Daniela quickly grabs your hand before you can slip down the snowy mountain, you thank her as you feel your heart loudly bang against your chest. You take a moment to recover.
“Try not to die, if anything were to happen to you, our mother would resurrect us just to kill us.” Daniela deadpans.
“She truly would!” Lena chirps, agreeing with the blonde. The brunette makes her way up the mountain with ease, gracefully sprinting through thick forest as she carries a bag. You react with awe as you attempt to steady yourself with a nearby tree, awkwardly hugging it against the slight incline.
“Wait…can..vampires be resurrected?” You ask loudly, your question echoes throughout the densely wooded area. You continue slowly hiking up the mountain, the heavy snow creates resistance with each step.
(Okay lycan abilities, it would truly be helpful if you could give me some aid here) You focus your mind, but no changes come, you deflate with a sigh.
“Technically there are several ways but none that would result in someone ever truly being alive again.”
Alessia answers as she comes up behind you, offering you her hand, gently helping you up the rocky terrain.
(how exactly can someone be brought back to “life” and still not be alive?)
“Though those methods often involve occult practices or uncommon items.” The redhead continues as you hold onto her while scrambling over a slippery spot.
Your mind is instantly reminded of the dagger Alcina bought from your shop. The blade’s handle was made of gold and encrusted with several ruby red jewels; jewels made of various bloods mixed together. To this day, you were unaware of the dagger’s origin or purpose.
“Some may even die during the rituals! Which is honestly quite ironic-” Lena’s voice calls from up the hill, farther ahead than the rest of the party.
“Or justified.” Daniela adds while hiking further ahead of you and the redhead.
You latch onto the idea of resurrection, wondering where the family stood with it.
“Have any of you…” Alessia gently shakes her head before you can finish your question.
Daniela speaks with venom in her voice, “who would choose to live as a mortal again? A life where you’re completely vulnerable and weak. No one.can overtake us now.”
You catch the mixed emotions behind the blonde’s statement, voice riddled with feral anger, but her eyes flash the smallest bit of hurt. Daniela looks to the ground as she recalls a distant memory.
“Now, Daniela. Sister Eva has informed us you require extra schooling, apparently, you’re far behind your peers. From now on you’ll be having one on one sessions with Sister Eva every day after school.”
“I-I don’t want to be taught by Sister Eva, can someone else teach me-please?”
“But Daniela, Sister Eva simply adores you and out of the kindness of her heart, is offering to help you catch up. We can’t turn down such an offer.”
“But I-i..” (I don’t want to be alone with her.)
Lena’s voice breaks through the flashback.
“Now, now, dear Daniela. We may be quite powerful but we’re hardily indestructible.” The brunette cheerily retorts, her sister simply rolls her eyes before responding.
“I refuse to let any mortal overpower me.” The blonde says while ripping the branch off a nearby tree, releasing a frustrated huff.
A loud crack fills the air as the branch is ripped from the tree’s socket. Despite the sound, the tree may as well be made of cheap fabric under the vampire’s strength. You catch up with the blonde, making your arrival obvious to not startled her (not that you could really sneak up on the vampire). Her eyes meet yours, acknowledging you with no hostility.
You gently lay a hand on her shoulder, testing your luck as you attempt to comfort her.
“I’m sure by the time anyone even thinks of harming you, you’d already have your scythe in them…”
You can’t help but furrow your brows as the questionable statement leaves your mouth. Despite your reaction, Daniela flashes you a conflicting expression, seeming both confused and could it be….touched?
“Thank… you.”
The interaction brings a smile to Alessia’s face. (I don’t think Daniela’s let ANYONE besides us even come near her. Well, I would assume now Miss Trevelore falls in that category.)
The small party travel the rest of the way discussing the plans for the matriarch’s up and coming day of birth. Hoping the day will be memorable and enjoyable, for the sake of the Lady of the castle.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Lena excitedly squeals, sprinting towards what you notice is a small cabin up ahead. It seems you’ve finally reached the journey’s destination. A journey you assume would be more gruelling if you hadn’t been training almost every day and even despite that, was no easy feat.
Once you get closer to the wooden cabin, you notice the smallest cloud of fog surrounding it, the image catches you off guard.
(…bizarre)
Daniela enters before you, disappearing into the small home.
Alessia instantly begins lighting the cabin, setting flame to candles, chandelier and fireplace. The cabin is rustic and yet high class, reflecting its family’s eclectic taste in small details. Brass and metal compliment dark wood.
You instinctively move towards the fresh fire, warming up your body.
You slightly flinch as Lena’s voice suddenly appears behind you, “you know, there is a faster way to do that.” She cranes her neck towards the side your face, only a breath away.
You narrow your eyes at her with slight suspicion, “oh? And what does that entail?” You ask preparing yourself in case this was one of the brunette’s usual jokes.
“Exactly what we came here for, oh little one.” She answers while placing her hands on your shoulders.
“I’m not that li-“ The vampire grabs you by the hand before you can finish, leading you towards the cabin’s back door.
The brunette swings the door open, it’s then when you realize there is no fog but steam.
The cabin’s back yard houses a large pool of water, shrouded in thick steam. The hot spring’s warmth clashes against the chill in the air. The water calls to all like a siren, promising sanctuary within the harsh winter.
“If you’d like you can enter first. I assumed you may feel uncomfortable under our gazes.”
(..oh, right.)
“Ahumm, yes. I’d appreciate going first, if that’s okay.”
Lena hugs you from the back, “It’s more than okay, we realize we’re more comfortable with nudity than most.” (It’s been quite some time since any of us have walked comfortably bare around the castle…hopefully mother has warned her by now)
She hands you a large towel, advising you to call out once you’re settled.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
You slowly submerge yourself into the warm water. You release a happy sigh as you feel your muscles instantly relax within the spring. Your mind starts to clear as you focus on every sensation, from the soothing heat, to the thick steam surrounding you, to the smooth rock you lay against.
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………
The black water once again surrounds you as you hover within your mind. You take the opportunity to practice your latest lesson.
“Teacher?”
“Indeed. You’re getting better, little one- I’m impressed.”
“Finally! I think I’m just starting to get the hang of it. Though your voice is more echo than clear…”
“It will improve with experience, conversing with members of your pack is much easier if you’ve grown up with them- you never had that luxury.”
“I suppose you’re right, I just wi-“
The sudden splash of water hitting your face brings you back to the spring, you quickly realize you’ve forgotten to announce your arrival and Daniela unsurprisingly got impatient. The blonde pays you no mind as she enjoys the water, closing her eyes as she sits to your left.
Her presence immediately reminds you to call her siblings.
“I UMM- I’M READY!” You yell with haste.
Your gaze suddenly falls onto the large scar over Daniela’s heart. The large cross looks like someone attempted to dissect the blonde. Unfortunately, it seems the person’s hand was the opposite of steady or worst, they actively ripped through the flesh with what seems to be the handy work of a rusty blade.
You avert your gaze once you hear the other vampires’ making their way to join you, looking towards the water as the women enter. The thick steam covers most and yet you can’t help but actively focus on keeping your eyeline on the women’s faces (making sure it goes no lower). You’ve only really bathed with significant others, so this is a new experience for you.
(a new experience around the Dimitrescu family? A surprise indeed…)
Despite your respectful gaze, Lena decides to have an opposite approach.
“Well look at you, training with that attractive instructor is starting to pay off, you’re becoming more defined by the day it seems.” She says clearly impressed.
The women’s eyes fall onto you. You can’t help but cover your chest as Daniela opens one of her eyes to look at you. Alessia actively looks away once she realizes your discomfort. The moment has you realize that the matriarch’s children have gotten closer to seeing you “naked” than the matriarch herself.
(This isn’t exactly what I had in mind when they invited me for a “day out”)
Lena continues, “I have no doubt you’ll soon be as muscley as Zhera.”
“She’s nowhere near as big as Zhera.” Daniela retorts, eyes still closed as she focuses on the soothing water.
“Oh, height wise absolutely not but something tells me that muscle definition will get pretty close. I mean, have you seen lycan musculature? Those thighs are just to die for.” Lena fans herself as her fantasies start to run.
You smile to yourself as you imagine your physique being as impressive as your teacher’s one day.
[“such a build would truly make it easier for you to pound into the matriarch while she cries your name, beg-”]
The thought flickers something deep within your core.
“Quiet.” You whisper to the beast.
[“Eventually you won’t be able to deny me, the stronger you get- the stronger I get.”]
You clear your throat, “so, how did you and Zhera meet, Lena?” You ask, both curious but welcoming distraction. A nostalgic look emerges on Lena’s face as she smiles while crossing her arms.
“Well, you see, Zhera is a mercenary- often hired to kill…well creatures like us.” You look around the pool but neither the blonde or redhead react with confusion or surprise.
“It was a silly situation really. She mistook me for some vampire that apparently really enjoyed eating pigs? Horses? I can’t quite remember now” The brunette animatedly waves her hand around at the forgotten details.
“And well, one thing led to another and I found myself straddling her while she held a blade to my throat and the rest is history.” The brunette recalls dreamily, ending her sentence with a happy sigh.
Her reaction only confuses you more until you remember your recent interaction with Alcina’s claws to your throat. Your confusion subsides as you remember how erotic you found it.
(I suppose me and Zhera will at least have something to …bond over.)
“I remember how worried we were when you came home that day covered in wounds. And yet, all you could talk about was as you described, a goddess of a woman with the demeanor of a grumpy feline.” Alessia adds with a warm smile at her sister’s description of the warrior.
Daniela stretches her wingspan against the rock behind her. “Yeah, Zhera needs to lighten up.”
You quickly swing your head towards the blonde, giving her an incredulous look.
The blonde responds with a simple, “what.”
“Oh no, nothing.” You quickly say while throwing your hands up, slightly shaking your head while looking away.
(how dry does someone have to be for DANIELA to think they’re too serious.)
“Indeed. But it sounds like you’d like to add to the conversation, sweet Daniela. Why don’t you enchant us with how you met Miss Trevelore…”
The blonde’s eyes snap open, only to narrow her gaze towards the brunette. You consciously slide ever so slightly away from the blonde, hoping she won’t notice. She does but she doesn’t show it, solely focused on her sister.
“..or as you’ve called her in your poetic writing, salvation incarnate.”
“Your writing sounds quite beautiful, Daniela. Though perhaps it would be nice if you voluntarily showed us.” The redhead says while side eyeing the brunette.
You quickly add, hoping to ease the blonde, “she sounds..very nice, Daniela.”
The blonde looks at you from the corner of her eye, “She is..”
Ocean eyes against a darker complexion enter the blonde’s mind, the woman’s bright smile alleviates Daniela of her frustration.
“I uh, met her at a tavern. A pig was bothering her, so I stabbed a knife through his hand, she unfortunately stopped me from killing him.” Daniela reveals as she slightly grinds her teeth while remembering the disgusting patron.
Despite knowing Daniela well enough, you can’t help but be taken aback by her nonchalant statement. Lena’s mouth hangs open for a split second, her face going through several expressions as she processes the story only to flash her sister an impressed look by the end.
“She stopped you from feeding and you listened?…You truly like Miss Trevelore.” Alessia points out, well aware of the story’s weight in relation to her sister’s personality. (“at the very least she sounds brave and level-headed.”)
The redhead’s comment makes you realize how discussing the woman has calmed the blonde down, her once aggressive demeanor has softened.
“What do you like most about her?” Lena asks genuinely, warmth found in place of the usual teasing.
Daniela ponders the question while closing her eyes for a bit, voice softer once she opens them.
“Well…her voice sounds like what it feels when you slice someone open with one smooth cut-“
For a split second you look at Daniela from the corner of your eye with a worried look.
Lena also shrugs her shoulders a bit while wearing an expression that doesn’t necessarily approve but isn’t surprised either.
“…She’s also too patient for her own good…though I don’t mind it. Her eyes are also too blue but in a good way.”
The blonde continues with her voice lowered.
“I like how I don’t feel like a monster around her. She’s seen my scar and said nothing, she saw me stab a man and didn’t run away, not even after I told her I planned on killing him. The entire time she just looked at me, what felt like really looking at me. I don’t feel so angry around her.”
The air is silent but comfortable as the party processes the confession.
Alessia throws her sister the largest smile you’ve ever seen her wear. The redhead can’t help but feel most at ease when her loved ones were happiest. (“looks like my theory has some weight to it, she clearly doesn’t scare easily.”)
“Thank you for telling us, Daniela. I know you often don’t enjoy discussing emotional matters, we appreciate it. Miss Trevelore sounds incredible”.
The blonde simply shrugs her shoulders, “you asked me a question and I answered it. But yes, she’s…really great.” Daniela says with none of her usual bite.
You finally speak, “you should invite her the rebirth dinner!”
Before Daniela can answer the unusually silent Lena suddenly dashes across the spring, throwing her arms around her sister.
“YOU’RE FINALLY IN LOVE!! IYOU HAVE TO INVITE HER TO THE DINNER! I MUST MEET HER! The brunettes voice comes out as a high-pitched squeal as her sister fails around, trying to escape the hug. Splashes of warm water hit your face as you both smile and squint in response.
“GARHG! LENA LET GO!”
Despite the blonde’s protests, the brunette looks incredibly touched, melting at the thought of getting to see her sister interact with the server.
The situation makes you narrow your eyes as you notice something.
(hmm..)
Without thinking, you voice your sudden realization, “Lena, are you stronger than Daniela?”
Daniela voices comes out with a loud growl, “WHAT!? NO!”
Only for the blonde to be quickly be dunked under the water by her sister’s weight.
“Yes, I am! Thank you for noticing!” Lena says with a smug smile, easily holding the blonde down with one hand. For a split second you notice Lena’s expression falter as she looks down at the shallow water, suddenly reminded of a much scarier version of it.
“It’s very simple, Ms. Durante. Admit your crimes and we can proceed from there.”
Lena slightly struggles within her restraints, “ah yes, the crime of wanting to learn. Something only practiced by truest of satan’s followers…” She says facetiously as she tries to rock within the stiff chair.
The woman’s face turns sour as narrows her eyes at the brunette.
“You have quite the gall to be flippant when you’re the one on trial for black magic.”
Lena grins at the woman, “so wanting to learn about ancient cultures is now a crime? I’d assume that means you’ll be strapped in next, considering everyone in this village is expected to read dead tombs as guidance.”
The woman finally snaps, “insolent heretic! I won’t allow you to spread occult knowledge.”
The woman gives the men holding on to a long wooden rod a curt nod of her head. The men acknowledge the nod with nodding back, they slowly alleviate their weigh against it, lowering the brunette tied to the chair into deep water.
Lena speaks one last time before she’s fully submerged, “well I suppose I should use my final breath to tell you your husband greatly enjoys your sister’s company.” The brunette ends with a wink.
The last thing Lena sees is the woman’s furious expression as she snarls, “you bit-“
The woman is cut off as dark water engulfs the brunette.
Lena is brough back by her sister’s voice.
Alessia supports the statement, “Lena is the strongest out of all of us, physically- though Daniela is the fastest.”
Aggressive air bubbles start to form at the spring’s surface as the blonde weakly attempts to fight back. Despite her clawing at her sister’s hand with all her strength, the brunette simply ignores it, imitating a fake yawn. In reality still trying to shake the memory.
You can’t help but feel worried until you remember the women before you are technically already dead.
Lena’s hand quickly becomes covered in scratches as she addresses the entire spring, “now, it’s time to discuss what really matters: what did you get mother for her day of birth!?”
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Alcina lightly swirls around the crimson liquid, ever so gently admiring its colour as she brings the wineglass to her nose. The sanguine smell fills her senses with utter euphoria. The matriarch smiles as she takes in the barrels that fill room, their wood as aged as the liquids they housed.
The Lady of the castle had spent the better half of the day down in the castle’s wine cellar. The “cellar” consisted of two large rooms; one for bottled wines, ready to be happily consumed, an impressive collection as it contained exotic flavours, some even older than her children. While the other room was dedicated to the production of wine, everything from the harvesting of materials to the fermentation process throughout various stages was found here.
Alcina happily took the day to herself to work on her favourite hobby. Wine making was not a process for the impatient, which is why it was all the more rewarding for the vampire. Her patience and experience couldn’t be ignored as her wine was well regarded throughout artisan groups and high societies.
Alcina walks over to a large fridge in the corner of the room. A small smile emerges on her face as she takes notice of liquid fermenting inside.
“Not too long now, I think you’re going to make someone very happy.”
She speaks warmly to the liquid as she takes notice of its changing colour. The vampire decided to make a sangria like drink, something to be enjoyed by everyone for the celebration of her birth but more specifically as a surprise for her companion. Alcina wanted to make something her partner could drink and enjoy, unfortunately the castle’s extensive supply of blood wines probably wouldn’t be the most appetizing for the small human. She felt a nice sangria would be both refreshing and sweet enough for the girl.
Alcina’s mind wanders as she thinks of her partner. She remembers how the girl’s breath quickened as her claw grazed the side of her neck. How simple it would have been to fully sink her fangs into the girl’s flesh, savouring her crimson source as both vampire and human give into carnal desires.
The image makes her skin feel warm against the chilled room.
(I wonder what your blood tastes like, my love)
A vampire bite was often euphoric for humans, feeding on someone felt good for both parties. That being said, the drug like state quickly dissipates once the vampire starts drinking enough to drain the person. Some vampires also went out of their way to make the bite as painful as possible, choosing to first rip flesh as they happily lap up the red liquid.
Alcina knew if her partner ever trusted her with tasting her blood it would act as the ultimate sign of trust.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
“Are you sure this works on vampires?” Philips asks as he shakes the small vial, it’s liquid a pale orange in colour.
“I would assume so, even monsters have some form of brain activity. A single dose is more than potent enough to….impair even the largest beast.” The mysterious merchant answers, he wears a white mask inscribed with markings foreign to this land, a large cloak covers his body.
Incense fills the shop, its walls covered in items both occult and arcane in nature.
The hunter holds the vial up and notices the label covered in markings similar to the man’s mask.
“Perfect. I’ll take four vials and this.”
Phillips presents a large, curved dagger, its entirety covered in a black almost ash like residue.
The merchant’s brows furrow behind his mask, “sir, this is no ordinary blade. It carries dangerous properties if mishandled.” The man warns, well aware of the blade’s dark aura.
The hunter confirms the man’s statement but does not support it, “oh I’m well aware. I’ve been researching it; this will finally give me the advantage I need.”
Phillips’ voice carries a slight edge to it.
There is a pregnant pause as the shop keep takes in the hunter’s disheveled state. The man would describe not a fire behind the hunter’s eyes but an animal gnawing at a cage, ready to break free at any moment. The seller was experienced enough to predict the outcome of trying to deny this type of customer of what they wanted.
“I appreciate your patronage.” The merchant says politely as he prepares the hunter’s order, deciding it best to move on for his own safety.
Once the hunter leaves, the merchant takes a knife from behind the counter and makes a small cut into his palm. He drips the beads of blood on large skeletal statue to his right. He says a small prayer as he offers the deity his life source, praying no innocent lives are lost to the blade.