Post by tinare on May 14, 2011 23:00:55 GMT -5
It was a time of what we would now call the dawning of civilized man. Mankind was wrought with monsters, gods and gleaming advancement. A young girl, appearing to be no more than ten, though her true age was debated in hushed rumors, sat cross legged on the cool tiled floor of her parents home. On her lap was a new parchment. Written word was difficult to come by but her mother always insisted she keep up with whatever reading material she could obtain. The girl, an oddity in their surroundings, was kept away from the general population. Not that she knew or cared. Her fare, pale skin, coupled with her silky blond locks drew far too much attention in the north African world she was born into. Her father held the same attributes as she. Right down to the strikingly introspective dark blue eyes. He had come from lands far to the north and fallen helplessly in love with a priestess of what would some day become the goddess Hathor. The priestess, a powerful seer or witch, had fallen into a dangerous love affair with the foreign man. He was in fact a blood hunter, a vampire. One born from the first, or so it had been told, and fraternizing with one’s food was never allowed. But a love such as theirs would never be denied. And from their love was born their daughter, Tumaini, who now sat pouring over the written word as if it were life itself. Softly a song came from her lips. A lullaby her mother often sang to her on the warm windless nights.
Tumaini lifted her head from her reading to cast a curious look out a window. There was a ruckus coming from outside that drew her attention. But before she could see out her father burst into the heavily adorned and perfumed room. To Tumaini he looked to be frantic as he swept her to her feet. Pushing aside his concerns, her father clutched his little girl to his chest and cast upon her a doting smile. “Little one, you and your mother must be going on a trip this very night.” In the haste of being picked up Tumaini had let the precious written words fall and to the floor they dropped soundlessly. She ignored them only for the comfort of her father’s embrace. But a frown twisted her features as she responded, “Father, won’t you be joining us? And if we leave tonight there is hardly time to pack enough for a proper journey.” Her father only offered a smile and shook his head in silence. Meanwhile, her mother had entered and answered for him, “Your things are packed and Hesup will accompany you until you safely reach my mother’s sister, outside the city. Then your father and I will do our best to quickly meet with you there.” Tumaini thought to protest, finding Hesup’s company less than encouraging, but she caught the determined look on her mother’s face and knew an argument was pointless. Her father’s face hardened for a moment as if he would disagree but soon his features softened and opening his arms took his wife into their embrace. They stayed locked together until the jolting bang of their home’s main door being ripped from it’s hinges was heard. “It’s too late. They’ve come.” her father claimed, his voice strained as he released both his wife and daughter. Panic now filled Tumaini’s eyes as they darted questioningly from mother to father. Only her father would speak, “Take Tumaini, hide her.” Just then Hesup, a large man, carrying a blunt weapon on his massive shoulders entered the room. Tumaini always wondered how such an enormous man could sneak so quietly. His dark face was marred with scars and Tumaini felt more and more panic coming over her as he came closer. She ran behind her mother, hiding her face in the soft tunic pleats as she began to shout in protest, “Mother, Father, NO I won’t go. You are frightening me! I don’t want…” Her childish rant was cut short by a firm hand clasped over her mouth. Her father had silenced her and once again scooped her into his arms as he release4d her mouth and spoke rapidly, “You need to be strong little one. Please go now with Hesup and know that we love you.” Placing a loving kiss on her forehead, Tumaini could now see the red tears of blood filling u[ his eyes as he handed her off to Hesup’s grasp. Her mother quickly put the sack of food on Hesup’s back and lingered as she also kissed her baby goodbye, “Mind Hesup. We will see you again Tuma. We love you.” Without another word both her mother and father left, hand in hand to meet their fate against the assailant that had entered their home.
Hesup tucked her under his arm like a sack of grain and walked to the wall. Using her body as an extension of his own hand he pressed a stone in the wall, revealing a hidden passage. Instantly she started kicking, biting and scratching, “You put me down Hesup! I will walk by myself.” Already a plan had begun to form in her mind. Hesup begrudgingly set her on her feet with the tunnel in front of her and himself firmly set behind her. Looking into the black, lightless tunnel she took a step towards it. Stopping short as an inhuman scream rang in her ears. Hesup’s attention was divided for a second and in that instant she was off. Running at full speed through the tunnel she could hear Hesup’s angry grunting. He had expected her to try to escape him directly, not thinking that she played in this particular portion of the tunnel passage daily and could, with a little luck, lose him in no time. Her preternatural eyes adjusted easily to the inky blackness around her due to the vampire blood that surged in her body. Taking a series of turns she slowed only as she neared an exit that led into the great hall. It was in that magnificent room that guests were entertained. It was also attached to the kitchen , where she thought to hide until she figured what to do next.
Tumaini kicked against a rock in the wall of the passage she was hiding in. She had come to a dead end except for this exit or doubling back. The rock was quickly dislodged with her hands as she bent down over it. The hole was barely large enough for her to fit through, so without Hesup completely barreling through the wall he couldn’t follow. She had to crawl through to get past the opening, and turned, pushing the heavy rock back in place with both of her feet while she sat on the ground still. The sound of her father’s voice boomed from a room nearby and she jumped to her feet from the surprise of it. Whirling around she saw, across the enormous table a young man. His feet were resting rudely on the table surface and he had rocked the chair onto it’s back legs. But most of this was lost on Tumaini as she became engrossed in his sinister smile and curiously similar blond hair. In spite of the untold happenings all around them she felt frozen by the stranger’s gaze. Shaking her head firmly the young girl marched up to the opposite side of the table and sternly recalled the warnings she had been told, “My name is Tumaini and my mother says feet don’t belong on the table or you will have to eat off the floor.” To accentuate her point she put her hands, palm down on the table and leaned in.
The blond haired man chuckled and lowered his feet to the floor with a thud. His tone, muscular body rose from the chair and with swift, fluid movements he was at Tumaini’s side. Her mind wouldn’t allow her to move, feeling his hot breath at her ear. An unfamiliar feeling caused her stomach to twist in knots. The shocking realization settled over her, in no more than a second, that for the first time in her life she felt fear. The man could easily feel her tangible fear and retreated a few respectable steps from her. Finally he spoke, his voice finding her with a tone and timber that rolled off his tongue like sweet honey, “You’ve nothing to fear from me. But the ones I am with might not be so willing to leave you unharmed. You should escape while you can.” Turning to face him with every intention of verbally assaulting him with her heated temper she could only stare wide eyed. Her indignant anger dissolved into confusion. Tumaini could only stammer out a weak response, “My mother, my father, they told me to leave, they went to meet the ones that come into our home. I… I can’t leave with out them.” The shocking realization dawned on the man after hearing her words, she was not one employed here, nor a child lost but in fact the proof of broken laws. His own face contorted and his hands shot forward to firmly grasp her slumped shoulders before he had even thought to do so. His eyes locked with hers and she fought her racing pulse and pounding heart to keep from crying out. He spoke again instantly quieting the pounding in her head, “Go back the way you came, and you give your parents the best chance they have. A deal has been struck and your mother will be searching for you soon.” He gave her a shining smile that seemed to light up his entire face. With his hands on her shoulders the girl was guided back to the spot in the wall where she had broken through.
Reaching for the large stone she stopped short of going in. Turning to cast her sapphire gaze on him again she smiled up into his eyes. Her soft voice spoke, “Thank you. I don’t know why you are helping me but…” Her voice was cut short and tear filled worry crept into her eyes as she continued, “What if the ones you are with find out you helped me? Won’t they be terribly angry? What if they try to hurt you?” The girl’s thin arms broke free and wrapped around his waist as she pressed her cheek to his stomach. Shocked by her sudden show of affection the man chuckled and peeled her off his body gently. Taking one knee he then embraced Tumaini as he responded, “Those fools can’t touch me. I do what I want. What if I make you a promise? When you are safely away and this mess has passed I will come find you and you will see that no harm has come to me? How will that be?” Nearly tackling him in her tight embrace the girl giggled in delight. He continued though and easily held her back from him, “But you must give me a promise as well. You must leave, Now. And do not return to this place.” A seriousness had settled over his face and she knew that she should remain calmer. She nodded her head that she agreed and answered, “I promise.” Tumaini started to shimmy feet first into the exposed hole in the wall and the man returned to his feet, walking a few steps before she called out to him, “Wait! I don’t even know your name.” He turned a dazzling smile on the girl as he replied, “I go by Cavelin. And I shall see you soon Princess Tumaini.” Cavelin had accentuated the word princess playfully and it hit it’s mark with her. She giggled as her eyes lit up and she ducked back into the tunnel, replacing the stone.
Tumaini’s mind raced, fueled with the meeting she had just left. As she walked the darkened tunnel to find Hesup she assumed it wouldn’t take long for him to find her. Since she had no other escort and no way to know where she was expected to go, the girl sat, with her legs stretched out in front of her and her back against the carved out stone walls. In the silent blackness she starte4d musing to herself, just above a whisper, “Cavelin, hmm I wonder, does he..” Her wonderings were interrupted by a scent reaching her. She sniffed at the air and quickly stood. The unmistakable smell of blood filled the passage, but not just any blood, her father’s. Terror gripped her heart and she ran towards the foul odor. As Tumaini ran, letting her half vampire instincts guide her she became disoriented. Hearing her mother’s sobbing she stopped and put her hands to the wall. She listened and found a crack in the mortar, just big enough to let her see through a bit. The scene that met her was troubling. Her father knelt at the feet of another. She could see her father’s bowed head, exposing the back of his neck, a slowing trickle of blood seeming to come from his face. The other man had his back to the hole Tumaini spied through, but she could see the glint of her father’s sword in the stranger’s hands. With movements faster than her eyes could follow the strange man plunged the sword through her father’s neck, severing his head in one mighty blow. A screamed pierced the air and hurt her ears, as the girl covered her ears she fell backward. Tumaini quickly figured out that the scream had been her own and she moved her hands to cover her mouth instead. Moving forward again, on her knees , hearing her mother’s defiant voice condemning the strangers, cursing them in her native tongue. Unable to look again the rattled girl listened as a loud crash silenced her mother’s rants. Silent tears slipped down her cheeks, and as she rubbed them away, smudges of dirt from her now filthy hands were left on her cheeks. One voice could be heard now, harsh and cold yet alluring in it’s own right, “Find the abomination and bring it to me. Our laws are clear, the child of a vampire and human must die.” Committing to memory that voice she then heard another voice, one she recognized as Cavelin’s, “Leave the child to me. You can not be afford to linger. Once the villagers see that devils came to defile the home of a beloved priestess it will draw unneeded attention. And your Master will disapprove of the bother.” A silent agreement had been reached and Tumaini could hear the rustling of the others withdrawing. Cavelin walked to the wall and blocked the site where she had watched her father’s cruel beheading. The small amount of light that had been filtering through the cracks was diminished with Cavelin’s shadow. He spoke softly knowing she was near enough to hear, “Dearest Princess you did not hold true to your promise. You must go now. When I find you again I will answer all of those questions you must have. But now… you must go. Please. I beg of you.”
Sparked by his words she angrily got to her feet and ran soundlessly through the tunnel. Letting her instincts once again rule her actions, she found her way through the passage. In a matter of minutes she reached the door that led out of their home and into the rest of the world. As she pushed the heavy wooden door she was strangely relieved to see the night time sky stretched out over her. A large full moon illuminated the face of Hesup, worn with worry and contempt for what he saw as a troublesome assignment. He reached out and gruffly held both of her slender wrists easily within one of his paw like hands. Hesup began to walk, dragging her along behind as Tumaini tried to keep up with his monstrously large gait. The large mute guard expected some resistance or at the very least less compliance. He kept the exhausting hike at a fast pace, now and then glancing back at Tumaini as worry over took his previous contempt. Still she said not one word to her guide. Not once did she falter behind him either. And hour of walking led them to a nearby village and the one roomed hit of Tumaini’s great Aunt. A seer as well, with no children of her own, the great woman met them at the door. Her shriveled skin was some how less drastic with her smile. She greeted Tumaini whom she hadn’t seen in weeks, “Tuma. Come eat, sleep and in the morning we will talk of all of this.” The heart broken girl did not raise her head, only walked into the home and to the mat on the floor that had been set out for her to sleep on. After curling up into a defensive ball she fell into a deep sleep, listening to the voice of her aunt fussing over Hesup.
Troubling dreams filled Tumaini’s sleep along with voices of those that came and went in the hut. A familiar scent threatened to rouse her from her sleep and worse yet the voice tried. The velvet like sound of Cavelin’s words called to her, “Princess, I’ve kept my promise. Won’t you wake for even me?” Lost within her dreams her consciousness struggled to get to the surface. Her eyes fluttered open and slowly focused on him. Blinking as her eyes sought his. Tumaini was aware of the warmth from his hand loosely on hers. Her head swam as an indescribable hunger welled up in her. “Who? Cavelin? By the gods… Auntie? How long have I slept? I feel like I haven’t eaten in days.” The elderly aunt stood over Tumaini and answered with a peculiar hardness in her voice, “It’s been three months.” Frightened and shocked she looked to her aunt as the woman continued, “I know very little of your father’s kind but it would seem to me that whatever of him that is in you was awoken that fateful day.” With the cloud of confusion slowly lifting Tumaini pulled her hand back sharply from Cavelin’s and held it up staring at it in horror. Throwing back the cover that had been lovingly draped over her she saw what her Aunt had meant by her strange words. No longer greeted with the body of a ten year old girl, she had grown and matured drastically, now resembling a young woman.
Cavelin watched Tumaini’s reactions, marveling at the dramatic changes as well. He had charmingly taken one knee at her bedside and she could feel his eyes lingering at her now, well developed chest. Folding her arms over the thin night shirt that had been put on her while she slept she covered the obtrusive femininity as best as she could. A deep crimson blush colored her cheeks. Quickly she scolded him, “What? Haven’t you ever seen a girl before?” Cavelin chuckled at her but Hesup went into action. Ever the guardian he roughly snatched the discarded blanket and threw it over Tumaini’s shoulders. Taking his place behind her he glared at the blond haired man with undisguised loathing. Annoyed with it all, Tumaini threw off the blanket and stood quickly, surprising even herself at how easily she moved. Her aunt regarded her now with even more unease than had shown in her voice earlier. Still the elderly woman went to her great niece and held out a bowl filled with a weak broth. Taking the bowl gratefully, Tumaini lifted it to her lips and promptly lowered it again with a look of disgust that she tried to hide, “Um, maybe some fresh air first?” She set the bowl down and walked to the door with no one trying to stop her, though her aunt pleaded with Cavelin to help. He soon appeared from the hut and caught up to her, walking along at her side.
For a time neither spoke as they got farther away from the others. Then Tumaini looked over as if finally recognizing he had come along, “You kept your promise, why are you still here?” There was nothing mean or demanding in her voice as she asked. Cavelin met her questioning eyes with a patient look of his own as he responded, “I want to be here. Tell me, what do you remember of that day?” She opened her mouth to speak but stopped, unsure of her own memories that were so confused with her recent dreams. Finally they stopped walking and she turned her body towards him and answered, “Enough that I don’t ever want to remember again. But, you…” Her voice trailed off, unable to pose the two questions that had haunted her nightmares. Cavelin stepped forward, draping his arms around her shoulders, he lowered himself just enough to meet her gaze straight on. He couldn’t bare to have her questioning him and spoke on it before she could, “Tumaini, what happened, no one could have stopped. A war wages within the ancients. By saving even you I chanced an unstable peace and with it many, many lives.” Cavelin paused and moved his arms so that his strong hands grazed the soft skin of her neck. An involuntary chill ran down the length of Tumaini’s spine. A warmth grew in her from his touch and his thumb now tenderly caressed her blushing cheek. Cavelin continued to explain, “There was never any chance of me turning against you. But then, deep down you knew that all along didn’t you? That’s why you put all of your faith in me.” She turned to nuzzle his warm inviting hand at her cheek, responding with a measured quiet in her tone, “Something about you. Your very core. I knew you couldn’t betray me. One last question, I have to ask. My mother? Is she? Is there any chance?” Guilt at having survived racked her soul and even though she knew the answer, she had to be sure. Cavelin’s hand retreated from comforting her and instead he slipped his fingers through her blond tresses.
Silence greeted Tumaini and she had her answer in it. Still he tried to explain, “She was supposed to be freed. But the others, they left with her. They did not return with any prisoners. Tumaini I’m sorry. Had I known he would go back on his word…” Tumaini raised her hand to stop his words, “It’s ok. Really it is.” Her voice was hallow. She had expected grief to overwhelm and even consume her but the only thought she could hear was the craving within herself. The dark sapphire of her eyes paled as she looked again to Cavelin. Desperately she flew into his arms, pulling him close as she wound her arms around his neck. Having already seen her bizarre need to show affection he was less surprised and reciprocated, pressing her close to himself. She breathed in his scent, hearing the pounding of his heart over her own. Turning her head, her lips softly grazed the skin of his neck. Strange new instincts were awakened in her. Cavelin, was astute enough to know the hunger that gripped her was something she couldn’t stop, and if not answered would cause her to lash out at any poor soul that crossed her path. He encouraged her along, pressing ardent kisses of the tender flesh of her neck. Her breath quickened and became broken. Tumaini’s eyes opened, colorless except for the black of her pupils. Letting out a whimper she bared her newly grown fangs and sank them into Cavelin’s neck. The rush of his blood filling her mouth sent jolts of immeasurable pleasure through her. As she swallowed draught after impossibly filling draught her hold on him tightened. Completely lost to the moment and his blood, Tumaini hardly comprehended what was happening. Nor did she catch the strained expression on Cavelin’s face. Just when it seemed the perfection of their inhuman embrace would never end, Cavelin called to her, rousing her mind, “Tumaini, that’s enough. Come back to me.” Her conscious mind fought against her need to drink more. Withdrawing her fangs from him she did not move away. Instead she rested her forehead to his cheek, trying to catch her breath. Kissing the stray droplets of blood from his neck before pulling away. Looking apologetic and shy after that, Tumaini let him go only to have him pull her close again. Her eyes still hadn’t returned to their usual color yet as they met his and she dared to break their silence, “I never knew THAT was what my father had to combat. That thirst, the pleasure of… “ Her cheeks blushed even darker than before, with his blood now adding to their lovely color. Cavelin chuckled easily at her inexperience, responding patiently, “I wasn’t aware you hadn’t done that before. It’s no wonder you didn’t stop on your own.” Still laughing quietly he continued, “I’m honored then I suppose, to have been the first victim to fall to your ah…” He paused clearing his throat before continuing, “Deep kiss.”
Tumaini giggled at his description and lowered her head. Lifting it again as her sapphire eyes locked with his she smiled warmly, “How is it that from tragic happenings I can find so much comfort here with you? Your every gesture, smile and the warmth of your being close makes everything some how okay. I would have suspended it was an adverse reaction to this new change in me, except from the second you first spoke to me it was the same. You. Being near you , it’s like nothing else matters.” It was her turn now to laugh as she mocked herself, “That sounds stupid doesn’t it?”
Cavelin let her go and smiled as he spoke, “It doesn’t sound stupid Princess. I’m happy that I have that effect on you. But now that your craving has been satisfied we should talk of more serious things. Your Aunt was right. You can not stay here. I will head back and your boneheaded guard can take you farther out of the reach of those that could harm you. I will assume he was chosen because he was trust worthy. You will need to feed but since you are only half blood hunter the urges should be controlled with minimal amounts of blood loss to the brute.”
The blond haired woman’s nose scrunched up in disgust at the idea of drinking Hesup’s blood. Her hand shot out, taking Cavelin’s in a very firm and decisive grip. He raised his eye brows questioningly while she answered his unspoken questions, “Hesup can tag along if he must but please, please don’t think I will ever willingly partake of anything that gross. Besides you will be with me won’t you? You can’t leave now. I know you have more than full filled your promise to me but, “ A sudden terror threatened to crush her heart with the possibility of him leaving, tears filled but did not over flow her eyes as she continued, “Please Cavelin, please don’t leave. I need you.“ Her innocent and honest confession left him speechless for a short time.
A wide smile adorned Cavelin’s face as he placed his hand over hers and spoke, “If you want me to come along, nothing could keep me from your side. Someone needs to keep you in line.” He joked but knowing that she felt so strongly about him built up his already inflated ego. But more than that it caused feelings to arise in him he would vehemently deny even to himself.
Tumaini squealed in delight and took off running back to her aunt’s home. She dragged Cavelin along as he laughed, easily keeping pace with her excited gallop. Looking back at him, her blond hair bouncing as they ran she smiled, “We are going to have great adventures together from now on.”
Tumaini lifted her head from her reading to cast a curious look out a window. There was a ruckus coming from outside that drew her attention. But before she could see out her father burst into the heavily adorned and perfumed room. To Tumaini he looked to be frantic as he swept her to her feet. Pushing aside his concerns, her father clutched his little girl to his chest and cast upon her a doting smile. “Little one, you and your mother must be going on a trip this very night.” In the haste of being picked up Tumaini had let the precious written words fall and to the floor they dropped soundlessly. She ignored them only for the comfort of her father’s embrace. But a frown twisted her features as she responded, “Father, won’t you be joining us? And if we leave tonight there is hardly time to pack enough for a proper journey.” Her father only offered a smile and shook his head in silence. Meanwhile, her mother had entered and answered for him, “Your things are packed and Hesup will accompany you until you safely reach my mother’s sister, outside the city. Then your father and I will do our best to quickly meet with you there.” Tumaini thought to protest, finding Hesup’s company less than encouraging, but she caught the determined look on her mother’s face and knew an argument was pointless. Her father’s face hardened for a moment as if he would disagree but soon his features softened and opening his arms took his wife into their embrace. They stayed locked together until the jolting bang of their home’s main door being ripped from it’s hinges was heard. “It’s too late. They’ve come.” her father claimed, his voice strained as he released both his wife and daughter. Panic now filled Tumaini’s eyes as they darted questioningly from mother to father. Only her father would speak, “Take Tumaini, hide her.” Just then Hesup, a large man, carrying a blunt weapon on his massive shoulders entered the room. Tumaini always wondered how such an enormous man could sneak so quietly. His dark face was marred with scars and Tumaini felt more and more panic coming over her as he came closer. She ran behind her mother, hiding her face in the soft tunic pleats as she began to shout in protest, “Mother, Father, NO I won’t go. You are frightening me! I don’t want…” Her childish rant was cut short by a firm hand clasped over her mouth. Her father had silenced her and once again scooped her into his arms as he release4d her mouth and spoke rapidly, “You need to be strong little one. Please go now with Hesup and know that we love you.” Placing a loving kiss on her forehead, Tumaini could now see the red tears of blood filling u[ his eyes as he handed her off to Hesup’s grasp. Her mother quickly put the sack of food on Hesup’s back and lingered as she also kissed her baby goodbye, “Mind Hesup. We will see you again Tuma. We love you.” Without another word both her mother and father left, hand in hand to meet their fate against the assailant that had entered their home.
Hesup tucked her under his arm like a sack of grain and walked to the wall. Using her body as an extension of his own hand he pressed a stone in the wall, revealing a hidden passage. Instantly she started kicking, biting and scratching, “You put me down Hesup! I will walk by myself.” Already a plan had begun to form in her mind. Hesup begrudgingly set her on her feet with the tunnel in front of her and himself firmly set behind her. Looking into the black, lightless tunnel she took a step towards it. Stopping short as an inhuman scream rang in her ears. Hesup’s attention was divided for a second and in that instant she was off. Running at full speed through the tunnel she could hear Hesup’s angry grunting. He had expected her to try to escape him directly, not thinking that she played in this particular portion of the tunnel passage daily and could, with a little luck, lose him in no time. Her preternatural eyes adjusted easily to the inky blackness around her due to the vampire blood that surged in her body. Taking a series of turns she slowed only as she neared an exit that led into the great hall. It was in that magnificent room that guests were entertained. It was also attached to the kitchen , where she thought to hide until she figured what to do next.
Tumaini kicked against a rock in the wall of the passage she was hiding in. She had come to a dead end except for this exit or doubling back. The rock was quickly dislodged with her hands as she bent down over it. The hole was barely large enough for her to fit through, so without Hesup completely barreling through the wall he couldn’t follow. She had to crawl through to get past the opening, and turned, pushing the heavy rock back in place with both of her feet while she sat on the ground still. The sound of her father’s voice boomed from a room nearby and she jumped to her feet from the surprise of it. Whirling around she saw, across the enormous table a young man. His feet were resting rudely on the table surface and he had rocked the chair onto it’s back legs. But most of this was lost on Tumaini as she became engrossed in his sinister smile and curiously similar blond hair. In spite of the untold happenings all around them she felt frozen by the stranger’s gaze. Shaking her head firmly the young girl marched up to the opposite side of the table and sternly recalled the warnings she had been told, “My name is Tumaini and my mother says feet don’t belong on the table or you will have to eat off the floor.” To accentuate her point she put her hands, palm down on the table and leaned in.
The blond haired man chuckled and lowered his feet to the floor with a thud. His tone, muscular body rose from the chair and with swift, fluid movements he was at Tumaini’s side. Her mind wouldn’t allow her to move, feeling his hot breath at her ear. An unfamiliar feeling caused her stomach to twist in knots. The shocking realization settled over her, in no more than a second, that for the first time in her life she felt fear. The man could easily feel her tangible fear and retreated a few respectable steps from her. Finally he spoke, his voice finding her with a tone and timber that rolled off his tongue like sweet honey, “You’ve nothing to fear from me. But the ones I am with might not be so willing to leave you unharmed. You should escape while you can.” Turning to face him with every intention of verbally assaulting him with her heated temper she could only stare wide eyed. Her indignant anger dissolved into confusion. Tumaini could only stammer out a weak response, “My mother, my father, they told me to leave, they went to meet the ones that come into our home. I… I can’t leave with out them.” The shocking realization dawned on the man after hearing her words, she was not one employed here, nor a child lost but in fact the proof of broken laws. His own face contorted and his hands shot forward to firmly grasp her slumped shoulders before he had even thought to do so. His eyes locked with hers and she fought her racing pulse and pounding heart to keep from crying out. He spoke again instantly quieting the pounding in her head, “Go back the way you came, and you give your parents the best chance they have. A deal has been struck and your mother will be searching for you soon.” He gave her a shining smile that seemed to light up his entire face. With his hands on her shoulders the girl was guided back to the spot in the wall where she had broken through.
Reaching for the large stone she stopped short of going in. Turning to cast her sapphire gaze on him again she smiled up into his eyes. Her soft voice spoke, “Thank you. I don’t know why you are helping me but…” Her voice was cut short and tear filled worry crept into her eyes as she continued, “What if the ones you are with find out you helped me? Won’t they be terribly angry? What if they try to hurt you?” The girl’s thin arms broke free and wrapped around his waist as she pressed her cheek to his stomach. Shocked by her sudden show of affection the man chuckled and peeled her off his body gently. Taking one knee he then embraced Tumaini as he responded, “Those fools can’t touch me. I do what I want. What if I make you a promise? When you are safely away and this mess has passed I will come find you and you will see that no harm has come to me? How will that be?” Nearly tackling him in her tight embrace the girl giggled in delight. He continued though and easily held her back from him, “But you must give me a promise as well. You must leave, Now. And do not return to this place.” A seriousness had settled over his face and she knew that she should remain calmer. She nodded her head that she agreed and answered, “I promise.” Tumaini started to shimmy feet first into the exposed hole in the wall and the man returned to his feet, walking a few steps before she called out to him, “Wait! I don’t even know your name.” He turned a dazzling smile on the girl as he replied, “I go by Cavelin. And I shall see you soon Princess Tumaini.” Cavelin had accentuated the word princess playfully and it hit it’s mark with her. She giggled as her eyes lit up and she ducked back into the tunnel, replacing the stone.
Tumaini’s mind raced, fueled with the meeting she had just left. As she walked the darkened tunnel to find Hesup she assumed it wouldn’t take long for him to find her. Since she had no other escort and no way to know where she was expected to go, the girl sat, with her legs stretched out in front of her and her back against the carved out stone walls. In the silent blackness she starte4d musing to herself, just above a whisper, “Cavelin, hmm I wonder, does he..” Her wonderings were interrupted by a scent reaching her. She sniffed at the air and quickly stood. The unmistakable smell of blood filled the passage, but not just any blood, her father’s. Terror gripped her heart and she ran towards the foul odor. As Tumaini ran, letting her half vampire instincts guide her she became disoriented. Hearing her mother’s sobbing she stopped and put her hands to the wall. She listened and found a crack in the mortar, just big enough to let her see through a bit. The scene that met her was troubling. Her father knelt at the feet of another. She could see her father’s bowed head, exposing the back of his neck, a slowing trickle of blood seeming to come from his face. The other man had his back to the hole Tumaini spied through, but she could see the glint of her father’s sword in the stranger’s hands. With movements faster than her eyes could follow the strange man plunged the sword through her father’s neck, severing his head in one mighty blow. A screamed pierced the air and hurt her ears, as the girl covered her ears she fell backward. Tumaini quickly figured out that the scream had been her own and she moved her hands to cover her mouth instead. Moving forward again, on her knees , hearing her mother’s defiant voice condemning the strangers, cursing them in her native tongue. Unable to look again the rattled girl listened as a loud crash silenced her mother’s rants. Silent tears slipped down her cheeks, and as she rubbed them away, smudges of dirt from her now filthy hands were left on her cheeks. One voice could be heard now, harsh and cold yet alluring in it’s own right, “Find the abomination and bring it to me. Our laws are clear, the child of a vampire and human must die.” Committing to memory that voice she then heard another voice, one she recognized as Cavelin’s, “Leave the child to me. You can not be afford to linger. Once the villagers see that devils came to defile the home of a beloved priestess it will draw unneeded attention. And your Master will disapprove of the bother.” A silent agreement had been reached and Tumaini could hear the rustling of the others withdrawing. Cavelin walked to the wall and blocked the site where she had watched her father’s cruel beheading. The small amount of light that had been filtering through the cracks was diminished with Cavelin’s shadow. He spoke softly knowing she was near enough to hear, “Dearest Princess you did not hold true to your promise. You must go now. When I find you again I will answer all of those questions you must have. But now… you must go. Please. I beg of you.”
Sparked by his words she angrily got to her feet and ran soundlessly through the tunnel. Letting her instincts once again rule her actions, she found her way through the passage. In a matter of minutes she reached the door that led out of their home and into the rest of the world. As she pushed the heavy wooden door she was strangely relieved to see the night time sky stretched out over her. A large full moon illuminated the face of Hesup, worn with worry and contempt for what he saw as a troublesome assignment. He reached out and gruffly held both of her slender wrists easily within one of his paw like hands. Hesup began to walk, dragging her along behind as Tumaini tried to keep up with his monstrously large gait. The large mute guard expected some resistance or at the very least less compliance. He kept the exhausting hike at a fast pace, now and then glancing back at Tumaini as worry over took his previous contempt. Still she said not one word to her guide. Not once did she falter behind him either. And hour of walking led them to a nearby village and the one roomed hit of Tumaini’s great Aunt. A seer as well, with no children of her own, the great woman met them at the door. Her shriveled skin was some how less drastic with her smile. She greeted Tumaini whom she hadn’t seen in weeks, “Tuma. Come eat, sleep and in the morning we will talk of all of this.” The heart broken girl did not raise her head, only walked into the home and to the mat on the floor that had been set out for her to sleep on. After curling up into a defensive ball she fell into a deep sleep, listening to the voice of her aunt fussing over Hesup.
Troubling dreams filled Tumaini’s sleep along with voices of those that came and went in the hut. A familiar scent threatened to rouse her from her sleep and worse yet the voice tried. The velvet like sound of Cavelin’s words called to her, “Princess, I’ve kept my promise. Won’t you wake for even me?” Lost within her dreams her consciousness struggled to get to the surface. Her eyes fluttered open and slowly focused on him. Blinking as her eyes sought his. Tumaini was aware of the warmth from his hand loosely on hers. Her head swam as an indescribable hunger welled up in her. “Who? Cavelin? By the gods… Auntie? How long have I slept? I feel like I haven’t eaten in days.” The elderly aunt stood over Tumaini and answered with a peculiar hardness in her voice, “It’s been three months.” Frightened and shocked she looked to her aunt as the woman continued, “I know very little of your father’s kind but it would seem to me that whatever of him that is in you was awoken that fateful day.” With the cloud of confusion slowly lifting Tumaini pulled her hand back sharply from Cavelin’s and held it up staring at it in horror. Throwing back the cover that had been lovingly draped over her she saw what her Aunt had meant by her strange words. No longer greeted with the body of a ten year old girl, she had grown and matured drastically, now resembling a young woman.
Cavelin watched Tumaini’s reactions, marveling at the dramatic changes as well. He had charmingly taken one knee at her bedside and she could feel his eyes lingering at her now, well developed chest. Folding her arms over the thin night shirt that had been put on her while she slept she covered the obtrusive femininity as best as she could. A deep crimson blush colored her cheeks. Quickly she scolded him, “What? Haven’t you ever seen a girl before?” Cavelin chuckled at her but Hesup went into action. Ever the guardian he roughly snatched the discarded blanket and threw it over Tumaini’s shoulders. Taking his place behind her he glared at the blond haired man with undisguised loathing. Annoyed with it all, Tumaini threw off the blanket and stood quickly, surprising even herself at how easily she moved. Her aunt regarded her now with even more unease than had shown in her voice earlier. Still the elderly woman went to her great niece and held out a bowl filled with a weak broth. Taking the bowl gratefully, Tumaini lifted it to her lips and promptly lowered it again with a look of disgust that she tried to hide, “Um, maybe some fresh air first?” She set the bowl down and walked to the door with no one trying to stop her, though her aunt pleaded with Cavelin to help. He soon appeared from the hut and caught up to her, walking along at her side.
For a time neither spoke as they got farther away from the others. Then Tumaini looked over as if finally recognizing he had come along, “You kept your promise, why are you still here?” There was nothing mean or demanding in her voice as she asked. Cavelin met her questioning eyes with a patient look of his own as he responded, “I want to be here. Tell me, what do you remember of that day?” She opened her mouth to speak but stopped, unsure of her own memories that were so confused with her recent dreams. Finally they stopped walking and she turned her body towards him and answered, “Enough that I don’t ever want to remember again. But, you…” Her voice trailed off, unable to pose the two questions that had haunted her nightmares. Cavelin stepped forward, draping his arms around her shoulders, he lowered himself just enough to meet her gaze straight on. He couldn’t bare to have her questioning him and spoke on it before she could, “Tumaini, what happened, no one could have stopped. A war wages within the ancients. By saving even you I chanced an unstable peace and with it many, many lives.” Cavelin paused and moved his arms so that his strong hands grazed the soft skin of her neck. An involuntary chill ran down the length of Tumaini’s spine. A warmth grew in her from his touch and his thumb now tenderly caressed her blushing cheek. Cavelin continued to explain, “There was never any chance of me turning against you. But then, deep down you knew that all along didn’t you? That’s why you put all of your faith in me.” She turned to nuzzle his warm inviting hand at her cheek, responding with a measured quiet in her tone, “Something about you. Your very core. I knew you couldn’t betray me. One last question, I have to ask. My mother? Is she? Is there any chance?” Guilt at having survived racked her soul and even though she knew the answer, she had to be sure. Cavelin’s hand retreated from comforting her and instead he slipped his fingers through her blond tresses.
Silence greeted Tumaini and she had her answer in it. Still he tried to explain, “She was supposed to be freed. But the others, they left with her. They did not return with any prisoners. Tumaini I’m sorry. Had I known he would go back on his word…” Tumaini raised her hand to stop his words, “It’s ok. Really it is.” Her voice was hallow. She had expected grief to overwhelm and even consume her but the only thought she could hear was the craving within herself. The dark sapphire of her eyes paled as she looked again to Cavelin. Desperately she flew into his arms, pulling him close as she wound her arms around his neck. Having already seen her bizarre need to show affection he was less surprised and reciprocated, pressing her close to himself. She breathed in his scent, hearing the pounding of his heart over her own. Turning her head, her lips softly grazed the skin of his neck. Strange new instincts were awakened in her. Cavelin, was astute enough to know the hunger that gripped her was something she couldn’t stop, and if not answered would cause her to lash out at any poor soul that crossed her path. He encouraged her along, pressing ardent kisses of the tender flesh of her neck. Her breath quickened and became broken. Tumaini’s eyes opened, colorless except for the black of her pupils. Letting out a whimper she bared her newly grown fangs and sank them into Cavelin’s neck. The rush of his blood filling her mouth sent jolts of immeasurable pleasure through her. As she swallowed draught after impossibly filling draught her hold on him tightened. Completely lost to the moment and his blood, Tumaini hardly comprehended what was happening. Nor did she catch the strained expression on Cavelin’s face. Just when it seemed the perfection of their inhuman embrace would never end, Cavelin called to her, rousing her mind, “Tumaini, that’s enough. Come back to me.” Her conscious mind fought against her need to drink more. Withdrawing her fangs from him she did not move away. Instead she rested her forehead to his cheek, trying to catch her breath. Kissing the stray droplets of blood from his neck before pulling away. Looking apologetic and shy after that, Tumaini let him go only to have him pull her close again. Her eyes still hadn’t returned to their usual color yet as they met his and she dared to break their silence, “I never knew THAT was what my father had to combat. That thirst, the pleasure of… “ Her cheeks blushed even darker than before, with his blood now adding to their lovely color. Cavelin chuckled easily at her inexperience, responding patiently, “I wasn’t aware you hadn’t done that before. It’s no wonder you didn’t stop on your own.” Still laughing quietly he continued, “I’m honored then I suppose, to have been the first victim to fall to your ah…” He paused clearing his throat before continuing, “Deep kiss.”
Tumaini giggled at his description and lowered her head. Lifting it again as her sapphire eyes locked with his she smiled warmly, “How is it that from tragic happenings I can find so much comfort here with you? Your every gesture, smile and the warmth of your being close makes everything some how okay. I would have suspended it was an adverse reaction to this new change in me, except from the second you first spoke to me it was the same. You. Being near you , it’s like nothing else matters.” It was her turn now to laugh as she mocked herself, “That sounds stupid doesn’t it?”
Cavelin let her go and smiled as he spoke, “It doesn’t sound stupid Princess. I’m happy that I have that effect on you. But now that your craving has been satisfied we should talk of more serious things. Your Aunt was right. You can not stay here. I will head back and your boneheaded guard can take you farther out of the reach of those that could harm you. I will assume he was chosen because he was trust worthy. You will need to feed but since you are only half blood hunter the urges should be controlled with minimal amounts of blood loss to the brute.”
The blond haired woman’s nose scrunched up in disgust at the idea of drinking Hesup’s blood. Her hand shot out, taking Cavelin’s in a very firm and decisive grip. He raised his eye brows questioningly while she answered his unspoken questions, “Hesup can tag along if he must but please, please don’t think I will ever willingly partake of anything that gross. Besides you will be with me won’t you? You can’t leave now. I know you have more than full filled your promise to me but, “ A sudden terror threatened to crush her heart with the possibility of him leaving, tears filled but did not over flow her eyes as she continued, “Please Cavelin, please don’t leave. I need you.“ Her innocent and honest confession left him speechless for a short time.
A wide smile adorned Cavelin’s face as he placed his hand over hers and spoke, “If you want me to come along, nothing could keep me from your side. Someone needs to keep you in line.” He joked but knowing that she felt so strongly about him built up his already inflated ego. But more than that it caused feelings to arise in him he would vehemently deny even to himself.
Tumaini squealed in delight and took off running back to her aunt’s home. She dragged Cavelin along as he laughed, easily keeping pace with her excited gallop. Looking back at him, her blond hair bouncing as they ran she smiled, “We are going to have great adventures together from now on.”