did not know what to do because she did not know who he was.

Once she figured it out, everything would be different.

"You think I am here because of them? Them calling you out is merely convenient. I wanted you since the first day I came here. I've been watching you, because you are soo different from the rest."

He turned back to the town, "Do you realize why I do not pick the real accusers, the ones who should be punished in my mansion? I don't pick them because they are weak and pathetic. They do my job for me, better than even I could do... to tell you the truth. I just sit back and watch the fun unravel. But, there are some, a few outcasts such as yourself who I get to have a different kind of fun with. I get to grant wishes."

He trailed around her, his eyes catching her own, trapping them in the fire and brimstone that raged just beyond his pupils.

"You want to be touched... caressed... to feel that again with a man. I know, I can see it. More importantly I can offer it to you. No questions asked, no deals given. This is a free one, just for you. A token of my trust, if you will."

 

[Britwitch]

Amber whimpered as she felt lips against her own, leaning towards the man in the shadows. She didn't who he was or why he was there but his touch felt so warm and so caring. His arms holding, drawing her body closer to his. This was the kind of loving that she had wanted, the kind she had dreamt of. Not the rough, lust filled actions of the men in the barn. Someone to hold her and make her feel safe.

"How can I help you? How can I make it better?"
"I...I don't know..." Amber replied softly, leaning her head against his chest. Trembling within his embrace. Something about the way he held her felt strange. It was as if he knew her, as if there was something, some connection between them but she was sure he was a stranger to her. "I want to tell him, to tell my...no, not my...his son...that I'm sorry...to ask his forgiveness...to throw myself upon his mercy...he's the only one who can ease my suffering..." She felt hot tears running slowly and silently down her cheeks. The Stranger and the 'child' she had given him had never returned to her, she couldn't imagine what might have happened to him since they'd left her cell so many, many days before. "Could you help me find him...?" She lifted her head once more, searching the darkness for the face of the man holding her. "I don't...know.." Then she felt her breath catch in her throat.

The torch danced in a breeze passing through the cells and for a moment his face was thrown into the light. Blue eyes. Bright blue eyes the same as her own, met her gaze and she knew, she knew instantly who it was who had been holding her, kissing her. The blurred face in her memories of that night became all at once clear. Her body tensed as her heart felt as though it might just stop beating. She slid down from the bed onto her knees before him, her hands on his thighs, her eyes wide, pleading.
"Please...I didn't know...I didn't know he'd take you...not there and then...I never meant to..." Fresh tears coursed down her face as she leant to rest her forehead against his legs. "I know I cannot expect you to forgive me...what I did, even in the situation I was in, was something so cold and cruel...please...please let me beg your forgiveness...I...I don't know what else I can do..."

 

[Rockingham]

Michael

"If you feel begging helps... you may," He said it with no enthusiasm though, no effort in his voice. The words old and used inside of his mouth. It was as if he had taken them from other sentences he created, and moved them around to make this one. He couldn't even find the time to create a new sentence.

Still, she cried and wept on his feet. He felt that surge of power again, this girl putty in his hands. She would do anything he asked of her. He could hold out his foot for her to kiss, or let her feel his rigid cock, place it between her hands, or her lips, or her soft pink folds.

And yet, none of those thoughts gave him any pleasure. She would not do what he wanted. She would do it because he asked it of her, nothing more. She would go through the chores as if doing laundry, without heart or passion inside of it. She wouldn't shy away, nor would she be eager.

To him, to Michael, that is what he craved. He craved one or the other. It did not matter, but she had to be either cringing and screaming, or already down on her knees, begging and moaning.

This... this did nothing for him.

"You are my mother, of that I am thankful. But you are nothing to me. I have had more motherly teachings from some of the women I've fucked then you. What do you want from me? Do you want me to forgive you, is that what you have been waiting in the darkness for so long, forgiveness, solace? Welcome arms and a happy family.... he has made me who I am, he has tainted me. Even now his blood runs thick through my veins. And it is not his fault. That is the saddest part, all that I have been through is not because of him, it is because of you."

 

[brigid_fitch]

Temperance Thorpe and the Creepy Dude

"You think I am here because of them? Them calling you out is merely convenient. I wanted you since the first day I came here. I've been watching you, because you are soo different from the rest."

The stranger was still smiling his odd, unreadable smile. Temperance wasn't entirely frightened, but she wasn't comfortable staying alone with this man. However, curiosity held her. He'd been watching her? She suddenly felt conscious of herself--her clothing, her hair, her actions. She had always known she was different from the rest, even though it was vain and sinful to think so. But, deep down, Temperance had always been one step ahead of the other children, her teachers, her peers, and, God help her, her husband. But this man--he was so different, so compelling. Something, ratlike, in her brain told her flee, run to the cottage and bolt the door, but for some inexplicable reason, she stood there, wondering. Why had he been watching me?

"Do you realize why I do not pick the real accusers, the ones who should be punished in my mansion? I don't pick them because they are weak and pathetic. They do my job for me, better than even I could do... to tell you the truth. I just sit back and watch the fun unravel."

A shiver ran down her spine at his words. Although Temperance knew the truth in them--the accusers were the ones who should be taken to the mansion. Anyone with half a wit could see the pattern of accusations as easily as she. They stemmed not from God-fearing people who want to uphold the law, but instead were borne of jealousy, enmity, past quarrels, or disputes over land. Temperance herself assumed that Goody Adams had accused her finally, because she was the most jealous of her marriage to Richard. But why did this man call such brutal trials and tortures "fun"? Just what kind of man was this?

"But, there are some, a few outcasts such as yourself who I get to have a different kind of fun with. I get to grant wishes."

Now Temperance wanted to run. The man's eyes danced with a wicked gleam, as though they were afire. She wanted to run away and forget she'd ever encountered him, but she was still transfixed. He spoke so soothingly, so confidently. His voice alive in her mind, searching out what she wished for the most.

And then he found it.

"You want to be touched... caressed... to feel that again with a man. I know, I can see it. More importantly I can offer it to you. No questions asked, no deals given."

His first words to her upon meeting her that morning were questions of temptation. He had wanted to know her thoughts, but before this moment, she would have been hard-pressed to even think of anything that had truly tempted her. Now, however, this preposterous offer of the touch and feel of a man. Perhaps even Richard, before the disease claimed his strength and vitality. She looked into his eyes again, the pupils, black as pitch and as deep as an abyss. The iris swirling with colors, like flames consuming dry kindling. She was lost in them for a moment, his voice snaking around her thoughts, coiling among them, licking at them with a reptilian tongue. Bringing forth memories of Richard, of the two of them in bed, how he would hold her, kiss her nuzzle her. How he would pleasure her, slowly, until she was begging him for release. Those nights they shared together, too few before his sickness took hold. To have them back...

"This is a free one, just for you. A token of my trust, if you will."

Temperance heard a woman's voice nearby. It was quiet and shaky and she did not at first recognize it as her own.

"You can give me this?"

 

[RavenMaiden]

Lillianne nodded as she took her book, waiting for the couple to turn their backs she scrawled a note to the old man.

She nodded that she was ready to leave. They lead her out to the blackened carriage. She felt her entire body shudder as they walked closer.

"On..On your word, I will not be harmed, correct? Then tell me, why are you taking us?" She muttered softly, she tried to think this situation through. She needed more information, and possibly could draw it out from the man who came for her.

 

[Britwitch]

"If you feel begging helps... you may,"
Amber lifted her face to meet his eyes, eyes that seemed to look right through her, as if she were not even there.
"You are my mother, of that I am thankful. But you are nothing to me. I have had more motherly teachings from some of the women I've fucked then you. What do you want from me? Do you want me to forgive you, is that what you have been waiting in the darkness for so long, forgiveness, solace? Welcome arms and a happy family.... he has made me who I am, he has tainted me. Even now his blood runs thick through my veins. And it is not his fault. That is the saddest part, all that I have been through is not because of him, it is because of you."

"You...you are the child I gave birth to...but you were taken from me before I could even attempt to love you..." Amber knelt back on her heels slightly. "...you were a child born of rape, you were created when my own innocence was ripped cruelly from me...I...I shouldn't have given you up but had I kept you, what life might you have known...? Your father, your real father...Ned...he believed himself in love with me, with the idea of a family but I know that dream would have ended sooner or later leaving you and I alone...and then what...? The Stranger at least wanted you..." Amber frowned, her mind swirling, it was all so surreal. To talk with her own son, a son born perhaps a week before but who was now as old as she.

"I am sorry for what I did but I cannot change the past..." She paused, meeting his eyes once more.
"I have thrown myself on your mercy, and now it is not for you to give me what I want...but for me to give you what you desire..." She licked her lips, almost nervously. Her last bargain of this sort had all but doomed them both, but her future was in his hands, as it had been in the hands of the Stranger before him. "What do you want from me, Michael?" Her words were edged with a shade of anxiety, knowing how he must feel about her, dreading what he might desire from her but she was equally as curious to know how she might be able to appease him.

 

[poohlive]

"Because he called for you. He gave me a list of girls to pick up. Today is a very special day. He has been talking about you, about both of you. Susanna and yourself."

He opened the carriage for her, both of them. He moved in after they had taken their seats

"He wants to see you. It is indeed a great honor. There is a dinner in your honor. Everyone will come ot meet you, and ask questions and allow you to find out anything and everything you wish. I want to explain more, but I also do not want to spoil it. Do not worry, we'll be there soon."

 

[Rockingham]

"I can give you anything you want," He let his finger press upon her forehead. The simple touch, but it pooled inside of her. It was as if he were touching a calm lake, and watching the ripples go out inside her mind. They rippled they searched, tendrils looking, searching, finding the one memory.

It pulled from her, ripping it onto the surface. For a moment the whole orchard shook and quivered, a mirage slowly disappearing. In its wake was her bedroom, her warm down comforters, the darkness of early evening, candle light wavering on Richard's tight body.

He laid there, in waiting for her, in anticipation. He came out to reach for her, to touch her. He wanted to kiss her, and lay with her as man and wife. She could see, she could see his excitement. It was rock hard, determined, red and angry for touch, need.

When the image faded, all that remained was Richard... slowly replaced by the Stranger's glassy eyes and featureless face. It was hard, almost seeing Richard in his face, those cheek bones, the illusion of his button nose, his simple curious lips.

The stranger used Richard's lips to kiss Temprerance. He nibbled on her lip, quivering and lingering for that one touch.

"Yes... I can give it to you. Anything you want and more. That was just a taste, sweet and succulent. Just a taste of what I can offer."

 

[Rockingham]

Michael

"You still think of yourself as useless, because you are tainted. You can not think that way Mother. Please do not think that way."

Why could she not think that way, though? Was it for her sake, or his own? To be tainted meant that he could not be normal again, live a normal life with a normal being. He had to be like this, monstrative, and painful, unable to feel anything else, unable to feel...

"Love," He said, smiling.

"You can love, you still have that. You can still love me, can't you? That is what I want, what I've never had."

Love, and humiliation. He had to do both, love her and humiliate her. Find out what she needed to feel. She left him, alienated him, and she deserved the same. But, she was his mother, and deserved that as well.

Down on her knees, next to him, feeling him. He shivered as her hot breath touched against his bare thighs. He spread them now, wrapping them around her, pushing her further up towards him.

And now, his cock, rock hard, daring, pulsing with the ever growing excitement of a woman.

"You know what to do," He said, seeing her lips, pushing his cock between them, watching his mother take him into her mouth. She would love him, and he would hate her.

That was the only way.

 

[Nibbles_n_Tits]

Susanna

"On..On your word, I will not be harmed, correct? Then tell me, why are you taking us?" Lillianne asked softly.

"Because he called for you. He gave me a list of girls to pick up. Today is a very special day. He has been talking about you, about both of you. Susanna and yourself."

Without any eagerness, Susanna returned with Ned and Lillianne to the carriage. She moved passed Ned without looking him and took a seat facing forward in the carriage. She smoothed out her skirt ad made certain no hair had escaped for her cap before wrapping her fingers comfortingly around her bible.

Inside the carriage, Ned continued. "He wants to see you. It is indeed a great honor. There is a dinner in your honor. Everyone will come to meet you, and ask questions and allow you to find out anything and everything you wish. I want to explain more, but I also do not want to spoil it. Do not worry, we'll be there soon."

Susanna kept her eyes downcast, not even looking up to watch him speak. Every time Ned spoke, no matter how eager he seemed to share what little information he had, the situation only became more confusing. Her eyes did slip sideways to watch Lillianne on occasion. She wanted to offer the other girl some comforting words, but she could think of little to add the words she spoke in the library.

“You must have faith in God, Mistress Lillianne. Keep the Lord’s covenant and He will guide you.” She smiles at the other young woman, “He will guide us, and with his Grace, we will emerge better servants to His will.”

 

[RavenMaiden]

"Because he called for you. He gave me a list of girls to pick up. Today is a very special day. He has been talking about you, about both of you. Susanna and yourself."

Lillianne clutched her book as the man spoke to her. She knew if she resisted, the man would drag her along against her will. She looked towards the townfolk as the carriage passed by, most had their gaze away from them. As if they were already no longer part of their world.

"He wants to see you. It is indeed a great honor. There is a dinner in your honor. Everyone will come to meet you, and ask questions and allow you to find out anything and everything you wish. I want to explain more, but I also do not want to spoil it. Do not worry, we'll be there soon."

There were more of these people? What were their motivation, what questions did these people want of her? She was a simple librarian, she knew books and that was all. The other girl Susanne had kept her gaze to the floor as Ned continued on. She tried to comfort Lillianne by telling her to have faith in God, to be a better servant. Lillianne frowned at this comment, she did not question the motivation of others as she did not like others to question what she did and did not believe in.

"Miss Susanne, I hope you have more then just your faith to protect you," Lillianne tried to think things through carefully, reason, motive, nothing made any sense to her. She turned her gaze outside to the countryside and hoped the old man found her note before they were taken too far.

 

[Britwitch]

"You still think of yourself as useless, because you are tainted. You can not think that way Mother. Please do not think that way."
Amber looked away, it seemed so strange to be referred to as 'mother', she almost didn't connect the words with herself.

"Love...You can love, you still have that. You can still love me, can't you? That is what I want, what I've never had."
She turned her face up to his, a hopeful smile curving her lips.
"Of course...of course I can love you..." She sighed softly, her eyes fixed on those above her, those eyes so like her own. "...I will always love you, Michael...I..."
Her words faded sharply as she felt him guiding her closer, moving her steadily towards him but not for an embrace. His shaft, hard and growing ever harder was before her face. She tensed, blue eyes narrowing slightly in confusion.
"You know what to do,"
"But I..." Before she could question what was about to happen, she felt him push his hips forwards, sliding his sex between her lips.

At first, instinct almost took over, her mouth forming a caress around his shaft before the reality dawned. Her heart pounding as she tried to pull her mouth away but found herself pinned in place by his thighs. She whimpered as he slipped a little deeper into her mouth, looking up, almost desperately. There was unmistakable enjoyment on his face as he pushed himself ever deeper into the wet confines of her mouth, but enjoyment edged with something darker. It wasn't the physical aspect he was enjoying, as much as knowing her torment at being in such a position. She struggled a little to pull free but found herself groaning as his thighs tightened around her, his hips jerking a little, thrusting a little deeper, the head of his shaft bumping against the back of her throat.

With her confused and frightened eyes fixed on his, she heard his words once more...
"You know what to do..."
She knew the things 'The Stranger' could do, who knew what evil talents he had bestowed upon Michael. Tears beginning to sparkle in her eyes she began to suck gently, giving him what he wanted, feeling wave after wave of humiliation sweeping over her as she did so.

 

[Nibbles_n_Tits]

Susanna

"Miss Susanne, I hope you have more then just your faith to protect you,"

Lillianne’s words come as almost a shock to Susanna; they imply that faith, no matter how strong, is not enough. She hesitates to conclude that Lillianne lacks faith and attributes her words to fear ruling her tongue. Words like those would raise eyebrows in a more peaceful time but in this time of tribulation they could be mistaken for something far more serious.

“And I hope you faith is strong enough to protect you, Mistress Lillianne, for Faith in the Lord’s Grace and the truth, are all we have and we will need nothing else.”

Susanna had her bible and she had her Faith, all she could do was pray for guidence and include Lillianne in her prayers.

 

[Darkness Falls]

Bannon

Bannon O’Brien is a hunter, interrogator, and burner of convicted witches. His past is shrouded in mystery, as are his motives in following his chosen vocation. Guilt and innocence are concepts relative to Bannon O’Brien, for behind the mask of urbane manners and aristocratic good looks, lurks the personification of the darkness and corruption which dwells in the hearts of human kind.

Mounted upon his great black horse, and dressed in a heavy cloak, the tall raven haired hunter moves from town to town leaving a trail of destruction in his wake. Hearing rumours of the mansion and of the dark stranger who dwells within its walls, the hunter sets forth, his slate grey eyes are once more lit with the zeal of the true predator.

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

The steel shod hoofs of the black stallion can be clearly heard as the tall powerful form of Bannon O’Brien makes his way through the silent streets of the small town of Elmeville. The few people in and about their business at this late hour stop, and gaze curiously at the dark stranger in their midst, and he inturn, watches them through slate grey eyes. Occasionally he would nod, or lift a languid hand in greeting to the young woman he sees moving fertively about, and his smile is warm and compelling to be hold.

As though driven by instinct, the huge horse, its ebon coat gleaming in the late afternoon sunshine, moves unerringly towards the mansion.

Reaching his desired destination, Bannon pats the horse affectionately upon its high arched neck, and dismounts. Moving with am easy stride, his pale visage shadowed beneath a wide brimmed hat, and his black cloak flapping lazily with every step, the tall hunter walks slowly to the front door. Halting at the threshold to this new chapter in his macabre life, he smiles to himself, and lifting a clenched fist, he knocks loudly.

 

[brigid_fitch]

Temperance Thorpe and the Creepy Dude

"I can give you anything you want,"

His voice sounded far away. Temperance felt a slight pressure on her forehead and then her entire world...shifted. There was no explanation for what was happening and she stopped trying to find one as she recognized her bedroom. And then there was Richard, as he was on their wedding night, still strong--this was Richard before the affliction took hold of him. She whimpered at the sight of him; she hadn't realized just how much she'd missed him. Missed the feel of him, his smell, his heat. But as she slowly walked towards him, the image faded, falling apart in a smear of colors. The walls of the cottage melted away until she was back in the orchard, but not with the stranger. Richard was in front of her, smiling down at her, bending to kiss her. Her heart raced and tears spilled down her cheeks as he slowly kissed her, his teeth gentle on her lower lip, teasing it. Oh, how she'd missed him.

She stepped back to get a better look at him and shook her head in confusion. Suddenly, it was no longer her dear Richard's bright blue eyes staring down at her. It was those horrifying red/black eyes of fire that met her gaze.

"Yes... I can give it to you. Anything you want and more. "

A liquid voice swirling through her mind. She still didn't understand what had happened to her. She saw--felt--Richard just moments ago; it could not have been a dream...

"That was just a taste, sweet and succulent. Just a taste of what I can offer."

Again that voice, almost tangible, physical, taking hold of her. She didn't know where she was, what was happening. Only that Richard was gone once more--cruelly ripped from her and replaced by the stranger. A low wail began deep within her, a horrible keening sound that bubbled up as she sank to the ground, sobbing uncontrolably.

"Not again. It isn't fair to take him away again." She had never felt so lost, so alone.

 

[poohlive]

Ned smiled at their interaction. Such a diverse couple. He could see almost the opposite in them, right down to their hair. Even their hair was a different color. It made sense though, did it not? As if God himself had wanted both of them to be so misconstrued, he planned for them to be different in every way.

He rose when the carriage stopped, just outside of the mansion. The ride through the forest was quiet, not even the sounds of birds or woodland creatures could be heard. An empty forest, dark with the shadows lingers too long in the thickets.

Ned tried not to look, he occupied himself with various things inside of the small carriage.

He offered his hand to both ladies as they stepped out.

"Ahhh... Mr. O'Brien I assume. We've been expecting you as well. I do hope you had a pleasent ride. I wanted to be here to greet you formally, but I'm afraid duty calls, as you can see."

He moved up to the front deck, smiling as he looked back at the two ladies.

"That one there is Susanna. She is very special, not to be touched. No one is allowed to touch her, but this one here... this one is named Lillianne. I think you two should get better aquainted."

He introduced them all to each other, helping with the pleasentries. He ushered them into the front room, which was very nicely attired. A roaring fire set among several sets of furniture, a deep satin red that when sat upon gave the wonderful impression of lounging on top of a cloud.

"I am afraid he is running a bit late. We might need to start dinner without him. Is everyone comfortable, do you need anything? Drinks? I am here to serve..."

 

[RavenMaiden]

“And I hope you faith is strong enough to protect you, Mistress Lillianne, for Faith in the Lord’s Grace and the truth, are all we have and we will need nothing else.”

Lillianne was taken aback by her convictions, she knew Susanna came from a religeously devout family. The old man had no such convictions, and as such, never cared to explain religeon. She wrung her hands as she watched the mansion come into view.

"My apologies Miss Susanna, our current situation has me a bit...perturbed,"

As they entered the mansion they were introduced to a man, Mr O'Brian, her blood ran cold as she met the man. She felt threatened by him, she was unsure why.

As Ned asked if they needed anything, she kept silent, she just wanted to get out of this accursed mansion.

 

[Nibbles_n_Tits]

Susanna

Susanna watched as Lillianne nervously wrung her hands; oddly, the girl’s obvious agitation comforted Susanna. See, her tongue was made rash by her fear, not a lack of faith.

"My apologies Miss Susanna, our current situation has me a bit...perturbed."

Susanna smiled, her face becoming warm and comforting, “Of course it does, Mistress Lillianne. It is an uncommon break in the routine of our lives, and a trip into the unknown. A little perturbation is quite natural, under these circumstances.”

Susanna refrained from reminding the other girl of the comfort to be found in prayer, feeling there is no need to do so again and risk insulting Lillianne, only adding to her agitation.

Even Susanna’s tranquil smile faded as the carriage finally came to a halt outside the mansion. As Ned handed her down to the ground, she could see for the first time what a dark and foreboding place it was. Large and eerily silent, it seemed cast in shadows even darker than the falling evening. A large, black horse angrily stomped its hooves as they approached the porch, and Susanna noticed a large dark-haired man standing near the front door.

"Ahhh... Mr. O'Brien I assume. We've been expecting you as well. I do hope you had a pleasant ride. I wanted to be here to greet you formally, but I'm afraid duty calls, as you can see."

Susanna listened quietly while Ned greeted him and followed him up to the porch.

"That one there is Susanna. She is very special, not to be touched. No one is allowed to touch her, but this one here... this one is named Lillianne. I think you two should get better acquainted."

Although a bit puzzled by Ned’s strange introduction, Susanna bobbed politely to the stranger, “Good Evening.” Then she followed Ned into the mansion…

The opulence of the room was shocking in so dark a place. Red satin, Susanna had never seen it before and only recognized because her father had mentioned as part of the Roman Church’s sumptuous vestments. It was bewildering to find such lavish arraignments in the heart of a Puritan community… blood red satin at the heart… She shook foolish thoughts from her head and stepped to stand closer to the fire while she removed her cloak and bonnet. A little white cap remained on her head, but now allowed a few curling wisps of gold hair to escape from beneath it. Unsure what to do with her outer garments, she laid them over a chair in the corner of the room and hoped they will be in no one’s way.

Turning back the rest of the room, she listened as Ned assumed the host’s duties and attempted to make everyone welcome, "I am afraid he is running a bit late. We might need to start dinner without him. Is everyone comfortable, do you need anything? Drinks? I am here to serve..."

“No thank you, Goodman Bunt. I will need my bag later, but for now I require nothing.”

Chilled without her cloak, Susanna pulled a small footstool closer to the fire, and used it a seat. She felt the comforting weight of her bible in the pocket of her gown as she turned to call the other girl, “Mistress Lillianne, the evening is cool; would you like to join me at the fire?”

 

[Rockingham]

"My dear I never took him the first time. For that, you'll need to talk to another."

He bent down, looking at her. A strange affliction upon him, as if he were looking at a broken vase. All those little cracks and shattered pieces upon the floor. He looked with strange fascination, the kind of wild stare a man would use when he loved the thought of such destruction and wanted more.

"But... I can bring him back. I have that power. I have many powers at your disposal. You must understand me when I say I am the one at your command, not the other way around."

And then his warmth returned. He moved behind her, holding her in his arms. Whatever hard shell of an exterior he once created, or undying need to see her suffer so vanishes as his strong arms wrapped around her. Warm and caressing, with the hint of muscle pushing through. They were Richard's arms.

"I want something. I want you to give it to me. You must give it freely, do you understand? That is the bargain on the table. Give it to me, of your own free will, and then Richard will come back to you."

He saw the confusion in her eyes, the start of a question on her lips. But, when she spoke he took her in an embrace. These were his lips now, not Richard's. These were cold dead lips pressing against her, these were unformed and unlived, cracked and deadened with thousands of fires. They pressed against her, forcing the kiss.

But within that kiss came knowledge. So much knowledge, knowledge of himself, things she knew and others she had only hinted at. Knowledge of what he wanted, knowledge of the witch hunts, the trials, the girls at the mansion, screaming and crying out both in pain and ecstacy.

He pulled his lips away, a soft moan upon them.

"You know what it is I want..." He said, still holding her with Richard's perfect arms, "Come with me, to the mansion. Come and have dinner with me. We can discuss everything there."