Quite a gang the girls of vamp are collecting! A duo of wolfy pooches and now a pair very obedient fellows. Kayla’s getting good enough at this vampie stuff to go in and out of cities now! Things don’t bode well for that traitorous thief in Riften methinks.

Excellent!!... ...I'm always a bit off my game when I'm hungry meself... ...

Loved the way she turned the tables...And Emelia, despite her size and appearance has obviously got enough gravitas to be a decent presence...Yes...

Loved the bit with the wolf and "I like you a bit, sometimes..."... ...Yeah, yeah...We know what you mean... ...

The sneeze was pure dog...I've seen that so many times... ...

Ooooh, Niruin's gonna get his handed to him soon enough...

Wonder what the others have been doing in all this time?...

An excellent story!!...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

I'm all caught up! I'm all caught up! And this is all really good!

I'm really enjoying Kayla's arc as she learns the ropes, and she and Emelia have great chemistry together on the page. It's fun to see the vampire hunting team about, and I am enjoying a vampire story where it's told from the perspective of both the vampire and the hunters, and both of them are the good guys; it makes for a refreshing twist on the usual formula.

This is just as great a read as I remember it to be, and I'm really looking forward to the next chapter.

I am so glad Kayla is finally going to give that backstabbing creep what he has coming to him for double-crossing her (unless he smooth-talks her into forgiving him).

LOVE the thralls, this story is great !! Awesome Write !!

Just a quick summary of what happened with Erik and Mjoll in Whiterun: Uthgerd left the trio, and now they've resolved to head to Riften to speak to Marcurio.




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


Marcurio leaned back, his fingers interlocked as he appraised the two beings in front of him. One was a tall, magnificant-looking woman with blonde hair and beautiful crystal blue eyes, and the look of a hardened warrior about her. Her steel armor glowed in the torchlight, the Nordic runes along the curves of her bosoms and small of her waist creating an alluring look to her already commanding presence. Marcurio found it hard to look away from her pale face, her full lips parting slightly as she leaned forward, her hands on the table after she earnestly explained their situation.

The other was also tall and magnificent looking, slightly softer, but still had the look of a barbarian. His red hair contrasted his pale, lightly freckle flecked skin in a flattering way. His armor was dented in places where the thrust of an enemy's sword had failed miserably, ending with his foe no doubt rotting in some cavern below the hardened, frozen earth. He regarded Marcurio with a slightly suspicious gaze, his dark green eyes keeping trained on Marcurio's movements. This amused Marcurio to no end. Nords were naturally suspicious of magick, yet weren't above using a simple fire spell to light a fire when the chill was too much for even them. The man's muscled arms crossed and uncrossed as he regarded Marcurio with his piercing eyes.

Marcurio gave them a sly smile and raised his dark brows.

"Let's go over it again, shall we?" He held up a ringed finger. "I charge five-hundred septims, no ifs, ands, or buts." He held up a second finger to bring about his second point.

"Two, you two will be sharing your stash of curing potions with me. You will shell them out when I ask, and never withold them."

"Now wait a minute," Erik began. "We agreed that you'd bring your own potions. Why are you changing the deal all of a sudden?"

"It occurs to me that between the two of you, you might have more potions stocked up than I do. Now, you might not know this, but vampirism is contracted in several ways. By bite, weapon, magick, or sexually. Now, since I'm very sure you two aren't copulating-" He chuckled slightly at their confused looks on the new word. "-with said monstrosities, I'd like to point out that as a wizard, I WILL be at the magickal forefront of all battles I participate in. Meaning," He shifted in his seat and leaned forward, putting his palms flat on the table. "Even though I'll be dusting them left and right, enough to where the two of you will most likely hardly lift a finger, I will be getting zapped, drained, gnawed on, and stabbed. Now," He leaned back again, interlocking his fingers once more.

"I will explain the reason for the high fee. The fee covers new scrolls, potions, enchantments, and of course, food. Before each new 'adventure,'" He made air quotes around the word. "There are things I like to make very, very clear on what is to be expected from myself, and from my partners. I need to know what your capabilities as warriors are, so I can know what to expect. If you two lack in the healing area, I can fix that by healing. If you two lack skill in speed, well, there's a spell for that. If you two need to sneak away for some fun time alone-"

"Compopulating?" Mjoll offered.

"Yes, for... compopulating... then let me know and I can muffle any lewd sounds that might leak through those warrior lips of yours."

Erik crossed his muscular arms. "You're very thorough."

"I must be, Sir Slayer. I haven't survived in the harsh lands of Skyrim by being brash and careless."

Erik pursed his lips, his arms still crossed. "What kind of fighter are you?"

"Pardon?"

"Can you use any weapons at all?"

Marcurio's brows knitted together. What type of question was that? He inwardly scoffed as he realized that Nords had no appreciation for the arcane. The woman seemed ready to hire him, but the man was holding back for some reason. Suspicions about magick? Most likely. Surely it wasn't Marcurio's character, flawless as it was. He presented himself as knowledgeable and shrewd as best as he could. He had no doubt these two were fantastic fighters, their bodies in peak physical condition whereas his was still malleable and soft. Only in comparison to theirs, though. He had ways for alleviating the pressures of being in great physical condition.

By magick, of course. Each jeweled ring he wore(Four in all, on every other finger starting at his right ring finger) had an enchantment that boosted his already natural talents. The silver sapphire ring on his right ring finger bolstered his already superior skill in Destruction magicks. The ruby one, engraved with daedric symbols(meaning nothing, of course, but what buffoon would know that?) gave him an extra boost of magick, something that came in handy when his own natural reserves were running dry. The golden one with the golden and brown stone, called Tiger Eye, boosted his confidence and awareness and willpower. The silver one on his left first finger made his flesh a little more resistant to non-magick weapons.

The ring on his left ring finger was his favorite one. It boosted his Restoration skill. Restoration was a highly undermined school in Skyrim, the barbarians and wizards alike in this frozen, ungrateful wasteland deeming it the "weakest" school.

To Marcurio, it was quite the contrary. with enough skill, one could cure a disease or, on the more malevolent side of Restoration, cause disease. There were several times where he'd brought a small plague of festering sores upon his enemies.

He needed to know every aspect of their combative nature, though. Not only to ensure their safety, but to ensure his own. He needed to know where their skills lacked so he could compensate their failings with his own strengths.

Yet the red haired Nord was busy thinking of Marcurio's own failings instead of his own. He understood. He did. It wasn't lost on Marcurio that the Nord was only doing what he was doing, just not worded as eloquently.

"I am minorly skilled in any bladed weapon you give me," Marcurio said smoothly. "Of course, I have spells to rectify any failings I may have in any area of melee combat."

Erik sighed audibly. "What does that mean?"

"It means, I can handle it."

"With magick?"

"Yes, with magick."

Marcurio saw Erik bite the upper part of his lip before speaking. "I want to go over our strengths and weaknesses BEFORE the pay."

"Understandable. Shall we begin?"

Marcurio is a egotistical bastard, isn't he? Lol.

He better better be worth the pay

Marcurio in that chapter was absoutely awesome. I loved him so very, very much indeed, and having him as the third member of the trio looks like it's going to be a blast. Excellent stuff.

GAAAAH! I love Marcurio in game, you have really rounded him out here! Mjoll and Marcurio together, imagine the dialogue that would create!! Lol. Awesome Write !!!!

Compopulating! When you think about it, the word makes perfect sense. . . .

Cause disease as a spell! How cruelly cool!

This was a fun episode as the pair hire an uppity mage.

Ah, glad to get caught up again.

It's nice to see a trained and powerful Wizard act like a trained and powerful Wizard. Marcurio clearly knows a lot, including his limits and resources.



See, that right there. I half-expected something along the lines of "No, it will be with my expanding trousers-quarterstaff." But Marcurio remains resolute and professional, like a boss.

That's exactly how I was trying to portray him. He was a lot of fun to write, especially with how little magick my characters usually use. He knows where he lacks and seeks to better himself in those departments. He'll lose his cool at some point, sure, but all in all, he's a businessman. Even though Erik was grating his nerves, he remained professional.

He actually reminds me of a guy I work with. I've been hanging around him a lot(much to his surprise XD) and watching him, listening to him, and mentally writing down anything funny or off-hand he says.

Ahh what a wonderful bastard this guy is going to be.

Another thumbs up for your treatment of Marcurio. I just love that guy in the game. His snarky confidence tends to annoy my characters only until he first saves their butts in his usual spectacular way. (Often right outside the gates of Riften, lol.)

The overall impression I got from Marcurio was that he's not above looking both ways... ...

Not a judgement people!! Just an observation... ...

Definitely loved this chapter...Brilliantly done, and Marcurio's obvious skill and power came across brilliantly, and all he did was sit at the table... ...

Loved the thing with all the rings too...That gets on my nerves in Skyrim...You've got four fingers on each hand dammitt!!... ...

Brilliantly done...

Love it!!...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

Tanks for your patience, everyone. These past few weeks have been particularly difficult for me, and I'm very lucky to have peers like y'all.

Anyways!

Where we left Kayla and Emelia: Both vamps headed to Riften, where several familiar scenes are playing out.



-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=



Night in Riften was deceptively beautiful. The moons reflected serenely off the canals as the torchbugs flitted to and fro in an erratic dance with the lunar moths, their white wings reflecting with the moons and the glow of their partners' bodies. On the top level, the merchants who peddled their wares above the waters of the Rift packed up their belongings and stored their wares beneath their stalls, pocketing their keys and their septims they earned that day.

They milled about for a few moments, shooting scathing comments about the pickpockets they'd encountered earlier in the day and problem customers before finishing up and heading to their homes for a night of quiet, rest, and hopefully, peace from the low-lifes that infested the nightly streets of Riften.

Emelia and I scanned the emptying streets with hungry, watchful eyes, the dryness in our throat growing as the scent of blood filled our noses. I swallowed, the sticky, dry feeling coupled with a sense of desperation making my mouth water. Emelia put a reassuring hand on my arm and gently squeezed, her cold little hand doing nothing to warm my own icy skin.

"Steady," she said. "Look for anyone who's not doing what they're supposed to be doing."

In other words, I thought, Thieves, murderers, and rapists. I nodded and scanned the crowd once again. A flicker of movement caught my eye to my right, and I saw the slight figure of a thief crouching behind one of the market vendors. I tapped Emelia on the shoulder and she looked, then nodded. She slunk away, her movements too fast for human eyes to discern, but fine for me. She positioned herself between the stall vendor and the thief, hiding behind a crate.

I motioned the men behind us to stay still as I slid closer, sticking to the shadows. My garments scraped against the wall, not loudly, but loud for my vampiric ears. I watched intently, the voices growing louder.

Emelia stepped in front of the thief as he neared her, a wide smile on her pale face. The market vendor kept walking and turned a corner, completely unaware. The thief cursed, standing up.

"Get away from me, you stupid kid! You're letting her get away!"

"Who, mister?" Emelia asked, innocence shining in her eyes. A pang of guilt sprang into my gut as she toyed with her prey. Why not kill him and get it over with?

The thief visibly fumed, but didn't want to cause a scene. "No one. Just go away."

She stepped in front of him when he tried to step around her. "I'm hungry." She said in a pitiful voice. "Will you feed me?" She blinked and held her stomach.

My chest contracted as a memory flew into my vision, making me gasp.

"Will you feed me?" The dirtied, raven-haired girl asked Onmund. "I'm hungry."

"No!" I said in a strangled whisper. I felt a hand on my arm and whirled to see two ivory fangs gleaming in the moonlight. The were attached to thin, grinning lips and a handsome Bosmer face.

Niruin.

"I see you've finally seen a glimpse of Emelia's true colors." Niruin said. I pulled my arm away and opened my mouth to snarl, but cool fingers pressed themselves against my lips and he looked into my eyes.

"Shhh." His eyes glowed an odd amber color, and I blinked, closing my mouth. His cold hands turned warm as their palms glowed slightly, and I relaxed.

"See? No need to overreact." He murmured, tracing my lips with his once again cold fingers. "My, you make a lovely child of the night. I bet you have a lovely set of fangs." He grinned, the expression not quite reaching his eyes. His own fangs glinted in the moonlight, and in the distance, an ominous howl sounded. Had Niruin been a Khajiit, his ears would have flattened at the sound. Instead, his eyes narrowed.

"Looks like we're not the only monsters about." He spat, his teeth still gleaming. His charm was wearing off, and I pushed him away with a small amount of effort. He stepped away without protest.

"Get away. You betrayed me. Why should I listen to you? Why should I listen to anything you say?"

"You shouldn't. I'm a lying thief who betrayed you for a sack of gold. A rather small sack, looking back on it. Your sister has acquired a sizable amount of gold, robbing the dead of their children and monetary posessions." he chuckled.

"You make me sick."

"That may be true, but I know what makes you even more nauseated. The thought of a child army, undisciplined, hungry, wreaking havoc across Nirn with no goals, no ambitions, and no thoughts given to whom they eat. Trained by a killer to be killers. Look at young Emelia. Toying with her food like she was a cat. Torturing it until it begged for mercy."

I turned my thoughts inward for a moment. The two warring natures within me constantly battled. The disgust of the hunter, and the voracious appetite of the hunter's prey. My vampire slaying self tried to kill and choke the vampire nature within me, but it didn't always win. When the thirst became too great, I did things I wasn't proud of. I had come to believe that Emelia was the same way.

I saw the dangers. It wasn't above my head that maybe Emelia didn't know better, sometimes. She was a smart little girl, reborn in a dark, shadowy world where blood and power ruled,and sometimes the rules of mortals were bent to give us blood-drinkers an edge. I knew that, out of fear, we were hunted. A fear that was well-placed. I looked at Emelia, still recovering from her large meal. She sat on the ground, licking blood from her fingers, her skin not quite as pale as it had been.

I looked back at Niruin, who continued at this cue. "I don't have to tell you the horrible implications this would have on mortal society." he said.

I shook my head. "No, you don't."

"Then you'll heed my warnings? Do not stay in Riften long."

"I came to find you."

"Revenge?"

"Yes." I lit fire in my hands. His hands grasped my wrists, putting the fire out.

"Stop," he commanded. "Come with me. I will explain to you everything that has happened while you were away."

I looked back at Emelia, who was rifling through the pockets of the thief. I motioned the men over, and the silently sauntered over.

"Tell her...I found some prey I wanted to chase." I said. They nodded and turned while I followed Niruin.

No! Don't go with that traitorous bastard! Kill him! He's gonna betray you again!

How beautiful you made Riften sound in this beginning! Nice! Ooh, you were at your best in this chapter, some amazing reflections by Kayla in this!

I am guessing Niruin can’t do much more to her now that she is a vampire already, or she wouldn’t trust him again; but it still feels like a cliffhanger as it ends with her putting herself into his care once again - and we all know how that worked last time! GAAAAAH!

AWESOME Write !!!!!!

A nice, evocative description of Riften after dark. I loved the part about the torchbugs and luna moths.

I finally realized that Niruin is in the game, right? Thieves Guild archer? Took me long enough. Hmm, let’s see what he has to say.

Fair dues...Amazing picture of Riften in the early evening... ...

Love the fact that even after all this time as a vamp, she's still getting the flashes of pain about Onmund, shows that she still has a soul somewhere in there... ...

Oooh...That Niruin's a bit of a darkly powerful one if you ask me...I really like him...He's epic!...

Looking forward to seeing what comes next...

Brilliant stuff!!...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

The girls drop in to the Riften diner for an evening snack and run into Niruin! We know he cannot be trusted. . . can Kayla just eat him?

Kayla continues to walk on her dark and foreboding path with her leecherous friends. She is intelligent though as she learns the ropes. Using thralls to keep her hunger at bay while scouting is wise of her. The "stay thirsty my friends" doesn't apply here.

I caught up and I have to say it was indeed a great change. Kayla with her wolf pets(who have grown, by the way) and her new blood-sucking girlfriends. I must say, you and I share a similar perspective.

I echo Colonel Mustard, here:

Refreshing, indeed. Not the usual stuff we see everywhere. Dawnguard, fortunately, has given us some minor insight on this. Obviously the Dawnguard sees the vampires as evil, and the vampires sees the Dawnguard as a nuisance. I even remember Serana's mother calling vampire hunter's murderers! Good, stuff, this, *jumps excidedly*

Riften is a perfect place to deal with criminals, deadbeats, the "villains" of society, if you will. We learn she has much less of guilt when feeding on a would-be rapist than an innocent person. What's not to love? If you feel guilty about innocent cattle, why not chow-down on convicts?

The Volkihar vampires that find themselves in towns during Dawnguard could stand to take a few lessons from Emelia. They would enjoy longer lives. Hey, I wonder if this thief is going to be a familiar person? That would make things difficult for Kayla to keep steady.

The two warring natures within me constantly battled. The disgust of the hunter, and the voracious appetite of the hunter's prey.
This is awesome.

I wonder what will happen between Kayla and the traitor? I have a feeling their interests are mutual this time around. Still would like to see her turn him into a nice campfire at some point in the future.

I went a little crazy with this one, but I started writing and just rolled with it. And, honestly, I know everyone has time limits and busy lives, but this chapter has been burning in me ever since I thought about it. And I feel like pivotal chapters are allowed more length, lol.

Where we left off: Kayla met Niruin, the vampire who betrayed her in book One to her sister Asta, thus leading to her demise and turning her into a vampire.




-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=





The Bee and Barb was noisy, crowded. I donned a dark cloak to hide my features, but not even my ambiguous robe could hide my height. It didn't matter, I wasn't going to wear a cowl, unlike Niruin. It seemed the Bonsamu loved the attention that came with being intimidating and, frankly, weird. He didn't see it that way, though. He fancied himself the mysterious stranger in the corner, with piercing eyes. The charming rogue. I'd met a charming rogue before, and Niruin was not one.

We seated ourselves in a corner booth, expectedly. Niruin ordered a Cliffracer, and me some red wine. "To give you a look of normalcy," he explained when I protested out of earshot of the tavern wench. "Riften may be where thieves and murderers make their beds, but not vampires. Must be careful, or you expose the both of us."

When our drinks came, Niruin inhaled deeply, closing his eyes.

"What a wonderful smell. I suggest you do the same."

I frowned under my hood. "I don't really want to."

"Try it."

I shrugged slightly and picked up the bronze goblet and took a whiff.

"Oh..."

I smelled it again. I could smell the fermented grapes and the spices used to flavor the wine. Niruin smiled under his cowl and took sip, his lips glistening with the wine as he pulled his cowl down.

"Delicious." He said before putting his cowl back in place. I took another whiff of the wine. It didn't smell...bad...just not like something I'd enjoy. I'd enjoyed wine immensely from time to time as a mortal, and never imagined a day when I'd turn it down. Then again, i couldn't smell the fermented grapes at that point in time.

I put the goblet to my lips under the amused eyes of Niruin. He smiled at my changed expression. The wine was sweeter, more flavorful, than when I was mortal. I could taste each ingredient on its own, yet still savor the wine in its entirety.

"Swallow, my dear. It won't hurt you."

I swallowed the wine, then took another drink. Still as lovely as the first. Niruin smiled at my excited smile as I drank the wine and waited. Nothing happened. No surge of warmth or feeling of looseness in my limbs. I frowned slightly under the hood, and Niruin's eyes smiled.

"We do not get drunk off but one red liquid. Mortal food does not affect us. it doesn't sustain us, and it doesn't give us energy. Only one thing does that."

Blood.

"But that doesn't mean we cannot enjoy mortal food all the same. Pastries become sweeter, meats more succulent, herbs and spices stronger."

I briefly remembered the nests that i'd raided with herbs and spices next to piles of bones, cooked flesh of men and mer and beast, and suddenly the pieces fell together.

"It's not for sustanence, it's for enjoyment."

"Precisely."

"And some vampires like to spice up their...meat."

"Yes."

"So, when I go into caves and find a nest of vampires," I said slowly, "and find the cooked flesh on the fire and piles of bones..."

He nodded. I felt a surge of nausea and hunger, the wine in my stomach souring.

"Oh gods." I held my stomach, leaning forward slightly. I expected my stomach to heave, but instead the sour feeling disappated as suddenly as it sprang up.

"You'll find it difficult to relieve yourself of the contents of your stomach. Our organs no longer function as they used to." Niruin said. My anger broiled at his calm demeanor.

"Don't work like they used to?" I hissed angrily. "What does that mean?"

"Surely you've noticed you haven't relieved yourself in quite a long time."

I had noticed. Emelia just shrugged when I mentioned it, saying she never noticed much. Other things began to slide into place. Emelia wouldn't notice, because a child's body, which was was forever trapped in now, worked differently than an adult body, especially given her age.

"Have you been aroused, since you've been turned?" Niruin asked, breaking into my thoughts.

Had I fed, surely blood would've rushed into my cheeks, heating them. "I've been stuck in a cave with a child for almost two years. Were I to become aroused, I would throw myself off a cliff."

"You're in the presence of two men, both of which are decidedly handsome. Have you not enjoyed their bodies as well as their blood?"

"No! Why would I do that?!"

"Because, my dear, you're now a creature of lust and want. But what you desire is much different than what mere mortals crave." He set his drink down and leaned forward, placing his hands on the table, folding them.

"You will likely learn this the hard way, dove. Your desires, though similar in fashion to a mortal's, have grave consequence for those you're using to fulfill those desires. Were you to bed any man in this tavern, he would die."

The words struck me in an odd way. Part of me felt cold indifference, but at the same time I felt afraid, then curious. "Why would they die?" I asked, barely successful in keeping my voice level.

The tavern noise had died down some as the patrons winded down and either went to their respective homes or found a bed at the inn alone or with someone. I could hear the sounds of passion, both mutual in enjoyment or enjoyed by only one party. By the looks of everyone else, they either didn't hear the sound of sex or ignored it completely.

"They can't hear it," Niruin answered my inner question, tilting his drink back as he took a sip. He savored the liquid on his tongue for a breath, then swallowed it and set his mug down. "The rambunctious sounds of mortals pleasuring each other up there is lost on them. The wood is too thick on the floors. Were they to travel up a story, then that would be different. But for now, we are allowed the pleasure of listening in."

He was silent for a moment, and my discomfort grew. I reached over and grabbed his mug, my throat suddenly more parched than before. The hearts of the patrons in the room thudded in my ears, the sound, no, the feeling of blood surging through their veins becoming unbearable. I drank the contents greedily, then bowed my head, the ivory weapons in my mouth potruding. The liquid was too thin, not sweet enough, sour, bitter, like rancid air traveling down my throat. I wanted blood. I needed blood.

"Niruin," I gasped quietly, thankful for the hood hiding my elongated fangs. "Pleathe, I need blood. I have to get out of here."

He chucked. "Sometimes, my dear, you can't be in a position to feed. Your thralls are gone, and if you left right now, in a hurry, covering your face, you'd arouse suspicion."

My hands gripped the arms of the chair in white-knuckled desparation as I tried to keep myself from tearing open the throats of the ones nearby.

I can't...I can't...

I'm so thirsty...

"What will you do?" Niruin asked in a soft voice, only discernable by my heightened hearing. "There are thirty blood-filled bodies in this tavern, Kayla. Were you to drink them, your thirst would be satisfied for a week, perhaps two. All you would need to do is bar the door, and feast."

I shook my head. No...

Drink.

No, I can't!

I'm so thirsty, I NEED it!

"The town is full of criminals that no one would miss." Niruin murmured.

A soft groan escaped my lips as it took every ounce of my will to stay seated. White hot thirst burned my throat, even as I held my breath. My saving grace in that moment was that I no longer needed to breathe, my tongue seemingly able to pick up and taste the scents of the different blood around me.

The activity upstairs slowed after what seemed like hours, though when I looked up, the candles had barely burned away. The red, pulsating surge in the air slowed as the tavern emptied and the lovers drifted off to sleep. I was shaking at this point.

"You bastard!" I gasped when I trusted myself to move. "You filthy, soulless-"

"Calm down."

"-sucking bastard!" I whispered furiously. "I could've killed everyone in this bar!"

I still could, but the moment of bloodlust has nearly passed its point of imense danger. My fangs had retracted, but my eyes were most likely still red, at the edges of my vision were still tinted with crimson.

"But you didn't." Niruin said. "This was a lesson, dear."

"What could you possibly be teaching me by tormenting me like that?"

"Restraint, for one."

"You were goading me into killing!"

"You resisted, as I'd thought you would. You're beginning to become tethered to the want of your own survival."

"I'm tethered by decency!"

Niruin gave my a wry smile. "Decency. Let us speak of decency. Would a 'decent' vampire hunter, Meridia's Champion, no less, stand to exist as a member of the undead? You're not a zombie, nor a draugr. Obviously you have some choice in the matter, to exist as you are.

"Would a 'decent' being go against her own feelings of morality and make not one, but two thralls of innocent men?"

"They're not innocent!" I blurted. "One tried to rape me!"

"One. One tried to rape you. What about the other? Was he not innocent?"

"He tried to kill Emelia." A knot of guilt twisted in my stomach. I could see where this was going, and it infuriated me that Niruin was questioning me like this. Him. Of all people.

"Was he simply not reacting to a situation he was in? You told me on the way here that you attacked them, wanting their blood. How many times had you attacked with provocation, and you emerged the victor? And yet," He leaned forward, his voice dangerously low and soft. "You were seen as a hero. Given gold and praises for taking care of the filth, the leeches, the vermin. Tell me," A cruel smile twisted his handsome features as he locked his cold gaze with mine.

"How does it feel to have fallen so low? To have lost the love of your daedra? To have lost everything you've ever cared for, everyone you've ever known?"

I felt like there were tears in my eyes, but my vision didn't blur. "Shutup."

"You have nothing now, Kayla. You are nothing. Your sister's mindless minions ravage the land, stealing children from their beds and homes, and what are you doing? Hiding in caves, worrying about morality, about black and white. Well, my dear. There is no black and white for vampires. Only crimson."

I clenched my jaw. "Niruin, I'm warning you."

"What are you going to do, break my nose again?"

Thinking about it.

"One act of violence will put you in a frenzy, endangering all in this inn. You'd be exposed. Then you'll be be gutted and torn apart, like your lover and mentor."

I sprang from my seat and wrapped my hands around his thoat and propelled him from his chair onto his back. He flailed and I tightened my grip around him, making choking sounds. Someone screamed, but it was far off. Wild fury and satisfaction lit my red eyes up as my fangs portruded again. I grinned as he began to stop moving.

Suddenly, he grinned back at me and a blow hit my left cheek.

"I don't breathe, you idiot!" He laughed. He had me on the ground, but I was much stronger, despite both our thin bodies. His was meant for hiding and stealth, while mine was toned and primed for strength and flexibility. A dagger appeared in his hand and in a split second it was at my throat. I knocked it aside and punched his nose. A pained wail burst from his mouth as he covered his nose, black blood leaing leazily through his fingers after he pulled his cowl away.

"Vampires!" A man screamed in the distance. Both Niruin and I had our fangs bared, our eyes bright red.

"I will tear you apart with my teeth!" I shrieked as I slammed him to the ground. I used my new strength to grab the much weaker vampire and throw him into the wall. He landed with a crash, and pictures fell with the impact. Several snaps were heard as ribs were broken, and he slumped to the ground, seemingly unconcious.

By this time, I had no trust in the Bonsamu. All weapons were hidden under the robe and hood, and, since my cover was blown anyways, I shed the robes and pulled out a silver dagger. I held it to his throat and pressed against his cold skin.

Finally. You will die for what you did!

Something felt off as I gripped the hair of the knocked out vamp. I felt something inching its way towards me at a frightening speed. I rolled, exhaling, my body responding faster than I'd anticipated at a blade meant for my chest embedded itself into Niruin's neck. His eyes widened as a gush of blackened blood spurted from the wound where the greatsword pierced his neck, severing his spine. He twitched once, and went limp.

I turned my body, still kneeling as my eyes narrowed. Fire engulfed my hands as I stood up, my fangs bared. A familiar face, more rugged and mature than the last time I had seen him locked gazes with me, green as the jungles of Elswyr, harder than the frozen rocks of the Jerrals.

I inhaled, and recognition crossed his face.

"Kayla." he breathed.

"Oh, thit."

I fled.

Yes yes yes yes yes yes!!! Stupid Niruin, pay for your treason



He's not dead, is he? Lol

I love the world building you did here with the change in the scent and taste of foods and drinks! That was Awesome!

It's Erik the Slayer !!!! WOO HOO !!!



BWAAHAA!

This chapter was spectacular !!!! Awesome Write!

I didn’t find this update to be long at all. You covered a lot of ground, the pace was good, and dialog tends to make for a faster read anyway (for me at least). I think you put in just the right amount of detail to bring Kayla’s experience to vivid life without slowing down the scene. Fantastic chapter!

And it has to be said…. ERIK!!!!!


Also, yikes.

Welp, when I realized everyone had assembled in Riften, I just knew they had to meet at the most inoportune moment.


I don't know what Niruin was trying to accomplish. Rub in Kayla's failures, make her a better vampire, show her the bright side of unlife? In any case, it seems that he overestimated her self-restraint. Or maybe he thought he could charm her into submission like he seemed to do outside.


So what will happen next? Will Erik chase Kayla, will Emelia get taken to the orphanage cause she is without a caretaker? Will Marcurio use the distraction to fill himself a glass of fine wine?


And speaking of Marcurio, he's excellent! Incredibly smug and somewhat gaudy with all those rings, but at the same time he is professional enough that you know the smugness is well-deserved and he doesn't let it get to his head. (and the rings are of course pure pragmatism in a shiny package.)



PS: Niruin didn't ashify as far as I can tell. So he may get up once everyone has gone on a merry chase (with appropriate comedy-music) after Kayla.

Fair dues...A surprisingly interesting hint of what it's like to be a vampire with all of its attendant funkiness...

And no, not surprised that it's well done, just that I found it interesting... ... ...

Loved the tension in this episode...Her desperation to not tear the throats out of everyone in the inn was excellently done...

I did like Niruin when I did the TG quest thing... ...

But pleased that this incarnation of him was dispatched...I know vamps can come back from some stuff, but broadsword to the spine?...Hmmmm...

Nice to have the two strands meet...I'd actually not made the connection so it was a shock of delight when I worked it out... ...Takes me a second sometimes...Apologies...Man...Idiocy...Brain still stuck on the "Noises" section...( )...You know how it is... ...

Brilliant stuff...Love it!!...

Well done that woman!!...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

thanks everyone for the comments. it's nice to know that my hiatus from posting didn't deter everyone from reading, lol.

KoB-He's dead. D-E-D dead, lol.

mALX- Thanks! I had to really think about how changing tastebuds might affect a vampire.

Grits- Yes, Erik

jack cloudy- I love Marcurio. I've been DYING to write a character with magickal talents aside from setting things on fire, lol. Bethesda provided me with one! You'll see more of him, for sure, in the upcomingfightscenewhaaaaat?

As for what Niruin was trying to accomplish, you'll see not in THIS chapter, but the next.

Mcbadgere-I LOVED Niruin in the thieves Guild. I thought he was incredibly sexy and interesting. I don't know why my brain turned him into a traitorous sleazebag. I must have some issues that need to be worked out. Hmm.

Where we left off: "Oh thit!"

--------------------=-=-==============-------------===


NOTE mALX don't read while you're eating!!!



Mjoll yanked Grimsever from the neck of the Bosmer vampire right as he began to turn to ash and dust. It was a frightening sight that she hadn't gotten used to quite yet, nor did she ever expect to. It wasn't a poof, then he was ash.

No, she thought grimly. It was more like a body decaying rapidly before the eyes. His skin tightened noticeably and turned ashen, paler than what he had been. His lips turned blue, and his wide-opened eyes sunk into his head as his skin turned purple. He bloated, expanded as if someone had puffed air into his body, almost comical, except for the skin becoming blueish-green, then deflating. A smell of decay permeated the air briefly.

Thankfully, the smell didn't last long as the body caved in on itself and began to turn black and grey, the skin falling off in ashen chunks until nothing was left of the body but a pile of grey ash. Mjoll scooped up some ash, picking out the rings and shaking the dust from the clothes and folding them, setting them on the bar. She intended to use the ashes for a cure disease potion, but she wouldn't sell Thieves Guild armor or trinkets, no matter how much she hated them.

Erik still had his hand outstretched towards the door, his arm shaking slightly as a helpless look of shock lined his face. Mjoll set her sword against the wall gently, resting the hilt on the wall as the tip sat on the wooden floor. She crossed the room and cradled his outstretched hands between her breasts as she looked him in the eyes.

"Erik," she murmured. His mouth was slightly agape, his green eyes watering. The strong hands that had crushed her hips against his in fits of need and ecstasy earlier that night were cold and shaking. She placed one hand on his cheek.

"Erik, please. Talk. Say something."

She's alive, he tried to croak out, but his throat was drier than the sands of the Alik'r. All that came out was a raspy breath as he pulled his hand away from her. He began walking towards the door, but Mjoll grabbed his arm.

"Erik, you're not dressed." She said softly. His muscles rippled beneath his naked flesh, both of them putting on the bare minimum of clothing before running out, their weapons drawn. Erik's weapon had been dropped as soon as he had seen Kayla's face.

"Mjoll...she's alive."

"No, she isn't." She said in a soft, yet insistent voice. "She's undead. That isn't the same as living."

Erik gave her an incredulous look. "She was standing right there in front of us!"

"With fangs, Erik!"

"I have to go find her." he turned around and started towards the door again. She stopped him with a firm hand on his shoulder.

"Are you crazy? You're in a loincloth! The guards here let some things slide, but being nearly nude in public isn't one of them."

And if you go after her, I could lose you.

"Fine. I'll dress, then." He walked up the stairs, and after a moment, she walked from the empty dining room and followed him. Despite the warmth of the inn, she felt a chill creep up her spine as she numbly watched her lover pull on his clothes.

"Stay here." he ordered in a firm, but distracted voice. "Make sure that when everyone comes back, they know I've gone after the remaining vampire."

Mjoll let out a sigh of relief. He didn't intend to let her live, then, she hoped. Who knows how many lives she's taken since turning?

"See if you can rouse Marcurio." Erik said, buckling his greaves. "Fill him in on what's going on. If Kayla is nearby, Asta shouldn't be far." He walked down the stairs, his boots clunking agianst the wood. Mjoll knew Erik was more than capable of taking care of himself, but still, she was worried. She opened Marcurio's door without knocking and shook him.

She gulped when she felt a warmth spreading through her body, spreading from the hand on her arm. It traveled fast into her head, and she felt nauseated, even as she yanked her hand away. She stumbled backwards as her limbs lost their function, stiffening up. Her back hit the dresser, knocking over an unlit , half melted candle and a silver goblet. She slid onto the floor, her eyes wide, limbs useless, blonde hair mussed.

Marcurio rose to see his attacker. He looked somewhat concerned, but perplaxed as well.

"My , my." He said, tossing the covers back smoothly and swinging his legs over the side of the bed. "Your magickal resistance is stronger than I suspected, but much weaker than I'd like. I can fix that."

Mjoll hadn't seen many men without clothes on, and Marurio wasn't the type of man she'd ever seen naked before. His robes gave him a look of being bigger than he actually was. Under the robes, his frame was wiry, but stronger than a usual mage . He had curly, dark hairs on his chest, and she kept her eyes above his waist. His rings glittered in the candlelight as he lit a light spell in the middle of the room before slipping his dark-blue robes on. She made a grunt of indignation. What are you waiting for?! Free me!

"Just a moment, dear." He searched through a few scrolls and nodded slightly to himself. He rolled it back up and turned around, the light following him as he knelt on one knee next to Mjoll. He whispered something odd and swiped his thumb across her forehead. Her limbs loosened, and she blinked and stretched, then punched Marcurio square in the jaw. He reeled slightly, but kept his balance.

"I trust you're feeling back to normal, then?" he said, rubbing his jaw. There was hardly any swelling, and there was an irritating spark of amusement in his eyes.

"What was that?!" She demanded. She lifted him up by the collar with both hands. Marurio marveled at her strength.

"Paralysis. You barged in and startled me."

"You didn't have to paralyze me!"

"The last person-please, put me down." She obliged, and he straightened his robes. "The last person to startle me ended up in ashes. No, I did not HAVE to paralyze you, but it is much better than the alternative, no?"

She scowled at him.

"What was your reason for interrupting my sleep?"

"You slept through a vampire attack, mage."

"Did I? Interesting."

"Interesting?"

"I've been taking a potion I've concocted to decrease the amount of time it between awake and slumber."

"Cocknocted?"

"Yes, concocted. It means bewed, or made. In this case, from scratch. It seems the potion puts me in a deeper slumber than I'd anticipated. I'll have to note that later. For now, where is Sir Slayer?"

"He went after the vampire that escaped."

"Ah. Brave."

"They used to be lovers."

"Ah. Foolish."

Mjoll nodded. "I know. He ordered me to stay here, but..."

"You two are involved, and you fear for his safety."

Mjoll looked startled. "How did you know?"

"The way you look at him when he isn't looking. Your touch lingers longer than needed. Your smile is genuine with him, and tight and practiced with others. It's a little brighter."

"You saw all of that tonight?"

"Yes." He said nothing about the hickeys on her neck. "How many vampires were there?"

"Two."

"And the one who didn't get away is dead, I presume."

She nodded. "I picked up his clothes and trinkets and left them on the bar."

"And the ashes?"

She handed them to him. "Ah, excellent. I can do wonders with this. They're better fresh." He set them in his bag across the room. "What else?"

"What else?"

"Did you find anything in his pockets? Weapons, potions, letters?"

"I didn't look."

"Dear. If this is Sir Slayer's lover, the one who was presumed dead nearly two years ago, and is the sister of the vampire we're hunting, then surely the other vampire would have a reason for contacting her."

Mjoll pursed her lips together. "I suppose." They're not lovers anymore.

"Come. We'll search the garments together."

They walked downstairs, Marcurio graciously offering her one of his sleeping robes. "To secure your decency." He explained. Mjoll wasn't modest, but she was cold. She slid the robe on, and it came mid-thigh to her. Marcurio said it must've shrunk when last washed, as it usually came just below his knees.

She let him sift through the garments alone, her decided aversion against the Thieves Guild disgusting her more than the fact that the former own of the clothing was a vampire. Marcurio pulled a sheet of parchment from one of the pockets after setting aside the rings and the septims. he read, his dark brows furrowing.

"Oh, my," he murmured. "This is most troubling."

"What?"

"Dress yourself. In armor. The enemy is closer than we think."

Aaaand, so Erik's obsession has started again


Kayla better run. I have a feeling the rest of the group won't be so merciful to her...





-lets out a boyish giggle-

Oh dear...Poor Mjoll... ...

Methinks there's going to be much heartbreak ahead...

(Freddie) Marcurio is excellent!...

Loved this bit...



Fair dues, I was in stitches with that... ...

Brilliant writing...

Loved it muchly!!...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

Very cool idea to have the vampire bodies rapidly decaying and then disintegrate into ash - loved that touch!




Hey, when did this happen? All I read was that she melded to him for warmth! GAAAAH!

I am really liking your depiction of Marcurio in this, what a great personality!



ROFL!!! I am really liking his personality so far, even if it was a head-hop! He HAS to remain in this story, you have already made him a necessary character, lol.

This chapter needed an edit badly, but LOVED it anyway!

Loved your treatment of Marcurio!

I think Marcurio is the best thing in this story at the moment. Don't get me wrong, everything else about it is awesome, but that guy is just amazing.

What's head hopping? Did I do something wrong??

No, it's not bad

Here are a few paragraphs that explain what head-hopping is: Link.

And here’s a quick little read about head-hopping vs. third person omniscient point of view: Link.

Redacted for an overreaction.

So vampires can eat all the pastries they want, chased by triple lattes from Moon&Starbucks and not gain a pound! Woot! I still enjoy that Kayla has not fully learned to enunciate around the ivory weapons in her mouth.

Oh thit! Vampire hunters meet vampires and, in this case, old passions and jealousies are rekindled.

Good gods! I'm so glad everyone likes Marcurio XD


Where we left off: Oh my, Erik and Kayla are reunited!

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



I need to feed. I thought desperately as I ran through the streets. It was getting to the point where I didn't care who I fed on, just that I needed to feed. The air was ripe with the scent of blood, water, sweat, and filth. I held my nose and hid in an alleyway, closing my eyes. I listened to the sounds of the night as I calmed myself.

The lullaby of the crickets resonated through the air as the water lapped at the sides of the canal. It was soothing. I heard the flutter of wings as a bird flew above my head, and a soft breeze caressed my face. I leaned my head back, my eyes still closed. Off in the distance, I heard feet rushing to the inn, the armor of guards clanking frantically to see some action.

Where is Emelia? I wondered. it wasn't like her to stay so far away from me. Usually she was watching me like a hawk, attached to my hip like it was life or death to be near me. I heard footsteps draw near, and readied myself in the shadows, hiding behind a crate. I had a command spell in my hand and leapt out only to stop.

He turned and gave me an incredulous look. "I thought you'd be long gone by now."

I hid my face. "Don't look." Shame briefly overrode my thirst. He was downwind of me, and I couldn't smell him, but I could hear his pulse. Strong,armored hand grabbed my wrists and I gasped at the shocking warmth.

"You're freezing," he murmured. He studied my face as I stood there, bewildered.

Why isn't he trying to kill me?

I received my answer when he pulled me into a rough, desperate kiss. I made a sound of protest and pulled away.

"Erik, no! I cant!"

He responded with a hug, one that might've crushed me had I been less sturdy. I breathed through my mouth, gulping as my throat tightened with desire.

"Erik," I gasped. "Please, sthop. Ith taking all I have to not drain you."

Erik pulled away and saw my face was drawn with thirst. He looked concerned, but cautious. There was also slight amusement.

"I dream about you every night," He murmured softly. "I dream that you're alive, and-" He cut off and licked his lips nervously.

"Go. I'll tell them I killed you."

"But Emelia is sthill here!"

"Who?"

"She healed me after you left, after..."

His face tightened. "Oh." he was silent for a moment. "Once you find her, leave. Things are much different since you've been gone."

"I will." How different? I wanted to ask, but kept it to myself.

I felt the hairs on my neck stand up as a rock formed in my belly. One inhale of breath through my nose told me that there were vampires around. More than one. When we entered the city, Emelia and I had only noted ourselves, on the surface, at least. We were aware that the sewer systems housed many criminals, namely the faction of the Thieves Guild.

Were there vampires before now, wandering the city on a regular basis, the slight stench of not-quite decomposed bodies would have been evident. There was no such stench. Which means they were fast approaching.

"Erik, leave. Vampireth. Lotsth." I held my dagger out, feeling pitiful with the small blade out in front of me. Erik drew his sword.

"How many?"

My nostrils flared and I cocked my head. Small, padded feet hit the ground running and leapt from rooftop to rooftop.

"Get away! Now!" I yelled at him. He stayed, and suddenly they were on us. They formed a tight circle, dressed in tiny versions of black leather armor, their eyes red, pale faces cowled. fifteen pairs of eyes let off dull and bright glows as they regarded me coldly and Erik hungrily.

"Nisse."

The name slid off of my sister's lips like a serpant's tongue flicking from its mouth, tasting the fear in the air. She was uncowled, her raven hair lying in springy curls , her round face shone with a mask of innocence. Her arms were wide, welcoming, and she stepped forward towards me.

"Nisse," a pout formed on her face, and her high, childish voice was filled with hurt. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Because you dithgutht me!" I spat. Erik's grip tightened on his sword, his gloves squeaking against the hilt. Asta's gaze was on him instantly.

"Is this your lover?" She sniffed the air, closing her eyes, then opening them again. "He reeks of sex, but you don't. You don't enjoy your meals, do you, Nisse?"

"Shut up, that's disgusting!" I growled through clenched teeth, my fangs retracted. I lit a firebolt in my hand. Asta laughed loudly.

"What are you going to do, Nisse? Burn me alive? Shove a firebolt down my gullet and watch me die in agony?"

"That was the plan."

"I'm changing your plans." A knife sprouted from my chest, just below my left collarbone. The blade had buried itself deep, and a flower of pain blossomed from the wound, exploding into my chest, strangling the scream that came from my lungs. I fell, and Erik caught me.

"She won't die," I heard Asta say. "She'll drink a few villagers and be fine. You, however, won't make it out of the city in one piece."

The feeling of pain was accompanied by a hot liquid running through my veins. My limbs were loose, and my head lolled to the side when he put me down. I watched with a vacant expression, blinking dully at the scene in front of me.

Erik swung at Asta, but she dodged easily, side-stepping him each time in one fluid motion. The scene grew fuzzy as I saw the circle closing in on him.

"Nnnngh!" The poison kept me from speaking. I realized she'd found a way to duplicate my paralysis potion somehow, and I couldn't help him.

A bright red light, like a fireball, made its way to Erik, but was blocked. It burst off the ward, dissipating furiously. The chaos that broke out ebbed out of my hearing as I passed out.

Erik! Do something!!!




To think that something so innocent looking could be so evil. Asta is truly terrifying.

Ermahgerd! Er mah GEEEEEEEEERD!!!



Ahem. Sorry, had a moment there.

I love the job you're doing of depicting how overwhelming Kayla's bloodlust is in that conversation there; that alone was enough to really ramp up the drama and tension, then Asta arrived and oh my!

What a fantastic line this is! Awesome chapter !!!

Nisse?? Now thats a shortname for Nils.....(In sweden)

I HAVE finally started reading yout work Liz! It's a good beginning...aaahhhhh

I looked up Swedish names :] I loved that name. Most of the Nord names not in the game are Swedish.

"What are you going to do, Nisse? Burn me alive? Shove a firebolt down my gullet and watch me die in agony?"

Yep. Go for it!

You’re doing a fabulous job with creepy yet adorable Asta. Yikes. And she really knows how to push her sister’s buttons.

Poor Kayla. She’s really caught between worlds. She has not embraced the undead, yet she cannot embrace the living - well, not without her teeth getting in the way.

I would like to briefly thank everyone for reading my story as we start drawing to a close. I'm sorry for my weird behavior lately. Please enjoy this chapter.


Where we are: Asta showed up! GEHH!


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



One of the wretched children threw a fireball at Erik's head, but bounced off a ward right before it struck him. Erik had fallen backwards in an attempt to dodge the fireball, and looked around wildly to see where the ward had come from. His answer came as a cowled vamp screamed in agony as it disintegrated before his eyes. Asta turned and let out an angry hiss, her fangs extended.

"Mage!" She spat. Marcurio's stony face held the resolve of a man who'd seen many battles. His eyes held uncertainty at his targets as he scanned the small gathering of childlike vampires. The fire in his hands waned.

"They're older than they look, Mar-CCKK" Erik's sentence was strangled from him as two small hands gripped his throat tightly. The vampire girl's eyes shone with amusement as Erik gasped for air, pushing away at her small form. She pulled out a dagger, her red eyes glinting with malicious intent.

A blast from a few feet away knocked them both over, knocking the girl and knocking Erik's sword from his belt. Smoke filled Erik's lungs as he lifted his head and saw one of the nearby houses on fire, Marcurio facing off with a little blonde vampire girl. She shot command spells at him, and he flicked them away with small wards, bouncing them off like they were cotton balls. Mjoll was nowhere to be seen as Erik scrambled for his sword. fire flickered and flashed behind him as he grabbed the sword, then cried out in pain as a small but heavy boot stomped on his hand.

Hello, Erik." Asta purred in a voice much too mature for her outward image. Her round face and large eyes gave her an innocent look, while the blood and gore around her mouth gave her a totally different look. She smiled aweetly at him, fluttering her lashes as she held out her hand. Erik yanked his hand from under her boot and crawled backwards. She advanced easily on him. Another boom sounded behind him as Marcurio deflected a particularly large fireball. The molten lava sunk under the waters of the canal, creating hot steam and broiling the water around it. Neither mages had broken a sweat yet, though Marcurio seemed content to simply deflect rather than attack.

"Why are you fighting me, Erik?" Asta murmured softly, the words laced curiousity and something darker. Erik found himself backed against the wall, his breathing ragged with...terror? Was he terrified of Asta?

His question was answered when she touched his cheek, her icy flesh leaving a burning sensation. He flinched, a cry escaping from his lips. She tutted and looked down at his abdomen, his gaze following. Stuck between two plates of metal was the dagger the girl had held in her hands. The blast had forced her onto him, sliding inot his gut at just the right angle.

"It doesn't have to be this way, you know." She murmured, leaning in closer. Erik's eyes flickered to his sword, then back to Asta's face. Or more specifically, her eyes. They were soft and dark, with depth uncharacteristic for a mere child. They crinkled in a genuine smile, her white teeth showing.

I can take the pain away. Her voice echoed in his head. The knife was removed, and a warm glow emitted from her hands as the wound closed.

"See? I'm not so bad." She purred again, touching his face with her warm hands.

Warm? Weren't they cold before?

Asta made a shushing noise, pouting her lips slightly as she rested a fingertip on his lips. he began to relax, the light of the fireballs warming her skin. He heard Marcurio yell something, but he didn't know what. It didn't matter to him. Asta leaned closer, exhaling cool breath onto his face.

"Don't fight it." She murmured softly. Erik's nose twitched, and he smelled the thick stench of death on her breath. He gulped and started to wriggle from her grasp, his will becoming stronger.

"No! Get off!" He put his hand on her chest to push her away, and her expression turned from disturbingly seductive and innocent to horrifyingly angry. Her face contorted with anger and her fangs poked out as her mouth twisted in a snarl. She grabbed a fistful of his red hair and yanked his neck to the side.

"I planned on being gentle," Her voice was now as thin as old papers rustling as the spell wore off. The gore reappeared on her face, and Erik could see blue veins in her cheeks and forehead. She looked like a red-eyed corpse with fangs.

"But I suppose you won't cooperate. Pity. I rather like men."

Erik cried out in pain as her fangs pierced his skin with no resistance. The smell of wood burning filled his lungs, and the sight of Marcurio's battle made his heart sink. The Breton was losing to the blonde child, and he didn't know it. His wards couldn't stop the smoke from filling his lungs, wracking his body with fits of coughing. Erik saw a small, dark form creep up behind Marcurio, a flash of metal in its hands. Erik closed his eyes and lost himself. They were all dead. There was no fighting it.

He exhaled, and did not inhale again.

The scene with Asta and Erik was bone chilling! Your descriptions throughout the entire chapter were stunning! Amazing Write !!!!

GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH !!!!! OH NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! URK!!!!

AWESOME WRITE !!!!

Oh my gosh, the mage battle was awesome! But... Erik did not inhale again?! Nooo!