Aislinn found herself awake suddenly. She lay perfectly still in her confusion, wondering where the hell she was as her eyes darted around the room. She instinctively knew it was still morning time despite the heavy blinds, a lifetime spent in the outdoors leaving her with a keen sense of time. She became aware of arms wrapped around her and she stiffened involuntarily and looked round at whoever was sleeping next to her. It was the woman from her dreams...but now she was not dreaming. With shocking clarity last night flooded into her mind.
She hesitated, afraid to wake Fallon but then carefully slipped out of her embrace and out of the bed. She felt stiff still and ached all over but it wasn't unbearable. She could stand at least she found. With a backward glance at Fallon, she tiptoed across to a window and paused. There was only one way to find out for sure if it was a dream or not she supposed. She fulled the cord of the blinds and opened them, letting the sunlight stream in, although the sun was high enough in the sky that the beam of light did not reach Fallon in her bed.
For one fleeting instant Aislinn thought it was fine, the warm sun on her skin. Indeed, she even let out a relieved laugh when she didn't turn to ash on the spot. But her laugh was short lived, turning into a scream of pain as searing pain lanced across her body wherever the sun touched her. She quickly ducked out of the way, into the safety of the shadows. She slid down the wall gasping with pain, and reached up to pull the blind shut again as best she could before wrapping her arms around her knees and burying her face in her arms. She rocked back and forth silently in her little ball, something she had not done since her mother had left them so long ago. Apart from her initial scream she had been quiet, but in her horror she was oblivious to whether or not Fallon had awoken or not.
Directions ((attn Fallon))
The waves came in with a soft regular swish. The sea was calm, like the sky above it. Aislinn sat in the sand watching the sun go down in its fiery blaze, painting the sky and the ocean in pinks, oranges and crimsons. She had lost track of time having sat there for at least an hour deep in thought. She was considering looking for work. Not that she needed the money, with her share of the inheritance and the exchange rate moving over to the States, she was a millionaire here. She had checked her balance again today to find that the funds had finally cleared. She would never need worry for money.
But it was not money that drove her, it was boredom. She could not just continue to roam aimlessly. Getting a job would at least force her to be sociable, make friends, maybe even meet someone...special. She wondered what it would be like to go home to someone who loved her, paid her attention just for the fact she lived. Not someone after her wealth or title, to groom her into becoming just another member of the aristocracy. It was partly why she had left. Here she was completely unknown, and had done her best to try and lose whatever ghastly airs and graces she might have picked up growing up in the castle. It was not so much that she didn't like the upper class lifestyle, but to her it was too restricted, people choosing her friends for her, the circles of people she should be seen with. It was time to fit in, to be allowed to be herself somewhere. Working would allow this, wouldn't it?
She frowned as she shifted her weight off her now numb backside and stood, shaking life back into her limbs. She pulled her shirt tighter round herself. The sun had set now, and a pale moon was illuminating the quiet waters. Yes, she would find something to occupy herself with, something, or if she was lucky, even someone to give her a purpose in life, a direction to take.
She looked up at the pale orb of light hanging in the sky and suddenly smiled. She would worry about a job tomorrow, tonight she would enjoy the night again. She closed her eyes, feeling the sand under her bare feet and the moonlight on her skin. She raised her arms in an almost pagan reverence, and then oblivious to anyone who might have been watching, she twirled in the sand, spinning around with her arms outstretched like she used to do on the shores of the loch by her home, until she landed giggling in a dizzy heap on the sand.
Aislinn Ross
16 years ago
Fallon
16 years ago
Dead to the world, for all intents and purposes, Fallon didn't stir at all during her sleep, unless prompted. Sometimes Cyrus had woken early, in a rather frisky mood, and she was always pleased when he proceeded to tease her awake in that way he had. The mere thought of it would sometimes give her 'shivers'. Beyond that, it was her normal routine to slowly waken, stretch, and languish about for a few minutes, even before opening her eyes. If Cyrus was home, her stretching included sliding sensuously along his body, bringing him awake with her.
What it was that snapped her out of her unremembered dream tonight, was elusive. One minute she was dreaming, and the next she was trying to open her eyes, still weighted by the day. All that changed the second Aislinn screamed, resulting in Fallon bolting upright in bed, eyes wide.
"Oh Aislinn! No! What...?"
It took no time at all for Fallon to put one and one together, and as she was doing that, she was also forcing herself from the bed, and to Aislinn's side. The young woman sat huddled on the floor, giving Fallon ample room to take her in an embrace, and squeeze her close.
"Shhh...shhhhhh...it'll be okay, believe me...it will...I'm sorry you can't stand in the sunlight anymore, but you'll find ways to make your life every bit as enjoyable as it once was."
Fallon picked up Aislinn's tempo, and rocked the girl the way a mother might. The guilt stabbed at Fallon again, and random tears slid from the corners of her eyes. She had to find a way to make this...if not right...manageable.
"I think we only have a few more hours of daylight...do you want to come back to bed, or would you rather have a nice, hot bath, and maybe a glass of wine?"
If she were to stay up now, Fallon knew she'd be sluggish until her next sleep, but she could survive. Besides, it wasn't like she had anything strenuous planned for that evening. She figured she would be pretty busy showing Aislinn the ropes, and figuring out where they would go from there. It would be worth it to her to stay up, if she could help her young charge become acclimated to her new life with as little trauma as necessary.
What it was that snapped her out of her unremembered dream tonight, was elusive. One minute she was dreaming, and the next she was trying to open her eyes, still weighted by the day. All that changed the second Aislinn screamed, resulting in Fallon bolting upright in bed, eyes wide.
"Oh Aislinn! No! What...?"
It took no time at all for Fallon to put one and one together, and as she was doing that, she was also forcing herself from the bed, and to Aislinn's side. The young woman sat huddled on the floor, giving Fallon ample room to take her in an embrace, and squeeze her close.
"Shhh...shhhhhh...it'll be okay, believe me...it will...I'm sorry you can't stand in the sunlight anymore, but you'll find ways to make your life every bit as enjoyable as it once was."
Fallon picked up Aislinn's tempo, and rocked the girl the way a mother might. The guilt stabbed at Fallon again, and random tears slid from the corners of her eyes. She had to find a way to make this...if not right...manageable.
"I think we only have a few more hours of daylight...do you want to come back to bed, or would you rather have a nice, hot bath, and maybe a glass of wine?"
If she were to stay up now, Fallon knew she'd be sluggish until her next sleep, but she could survive. Besides, it wasn't like she had anything strenuous planned for that evening. She figured she would be pretty busy showing Aislinn the ropes, and figuring out where they would go from there. It would be worth it to her to stay up, if she could help her young charge become acclimated to her new life with as little trauma as necessary.
Aislinn Ross
16 years ago
It took a few moments for Fallon's closeness to filter down through her grief. Then she suddenly raised her head and looked right at her with a look of pure rage, years upon years of suppressed frustrations evident in her eyes, waiting for a moment like this to be unleashed. She tensed, and for a moment it looked like she might have attacked Fallon, before a sudden look of surprise crossed her face. Fallon was holding her, comforting her. This simple act took the steam out of Aislinn, this act which most people would have taken for granted.
She visibly relaxed and let out a long shuddering sigh, then wriggled free of Fallon's arms and stood up. She paced the room slowly a moment, then frowned as she glanced towards the blinds where the gardens lay beyond. She recalled leaving her clothes out there. And she couldn't even get those, let alone go back to her hotel for a change. She was stuck here til nightfall at least, but then what? Where could she go? What would she do, who might she harm? She had no idea what to expect of this new condition as she thought of it. She didn't know how long she could go before she'd end up ripping out someone's throat from hunger. She glanced towards the blinds again. She could just end it now and be done with it before she hurt someone. No, she could not do that. She had come here for a new life, not to throw it away. Even if by most peoples definition she was dead, Aislinn did not feel dead.
She was completely at a loss. She had wealth true, but she had not yet bought a home, and most offices that dealth with such things as buying homes were open in daylight hours. She finally stopped her pacing and looked again at the woman who had done this to her. She felt like she should hate her, but Fallon seemed so terribly sorry, that Aislinn was sure it had been an accident. Aislinn's life had been full of having to accept thigs, and so she buried her anger and accepted the fact that she was what she was. There was no point crying over that which could not be changed. She would adapt, she always had before. She would forgive Fallon. She needed her guidance anyway, she might be the only other vampire in Nachton. Even if she had hated her, she would have to stay at least at first.
She ignored the offer of bath and wine, these things seemed trivial compared to what she was going to have to learn to live with.
"So what now? What do I do, what should I expect? There must be some perks to being... being this way?"
She visibly relaxed and let out a long shuddering sigh, then wriggled free of Fallon's arms and stood up. She paced the room slowly a moment, then frowned as she glanced towards the blinds where the gardens lay beyond. She recalled leaving her clothes out there. And she couldn't even get those, let alone go back to her hotel for a change. She was stuck here til nightfall at least, but then what? Where could she go? What would she do, who might she harm? She had no idea what to expect of this new condition as she thought of it. She didn't know how long she could go before she'd end up ripping out someone's throat from hunger. She glanced towards the blinds again. She could just end it now and be done with it before she hurt someone. No, she could not do that. She had come here for a new life, not to throw it away. Even if by most peoples definition she was dead, Aislinn did not feel dead.
She was completely at a loss. She had wealth true, but she had not yet bought a home, and most offices that dealth with such things as buying homes were open in daylight hours. She finally stopped her pacing and looked again at the woman who had done this to her. She felt like she should hate her, but Fallon seemed so terribly sorry, that Aislinn was sure it had been an accident. Aislinn's life had been full of having to accept thigs, and so she buried her anger and accepted the fact that she was what she was. There was no point crying over that which could not be changed. She would adapt, she always had before. She would forgive Fallon. She needed her guidance anyway, she might be the only other vampire in Nachton. Even if she had hated her, she would have to stay at least at first.
She ignored the offer of bath and wine, these things seemed trivial compared to what she was going to have to learn to live with.
"So what now? What do I do, what should I expect? There must be some perks to being... being this way?"
Fallon
16 years ago
Yes! Rage! Fallon was familiar with anger, and the look Aislinn gave her was something Fallon felt at home with. But before Fallon could address Aislinn's ire, it was gone!
Fallon release her hold on Aislinn when the pretty blond moved away. She recognized the need for space, and as long as the girl didn't try to fry herself in the window again, Fallon would allow it. Her eyes never left Aislinn's side.
It was apparent after just a few seconds that Aislinn's mind was on her future, and Fallon understood this.
"Okay...this is good...we'll figure this out...but really, are you sure you wouldn't like some wine, or maybe something a little harder? It might help...?"
Deciding Aislinn might change her mind later, Fallon got up off the floor, picked up her robe, and wrapped it around her as she moved back to the chair. Curling her legs up beneath her, Fallon smiled, and tried to adopt a tone of authority, as well as understanding.
"Let me assure you first, that you are not alone. There are a LOT of us in the world, and Nachton is home to three clans. I don't know how many people you've met since you arrived, but I wouldn't be surprised at all to find out you might have already met one or two vampires, besides me. That is one of the perks of living in Nachton...anything you would do by day, you can do by night. Hell, not so long ago I planned a wedding, using florists, designers, caterers, the whole ball of wax, and met with them all during the evening hours."
Well, okay, maybe Cyrus' money had enabled some of those visits, but Fallon would make sure Aislinn had her needs met, and if that meant she had to use some of Cyrus' money to do so, she didn't think he'd mind.
"So you have no worries about not living a full live during the night."
Shifting a little in her chair, Fallon now felt better settled.
"Where are you living now, and do you have a job?"
There was so much to discuss...she hoped she didn't overlook anything important. Fallon had to make sure she didn't overlook anything, or that Aislinn remained with her until all the really dangerous things had been explained, and she was confident Aislinn truly understood them all. But it was important that Aislinn have a safe and secure place to live, and something to do with her evening hours, to provide for herself. Eventually Fallon would need to get back to Anantya, and the work she had committed herself to.
Fallon release her hold on Aislinn when the pretty blond moved away. She recognized the need for space, and as long as the girl didn't try to fry herself in the window again, Fallon would allow it. Her eyes never left Aislinn's side.
It was apparent after just a few seconds that Aislinn's mind was on her future, and Fallon understood this.
"Okay...this is good...we'll figure this out...but really, are you sure you wouldn't like some wine, or maybe something a little harder? It might help...?"
Deciding Aislinn might change her mind later, Fallon got up off the floor, picked up her robe, and wrapped it around her as she moved back to the chair. Curling her legs up beneath her, Fallon smiled, and tried to adopt a tone of authority, as well as understanding.
"Let me assure you first, that you are not alone. There are a LOT of us in the world, and Nachton is home to three clans. I don't know how many people you've met since you arrived, but I wouldn't be surprised at all to find out you might have already met one or two vampires, besides me. That is one of the perks of living in Nachton...anything you would do by day, you can do by night. Hell, not so long ago I planned a wedding, using florists, designers, caterers, the whole ball of wax, and met with them all during the evening hours."
Well, okay, maybe Cyrus' money had enabled some of those visits, but Fallon would make sure Aislinn had her needs met, and if that meant she had to use some of Cyrus' money to do so, she didn't think he'd mind.
"So you have no worries about not living a full live during the night."
Shifting a little in her chair, Fallon now felt better settled.
"Where are you living now, and do you have a job?"
There was so much to discuss...she hoped she didn't overlook anything important. Fallon had to make sure she didn't overlook anything, or that Aislinn remained with her until all the really dangerous things had been explained, and she was confident Aislinn truly understood them all. But it was important that Aislinn have a safe and secure place to live, and something to do with her evening hours, to provide for herself. Eventually Fallon would need to get back to Anantya, and the work she had committed herself to.
Aislinn Ross
16 years ago
The question had caught her off guard. She had intended to prise every bit of info she could out of Fallon, not be asked about herself.
"Oh... I don't have somewhere to live as such...I'm staying in a hotel until I find somewhere I like. I don't have a job...yet." She paused, until now having never mentioned her wealth to anyone in Nachton. She supposed Fallon may as well know who she was...had been. It wasn't like she could ever return home now really even if she had wanted to.
"I am from a noble house. My family were once influencial, but not so much now. We have land, and title, my father was Baron until he died. My brother holds that title now, and the land that goes with it, but I took my inheritance in cash. I don't actually need a job, I was just going to get one for...well, for something to do I guess." Her tone was impassive as she spoke of her family, as though talking of someone else.
"Oh... I don't have somewhere to live as such...I'm staying in a hotel until I find somewhere I like. I don't have a job...yet." She paused, until now having never mentioned her wealth to anyone in Nachton. She supposed Fallon may as well know who she was...had been. It wasn't like she could ever return home now really even if she had wanted to.
"I am from a noble house. My family were once influencial, but not so much now. We have land, and title, my father was Baron until he died. My brother holds that title now, and the land that goes with it, but I took my inheritance in cash. I don't actually need a job, I was just going to get one for...well, for something to do I guess." Her tone was impassive as she spoke of her family, as though talking of someone else.
Fallon
16 years ago
"Ugh, a hotel..."
That brought back memories as well, of Fallon's earlier days in Nachton, and where she spent her first few as a vampire.
"That just won't do...not safe enough. I would be better if you could find a place sooner rather than later, but until you do, you're welcome to say here, since we have plenty of room."
Fallon's well manicured nail tapped her bottom lip as she thought.
"My husband's assistant would find you a place in no time, but I gave her leave for a vacation, and have no idea how to reach her now. But I'm sure we could find a realtor...I have a few friends I could call who might have some names for you."
A place to live would be the top priority, especially if Aislinn wasn't required to work.
"I understand what you mean about needing something to do. At least for now, until you get acclimated into your new life style, it might be a good idea to keep busy. If worse comes to worse I might be able to get you something to do around Heolfor...or I could talk to my friends about that too. There is a pretty good network of our kind around..."
She hoped Aislinn believed her when she said things didn't need to get all out of control, and that she truly could live a life with only minor differences from what she led before.
Covering a yawn with her hand, Fallon smiled at her new friend. Who would have ever thought this evening would turn out as it did? Certainly not Fallon.
"What else do you want to know?"
Figuring Aislinn was undoubtedly overwhelmed by everything that had happened, Fallon assumed the questions would be an ongoing process for a short while to come. Now though, rather than direct her thoughts the way Fallon might feel they should go, she went back to questioning Aislinn. Maybe by letting the girl come up with her own questions, it would be easier for her to understand the answers.
Plus in Fallon's weariness she was a tiny bit fuzzy, and was having slight difficulty in focusing.
That brought back memories as well, of Fallon's earlier days in Nachton, and where she spent her first few as a vampire.
"That just won't do...not safe enough. I would be better if you could find a place sooner rather than later, but until you do, you're welcome to say here, since we have plenty of room."
Fallon's well manicured nail tapped her bottom lip as she thought.
"My husband's assistant would find you a place in no time, but I gave her leave for a vacation, and have no idea how to reach her now. But I'm sure we could find a realtor...I have a few friends I could call who might have some names for you."
A place to live would be the top priority, especially if Aislinn wasn't required to work.
"I understand what you mean about needing something to do. At least for now, until you get acclimated into your new life style, it might be a good idea to keep busy. If worse comes to worse I might be able to get you something to do around Heolfor...or I could talk to my friends about that too. There is a pretty good network of our kind around..."
She hoped Aislinn believed her when she said things didn't need to get all out of control, and that she truly could live a life with only minor differences from what she led before.
Covering a yawn with her hand, Fallon smiled at her new friend. Who would have ever thought this evening would turn out as it did? Certainly not Fallon.
"What else do you want to know?"
Figuring Aislinn was undoubtedly overwhelmed by everything that had happened, Fallon assumed the questions would be an ongoing process for a short while to come. Now though, rather than direct her thoughts the way Fallon might feel they should go, she went back to questioning Aislinn. Maybe by letting the girl come up with her own questions, it would be easier for her to understand the answers.
Plus in Fallon's weariness she was a tiny bit fuzzy, and was having slight difficulty in focusing.
Aislinn Ross
16 years ago
She listened quietly, taking in what she could. She had no idea what Heolfor was, but she wouldn't mind trying her hand at something. And what else did she want to know? So many questions bombarded her mind and she had difficulty in selecting which seemed most appropriate to ask. She also noticed Fallon's yawn, and realised someone who lives by night would of course sleep by day. She herself was still fatigued, still sluggish. But her mind was alert, refusing to let her body rest and recover. She was beginning to feel hungry again too but daren't mention it. She didn't know if vampires needed to eat normal food too or not, or if she was hungry for something red and dripping. Again she felt both repulsion and desire at the thought of blood, but kept her face impassive. She was a master at hiding her true feelings when she was in control.
"They can wait," She answered to Fallon's question quietly as she sat down on a seat. She would let Fallon sleep a while if she wanted "Afterall, I have forever now...don't I?" She looked at Fallon questioningly, wondering if vampires were truly immortal.
"They can wait," She answered to Fallon's question quietly as she sat down on a seat. She would let Fallon sleep a while if she wanted "Afterall, I have forever now...don't I?" She looked at Fallon questioningly, wondering if vampires were truly immortal.
Fallon
16 years ago
While Aislinn seemed to take so much of what was happening in stride, Fallon wasn't sure she was buying into the cool, calm, collectedness. It just didn't fit with what she had experienced.
On the other hand, after Aishe had been turned, she didn't seem much the worse for wear. Sure she was having some issues understanding, and getting used to seeing auras, but then Aishe had Kem too. Knowing Kem was a vampire, and being in love with the man, surely had to enable her more rapid indoctrination.
But here was a young girl, no family in Nachton, or to speak of really...or so it seemed, and no real home, or career, yet she was able to deal with such a huge change in her life with little assistance, or trauma.
One thing Fallon did know...because Aislinn was a new vampire, her thirst was going to take a bit of getting used to. Plus, it was going to be awhile before Aislinn would learn how to control it, and what it would take to manage it for her. While she was able, Fallon wanted to make sure Aislinn never went too long, and did anything like Fallon had, that night of the party, with Ana.
"Yes, as long as you don't get yourself into something unexpected, you now have eternity before you...."
Standing up from the chair, Fallon held up a finger.
"Keep that thought...I'll be right back."
Unlocking the doors, and leaving the suite, Fallon picked up the glasses and bottle, then padded to the kitchen again. Setting everything on the counter, she chuckled as she imagined what the cleaning crew might think to see all the glasses, bottles, and food remnants later, when they came to straighten up. With Cyrus gone, Fallon had pretty much cleaned up after herself, and rarely left much besides dusting, and vacuuming to the help.
Shrugging, she gave the matter no further thought. Instead she turned on the light, since all the drapes, and blinds were closed tight, and busied herself getting a fresh bottle of blood, a bottle of a white, fruity wine, another clean glass, and a small tray of cold cuts, cheeses, and fruits. She tried to amass a small feast for the girl in her room, hoping there would be something she would like to eat among it all. Placing some napkins on top of the food, Fallon took her snacks back to the bedroom, again locking the door behind her, and placing everything on the nightstand closer to Aislinn.
"You may or may not be hungry for food, but you can still eat if you wish. I still find it enjoyable, though I rarely eat much, since it doesn't really feed my body. But you probably should have a bit more blood, and then leave the rest for when you wake up. Your number one priority for the next few weeks should be to learn what your body requires to support itself. You'll undoubtedly need more blood at first, until you fully complete the transition, and level off. You must make sure you don't let yourself get too hungry...that isn't a pretty sight."
Another yawn stopped Fallon from elaborating. Her hand again hid her open mouth, out of polite manners, and for no other reason. Fallon's fangs retracted nicely, and were one thing she never had to worry about. She had seen a couple or three other vampires who had been blessed with larger fangs, but none seemed to have too much difficulty camouflaging them. Still, she hoped that wouldn't be a problem for Aislinn.
"I'm sorry, but I really do need to get back to sleep. I'd like to tell you to have the run of the house, but for both our sakes I'm afraid you'll need to remain in this suite. I'd also like to recommend you try to get more sleep as well, but in that regard I'm going to leave it up to you. I imagine if your body truly needs it, you'll eventually succumb. But the offer of a bath, or shower still stands, and there is a television in that armoire over there, if you'd like to watch it. Don't worry about keeping me up...it won't."
While Fallon was talking, she was also pulling back the sheet, and blanket, removing her robe, and slipping back into the bed. After fluffing her pillow, she relaxed on her side, positioned to still see Aislinn. She only focused on the girl for a few seconds longer, before she bid her good night, and closed her eyes.
"Good night sweeting. If you think of any more questions, we'll go over them when I wake."
This time when Fallon yawned she just turned her face into the pillow, and then slipped into sleep in a matter of seconds.
On the other hand, after Aishe had been turned, she didn't seem much the worse for wear. Sure she was having some issues understanding, and getting used to seeing auras, but then Aishe had Kem too. Knowing Kem was a vampire, and being in love with the man, surely had to enable her more rapid indoctrination.
But here was a young girl, no family in Nachton, or to speak of really...or so it seemed, and no real home, or career, yet she was able to deal with such a huge change in her life with little assistance, or trauma.
One thing Fallon did know...because Aislinn was a new vampire, her thirst was going to take a bit of getting used to. Plus, it was going to be awhile before Aislinn would learn how to control it, and what it would take to manage it for her. While she was able, Fallon wanted to make sure Aislinn never went too long, and did anything like Fallon had, that night of the party, with Ana.
"Yes, as long as you don't get yourself into something unexpected, you now have eternity before you...."
Standing up from the chair, Fallon held up a finger.
"Keep that thought...I'll be right back."
Unlocking the doors, and leaving the suite, Fallon picked up the glasses and bottle, then padded to the kitchen again. Setting everything on the counter, she chuckled as she imagined what the cleaning crew might think to see all the glasses, bottles, and food remnants later, when they came to straighten up. With Cyrus gone, Fallon had pretty much cleaned up after herself, and rarely left much besides dusting, and vacuuming to the help.
Shrugging, she gave the matter no further thought. Instead she turned on the light, since all the drapes, and blinds were closed tight, and busied herself getting a fresh bottle of blood, a bottle of a white, fruity wine, another clean glass, and a small tray of cold cuts, cheeses, and fruits. She tried to amass a small feast for the girl in her room, hoping there would be something she would like to eat among it all. Placing some napkins on top of the food, Fallon took her snacks back to the bedroom, again locking the door behind her, and placing everything on the nightstand closer to Aislinn.
"You may or may not be hungry for food, but you can still eat if you wish. I still find it enjoyable, though I rarely eat much, since it doesn't really feed my body. But you probably should have a bit more blood, and then leave the rest for when you wake up. Your number one priority for the next few weeks should be to learn what your body requires to support itself. You'll undoubtedly need more blood at first, until you fully complete the transition, and level off. You must make sure you don't let yourself get too hungry...that isn't a pretty sight."
Another yawn stopped Fallon from elaborating. Her hand again hid her open mouth, out of polite manners, and for no other reason. Fallon's fangs retracted nicely, and were one thing she never had to worry about. She had seen a couple or three other vampires who had been blessed with larger fangs, but none seemed to have too much difficulty camouflaging them. Still, she hoped that wouldn't be a problem for Aislinn.
"I'm sorry, but I really do need to get back to sleep. I'd like to tell you to have the run of the house, but for both our sakes I'm afraid you'll need to remain in this suite. I'd also like to recommend you try to get more sleep as well, but in that regard I'm going to leave it up to you. I imagine if your body truly needs it, you'll eventually succumb. But the offer of a bath, or shower still stands, and there is a television in that armoire over there, if you'd like to watch it. Don't worry about keeping me up...it won't."
While Fallon was talking, she was also pulling back the sheet, and blanket, removing her robe, and slipping back into the bed. After fluffing her pillow, she relaxed on her side, positioned to still see Aislinn. She only focused on the girl for a few seconds longer, before she bid her good night, and closed her eyes.
"Good night sweeting. If you think of any more questions, we'll go over them when I wake."
This time when Fallon yawned she just turned her face into the pillow, and then slipped into sleep in a matter of seconds.
Aislinn Ross
16 years ago
Again she had listened in silence, not trusting herself to speak yet. So many emotions tumbled around inside her, never settling on one for any length of time, but her face remained for the most part impassive. In truth she was still in shock. Shocked enough that she had actually done what she had last night, and further still by the consequences. She believed it now, her skin was still tender where the sun had hit her. She had no intentions of trying that again. She was still angry that that part of her life had been taken from her, but in a way also relieved. She had been wandering lost for the last couple years, just floating around the castle doing what was required of her. She had not wanted to leave home back then so had not gone to University despite having had the chance. She had no idea what she wanted to do with her life.
But now it was different. Fate had put her in the path, making the choice for her. She wondered breifly what was in store for her to have been granted immortality, which she had not yet decided was a boon or a curse. Gradually curiousity was beginning to override the shock and anger though. What new powers might she have? Vampires were usually dipicted as evil, souless bloodsuckers, but Aislinn did not feel evil. She was however, feeling increasingly hungry.
She hadn't moved or spoken until she was sure Fallon was asleep. She wasn't overly impressed with being locked in either, but understood...sort of. She eyed the small feast on the table, and the bottle of blood, then got up and wandered over to it. She liked pretty much all of what Fallon had chosen, and she picked at the plates, avoiding the blood at first. But while the food was delicious, it was doing nothing to alleviate her hunger. She glanced at the sleeping Fallon, then opened the bottle. The scent was intoxicating, and the thought of it didn't seem to repulse her as much. She raised the bottle to her lips and drank about half the contents. She could quite happily have finished it off but Fallon had told her to save some. She had to trust her on these matters even if she still wasn't sure what she thought of her in general terms. Within moments she felt much better.
Leaving the table she wandered silently around the room. Years out in the wilds had taught her the art of moving silently so that she could get closer to the creatures she sought, and now it was second nature to her. She found a mirror and looked into it. She realised then that that myth was not true, and gazed at her own reflection. This is what she was going to look like forever more. Stuck forever at 23. It wasn't bad though she decided, she was in good shape. She was still fairly well toned, built for strength rather than speed, her skin pale honey coloured from the sun and scattered with freckles. Her reddish gold hair was long, and she wondered if it would grow straight back if she cut it off. She grinned wide at herself, examining her teeth. She thought her canines looked a little different, but if there was a difference it was not obvious unless you knew her well enough.
She moved away from the mirror and back to the seat where she sat watching Fallon sleeping peacefully. She couldn't bring herself to hate her. She remembered last night and considered going to her, but she didn't to wake her up again either. She curled up in the seat, thinking up a mental list of questions to ask, and eventually her fatigue won her over. She fell asleep where she was, still wearing nothing but the robe, her hair falling pver her face.
But now it was different. Fate had put her in the path, making the choice for her. She wondered breifly what was in store for her to have been granted immortality, which she had not yet decided was a boon or a curse. Gradually curiousity was beginning to override the shock and anger though. What new powers might she have? Vampires were usually dipicted as evil, souless bloodsuckers, but Aislinn did not feel evil. She was however, feeling increasingly hungry.
She hadn't moved or spoken until she was sure Fallon was asleep. She wasn't overly impressed with being locked in either, but understood...sort of. She eyed the small feast on the table, and the bottle of blood, then got up and wandered over to it. She liked pretty much all of what Fallon had chosen, and she picked at the plates, avoiding the blood at first. But while the food was delicious, it was doing nothing to alleviate her hunger. She glanced at the sleeping Fallon, then opened the bottle. The scent was intoxicating, and the thought of it didn't seem to repulse her as much. She raised the bottle to her lips and drank about half the contents. She could quite happily have finished it off but Fallon had told her to save some. She had to trust her on these matters even if she still wasn't sure what she thought of her in general terms. Within moments she felt much better.
Leaving the table she wandered silently around the room. Years out in the wilds had taught her the art of moving silently so that she could get closer to the creatures she sought, and now it was second nature to her. She found a mirror and looked into it. She realised then that that myth was not true, and gazed at her own reflection. This is what she was going to look like forever more. Stuck forever at 23. It wasn't bad though she decided, she was in good shape. She was still fairly well toned, built for strength rather than speed, her skin pale honey coloured from the sun and scattered with freckles. Her reddish gold hair was long, and she wondered if it would grow straight back if she cut it off. She grinned wide at herself, examining her teeth. She thought her canines looked a little different, but if there was a difference it was not obvious unless you knew her well enough.
She moved away from the mirror and back to the seat where she sat watching Fallon sleeping peacefully. She couldn't bring herself to hate her. She remembered last night and considered going to her, but she didn't to wake her up again either. She curled up in the seat, thinking up a mental list of questions to ask, and eventually her fatigue won her over. She fell asleep where she was, still wearing nothing but the robe, her hair falling pver her face.
Fallon
16 years ago
"Mmmmnnnnnn...."
Stretching was the perfect way to wake up, get the blood flowing, spark the brain into operating, and generally just start off her night. Even though a tiny part of her hoped to feel Cyrus body next to her, Fallon knew better ,yet she wouldn't let that affect her mood.
Memories of the night before could though, if she gave in to them.
Unsure what time it was, Fallon didn't think it was too late yet. Normally she woke up just as the sun had set, but while the sky was still rather light.
"Aislinn? Are you awake? What time is it?"
Aislinn wasn't in bed beside her, but Fallon had yet to open her eyes, so as to where the girl was remained a mystery. When she did slowly peek out from beneath her eyelids, Fallon smiled, a tiny smile in the girl's direction, and sat up propping her back against the head board.
"Couldn't sleep, huh? I'm sorry I flaked out, but I don't do very well on too little sleep. I suppose we're all different in that way, just like we're different in other ways. Just because we're vampires doesn't give us all the same traits, tastes, or abilities..."
The night was new, but still limited, and even more since it was summer. Fallon decided she might as well get back to teaching Aislinn all that she could, and take advantage of the night she had.
Of course she loved teaching, and was excited by that prospect, but the responsibility she now owed Aislinn was equally important to Fallon.
"One of the nice things...well, in my opinion anyway, is that as a vampire you will eventually begin to exhibit certain talents, or abilities. I can't tell you when, or what, but my first ability seemed to manifest itself rather quickly. Then a while later I discovered I had another ability. I don't know how many you'll achieve, but my husband has a few...I think it probably has a lot to do with how old you are."
Fallon rubbed her hands over her face. She really wanted a shower, and to wash her hair, but felt so comfy in the bed now that she knew it would be a bit longer before she pushed herself out of it.
"My 'fun' ability, is to shape shift."
Fallon giggled as she imagined what might be going through Aislinn's mind now.
"And no, I don't turn into a bat, or wolf, nothing so trite. Instead, I can change into a bobcat...well, you saw...down at the beach...that was me."
Pretty preposterous news, she was certain of, but it was the truth, and she could show Aislinn, if the girl pressed it.
"...which only goes to show how well suited I am with my mate...Cyrus also shifts, though he becomes a magnificent leopard."
Love, pride, adoration...all filled Fallon's words as she spoke of the love of her life.
"I'm not sure, but for all I know the fact that he shifts might be responsible in part for why I shift, and that I shift into a cat as well."
Fallon studied Aislinn once again, trying to see if she could tell how her words effected her ward.
Stretching was the perfect way to wake up, get the blood flowing, spark the brain into operating, and generally just start off her night. Even though a tiny part of her hoped to feel Cyrus body next to her, Fallon knew better ,yet she wouldn't let that affect her mood.
Memories of the night before could though, if she gave in to them.
Unsure what time it was, Fallon didn't think it was too late yet. Normally she woke up just as the sun had set, but while the sky was still rather light.
"Aislinn? Are you awake? What time is it?"
Aislinn wasn't in bed beside her, but Fallon had yet to open her eyes, so as to where the girl was remained a mystery. When she did slowly peek out from beneath her eyelids, Fallon smiled, a tiny smile in the girl's direction, and sat up propping her back against the head board.
"Couldn't sleep, huh? I'm sorry I flaked out, but I don't do very well on too little sleep. I suppose we're all different in that way, just like we're different in other ways. Just because we're vampires doesn't give us all the same traits, tastes, or abilities..."
The night was new, but still limited, and even more since it was summer. Fallon decided she might as well get back to teaching Aislinn all that she could, and take advantage of the night she had.
Of course she loved teaching, and was excited by that prospect, but the responsibility she now owed Aislinn was equally important to Fallon.
"One of the nice things...well, in my opinion anyway, is that as a vampire you will eventually begin to exhibit certain talents, or abilities. I can't tell you when, or what, but my first ability seemed to manifest itself rather quickly. Then a while later I discovered I had another ability. I don't know how many you'll achieve, but my husband has a few...I think it probably has a lot to do with how old you are."
Fallon rubbed her hands over her face. She really wanted a shower, and to wash her hair, but felt so comfy in the bed now that she knew it would be a bit longer before she pushed herself out of it.
"My 'fun' ability, is to shape shift."
Fallon giggled as she imagined what might be going through Aislinn's mind now.
"And no, I don't turn into a bat, or wolf, nothing so trite. Instead, I can change into a bobcat...well, you saw...down at the beach...that was me."
Pretty preposterous news, she was certain of, but it was the truth, and she could show Aislinn, if the girl pressed it.
"...which only goes to show how well suited I am with my mate...Cyrus also shifts, though he becomes a magnificent leopard."
Love, pride, adoration...all filled Fallon's words as she spoke of the love of her life.
"I'm not sure, but for all I know the fact that he shifts might be responsible in part for why I shift, and that I shift into a cat as well."
Fallon studied Aislinn once again, trying to see if she could tell how her words effected her ward.
Aislinn Ross
16 years ago
Fallon's stretching started Aislinn awake. She had only been dozing really so looked wide awake by the time Fallon did open her eyes and smile in her direction. She decided not to correct her assumption that she hadn't slept.
She raised an eyebrow at the shapeshifting, now understanding why that cat had been so strange, and a look akin to longing appeared in her eyes. How many times had she wished she could turn into a bird and fly away? She had always loved birds of prey, had even owned one herself.
"Kerra" she whispered, saying her beloved red kites name. Then she uncurled herself and stood up, moving across the room to Fallon, looking earnestly at her. "Show me how." In her eagerness to learn how she had slipped back into her old role of mistress and her request had sounded more like a command although she hadn't consiously meant to.
She raised an eyebrow at the shapeshifting, now understanding why that cat had been so strange, and a look akin to longing appeared in her eyes. How many times had she wished she could turn into a bird and fly away? She had always loved birds of prey, had even owned one herself.
"Kerra" she whispered, saying her beloved red kites name. Then she uncurled herself and stood up, moving across the room to Fallon, looking earnestly at her. "Show me how." In her eagerness to learn how she had slipped back into her old role of mistress and her request had sounded more like a command although she hadn't consiously meant to.
Fallon
16 years ago
'Kerra', Fallon heard Aislinn whisper, and briefly wondered what or who that was. Her curiosity was cut short by Aislinn's demand, which Fallon definitely recognized as such, but shook off. In her years of teaching Fallon had come up against more than one petulant, and demanding young person, and was more amused by the tone than anything else. Now her amusement was reflected in her grin, which she saw no reason to try and hide.
"Show you now! My, my but we've a bit of an attitude this morning, don't we?"
Before Aislinn had time to respond, Fallon threw back the sheet, and turned over to rest on her hands, and knees. The robe she had worn earlier had since been discarded, though her nudity wasn't going to become an issue now, all of a sudden.
Because she had only just woken up, Fallon still had a few kinks to press out before she put her body through its paces. Stretching forward, walking her fingers up the bed until they touched the headboard, and most of her torso was resting on the mattress, she then moved backward. Once she was resting her stomach and breasts on her thighs, she repeated the process. When she was again on her hands and knees, as she had started, she rolled her head and heard a couple small bones in her neck snap. Only then did she begin to focus on her shifting, and soon felt the bones begin to move, and change, and the tiny hairs begin to cover her body.
Because she had just shifted the night before, and her body retained a sort of memory of these things, tonight's shift went quickly, and smoothly. Because the shifting was slightly messy, Fallon would be glad later that she had performed her little show on the bed. This way the sheets could just be tossed into the washer, and there would be no problems with the expensive carpets on the floor.
She was getting used to having money, but that didn't mean she was becoming wasteful in the process.
Fully changed now, Fallon licked a paw, and rubbed it across one eye. When her vision was clear, she turned to Aislinn, and let out a soft cry, before bounding from the bed, and onto a nearby chair. As quickly as she left the bed, she returned, and this time ran toward Aislinn, to push her face into the girl's stomach, where she then rubbed.
Feeling very carefree for the moment, Fallon flopped back onto the bed, and rolled about some, reveling in the feel of the cool sheets agains her fur.
The thought that there was really too much to do tonight made Fallon grow serious. Within minutes she was her own, vampire self again and rolled off the bed.
"That will need to suffice for now...I really need a shower."
She grinned, as she walked to the bathroom leaving the door open should Aislinn need to use the facilities. Once again Fallon could only imagine what must be going through Aislinn's mind, but hoped she wouldn't have to imagine, and that the cute blond would be vocal.
"Show you now! My, my but we've a bit of an attitude this morning, don't we?"
Before Aislinn had time to respond, Fallon threw back the sheet, and turned over to rest on her hands, and knees. The robe she had worn earlier had since been discarded, though her nudity wasn't going to become an issue now, all of a sudden.
Because she had only just woken up, Fallon still had a few kinks to press out before she put her body through its paces. Stretching forward, walking her fingers up the bed until they touched the headboard, and most of her torso was resting on the mattress, she then moved backward. Once she was resting her stomach and breasts on her thighs, she repeated the process. When she was again on her hands and knees, as she had started, she rolled her head and heard a couple small bones in her neck snap. Only then did she begin to focus on her shifting, and soon felt the bones begin to move, and change, and the tiny hairs begin to cover her body.
Because she had just shifted the night before, and her body retained a sort of memory of these things, tonight's shift went quickly, and smoothly. Because the shifting was slightly messy, Fallon would be glad later that she had performed her little show on the bed. This way the sheets could just be tossed into the washer, and there would be no problems with the expensive carpets on the floor.
She was getting used to having money, but that didn't mean she was becoming wasteful in the process.
Fully changed now, Fallon licked a paw, and rubbed it across one eye. When her vision was clear, she turned to Aislinn, and let out a soft cry, before bounding from the bed, and onto a nearby chair. As quickly as she left the bed, she returned, and this time ran toward Aislinn, to push her face into the girl's stomach, where she then rubbed.
Feeling very carefree for the moment, Fallon flopped back onto the bed, and rolled about some, reveling in the feel of the cool sheets agains her fur.
The thought that there was really too much to do tonight made Fallon grow serious. Within minutes she was her own, vampire self again and rolled off the bed.
"That will need to suffice for now...I really need a shower."
She grinned, as she walked to the bathroom leaving the door open should Aislinn need to use the facilities. Once again Fallon could only imagine what must be going through Aislinn's mind, but hoped she wouldn't have to imagine, and that the cute blond would be vocal.
Aislinn Ross
16 years ago
Aislinn blushed, realising she had been too brash. But her embaressment was soon forgotten as she watched in fascination at Fallon's shifting. She had not doubted her, and wondered if she had misunderstood her because in by showing her she wasn't really learning how to attempt such a feat herself. She watched closely for any clue on how to do it, but apart from stretching catlike to start with, Aislinn could see no particular trigger. Perhaps she just willed herself into a cat?
As quick as Fallon had been a bobcat she was vampire again. She had left the door open, assumedly on purpose, so Aislinn followed her in. She leaned against the wall watching her companion.
"But how do you do it? Does it hurt? Can you only do one form? Do you still..." she trailed off, realising she must sound very demanding right now, then took a deep breath to try calm herself down again and await Fallons reply.
As quick as Fallon had been a bobcat she was vampire again. She had left the door open, assumedly on purpose, so Aislinn followed her in. She leaned against the wall watching her companion.
"But how do you do it? Does it hurt? Can you only do one form? Do you still..." she trailed off, realising she must sound very demanding right now, then took a deep breath to try calm herself down again and await Fallons reply.
Fallon
16 years ago
"Oh dear, the how is as much of a mystery to me, as it is to you."
Reaching into the shower, Fallon turned on the spray, and adjusted it until it was the perfect temperature. She then turned to Aislinn, and leaned against the wall.
"The first time it just sort of happened, and surprised both Cyrus and myself. From what little I do know, yes, I can only shift into a bobcat, and Cyrus only shifts into a snow leopard. I heard once that you will only shift into something that is native to where you were born...or raised...I think that's how it goes. In other words, since I'm a child of the states, I wouldn't have assumed the guise of a tiger, since they're found in Africa."
Stepping into the warm pelting water, Fallon continued to talk as she bathed.
"I may be able to find out more at Heolfor...I'll have to check around. I never really found a reason to question it myself, but then again that must go back to the fact that Cyrus is as he is, and we now meld even better together.
As to the pain...there was some initially. I think that was due to the fact that my body was taking on shapes it had never been in before...kind of like if you do yoga for the first time? But after awhile it all goes very smoothly, and I suffer nary a twinge any more."
Rinsing the cream from her hair, Fallon stepped from the shower and wrapped herself in a thick towel hanging nearby, then wrapped her head in a smaller version. Making sure not to step off the bath mat while her feet were still wet, she again turned to Aislinn.
"Do I still...what?
Reaching into the shower, Fallon turned on the spray, and adjusted it until it was the perfect temperature. She then turned to Aislinn, and leaned against the wall.
"The first time it just sort of happened, and surprised both Cyrus and myself. From what little I do know, yes, I can only shift into a bobcat, and Cyrus only shifts into a snow leopard. I heard once that you will only shift into something that is native to where you were born...or raised...I think that's how it goes. In other words, since I'm a child of the states, I wouldn't have assumed the guise of a tiger, since they're found in Africa."
Stepping into the warm pelting water, Fallon continued to talk as she bathed.
"I may be able to find out more at Heolfor...I'll have to check around. I never really found a reason to question it myself, but then again that must go back to the fact that Cyrus is as he is, and we now meld even better together.
As to the pain...there was some initially. I think that was due to the fact that my body was taking on shapes it had never been in before...kind of like if you do yoga for the first time? But after awhile it all goes very smoothly, and I suffer nary a twinge any more."
Rinsing the cream from her hair, Fallon stepped from the shower and wrapped herself in a thick towel hanging nearby, then wrapped her head in a smaller version. Making sure not to step off the bath mat while her feet were still wet, she again turned to Aislinn.
"Do I still...what?
Aislinn Ross
16 years ago
Aislinn blinked. She couldn't remember what she had been going to ask, she had been so enraptured by the talk.
"So you don't choose what you shift into?" Aislinn pondered this bit of information. Imagine she could shapeshift and she turned into something she didn't like. She mentally shrugged the idea off. She wanted to know if she could do it at all.
"But you must know how you do it. You obviously have some control over when and where you do it, so there must be something you do to start it off, no? Do you just will yourself into a bobcat, or is there som ething more you do?"
Seeing that Fallon encouraged her questions, Aislinn didn't hold back so much, now intent on finding out as much as she could. This fun ability took her mind of possibly more sinister answers to other questions.
"Oh, and what or who is Heolfor?"
"So you don't choose what you shift into?" Aislinn pondered this bit of information. Imagine she could shapeshift and she turned into something she didn't like. She mentally shrugged the idea off. She wanted to know if she could do it at all.
"But you must know how you do it. You obviously have some control over when and where you do it, so there must be something you do to start it off, no? Do you just will yourself into a bobcat, or is there som ething more you do?"
Seeing that Fallon encouraged her questions, Aislinn didn't hold back so much, now intent on finding out as much as she could. This fun ability took her mind of possibly more sinister answers to other questions.
"Oh, and what or who is Heolfor?"
Fallon
16 years ago
"Now I do...now I know how to do it, but its taken some practice. Now I just focus on becoming the cat, I see the transition in my mind, and my body slowly takes on the shape, but the first time it just happened. I can't even remember now what started it off, but I don't think I was 'trying'..."
Fallon thought back, and really tried to remember...she had been in bed with Cyrus, surely...but no, nothing came forth. So much had happened since then, it obviously blocked out the pain. She half wondered if that was anything like childbirth, then shook her head at the silly idea.
"I can tell you that not everyone shape shifts. Besides that I also have a talent for blending...where I just sort of become one with my surroundings until apparently I'm not seen. I did that a lot in the beginning, when I was trying to find the best method for me to feed. I think I've done it a few times out of fear as well, as a means to protect myself. Since I married Cyrus, and have become more at home here in Nachton, and in my new life, I find I'm not at all as afraid of things as I used to be, so I rarely find the need to practice that ability."
Her life with Ted was so far removed from everything here that even now she barely gave it a second to form a thought before she dismissed it.
Patting herself dry, Fallon returned to the bedroom, and opened the door to her walk in closet. She hadn't mapped out a real agenda for the night, wanting to give Aislinn her full focus, so now she chose something pretty generic to wear. That way she'd be ready to go no matter what the plans became.
Jeans, a baby-doll t-shirt of a soft peach color, with fine threads of copper woven through it, and a pair of sandals were the items she put on.
"I think, as difficult as it may be, you're going to need patience when it comes to your abilities. For the most part I think they come to you on their own time table."
A small frown tipped Fallon's lips, but was soon replaced with her smile of understanding.
"There is a lot to learn, and I recall somethings were more interesting, and fun than others, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't learn as much as you can about everything. I'm finding through this experience with you, just how sadly I'm lacking in what I should know."
Unlocking the doors, Fallon opened them, and moved beyond.
"I'll be happy to continue this if you wish, but I thought I'd see if there was something to eat for breakfast, as well as get you some fresh blood. It might be nice to sit out on the lanai. Help yourself to anything of mine you might find to fit...whatever you need..."
Her words trailed off behind her as Fallon strode to the kitchen. She needed Aislinn to know she wasn't being kept prisoner at Ger Kogji, and would soon ask her how she wanted to proceed with her life, if only the immediate, and probably temporary parts.
Fallon thought back, and really tried to remember...she had been in bed with Cyrus, surely...but no, nothing came forth. So much had happened since then, it obviously blocked out the pain. She half wondered if that was anything like childbirth, then shook her head at the silly idea.
"I can tell you that not everyone shape shifts. Besides that I also have a talent for blending...where I just sort of become one with my surroundings until apparently I'm not seen. I did that a lot in the beginning, when I was trying to find the best method for me to feed. I think I've done it a few times out of fear as well, as a means to protect myself. Since I married Cyrus, and have become more at home here in Nachton, and in my new life, I find I'm not at all as afraid of things as I used to be, so I rarely find the need to practice that ability."
Her life with Ted was so far removed from everything here that even now she barely gave it a second to form a thought before she dismissed it.
Patting herself dry, Fallon returned to the bedroom, and opened the door to her walk in closet. She hadn't mapped out a real agenda for the night, wanting to give Aislinn her full focus, so now she chose something pretty generic to wear. That way she'd be ready to go no matter what the plans became.
Jeans, a baby-doll t-shirt of a soft peach color, with fine threads of copper woven through it, and a pair of sandals were the items she put on.
"I think, as difficult as it may be, you're going to need patience when it comes to your abilities. For the most part I think they come to you on their own time table."
A small frown tipped Fallon's lips, but was soon replaced with her smile of understanding.
"There is a lot to learn, and I recall somethings were more interesting, and fun than others, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't learn as much as you can about everything. I'm finding through this experience with you, just how sadly I'm lacking in what I should know."
Unlocking the doors, Fallon opened them, and moved beyond.
"I'll be happy to continue this if you wish, but I thought I'd see if there was something to eat for breakfast, as well as get you some fresh blood. It might be nice to sit out on the lanai. Help yourself to anything of mine you might find to fit...whatever you need..."
Her words trailed off behind her as Fallon strode to the kitchen. She needed Aislinn to know she wasn't being kept prisoner at Ger Kogji, and would soon ask her how she wanted to proceed with her life, if only the immediate, and probably temporary parts.
Aislinn Ross
16 years ago
Aislinn faltered in the now open doorway. Everything had changed in this room, and more than just loosing mortality. She watched Fallon go to the kitchen then decided to take her up on her offer of clothing and retreated back into the relative safety of the now familiar room. She picked out a pair of jeans and a pale blue t shirt which clung to her stockier form. She should really go shopping soon anyway she thought. She didn't bother with shoes, quite content with being barefoot.
She padded out of the room and down the hall the way she had seen Fallon go and soon found her preparing breakfast. She wasn't really sure if she felt like eating although she was peckish again. She wondered what exactly Fallon had in mind by fresh blood, whether from another bottle or straight from the source. Now that she thought about it, the idea of a vampire drinking bottled blood was suddenly amusing to her and she actually giggled out loud. They were always portrayed as causing pain on their victims, not drinking blood like wine. The more she tried to stop giggling, the more she giggled, unwittingly releaving some of the stress of the day.
She padded out of the room and down the hall the way she had seen Fallon go and soon found her preparing breakfast. She wasn't really sure if she felt like eating although she was peckish again. She wondered what exactly Fallon had in mind by fresh blood, whether from another bottle or straight from the source. Now that she thought about it, the idea of a vampire drinking bottled blood was suddenly amusing to her and she actually giggled out loud. They were always portrayed as causing pain on their victims, not drinking blood like wine. The more she tried to stop giggling, the more she giggled, unwittingly releaving some of the stress of the day.
Fallon
16 years ago
"I'm not sure if I want to know."
Fallon turned toward the laughter, giggling herself due to Aislinn's infectious nature. She hoped the girl wasn't going over the edge, not that it wouldn't have been understandable.
"Everything okay?"
She was glad Aislinn took her up on the offer of clothes, and did notice the clothes looked a tiny bit snug, but because of her youth, and firm body, they still looked fine on the girl.
There was a small plate of fruit, some scones and devonshire cream set on the counter, as well as a plate of crisp bacon, and sausage links. Plates, forks, spoons, knives, and napkins were sitting there as well. A fresh bottle of milk, newly opened, sat next to a couple boxes of cereal, and some bowls.
"I can make eggs too, if you'd like...scrambled, fried, poached...you name it."
Moving away from Aislinn, Fallon poured herself a cup of coffee, and set the pot on a trivet, also on the counter. It was then she opened the fridge, and took out a small pitcher of cream, to join the coffee, and one remaining mug.
"Don't worry if you're not hungry. Whatever is left over goes to the staff."
Sipping her coffee, and eyeing Aislinn over the rim of the cup, Fallon broached yet a new subject. As she began talking she moved to the bar stools and took a seat.
"I know you'll be needing blood again soon, but wanted you to have the choice this time. You're welcome to drink from our bottled stock, without question, but I was curious to know if you wanted me to take you out hunting tonight?"
Whatever Aislinn said, Fallon was willing to work with, she owed Aislinn that. Yet from her perspective, the sooner Aislinn learned how to hunt, and fulfill her needs, the sooner she would be ready to take care of herself. Fallon imagined the young woman would feel much the way Fallon had, and would want to learn immediately. It was still all up to her though, and on the off chance Aislinn would see such a comment as rejection, Fallon would leave the decisions up to her.
Fallon turned toward the laughter, giggling herself due to Aislinn's infectious nature. She hoped the girl wasn't going over the edge, not that it wouldn't have been understandable.
"Everything okay?"
She was glad Aislinn took her up on the offer of clothes, and did notice the clothes looked a tiny bit snug, but because of her youth, and firm body, they still looked fine on the girl.
There was a small plate of fruit, some scones and devonshire cream set on the counter, as well as a plate of crisp bacon, and sausage links. Plates, forks, spoons, knives, and napkins were sitting there as well. A fresh bottle of milk, newly opened, sat next to a couple boxes of cereal, and some bowls.
"I can make eggs too, if you'd like...scrambled, fried, poached...you name it."
Moving away from Aislinn, Fallon poured herself a cup of coffee, and set the pot on a trivet, also on the counter. It was then she opened the fridge, and took out a small pitcher of cream, to join the coffee, and one remaining mug.
"Don't worry if you're not hungry. Whatever is left over goes to the staff."
Sipping her coffee, and eyeing Aislinn over the rim of the cup, Fallon broached yet a new subject. As she began talking she moved to the bar stools and took a seat.
"I know you'll be needing blood again soon, but wanted you to have the choice this time. You're welcome to drink from our bottled stock, without question, but I was curious to know if you wanted me to take you out hunting tonight?"
Whatever Aislinn said, Fallon was willing to work with, she owed Aislinn that. Yet from her perspective, the sooner Aislinn learned how to hunt, and fulfill her needs, the sooner she would be ready to take care of herself. Fallon imagined the young woman would feel much the way Fallon had, and would want to learn immediately. It was still all up to her though, and on the off chance Aislinn would see such a comment as rejection, Fallon would leave the decisions up to her.
Aislinn Ross
16 years ago
She eventually managed to compose herself again.
"Oh, just a vision I had of Count Dracula drinking blood from a bottle."
She watched awkwardly as Fallon lay out breakfast, feeling that she should help but knowing that she would just get in the way because she didn't know where anything was. Nor could she even offer to cook for she'd never so much as fried an egg in her life. They had had a cook and a maid to do the house chores, her father believing such tasks below a Lady. Yet he taught her to fight and even to joust. She shook her head at the old puzzle that was her father and dismissed the thought of him as the smell of freshly brewed coffee hit her nostrils. The American love for coffee had quickly worn off on her and she had come to love a strong sweet coffee first thing.
She declined the offer of eggs, thinking Fallon had done enough while she had done nothing, but did pour herself a coffee, stirred in some sugar and sipped the dark brew. She picked at the fruit more out of courtesy than any desire to eat. She looked up Fallon's question, her coffee half way to her mouth as she thought. No matter how amusing it might seem to have bottled blood, it seemed to quench her thirst for a bit without consiously thinking some poor sod had given up his blood for her to continue to exist. But to do the actual deed was an entirely different matter.
Aislinn had never harmed anyone intentionally in all her days, but her desire to live was stronger than any concerns she might have about inflicting pain on someone. In that moment Aislinn lost what remained of her innocence. It was now survival of the fittest, like she had seen every day in the wild. If she had to harm, or even kill to survive, then she would do so.
She nodded. "I will come with you." There was a note of steely determination in her voice.
"Oh, just a vision I had of Count Dracula drinking blood from a bottle."
She watched awkwardly as Fallon lay out breakfast, feeling that she should help but knowing that she would just get in the way because she didn't know where anything was. Nor could she even offer to cook for she'd never so much as fried an egg in her life. They had had a cook and a maid to do the house chores, her father believing such tasks below a Lady. Yet he taught her to fight and even to joust. She shook her head at the old puzzle that was her father and dismissed the thought of him as the smell of freshly brewed coffee hit her nostrils. The American love for coffee had quickly worn off on her and she had come to love a strong sweet coffee first thing.
She declined the offer of eggs, thinking Fallon had done enough while she had done nothing, but did pour herself a coffee, stirred in some sugar and sipped the dark brew. She picked at the fruit more out of courtesy than any desire to eat. She looked up Fallon's question, her coffee half way to her mouth as she thought. No matter how amusing it might seem to have bottled blood, it seemed to quench her thirst for a bit without consiously thinking some poor sod had given up his blood for her to continue to exist. But to do the actual deed was an entirely different matter.
Aislinn had never harmed anyone intentionally in all her days, but her desire to live was stronger than any concerns she might have about inflicting pain on someone. In that moment Aislinn lost what remained of her innocence. It was now survival of the fittest, like she had seen every day in the wild. If she had to harm, or even kill to survive, then she would do so.
She nodded. "I will come with you." There was a note of steely determination in her voice.
Fallon
16 years ago
"Good...I'm glad you are so receptive, because it would only work against you otherwise. But you'd have every reason to try and defy your needs...it goes against everything you've done your entire life, and now, just because I was stupid enough not to control myself, you're stuck living a life many might find impossible to deal with."
Fallon picked at the fruit a little more, then put some bacon, a scone, and some cream on a small plate, and began picking at that, but with a little more enthusiasm.
"I think you might want to prepare yourself for what comes next...so you can lessen your chances of panicking, and remove the risk that something will go wrong. I'll share my feeding methods now, and tell you what to expect from your victims, then you can decide for yourself how you might want to go about it. I've got a few places we can go where the atmosphere will be calm, and quiet, and conducive to your training. You can watch me, and decide if you want to go through with it tonight, or sometime later. You don't need to rush this...until you're really ready, you just do what you feel comfortable with."
Once again Fallon was struck by the luck she seemed to have picked up since she came to Nachton. From what she'd seen of Aislinn so far, she guessed she must be the most amenable pupil ever.
"For me, I find it easiest to lure my targets with my 'feminine wiles'." Fallon giggled at that, still not quite as confident in that aspect of her life as she'd like. Having a man like Cyrus, who loved and adored her, around to stroke her ego had done wonders in changing the mousy little abused woman who had run away from home. Not to mention that she had been feeding this way for many months now, and never failed yet. But hearing the words aloud, made her a little uneasy still.
"It might sound strange, but it does work, and it works every bit as well on women, as it does on men."
Gathering her thoughts, Fallon broke off a piece of scone,and dipped it into the sweet cream before popping it into her mouth.
"I find a target, observe it for a bit, then approach with various lines, much like a pick up. If I get a positive response, I continue. If I see resistance, I move on. I see no reason to push my luck...not when there are so many other people out there."
Wanting to impart some comfort, probably more for herself than Aislinn, Fallon reached over and patted the girl's arm.
"I flirt, tease, cuddle up some...kiss, and even allow fondling, but that's as far as I go. I love my husband, and see no reason at all to break my vows..."
A slightly sad expression clouded Fallon's face then, but was gone just as quickly.
"I fucked up all over the place with you though."
Her tone still held some sadness, and while Fallon was angry with herself, she held no animosity toward Aislinn, and saw no reason to vent her anger now.
"I guess I miss Cyrus a lot more than I even imagined."
Focusing on the food, Fallon ate now, and made every effort to pull herself together. She regretted what she had done to Aislinn, yet knew there was no reason to, since it couldn't be undone. She was scared at the thought of failing Aislinn, but understood she could only do her best to make sure that didn't happen. It would have been wonderful if Cyrus had been there, to help her through this, but she had been forced to tackle things on her own before, and always survived. This time would be no different.
"What do you think? How do you meet new people...could you incorporate that into your scenarios?"
Fallon picked at the fruit a little more, then put some bacon, a scone, and some cream on a small plate, and began picking at that, but with a little more enthusiasm.
"I think you might want to prepare yourself for what comes next...so you can lessen your chances of panicking, and remove the risk that something will go wrong. I'll share my feeding methods now, and tell you what to expect from your victims, then you can decide for yourself how you might want to go about it. I've got a few places we can go where the atmosphere will be calm, and quiet, and conducive to your training. You can watch me, and decide if you want to go through with it tonight, or sometime later. You don't need to rush this...until you're really ready, you just do what you feel comfortable with."
Once again Fallon was struck by the luck she seemed to have picked up since she came to Nachton. From what she'd seen of Aislinn so far, she guessed she must be the most amenable pupil ever.
"For me, I find it easiest to lure my targets with my 'feminine wiles'." Fallon giggled at that, still not quite as confident in that aspect of her life as she'd like. Having a man like Cyrus, who loved and adored her, around to stroke her ego had done wonders in changing the mousy little abused woman who had run away from home. Not to mention that she had been feeding this way for many months now, and never failed yet. But hearing the words aloud, made her a little uneasy still.
"It might sound strange, but it does work, and it works every bit as well on women, as it does on men."
Gathering her thoughts, Fallon broke off a piece of scone,and dipped it into the sweet cream before popping it into her mouth.
"I find a target, observe it for a bit, then approach with various lines, much like a pick up. If I get a positive response, I continue. If I see resistance, I move on. I see no reason to push my luck...not when there are so many other people out there."
Wanting to impart some comfort, probably more for herself than Aislinn, Fallon reached over and patted the girl's arm.
"I flirt, tease, cuddle up some...kiss, and even allow fondling, but that's as far as I go. I love my husband, and see no reason at all to break my vows..."
A slightly sad expression clouded Fallon's face then, but was gone just as quickly.
"I fucked up all over the place with you though."
Her tone still held some sadness, and while Fallon was angry with herself, she held no animosity toward Aislinn, and saw no reason to vent her anger now.
"I guess I miss Cyrus a lot more than I even imagined."
Focusing on the food, Fallon ate now, and made every effort to pull herself together. She regretted what she had done to Aislinn, yet knew there was no reason to, since it couldn't be undone. She was scared at the thought of failing Aislinn, but understood she could only do her best to make sure that didn't happen. It would have been wonderful if Cyrus had been there, to help her through this, but she had been forced to tackle things on her own before, and always survived. This time would be no different.
"What do you think? How do you meet new people...could you incorporate that into your scenarios?"