Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream & Will1984]
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		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Exotic Solos =&gt; Topic started by: Wistful Dream on 22-12-2008, 10:00:52</h2>
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				Title: <strong>Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>22-12-2008, 10:00:52</strong>
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				She felt lost.<br><br>It wasn't often that she felt like this these days, after all she always stayed inside where she knew the house well enough to get around without harming herself. It was odd how much your senses could advance when you lost one of them. The curvy female however was not standing inside her home right now, no she was out on the street, listening to her father talk. To a stranger she gathered, she couldn't hear their voices very well, her father was aware of how good her hearing was and had left her a good distance away.<br><br>It was night, she could tell that, there was no sun on her pale skin to warm her, and her skin was pale, she didn't spend too much time outside, it was too risky with her father gone most of the time. It was also cool, not cold just, a slight chill to the air. The girl was pretty, pale skin, a softly shaped face, gentle and sweet, like a&nbsp; painting come to life. Full cupids bow lips were soft, she absently worried the lower one as she tried to figure out more of what was going on. Her head moved back and forth, the mass of rich auburn hair that hung in waves nearly down to her waist moving softly against her voluptuous body. But perhaps her most arresting, rather shocking feature where the silvery blue eyes that were so large and framed by such long dark lashes. They were a shock because they made it clear that she was completely blind.<br><br>Her name was Una, named by her mother for purity and truth; a mother who had passed away seven years ago. Seven years of her father hating her, because she had lived through the accident and her Mother had not. It didn't matter that her mother had shoved Una out of the house first when the fire had started, that her mother had been trying to save her blind daughter and so had gotten caught under a burning beam. And with her mother's death so had her father's love died, she had hardly left the house since then, over the years learning how to take care of herself, cooking and cleaning.<br><br>It was a lonely life perhaps but not a bad one. Yet she wanted to know why her father had come in and insisted she put on one of her few dresses and follow him outside. So Una took a step forward, a slow, cautious one, she didn't really want to fall on her face. And her ears finally caught the sound of her father's voice.<br><br>"Take her, she's good for nothing but a meal in replacement of me, or use her if you wish. I have no need of her."<br><br>And with that her heart contracted, she let one tear slip down her cheeks to mourn the final death of whatever hope she had that her father would love her again. Perhaps death would be peaceful, maybe then she could see. Una didn't try to run, she didn't even act like she knew what she had heard. Instead she stood still and waited for the stranger to come and lead her away. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Will</strong> on <strong>23-12-2008, 02:03:15</strong>
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				Rowan stood in the street, tall and dark beneath his heavy black cloak.&nbsp; The hood was pulled back, as he had no need of it at this hour, and his long brown hair hung loosely about his face, concealing his face from anyone who might be watching.&nbsp; He fairly towered over the man in front of him, and he looked down on him with contempt and disgust as he bargained for his life.<br><br>Rowan felt little in the way of a conscience, but even he couldn't help but be disgusted by the way this wretched man was offering up his only progeny to save his skin.&nbsp; Rowan's lips twisted into a sneer as he looked at him, feeling the fear waft off of him, before glancing over to where his daughter stood.&nbsp; His eyes were well adjusted to such darkness, and with the moon nearly full, he could discern her features quite well.&nbsp; The tear that slipped down her cheek did not go unnoticed, glinting in the moonlight, and his brow furrowed.&nbsp; She had heard.<br><br>He watched her carefully, deliberately not responding to the man's offer.&nbsp; Rowan felt his fear growing, anxious uncertainty, and it pleased him.&nbsp; Perhaps he would take her, and kill the man anyway... That thought brought a small smirk to his lips, unmistakably malicious as it played across his angular features.<br><br>He began to walk toward the girl, his cloak swishing around him, and raised an eyebrow when she didn't turn to look at him.&nbsp; Stopping just in front of her, he clasped his hands and gazed down at her.&nbsp; Her eyes did indeed make it clear.&nbsp; "Such beautiful eyes... but merely decoration," he mused aloud, no humor apparent in his inflection.&nbsp; "Come."&nbsp; &nbsp;Rowan reached out with one hand, resting it on her shoulder and guiding her firmly.&nbsp; "We are leaving."&nbsp; There was clearly no need to explain the situation to her; she had heard the most important elements.&nbsp; He led her along, crossing the street to where his carriage sat waiting, a silvery, elegant vehicle with rounded lines.<br><br>He opened the door for her and helped her in, his eyes appraising her coldly as his hand slid from her shoulder down to her hand.&nbsp; She was a true beauty, in the mold of the Old World, full and ripe and ready to be picked.&nbsp; Rowan shut the door after her without a word, and turned back to her father as he padded softly back toward his home.&nbsp; "Stop."&nbsp; His command was sharp, and loud, and the man froze in spite of himself.&nbsp; A noticeable shiver ran up his spine.<br><br>Rowan moved toward him smoothly, stopping just behind him as the man began to whimper softly.&nbsp; "We had a deal... Please... Please!"&nbsp; Rowan rolled his plea around in his mind.&nbsp; "I never agreed to such an exchange.&nbsp; I took your daughter because you do not deserve her; I am taking your life because you do not deserve the blood that runs through your veins."&nbsp; His voice was deep, and it began to grow rough and animalistic as he spoke.&nbsp; When he finished, he lunged at the man, his mouth opening wide enough to grip the man's neck.&nbsp; His cloak seemed to envelop both of them.<br><br>The man let out a long moan that tapered off as his strength left him.&nbsp; He steadily collapsed against Rowan, and his body went limp before he was dropped dead on the pavement.&nbsp; Rowan groaned.&nbsp; He looked a bit harried now, his chest heaving with every breath, and his eyes held a look that was most certainly not human.&nbsp; Fangs protruded from his jaw, blood glistening in the pale light, and he stood there in the street as he tried to compose himself.&nbsp; <em>Much better,</em> he thought.&nbsp; Straightening his posture, he returned to the carriage and circled around to the far side before sliding in next to the girl.<br>"Alright, Geoffrey.&nbsp; To the manor."&nbsp; He was still breathing a bit heavily, but seemed well otherwise.&nbsp; The carriage pulled smoothly away, and they rode quietly into the night.<br><br>After some time, Rowan turned to the girl and spoke.&nbsp; "What is your name, girl?"
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				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>23-12-2008, 02:07:32</strong>
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				She heard movement, someone was walking, and it wasn't the tread of her father's feet, so she stayed still, figuring it was the stranger. So he was looking over his new possession, what her father had said was true, she didn't have much worth. What could she do for this man? Outside of her home she wouldn't know where things were, how to move, she would be completely helpless and worthless. But still the stranger came toward her. She caught the sound of his hands clasping together and her face moved then, a slight frown as she tried to figure out where he was.<br><br>Then his voice came, he mentioned her eyes. She blinked then, hiding her gaze for a moment as she pondered the comment. Decoration, perhaps, perhaps they were. But she saw more then most people did, more of the truth. For eyes could lie, other things had less ability to do so. And then he touched her, a hand on her shoulder. He was strong, sure of himself this stranger, not use to being denied anything he may wish. Her hand came up, seeking, feeling along his hand; his voice was sure, like his touch, and deep, with no real inflection that she could catch. And she was very good at catching even the slightest inflection.<br><br>They were leaving, he was guiding her, she stumbled once, he was moving a touch too fast for her when she did not know the environment well enough. His hands helped her though, guiding and leading her carefully, with his touch and voice she had not expected him to care much, yet he helped her into a carriage. Una tilted her head, turning it toward where she thought he was, wanting to reach up and 'see' his face. But then his hand was touching hers for a brief moment before he pulled away, leaving her alone in a world of darkness with no clues, other then that a door had shut. Una left her eyes shut, inhaling, there was no one else else in the carriage, though someone just outside, she could smell them, a man she believed, and his breathing was slow, unworried, this was normal for him.<br><br>Her hands moved over the seat, it was high quality leather, plush and relaxing. He was a man for comfort apparently. She wished she knew his name, but wishes were dreams that did not often come true. The door on the other side was opening, and then the man from before slid in. The stranger's breathing was different, more erratic, he had done something strenuous; had he and her father exchanged fistcuffs then? She moved closer to him, hands slowly moving, seeking when she felt the carriage begin to move. Geoffrey, manor, it seemed almost like a dream. Una laughed then, a dream or a nightmare, either or she was still in the world of darkness that had always been with her.<br><br>The girl wanted to touch him, to see who this man was who had taken her away from her home. Then when she inhaled she smelled blood, blood fresh and coppery with the tang that only it held. Why would he smell of blood when he hadn't before? And did she really want to know the answer? Perhaps not, perhaps not. He asked her a question then and she turned her head toward him, her nose picking up the scent of blood from his mouth. Her mind flashed with myths and folklore, dark mage, shadowkin, cursed, blood drinker her thoughts whispered.<br><br>"Una. You are a shadowkin aren't you?" One dainty hand lifted, reaching toward him. "Can I see you? Please." She was guessing he would understand that for her seeing had to be done with her hands. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Will</strong> on <strong>23-12-2008, 02:07:57</strong>
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				Rowan watched her as she turned to face him, her eyes seeming to stare right past him.&nbsp; Her voice was calm, even as she asked him these things.&nbsp; "Am I a shadowkin?"&nbsp; His brow furrowed, and his voice was a strange mixture of annoyance and curiosity.&nbsp; Was she not afraid?&nbsp; How had she discerned that?&nbsp; "Yes, Una.&nbsp; I am."<br><br>As her hand reached up softly, Rowan tilted his head to the side and raised an eyebrow.&nbsp; He did indeed understand her meaning, but everything else was mystifying.&nbsp; How could she be so calm?&nbsp; In a way, she seemed just as inhuman as he... That thought gave him pause, and he answered her finally.&nbsp; "Very well."<br><br>He took hold of her wrist and pulled her hand to his cheek, resting her palm on his smooth, pale skin.&nbsp; As she felt her way across his countenance, he continued to watch her, waiting for any expression that might cross her face.&nbsp; "Are you afraid, Una?"<br><br>The carriage rolled on, gradually leaving the town proper and crossing the countryside as they headed toward Rowan's home.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>23-12-2008, 02:09:00</strong>
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				She didn't understand why he repeated the question, she was blind not deaf, but perhaps she had surprised him. She picked up the discordant notes of annoyance, probably at her questions, and curiosity. Una had always known she was odd, but how could she be otherwise? When one grew up without sight, without so many things it was odd that they turned out. And then he said yes.<br><br>Una smiled then, she had been right. The girl hadn't had contact with anyone new in years, not many had time to spare for a blind girl after all. His scent was giving off his surprise and amusement, it was interesting, she had learned at a young age that scent could give off as much emotion as the influx of a voice. She was grateful though when he gave her permission to see him, she hated to not know who the person with her was, and faces told so much.<br><br>His touch was cold, that made sense, he wasn't living, and her other hand came up with the first, slowly moving over the planes of his face. She moved her body closer as well, her thigh brushing his as her fingers mapped the contours of the man's face, learning the feel and shape of it. There was no look in her eyes to give away her thoughts, because well they were as he said, just a pretty extra.<br><br>Was she afraid? No, not really. So she laughed softly then, having seen him as well as she could at the moment before she moved back, slowly to give him more space. He seemed like a man who liked his space.<br><br>"No. I am not, there is no reason to be. What will come will come, I am blind sir, but not daft. You just took me away from the only place where I could even be partly exist by myself and not be hurt." She reached up again then, her fingers slowly tracing over the shape of his lips, eyes fluttering shut. "I smelt the blood, you killed my father. I have no one to care now, my death has been waiting since my mothers. There is not much hope in the world for someone like me."<br><br>She smiled then, her hand caressing his jawline before dropping into her lap. "Besides, no one will miss me. That is what I fear, that no one will remember me when I am gone. Yet that is my fate." 
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				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Will</strong> on <strong>23-12-2008, 02:10:28</strong>
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				Rowan listened intently as Una explained herself.&nbsp; She showed no fear, neither in her words, her voice, or her face, and he could sense nothing from her.&nbsp; The smile on her face was genuine, and he felt frustration growing in his chest.&nbsp; Her touch was soft and gentle, her small, delicate fingers tracing over his skin without trepidation.&nbsp; When her thigh rubbed against his, his thoughts momentarily left him.&nbsp; A familiar desire began to course through him, but he quashed it immediately.&nbsp; There would be time enough for that, he decided; for now, his only interest was in the girl's mind... <br><br>She did seem inhuman, undead even.&nbsp; Death no longer held any meaning for her, unless it meant peace.&nbsp; Many a night had Rowan stood on his balcony and looked out over the countryside as he quietly longed for his own release... It was not to be, however.&nbsp; Not for him.&nbsp; At least she had a release to look forward to; he was cursed in perpetuity.&nbsp; He sighed, pursing his lips thoughtfully as he pushed such pitiful thoughts from his mind and spoke.<br><br>"So you understand that death can be welcome.&nbsp; You are young to be so wise; it has taken me some time to learn this."&nbsp; There was a depth to his words as he spoke them, as if it were something he had considered many times.&nbsp; "However, knowing such a truth, you should also know that there are fates much worse than death..."&nbsp; Rowan pushed back his cloak, and reached out to slip a hand behind her head.&nbsp; His fingers slipped through her auburn hair before coming to rest on her neck and tilting her head away from him.&nbsp; "I could lock you up, in chains even, and drain you repeatedly, using you to fulfill my hunger until your soul can no longer bear this mortal coil..."&nbsp; He pushed aside her soft locks, lifting them clear of her skin and gazed hungrily at the pale, creamy skin of her neck.&nbsp; It would be a rare pleasure to feed on one such as this.&nbsp; His eyes slipped down past her shoulder, following the crook of her arms to where her hands lay in her lap.&nbsp; Rowan's chest was beginning to rise and fall as his eyes caressed her, and his voice was becoming gravelly and mean.&nbsp; He lay his hand on her thigh, and squeezed faintly before speaking.&nbsp; "I could take you, use your body to satiate my needs..."&nbsp; His words trailed off as his thoughts nearly made him shudder.&nbsp; He glanced back up to her face, desperate for some display, and moved in closer before repeating his question.&nbsp; "Are you still unafraid, Una?"
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				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>23-12-2008, 02:10:54</strong>
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				He was frustrated with her, and he wanted something, something he was denying himself which added to the frustration. The girl sighed, she was so use to frustrating her father, apparently that was all she ever roused in people. Annoyance. Una wished it wasn't so, she wished she could inspire hope, love, even desire. But no, she existed in her own world of darkness and sensations. Her head tilted when he sighed, lips quirking as she caught the sound and tried to understand what it was from, this came that deep voice.<br><br>Una did enjoy the sound of his voice, so she listened, having no need to interrupt. She did indeed understand that death could be welcome, she was welcoming it but not running now. But she was blind, in a moving carriage, running would not help her much. Then he spoke again and she felt her breath catch, fates worse then death, she had thought often of those, of being trapped, with no sound or scent to tell her what was around her. To have her other senses dull and leave her completely alone.<br><br>He was moving, she wished she was brave enough to reach out and figure out just what he was doing. Una felt his hand slip through the strands of her silky red hair, touching upon her slender neck, the pulse in her throat beating visibly faster; she had never been touched like this before as he guided her head back. His words only made that pulse quicken, her heart beating beneath him, so he would be the type of monster that she had always expected, yet, at least this monster had the voice of a sinful seduction and the face a fallen angel. "My soul is already beyond bearing..." she whispered softly, her soul had been crying out for release for years, yet her mother had died to save her, she could not take away that gift. So she lived and wished for release. He could give it to her.<br><br>His other hand was moving, brushing aside the downy softness of her auburn hair. She didn't try to move, no, she cherished in the feeling of being touched, of being held. It was a gift, even as he threatened her it was a gift. That voice of his, it was deepening, this man wanted, needed something, he seemed more animal then man at odd moments. His hand touched on her thigh, squeezing it and something flashed through her, something she didn't know, her lips parted, a soft breathless sound of surprise.<br><br>Her face, it showed her shock, her cheeks were flushed from the intimate way he touched her, her lips still slightly parted. His breath whispered over her skin, she could feel it upon her cheek as he asked his question. Una's throat worked, her body soft and pliant in the hold as she laughed softly, breathlessly. "No, how could I not be afraid when a man taunts me with torture? Do you feed off fear as well? Or is this entertainment?" 
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				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Will</strong> on <strong>23-12-2008, 02:11:35</strong>
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				<em>Entertainment?</em>&nbsp; Had he not been caught so off-guard, he would have been enraged.&nbsp; Rowan gripped her thigh and neck tightly, pressing himself against her and bearing down on her with his weight.&nbsp; Una freely admitted to being afraid now, but everything he sensed and felt and heard from her told him otherwise.&nbsp; Her heart had quickened; he could feel it in her neck, and the way her lips parted was unmistakable.&nbsp; His mind raced.&nbsp; Why didn't she shrink from him?&nbsp; He was a monster!&nbsp; No one had ever been so... so... disrespectful!&nbsp; How dare she speak to him like this?!<br><br>He clenched his jaw and leaned his head in closer, breathing her in deeply.&nbsp; He could almost taste the blood that flowed just beneath her skin.&nbsp; Warm, and so very pure.&nbsp; A bit like her father's, but his was so bitter... Hers was magnificent, he wanted to savor it slowly as it pulsed hotly from her neck, and before he knew it his mouth had relaxed and opened, his fangs a fraction of an inch from her bare skin.<br><br>Rowan withdrew suddenly, a low steady growl emanating from his open mouth.&nbsp; His eyes were locked on her as he gathered his thoughts.&nbsp; He had fed only minutes ago.&nbsp; How could his blood lust return so quickly?&nbsp; As the haze started to fade from his mind, he eased his grip on her and sat back before answering her question.&nbsp; "If only I could feed off of fear..."&nbsp; For a moment there was only the sound of breathing, and the huff and whinny of the horses.&nbsp; "...I'm afraid my needs are more drastic, Una."<br><br>The strangely reflective moment had calmed him considerably, and he turned to watch out of the window as they rode.&nbsp; They came upon his manor quickly then.&nbsp; It was massive, and clearly visible in the distance as they turned onto the drive that led up to the front.<br><br>The house was situated on a raised piece of land, slightly higher than the rolling hills that surrounded it, and woods approached it from behind.&nbsp; It was an imposing structure, with steep angles and tall, narrow windows that protruded from the house itself.&nbsp; Unsurprisingly, it had a dark look about it, as though the shadows were deeper than they should have been.&nbsp; They finally reached the front, where the drive circled around a beautifully crafted fountain.&nbsp; It appeared to have been dormant for quite some time.&nbsp; Geoffrey stopped the carriage and climbed out, moving to open Rowan's door.<br><br>Rowan reached to take Una's hand, and spoke.&nbsp; "We have arrived.&nbsp; Come."&nbsp; He stepped out carefully and helped her to do the same.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>23-12-2008, 02:13:11</strong>
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				Her throat worked as she whimpered at the suddenly tightening hold, her body was fragile, unlike his and even as he surrounded her with his scent and the sound of his breathing she trembled. There was fear and something else that filled her, a type of fearlessness, he would not harm her. She believed that. Her eyes fluttered shut as she felt his breath flicker over her neck. He seemed upset that she wasn't acting like most mortals did when confronted with "monsters", only she didn't see him as a monster. He was simply a person, more animal then human, but still a person.<br><br>And she wanted it, she wanted his mouth to sink into her flesh, she wanted her blood to fill his mouth because not only would this new, unknown heat leave, death would finally take her. And what a to die, within the arms of a handsome man with his mouth feasting on her neck.<br><br>But he left, his hands and mouth moving away leaving her feeling lost and shivering. After the heat that he had brought to her body by his nearness the air felt cool. The girl sighed, raising a hand to run it through her hair, more disturbed by what had just passed then her face revealed. His needs were more drastic then what he had just done, then she was indeed afraid, of both him and herself. Why in the world had she responded to him that way?<br><br>She was grateful when his hand came back and took hers, guiding her out of the carriage, she stood, swaying a touch as she tried to get her barrings, she inhaled and then Una turned her head to look up at him though she could not see him. "Is there a fountain? And..what is your name?" 
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				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Will</strong> on <strong>23-12-2008, 02:13:53</strong>
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				Rowan glanced toward the fountain when she mentioned it, and turned back. &nbsp;"Yes, actually. &nbsp;Your senses are sharp, aren't they? &nbsp;Perhaps you're not as helpless as your father believed." &nbsp;He was oblivious, or perhaps uncaring of the fact that she may not have wished to discuss her recently deceased father. &nbsp;Tact was not a skill he had opportunity to exercise very often.<br><br>His grip seemed to loosen on her hand at her next question, but only for a moment. &nbsp;"My name is Rowan. &nbsp;Is that an appropriate name for such a creature?" &nbsp;He led her up the front steps, grey marble worn with age, to the large, wooden door. &nbsp;Geoffrey opened it with some effort. &nbsp;"My home." &nbsp;Rowan gestured toward the central hall within, before realizing the futility of his action and lowering his hand. &nbsp;"Thank you, Geoffrey. &nbsp;You are dismissed."<br>"Thank you, my lord," he replied in a gracious voice. &nbsp;With that, he disappeared, padding away quietly into the house.<br><br>Rowan exhaled deeply. &nbsp;It was always good for him to return home; such outings taxed him considerably. &nbsp;Moving her hand to his far hand, he rested the other on her shoulder and guided her inside. &nbsp;
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				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>23-12-2008, 02:15:16</strong>
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				At his question she nodded, smiling softly. "They have to be, otherwise I would have died years ago. I live by scent, sound and touch. When you loose one sense the others become more...sensitive." At the mention of her father however her eyes closed, and she found herself wondering if she really did regret the death of her father. It was not like he had loved her, nor she really him. He had been a stranger, and had hurt her far more then this stranger had so far. It was her fate apparently to live with people she could never really know and who didn't really care.<br><br>Rowan, she mouthed the word rather then actually saying it outloud, although at the quip about such a creature she squeezed his hand as it held hers. "Such a creature as what? You seem to mock yourself a rather lot for someone that should be mocking me instead."<br><br>Geoffrey left they and Una spared a minute to wonder if she should be worried that the old man had left her alone with Rowan, but then she couldn't really rouse herself to care at the moment. What would be would be. She tensed for a moment as she felt him move behind her, one hand holding one of hers and the other on her shoulder, he was trying to give her a way to not fall flat on her face. "Thank you...I don't like falling very much, its so bothersome." 
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				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Will</strong> on <strong>23-12-2008, 02:21:22</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				As they entered, a voice called sweetly from the right of the hall. &nbsp;"You have returned, lord. &nbsp;May I take your cloak? &nbsp;I shall have your- &nbsp;The words stopped abruptly as a woman approached, and froze in surprise. &nbsp;"Forgive me, lord. &nbsp;I was unaware that you had brought a visitor." &nbsp;She held her hands clasped in front of her, and lowered her head.<br>"Yes, Tahlia. &nbsp;Take my cloak," he said, pulling it off and handing it to her, "and I wish to be alone. &nbsp;I will have you need of you later, however."<br>"Very well, my lord." &nbsp;Her voice was almost a sigh, and she disappeared into the shadows.<br><br>Rowan returned his hands to guiding Una, and led her further down the hall until they reached the central staircase. &nbsp;It was wide and sweeping, but narrowed quickly as it curled up toward the second floor. &nbsp;"Take care, Una. &nbsp;There are steps. &nbsp;We are going up." &nbsp;He continued speaking as he led her up slowly. &nbsp;"I will have a room prepared for you. &nbsp;This is to be your home, now. &nbsp;I imagine that will suit you, as you have no home at the moment." &nbsp;He moved closer to her, reaching around to take her far hand and place it on the bannister. &nbsp;"I have several servants, bound to me and the manor, but I do not consider you to be such. &nbsp;However, if I issue a command I expect it to be followed. &nbsp;My temper is short; do not test me in this." &nbsp;The stairs leveled out onto the second floor, a bit narrower hallway with many rooms laid out in a row. &nbsp;Moonlight poured in from a large bay window at the far end of the hall, where thick, heavy curtains had been pulled back. &nbsp;The tiled marble of the ground floor had given way to hardwood, polished to an unnatural degree, and their steps clacked just slightly as they walked.<br><br>Rowan stopped in front of a door and reached down, turning the handle and opening it before stepping inside with her. &nbsp;The air smelled dusty, just as the rest of the manor had, only perhaps a bit moreso. &nbsp;It was cold, and totally silent. &nbsp;"This is your room. &nbsp;It is one of the largest, and well furnished. &nbsp;I will help you to acclimate yourself. &nbsp;Here is a dresser," he said as he led her along the wall. &nbsp;It was tall, and made of polished wood similar to the floor. &nbsp;"I will have some clothes placed there for you. &nbsp;"The window is here, although I suspect you'll have about as much use for it as I have." &nbsp;He guided her hand to the pull cord, and led her on. &nbsp;"Here is the bed." &nbsp;He set her hands on the bed, and moved one to show her where the head was. &nbsp;There were several pillows, all covered in fine material to match the linens and sheets themselves.<br><br>He continued on then, and showed her a fine couch and set of chairs set along the other wall, all clearly unused for many years. &nbsp;Finishing the short tour of her accomodations, he turned to her. &nbsp;"Will you be needing anything further? &nbsp;I shall go and fetch Tahlia, so she can assist you in getting settled."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>23-12-2008, 02:21:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She heard a voice, a female voice and that caught her off guard. Well, apparently he wouldn't need to slake his hunger for sex on her body, he had someone else who sounded much more eager to take that job. When Rowan's hands left her though the girl turned her head, trying to sense where exactly he was, sensing the swirl of cloth through the air. The cloak. And then the woman was gone.<br><br>His hands came back then and they walked, she was surprised that he thought to warn her about the stairs. Her father wouldn't have bothered, just let her bang her knees against them and fall several times. A room just for her? Rather then sleeping on the couch, well that was an improvement she supposed, although the couch allowed her to easily make it to the kitchen and bathroom. Home, such an odd strange word she thought. Home had vanished with her mother's death. But she didn't speak, as she was blind she knew the power of silence. His words about having no home, he couldn't know how many years had passed since she had. But it didn't matter, Rowan didn't need to know.<br><br>Her hand touched the bannister, and Una shaped it with her fingers, committing the texture of it to her memory. Servants, people to help him and perhaps her. Ah and commands, she smiled ruefully there, but then she didn't expect him to spend enough time with her to command much. Una wondered if he was doing this out of pity, as well as she loathed pity it was a constant thing in her life. She did not need pity.<br><br>They reached the top of the stairs, level ground now, hallway, marble and then wooden floors, this place must be a masterpiece of a house. Una wished she could see it, but she would, with her hands, slowly and steadily if she could. She always liked to explore, regardless of the amount of bumps and bruises she earned. His hand moved differently then, reaching out, ah they were at her room, her new home. Lovely.<br><br>It was cold and she shivered, only clad in her thin dress. She had expected Rowan to put her in the room and leave, but he didn't instead he led her around the room carefully, helping her figure out where things were, speaking to her softly. And this man thought he was a monster? He made no sense.<br><br>At his question she shook her head "No, no need to bother anyone else, I'll get along well enough, tell me is there a heating system in the house? Or should I build a fire?" And that must strike him as odd, a blind girl asking about building a fire, but then she had had to do it a number of times back home, and though she had burnt her fingers and hands a time or two warm was better then cold. She wondered idly if he had felt the burns and small scars that covered her hands, they had been hurt often. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Will</strong> on <strong>23-12-2008, 02:25:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I'm afraid there is no heating.&nbsp; This house is... very old, and It is not something I concern myself with.&nbsp; The fireplaces are functional, however, and you may make a fire as you wish.&nbsp; Just," Rowan paused, and looked at her thoughtfully, "be careful."<br><br>Even as Una wondered at him leading her around, Rowan felt the same.&nbsp; It was strange, to say the least, but he almost felt a sort of kinship with this girl.&nbsp; They had both been forced to live their lives in darkness, and shunned by others.&nbsp; Her, as a burden; him, as a monster.&nbsp; Compassion was not something he had felt in a long time, and the pale shadow of it passing through him was extremely unnerving.&nbsp; Still, he couldn't seem to take his eyes off of her, and he found himself unwilling to part with the girl just yet.<br><br>"Ah... Are you hungry, Una?&nbsp; The kitchen is not so extensive here, for obvious reasons, but one of my servants could prepare a meal.&nbsp; In the meantime, I could show you a bit more of the manor, and maybe afterward, the garden.&nbsp; It is surprisingly lovely at night."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>23-12-2008, 02:25:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Be careful.<br><br>Whatever she had expected out of him it was not those two words. She hadn't heard them since her mother's death. And she turned away, hiding her face from him. Because for one moment she didn't know if she could mask her confusion and how those words had touched somewhere deep inside her. No one had asked her to be careful, no one had cared for years. That was why she had been so welcoming of death, she was a burden and unwanted; being careful meant that there was a reason to live.<br><br>At his next words she tilted her head back toward him, taking another step, hand raising to touch his face, feeling slowly, knowing somehow that he would let her do this. She wanted to know his expression right now. But it didn't tell her much, just that he was thoughtful. Una nodded, hands dropping as she turned to walk, showing her quick memory that she stepped around a chair and touched the door handle.<br><br>"Yes, I haven't eaten since yesterday. The garden....would you stay with me? Describe to me what you see?" There was a soft sort of longing in her voice. Her mother had described things to her, slowly explaining her surroundings until Una had felt like she could almost see the things herself. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Will</strong> on <strong>23-12-2008, 02:27:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It had escaped Rowan for a moment that Una would not be able to enjoy the garden fully.&nbsp; It was ironic, really.&nbsp; Neither could he.&nbsp; His sense of color had faded many years ago; an unfortunate side effect of his monstrous state.&nbsp; "I will stay, I suppose."&nbsp; Some part of him felt a need to distance himself verbally, as though he were getting much too close.&nbsp; Still, he couldn't pull away completely, only doing his best to sound reluctant.&nbsp; "I can have your meal brought to the garden, but... I myself am not fully able to describe such things as flowers."&nbsp; Sighing, he looked toward the window as he weighed whether to explain further.&nbsp; He took a deep breath, and continued.&nbsp; "I have lost the ability to see colors."<br><br>Rowan felt a spark of something within himself, and his brow furrowed.&nbsp; He felt like he had disappointed her intensely.&nbsp; The feeling seemed to come from nowhere, and it almost angered him.&nbsp; Walking toward the door from behind her, he pulled Una forcefully to the side and moved around her.&nbsp; Taking her hand, he pulled insistently as he spoke with a sharp voice.&nbsp; "Come.&nbsp; I will not talk of such things further."&nbsp; And with that, they left her room, moving briskly down the hallway toward the stairs.<br><br>At the bottom of the stairs, Tahlia was waiting, hands clasped in front of her in the same subservient position.&nbsp; "You called, my lord?" she asked in a fawning, syrupy voice.&nbsp; Rowan took a deep breath and exhaled before answering, and he wondered if Una would notice that he hadn't physically called anyone.<br>"Yes, Tahlia.&nbsp; My guest is hungry.&nbsp; I wish to have a meal prepared for her, and brought to the garden.&nbsp; Is that clear?"<br>"Yes, my lord.&nbsp; Right away."&nbsp; Her steps were quick and light as she left them, and then they were alone once again.<br><br>Rowan took the time to show her a bit more of the manor's downstairs, before leading her to the rear of the house, where they exited into the garden.&nbsp; The moonlight was particularly bright, and bathed the area in an unusual glow.&nbsp; The flowers were a bit overgrown, threatening to invade the wide cobblestone walk that ran between them.&nbsp; The sweet aroma of the flowers was strong, and Rowan drank it in.&nbsp; It was the only way he could truly appreciate the garden now, and it was almost intoxicating to him.<br><br>"I trust you can smell them?&nbsp; They are beautiful as well.&nbsp; I remember that much, if only faintly.&nbsp; The colors... They were so vivid.&nbsp; The roses especially."&nbsp; His tone was wistful, as though he were there in the very moment he was describing.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>23-12-2008, 02:28:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He was withdrawing, the nicer side that had flashed through with that be careful was hiding itself away again. The girl didn't like that, she wanted him to be himself, not to guard. After all there was no reason to guard against someone who was now basically dependent on him to live. Regardless Una was grateful that he would stay with her. At the mention of loosing the ability to see colors she felt for him, how would it have been to be able to see everything, every vivid color of life and then loose it. It was worse then never seeing it at all.<br><br>His scent was angry now, or close to it, and still that frustrated uncertainty. She apparently was really winning him over. Una didn't try to fight Rowan as he pushed her aside nor did she say anything when his sharp words came with the tugging at her hand and the quick walking that did cause a stumble or two. It was still better then she got at times with her father, or had gotten she supposed. It was so odd to think her father was dead, yet she didn't mourn. Maybe it was not he who was the monster but rather her.<br><br>Her ears picked up that same female voice and she sighed mentally, lovely he was going to pawn her off on someone else. Only he didn't. Although at the the calling thing, tilting her head and frowning slightly as she mentally went through the shadowkin myths she had heard. Must be something to do with his powers. The girl didn't speak, just listened and felt the areas of the manor that he showed to her. The moment they exited the house though she drew in a deep breath and let out a sound of delight. It was almost as good as seeing them, this scent, so alive. "They must be lovely."<br><br>Una lifted her hand, touching his jawline softly, feeling the longing that he had. She would have never thought Rowan would have missed seeing the colors of flowers, would enjoy them so much. She tilted her head back in the moonlight, her pale skin and eyes seeming almost to glow in the moonbeams.<br><br>"In the moonlight, at night, you can see them almost as they are. I know that much, my mother told me about it. How at night when the moonlight bathed the world that all things seem in shades of black and blue and white."<br><br>Her hand dropped, and she pulled the other one out of his hand, taking small baby steps, moving toward the scent. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Will</strong> on <strong>23-12-2008, 02:29:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Rowan nodded, and hung his head at her words.&nbsp; "Such is my world, Una.&nbsp; It has been so long since I saw the sun."&nbsp; He looked up slowly as her hand left his, and he watched curiously as she walked toward the flowers.<br><br>Raising a hand to his chin, he ran his fingertips along the path hers had taken only a moment ago.&nbsp; It was strange to feel someone touch him in such a way, so soft.&nbsp; Granted, there had been occasions in the past, when he had been a bit overly familiar with Tahlia, but she was his thrall; she would not deny him.&nbsp; It was something he desperately tried to avoid.&nbsp; Already he knew she had grown attached to him in a way that was totally inappropriate.<br><br>Those thoughts fell from Rowan's mind as Una approached the flowers slowly.&nbsp; He stepped forward and reached out for her, placing a hand on her shoulder before speaking.&nbsp; "My roses.&nbsp; It is not suprising that you found them first.&nbsp; Their smell is wonderful, and I imagine it drew you near."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>23-12-2008, 02:30:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Yet sight is a blessing." She gestured upward, at her own eyes, their vacant pale depths. She would give anything to see, had wanted to see things so badly. Memories, so far away now, of sight when she was two and three, of bright colors and toys. She could recall them if she strained hard enough, day by day it got harder. It had been blurry even then, her mother had tried to remind her. But she remembered red, red was for roses.<br><br>She had been so distracted that when Rowan's hand came on her shoulder she started, the first time she had been caught by surprise by him tonight. She nodded to his words, Una's lips moving in a smile. "They do. Are they in bloom?" She wished she could feel them but touching them would crush the fragile petals. She turned then, hearing someone else coming out, footsteps on the stone behind them.<br><br>Her sense picked up the smell of bread, cheese, baked together, melted cheese over bread. A simple meal but a good one. There was also the scent of herbs. Her stomach made a sound, she hadn't eaten since very early this morning and it smelled lovely. Una thought she might smell wine too. "Where's the table Rowan?" She asked softly. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Will</strong> on <strong>23-12-2008, 02:30:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Rowan noticed her startled reaction to his hand, and squeezed her just slightly.&nbsp; He was a large man, and his hand easily covered her shoulder.&nbsp; He moved in closer behind Una, looking past her toward the rose bushes that threatened to overtake the stone walk.&nbsp; "Yes, they are.&nbsp; The blooms are quite large, in fact.&nbsp; I believe they are red, as well."&nbsp; He thought for a moment.&nbsp; "Have you always been blind?&nbsp; I wonder if you have any concept of color."<br><br>Rowan's gaze turned to her as he spoke.&nbsp; Inhaling the scent of the flowers, he had begun to become aware of her, her scent, her reactions, and even a base understanding of her feelings.&nbsp; It was something he had only experienced with the servants of the house, but this was faint, painfully so.&nbsp; He found himself moving closer to her, his head leaning in as his other hand raised and moved toward her her upper arm.<br><br>Before he could go any further, he was aware of Tahlia approaching.&nbsp; He sighed as he withdrew a bit, turning to look at her as she brought the tray.&nbsp; "The table?"&nbsp; Rowan was a bit out of sorts, but quickly gathered himself.&nbsp; "Yes, it's in the courtyard.&nbsp; Just a bit further."&nbsp; He took Una's hand and led her on, to a large round area with a fountain in the center.&nbsp; It was quite similar to the one in front of the manor, and just as dormant.<br><br>Rowan approached the concrete table, and brought Una near as he guided her hand toward the seat.&nbsp; It was concrete as well, with a thin bit of moss growing around the legs.&nbsp; "Here," he told her simply, before turning to Tahlia.&nbsp; "Set the food down, please.&nbsp; You were very timely, Tahlia.&nbsp; I am well pleased."<br>"Oh, thank you, my lord.&nbsp; Will there be anything further?" she asked.<br>"No.&nbsp; That will be all for now."&nbsp; He dismissed her with a wave, and moved to sit across from Una before sliding the tray closer to her from where it had been set.&nbsp; "Your food is before you."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>23-12-2008, 02:31:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She enjoyed his touch, was coming to like it in fact, the feel of his hands. She hadn't responded to his question though, about being blind her whole life. Her father hadn't remembered, no one had known what she had lost. Her mind flashed back instead to the moment in the carriage, when he had held her body, teased her neck with his breath. What would it be like if he went through with that threat. Would there be pleasure even as she died in his arms?<br><br>Una followed him, still marveling at how careful he was being with her, how thoughtful he was. What would it take to make him end this all? Was he going to kill her or simply pamper her? A room, food, leading her and showing her the way around his house. Her head tilted, there was that faint scent of moss, which meant water, another fountain had once been here. "Its too bad, the fountains not working. I know the front is to make the place most likely look dormant, abandoned. Its certainly musty enough to smell like that" she said with a smile and a teasing laugh.<br><br>"But back here, it would be nice no? To come out at night and feel the spray of the water. The flowers would like I think." She sat in the chair, feeling the edge of it, touching the table and feeling it slowly seeking for tray. Another smile touched her lips when he pushed it closer, she could smell his scent to tell her what he had done. Her fingers slowly moved over the tray, discovering what was on it. Thoughtful of the woman, Tahlia to make her something she could eat without silver wear. She had given up on forks about three years ago.<br><br>Una lifted one of the pieces of bread to her lips and bit into it, letting out a sound of delight at the flavor. She eagerly took another bite, not worrying about looking dainty or lady like for the moment. She hadn't eaten since early the morning of the day before and that had been merely jerky; her father wasn't the type to cook for anyone other then himself. Fresh food, hot and full of flavor. It was a night of delights and surprises. She finished off the first piece before she finally answered his question from earlier.<br><br>"When I was very little, two and three, I could see blurry shapes, I can almost remember red, its so vivid. I wonder if your roses are the same, if blood is the same. Everything was gray for awhile, just blurry gray, sometimes lighter, sometimes darker. But by five I was in the darkness." She picked up the next slice, eating it more slowly now, wondering what his thoughts were. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Will</strong> on <strong>23-12-2008, 02:31:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Rowan watched intently as she ate. &nbsp;It was not often one had the chance to so openly appraise a person's face without them being aware of it. &nbsp;She was beautiful, uncommonly so, and he wondered how on earth she had managed to be alone for so long. &nbsp;Her rounded features were inviting, and her eyes... Rowan found it &nbsp;to be an irony too perfect for words that something so stunningly beautiful could be so utterly broken. &nbsp;He nearly lost himself in them, swearing he could see a blue there like she had mentioned when talking about the moonlight.<br><br>Surely just a faint memory of what once was, he chided himself.<br><br>"So you have only faint memories? &nbsp;I understand. &nbsp;It becomes harder to recall with every passing day." &nbsp;There was indeed wine on the tray, and Tahlia had the foresight to bring a glass for him as well. &nbsp;He leaned over the table and plucked it off of the tray before settling back onto the bench and swirling it around a moment. &nbsp;"There is a glass of wine on the tray, on your left side," he added. &nbsp;He rarely indulged in it, but the manor had a massive collection in the cellar that remained largely untouched. &nbsp;He enjoyed it occasionally, for the aroma and the taste.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>23-12-2008, 02:31:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She was use to being the silent one, the one that waited and listened to others talk. However with him for some reason she felt comfortable speaking her mind. Perhaps it was that he represented an end to her life in one way or the other. Even if he didn't kill her this life was something completely knew. She wouldn't be consigned completely to tend to herself as best a blind person could. And that was more then had had ever really thought to hope for.<br><br>She savored the taste now, eating slowly to spread out the delight. At the mention of faint memories she smiled, realizing that faint memories of colors was something else they both had in common, outside of the worlds of darkness they found themselves in. It was odd, that she had been the one he took tonight instead of some other female. But perhaps lucky for both of them, Una was beginning to think that it was fate, something in her understood him, his loneliness, his darkness.<br><br>As Una finished off the bread, feeling full for the first time in longer then she could remember she felt slowly for the glass of wine, blushing softly as she nearly knocked the glass over. The girl managed to get it into her hands and lift it up to her lips, taking a small careful sip. She had never had wine before, and to her innocent tongue it didn't taste very good. She made a face and moved to put it down only to have half of it spill over the top and onto the ground. Her cheeks burned. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be such a klutz..." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Will</strong> on <strong>23-12-2008, 02:32:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Rowan took a deep breath and exhaled, shaking his head as he watched the red wine trickle off of the table and drip down onto the ground. &nbsp;"Well... No matter. &nbsp;Perhaps you should slow your movements, next time." &nbsp;Taking a last sip of his own flute, he set it down and rose from his seat before walking around and setting his hand on her shoulder once again. &nbsp;He slid it down from there to her hand, and took it gently by the fingertips as he guided her up as well. &nbsp;"Shall I continue your tour, Una?" &nbsp;He found it oddly pleasing to show someone around like this; he was almost starting to feel human. &nbsp;He worried, though... They both knew what he was, and he was truly not human. &nbsp;Was she even now waiting for the hammer to fall? &nbsp;She had been so compassionate with him, but what if it was all a show?<br><br>Rowan's grip on her hand tightened a bit as he thought about it. &nbsp;What if she was only trying to save herself from dying like her father? &nbsp;He looked down at her, a severe look on his face, but remained silent.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>23-12-2008, 03:32:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The girl nodded at the suggestion to keep her movements slower. She only moved fast when she was nervous, and she didn't overly like being nervous. Una simply settled back into her chair for the moment, listening to the night air. Then Rowan was there again, a hand on her shoulder that slid slowly down her bare arm. Was it odd that she enjoyed his touch? That the unnatural heat from his hands seemed to spread through her skin, her skin that was so pale and cool like the evening air. At his question she nodded, she liked how he thought to show her around, to show her what she would have never even known was there without his aid.<br><br>Una got to her feet, feeling when his hand tightened, he was upset, and thinking again, about the monster he seemed to think she would see. "Rowan..." She turned slowly in his arms, leaning up to touch his jawline again, shaping his face softly with her fingers. "Why do you think I will see you as a monster? I do not, I'm the one that wants to bed dead..." she flashes him a rueful smile "Out of the two of us I'm the inhuman one.."<br><br>She realized what she was doing then, what she was saying and her face withdrew, going blank once more, hands dropping as she slowly walked to the fountains edge, feeling her way along with that as her guide. Why in the world had she just confessed something she had wondered all her life? He did not need to know her thoughts, and why would he care when no one else ever had outside of her mother? Una picked up the scent of the roses again, heading toward them and leaning down, wanting to hide her face as she inhaled a hand going out to touch the stem before she jerk back with a soft cry, having pricked her finger on a wicked thorn, she could smell the slight blood, feel the throbbing of the piercing. The thorn was still stuck in there too, she tried to work it out but seemed to only get it deeper into her. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Will</strong> on <strong>23-12-2008, 03:40:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Rowan stopped in his tracks when Una spoke. &nbsp;She had known what he was thinking? &nbsp;Surely he was not so transparent! &nbsp;Perhaps her inability to read facial expressions had manifested some other, more effective methods of gauging what the people around her were thinking. &nbsp;His face was a combination of confusion and curiosity as she ran her fingers softly across it. &nbsp;Every word she spoke seemed to disarm him further, and he stood a bit dumbfounded as she walked away toward the flowers.<br><br>His thoughts were interrupted by her voice when she pricked herself. &nbsp;He moved to her side quickly, looking down at the object of her distress with a careful eye. &nbsp;"The thorns are vicious, Una. &nbsp;Just- just stop struggling," he said, a bit agitated. &nbsp;"You're only making it worse!" &nbsp;He took hold of her hand and kept it forcibly still, and he reached in to pull out the terribly hooked thorn from her soft, pale flesh.<br><br>Una's blind pulling had made the wound much worse than it needed to have been, and Rowan pulled her hand up by the wrist to assess it in the moonlight. &nbsp;Her blood ran down along her finger and across her palm until it dripped off of the corner of her hand to hit the cobblestone below. &nbsp;"Alright, Una. &nbsp;Hold still..." &nbsp;Rowan took a deep breath. &nbsp;"I can help you heal, much faster than you would normally." &nbsp;Leaning in a bit, he brought her hand to his mouth, and ran his tonge across the open cut.<br><br>She tasted incredible, just as he had expected. &nbsp;He felt as though his mouth had come to life as he continued to lick at her finger gently, and without thinking he turned her hand and caught a droplet of her blood on his tongue before following the runnel of warm liquid back up to her finger. &nbsp;It was so warm, so coppery-sweet, so red... <br><br>His mind recoiled suddenly. &nbsp;Red? &nbsp;How could that be? &nbsp;It was indeed red, deep and crimson and still pulsing from her open finger. &nbsp;With a low groan he slipped the tip of her finger between his lips and pressed his tounge to the wound, holding it there until he could feel that the bleeding had stopped. &nbsp;Letting her finger slip out, he licked the remaining blood from her hand hungrily and savored it, eyes closed until he had finished.<br><br>His eyes went wide when they did open. &nbsp;The flowers they were surrounded by seemed to have come to life. &nbsp;Green foliage and undergrowth were cast in a bluish hue by the darkness, with a multitude of colors laid out in a calm nighttime collage all around him. &nbsp;His mouth hung open, and he looked from side to side in wonder before returning his gaze to the girl in front of him. &nbsp;"Una, I... " &nbsp;Rowan was speechless, resting one hand on her shoulder, and the other squeezing her upper arm as he stared at the roses. &nbsp;They were red, he had remembered correctly. &nbsp;Large, swollen, delicate blooms of a deep, blood red exploded silently from the dark green shadows of the bushes, and it occured to Rowan that this was certainly the most beautiful thing he had ever seen.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>23-12-2008, 03:43:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He was annoyed, lovely, well she was the one with a thorn in her finger and for once the face she turned toward his voice showed annoyance of her own. "It hurts...." She stilled completely though when his hand took her wrist and examined her finger. It irked her how easily he was able to take the thing out of her finger. Tears sparked in her eyes, she hated feeling helpless and she hated him for a brief moment for making her feel helpless.<br><br>However she didn't fight him, it wasn't like she could do anything to help herself in this. She was dependent upon him for the minute. Una didn't respond to his words, rather just staying still, grateful that there was a way to heal the stupid little sore. What she hadn't expected was for him to lick at the cut. Something moved through her at that, and she trembled. Something more was happening then just him healing her. His tongue was moving over her skin and it felt right, odd but right. Then he groaned and the sound drew a soft sound from her lips, and the suckling at her finger within his mouth seemed to tug on nerve endings deep inside her body. How was he doing this?<br><br>When he pulled away she grabbed her hand back, cradling it against her chest, her body posture wary and lost. This was like nothing she had ever experienced before and she almost wanted to back away from him. She didn't want to feel more then what her fingers felt, she had sealed off the deeper emotions, the ability to want a long time ago. Then his voice came, a hand on her shoulder and the other on her upper arm. And suddenly she saw. She saw the moonlight, the roses, the garden, the bright colors and she started weeping softly, trembling. "..Ho..how? How can I see these things in my mind?"<br><br>It was all too much and while she felt the blessing of the sight, of the roses under the moonlight, she couldn't bare it. It had to be a trick, an illusion. It was cruel. She jerked herself backward from him, away from his warm hands and his voice, stumbling backward before tripping and falling to the ground. Una's hands went out, trying to find a way to get back to her feet. How could Rowan do this? And without his touch the vision was gone, no more moonlight and roses.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Will</strong> on <strong>23-12-2008, 03:44:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Rowan felt as though he were in a dream, such was the surreal quality of the scene.&nbsp; Una's words didn't register at first, and he continued staring at the garden around him, looking up at the moon in amazement.&nbsp; She was crying... He could hear it now.&nbsp; Why would she be crying?&nbsp; As she pulled away from him, Rowan looked at her questioningly.&nbsp; Reaching out, he watched her with dismay as she collapsed onto the hard stone walk.<br><br>Her words suddenly hit him as she lay flailing on the ground.&nbsp; <em>In her mind... Did she see it?</em>&nbsp; "Una, be still."&nbsp; He moved to her side, not helping her up, but instead kneeling down to her level.&nbsp; He reached an arm across her and took hold of her far shoulder gently, turning her towards him and gazing into her silvery eyes as he spoke in a breathy, hurried voice.&nbsp; "Did you see it also?&nbsp; Did you see the colors?"&nbsp; The mere touch of his hand on her shoulder sent a spark of heat through his body, and everything seemed brighter.&nbsp; Una's eyes did have a blue tint, he had not been mistaken.&nbsp; Her hair hung a bit wildly around her face; deep, warm, auburn locks contrasting with the cool glint of her eyes.&nbsp; "You're beautiful," he told her, fairly whispering.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>23-12-2008, 03:44:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He was upset, worried, about her. She didn't smell it, couldn't sense it from movements, but she knew it, somehow she knew it. Then came the command and she stilled, trembling still, tears glittering in her pale eyes and falling down her moonlight skin. Una expected him to help her up, only he didn't, rather he turned her toward him, hands on her shoulders, his voice filling her ears. It was too quick, hurried, rough. At his question though she could only nod, distracted by the heat of his hands on her skin, and making sure that his sight wouldn't torment her again.<br><br>But it didn't come, not that the girl knew why but she was too upset and blocking it herself, not allowing herself to trust him. "I...saw...but I can't, I'm blind. I always have been. Why? Why do you have to torture me?" She wept harder again then, gasping out the words "I did not think you would be cruel to taunt me with what I can never have." Rowan, she had liked him, had started to think they might have even become friends with time. And she had never heard of mind tricks as part of a vampire's powers, at least not these types.<br><br>Then she felt his heat, knew he was looking at her, and when his lips parted to breath the words of beauty. She stilled completely for a moment before reaching up slowly, her hand finding his jaw, letting the heat of his hands and the awe in his voice sooth her down. "How can this be? How?" 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Will</strong> on <strong>23-12-2008, 03:45:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Rowan stood there, still shellshocked by the sight of his garden in full, glorious color. Her words washed over him almost totally unnoticed, not registering in his mind until he felt her hand on his jaw, and he reached up to cup it as he continued staring at the roses in disbelief. "How?"<br><br>He sighed and blinked hard, before looking down at Una. Her hair caught his attention immediately, such a deep shade of auburn and glistening softly in the moonlight. "There are ways... It could mean... " Rowan nearly whispered the words, only to close his eyes tight as he grimaced and looked away. "No. It was surely just a tease, you are right. I am sorry to have traumatized you, Una. I should return you to your room."<br><br>Taking her hand from his chin, his grip turned tighter, and he urged her to stand. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>23-12-2008, 03:46:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The girl's breathes came unevenly, she was trembling hard, tears still coursing down her cheeks, the hand that touched his face was shaking just like the rest of her as she squeezed her eyes tight shut against the feelings cascading through her. She felt like she had found herself in a dream, it must be a dream. Her father dying, being taken here, the food, the wine, and then the roses. And Rowan, the vampire who was less of a monster on the inside then she was.<br><br>Una stumbled to her feet, her body going plush against his as she shivered. It felt, oddly, right, to be up against him like this, to feel the line of his body against hers and she had to fight the urge to just melt into him. But that wasn't right, he didn't want to hold her like that. Would he want more of her blood now that he knew he would gain something from it? Would he end her life now? Or would he keep her here? There were so many questions that perched on the tip of her tongue and she wanted to release them all, yet she said nothing, cradling the hand that had bled to her chest still. The way he had tasted her blood, the sounds he had made, the pull of his mouth, it was without a doubt the most intimate thing she had experienced in her life.<br><br>Suddenly she pulled away from him, standing utterly still as a sense of horror crept over her, some legends said that vampires could gather information about the person with their blood. Hopefully his taste of her hadn't been enough to give away the nightmares of her life. She prayed for that even as she made herself speak, breathy and fearful, but more of what he might know then of him. "Rowan...I...help me find the way?" she asked, for she doubted in the jumbled mood she was in the moment that she could find her way through his massive home. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Will</strong> on <strong>23-12-2008, 03:47:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Rowan looked at her in concerned surprise as she jerked away from him so abruptly. Did Una think that he would feed on her now? He couldn't. He had to think on what had happened, consider it and decide what to do then. Bleeding her dry would only kill her, and that would serve no permanent purpose. Keeping her here was a viable option, although in what regard would she be kept? Rowan's mind was still too dizzied from the moment to think very clearly, and he sighed.<br><br>"Of course, I will take you." He reached out and took her hand, guiding her without another word back to the outer doors of the courtyard and into the house. Rowan's hand was warm, and large enough to cover hers completely as he held it with a firm grasp. He led her through the house to the curving stairs, taking care to alert her when they were about to go up.<br><br>Stepping out onto the hardwood floors of the upstairs hallway, he sighed again, as though his thoughts were getting him nowhere. Taking her hand with both of his now, he walked her slowly to her door. "We are at your room, Una." He gazed at her with an intense expression, as though he were trying to discern her very soul. "Will you be needing anything else?" 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>23-12-2008, 03:48:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She didn't want to pull away from him. Una wanted to curl into his arms, to cling to him, but god, if her blood revealed memories to him he would know more then he should. More then her heart could handle him knowing. <em>Please...don't let it be a taint</em> she prayed inwardly as he guided her into the house. Her whole body was focused upon the points of their contact, the hand that held hers so strong, the hand on her back. His skin was so warm, so firm, he must have been a warrior once, she could feel the calluses on his flesh, could feel the strength of them. He was so gentle with her, yet she knew Rowan could so easily kill her. <br><br>Heavens, this man was not good for her, yet he was at the same time. Fear of what he thought of her warred with longing of what she wanted him to do to her. The auburn haired female was surprising herself with the thoughts that flickered through her mind as they walked down the hallway. It was not like her to think, to long to know what it would feel like to have his hands run over her body, to cup her to him with those strong hands, to be against his hard body. She feared touched normally, not the craved it, especially not touches like those. But he was so..different, foreign and yet reassuring. <br><br>Her head tilted back to look up at him, feeling them come to a halt before her door. His hands held hers and she could feel the weight of his eyes upon her. Suddenly she wanted to take a risk, her hands left his, traveling up to his jawline, to his face, as if she were shaping him to learn his expression. "Yes...this."<br><br>And with that the slight blind girl tugged him down to meet the softness of her lips as she pressed to his a chaste one, the one that had been in her mind since his mouth had sucked upon her finger and tasted her blood.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Will</strong> on <strong>23-12-2008, 03:48:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Rowan returned her kiss, surprise melting away quickly as his hands left hers and he pulled Una close by the small of her back. The girl was soft against him, and warm, and he could feel her nervous eagerness. He knew, at that moment, that he could take the girl and make her his, physically, and the thought stirred something in him. The beast, the monster. It craved release. Rowan wrapped his solid arms around Una and held her tighter, nearly picking her up as he turned her and pressed her back into the wall with a muted thump.<br><br>Their kiss was not so chaste any longer, and Rowan growled against her lips as his fingers dug into her soft, still clothed flesh. The monster was taking over. He could feel it... He needed to stop it, this was not the time, but it had been so long since Rowan had given the beast even this much slack that it was growing difficult to reign in. With a monumental effort and a strained groan, Rowan pulled away from the young girl, his lips lingering against hers until he broke away and hung his head, gasping faintly. When he spoke, his voice was sharp and curt. "I must go. Sleep well."<br><br>Rowan didn't wait for a response, turning on his heels and heading back down the stairs. She would be alright by herself, he was sure of that, and he couldn't risk staying with her any longer. It was ironic, really. When she touched him, she touched him as if he were a man and not a monster. But that touch seemed to enrage the monster, as if the beast were furious at being ignored. She would fear him, she would be terrified of him, of what he would do to her. Rowan could feel the beast's intentions, and it made him shiver a little as he descended the stairs. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>23-12-2008, 03:48:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				This was more then she had ever it imagined it to be. <br><br>He was all around her, surrounding her in every manner she could dream of, her lips parting in a gasp as he held her. <em>"Rowan..."</em> her mind groaned his name, for her mouth was much too busy, his lips were slanted over hers, his arms holding her, pinning her against the wall and her smaller form all but surrounded by his in every way. Was there ever a first kiss that was so utterly perfect? She doubted it as she clung to him, shivering at the growl that sounded from him. There was a beast chained within him, and she roused it, roused it even as he made her pulse race, her breath coming quick and panting. There was a strange sort of warmth that flooded through her until she wanted to arch the line of her body against his, to give into the touch, the moment she had stolen here with the vampire.<br><br>But then he was gone, she was alone again, trembling and shivering. His face wasn't far from hers, though it was cast downward, gasping, she knew this, both from sound and the feel of his breathing but...from something else as well; had she done something wrong? Una lifted a pale hand to try and figure out exactly where he was, what expression he had, cursing her lack of sight in that moment as she had never before. But his voice came, cutting through her, like a razor to slash through the heat that his kiss had birthed with in her. <br><br><em>"I must go. Sleep well."</em><br><br>And he was gone with that. The auburn haired girl sank down against the wall, her body quivering with a fine tremor, her eyes glittering with unshed tears, at least, for a moment, before she felt the hot wet damp of one leaking down her cheek. With a sound of disgust she dashed it from her cheek, using her hands to get herself back to her feet, fingers searching and hitting against the door handle of her room. He had kissed her like he was dying for need of her, making strange things come alive within her and then pulled away. In disgust? Was she repulsive to him? "A blind fool is what I am...in more ways then one." she muttered bitterly to the air around her as she closed the door to her room.<br><br>Her mind couldn't help but flash back to the way he had showed her the room, guiding her around it, telling her where things were. He made no sense, one moment kind and thoughtful, the next a raging beast that both frightened and excited her. If she could have seen to pick up something and throw it against a wall that didn't have a window or the chance of something hanging on it she would have picked up said object and hurled it with all the confusion, hurt and rage at the circumstances she found herself in. But she couldn't.<br><br>Instead she threw herself across the bed, uncaring if she actually threw herself off it too. After being blind for so long she expected to bump into things, fall off things and generally accumilate all number of small injuries. Sadly, for her current mindframe, she just landed on a large, plush mattress. Her small hands fisted and Una clenched the coverlet, letting sobs wrack her body, though, if asked, the girl could not have said what she cried for. For her father's death, for the torment in the garden, for the care she had given up hoping for, for Rowan's searing kiss, for his departure. But weep she did until sleep claimed her and her body was limp and fluid against the mattress. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Will</strong> on <strong>23-12-2008, 03:48:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Rowan was restless the entire day. He paced the halls of the manor, occasionally muttering quietly to himself as he tried to decide what to do with the girl. There was no denying the effect she had on him, that much was clear. There were a few possibilities, but one thing was certain. This girl was going to be trouble.<br><br>Rowan shook his head, sighing as he entered the library. Maybe he could keep her and feed on her periodically? He could give her time to heal... There were other vampires that kept such "blood dolls," as they called them. It would save him the danger of going into the city at night. Still, some part of him found such an idea deplorable... An odd reaction, Rowan thought to himself. Apparently she called to both parts of him, the man as well as the animal.<br><br>Heavy curtains hung over the massive windows of the library, concealing a sweeping view of the front of the property, although light did stream in around the edges of the curtains. Rowan avoided the narrow swath it made and moved to a nearby shelf, running two fingers along the spines of the books held there. They were old, each of them, although the lack of direct sunlight had kept them surprisingly fresh. They were a little dusty, however, and Rowan made a mental note of reminding Tahlia to clean the room more thoroughly.<br><br>With a long sigh, Rowan turned away from the volumes of antiquated texts. Such idle, mundane thoughts... He realized he must have been trying to distract himself, from the matter at hand, from dealing with Una, from facing the most likely explanation for their experience in the garden. It seemed so farfetched, too much for it to happen by random chance like this. Rowan's brow furrowed and wrinkled thoughtfully, and he hung his head. It was true. It had to be true. There were other possibilities, but she fit none of them but one. The one.<br><br>He would have to talk to her. Judging by the quality of the light peeking in, Rowan guessed it to be late afternoon most likely. It would be dark soon, and most mortals seemed to have a difficult time sleeping all day as it was. Regardless, she would live on his schedule now, and how she dealt with it was up to her. Besides, Una's reaction to her new world would tell him much. Rowan's eyes scanned the bookshelf one more time, focusing on one particular book before taking it down and departing with a hasty, purposeful step. This was not going to be very enjoyable, he was sure of that. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>23-12-2008, 03:50:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She had slept deeply, and for so long, perhaps it had been the blood loss from the night before, but then she hadn't lost very much. Just a little, from the prick on her finger. She was awake now, laying on the large bed, head against the pillows as her fingers examined her once pricked&nbsp; finger. Her eyes half lidded, she could almost picture the moment, her mind straining to imagine something other then the complete darkness she lived in. A sigh parted her lips as she dropped both of her hands, rolling over onto her side, one arm tucked beneath her head. Why was she wishing to see when she had last night, had seen the garden for a moment, the moonlight and the red red roses, and upon seeing them feared them. <em> What I long for...it will overwhelm me if I get my wish....Do I truly want it?</em><br><br>Did she truly want to see? Did she truly want death? Before last night she had ached inside for both, yet there was a safety in being what she knew, being herself. Would she loose that in sight? In death? Rowan had given her a moment of sight, and he could give her death. In truth, it didn't matter what she wanted, for the only one who could alter her life was him. Vampire.<br><br>The door to her room opened then, the sound of the hinges making her stiffen slightly before she pushed herself up from the bed, her head tilted toward the sound but eyes still half shut. "Rowan?"<br><br>"You will follow me please Miss, the Master would like to see you." It was his servant, the one who had brought her food the night before. The one that desired him. Why had Rowan brought her here if he already had a female to slake his lusts? She had no purpose. Part of her wanted to protest the order, after all she was still in the dress from the night before, though it must be near night now. But there was nothing to change into and what did it matter if he saw her in sleep rumbled clothing? <em>I am nothing to him...</em> she told herself that over and over. But the kiss kept coming back, the sensations, the heat, the ache inside her body. She could have cursed him for this torment. <br><br>After long moments had passed she shifted off the bed, shaking back her thick waves of auburn hair. Her vacant blue eyes opened fully and she moved forward, carefully and slowly. She could feel the wrinkled cotton dress moving around her, her feet moving over the floorboards. The servant girl moved then, from the doorway, leading her off down the hall and Una followed by sound alone, careful to make sure of each step. And she missed having Rowan by her side. Strange thoughts indeed she had, to one moment be hoping he meant to kill her, the next to wish he was there to guide her so she did not bump into things. Perhaps, that was because she didn't really want to die anymore, but the alternative scared her just as much, if not more.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Will</strong> on <strong>16-09-2009, 18:29:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Rowan waited for Una in his bedroom, sitting cross-legged on a couch that ran nearly the length of one wall.&nbsp; The material was a deep red, although the low light in the room didn't allow much color.&nbsp; Not that he could see it very clearly anyway; the gift of clarity he had experienced in the garden had faded, leaving only the shadows again.&nbsp; Rowan ran two fingers along the impossibly soft upholstery and sighed.&nbsp; The manor was full of such nice things.&nbsp; He had been a wealthy man before.... but it all meant nothing now.&nbsp; <em>Maybe it could mean something again.</em>&nbsp; Rowan felt a glimmer of hope cross his mind, and was debating whether to crush it when there came two soft knocks at the door.<br><br>"Enter, Tahlia," Rowan said in a sighing voice, standing and walking towards them as the servant girl opened the door and entered with her eyes down.&nbsp; He smiled at her.&nbsp; "Thank you, leave us now."<br><br>Rowan watched her leave with a curious expression.&nbsp; He had been avoiding the servants the last day.&nbsp; He felt a tightness around them, in his chest and in his mind, as though there were something he needed to say to them.&nbsp; He had even had thoughts of regret over the way he had treated them, when his temper had gotten away from him over the years.&nbsp; It was this girl, Una, there was no doubt about it.&nbsp; It irritated Rowan to no end to be feeling these... emotions.&nbsp; He felt weak, vulnerable.<br><br>Rowan shook away the thought and took Una by the wrist, a little more harshly than he had meant.&nbsp; Another stab hit him at that, regret.&nbsp; Teeth gritting, Rowan hung his head before speaking in a gentle voice.&nbsp; "This way, Una.&nbsp; I will lead you to the couch.&nbsp; We must talk."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>16-09-2009, 18:30:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				His voice was the same as she remembered.<br><br>It was like a gruff velvet seduction that moved over and made her want to be closer to him. The man could certainly growl, yet as he reached for her hand she winced and tried to pull away instinctively. It hurt, his tight hold on her slender wrist and she couldn't help a soft gasping whimper of protest. The auburn haired female tugged on her own hand, trying to free it form his hold but she simply sighed and relaxed again as he spoke. At least he was making an effort to make his voice gentle for her.<br><br>Una let him guide her to the couch, sinking down to sit on it, her head shifting from one side to the next, considering things. This room smelled of him, in a concentrated form, so this must be a room he was in often. Was it his bedroom? Was he going to finish what he had started with that mind numbing kiss the night before? Or was he going to drink her blood dry from the shell of her body? These thoughts whirled within her head, racing so fast along with the beat of her heart as it picked up pace. Would that excite him? She did not know how to be with him, for last night had resulted in some extreme emotions for her. From shock, to fear, to need and longing. Hope even had stirred within her breast but she made sure to push that far back.<br><br>The girl shifted on the couch, her dress moving faintly around her and she lifted up a hand to tuck back some of her long dark red hair. Her eyes were half shut, after all it wasn't like she really had to see. "Talk of what?" she asked finally to break the long stretch of silence. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Will</strong> on <strong>16-09-2009, 18:30:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Rowan guided her smoothly to the long couch, and set her by the arm.&nbsp; It was upholstered in soft, cushioned velvet, and the arm was a wide, rounded, wooden thing.&nbsp; She could very well need something to lean on, Rowan decided, and the arm would do well enough.&nbsp; <em>Talk about what?</em> Something told Rowan that the idea of Una asking that question was amusing.&nbsp; It seemed that she brought out a whole range of new sensations, even humor.&nbsp; "Una... The garden?&nbsp; What happened there was very serious."<br><br>Rowan sat down next to her as he spoke, watching her carefully.&nbsp; "There are a few explanations, but most are outside the realm of possibility.&nbsp; You are not of the fae, are you?&nbsp; No.&nbsp; You are a human girl, unless I am mistaken.&nbsp; There is only one reason that the blood of a human girl would give color to my sight."&nbsp; Rowan's thoughts raced as he prepared to tell her.&nbsp; How would she take it?&nbsp; Surely better than just being told that she was food, he thought.&nbsp; Besides, there wasn't much left for her outside the manor.&nbsp; But it would still be a shock.&nbsp; "You are my betrothed, Una."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>16-09-2009, 18:31:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The garden.<br><br>Her eyes fluttered shut at that, the memories of the night before coming back again. The taste of hot food, the wine, the rose bush and the thorn. Him, sucking at her wound and then that one glorious, terrifying moment in which she had seen. All of this was impossible. She shifted uneasily on the couch, not sure she wanted to talk about this, after all there was a safety in ignoring things, in simply waiting in silence. But apparently Rowan wasn't going to give either of them that.<br><br>Her head tilted downward, eyelids nearly shut as she listed to him, at the question of her being fae she shook her head, no, if she was she wouldn't be so helpless. If she was he would have never gotten her here. When he spoke the word betrothed though her head came up and even though she couldn't look at him, or know exactly where he was her expression was one of utter shock. "But...I....how does that work? You are vampire, I'm a human girl....I'll die far sooner then you will." She bit down on her lower lip. "If what you want is sex take it, its not like I can stop you and your..kiss last night was amazing. You don't have to marry me." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Will</strong> on <strong>16-09-2009, 18:31:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Rowan sat still and let her speak, waiting patiently. She was actually taking it better than he had expected, so far. Instead of jerking away and screaming, she only considered the practical impossibility of it. She wanted to know how.<br><br>Sex? Rowan had to admit, her offer was tempting. To simply pin her to the couch and take her was a very appealing thought. But that was not the point. She was simply confused, understandably so. Rowan shifted a little, leaning forward closer to her. "No, this is not about sex. Not entirely, at least. Una, I am of a doomed race. Every one of us, every vampire, has a blood-mate, a betrothed. A woman matched to us, who makes us whole. You made me whole last night, Una. I believe I made you whole, as well," he said, in a quietly urgent voice. His hand moved hesitantly to rest on her knee.<br><br>Rowan was silent for a moment, unsure what to say. He didn't want to scare her away, but delicacy was not a skill he had practiced in a very long time. "We are meant to be together, Una. Tell me you don't feel it." His hand tightened its grip just above her knee. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>16-09-2009, 18:31:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				His scent filled her senses, she inhaled and shifted in her seat, for that musky, masculine scent seemed to seek out places upon her body to stir to life. It was as if he were overtaking her body, and she knew that if he accepted her offer that the feeling of his surrounding her would only amplify. And her traitor body was all to eager for that thought, she bit down on her lower lip as he leaned closer to her, his larger body caging hers in to the couch. She doubted she could have gotten past him, nor did she know this room at all, so she was well and truly at his mercy. Why then, did that thought excite her so? To know she was helpless before him? Before she had always loathed the feeling of her own helplessness.<br><br>A blood mate, would that mean he took her blood? She shivered a the deep power of his voice, the confidence in it. If he wanted to insist she was his betrothed there wasn't a whole lot she could do to stop him, and would it be so bad, to be with his man, this vampire? No, not truly, though she would expect him to tire of her mortal charms rather quickly. The feel of his hand on her leg made her body flush with a heat she didn't expect, and her thoughts flashed back to that amazing kiss the night before. Una couldn't bring herself to speak in the silence that lulled between them, but his voice filled her ears again.<br><br>The hard grip just above her knee sent a rush of heat straight to her groin and she throbbed for it, shifting on the couch, her expression uneasy. "I feel something, but I know not what it is. The intensity of all this, the way you make me feel...it scares me, how can I feel so much in such a short amount of time?" 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Will</strong> on <strong>16-09-2009, 18:32:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Rowan could sense her uncertainty, feel her teetering on the brink of understanding, and he leaned in closer to press his body to hers, his grip tightening further on her thigh. "You're reacting to me, Una... Your body, my body... It is recognition."<br><br>Rowan's hand left her thigh and took hold of her wrist, his hold a little tighter than he meant it to be before he relaxed. Guiding her hand to his cheek, he pressed her palm to his skin and inhaled sharply. His eyes nearly slipped shut, and he shuddered as though some intense electrical current had moved slowly down his spine. His skin was warm, warmer than normal for any man, and he spoke in a gravelly, whispering voice. "Feel me, Una... Feel the warmth under your hand... It is for you, and only you. Already you have awakened me in ways I never thought possible." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>16-09-2009, 18:32:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Her body shivered and she felt him move closer, his body pressed against her and his hand so tight on her leg. That hot, tight grip was making her body flush and ache in ways she had never dreamed of before and she squirmed slightly, unbearably aroused by it. Her throat worked and she shook her head slightly, trying to deny his words. A soft sound came at the tight hold on her wrist and she tried to pull it away, struggling slightly, but his hold was too strong for her to break.<br><br>Una relaxed the moment she touched his face though, her own expression softening as she inhaled shakily, wetting her lips, her breasts moving with the quickness of her heart beat and breathes. His skin seemed to sear through her, the touch of his hand, of his face, made her tremble and she had to bite down on her lower lip to withhold the moan that suddenly wanted to rise in her, for his heat was making her body ache and throb inside, her pussy, she could feel it, damp and swollen and she pressed her legs together, trembling at his words. "It....oh god, Rowan but ...how? And...what are we suppose to do?" 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Will</strong> on <strong>16-09-2009, 18:33:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Rowan shook his head, turning to place a soft kiss on her palm. The awareness of her blood, just underneath the skin of her hand, washed over him, and he struggled to keep hold of himself. "It just is, Una. I do not know how; it has always been this way. I did not ever think to find my one... But I have. it is you." Rowan kept her hand to his mouth as he spoke, raising his voice enough to overcome the muffling effect, but it strained his self-control to the limit to have his mouth open, so close to her skin, to the heated life-blood beneath.<br><br>Finally, with a slow, deliberate movement, Rowan pulled her hand away from his lips and pressed her palm to his chest. He looked at Una intently, amber eyes glowing with an intensity they had not had in centuries. "We must be bonded," he said, in a voice that seemed almost dream-like, flowing, as though that exact phrase had passed his lips a hundred times, a thousand times, times beyond counting. "Bound to me by your blood, and again by mine in turn. We will be sworn to each other for all time, and all times, and your blood will be my blood, my blood will be your blood. You will save me. You will save us all."<br><br>Rowan's voice kept that same hypnotic quality as he spoke, even through the final words. He seemed to come to his senses at the end of it, however, with an incredulous look that left him staring off behind her as he whispered to himself. "...save us all...?" He glanced back to her, seeming to look right through her, studying her. Blinking hard, he took a deep breath, and his apparent shock had passed. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>16-09-2009, 18:33:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Una shivered at the kiss on her palm, it felt like the kiss reach much more intimate places in her body then just her hand and she shifted on the couch, her breath coming faster, her pupils dilated and lips half parted. She wanted him and she wanted what he was speaking of, she wanted to be his bloodmate, to be something special to him. How had she gone from wanting to die to wanting to live, and live for centuries from the sound of it? All with his touch, he confused her, he made her feel like she was aflame inside, her heart racing and sex aching with need. She trembled at the sensations of it all, but she couldn't deny it, didn't want to. She had never felt so alive before.<br><br>The feel of his heart beat against her hand, strong, steady and she could almost feel the intensity, the depth of his gaze on her skin as her breath stopped and she fell into his words. Bound, they were bound together and she found herself crying suddenly, weeping for joy and shock in equal measure as his deep voice gave her words that would chain her to him forever, just where she wanted to be. His. Forever his, and she would save him, she would do anything for him, for Rowan, her lord. When his voice trailed off she moved forward, throwing herself into his arms, wrapping her own smaller limbs around his neck and crying into his chest, shaking with the joy and awe that was flowing through her. "Yours....Rowan, my lord I am yours." she nuzzled his chest, inhaling his scent as her tears stopped, the gravity of the moment settling into her bones and she bit her lower lip "How...do we bond?" 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Will</strong> on <strong>16-09-2009, 18:34:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Rowan was nearly taken aback when Una fell into him, and he cradle her in his arms, kissing her head as his eyes shut. The weight of her body against him clouded his thoughts, and even seemed to chase away the bloodlust that had threatened to overtake him. He was in control now, the man was in control. But he felt like... more. More than a man, more so than he had ever been before. He felt like as though the monster were falling away, leaving behind a strength that he had never known. It was not something that he had ever read about, or been told about. The whole situation seemed curiously different than he had expected.<br><br>But those thoughts were easily brushed aside by the warmth of the woman in his arms. All he could think about, all he wanted to think about, was her. She wanted to know how? He couldn't even begin to think about that, much less explain it to her. "We will worry about that soon enough, Una... for now, just be with me, be mine, and I will be yours. We will be complete soon." Rowan embraced her and held her tightly to him, sighing in contentment. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>16-09-2009, 18:34:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It felt so right to be held in his arms, to have him all around her, his scent and his strength, she was his. She had been born to be his, every step of her life leading her to him. She had for so long wished she had lived more, had gotten out of the house, had met a boy when she was younger to flirt and love. But now she was glad that she hadn't, that she had been held safe and cloistered until him. Only his, only ever his love. Her memories shuddered through her though and she blanched at them, trying to push them away, trying to silence them.<br><br>His lips touched her forehead again and she nodded, enjoying his tight hold. But even his words could not appease the fears in her heart as she bit down on her lower lip, her brows drawn together in her frown. "I....I'm not pure Rowan...." she trembled then, and tears started to sting in her eyes again as her throat worked. "My father...he...." the tears started to fall again and she shook with silent sobs, the memories of the darkness she was trapped in, how helpless she had been when he had touched her, had taken her. The scars on her heart were heavy and she clung to Rowan, hoping that he would not reject her once he knew. "He took me." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Will</strong> on <strong>16-09-2009, 18:35:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Rowan's brow tightened and wrinkled as he tried to anticipate what she was struggling to get out, and then he understood. Her father... the man he had fed on and left to rot in the street. He had offered up his own daughter to escape his debt. Even as emotionally numbed as Rowan had been then, he had known that man was despicable. He had not hesitated in sucking the life from him. Apparently he had been even more terrible than Rowan had thought. Sympathy stirred in him, stunted and atrophied from disuse, but it grew slowly as he held Una.<br><br>"I'm... sorry, Una. That is not right. But you are mine now, forever. Forever. When we are bonded, you will be made new. The life you lived before will be like a distant story; you will remember, but it will be as though it happened to someone else. None of it matters, not anymore." Rowan spoke in a deep voice, smooth and captivating in its quality. His hold tightened around her in a reassuring gesture he seemed to recall, if only faintly. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>16-09-2009, 18:36:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Una was trembling like a leaf as she waited for him to speak in the awkward silence after her tear laden confession. Her throat worked and she shifted in his arms, he wasn't pulling away, he wasn't rejecting her like she had feared. Her father had taken everything from her when he had done that, because she had believed no man would ever want the soiled goods that she was. And then Rowan spoke, his words carrying straight to her heart as she lay in his hold. His, forever, always his and the mention of her new life made her feel beyond anything she could have ever imagined. A new life, a new world, in which she was his and her days of darkness were over. Just like his were, she promised that to herself then, she would be his light as he was hers.<br><br>The girl nodded in his arms, giving over to his words, to his decision. She was safe in his arms, in his life, no one would ever harm her again, not with Rowan. He may have been more then a man, but that gave her a sense of security, he was all that she could have ever hoped for in her most secret of hearts. Una nuzzled his chest her heart beat and worries calming, falling away beneath the sound of his deep, intoxicating voice. "You're right my lord, I am yours....and only what you chose matters...." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Will</strong> on <strong>21-09-2009, 16:57:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Rowan rested his head against hers as she spoke, and he felt Una's warmth suffusing him, calling to him, her life essence just beneath her skin.&nbsp; Slowly he began to lower his head, nuzzling against her cheek, and then the upper reaches of her neck.&nbsp; It was so close... The memory of it came flooding back, overwhelming him and searing his mind with the intensity of it.&nbsp; The taste of her blood on his tongue, so sweet and coppery, sent a shiver down his body as he pressed more firmly against her and opened his mouth enough to bare his fangs.&nbsp; It was a slow movement, almost a languid stretching or yawn, and he sighed before resting the elongated teeth flush against the soft skin of her neck.<br><br>Then they pricked her, just barely, but her blood beaded up quickly at the pair of tiny openings, threatening to run in rivulets down to the nape of her neck and shoulder.&nbsp; Rowan quickly clamped his mouth on her, and began suckling softly.&nbsp; He groaned against her neck, pulling her body still closer to his.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>21-09-2009, 19:45:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He felt so good, all around her, holding her so close and tight. Una stayed still as his head lowered, she could feel her heart jump though, starting and beating wildly fast even though she held still and trusted him. There was still that knowledge, that he was likely going to bite her, to taste her blood. She shivered softly when he nuzzled her neck and then slowly lower, enjoying the feeling of his tender touch; Rowan would never honestly hurt her, she believed that, believed in him. The girl inhaled deeply, making herself relax in his protective arms, feeling the way he pressed his body into hers, the firm muscular form of the male around her distracting her from the knowledge of what was coming. <br><br>Yet as she felt the scrape of his fangs against her neck she could not withhold a shiver, but this one not of fear or dread, but rather anticipation. The memory of how his mouth had felt on her finger the night before flashed into her mind and she shifted on his lap, all but squirming as she felt a flush of arousal spread through her body. She wanted his bite, his kiss, whatever it was called, she wanted him to take her blood and bind them together in a way she could not yet fully understand. The girls lips parted in a soft gasp as his fangs slowly pricked her skin, so soft, only a light flutter of pain to quake through her body, lost in the blinding joy of the knowledge that she was giving to him, that she was what would in the days to come ensure that he lived. She whimpered faintly, trembling as she felt the blood slowly trail down her skin before letting out another gasp, this one of delight as his mouth set upon her flesh and sucked. <br><br>It felt like the pull of his mouth reached far deeper then just her neck, pulling at all of her body, a shot of pleasure and need going straight to the core of her body and she pressed herself back into him, tilting her neck, freeing it completely to his mercy, opening and offering to him with a eagerness she would have never imagined in herself. Una's eyes fluttered shut as she savored the feel of his mouth, the way he held her so tightly, the sound of his groan as it sent shivers vibrating through her body. The auburn haired female relaxed utterly, going limp in his arms except for the few moments of trying to push back further and more into him. "Oh....Rowan...."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Will</strong> on <strong>02-10-2009, 15:43:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Rowan cradled her closer as she fell limp against him.&nbsp; Her hot blood held him, transfixed, eyes shut tight as he could focus on nothing but the heat and the taste.&nbsp; His hand came to rest on Una's waist, and he squeezed, another groan coming muffled against her neck.&nbsp; Rowan could feel her life essence filling him; he could have pointed to the exact places where it was rushing through his veins, and it felt more perfect than anything he had experienced in ages.&nbsp; Every inch of him felt <em>alive.</em><br><br>What came next took a monumental effort.&nbsp; Slowly, Rowan began to pull away from the opening he had made in Una's neck, his eyes wide with need as he watched the blood continue to bead up and run down to her shoulder.&nbsp; His eyelids grew heavy, his mouth hung slightly agape, and he growled softly as he turned to reach toward the table near the couch.&nbsp; The small goblet he grasped had seemed like a part of the room's decor, polished silver with a line of crimson around the lip and base.&nbsp; Indeed, there were other pieces like it placed on the end table.&nbsp; Rowan brought it to her neck and cupped her opposite cheek.&nbsp; "I need a few drops, Una.&nbsp; I know you are weak, but my voice will hold you if you let it.&nbsp; Stay with me."<br><br>Urging her head to tilt, he touched the lip of the goblet to her neck underneath the still-leaking opening and caught a tiny amount in the cup.&nbsp; Watching her carefully, he laid her back and let her rest against the back of the couch before standing.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>02-10-2009, 19:12:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Una sighed, curling into him even as her eyes fluttered, her energy waning slightly as he drank from her, a heady sort of pleasure filled her, encasing her mind until there was only him, only this moment, for the two of them this was the world and that was how she wished it could be always. The pull of his mouth against her neck, the press of his body behind hers and the tight hold he placed around her waist. When he squeezed she gave him a soft whimper of pleasure, her head lolling back, blue eyes glazed when her lashes parted. There was such a feeling of peace, of belonging. <em>For always...</em> yes, for always his.<br><br>When he pulled away she made a faint sound, not wanting the moment to end, a soft hiss coming from her lips as the cool air touched the hot, slick flesh of her new neck wound. The auburn haired female shivered to feel the trailing of her own blood down her pale skin, the sensation unlike anything else she had known. Just another mark of her entry into a new life. When he moved slightly away she whimpered again, lost beyond words for the moment, her head having the same glaze over it, the same haze of delight, pleasure and slight pain that her unseeing eyes held. Yet the growl made it better and she felt her languid body arching slightly, inviting more of that sound, more of his touch. Gone was the shy, timid and unsure girl, in her place was a woman newly awakening, though weakened a touch with blood loss. She didn't even notice that she was fading away from thought until Rowan commanded her to stay with him. Of course, she would stay with him, she had to.<br><br>Her eyes blinked, vague feelings of colors hinting in her gaze, an after effect of their sharing that bond of his mouth and her blood. It gave her a queasy sense of hope, disorientated, but perhaps one day she could see again. "How...could I do anything but?" she murmured, nuzzling the hand that cupped her cheek, the swoop of her long lashes a dark crescent against her cheeks. She felt the old metal of some sort of cup, her brow furrowing in curiosity even as she sniffed at the air, trying to figure what he was doing. When he laid her away from him she started trembling and reached out blindly to try and catch him, to hold him to her. "Don't...leave please...." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Will</strong> on <strong>19-10-2009, 19:35:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Rowan took the ornate goblet from her neck and reached back to the side table, picking up a polished knife.&nbsp; It glinted coldly in the low light of the room, and he laid it flat along his wrist before angling it slightly, just enough to run the edge along his skin until an impossibly thin line of red began to grow there, swelling, until finally his blood began to bead and threaten to run down his forearm.&nbsp; Rowan caught it in the cup, several heavy drops, before the flow slowed and stopped.&nbsp; His skin had healed itself in a few short moments.<br><br>Rowan swished the mingled blood around in the beautiful goblet, watching it as it began to turn a brighter shade of red, and brighter still, and finally dropping to a deep crimson.&nbsp; He brought it to his lips and drank.&nbsp; As the blood hit his tongue, it was hot, almost painfully so, and his mind seared with the intensity of their bond and the disorienting effect of seeing in color.&nbsp; The thick, deep reds and golds and silvers of his room sprang into crisp contrast, even the brown of the wood floors seeming vivid and alive.&nbsp; She was the most stunning of all, however, and he focused on her to keep himself from swaying and falling from his seat.&nbsp; Her pale skin with just the faintest of flushes to her cheeks, her soft auburn hair draped about her shoulders and neck, the long line of beautiful crimson running down her neck where he had pierced her... Rowan growled hungrily.<br><br>Now was not the time, however.&nbsp; He forcibly gathered himself, taking a long breath, and raised the goblet to her lips in turn.&nbsp; "Drink, Una."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>19-10-2009, 20:05:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The girl held still, her senses clouded but focused outward, trying to figure out what he was doing. When she caught the scent of blood again, a deeper scent then that of her own, she bit her lip, worried over what he may have been doing. He didn't make any noises that lead her to believe he was hurt, and when she heard a soft swirling noise she relaxed, he was just twirling his wine, that was all. However a jolt of something when through her even as she heard him growl, a knowing of something more, of something happening. The scent of blood hung heavy in the air, his and her own, though hers was the strongest perhaps because it still cooled and leaked down her pale neck.<br><br>When a goblet was brought to her lips Una blinked in surprise but did not argue rather parted her lips obediently to sip of the wine. The coppery sweetness of blood was mingled in the deep red and she gasped to taste it, and then felt heat and lust pour through her veins. She drank deeply of the liquid held to her lips, as if she were dying of thirst she took from the cup of their blood and drank what would bind them together for eternity. His growl still played over in her ears,a lingering, a knowledge, he wanted her, he needed her, and she him. Would he take her now? She finished the wine, collapsing back onto the chaise to shiver and moan as the delicious heat spread through her body. <br><br>Her eyes opened slowly as she turned her head toward where she knew he would be and found herself blinking rapidly for the black of her blind sight was retreating, replaced with blurry black and white, yet it was sight, it was something other then the darkness that she had been encased in for so long. A cry of bewildered joy parted her lips as she stared at Rowan's indistinct face, it may not have been perfect clarity, but she could see, and it could only get better over time. And he was there, all around her, inside her, beside her, the girl lost track of her wonderment with her sight as lust and awareness of him took over, the blood already quickening the change within her that would make her a fitting bride for him.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Will</strong> on <strong>26-10-2009, 02:07:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Rowan watched her closely as she drank of the wine and the blood, and he could almost see it suffusing throughout her body.&nbsp; She almost seemed to shine with a newness, an almost regal bearing in the way her posture changed as she drank.&nbsp; It was only a brief flash to Rowan, a fleeting thought before she slumped and fell back into the plush seat.&nbsp; He could feel her more strongly now... Rowan of course could sense the surface feelings of most humans, but this was far different.&nbsp; They were truly bonded now.&nbsp; It would have to mature, of course, and she would have be transformed more fully, but the bond was there in completeness.&nbsp; He could feel her...<br><br><em>Lust?</em> Rowan was a bit surprised at the heat that washed over him.&nbsp; He had never really thought that she would feel such things for him.&nbsp; Part of him had still not let go of his shame at the monster within.&nbsp; But Una wanted him, he could feel it intensely, in every part of him.&nbsp; He gazed upon her face wonderingly.<br><br>As Rowan looked at her, he realized that her eyes were tracking him.&nbsp; The were looking into his, and then away, and then back.&nbsp; She had not done that before... She was seeing him.&nbsp; Again, just as had happened in the garden, she was seeing him.&nbsp; "Una, you see me!&nbsp; Truly... Please, do not be afraid," he pleaded softly, a faint smile growing as he spoke.&nbsp; He knew she was not afraid, however, and he moved closer to wrap his arms about her with a long, shuddering sigh.&nbsp; The closeness seemed to magnify the raw intensity of their new bond, and the warmth in Rowan's body began to course madly through his veins, as it had when he had been young... when he had fed so wildly upon those poor mortals, draining them dry and reveling in the heat of their blood as it filled him...<br><br>But that was long ago... and this was now.&nbsp; She was now.&nbsp; Una... So hot and soft in his arms, she was his now.&nbsp; "Mine... my lady... forever... "&nbsp; Smiling more widely, he pressed his lips to hers and kissed her deeply.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>26-10-2009, 03:25:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She shifted on the lounge chaise, uncomfortable within her own skin as she felt the lusty heat that swirled through her like a living thing. She wanted him to touch her, no she ached for him to touch her, to hold her and caress her. To do more then just that kiss last night, that kiss laden with so much promise. Her throat worked as she felt him surround her and a sigh of delight parted her lips at the same moment, she was his, yes. She could feel his gaze upon her skin and it made her want to squirm, her body throbbing inside, wet heat flooding the apex between her legs as she bit her lower lip, looking up at him. <br><br>And then he was moving toward her, and she didn't realize until he spoke that she should be afraid of seeing. To see him felt natural. Awe from her sight closed in again and she trembled softly, yet his voice and the smile on his sensually tempting lips distracted her lust infused blood and mind again. When he reached for her she went into his arms, squirming closer, pressing her skin against his and enjoying the feel of him, the scent, her lashes fluttering shut to savor just him, the essence that surrounded and soothed her battered soul. Nothing that came before this moment matter, nor anything that would come after. This one moment was eternity and perfection within that, that they were together, his arms around her and his heart and mind bonded to hers. She couldn't understand the strange magic of this but she was too awed and grateful to be upset at this moment. <br><br>He seemed slightly worried, upset, and she didn't want that. The auburn haired female nuzzled his neck softly, enjoying the way he held her, wanting him to focus on her and the moment, just as she was doing. Her head tilted back to open her lips up to his as he spoke words that sank into her like the most loving of bonds, his lady, forever, she was his and no others. Her lips parted with a happy sigh as she surrendered to the dark power of his lips as they coaxed her further into the hazy passion that engulfed her whole being. She felt languid and flushed, squirming on his lap and pressing the soft curve of her ass more fully into his groin, wanting to feel an answering lust from him, to have it pour over her so they could burn out like the two stars of lust and need they were meant to be in that moment.<br><br>She moaned into his kiss and then broke it, lashes fluttering up as she focused on him, on seeing him and spoke in a breathless whisper against his lips "Please...." just one word, laden with more emotions and meanings then a thousand could give voice to.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Will</strong> on <strong>26-10-2009, 06:03:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Rowan's lips followed after hers as Una broke away, and he looked curiously at her.&nbsp; Her one word, pleading for so much, washed over him heavily, and he kissed her with new intensity, his hands beginning to move over her and shape her body hungrily.&nbsp; She had awoken something he hadn't felt in far too long, had awoken it already in the upstairs hall of the manor.&nbsp; That kiss had sent a shock through his entire body, but it was nothing compared to the passion and depth of the kiss they shared now.&nbsp; Every inch of Rowan's body burned with a smoldering heat.<br><br>A warm hand caressed Una's side down to her waist as he explored her.&nbsp; Rowan took her mouth with eager need, and he still caught the scent of her blood fresh on her skin.&nbsp; Her neck... her wound was still open, he realized, but he did his best to push it out of his thoughts.&nbsp; He didn't need her blood to enjoy this, he thought determinedly.&nbsp; He would control the beast within his veins.&nbsp; Still the sweet metallic scent of her blood drove him mad with lust, and his fingers dug into her soft flesh more deeply.&nbsp; In the quiet room, every sound of their needful shifting on the soft upholstery of the couch made his chest swell with heavy breath.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>26-10-2009, 06:12:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She melted. There was no other word to fit the way she went pliant and soft within his arms, the heat of their passions filling her and washing over her like a wave until there was nothing but him. Their lips clung to one another, breathing was merely a second thought now, all that mattered as the way he seemed to drink of her soul with each touch of his lips, each sweep of his tongue as he plunder the sweet hotness of her mouth. She clung to his shoulders, shivering to feel the way his hands mapped her body, pressing into that touch and knowing beyond doubt that this was where she was meant to be. <br><br>Una moaned softly into his mouth, unable to help the sound of artless abandon as it rose within her to answer the way he held her, kissed her, possessed her. She squirmed on his lap, pressing her legs tightly together for a rush of wet heat had gone there from his kiss and she trembled to feel it. Oh but she wanted so much from him, more then she knew or could explain, she ached just for him. She whimpered then, rubbing her flustered figure against his own, hoping her lord would know how to sate the fires he had roused within her body. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Will</strong> on <strong>26-10-2009, 06:25:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Rowan's greedy touch moved lower still, his hand slipping down to squeeze her upper thigh tightly, his desperate desire expressed in that grip better than any words could do.&nbsp; Inhaling deeply, the same scent grew stronger in his mind, taunting him with its closeness as he kissed her harder, deeper, intent on distracting himself.<br><br>His hand began to caress Una's thigh firmly as he kissed her, gradually moving lower until he grasped her knee and began to push at it insistently, taking her leg from his lap and off of the couch.&nbsp; In that way, slowly, he opened her lap to him and felt the warmth of her arousal between them.&nbsp; His own excitement was growing quickly as well, pressing against her shifting bottom with its need.&nbsp; Breaking away from her lips and nuzzling her cheek, he could still feel the blood on the opposite side of her neck calling out to him.&nbsp; "Una..." he groaned, nearly pleading for her to do something about it, even though he knew there was nothing for to do.&nbsp; His hand slipped between her open legs and began to cup her through her clothing.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>26-10-2009, 06:51:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The girl felt her whole body clench as his powerful hand squeezed down on her thigh, so close to where she seemed to burn, to leak for him, and yet so far at the same time. He couldn't get close enough, couldn't take her enough with his lips, though they possessed her more thoroughly then she had ever imagined as possible. She gasped into his lips as he kissed her harder, her mouth pliant and surrendering under his. She would give anything his lips, his hands, his words demanded of her, she would give even what he did not ask for. She was his. <br><br>Her body kept up quivering softly, a fine tremor as the throbbing between her legs seemed to take over her senses. She needed him to touch her, to teach her, for she did not know how the pleasure of this worked, she had known only pain, only darkness for so long. Her eyes fluttered open again, to fix on him, to see him, the light, the sight he had given her, focused on the pleasure of his touch. Yes, this would be different, beyond everything she had known. When he pushed up the skirt of her dress she felt her throat work, the feel of his thickness beneath the shape of her ass a hard, insistent reminder of his desire for her. She felt honored, that he would feel so for her. Una inhaled deeply as he broke the kiss, half starved for air though unable to stifle a whimper that answered the groan of her name he gave to her ears, the sweetest, most tender sound to feel his lips caress the word that named her. When his hand reached beneath her clothing to cup her against the worn fabric of her cotton panties she moaned out then, her head falling back as she arched herself into that touch, her body aflame. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Will</strong> on <strong>27-10-2009, 23:05:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Rowan's touch was firm and insistent underneath her dress, the material faded from the long years of wear.&nbsp; Una would be wearing much finer garments soon, of course, but that was far from Rowan's mind at the moment.&nbsp; All he knew was the feel of her soft body held so possessively close, the heat of her desire so close, and the strain of his own between his legs.&nbsp; He needed her desperately.<br><br>Harder and harder he pressed against the thin cloth of her panties, groaning as he felt her arousal dampening the material.&nbsp; Sighing heavily against her cheek, he brushed his lips along her skin until they found hers once again, and he kissed her lightly over and over again, torn between his lust for her blood, still dripping freshly from her neck, and the full softness of her lips.&nbsp; Feverishly his fingers sought her sex, desperate for some release from the madness overtaking his thoughts, until finally he grasped the line of her panties and ripped them apart, baring her pussy to him as he bunched up her skirt in his lap.&nbsp; With a rough growl, Rowan plunged a finger into her wetness, throwing his head back as the growl grew into a long, desperate moan.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>27-10-2009, 23:30:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He had such great power over her. She did not question it in that moment, just knowing for truth that she had given over all of who she was with that one pleading word that still lingered in the air around them.&nbsp; Una melted into his touch, feeling his hands so sure upon her flesh rent from her any protest or fear, he would take care of her, she was his betrothed, his immortal bride. And for now that was enough, for she wanted nothing more then him to be touching her, taking her, possessing her, just as he was. He knew without word what she needed and she marveled through a haze of passion at the gift she had so suddenly been give. <br><br>She felt his fingers press harder, invading her modesty, yet she cared not for it, shamelessly pressing into Rowan's hand, eager for what he did. The sound he made when her wetness soaked through the thin fabric of her panties made her shiver and she let her eyes shut, savoring it and the strength of his body beneath hers for this moment, kissing him over and over again, until all there was was the taste and scent and feel of him. He was her world, and that would be how it was forever, if she had her wish. How simple, things seemed, in that moment, to just desire and give. <br><br>A cry flew from her lips when her ripped apart her panties, the yank of the material sending a shiver through her body even as his finger plundered into the damp core of her body and she gave out another cry, this one shocked as well but tapering off into a sweet moan of pure pleasure. His growl made her pussy clench around his finger and she squirmed into it, taking more, desperate and flushed, yearning. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Will</strong> on <strong>08-11-2009, 01:13:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Rowan worked his fingers deeper into her as he growled, eager and hungry to possess her more.&nbsp; He lifted his head from Una's neck and began to saw in and out of her wet slit in a steady pace.<br><br>Still her blood called to him, still so fresh as it cooled against her soft neck.&nbsp; He closed his eyes tight and tried to ignore it, thrusting his fingers in deeper and harder, but his face strained with effort.&nbsp; Frustration wracked his thoughts, and ever second left him plunging more and more roughly into her tight, clenching pussy.&nbsp; "Una... I... I need it... "&nbsp; He opened his eyes and locked his gaze with hers, his dark orbs churning with desire and hunger as his chest heaved.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>09-11-2009, 18:02:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Una whimpered, a high sweet sound as he growled at her, as he took her, possessed her inside and out. Her world centered around him as she swayed in his lap, arching and squirming and panting, her heart racing and head feeling light. With the blood loss from his feeding she was already light headed and now all the blood in her body was rushing toward her intimate parts. His fingers moved so fast, so surely and she could only wither and moan for him, lost in the storm of their passion. <br><br>His fingers were not kind, no, but they were through and that was what she needed, to know she was his, to feel him command every part of her. The girl's eyes fluttered open, glazed and swimming with desire as he looked at her and she looked at the faint outline of him that she could see. "..R...Rowan...oh god...." Her breath caught suddenly and then she came part, white light bursting within her mind and overwhelming everything as she convulsed in his hold and screamed with her climax. Her body withered madly, the cry of her pleasure lingered in the air yet the moment it was over she slumped, limp and beyond thought, the extreme pleasure of his touch and the loss of blood from earlier coupling to steal her from the waking world.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Will</strong> on <strong>03-12-2009, 20:11:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Rowan eased his thrusting fingers to a stop as she subsided, and he sighed heavily.&nbsp; Her screaming, thrashing orgasm had largely pulled him out of his bloodlust.&nbsp; He did find himself unwilling to pull his fingers from inside her soft, soaking wet sex, however, and he closed his eyes and enjoyed it for a moment longer before withdrawing.<br><br>Rowan wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly, the coppery twinge of her blood still heavy in the air, and he licked his lips before turning his head slowly and running his tongue along the rivulet that ran from the bite on her neck.&nbsp; The sensation was just the same as it had been before, if only less; he felt like his body was coming alive with the taste of her.&nbsp; Rowan tightened his hold on her and shuddered softly.<br><br>He began to lift her, carefully, cradling her in his arms and standing before carrying her to his oversized bed.&nbsp; Lying her down on the soft red cover, he lay alongside her and pressed in close.&nbsp; "You are mine forever, Una..." he whispered, before kissing her lips gently and lingering.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>03-12-2009, 20:19:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She could hardly remember how to breath as she lay in his arms, panting, her pulse thready as she stirred. She felt weak with pleasure, but also from the blood loss. Her throat worked though, a whimper sounding when Rowan's fingers eased from her body, leaving her feeling oddly empty and she trembled as he held her so tight. The feel of his tongue against her neck, where the blood still leaked from his bite made her moan, soft, breathy, Una didn't think she could have moved if she wished to. <br><br>"R..owan...my lord..." she let out a heavy breath as he picked her up so carefully and carried her to his bed. He made her feel so cherished, so loved, though they had only known each other a short time. Yet, he said forever, and she believed him. She was his, it was as simple as that, for both of them now. "Yes..yours..." she replied as he laid her upon his bed, her body relaxing into the plush surface. <br><br>The girl kissed him back tenderly, sweet and pliant before laughing softly, eyes fluttering. "I'm not sure how..much longer I can stay awake. Everything with you is so intense." She opened her eyes finally, trying to focus on his face, still confronted with the blurry black and white shapes. But it was more then she had had in years, more then she had ever had a reason to hope for. Tears came to her eyes, unbidden, overwhelmed by the gifts of sight, of his love, his acceptance, at the sudden change in her life. She hiccuped as she tried to hold it back, trembling as the emotions swamped her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Will</strong> on <strong>03-12-2009, 20:30:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"It will be this way, always.&nbsp; Everything you experience will be more... intense, and it will be the same for me as well," he said, whispering still as they lay so close.&nbsp; He ran a hand over her hair and wrapped his arm around her, sighing in contentment.&nbsp; "You have awakened me, my dear Una.&nbsp; I can only truly live with you.&nbsp; Sleep now, you need to rest.&nbsp; Your body has already begun the transition."<br><br>Rowan reached over her to pull the edge of the top cover, laying it over her and tucking her in as best he could.&nbsp; He let his eyes slip shut as well, and although he would not truly sleep, it was occasionally relaxing to lie so still and quiet.&nbsp; Especially with Una beside him, he had no desire to leave her side.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>03-12-2009, 20:34:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He was so soothing, reassuring and patient, his deep voice lulled her, letting the emotions drop away, for now at least to be replaced by sleepiness, but trust and awe. But those were not so bad and not distracting. She turned her head into the petting caress of his hand upon her hair, a sigh of happiness echoing his own one as she drew air deeply into her lungs, emptying her mind. "I..am glad Rowan, to have done that. And that you need me so, for I need you..." <br><br>Her voice was soft and shy, vulnerable as she laid herself and her heart before him, trusting him. She nodded at his command, her blue eyes fluttering shut to the welcome, known darkness of her world and her breathing deepened slowly as the exhausted girl slipped to sleep in the arms of her vampire love.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Will</strong> on <strong>07-12-2009, 17:33:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Rowan held her close for a long time, deep in rest and thought.&nbsp; It had begun, truly, and there was no going back.&nbsp; Una seemed to be nothing but happy with the transition to her new life, even if she did not truly understand it yet, and Rowan was thankful.&nbsp; There had been others of his kind whose mates had been a little less than receptive, and their situations had not always ended well.&nbsp; Not for him, though; everything was falling into place perfectly, and everything was coming together.&nbsp; It was quite shocking how smoothly things had been going, really.&nbsp; It was as if he and Una had been fated so strongly that nothing would stand in the way, not even themselves.&nbsp; Rowan had already tried to push her away, before he had realized her to be his mate, but it hadn't even begun to work.&nbsp; It had only drawn her in closer.<br><br>And now she was lying in his arms on his bed.&nbsp; Their mingled blood and wine was coursing through her body even as her chest rose and fell with long breaths.<br><br>Soon she would have her sight again, and he as well.&nbsp; She was not the only one entering a new life.&nbsp; Both of them were on the cusp of something, something larger than even Rowan could understand.&nbsp; He had never heard of it, this feeling of anticipation, a sense of terrific doom and salvation combined, even in the ancient literature of his kind.&nbsp; Every aspect of the change had been documented, or so Rowan had though.&nbsp; But here was something they neglected to mention.&nbsp; It was odd.&nbsp; Rowan resolved to search his library, intending to glean any more knowledge he could.&nbsp; The old books were strange; often the reader would not understand the meaning of a piece of writing until it was applicable to him.<br><br>For the time being, however, Rowan would remain with Una.&nbsp; The passage of time was not something that bothered the vampire; he could have lain there for days in his thoughts if there had been need.&nbsp; He would not leave Una until she awoke.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>15-12-2009, 06:01:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She shifted, murmuring happily in her sleep as she inhaled deeply, feeling a sense of peace and belonging wash over her. Una wasn't sure what it was, but she was happy, content as she lingered in the world of half slumber, half awake, uncertain of taking the risk that waking fully would be. After all the peace and belonging could just be a part of a dream, a glorious wonderful dream, she could wake up back to the reality of living in the world of darkness, of solitude. She didn't want to be alone anymore. <br><br>But wake she did, slowly but surely, feeling warm and cherished, still. She shifted on the bed, the mattress far too fine to be her own, or rather, the couch she normally slept on to spare herself from running into anything. For a moment she felt panicked, her heart leaping as she tried to figure out where she was, her eyes flying open. Then she paused, heart racing as she saw grays and whites mingle with the normal black that made up her sight. Sight. She licked her lips, nervous and tasted the richness of blood and wine on them. Blood, wine, sight...Rowan.<br><br>It all came rushing back then and she slumped back into the bed, her breathing erratic as she calmed herself down again, hugging to her heart the knowledge that it had not all been a dream. "Rowan?" she asked, her voice soft in the still air, not wanting to bother him if he as sleeping.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Will</strong> on <strong>25-12-2009, 20:38:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Una's slow, languid movements were very pleasing to Rowan, and he wondered idly if she could have been a dancer had she kept her sight.&nbsp; She was certainly pretty enough.&nbsp; "I am here, Una.&nbsp; I will always be here."&nbsp; He wrapped her up and pulled her close.&nbsp; Her soft shifting against him drew a long sigh from his lips, and he let his eyes slip shut as he enjoyed the closeness of their bodies.&nbsp; He would need her soon, to fulfill another need, another hunger.&nbsp; She was truly his fated mate, there was no doubt; Rowan's body responded to hers eagerly already, before they had even completed her transformation.&nbsp; "Always, my Queen..."<br><br>Brushing the few auburn strands from her face, Rowan kissed her forehead, before moving lower and pressing his lips to hers.&nbsp; He caressed her back slowly, up and down in long, firm strokes.&nbsp; She felt so very warm, even through her clothing, evidence that the process was going well.&nbsp; His hand slipped lower, cupping the curve of her waist, and then her ample bottom.&nbsp; Rowan pulled her to him more tightly, her lap to his, and he hissed in pleasure.&nbsp; If only they could couple now, and not have to wait... It was going to be torture, Rowan realized.&nbsp; He needed her now.&nbsp; He had needed her since the kiss in the garden, and possibly earlier... had he wanted her in the car?&nbsp; Had his body already been responding to the call of its mate?&nbsp; It almost certainly had, he decided.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>25-12-2009, 22:20:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				His voice washed over her, a sound so perfect and right her heart clenched for it, his voice was her anchor now, even more then his touch, for it was his voice she could follow, his words that gave her hope and comfort. The auburn haired female moved into his arms even as they embraced her, a tight, strong hold, she was his. Everything, the way he spoke, the way he touched her, even the way she felt his eyes upon her, spoke of her being his; and it felt right, more right then anything she could remember. Una sighed, happily, relaxing into him, her head resting against his shoulder as she let her eyes close, blocking out the confusing world she wasn't ready to see just yet. "Queen..." She asked, softly, half laughing at the thought. She was no Queen.<br><br>She found her thoughts slipping away though at the press of his lips against her skin, even some place as innocent as her forehead made her body flare and burn. All the desires that had laid within her before were back, a sweet tormenting fire to consume her. The girl shifted, pressing her legs together to try and ease the damp ache between them, her lips parting softly when his own found them, welcoming him shyly, hoping he would take more. Her body arched at the feeling of his hand moving up and down her, such welcome touches, but they made her body tense, ache deep inside, her nipples hardening when Rowan cupped her buttocks, her pussy clenching and she whimpered, helpless before the onslaught. <br><br>Her breathing was thready, erratic and quick and she shifted against him, squirming almost "Row...an.....it feels as if I burn..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Will</strong> on <strong>01-01-2010, 21:27:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Rowan looked at her, nodding.&nbsp; "You will feel a burning, as the process takes hold.&nbsp; Eventually it will subside, and the transformation will continue at a more comfortable pace," he said softly, reassuring her.&nbsp; He was sure she felt another burn as well, however, a burn that neither of them could completely satisfy for the time being.&nbsp; There were alternatives, of course.<br><br>Rowan's hand slipped down her body again, gliding along Una's back to cup her ass firmly.&nbsp; He pressed his lips to hers and reached inward, between her legs, and he groaned in a breathy tone as he felt her warmth.&nbsp; Sucking her lower lip into his mouth, he bit down on it gently and began to shift against her lustfully.&nbsp; His fingers pressed against her sex over her clothing, rubbing desperately.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>01-01-2010, 22:16:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Her throat worked as she listened to him, pressing herself as close as she could to his figure, his touch, his words were an anchor to the world, to rational thought and if she focused her eyes hard enough she could see his handsome face. She reached up a hand, shy but soft to touch his face, to caress his jawline and memorize the planes of it to help her with the half sight she had. It was better then no sight but it was nearly as maddening in one way, because it teased at her senses. What would he look like in full color? In clarity? Lord, the man was already handsome enough to make her shiver, though the delicious, tormenting things his hands were doing only aided in making her do just that in his hold, trembling in pleasure.<br><br>Una arched into the male's hands, squirming her ass into his hold as her lips parted for him in a happy moan of delight, feeling his tight hold on her, feeling her all around her, and the questing hand between her legs. Her legs opened readily, shuddering at the sound of his groan as she arched her body into his touch, needing him, more of him. The girl wanted him to rip her clothing off, to press their nude bodies together, for him to take her, wild and wanton. She trembled at her own thoughts, shocked at herself but unable to deny the desires as they poured through her supple young body.<br><br>She whimpered, jerking when he bit down on her lip, her hands coming up, nails pressing into his skin through his clothing. "...Ro...wan.....oh....god....please!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Will</strong> on <strong>02-01-2010, 05:02:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Rowan struggled to reach more easily, shifting against her further and pressing her head against his shoulder.&nbsp; He needed more, more than he could manage to take as they were, and he began gathering up her long skirt to slip his hand underneath.&nbsp; His breath was warm against her neck as he held her tight.&nbsp; "My Una... so perfect... "<br><br>Finally, he pulled her skirt up to her hips, and Rowan slid his hand between her soft thighs to cup her sex.&nbsp; There was only the thin cloth of her underclothes to cover her now, and he groped at her hungrily through the material.&nbsp; His body arched into hers as they both writhed on the spacious bed, and an arm wrapped tighter around her midsection before pulling her closer.&nbsp; His thick arousal strained against his trousers, pressing warm against her leg, and he hissed and groaned.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>02-01-2010, 22:59:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Una felt the same rush of mindless desire, of need as she had on the couch after she had drunk the hot wine that still flowed through her body, transforming her slowly. Her body pressed into his, so close and yet not close enough, the friction of her clothing arousing and yet frustrating. Everything so intense, so incredible, but not enough, not yet. She whimpered her frustration, feeling penned in and squirmed against him, her legs shifting and urging her skirt to fall to her hips, easier for him to touch, to take whatever he would. She was his.<br><br>His words echoed her thoughts, his breath so hot, the girl shivered, her bright blue eyes hazy with the lust pouring through her, long auburn tresses tangled around them like living silk. When his hand cupped the aching damp of her sex she moaned, arching into his touch, the thin material of her panties already soaked with her desire for him, her body slick beneath the scrap of fabric, wanton and ready for his possession. That he seemed not ready to take. She whimpered, biting down on her lower lip, her face hidden against his neck, and she breathed in his scent, over and over, letting it wash over her, hoping it would sooth. But it only made the fire burn hotter. <br><br>"Please...oh please...." she begged softly into his flesh, withering in his strong hold.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Will</strong> on <strong>19-01-2010, 02:18:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The heat Rowan felt from her, even through her undergarment, made him moan with barely-controlled desire.&nbsp; They would not be able to consummate their bond for a while yet, but surely there was some outlet for his frustration.<br><br>Rowan held her tightly and pressed his fingers harder against her still-hidden pussy.&nbsp; Taking hold of her underwear, he began to pull it down as deftly as he could manage in his lust-wracked state.&nbsp; Powerful hands worked them down along her thighs.&nbsp; His grip tightened, and the unmistakable sound of threads snapping signaled the tearing of the cloth barrier, and then his hand was on her.&nbsp; His fingers nuzzled and explored her deeper, shaping the lips of her sex until they found her clit.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>21-01-2010, 05:05:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He moaned and she ached for it, feeling the sound deep within her body even as that same body, the flesh that encased her being contracted and yearned for him. She whimpered, pleading without words for words had deserted her with that sound, leaving her primal and lost before him. But he would guide her, guide the blood that coursed through her and yearned for <em>more</em>, a more she did not yet understand in full. <br><br>"Ro...Rowan..." his word was a breath, a prayer upon her lips and she squirmed into his fingers as they teased her to the point of sobbing for her need. Faintly the girl felt her underwear slipping down her long legs, her breathing easing as she thought of him deep inside her, of his hands, his mouth, anything and everything, things she should not know but that his blood burned into her mind and made her long for the visions of them. <br><br>And then he ripped the thin scrap of cotton, shearing it away from her flesh so that nothing could prevent him from touching her just as he wished. As his fingers slid into the damp swollen flesh of her pussy she let out a cry, high and joyous only to quiver and arch into his hand as his fingers located her clit and pressed upon it. "Oh!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Will</strong> on <strong>13-02-2010, 00:31:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Rowan's breath fell to a gasping pant while he thrust his fingers into her, rough and hungry.&nbsp; Pushing himself up on one elbow, he looked down on her as he plundered her needful pussy, and the sight held him fast.&nbsp; Una squirmed where she lay, her eyes burning and straining with her need.&nbsp; He understood it, at a basic level, and he knew the same look was in his eyes.&nbsp; They needed to be joined.&nbsp; It would only grow stronger, no matter what release they obtained, but it could not be sated until the time was right.&nbsp; Rowan growled a sound like a low roar and plunged his fingers into her.<br><br>Pressing himself closer to her, Rowan let his weight lie on her as he slipped a hand beneath her neck and pulled her head to his chest.&nbsp; Irritation grew in his chest at the garments they both still wore, so unable to stifle the intense heat of their bodies.&nbsp; An unnatural heat, but so very natural as well.&nbsp; They would be joined.&nbsp; Not yet, but soon.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder [Wistful Dream &amp; Will1984]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>19-02-2010, 08:56:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She tried to help herself, to tame down the responses of her body, after all she hardly knew him even with what they had done earlier. But it was like fighting a raging wild fire, one that was sweeping through her body and consuming every thought and setting each nerve ending on edge, on fire. She withered, burning with the need that raged within her and arched into his fingers as they took her slick core. There was no way to stop this, to alter it, she needed him far too much, she needed him more then she needed air to breath, more then she had ever needed anything. <br><br>Una was wild beneath him, her half sight dancing in and out as her lashes fluttered and she sank into the pure lust that his touch sparked within her. His, his, his. It seemed to right and then he was pressing into her and she moaned out for that, because it was so perfect, to feel him against her, all male against all that was feminine about her. His growl was primal, animal and she cried out for it, a sweet angel in sensual torment she had no wish to be free from. Her head cradled against his chest with his hands guidance and she moaned over and over, panting and whimpering, sweet and sultry as he urged her up faster and harder until she withered madly against him, the sweetness of her climax lingering around her like a heady thing.<br><br>"Ro...Rowan....Rowan...." his name was a moaned breathy prayer on her lips, picking up in pitch until she screamed as his sinful fingers sent her hurtling over the edge of bliss and his name was her cry to the heavens, a sound of pure untainted pleasure. "Rowan!!"
			</dd>
		</dl>
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