Opposite Ends ( Ava & ForeverMischievous )

[Lady Bloody Ava]

The candles flickered in the sconces upon the walls. The sound of shuffling feet and heavy boots hitting the hard wood floors seemed to echo throughout the estate. Cries and yelling from women and men alike. One woman in particular seemed to stand out amongst the people. The house was vast and servants carried buckets of water and random medical supplies in and out of rooms. Guards hoisted men over their shoulders or carried them between two by ankles and wrists. Every bed, bench, chair, and ample floor space was taken up by a body. Knife wounds, bullet wounds, and broken bones alike. Her kin and their kin all under one roof. Ebony locks cascaded about her bare shoulders. A simple gown with the petticoats removed from beneath, helping the thin attire with the maneuvering she had to do. This night was one of the worse. Ava was unsure as to how many more people she could take in. The smell of blood hung thick in the air and it broke her heart that not all could be saved.

Ivory skin glistened with sweat in the candle light. The lanterns were all in the rooms with the patients as they were patched. Emerald eyes hazed over with weariness. The noble woman blended in with the servants and soldiers and enemies who lay scattered about her own home. Her generous bust heaved as the tension in the room mounted. Emerald eyes rested on a man upon the floor. One of the worst to have come in. The lithe female's soft and tender hands coated in blood. An enemy's blood. A cloth was dabbed at the male's chest as a single finger buried into a wound and a shard of glass was pulled out. A woman handed her a needle and thread and Ava went to work, despite the groaning and the thrashing. Eventually he had to be held down until she was done. "Lady Lock!!" A young male bellowed from somewhere within her home.

"Lyonel!! In the study!!" The young lad hopped over bodies and dodged the servants to find his mistress and knelled over and panted before he could finally give her the good news. "They .... they h-have ceased fire for the time being. M'Lady." This bit of news elicited a massive sigh of relief. The emerald eyed female roamed the halls to take in just how many people she had taken in. At the looks of things, she could not take anyone else into this home. There was no other place to put anyone, save for her own bed and.... that had to be an extreme case. For the night her men would watch over the healing soldiers in a rotating shift. The last thing she wanted was a war starting up within the walls of her home. Her neutrality had been respected thus far, but who knew how long that would last. One of the maids had urged the noble lady to rest her head, but her adrenaline was pumping far too hard for her to lay her head to rest, just yet.

The subtle curves of her body clung to the breathing fabric of her dress. At some point her shoes had been long since abandoned. Ava's poor petite feet were screaming from prolonged use. Blood was washed from her creamy skin, but flecks and blotches remained on the bust of her gown. A ruby hung from a gold chain and rested in the valley of her generous bust. Out of nervousness and lack of sleep, her fingers fumbled with the gem. A gift from her late father. This night had to come to an end and it never seemed to be anytime soon. Slender fingers raked through her raven mane. Eyes laden with fatigue as she her heart continued to race beneath her very bosom.

 

[ForeverMischievous]

Amelia Averant, was a loyal and strong soldier, in the Holtest army. But her loyalty was waning, at the dismay of her General. He was growing tired of this war, disagreeing with his families blood thirst. Yet it was not only the Holtest's, who was in the wrong. Most of the Lock family, was just as Barbaric and stubborn as the Holtest's. This war, was growing ridiculous. More and more dead, every single day, and all for a spiteful action, long forgotten in History. But Amelia, as her General, took orders, from higher up the chain. And this time, the war was waged, on a peaceful Estate. But Emerick had ordered, that the troops, was not to do their hardest. He didn't wish, to see the Holtest's win this battle, neither did he wish to see them slaughtered. The casualties on both sides, was less then usual, and the aggression was already dimming.

But now, Amelia had seen the true horror of war. Losing those closest to you. And she was not about to lose another. She was not about to lose Emmerick. He'd taught her everything she knew, and she respected the man, more then her own father. Luckily, Amelia was a strong woman. Easily capable, of carrying her General, several miles, before she'd be unable, to go no further. And she had to make it, just a little longer.

None of the guards outside the Estate, seemed to bother, trying to stop the Holtest soldier, carrying a wounded, storming towards the front gate. Perhaps it was the frightful, red eyes, tainted by tear's, that brought petty from their hearts. Or just the fact, that the Estate was meant as a refuge for all. She managed to make it through the door, before it was closed, and instantly dropped to the knees, and placed the fainted man, upon the floor, before raising her hand, in a pleading notion.
"Please.. Please, aid my friend!" She pleaded, and sat between guards, should they point their rifles, at the seemingly unharmed Holtest soldier. She held her hands out defensively, as her pleading eyes traveled from man, to woman, ending on the one, seemingly most noble. Meaning, in charge.
"Please.. You may take me prisoner, or even my life.. But aid my friend.. He's gravely wounded, and won't survive the night, without care." She pleaded, her hands out between her, and the nearest guards. If the man, earlier pleading for refuge, was of the Holest army, he'd know Emmerick, and to that end, give up his place in the Estate, for him. Emmerick Holest was loved among his soldiers, Nobles and even the common folk, in his own country. But no one outside it, knew his face, and everyone would do their share, to keep him alive. Many had said, that he resembled the last hope, of a brighter and peaceful future.

Tears left Amelia's eyes, as the bright green eye's, stared past bloody strings of orange hair, for any sign of compassion. She was desperate, and it was clear. But she'd give anything for Emmerick. Her pride. Her rank. Her life.

 

[Lady Bloody Ava]

Just as Lady Lock was ready to throw down the gauntlet and head to the sweet sanctity of her own beckoning bed, one more person had to appear. The men held up arms as the woman dropped to her knees. In silence an arm was waved and the men went at ease on the poor sight. The pleas of a woman upon her knees with the weak body of an unconscious male in her arms. Eyes were red and bloodshot and in Holtest garb, she dawned. Covered in blood, that Ava could only assume was mostly not her own. The sight was a powerful one. Clearly there lay a bond between the two, for a woman to give up her freedom for the life of another. Not only was there one, but two. If the two were as attached as they seemed.... she could not break them apart. Holtests or not. One could see the war waging within the noble woman's eyes.

Defeat was inevitably shown. "Escort them both to my room. Carry him. Lydia, bring some things to my room." Even the head housemaid threw pity to both her mistress and the duo that showed up. Up the stairs, the raven haired maiden wandered and down the hall to the last room untouched by any blood or sickness or Holtest. The fire beneath her mantle licked at her exposed flesh. Bringing warmth to her body that Ava had not even realized that she was lacking. The lavished linens atop her bed were pulled down and a chair was pulled up on either side of the bed. The portly woman that was Ava's right hand entered with a warm bowl of water and warm rags for dressing wounds. "M' Lady... you need not do this..." A hand was raised to silence the female as the woman soldier was escorted in. "Sit her down on that chair. Clean up any wounds she may have and lay him on the bed."

It was when he was brought into the room that she realized just how bad he was. The look of a man who would most likely deny any help, were it not for the woman who had brought him in. "Relax and let the lady do as she is told." She instructed to the female Holtester while looking over the man upon her bed. Like all the others she skillfully removed his shirt and jacket. "What on earth...." She whispered to herself. As pale as a ghost. Bleeding from several puncture wounds. Not a single major artery was touched. "Today is not the day to bleed to death." A finger raked along each side of his ribs and her eyes ventured from his face, to his hands, to his feet for any response that would mean pain. His pulse was faint, but there. His heart pumped blood fresh from his wounds and in a tandem of hands and orders she pressed mashed herbs to the wounds and then wrapped them in gauze. No doubt the dressings would have to be changed throughout the night. Lydia went about checking the female that had accompanied him. " You will remain no prisoner within these walls. Nor will your life be forfeit." It was too soon to question whether or not her male companion would make it through the night.

A hand rested upon his wrist. What looked like an admirable gesture was simply to keep track of his pulse. The rhythmic beating and her overtaxed mind and body rocked the woman to sleep. In the chair on one side of the bed, she rested. Head resting upon the soft edge of the bed, with his wrist still in one hand. Black locks splayed upon the bed top at his side as the guard kept watch over her. No hair was to be harmed. Throughout the night some people left, of their own free will. Deemed healthy enough by one of her own people, of course. Many at the breaking of dawn. Ava was untouched. Left to sleep in the chair pulled up to the side of the bed. Lydia was up early, as usual and silently wandered the room and checked on her mistress as well as the Holtests that occupied... or defiled... the very room she lay her head.

 

[ForeverMischievous]

It was clear, that Amelia felt no fear for their weapons. Her eye's did not twitch or react to the danger of their weaponry, only when ever a gun was pointed at Emmerick, if any was. Then she got in the way of these weapon's, crawling over Emmerick, as if trying to be the human shield. Yet then, when their arm's where lowered, at their Lady's command, Amelia's eyes focused on her instead. Lady Ava Lock. A beauty, just as she'd been described, by other's that'd been tended to here, in this sanctuary. Now it was clear, why some from the army went here, rather then to their own Med Camps. Better equipment, and a chance to catch another glance at, The Lady Lock.
Amelia saw the strife Ava had with herself, and another tear was shed, before she crumbled in front of Ava, doing what she'd never done before. Yielding. "P.. Please.. Help him.." She begged again, before Ava would get a word in. And then as she did, agreeing to the yield, and the plea. Relief shot into Amelia's eye's, as she gave a slight cry of worry, before looking back at Emmerick, as other Soldier's approached. "C.. Careful.. His wounds are grave.. The.. Distance I had to carry him, was.. Already bad enough. When other came to help Amelia on the way, she thanked, but shook her head, clearly only tired. But if they insisted, she wouldn't stop them, but would make sure, that they staid close to those, who carried Emmerick.

Amelia cared not for the beautiful Manor, only focused on her Hero, being carried off to a resident, of their enemy. He'd been as a father to her, teaching her most she knew, and in doing so, making her the best shot of their Battalion. If she lost him, she lost all hope for this war to end peacefully. Without Emmerick, it would only end in slaughter, for either sides. As long as she could, she'd defend him above all else.
They passed another Holtest, on their way up the stair's, that noticed Emmerick and Amelia. The man gasped, looking to Amelia, who glared back. He knew what to do. Keep it a secret. No one could know, who Emmerick truly was.

As they entered the room, and Amelia was sat down, she looked down herself as the healer's approached. "N.. None of it is mine.. It's.. It's all E.. Evanchest's.." She whispered, as her hand's, covered in thick masses, of crimson blood. She took a deep breath, before looking down towards Emmerick on the bed, who still remained silent and still. She didn't protest, should the hearlers start to treat her, but they'd find nothing but bruises and minor scratches, nothing on her was bleeding. The heavy coat of blood spray, was entirely Emmerick's.
Emmerick had lost a lot of blood, and any human would've gone pale, as he was. Yet Emmerick was alway's this pale. Luckily, so far, nothing would seem strange about it. Other then the fact, that he wasn't yet dead, but remained alive. His heart, barely pumping blood through his vain's still, and as her finger touched the wound on his shoulder, a gunshot wound, gone all the way through, a twitch from his right hand showed pain, and the blood started pumping again. Amelia's head shook, as she watched.
"He.. He can't die.. You can't die on me.. Please.. S.. Stay with me.. Stay with us." She whispered silently, from her chair, as her green eyes, gazed down upon Emmerick. And as silence approached, those green orb's, remained focused on Emmerick, not straying, even as the poor Noble woman, dropped to sleep.

Many Holtest, had come by the room, wanting to speak with Amelia, through the morning. Those who was allowed word, only asked how Evanchest was doing, everyone seemingly knowing this alias. Every time, Amelia was there to nod, still hopeful that he'd survive. She'd gotten up, if allowed by the guards, and started walking a bit back and forth in the room. She had only slept for a few hours during the night, unable to rest her head, with Emmerick still silent.
Finally, and groan came from Emmerick, as his head turned. He remained asleep, and Amelia, who instantly reacted and ran to the bed side, did not wish to wake him, unsure on what to do. She looked up to Lydia, with questioning eyes. "Is that good?" She asked, with as worried a voice as ever. She sat down on her knees, and looked upon Emmerick, with begging eye's. "Here I am.. Breaking down.. In.. Front of my 'worst' enemy..." She said, silently. She leaned forward, watching Emmerick more closely, as another tear graced her cheek. She was a beautiful woman, taking her rank in consideration. She had a rough exterior, as any soldier would have, but behind that, and the uniform, she had a curved body, beautiful orange hair, reaching her shoulders, and green eyes to drop dead for.

 

[Lady Bloody Ava]

Ava strayed into the dark abyss to seek sanctuary. Deep within the recesses of her mind where no one could touch her or disturb her peace. That was... until he groaned. His pulse jumped and her eyes shot open at the sudden change. There on the other side of the bed, leaning ever so close was her patient's companion. Had the dear girl gotten any sleep at all? Lady Lock's emerald orbs then turned to the familiar sight of her head maiden. "Bring us food, Lydia.... and porridge for him. Thank you." Slender fingers raked through her long ebony tendrils. Getting them somewhat managed. Alas, there was no time for a long bath. The soft palm of Ava's hand cupped at the male's forehead. "He runs no fever...." She stated aloud, hoping to get the red head to relax, if not just a smidgen. More bandages were retrieved and a yet again she redressed his wounds. It came as a bit of a shock, just how much progress he had made. "He will live." Even the guards at the door could hear the smile in her voice. "If we do not get food into him, though, he will not be getting far anytime soon. He may awaken soon, but I suggest he stay here until full health. Should he strain himself, his wounds will reopen and we will be back where we started. " Men were indeed the most stubborn of sexes. It was indefinitely time for a change of clothing and to wash up right quick. Lydia soon arrived with a tray of breads, various slices of meats, and fruit, as well as a small bowl of porridge. Ava took the tray into her own hands and set it next to the girl.

In a voice so calm and gentle, she instructed, "Feed him. Get anything into him. Talk to him and coax him awake. I will return soon, Lydia will help you should you need anything." It was almost as though the difference between their families did not exist. The reluctance upon Lydia's face to help the Holtest was obvious in Ava's eye. The mistress need only place a hand upon the portly servant's shoulder to remind her of their duty. This war was the last thing that Ava Lock would wish upon either family. With a soft sigh, she exited to the room to her own lavatory after having retrieved a gown from her wardrobe. A clawfoot tub sat waiting for her, filled with water. Of course she would not take long. A subtle laugh escaped her lips for but a second. Somewhat surprised that no ill person occupied the tub or the floor. In silence, she did wish the man well. Lavender scented suds washed from her hair and skin before she dried off and dawned a casual dress in her family's colors. Emerald green and gold.

An ivory comb was raked through the damp tendrils that ended in the middle of her back. Yet again her most prized possession sat nestled in the valley of her bosom, close to her heart. Back into the room she wandered. Just in time to have a guard hand her a roll of parchment with her uncle's seal upon it. She took a seat with the chair that she had previously occupied as she ripped the message open. Eyes roaming the page. "Oh Uncle... how charming and foolish you can be." With those words she tossed the message where it deserved to be: in the flames beneath the mantle.

"M' Lady, nearly half the patients are gone. Home, I think or at least back to their headquarters. Crazy loons hopefully figured that this is all a waste of time and leads to no where." Lydia was always one to speak her mind. One reason Ava adored her. Various medical supplies lay scattered about. The reason Ava began to gather them up.

"Ouch!" A knife fell to the ground and two droplets of blood. In a heart beat Lydia was at her head Lady's side. Ava could only laugh. "It is fine Lydia, I only cut myself slightly." A fairly deep cut upon her right index finger. Droplets of blood falling on the plate that Lydia had prepared for her. It was nothing a wrap couldn't fix. "You act as though it is the end of the world. We are all on end, I suppose. How is he fairing, has he eaten anything yet?" With the lack of blood all over him, she was able to get a fairly good look at her unconscious . Quite handsome, it was no wonder the girl was smitten with him. The female warrior was rather pretty as well, and those eyes. Breathtaking, to say the least.

 

[ForeverMischievous]

Amelia's eyes where drawn towards Ava, as the woman rose her head from the bed, to look upon Amelia's general, once again. Amelia was waging war with herself. She was happy, that Ava seemed pleased with treating her General. Whilst she was afraid she'd find out the truth. Emmerick was loved by his allies, whilst feared by his enemies. His platoon's, had never failed a mission, until this one. When ever they'd been told to hold a line, they'd done so, without any faltering, even if they where greatly outnumbered. And where they told to attack, Emmerick always managed to outsmart his enemies. That is why, she was afraid. That big of an asset to the Holtest family, would surly be stricken down, should the Lock's find out, who he truly was.

But Amelia had to hide her fear, and did so, looking up to Ava, as she placed a hand upon Emmerick's head. Amelia nodded a single time, and smiled in Ava's direction, with great appreciation in her gaze. Her eyes then drafted back upon Emmerick, as she gulped a single time. That was one fear, off her shoulder's. Emmerick would survive. Now, they just had to keep his identity a secret, for as long as possible. Her eye's drifted a bit up and down Emmerick, without truly listening to Ava's words. He was beautiful, indeed. But that wasn't why, she was this loyal. He had been like a father to her. Taught her everything. He had to live. For her. For their country.
As she was instructed to feed him, Amelia rose to her feet, moving her green eyes towards Ava, in a respecting gaze. Amelia made it clear, that even though an enemy, Lady Ava was both of higher rank and importance then herself. Even towards those she's yielded to, Amelia remained formal. Yet when Ava was about to continue on for her bath, Amelia first reached a hand out for Ava's wrist, but quickly stopped it's advance, and pulled it back, realizing that could have seemed aggressive. "Lady Lock.. Th.. Thanks. For helping him." She thanked, lowering her head, in a formal sign of submission, before turning her attention back down towards Emmerick.

As Ava where away, Amelia had gotten placed upon her chair, and leaned closer over Emmerick, stroking his hair gently, silently speaking to him. Calling him by the name: Evanchest, again and again, as if trying to wake him, with her sweet words. His chestnut brown hair, where still covered in blood stains, and Amelia looked around the bed for a piece of cloth, if finding one, she dipped in a bowl of blood smeared water, then starting to gently water his hair, and clean the stain's away, making sure no water would irritate his eyes. Again and again, she repeated herself: 'Don't leave us, Evanchest'.

Amelia kept stroking Emmerick's hair, as Ava read through her letter, only discreetly listening to her words. Then as Lydia spoke, Amelia's eyes, slowly moved up towards the woman, unable to stay her own tongue, figuring she was talking about the Holtest army.
"General Emmerick Holtest, had no choice in this mater. Being a General, he still answer's to his father. If Emmerick wanted to take the village here.. There would've been more casualties.. Less wounded.." She said, in a low tone, that still recognized, that she was in another's house. Her eyes then drifted back down towards Emmerick, as she kept drying his hair. "Lucky for both sides.. Emmerick detests his father's choice, of waging war against neutral ground." She saw the brightest, in the darkest. There was still many wounded, yes. But the casualties where low, and Ava yet had her Estate for herself, and the Lock family. Had Emmerick been as blood thirsty as his father, this might have been very different. Amelia gulped, slowly sitting back in her chair, with a lowered head. "I'm.. Sorry if I overstepped.. Saying that.." She apologized, before anyone could complaint.

Then as she heard Ava's complaint, she rose her head, leaning a bit up in her chair, casting a gaze towards the finger, now bleeding slightly. She saw it was merely a flesh wound, so didn't react more, then her few seconds of worry. For an enemy...
Yet as the first drops of blood seeped from the small wound, Emmerick's finger twitched, so little that no one'd notice it. He was awake. Yet he kept his eyes closed, still very weak. Amelia looked up as she was spoken to, shaking his head lightly, her lips now curving a slight smile. "Still unconscious. And.. Even if he had waken, he.. Always hated porridge." She whispered, giggling just slightly a single time. "And.. He'd probably say: 'Keep that damned watery-bread, and..'" She made an attempt at a fake male voice, but was interrupted by a real one.

"Bring me, a bloody steak..." Emmerick groaned, before chuckling halfly, but being choked into a cough, as his eyes drifted open, blinking several times, before gazing towards Ava. His weak, pale brown-organe eye's gazed for her's, as his lips curved an even larger smile. "What a.. Pretty face to wake up to.. Hrm.." He chuckled again, but was once again stopped by a burning cough. Yet as the cough halted, his eye's almost shot towards Ava once again. "Lady.. Ava Lock?" He questioned, as Amelia brightened up to his awake, before placing a hand on his shoulder. He looked over to her instead, smiling again. He knew now, that Ava was still in the dark. He moved his right hand, to place it on Amelia's, as his eye's shined appreciation. His eyes then drifted back towards Ava, with a serious, and questioning gaze.
"Am I, a prisoner?" His first question, would be.

 

[Lady Bloody Ava]

It was always wonderful to be reminded that her efforts were not in vain. Despite the two being from completely different kin that rivaled her own. The Lock family had heard, what were now rumors. Ava only figured them myths, since it was just a simple tale that her parents would tell her before she went to bed. The Holtests were proclaimed to be blood inhaling beasts that savored the blood of the Locks. It was figured that parents only relayed the tale to keep their children in line. As the flame haired girl spoke once more, she was quite surprised at her boldness to say such a thing within a House of Lock. A smile tugged at the corner of the Lady's soft pink lips, after the outburst. "You really need not apologize. I continuously refuse help from my family, and continue to as long as they pursue this war that is waged between us. I detest the blood shed. It is required to defend one's self, but...." She shrugged with little need to voice her opinion for the umpteenth time.

Her finger was easily bandaged and a genuine laugh escaped her lips after the longest time. Often there was little to laugh about at such troubling times. Ava did not even notice when her droplets of blood elicited the slightest of movement from the seemingly unconscious male that occupied her bed. The woman was indeed amusing with her male impression. It was certainly the response that the Lady would have foreseen. Followed by her explanation of why he had to eat it, only if he had not woken up. A small and silent gasp escaped her lips as the male spoke. Green eyes were rolled with half a smile on display, soon afterwards. "First words from your lips are an order, followed closely by flattery. Oh how man has evolved." Ava laughed softly. Whether he took it as the jest it was meant to be or the insult some may have twisted it into, was up to him. The girl, was kind and wise, but him... he was unexplored territory. However, he was too weak to do any damage.

His cough was disheartening, but it could be worse. It was a bit of a surprise that he knew her name, but she would not question it. Looking back, he was not the first. The hostess shook her head slighting in response to his question. "Neither of you are prisoners here. If you know my name, then you should at least know that." His eyes we... mesmerizing. It was difficult to rip her own eyes from the flaming orbs and to the female on the other side of the bed. " You need only thank your friend. She came to my doors and... well. Not a hair has been touched on her and she made it with only a few cuts and bruises. You... on the other hand. As pale as a ghost with wounds that rivaled all that have ever walked past my threshold. You are not leaving until you are completely healed. Strain yourself and your wounds will open. Per my order." Instinctively, a strand of his auburn locks were tucked aside by her fingers.

"Lydia, would you please?" For some odd reason the auburn haired maid was awe struck in a corner of the room. She had been since the word 'bloody' spilled forth from his lips. Lydia was one of the people within the Lock household that truly believed in the tales of the Holtest and the Locks.
"H-How would you have your steak?" The words held an air of disgust as they were spoken. Never before has the woman displayed such disdain before her mistress. "Lydia!" Ava corrected. The portly lady knew how naive her mistress was to the tales and would dare not bring it up whilst in the company of them.

Unlike the others he had to stay, and the woman proved to be no hindrance to his healing or her family, so she too could stay. "Please... make yourselves at home." She humbly offered. "Ask the guards for anything. They will be outside of your/my doors for the time being. Only out of habit." Seeing as how it was her room. "I will return shortly, Lydia will bring you your steak." Ava ached for a breath of fresh air. One place to receive such a request was her garden. Just outside of the bedside window, she could see it. Untouched by death and bloodshed. With a quaint nod she excused herself and exited the room. The doors closing behind her. On the way downstairs, she peeked into the rooms and found many of the people who lingered to be moving on their own. Always a wonderful sight.

Past the kitchen doors and out the back she was greeted with the fresh scent of various budding flowers. How sweet the smell. Compared to the sickening putrid scent of blood and sweat. The wind played with the hem of her dress and the loose tresses of her raven mane. Lydia would have to endure their company. It still irked her with how the woman had behaved. A stone bench sat in the center of her small garden with a seemingly ancient tree looming overhead. A comforting place to get lost in one's thoughts. Thinking of generations breathing down one another' back to pursue a war that was older than even they were. A war that lost meaning a long time ago. Already he blood had seeped its way through the bandage upon her finger. With a reluctant sigh, she stood up from the bench and sauntered back in the direction of her room where she had left the supplies to fix it up once more.

 

[ForeverMischievous]

The first reaction to Amelia's words, caused Amelia to look down, in dismay. She had not meant to offend, and feared she'd taken it that way. Amelia had nothing against the Locks. On the contrary. The Locks where known for their beauty, and grace. Why this mindless war was still raised, she knew not. That's something she was against. The war, itself. No one remembered, what started this, and the only reason she could think of, that it was still brewing. And it was only getting worse, the Monarch's sending Emmerick to attack a neutral settlement? Amelia hated this.
Amelia looked up, as she was told not to apologize. She looked upon Ava, with a wondering expression, and a lightly tilted head.
"Why? You can not hope, to hold back the Holtest's advance, forever? The Monarch's only got their teeth stained with blood at this attempt. And.. The report's say, that General Emmerick, may not've made it out of this fight.. And without him. Nothing is holding the bulk of the Holtest army back.. You.. Have to get help. The Monarch's.. Is not nearly as wise and merciful, as Emmerick." Her voice almost seemed pleading. It was clear from her attitude, that she wanted no harm to befall Lady Ava Lock, or her settlement.

Ava's laughter, send a warmth through Amelia, that lightened up her eye's, causing her to smile lightly, as she stirred the porridge slightly, but then as Emmerick woke, her eyes focused on him, rather. His reaction caused her to chuckle lightly, shaking her head as she smiled widely. He would be fine, and he was already himself. Emmerick's pale eyes remained on Ava's, glancing right back into her beautiful gaze. He burst out into a cheerful laughter, the moment spurred by another agonizing cough.
"We've.. Produced better way's of hurting each other, that is certain.. Erh.." He complained with another cough, mixed with a single chuckle. He then remarked with a nod at her answer to his question, letting his head drop down on his pillow again.
"Good.. Then I won't have to complaint, and demand my release." He said with a smile and then chuckle, causing him to break into another painful cough, placing a hand on his side, where the worst of his wounds where bandage. "But rather.. Thank you.. For patching me up." He thanked Ava a single time, before moving his gaze towards Amelia, as Ava explained their condition's. He rose a hand, and stroked an orange lock, away from her brow, Amelia closing her eye's, in a short moment of relief, a wide smile gracing her lips. "Seem's thank's is in order here as well then, dear.. You know.. You didn't have to repay favor's, by risking your own life, silly girl..." He complained a bit, but with a smile behind, making it clear, that he adored her, for her actions. Amelia chuckled lightly, looking back onto Emmerick.
"Like I was going to leave you out there, friend.. If you died, who'd continue my pistol training, hm?" She teased back, causing Emmerick to chuckle once more, and burst into another painful cough.
"Orh.. Ergh.. We need to.. Come to an agreement, of not making me laugh..." He smiled, looking back at Ava, grinning lightly as he was 'ordered' to remain. He raised his hand's just lightly as a peaceful gesture. "Your ordering me to remain in bed and rest, which I have not been capable of, for far too long.. I think I can live with that order. Even when coming for a Lock. Well.. At least a beautiful one at it.." Once again showing off, that he was quite incapable, of being serious, any more then necessary. As her fingers grazed his forehead, moving away those strands of hair, his eye's gazed up upon her, and he had to take a deep breath, as he realized something. A scent in the room, had just been more powerful. But why?

Emmerick rose his head, to gaze over towards Lydia, followed by a risen brow. She seemed almost terrified. He wondered why. They knew nothing of these bedtime stories, that had apperantly been told to those in the Lock allegiance. Nor did they know of the past between them. There was one thing he did know, however. That scent in the air, was refreshing him. Making him hungry. And the question, only just invited him, to tease the terrified woman, even further.
"Bloody.." He asked, with a smug smile, and a silent chuckle. He knew a voice of disgust when he heard it, and he'd confront it with humor as he'd always done. Emmerick then nodded in agreement to Ava's words, before resting his head down again. Amelia looked down upon him with a smile, grazing his forehead with a stroke of her hand, before moving her eye's towards the door, as Ava left. She then looked questionably down on Emmerick. He nodded a single time, causing her to walk towards the door as well.
"May I.. Please join Lady Ava Lock? I wish to talk with her grace.." She humbly asked. "You may chain my hand's together, or escort me, I merely intend to speak with her.

 

[Lady Bloody Ava]

This was going to be some interesting times. How long was the moment of peace going to last? What Amelia said did have a bit of a shocking effect. This attack was indeed a brutal one. Not very many of her men were too far gone, but that was just the icing on the cake. Ava had held back this long, but had slackened her defenses a bit since the priorities of others lives had taken a hold of the reigns. The idea of General Emmerick not making it out of this fight was an unsettling thought. Things could only seem to get worse from her on out. To think that her men may have taken down one of the Holtest's prized pawns... it was almost outlandish. She caught herself standing in the doorway of her parlor, arms crossed over her chest. Feebly trying to remember a peaceful time in her life, to little or no avail. The number of her men now dwindled and held little to no chance against a full blown invasion against the Holtests. The idea of begging for her family's assistance at this time was... daunting.

Lydia accidentally nudged her Lady's shoulder on her way back to the room. The portly lady's eyes grew wide with fright until they landed upon the sight of Ava's face. The plate in her hands shook a bit with the bloody steak on top of it. The short lady bowed her head in apology and Ava easily brushed the incident aside. "Lydia, I doubt he truly meant a 'bloody' steak." The elderly lady shook her head and bit down hard on her lower lip and continued on her way. The guards listened to the Holtest woman's pleas. The cuffs just hanging from the waistband of one of their trousers. Lady Ava had taken well to these Holtest and it would most likely not be in their Mistress' best interests if they brought the red head to her in cuffs. With a brief exchange of glances one man's deep voice sounded out, "I will see you to Lady Lock." The other was clearly staying before the bedroom doors to keep an ear out for their other 'guest'. In the vastness of her home, Lydia did not pass the flame haired female on her way to the room and, in fact, had just missed her. The door was opened by the only guard and Lydia avoided all eye contact with the male as the steak was set upon the side table with a porcelain cup of water.

The guard eventually found his Mistress. After weaving through humbly decorated halls with simple sconces and a window here and there that spilled light into the hall. Ava was found tending to another soldier who complained of back ache. Already she had forgotten about her bleeding finger. "It will not get better if you do not get up and move around." The old fart was due to retire soon, and like many men, he was far too stubborn. He had no business being out on that battle field but it was his wish to die in battle. Who was she to stop him? "Just relax, for the time being." Her voice was what caught the attention of the guard before the emerald eyed maiden exited the room.
"My Lady. She wishes to have a word with you." Over her shoulder, green orbs peered to see the sight of the flame haired girl approaching with a guard at her side. Listening to the male as he informed her of the reason for their being here.
"You found me. You may return to your post." With a courteous bow the guard was off. Ava extended a hand. What she had to talk about, was probably not far from Ava's own mind.

The war, perhaps? It was the only thing they seemed to have in common. "Come... let us take this conversation to the common room. Oddly enough, it is one of the few places were no one already occupies." The thick short heels of Ava's boots sounded upon the wooden floors beneath them. Slippers had become pretty bothersome and proved an annoying hindrance when running. Near the front of her home, they walked. An arched set of french doors opened up to reveal a room with walls lined with books and a fine seat of cushioned chairs and a sofa where one could relax. When both were in, she closed the doors behind them, for what little privacy they could afford. Her family would think it most unwise of her for closing herself in a room with a Holtest. It would have wreaked of an assault from the inside, in their minds. Instinctively she tightly pressed her thumb to the bleeding cut on her finger, stopping the blood from seeping from the bandage any further. Ava took a seat in one of the high backed chairs and wave a hand as an invitation to the other at her side. "What is it you would like to discuss?"

 

[ForeverMischievous]

As Emmerick, was somewhat alone in the room, he slowly moved up to a sit. His eyes narrowed slightly, as they drifted about the room. A Locks home, then? Even their Estate's where much alike. What on Earth had started this strife? Who shot the first bullet? Everything about this senseless war, nagged Emmerick. And what was even worse, the scent that had refreshed him, had vanished. And that with Lady Lock. Had she been the source? He had no doubt, that the scent was that of blood. But it'd never been so sweet before. And why would his nostrils react so heavily, to her? His mind was confused, and most of all, worried. He had no intend of returning to his father, anytime soon. Yet if he did not, his father would come here, and that baring rifles and riding horses. And he knew his father, would show no courtesy or mercy for Ava. He could not let that happen. He had to do something about it.

His thought's where cut short, as the woman entered the borrowed room, once again. And what did he know? She actually made him a steak, bloody. He just had to chuckle at that fact, as he sat up straight, following Lydia's footsteps. He reached out for the cup of water, picking it up, but as he leaned back he stopped, nodding formally at Lydia a single time. "Thank you very much, Lady dear." He thanked, with a wide grin upon his lips, taking a sip of his water, before reaching to pull the plate with steak to him, bringing only a fork in that exchange, spearing the meat upon the fork, raising it to take a large bite from it. He made a delighted groan, rolling his eyes with a smile, shaking the meat a bit in front of him.
"Delicious..." He said with a silent voice, nodding once again, before looking over to Lydia. He seemed questioning, before pointing a bit in her direction, with a few nudges of his fork. "That look, and voice earlier... What about me, frightens and discusts you so?" He asked, taking another bite from the meat. "It's ooobviously not my appearance, i mean..." He said with a sarcastic, over dramatized voice, before looking down himself. He pouted lightly with a shrug of his shoulders, before looking up again. "I guess that counts for the disgusted part, but i'm hardly that terrifying..." He stated, nudging his fork in her direction again, before taking another bite from the steak.

Amelia had thanked the guard, and then followed him forward, finally finding Ava again. As Ava's eyes looked back for Amelia, her own lightened up once again. Amelia found hope and warmth in Ava, something no one else then Emmerick, had ever made her feel before. An abusive family, had given her a rough youth, and only Emmerick had ever really respected her choice of carrier. But this was different. Emmerick was her General, Ava and enemy. She shouldn't get these feelings from her, so her eye's lowered lightly, after having stared at them, for a minute or so.
Amelia followed Ava to the room they'd reside within, and as soon as they entered, Amelia's eyes rose in amazement, her jaw dropping lightly at the sight. Her eyes drifted over the many shelves of books, with a small smile across her lips, before finally shaking her amazement off, clearing her throat, before joining Lady Ava.
She sat down, leaning a bit forward in the seat, with her hands placed on each side of her legs, that was tightly pressed together. She cleared her throat at the question, looking a bit down, as she began.
"My.. Name is Amelia.. Amelia Fortland.. Thought.. I'd let you know that.. Eh.. I just. Wanted to thank you again, for.. Taking us in, and taking so good care of my friend.. And.. It's.. A lovely home.. You have, I..." She stopped the pleasantries with a pause, sighing lightly, before she looked up upon Ava again, moving her hands as she leaned a bit closer to her, and rested the hands on the chair she was on's armrest.
"Lady Ava Lock.. You must call for aid. I.. Was not lying. Ser Alabast Holtest, will lead his armies, in his brother's absence, and he will certainly bring down the hammer of their father Monarch's order.. The Estate will be attacked, and they won't care about it's neutrality this time. You can not hold him back, and I don't want to see you hurt.. I don't want to see your Estate taken from you.. You will not be shown the courtesy you showed us.. You'll be imprisoned. Tortured for information and used as a bargaining tip. Your servant's, men.. Those who'll be lucky will be shot down during combat, the rest abused or executed.. Alabast is a ruthless bastard, with no honor in his heart.. I don't to see this predicament befall you, Mi'Lady..." Her voice was now swift, and direct. When she spoke combat and warning's, Amelia was incapable of holding her tongue, and several times showed her worry for Ava's safety. She realized what she'd said, and cleared her throat, leaning a bit back in the chair, as her eye's finally let go of Ava's. They'd been worried. Hurt. Afraid. Now they where filled with sorrow and fright, staring upon the carpet in front of her, as she bit at her gums.
"I.. Apologize.. I.. I might have over stepped.. I.. Did not mean to be disrespectful.. If.. If you trust your forces, I.. I will not pretend I know them better, then you.." She said, now with a more silent voice, as her eye's drifted up to meet Ava's again, the enchanting eye's, showing a hint of care.

 

[Lady Bloody Ava]

Lydia watch in utter fear as he ate the bloody raw steak before her. How could her mistress no have seen this in him. He was one of them. A true Holtest. His words were comical in a way, but... it was said to only be a tale. "You... you are a Holtest. You are of Holtest blood. Are you here to drink from my mistress?" Her words were staggered and the nervousness was clear. However she was far to frightful to make her feet command to her will. Her frail hear raced within her chest. "You managed to penetrate the estate through my Lady's good graces. She has done nothing wrong. She only seeks the peace of our families. By the heavens... her brothers warned her." She pleaded to no one in particular. She had watched that young infant girl. blossom into a radiant woman who always put others before her. She showed little fear and held excellent leadership skills. Lydia could not give up hope. "We tell the tales of your family. How your sought the blood of the Locks, and that was how your power was heightened. Now... without their blood you are no more powerful than they are. She did not believe me, nor does she know you are a Holtest." Her insides quivered out of fear and heart heart began to ache, and yet her feet remained rooted at the bedside. "Promise me you will not hurt her. Just promise, and not a word will be uttered. She does not believe me anyhow."

Ava listened as Amelia spot. She rambled on with pleasantries, but the Lady already knew the lovely woman had something on her mind that she wanted to get off of her chest. She did not interrupt and listened as her thoughts from earlier were relayed. The genuine worry within her voice for not only her estate, but Ava herself was... moving. She had been given a 'Thanks' from a Holtest soldier, but never has one spoken of her in such a way. This was what she wanted. This was what she had hoped for, but one person was not enough. Amelia was right in every way. Who knew how much time they had left before a Holtest came to bust down her doors. Her mind was swimming with ideas that seemed to end no where. Those marvelous eyes could hide no lies from Ava, nor did they seem to try. Ava rested a hand upon Amelia's with a hint of reassurance in her voice.
"Amelia...You only speak your mind and you respect me, by talking to be in the first place. Nothing was over stepped and I agree with you, but.... my family. Their stubbornness rivals that of the Holtest. Yes... they will come to my aid, but... any one who even remotely looked like a Holtest would be killed on sight. The position of this home is the center of the battle ground and the worst place to take this war. So much death, so much blood... and so many bodies." The thought shook her to the core. "My forces are waning each day. Many, I have encourage, have moved their families to some other distant village." The blood continued to seep past the bandage and now down her finger. She had just now noticed and completely forgot that she was headed upstairs to fix it.

"We will find a way. If in the end, I do have to call for help from my brothers... then adjustments will have to be made." She had five older brothers. they would come to their baby sister's aide without hesitation. Even without consent. "My brothers could be on their way as we speak. If word has reached them that General Emmerick was taken down by the Locks. They will put two and two together." She unwrapped the gauze that was soaked with her blood and tossed in the trash. "Come... I need to fix this and we can discuss this somewhere a bit more comfortable. Amelia, you are a friend at this point. You need not call me 'Lady'." Some people could not be swayed out of doing that, but it was a simple offer. She took Amelia's hand into her own and guided her out of the room. They had the same goal, the same agenda. "Perhaps we should check on Evanchest, while I get this fixed, never before has it been this bad." It was odd. Ava had cut herself before, but never has so much blood emerged from such a cut.

Ava took her time walking to her room. Pondering plans to ceases this oncoming assault. "Maybe General Emmerick did make it back and the next assault... no." It would not work. "You and Evanchest would have to change clothes if my brother's do arrive. I have some for you. My men would have something from him... if..." She paused for a moment. "If you wouldn't mind. You need not dawn the look of a Lock if you do not want to, I could find something else." Now Ava was tripping over her own words, hoping to not have offended her with the idea. Pausing just a few feet before her bedroom door.
Lydia heard the footsteps nearing the door and knew her mistress would be back soon. Lydia hurried to the door and opened them, to peek out and confirm her suspicions. "M Lady! Did you get a breath of fresh air?" Lydia was feigning her bubbly smile and personality, but Ava's attention was ripped from Amelia's. A hand resting over Ava's racing heart.

"Lydia. Yes... yes I feel much better but this cut seems to have taken a turn for the worse, it does not seem to want to stop bleeding." She walked into the room and Lydia stood in the corner as her mistress wandered over to the bedside to clean her own blood off of her hands. The small portly lady watching the man in the bed. Perhaps she was just going a tad mad. Maybe she was wrong. She's met people with odder tastes.
"You're looking much better Evanchest." Ava gave him a smile before focusing on her finger once more. She would discuss ideas with Amelia afterwards.

 

[ForeverMischievous]

Emmerick watched Lydia with a searching expression, and a risen brow, still chewing on a piece of the raw meat. As her answer came in, Emmerick at first looked surprised, then just choked on his piece of meat, as the question came out. He was between a laugh, and a cough, as he kept trying to swallow the piece of meat, holding out an arm between them, as she continued. He started bumping a hand against his chest, as the piece finally got swallowed, starting to wave his hand at her, in a gesture for her to stop.
"Stop.. Stop, please... What?! Drink her... What on earth are you.." He stopped as she continued, swallowing the piece of meat, as he realized the fathom of this situation. Even if this woman would seem like a crazy nut, should she spew this nonsense on Lady Ava, she was a trusted servant. Ava would surely trust her judgment, and trust her word, in calling him a Holtest. Emmerick put his fork down on his plate, as he turned around on the bed, leaning a bit closer towards Lydia, now with a stern expression.
"I am of Holtest blood, indeed.. And many generations back, so was Amelia.." He started, his eyes now narrowed slightly. "But I will NOT, and would NEVER dream of touching your Lady, in any such way, and I will not hear such an accusation from your lips, one more time..." He at first demanded, his heart being obscenely offended at the mere thought. "The Holtests are vile, indeed. And I am of their family as well, agreed. But I would never return courtesy, with such vile acts... And with such.. Twisted tales, it would seem the Locks aren't much different then the Holtests, to think we're all droplet's of the same spoon..." He sneered lightly again, his before pale eye's, flaming lightly with disdain.

Emmerick finally got his heart in order, and his rage degraded, realizing he was possibly torturing the poor woman. "For all it is worth, in your superstitious eye's, you have my word that I will not lay a finger on your Mistress.. Especially not my teeth... Look.." He pulled his mouth open, to show his set of teeth, showing no signs of fangs. "What exactly would I be drinking it with, hm? Now... You will keep your tongue behind your teeth about this business, for if not, I will not be able to aid your Mistress, from losing her Estate and life.. My name is Emmerick.. Emmerick Holtest.. And I am the only thing standing between your Mistress' Estate, and the full force of the Holtest army... If I wanted this place taken.. It would already have been done.. Understood? I will help.. Think on the contrary, and you are a fool.. Let this secret out.. I do not even wish to imagine what might happen with Lady Ava... A less unfortunate fate, I could not imagine..." His voice had been stern, and stained with no lies. And none so, because he spoke the truth, from the bottom of his heart. Especially after seeing and feeling the Lady, first hand. He'd remained silent enough, so no one outside would've heard them.

Amelia listened intently, her deep eye's staring to Ava's, with a greater hint of appreciation, then the fear that'd taken hold of her. Again, Ava brought a beacon of hope to Amelia, causing her to nod at every other word. So the Lock family, was indeed stubborn as well. As Amelia'd figured. Such a foolish war, could not have waged for so long, had it not been for the stubbornness of both sides. She blinked and her eye's almost shot down upon Ava's hand, as it was placed on her own. Her instincts where telling her to pull her hand away, from her enemies. Yet. Ava was no longer an enemy. She was indeed a friend. If her quick, and almost seemingly nervous reaction, would cause Ava to pull her hand away, Amelia would gently embrace it with her own long and slender fingers, as her eyes drifted upwards again, to meet Ava's. She nodded in agreement, and followed Ava, keeping a gentle embrace of her hand. As Emmerick had mentioned, Amelia was also of Holtest blood, but it was generations back, and she was the bastard daughter, only giving her half of the Holtests blood. And even she didn't know of her heritage. She never knew her mother, who was the Holtest. But she'd gotten the grace and charm, of a Holtest Lady, among other attributes, such as her seductive and deep eyes. However, the thirst for the blood of a Lock, was not present in her, as it was in Emmerick, so the wound caught her no trifled thoughts.

Amelia had to smile at the push of formalities, but had to shake her head lightly. "I am a mere soldier, Mi'Lady.. To me, you will always be 'Lady'. And.. Besides.. What little girl, even one growing up to become a soldier, didn't once dream of being a Lady? So.. I rather like saying it." She admitted, smiling a bit wider, seeing the light of every day, and her own gleefulness return, as she'd done by Emmericks side, so many times before.
As she spoke of wearing Lock clothing, she shrugged her head lightly, as she bit her lip. "I would not care.. My love for the Holtests has long since waned, but.. My friend is very honorable.. He.. Might not be as lightly to accept." She suggested with a light nod. She, as well, was surprised to see Lydia pop out from the door, and narrowed her eyes a bit wondering, before following Ava in.

Emmerick was still sitting on the edge of the bed, now stretching his back lightly, throwing Ava a bright smile, before sending a slight look towards Lydia. "Thank you, Mi'Lady, I am indeed feeling much better, as well. Thank you for the steak, I am yet to finish it.." He said, stretching his shoulders a bit, as his eyes slowly drifted down towards Ava's hand. He had to blink a few times, now admitting what he'd feared. It was her blood. It refreshed his mind and body. A wound that had started opening, was already strengthening again. Maybe Lydia was right? Maybe there was something in the Locks blood, that had once given the Holtests something they needed. Something they'd tried to forget, realizing it was a weakness?
Emmerick shrugged it off, before reaching a hand out for Ava's. "May I? It's not always easy, laying a binding on one's own hand, is it?" He asked with a gentle, offering voice, looking for Ava' eyes, trying to convince her to allow him, should she not already be content with it, through seduction of his eyes. Then if he was allowed, he'd throw a short glance in Lydia's direction, before looking down to Ava's hand, taking the bandage in hand. He searched the wound for any type of infection, but as it was a clean cut, he started bandaging it. He did so a bit tighter then Ava herself'd be capable of, and then offered her her hand back afterwards. "There you go." He said with a smile, before sitting a bit back in the bed again. His hands where now slightly stained, with small pocks of Ava's blood. A Lock's blood. He was already so tempted of just licking it away, but had to keep it a secret. He had to wait.. Had to wait to either be alone, or at least without Lydia in the room. The only one, suspicious of his true identity. His true race.

 

[Lady Bloody Ava]

Lydia longed to believe what he had said. She was raised on such tales as the Holtests and the Lock. The sight of her Mistress bleeding so close to him was disheartening and down right frightening. His words cause the emotions within Lydia to spin in turmoil. He seemed to care for Lady Ava, as well as her estate and if that were so, then Holtest or not, he would stay true to his word and bring no harm upon the lovely lady's head. He even spoke of the red haired girl being part Holtest and the girl had spent ample time with her mistress and showed no interest. No fangs. No drooling hunger. Still her heart clamored on beneath her bosom.

Ava would find something for him to wear. As she had said, men were far more stubborn than women. Amelia was just as charming as she appeared. Another person who stuck by their guns with traditions. The raven haired maiden could not blame her for such a thing. Were we not all raised on such things so as not to forget or forgo them? The moment she passed through those doors, she was greet with a smile from the man in her bed. He seemed quite comical at the time and she could not help but laugh. Such worrisome times, it was a lovely thing to find one's self in laughter. Judging by his generous words, Lydia had done as she was asked and had given him no problems what so ever. Ava was elated. The idea of bickering enemies beneath her roof was not a pleasant one. Especially if it got Lydia back upon the topic of the blood drinking Holtest. The woman swore by the tale, but Ava just could not see it. Not a set of fangs or a single body drained of its bodily fluids. There were holes to the story that could not seem to be filled. She struggled a bit with her own wrappings and was easily swayed to have another set of hands assist her. She would not notice the the color draining from Lydia's face as the Holtest handled her bloody wound. For what felt like an eternity, Lydia forgot how to breath. Silently she cursed the throbbing organ that had lodged itself in her throat. About a hairs breath from shouting out the truth, a long breath spilled forth from her lips as her finger was finally bandaged.

Ava turned her green eyes from the man she knew as Evanchest to the source of the noise, that was her head house maid. "Lydia, please. You must lay down and relax. You have worked so hard and barely had any sleep. We will be fine. I assure you." Lydia always trusted her mistress and should anything have happened to prove her suspicions then the ideal moment would have been then. Perhaps she was overly tired and not thinking straight.
"Ay. I think you're right, my dear. Call me should you need anything. ANYTHING." Lydia was not joking. Ava offered a warm smile and nodded her head in response and shooed the woman away from where she stood. The doors closing behind her and leaving the three alone in the room together. "Thank you Evanchest." Good luck for any blood to seep out of that bandage. She turned her back to the duo and wandered over to a book shelf that harbored a few books and a roll of parchment. Speaking as she sought out a quill and some ink. "Amelia and I were talking about what to do before someone , anyone gets here. With General Emmerick most likely missing or, unfortunately deceased there is a great chance that another Holtest could be on their way. As Amelia said. If word has spread of the General's sudden defeat, then my brother's will put two and two together and make their way here. With or without notice."

Now couldn't have been a better time for Lydia to not be in the room, during such a discussion. Only she and Amelia knew that the man in her bed was the General. A soft hand ran through her long ebony tendrils of hair.She took a seat in the chair at her bedside. Clearing the contents of the table top to make room for the parchment and the ink well. "Four Locks, on their way." The very thought had her shivering. Her brother's were blood thirty stubborn men who always thought themselves right. She could only star at the sheet, unsure as to what to say. "There is no denying that we need assistance. Even then, this is going to be a massive blood bath. Resistance or not this ground will be littered with bodies and we will be caught in the middle of it."

A yawn suddenly escaped her lips. Instinctively it was covered. There was not time to sleep, this was a ticking time bomb and she would not even be able to sleep until this was even remotely resolved. Otho, Samuel, Deon, and William Lock, all at her home. Her uncle... hopefully, would stay behind. The less Locks, the better. She could no longer hold the quill in her hands as it visibly shook in her grasp. She carefully place it on the side table top. "I have no ideas. My brothers they are... they are... ruthless." Ava now had to stand and walked before the window and stared outside. Already she could see the ground riddled with bodies. The colors of their families mixed with blood. "This is not going to work. I know it. I do not even know who I fear worse. My brother's or the Holtest. The things my brothers can do.... and have done, are none to be scoffed at. Clearly both sides will fight to the death and that is what I fear. Her mind was restless and the stress was taking a toll on her body. Her fingers fiddling with the gem that sat within the valley of her bust. "Oh!" She remembered. Wandering back over to his bed side and gently pressing onto the gaze covered surface of one wound. "Has the pain subsided since you woke up?" It was a tactic he mind would pull of its own accord. Occupying her with something else.

 

[ForeverMischievous]

Emmerick had noticed Lydia's worried expression, as his gaze had shortly been upon her. He begged to the gods, that she'd keep her mouth shut. Not for himself, but for Ava's sake. If she found out, or any of the guards did, there'd be no saying, what would happen. Now his family, would never bargain for Emmericks life. Without Emmerick, they lost their tactission. They would march head on, sending the bulk of their army upon the Lock families Estates, not stopping until either sides, where without men, should the Locks try to bargain with Emmericks life.. Emmerick had already spoken his dismay of this war publicly, much to his fathers disliking, and was only valued for his perfection in tactics.

Yet she remained silent, keeping her tongue, as Emmerick bandaged Ava's finger, before leaning a bit back and shortly eyeing his hands, with slightly narrowed eyes. What was this enthrallment? This needful urge to lick his fingers clean, of the dear ladies blood? To suck everything he could to himself, and feel the refreshing blood bless his vains, rather then his nostrils. Amelia had ntoiced Emmerick, tilting her head lightly as she watched him. She didn't understand the things rushing through his mind, not even knowing her, or his, true heritage. Not knowing their potential. She'd never truly be as strong as a pure-blood Holtest, but Emmerick was as pure as it got. And already at the scent of the blood, the wounds bellow the gazes where closing. THere was one thing, he didn't know, however. Why this was so? Why the blood was so powerful. He didn't know of the connection in the past, and how the Locks loyal devotion, had promised their bloodline to the Holtests, creating a powerful connection, that made Holtests power blossom from the Lock's blood, and make the Lock's earn the Vampire clan's beauty.

Emmerick looked after Lydia as she left, as Amelia rose to follow Lady Ava to the shelves, to offer her help, if she needed more then she could carry. As they both had their backs turned, Emmerick instantly met his hand with his lips, then gently tasting the blood with his tongue, removing it from his lip. And as soon as the crimson substance touched his tongue, his eyes widened, and his tongue met his hand instead, licking up a long trail of the sweet blood, causing his eyes to open even wider, as the formerly pale brown eye's, got a warm brightness to them, now staring at the celing, as he felt his fangs grow out. He had to open his mouth wide as they did, as to not cut his own gums, but as they'd grown out, he quickly relaxed his jaw, to close his mouth. What on earth'd just happened? He felt at his cheek, feeling one of the sharp fangs through the skin. His fangs? They usually only ever grew out, when he fed upon willing servants. WHen he wanted. But now, he didn't control them. Every last wound upon his body healed, only the scars remaining. The Lady couldn't see this. He had to keep the bandages on, for as long as possible.

Then as the others turned their attention back in his direction, he quickly grabbed a piece of cloth, starting to clean his hands. He did his best not to make eye contact, and kept his mouth shut, for as long as he could, only listening to Ava's words. Amelia noticed Emmericks sudden change of behavior, causing her to tilt her head lightly. But she shortly shrugged it off, before looking back to the worried Ava. She sighed lightly, and walked over to her side, as Emmerick crawled a bit closer to that bedside.
"Calm yourself.. You'll find a way.." Amelia silently said, as she reached a hand for Ava's shoulder. She first hesitated, before finally letting it rest upon her shoulder. She moved so Ava could raise from the chair, following her with her eyes. "But Lady Ava.. Your tired. You cant possibly be worried with this now." Amelia said, with a worried voice, and a light frown. Emmerick as well looked up to Ava, slowly shaking your head.

"One woman, even one as kind and wise as yourself, can't protect two sides of a battlefield. No one could." Emmerick said, as he smiled lightly, leaning back in the bed again. His mind was raging with ideas. He had to learn. He had to learn a lot. He had to speak with Lydia again. He had to find out, why he felt this longing for Lock blood. Why it made him craze for more. Why it made him want to raise, embrace Ava, and drink from her lustrous body directly. He had to know. Emmerick watched her approached, smiling lightly as he looked down upon the gaze she reached for.
"It hasn't hurt badly, no. I'm feeling quite energetic. I might just get up and about s.." He watched Ava's concerned and tired eyes, with a slight sigh. "Lady Ava.. You need rest.. Proper rest." He said, raising from the bed with ease, showing no strains in doing so. He pulled the dirty linen from the bed, and held a hand towards the bed. "Why don't you take your own bed? Have yourself some rest. Perhaps you'll allow me to read some books, whilst I recover?" The now fiery brown eye's, smiled with the same grace and gentle glow as his lips.

 

[Lady Bloody Ava]

Lydia failed to fall asleep in the comfort of her own bed. She sat in the kitchen, cooking instead. The thought that ran through her mind were connecting of their own free will as she recovered the tale she was once told, night after night as a young girl. The Locks were said to hold the sweetest and must unique of bloods. Something that never seemed show. There was nothing odd about the people that her family had dedicated their loyalty to for decades upon decades. Their looks were striking for certain. Lady Ava being the only daughter out of five children. If the Holtest were what the tales had said, then... why did they not hunt down the Lock's for that alleged sacred blood? Has no Lock shed blood before a Holtest in such a time? Have those alleged powers weakened or gone dormant over time. If the gentlemen reside in her mistress' bed was indeed a Holtest, he was certainly not like any other that she the misfortune of encountering. As she pulled the fresh bread out off the its resting place, she decided to head back upstairs. There was no way that Lydia would be able to sleep with such thought dwindling within her mind.

The portly elderly lady released a sigh of reluctance from her lips. Azure eyes looking towards the nearest open doorway that would lead her to her mistress' room. It was only now, that Lydia randomly decided that she would give her life for no other Lock but her. Why so much secrecy around Lady Ava? Was she not kind enough to accept that the General that she was told to be missing, was actually being housed within the walls of her own home? What was stopping Lydia from telling this all to her mistress. a her thoughts continued on, her feet carried her from the kitchen and towards the hall where her destination of choice resided.

They were right. One way or another, one side would most likely come to a downfall with the other. "Will only one family be happen when the other was finally wiped off the face of the earth?" The question was directed at no one in particular. Still, the last thing she wanted to do was throw in the towel. The sound of Amelia worrying over her weary state was quite enamoring. Evanchest proclaimed his wounds to be feeling better, but Ava dare not change the gauze just yet. Not much blood had seeped into the gauze to cause her worry or alarm. Green orbs, misted over with tiredness, remained fixed upon his wounds as he sat up. Just the right movement and his wound would easily reopen. The lack of pain though. She could only assume that he had one heck of a poker face. It was two verses one. Both Amelia and Evanchest implored that she rest. One more sigh escaped her lips just as Lydia walked through the doors. Immediately, the woman who acted as a second mother honed in on her weary Lady.
"You need your rest My Lady. You are stressed and without the proper rest you will get sick. This you know better than anyone." Ah yes. Ava was indeed a hypocrite. What was good for everyone else, she did not necessarily do for herself. Lydia redressed the bed with clean linens and didn't even both having Ava change her gown. With a soft sigh of defeat she sat upon the bed for a moment.

"And what of Amelia and Evanchest?" She asked of Lydia. Her mood had certainly changed from when they had first arrived.
"I will see them to the parlor, the kitchens, wherever they wish. You just rest. I implore you." The woman was like a second mother to Ava, how could she say 'no'? Ava crawled to the center of the bed while Lydia scooted the other two out in a hushed silence after closing the drapes and covering up the young lady that required a bit or rest. Little did Ava know, how truly tired she was until her head came to rest up those soft plush surface of a pillow. Like a spell woven she was out in a matter of minutes. Her weary form taking the precious opportunity to build up the energy its host so desperately needed for the times to come. Lydia was grateful that the stubborn child had finally gotten into her own bed. "Now..." She led the way to the parlor where Amelia and Lady Ava had one chatted in. "If it is books you seek, then books you shall get." The short woman opened up the double doors leading to the parlor and stepped inside with them. She closed the door behind them for a moment of privacy.
"The dear girl is well worn and as stubborn as an ox when it comes to her own well being. Hard to tell that she a Lock at all. What with her brothers breathing down her neck. And you.... you must tell her the truth. You can not hide behind such lies for long. What reason have you for hiding them?" Lydia had the air of a mother right now with a finger pointed at the General and her voice in a harsh whisper.

 

[ForeverMischievous]

Ava's question brought a thought to Emmerick's mind. Would there ever be a chance at peace? Would his blood thirsty family ever really admit to peace? It was hard to imagine now, especially when they found out, just how their bodies would react to Lock blood. They'd go insane, and aim precisly at the Lock's heart. Ava and her siblings, parents and so forth, would become cadel. No more worth the the cow's, slaughtered for food and milked for drinks. No, he could not let this happen. He had to learn more of the Lock and Holtest families connections.
"I don't know.. Mi'lady.. But I do know, that it seems like dark times now.. And I do know, that the only way anyone will see through it.. Is by staying strong.." Emmerick spoke, as he rose from the bed, placing a hand upon Ava's shoulder as well, his bright brown eye's looking to Ava's. Amelia nodded in agreement.
"I agree.. Everyone sees dark times.. You. Just need to be a bit stronger, then most.. The darkness we're in, being a lot.. Thicker. Then most." She said, smiling lightly. "But.. We'll find a way, I am sure.." She finished, nodding a single time.

Both Amelia and Emmerick nodded at Lydia's words, looking towards her in agreement. "Do not worry about us.. Whilst you rest, we shall think." Emmerick said, tapping his head with a finger a few times, before chuckling lightly as he was shown out of the room by Lydia. "Rest well, Lady Ava.. Things will get better with time." He said, before Lydia closed the door after him. Now his expression turned thoughtful, as he looked for the floor, placing a hand upon his chin, gently itching his cheek in wonder. Amelia once again tilt her head, watching Emmerick.
"What is it your wondering, ser? I've seen you so a few times." Emmerick looked up to meet Amelia's worried expression, and he met it with a gentle smile, before placing a hand on her shoulder, but not answering her question yet.

As Lydia exited her Mistress' room, and started leading Emmerick and Amelia towards their destination, Emmerik eyed her thoughtfully. He was certain she had something on her mind, and he knew he had himself. He had to find out more. More of the ridiculas tale about the Holtests. No longer seeming that ridicules, he had to hear it all. Emmerick nodded a single time at her first words, looking towards the big doors they where closing in on. "I am going to need a bit more then books, to satisfy my wondering." Emmerick said, with intent in his voice. Amelia looked up upon Emmerick with a questioning expression, and a slightly risen brow. But she followed without a word.

As soon as the door was closed behind them, Emmerick turned to speak, but was interrupted by Lydia's own words. He narrowed his eyes a bit at her words, once again getting a stern expression, as Amelia flared up with worry.
"Wh.. What lies? What!? Does sh.." Emmerick raised a hand towards her, causing her to halt her words, reluctantly.
"Superstitious nonsense and ridicules accusations as your own, that is my reason, Madam Lydia..." He started off with a slight sneer, before turning his back to her, walking a few steps inside the room. It was clear Amelia was fighting her own tongue, biting her lower lip to keep herself from bursting. "And worst thing is.. That you might be right. Those.. Vile tales of my family, seems to have some truth to them.." He continued, before turning to point towards her. "Yet that does not mean Lady Ava is in any danger, around me.." His voice stern and serious, no lies attached to them.
"Wh.. What are you talking about? Does.. Does she know?" Amelia complained. Emmerick nodded a single time, before grabbing at her shoulder, already knowing that Amelia would turn a flaring gaze towards Lydia, and would certainly be more aggressive then him. "Tell her, and we'll all be in grave d..." Amelia was about to protest, before Emmerick hushed her.

"Shh.. Amelia." He whispered, causing Amelia's words to halt, but her heart to keep beating. His eyes then drifted towards Lydia, as he took a few steps towards her, with a demanding stare. "You will tell me everything you've heard of this tale. Every detail. I must know everything you do, and all that before Lady Ava wakes again. If these tales are true, she is in worse danger, then I could've even imagined." His gaze dropped to his bandage, before his hand gripped it to rip it off, showing the perfectly healed scars bellow them. "I taste Ava's blood. The blood that had flown from her finger. My body healed, as if.. As if I'd fed upon an entire being.. The Locks blood... Is truly powerful." He said, now with a more enchanted voice, almost praising their blood with his words.
Amelia stood shocked, completely oblivious to what they where conversing. She knew nothing of the Holtest Heritage, nor of the tales he spoke of. Emmericks eyes then moved towards Lydia again, as they narrowed. "If my brothers know.. If they come here, and find out... Your Mistress will not even meet the fate I thought.. She would become a feeding tube.. Every night, she'd be drained to near death, only to be well kept and preserved, to meet the same fate the night after. My family would be empowered by her blood, and the Lock family will surely be hunted down, and perish.. Do you understand? Do you trust me now? Should I wish for your Mistress'' demise, I would've already sunk my fangs in her neck, and become powerful enough to burn down this Estate myself. I wish your Lady, nor her family, no harm. You must help me find a way to avoid the coming bloodbath. Tell me everything you know." His voice ended as a demand, as he pointed a finger at her, and finally silenced.

Amelia blinked a few times, before taking a step backwards. "The.. The Lock blood.. Empowers you? Wh.. What are you?" She whispered, frightened eyes now focused upon him. His gaze turned towards her, as he stood up straight again, sighing lightly with apologetic eyes.
"The same as I've always been. The Holtest Heritage, is that of vile creatures.. Creatures of the night. We feed upon the living, to prolong our lives.. I am sorry for never telling you this, but it had no meaning to me.. I never fed upon a living being, nor have you ever been in danger." He promised, his voice as enthralling as ever, meeting submissive ears, causing Amelia to nod a few times, and lower her head lightly. "Either way, we wont survive strife between each other now. We're nearing dangerous times, and it'll only get worse, if i can not find a way around it. I must know everything there is to know, about the Holtest and Lock families past." He said, looking to Lydia, once more.

 

[Lady Bloody Ava]

Lydia's heart throbbed within her chest. Hard and heavy. Clearly Amelia had not been informed of his recent admission to her. Over time the tale of their families had faded with each passing generation. Apparently the Holtest had completely erased it with time, while the Locks played it off as a myth to their children. There seemed to be no darker times than these. His reason for the secrecy made no sense to her. "You do not know her as I do! She accepts.... everything. Everyone." She knew not how long she could hold the veil over her Lady's eyes. Then again, the less she knew was probably better. The woman was pushing her body as things were. All of the blood from the woman's face drained with his admission of sampling her Lady's blood.
"You.... you sampled.... her blood..." The palm of one hand rested over her chest, as though it had the power to quell the beating that brought pain to her chest and things only seemed to get worse was time progress and the truth had come into light. Lydia was clenching to the side of a chair until her knuckles grew white and her poor old knees could no longer stand it all. Only then did she sit in the cushioned chair. Judging by the sound of the red haired female, Lydia wasn't the only one who should have taken a seat.

"You sampled the blood.... of Lady Ava and your wounds have healed.... and your teeth?" This was wrong... all wrong. They never should have taken him in. There was devious sinking feeling deep within. Impending doom just beyond the horizon? "Her blood empowers you? A Holtest. The tales are true. The Holtest once leeched the blood of living things to maintain their strength and thrive. A creature of the night with powers no normal human being could ever possess. A Holtest fed off of a Lock and the strength and powers of the Holtest were amplified about tenfold. A deal was struck between both families. The Holtest would protect and befriend the Locks if they were allowed to feed from them, in a way that did not kill them. It was a truce that they had lived by. Some tales even speak of an arranged marriage before something.... something started the war. That is the part of the tale that I do not believe. There are so many versions and of course the Locks would make it so that they were in the right." she raked her fingers through her hair.

"Should a Holtest drink directly from a Lock, even the most serious of wounds heal almost instantly and their senses were acute. The scent of blood was said to be a potent bouquet to them. Their strength is unheard of and... and.... we could only assume what other powers they had. Those are what I am just indefinitely sure of. " Lydia walked up to a far corner where a small table with a lovely carafe sat with an ornate bottle of brandy. she poured herself a half a glass ans took it all in one gulp. The liquid fire shot all the way to her very core.
"The Locks.... they can not come here. Most of the locks beneath one roof..." She groaned at the thought and poured herself another glass. It was certainly called for. One more swig and she nodded her head.
"Okay you blood drinking Holtest. I believe that you will bring no harm to her. I believe that you are our for everyone's best interest. And yet.... why is it I can only see one solution?"

Over and over she replayed it in her head. "You are neutral... as we are. You will drink from Ava and be our... silver lining. One way or another... you can't keep this hidden from her." Now Lydia's tone was of a pleading sort. "Just... just promise me you will tell her... eventually. What if she cuts herself again and you can't hold back next time. You've sampled her. You have reawaken as a new Holtest. Your family's abilities have most likely gone dormant or gotten weaker and weaker due to the lack of Lock blood. With just a few droplets of her blood, you are already more powerful than any other Holtest on their way." This would indefinitely be unbelievable if she had not seen him with her own eyes. The was a bit more color to his skin and to bounce back from such injuries, would take a miracle.

"You... you have to be the key to.... something, but what could we do? Tell My Lady everything and have her offer up her neck to you? I hesitate on the idea. The last person I want to see dead is Lady Lock and... there is no avoiding it. What can you come up with that does not entail you feeding from my mistress?" If it was not him then his family would see to their demise. This estate and everyone who called it home would be slaughtered.

She had slumbered for quite some time, but at some point things shifted. Lady Ava tossed and turned beneath the sheets. The blissful ignorance of her slumber pierced by heinous images of bloody bodies strewn about. The faces of her brothers and even Amelia and Evanchest. A hot salty tear seeped out of the corner of her eyes. She did not recall the small shriek that was rendered forth from her throat just before she sat up. She did not even know how long she had been asleep For the smallest of seconds she forgot where she was and who was in her home. She wiped her eyes and was surprised to find the few tears that had managed to elude her.

Why was her heart racing? The images seemed to flash at her. Blood, so much blood. "Amelia..." She whispered softly..."Amelia!!" Where was she? The tone of worry was evident. "Lydia.... Evenchest...." Her breathing grew jagged and she was hot to the touch. Why? Why would such a heinous dream haunt her. She fell back onto the plush surface of the pillowed with the back of her hand resting upon her forehead, her eyes resting shut. Her brothers were as pale as ghosts. While everyone else was slashed and laying in pools of their own blood. "No... no, no, no." She whispered softly to herself.

 

[ForeverMischievous]

He narrowed his eyes lightly, as she praised Ava's warm heart. Her gentle ways. "I do not wish to doubt Lady Lock.. Yet she remains a Lock, and I the son of her worst enemy. The reason for so much dismay. The instigator of many deaths of her people, on so many fronts. I can not expect her to trust me, or my values.. I can not even think to hope, that she'd believe me with my words.. I remember every last one of my victories. The cries of my enemies. I've done savage deeds, and I am not proud of it. She couldn't possibly believe her brothers greatest enemy." He said with disdain in his voice. He wished he'd never done those deeds. He'd wished he'd never laid a tactic for an advance upon Lock territory, or the defense of Holtests. Yet that was war. And he'd always been respected to be a mass murderer. So he was. Amelia frowned with his words, walking over to his side, rather then standing at a distance. She'd not be one to hold a grudge. He had a secret, a big one, but he had reasons for it being a secret. She trusted him with her life, and always would.
"That was war.. Emmerick.. Now. Is another time. I.. I agree with Lydia.. I think.. She will trust you. Her heart is warm, and open for all. She never once treated us as enemies. Why should she, knowing this?" Her pleasant voice uttered, causing him to gaze up upon her. He often forgot the bits of Holtest blood in her vains, but was always reminded with a look into her eyes. As seductive and charming as his Mother and Sister's. She never knew when she was enthralling others, but always found 'yes' to all her questions in the past, because of this. Emmerick smiled and placed a hand on her shoulder, before looking back towards Lydia.

As he listened to her tale, it brought so many thoughts in his mind. Especially one. His fathers former adviser. The ancient, who never really explained his lack of death. He was far older then even Emmericks father, and never spoke to anyone else then him. He saved the thought for later, as he kept listening. As she walked to have a drink, he walked towards a chair, leaning against the back of it, as he placed a finger upon his lips, staring thoughtfully upon the floor, as he tapped his lips. Amelia, however, listened very intensely, following every step and movement of Lydia. Her eyes where wide open, showing signs of great interest. Could all this be true? It all seemed so far from anything real. It just wasn't realistic.

As she seemed to wish to offend Emmerick, his eyes glared towards her. "If you wish my help, bringing me in a cage and comparing me to my family, is not going to be beneficial for you, Lady Lydia..." He sneered somewhat silently, before looking down towards the floor again, with the same thoughtful gaze. "Call me Emmerick.." He suggested, not really commenting on the 'blood drinking' part, smiling lightly as he did. Then his eyes almost shot in her direction, as she suggested he'd drink from Ava. "No! Most deffinitly not.. I will not drink from Ava, unless there's no other option. Unless we're in dire need... There is no saying how I might react. What I might do.. I know far too little of this.. Truthful Legend yet.. I will not drink from Lady Lock, until I am entirely sure, what effect this might have upon her.." He demanded with a harsh voice, appalled by the idea. He pushed off the chair, as Amelia walked over to him, just in time to grab his shoulder, stopping him from starting to pace around.
"You might not have to, Emmerick.. But tell her.. Let her know." Amelia suggested, causing Emmerick to look upon her with a silent sigh. He slowly shook her head, before starting to speak.

"I will.. I will.. But we have to find some other solution, then me feeding off Lady Lock.. As you just said." He nodded towards Lydia. "There was.. An old Hermit.. Once my fathers royal adviser, now just a nomad. I have to find this man, and shake the truth of the Holest and Lock's past. But I fear my father already knows.. And if he does.. My brothers and he, will be here, before her brothers.. We h.." He was interrupted as his senses twitched, as he heard a shriek. His eyes instantly shot towards the door, leaving the room, and sprinted towards it with such haste, neither of the others would be able to match. Amelia hadn't heard the shriek, not loud enough for her ears, so she just looked at him, as he pulled the door open, and sprinted towards Lady Lock's room. Then, as the door was open, Amelia heard the call of her name, and instantly reacted as well, running in the same direction.

It'd taken Emmerick no time to reach the ladies room, and pushed it open in an instant, looking down upon her, in the bed. Emmerick had overreacted, clearly. Yet the shriek'd come, just as he was fretting the possibilities of his father knowing, and already being on his way. He couldn't stand the thought.
"Lady Lock.. You frightened me.. Nightmare's, I take it?" He asked, sighing again, as he walked over to a chair, next to the bed. Moments after, Amelia came running through the door, breathing heavily as she took the last few steps towards Ava's bed, sitting upon it's edge.
"Yes, Lady Ava.. Are you alright? Why did you call?" She asked, still breathing heavily from the running. Emmerick itched his eyes, as he leaned back in the chair, crossing his arms as he looked down upon Ava.

 

[Lady Bloody Ava]

Lydia breathed a sigh of relief when Amelia convinced him to tell her Lady the truth. His persistence to not drink from Lady Lock was comforting in the most profound way. Such a weight would be lifted from her shoulders, but even she too was nervous as to how the entire scenario would play out. She would have accepted him, had she been told the first night he arrived, but... lies had been said and had plenty of time to stew. Lydia could not remember a time when anyone had lied to Lady Ava. Quite honestly, she thought it impossible to lie to such a sweet and pretty face. Amelia was a lovely woman who had the mind of one and went with her heart. This was not the time to to lie to your allies. Ava accepted them as part of the Holtest army, would it really be that big of a surprise if she had managed to snag an actual Holtest?

It was a bit of a surprise how he did not like being compared to the very people who bore him into this world. He was indeed a Holtest. Just as Ava was a Lock. You could change what your family represented, there was no reason to be ashamed. His attitude popped in and out, but Lydia no longer took it seriously. "I would no sooner call you by your name than I would my Lady. If you no longer are a general then you are a Lord." There was no changing the woman's ways. So there was someone who still lived, that could shed some light on the original tale of these two families. He could not go alone. With the Locks patrolling the plains and the Holtest aching to spill the blood of their foes, it was not safe to wander out on one's own. She listened intently to his words and suddenly he dropped what he was staying. She and Amelia both watched as he stormed out the parlor doors and her Mistress' voice sounding from her room. Lydia trailed behind the flaming read haired girl and was fighting for air when she finally reached the room.

Ava's eyes shot open as her bedroom door opened and Evanchest appeared, followed my Amelia, and poor Lydia. The raven haired girl sat up with both hands in her lap as green pools gazed at the debonair male walked up to the side of the bed. "I am... so sorry, I didn't mean to frighten you." Her eyes moved over to the enchanting eyes of Amelia. A soft almost silent sigh of relief escaped her lips as the blankets were tossed aside and she crawled over to Amelia's side and gave her a quick hug and set her free. She remained on the edge of the bed and nodded her head to his question. "Yes... there was so much blood and Amelia... and you... you were...." It was too gruesome.

She fiddled with the bandage upon her finger. She waved her white flag for the topic and went on to another one. "Evanchest? Did you find a book to your liking?" Lydia averted her eyes and began idly fixing up the bed. She had used his alias name and Lydia was just ready to burst at the seams about their secret. Hence, doing something to occupy her mind.
"My head no longer hurts." She randomly stated. Something still weighed heavily within. "Enough relaxing, who knows how much time we have? Did anything come up while I was... sleeping?"
Lydia coughed and caught Ava's attention. "Do... you remember the tales I once told you about... the Locks and the Holtest?"
Ava sighed and nodded her head, "Lydia please..." The portly lady cut her off with a wave of a hand. A surprise to The Lady entirely.
Lydia hadn't exactly planned where this was going to go, she had only intended to break the ice. "There is someone who may know the original reason for this war. No?" Lydia looked at Emmerick with an accusational glare as a hint to spit it out.

Ava turned her eyes to look at Evanchest with a curious look. "I am sorry about the story... if she told you. Which... she most likely did. I would safely assume that they are.... Holtest? But... that would mean Evanchest and Amelia both leaving and... and... if they go then... I. Go." It was an instant thought and Lydia sighed.
"No... no My Lady, you can not leave these walls." Ava felt as though something was being hidden. from her and that Lydia may have been on it. She was no acting like her usual self.

 

[ForeverMischievous]

It was clear, that Lydia wasn't about to let him keep the secret. Nor did he intend to keep it any longer. It had been a necessary one. They'd been taken in by their enemy, and they had to 'protect' their families and own interests. Although these two where very different things. Emmerick still had some sense of duty to his family, although their honor had dropped many folds. Her reaction to his offer of his name, caused him to raise a brow, looking over towards her, with a soft chuckle.
"I am most certainly not a Lord.. Would a Lord find himself on a front line. But fine.. Which ever kicks your Horses, just don't.. Call me a Holtest.. I am no longer certain, I wish to be referred to, as one of them.. Not with these secrets.. Not if they've kept secrets like this from me, and left me in the dark, about the true origin of this war.. If we fired the first shot.. I'll no longer mingle midst their ranks." He said, with a dismal voice, as his eyes drifted again.

Emmerick smiled lightly at her apology, placing a comforting hand upon her shoulder. "Do not apologize, Lady Ava.. Rather react, and find you well. If somewhat frightened." He said, smiling again as he leaned back in the chair. Amelia smiled as she admitted she was alright, before widening her eyes lightly, as she was hugged. Her cheeks couldn't help but lightly flush, before wrapping an arm around Ava as well. As Ava let go, so did Amelia, listening intently to her words of her nightmare. Amelia smiled lightly as she paused, placing a warm, gentle hand upon Ava's hip.
"It was just a dream, Lady Ava.. We're still here.." She said with a comforting voice, Emmerick observing the two, with a slightly risen brow. But he shouldn't really be surprised. Amelia would befriend anyone around her, without even knowing her heritage had something to do with it. It was subtle, and didn't force any feelings forth, only empowered those there was already potential for. Anyone who'd hate her for any reason, would never fall for her seduction. But those with warmth in their heart for their next, like Ava, is easily enchanted by the charm of her eyes.

Emmerick kept his eyes on Ava's as she asked him, breathing in deeply, before sighing lightly, with a short shake of his head. "I am afraid.. Not. We stroke up a conversation, instead.." He explained, before Lydia caught their attention. His eyes drifted towards her, and he rolled them lightly with a sigh. "So incredebly discreet, aren't you? Lady Lydia.." He said with an annoyed voice, as Amelia fought to hold back a giggle, smiling lightly. As Ava spoke, Emmerick held his hands a bit out, to interrupt her.
"No.. No, Lady Ava.. Madam Lydia.. Does.. In fact, speak the truth.. The Holtests are, indeed, creatures of the night." He admitted at first. "However.. Most of the Holtests, do not know of the connection with the Lock. How the Lock.. Evolves their powers.." He continued, as Amelia's hand gently stroked Ava's hip, hoping desperately she wouldn't overreact, or disbelieve him. "And.. My name, is not Evanchest.. Mi'Lady.. I am sorry, yet I could not run any risks at this time.. When I first came here, I still had my families interests in mind.. My name is Emmerick.. Emmerick Holtest." He finally admitted, causing Amelia to sigh softly, and squirm just a bit closer to Ava.

"We deeply apologize for lying to you, Lady Ava.. But. We where afraid.. We knew you not at that time.." She tried to apologize for their deceit. But then as Lydia said, that Ava would have to remain here, he narrowed his eyes lightly, in a thoughtful gaze.. "If my father knows this.. Knows of this connection between the Lock's.. He will see this as a chance. He will bulk up his army, and attack here.. Lydia.. If she, or anyone else remains here.. They will be met by Holtest's Muskets, before Lock's. If we leave.. Ava, and everyone else here, will have to do the same, for their own safety.. And if we stay here.." he groaned softly as he shook his head and gazed downwards. "I don't think I could convince my father, and especially not my brothers, to not abuse the chance at Lock blood.. I just don't think I can.. They don't trust me any more.. I've been dishonored." He said with a frown across his lips, as he looked down upon Lady Ava. "Lady Ava.. If you've ever had it in your heart to trust someone, who probably didn't deserve that trust. Then trust me.. Trust Amelia.. I wish to help you.. But I can't, with the knowledge I have now.. We have to leave the Estate." He knew she had the last word, not Lydia, so she was the one he spoke to, with this mater. If Amelia's hand or Ava hand't been moved, Amelia'd gently stroke her hip again, as she looked to her.
"Please.. You must trust us.. I do not wish to see you hurt. Especially not by the Holtests.." Amelia begged, with a saddened voice.

 

[Lady Bloody Ava]

Lydia fretted in silence as the truth seemed to spill out into one big pile of questionable information. What was this nonsense. Ava stayed where she sat and watched in utter astonishment as he spot the same tale that Lydia had told her long ago. What had Lydia done to get them to believe such a tale and outlandish tale. Brows furrowed out of confusion. Amelia's touch proved a nice anchor to reality, because she would have surely believe that she was still in a dream. Her eyes grew slightly wide when he told her his true identity. Her eyes turned and looked at Lydia and the short lady had the horrible timing of meeting her Mistress' gaze.

"My Lady, please... he was eating the steak.... and you wouldn't have believed me." Ava laughed for a moment and stood up. Walking over to the foot of the bed and placed her hands upon her hips. "I don't believe you now Lydia. What could have convinced you that such a tale is true... I mean..." She paced for a second before rooting her feet and looking at all three of them. "You.... you're Emmerick Holtest." She took the few steps to walk over to the male until they were only inches apart. Smacking his arm and sitting on the side of the bed. She even managed to snag a pillow and threw it his way. There was sigh of relief as the tension was wiped away. "You.... did not.... have to lie, but that is neither here nor there. I am still trying to sort this entire mess out."

Lydia released a long sigh of relief when she realized that the reaction to knowing who he was, did not go as bad as she had thought. "Lady Ava...." The fluffy woman shuffled to the other side of the bed and took the remaining gauze off of his body. "Hardly a scar. Remember? The bullet wound?" Ava was surprised. She could not stop her hand from tracing along the taut contours of his chest. Tracing where each wound had been, and just how bad they had been. "How?" Was the only word to emerge from her lips. His skin was nearly flawless. No person has ever recovered so fast from such damage. The palm of her hand rested upon his chest as she looked to Amelia. "Even if I were to believe this... he has not had the blood of a Lock. I am the only Lock here." She had bandaged her finger, but it was nowhere near his lips.

There was just so much to this. The idea of leaving.... he was the Emmerick Holtest.... and the idea of someone drinking the blood of her kin. If these seemingly mythical beasts were real and Ava was in the company of one. "Ava Lock fleeing her estate with Emmerick Holtest." The soft palm of her hand slid from his torso as she sat upon the side of the bed at Amelia's side. "The whole blood drinking Holtest thing.... I do not know if I can believe it, but... as much as I do not want to... we have to flee." it was still kind of hard to wrap her hand around the fact this he was Emmerick Holtest. He was certainly not what she would have foreseen. Then again... she was nothing like the Locks that some of the Holtest soldiers had idly spoken of.

"No more secrets Emmerick. I will not lie, you are not as I would have expected. Much... nicer and well... you look nice. Ok, Lydia we have to get everyone ready. Only what they can carry on their backs. They have to head in the direction of my brothers. Including you, but we have to head in the opposite direction." Lydia was awestruck and scrambled over to her Lay's side.
"W-What are you speaking of.... 'opposite direction'. As in go towards the Holtest? My Lady, that is asking for death."
"No, we have to find this man and find out what started this madness. Moving everyone pass the valley only keeps them a bit safer in the company of my brothers an-"
"And the moment they realize you are not with them, they will launch a full on attack. Presuming you're dead or abducted. My Lady, you must rethink this..." Lydia pleaded.
"We are only delaying the inevitable by moving. What are we going to do then? Where are we to go?" Ava was ready for a change. She was not going to stay here and wait for someone to knock on her door. Something had to be done.

 

[ForeverMischievous]

Emmerick leaned a bit back as Ava rose from the bed, looking only shortly towards Lydia, as she spoke, before back at Ava, as she did. Emmerick grinned lightly at her words, shaking his head a bit. It was quite easy to believe a tale, when you suddenly see fangs, where there where once flat teeth. Then as she walked over to him, he leaned his head back a bit, expecting a slap to the cheek, only shifting lightly as his arm was smacked instead. Amelia grinned a bit at the smack, but hid it as Ava sat back down. As Ava finished, Amelia placed her hand upon Ava's hip again.
"We truly are sorry, Lady Ava." Emmerick chuckled lightly a single time, as he leaned forward in his chair.
"I'd deserved a smack upon the cheek." He admitted, smiling lightly as he paused. "But you have to see it from our perspective. We'd both heard tales of this beautiful Raven haired Maiden, who took in anyone with open arms.. But you remained family, to what we then believed in saw as arch enemies. We could not take any great chances. Amelia acted promptly to her training, addressing me by my alias." He praised Amelia, with a hinted point with a hand towards her. Amelia lowered her head humbly.
"Back then.. I didn't know just how gentle, and wise you are.." She said with a small frown, only looking slightly up towards Ava.

As Lydia removed his bandages, Emmerick sat up straight, grinning lightly at the situation. "I could get used to being undressed by Ladies, this often..." He teased, once again unable to keep himself. Amelia rolled her eyes at his words, but couldn't help but smile at it, still. But as Ava's fingers met his skin, he had to fight a comforted sigh. Her gracious hands felt nice against his, colder then average, skin. As she placed her palm upon his chest, he moved a hand to her's, placing it gently upon it. "Sorry.. Mi'Lady.. But." He reached his other hand for her bandaged one, holding it up a bit, as to hinting towards her finger. "As I bandaged it? A transfer of your blood, went upon my hands.. I.. Shamefully tasted it.. The.. Perfect scent of your blood, had me enthralled. That is how your blood, met my lips. I could never have tainted your beauty. Even to have something as good as that. Neither could I bring myself to hurt you. This tale is true. The Holtests.. Are what the stories tell. Yet I could never do as they say. I would never do anything, to hurt you, in any way." He said, now with a promising and caring expression.

As she took her hand from his chest, he first held it gently, before letting go. He needed to do this, to prove to himself that he could. He longed for her, yet it was not only her blood anymore. Her heart was pure, her skin warm. The first connection was the blood, there was no doubt. But that was what he craved. She was something he wanted, much more then for self satisfaction. He shrugged his thoughts off, as she continued. He chuckled a single time, tilting his head in a crooked nod. "It's.. Not really all that dramatic.. We get to.. Chose, if we even want t... All that doesn't mater.. Yes, we have to." He agreed, remaining in his chair, for now. As he listened, blinking a few times as he was complimented in the middle of her sentence, making him lose track of the rest of it. Amelia chuckled a single time at her word, and her reaction.

They both remained silent, as Lady Ava had a discussion with her Maid, Emmerick slowly raising from his chair. As they seemed to finish, Emmerick let his voice be heard as well.
"I agree.. If we travel alone, there will be less of a chance, that we'll get noticed. And yes, no more secrets. Alabast and my brothers, will be looking for me. Oh, and your exactly as the tales tell. Except for your beauty, that far exceeds anything anyone could tell with a tale. Now, I need to speak with the one who will be leading your Estates subjects. You will have to appoint one, because my family will most certainly be watching the Estate, at this point. They must not exit the front gate, or make any move's, that will make it look like a retreat." He returned her instant, and almost hidden compliment in a sentence, with exactly the same. It made Amelia roll her eyes again, and shake her head with a small grin on her lips, thinking them hopelessly perfect together.
"If I may speak with the leader of this group, and be handed a map as I do, I can show them a route they can take, to avoid the watchful eye of the Holtests." He suggested, as Amelia finally rose herself.
"And if you could lead me to your armory, I could find what ever provisions 'we' might need. Well.. The weapons part of those provisions.." She admitted, with jump of her eyebrows. Emmerick nodded a single time towards Amelia, before looking back to Ava.
"I fear we might need that.. And.. Afraid I left mine somewhere, in a pool of mud?" He said, with a slight grin. Amelia sighed lightly with a crooked smile, and another shake of her head. Incapable of taking most situations serious.

 

[Lady Bloody Ava]

His explanation for hiding his true identity did make sense. At times such as these, one could never be too careful. And Amelia was only being loyal to a man with a pure heart. His little jests did elicit a bit of laughter from her lips. Ava cursed the blood rushing to her cheeks. Even Amelia got her blushing. Gentle? Wise? And it was nice to know that Emmerick had a sense of humor. Rare in many people. Ava remembered the tales and the acute senses that a Holtest could develop when under the spell of a lock's blood. The compliments had her blood rushing. The heat within the room seemed to rise just a bit. Thankfully her idea was agreed upon and some plans were soon laid out. Before Ava could get off the bed to fetch Alistair, Lydia stepped in. "My Lady... you, you can't go. They can, yes.... but... You are a Lock and if your blood is what they seek, you will only be making it easier for them to get to it." Lydia was silenced with a kiss to the cheek from her Mistress. That was usually a sure way to get Lydia to stop talking for a little while.

"I will be in safe hands. You've seen how far Amelia will go and Emmerick... well, need I say more?" She rested a hand upon Amelia's shoulder and looked from her new friend back to her head house maiden. "Now... if you could show Amelia to the armory and send Alistair up." One more kiss was a silent good bye. Hopefully not the last before her and the others departed. Ava sat up from the bed and wandered back over to her book rack and pulled out a rolled up parchment with a map of the estate and the grounds around it. She pulled the string from around it and unrolled it and placed it upon the surface of the bed.

Lydia had no retort for her mistress. She gave a small nod to Amelia and wandered out of the room and down to the back of the house and to a book shelf that the Portly lady easily pushed aside and revealed a door that she opened and lit a lamp. Swords hung on racks, daggers lined the tables, and various pieces of armor sat here and there. Shields hung on the walls and shells littered the buckets and guns leaned against the wall. "Please, help yourself. Only four horses remain, unfortunately. And one carriage. My Lady will most likely have us take that. Now, if you will excuse me..." Lydia left the room and headed out back and nearly bumped into the man that she was looking for. "Alistair, Lady Lock wishes to see you. We will all be leaving tonight and she wishes you to lead them to Lord Deon. Go... she awaits." She urged before heading to her own quarters and began packing a few things. It was only now sinking in what they were going to do. How she would no longer be at her Lady's side. She could only pray for the dear girl's safety during their venture.

The tall, sun kissed skin man took to the steps two at time to get to his mistress' room. Knocking politely before entering with his lady's permission. Ava had set the map upon the bed and leaned over it to look at where things stood. "So... the are Holtest soldiers overseeing my estate?" It shouldn't have been a surprise. There was a reason she rarely stepped outside, especially at night. "Enter Alistair." The male entered and bowed to both his Lady and the male without a shirt. he did not appear to be someone he knew, so he could only assume that he was from another House of Lock.
"Yes My Lady." He answered.
"We will be leaving soon. Would it be best to leave beneath the cloak of the night?" She asked Emmerick. Looking him in the eyes like an equal. She bit her lower lip out of... anxiety? Nervousness? Lydia popped into the room with a short knock and she saw Emmerick's shirt cleaned and free of blood and holes that were patched. "Thank you Lydia." She said softly as the men spoke. The attire that had been once soaked in blood and ripped.

"Emmerick?" She said with his shirt at hand. Pressing it to his chest with a coy smile and a small laugh, "Do us all a favor." She rested a hand upon his arm and it slid down as she wandered to the other side of the bed to get a view of the plans, across from the men. Her face changing to seriousness as she looked at the route to be planned. It was hard to believe that she would be leaving her home and roaming with two people who were allegedly her family's worst enemies. Over and onto the bed she leaned and while listening to the men make plans, she pondered on the travel arrangements, getting lost in her own thoughts for a moment.

 

[ForeverMischievous]

Emmerick noticed the blush upon Ava's cheeks, causing him to smile lightly, before realizing just how much that excited him. It was not only that his words had an impact upon her, that seemed pleasant. But the blood, rushing through her veins. Ever inch of him, at that moment, wished deeply that she'd allow him her blood. Just once. But he had to push it away. He couldn't know the effect. He couldn't know how his body would react. How his senses would react. How his mind would react. And he realized he'd been staring at Ava for a few minutes, halting the stare with some blinking, before looking towards Lydia, just to move his gaze. He had to agree with her notion. As soon as she'd come within range of their senses, they'd be at them like wild dogs. But he had to bring her. He had to find this information, together with a Lock. He doubted there'd be any solution, with the two apart. And. He also desperately wanted her close, so he'd be capable of protecting her. The others route, would indeed be a dangerous one as well.

Ava's words then, caused Emmerick to chuckle lightly, and spread a grin upon his lips, so the fangs in the right side of his mouth was somewhat visible. Amelia smiled as well, not really expecting this much trust from Ava. But she was loyal to the ones she cared for. And she cared for Lady Ava, for she cared for her and Emmerick. Amelia nodded at the suggestion, raising from the bed to follow Lydia, as she was shown towards the armory.

As they made their way towards the armory, Amelia watched Lydia, a bit concerned. "I'm.. Sorry, that it's come to this, but.. You know tat it is for the best, right?" She asked, humbly, before they reached the secret access to the armory. As they entered, her eyes flared up with glee, as they drifted over the weaponry. As Lydia spoke, Amelia walked around, looking over the weaponry, before starting to check pistols. "I do not think Ser Emmerick will have us use Horses. Attracts too much attention. And.. He hates Horses.." She admitted, chuckling lightly, before quickly looking to Lydia, as she excused herself. "Wait.. Madame Lydia? Lady Ava.. She doesn't know how to use a weapon.. Does she?" She didn't expect she would, but had to know. And with her answer, she continued to search through weaponry. She found four of the best pistols, four of the best rifles and two sabres. One extra pistol and saber, should Lady Ava actually know how to handle these. She heaved the rifles over her shoulders, put the pistols in bags, and then started searching for gunpowder and bullets, bagging as much as they'd be able to carry, light weighted.

As Ava brought out a map, Emmerick reached for a pen, walking over to the map, to crouch down beside the bed, and eye over the map. He didn't even ask, before he rose the pen, dipping it in some ink, and then placing two dots upon the far side of the map, from the front side of the Estate, before looking up to her. "Watches are stationed in these two premises, yes." He agreed, awaiting Alistair, as he kept eyeing the map, with a thoughtful gaze. Then as Alistair entered, he rose to his feet, and returned the courteous bow. He shook his head a single time at her question. "On the earliest morning, it would be preferable for the large group. There the dawn will inhibit their sight, should they keep a close eye, which they rarely do in the mornings. They focus their efforts on late night, and mid day." He explained. As Lady Ava looked to his eyes, he stared right back, with a comforting smile. Then as Lydia entered, he gave her a nod, before turning his attention back towards the map.

"Sir Alistair. If you look here." He said as he knelt, pointing upon the two spots on the map. "These are outposts. Watchmen keep a tight eye on the Estate from these spots, which gives them this sight range." He drew cones from each dot, that showed their view. "Now, the hill here, behind the Estate, will provide adequate cover, from the eastern watch." He pointed upon an indication of a hill, not far from the rear exit. He looked up to Alistair, to see if he understood. If he did, he continued. "It would be best to leave the house, in a straight line, conformed of only two rows. The people who can crouch whilst walking, should do so, to minimize the chance to be seen." He was about to continue, before Ava spoke to him, and he rose. As she offered the shirt, he held it with one hand, letting the other stroke her hand as it'd passed down his arm. "A favor? Would I truly be doing anyone a favor?" His gaze shortly hit Alistairs, before nodding a single time. "Point taken." He dropped the shirt over his head, before continuing his talk with Alistair.
"We will leave in two groups. Lady Lock, Amelia and I, will leave at the den of night. We will do so, because that is when the least patrols are around. The watches will keep a closer eye then, yet we'll crawl our way out, to diminish our visibility to them entirely. But.. When we leave, your party must stand ready. If a Horn sounds, you must bring all belongings from those who cant run with them, and all run.. Run, as fast as you can. That horn will be the signal of the army, and you will have to escape, as soon as possible. If someone brings too many belongings for carrying, drop it. Drop the carriage. You'll have to hurry, as fast as you can, and bring nothing to hinder your advance, understood? The Holtests are fast, and will be down your throats in moments." He spoke of tactics, as if it was his life. And it had been, up until this point.
"Now, if the Horn does not sound, you will wait till morning, and proceed with the former plan, understood?"

 

[Lady Bloody Ava]

Lydia may have seemed a tad down, but Amelia was right. It was like a game of chess and it was their turn to make a move, otherwise so many innocent people would be sacrificed for nothing. They had to take this chance. The plump one had to think about her Lady using weapons.
The only weapons I know she has trained in are daggers and crossbows as a before hand agreement to her brothers before she settled here. Being on her own, they did not want her entirely defenseless. No human life has been taken, but she has hunted for game, come the season." Oh how she had grown since leaving the home of her father.
"The girl is rather cunning, I'll give her that. Talked her way out of an arranged marriage with her father, no less." Lydia was getting a tad emotional at this point, "I will miss her." At that point she had excused herself to her room and that was when she had found the clothes that she had washed and patched for Emmerick.

Ava listened to the plan appointed to Alistair. The man was loyal to the Locks in every sense of the word. The tall male proceeded to nod his head as his eyes roamed the map with each simple and well planned direction. "Our Lady had all the children and their mothers sent to Lord Otho's Estate, so all that remain are the men of the small amount of militia that remain and those that work around the house, none too old. I would see it done, My Lord." Ava bit back a laugh as Alistair addressed Emmerick as a Lord, just as she had done.
"Thank you Alistair, take this with you and please... have everyone prepare. Tell them that it is for the best." The map was carefully rolled up and handed over to the house help.
"I will do all in my power not to fail you, My Lady." A bow later and he was off and doing as he was told. Those green orbs stared at the empty doorway for a minute before looking at the legendary general of her family's worst enemies.
"I trust you have the image of my estate burned into your mind, or would you like another map?" Her tone carried like that of a smart allic with half a smile tugging at her pink lips before wandering over to her wardrobe and snagging her riding boots, whether they be riding or not, she proceeded to sit upon the edge of the bed and slip off her slippers before putting them on. Beauty was far from a priority right now and a twisted ankle would get her no where. The trials of traveling trough brush, a forest, and the harsh terrain of the valley were not foreign to her. Ava would not prove herself to be a hindrance.

Only a fairly small satchel was what she planned to bring. Holding only, what she had resumed was the utmost essential. It proved only, a bit, easier to look upon Emmerick with his shirt back on. She was traveling with a jester and a friend who had her back, just as she had theirs. There was really no denying the tale with the gentlemen in the room sprouting fangs, just from sampling the smallest bit of her blood. And when she had touched him, just a moment ago, his skin was cool to the touch, just as he had arrived that day. Completely unconscious and feeling as though nearly all the life had been drained from him. This was proving rather tasking. Ava sought this estate for its isolation from either family, that included flirtatious males. And here she was, about to venture off with one. Thankfully Amelia was there and her presence could cut the tension. The sight of his fangs caught her attention once more. They only emboldened her to carry on. She was in good hands, or so she had to believe. The countless opportunities provided to simply kill her, or rather, abduct her for the sake of his family were unfathomable.

"How can you be so light through all of this, Emmerick?" Her satchel was packed and she debated on putting on her riding slacks. A dress was not the garb of choice when going on the run. She had already begun loading various small items into the satchel. Thinking only of worst case scenarios. "Here you find time to jest. Strangely enough, the sound of my own laughter is surprising to my own ears." The satchel was closed and she made her way to the other side of the room where Emmerick was. There she sat upon the edge of the bed before him.
"You nearly die, wake up in the house of a Lock, return to the state of your ancestors, and find yourself on the wrong end of your family's militia. This can not be any easier for you than it is for me, let alone Amelia." She could not help but feel his touch once more. The warm palm of her hand resting upon his own hand. "When Amelia gets back... we should head out soon and... you both have my thanks for this." There was no way she and her dwindling infantry would have been able to fend off the bulk of the Holtest militia. The coolness of his touch gently ate at the heat of her body. A monster by many eyes, while he was nothing more than another human male in hers.

Lydia soundly knocked upon the door before entering once more. The small lady came in and instantly wrapped her arms around Ava in a vice grip like hug. "Lydia..." Ava tried to said while attempting to regain the breath that was squeezed out of her. "You will see me again. I promise." A snifled sounded from the little lady as she released her grip on the green eyed, fair haired blossom she had pledged her services to
"I know. I know. I just wanted... to make sure... you did not forget anything." She gave Lady Lock a smile before turning and looking at Emmerick..."And you.... be careful with her. Don't give the Locks a reason to start up a fresh war. If she comes back with so much as a cut..." Ava's laughter stopped Lydia in her tracks.
"He will do no harm Lydia. Look at him. He can't." Lovely legs proceeded to stand her up and her hand pressed against his chest where his heart was. Yes. She felt it beating beneath her very palm. "Lydia... have I ever been wrong? Now, please... try not to scare him off or we will make no progress." She lent the elderly woman a humble smile before she walked off to her lavatory to discard of her bandage and clean off the dry blood from her finger. Leaving Lydia with Emmerick for a brief moment.
"Do not hurt her.... and I do not just mean physically. I see your eyes and where they wander. There is no time for such thoughts and feelings. I have three sons, do not think I do not know what I'm talking about. She is completely estranged to the advances of a man and is as delicate as a flower. She is like a daughter to me and unless a Lock is ready to wed a Holtest, right here and now... do not toy with her. " Somewhere along the way her voice had gone mild. She acted as though she was 'all knowing'. Maternal instincts played a great part in it. Ava was as close to a daughter as she could get and this may well be the last time she saw her.
Ava wandered back in with a new and clean dressing upon her finger, lest the miniscule wound decide to reopen and offer up the bouquet of her blood to her escort. Lydia quickly dawned a smile and gave Ava a smile before exiting the room. "Are you okay Emmerick? I hope she didn't scare you." She partially jested while knowing that Lydia, despite her size, could be rather intimidating.