The Truce (Nekrosilisk88 & darkangel76)

[darkangel76]

The air was thick with chill as the silvery moon shone down hard overhead, its rays harsh as they filtered through the purposeful gapes of the red velvet drapes that hung from ceiling to floor. The room was cold, all gray stone and damp, as the wind howled outside and a draft swept through it causing the young vampire girl who sat there to shiver as the cold washed over her completely as if devouring her whole. After all, it wasn't every day one was told that they were 'chosen'.

Estella Marrin, halfbreed daughter of renowned and respected elder, Horace Marrin, sat there as still as a marble statue though her insides felt frozen at the choice of fates she'd just been given—one of which where she could choose to end the war of centuries between her people and the lycans, a truce they'd all been wanting, but thought could never be. But now... now it seemed that such a fate could be upon them all and she, the daughter of Horace Marrin, could play a crucial role and speed up the process, if she dared to let her bloodline take precedence over everything else.

As Estella looked up into the cool blue eyes of her father's, eyes uncannily matching her own, she could easily see that the vampire so old beyond his youthful appearance, wanted her to help end the fighting. He was weary of it. Tired. And she couldn't fault him for wanting such an end. But, to give up the hope of love when she had an eternity of life ahead of her? Could she truly marry a lycan? Well, she supposed she could, if she loved him. But... she wouldn't know this one, how could she know...? Then again, this was for her people. For her father. To end a centuries long war. So many lives would be saved—vampires, lycans, humans.

A soft sigh rolled over Estella's red lips, her skin growing even paler as a ray of moonlight settled upon her form. Her expression went distant as she thought on her past, how she came to 'be'. She hadn't 'turned' like the majority of vampires. No. She'd been bred to become what she was, half human, half vampire. Royalty and vampiric elder. She had strong blood running through her veins and when she'd come of age, like all halfbreed vampires, the vampire within took over and the transition took place. It had been hard that first night—coming to understand the blood lust and the other abilities, both strengths and weaknesses, of her kind. But her father had been there for her through it all. He'd always been there. Always.

Tucking her dark hair behind an ear and twisting the longer ends between long, pale, slender fingers, Estella finally spoke. "I accept my fate, father." Her voice was soft, almost somber, as she responded. But then in so many ways she felt as though she was giving away her life, giving it away to another whom she didn't know, to another that her kind had been fighting for centuries on end. However, she knew it was the right thing to do. Looking up into her father's eyes, she smiled at him, though her own eyes that matched his were saddened. "I'll do my duty for our kind. For you. To end this suffering." She stood up and nodded at her father.

"Thank you, child," Horace said, his own voice soft, a mere whisper. He reached out to touch Estella's cheek and then glided out of the room.

Estella's entire body felt tense and she could feel herself holding back emotions and tears. But she wouldn't cry. If she let go now, she wouldn't be able to follow through and she knew she had to for so many. Setting her jaw, she walked over to the window and pushed open the drapes allowing more of the silvery rays of moonlight to shine through her window. Standing there, she looked out into the darkness and sucked in a sharp breath, her mind reeling and wondering just what sort of lycan she'd be marrying.

 

[Nekrosilisk88]

e manor's dungeon was dank and poorly lit. That didn't bother the young man currently residing there however. He was lithe and muscular, but scarcely the sculpted Adonis that so many tried to be. His strength was attained from hard work, not repeated motions to chisel out the perfect form in his flesh that so many would desire. He stat there cross legged on the cell floor, his manacled wrists resting against his knees as he meditated in prayer, silently mouthing The Lord's Prayer in Latin and counting off the beads on the gold rosary in his right hand. He'd been down here for four days now. Four days with thick hardened steel chains binding to the floor. Four arduaous days with silver resting against his skin, ready to cut and burn should he try and fight the hold of the prison. Four day as awaiting the judgment of the pack elders.

For centuries the war had raged, and for the last decade he'd been a part of that fighting. Everyone else wanted the war to end. They wanted this truce with the vampires, but he could care less if there was ever peace in his life time. Six years ago, things might have been different, but now, now all he wanted was revenge. He wanted to kill the bastard that had butchered his mate, and watch him suffer, and smell terror as he was pulled limb from limb. Anyone fool enough to get in his way would pay the price. The elders however, couldn't have him loose. They knew the balance of this truce was precarious, and so did he. Still he didn't care.

There was an echo of footsteps in the hall. He opened his hazel eyes, and rose, his solid frame rising to it's full height. He wasn't particularly tall, only five feet and eight inches, but the muscles that writhed under his skin and the sure way he walked made for an imposing sight. His dark blond hair hung over his shoulder in a loose braid. He could already smell the elders and knew the were coming to pass his sentence. He would most likely be given a death sentence since he could never let go of his thirst for vengeance, and they all knew that. He was prepared for it and watched with cold eyes as they gathered around his cell.

The senior of the elders began, “Jameson Rivers, It is the verdict of this council that you cannot go free. The threat you pose to the truce is to great. However, there is a choice for you. We will let you live and walk from this cell if you agree to bind the truce with a marriage to the representative the vampires have chosen from amongst their own.”

Jameson cast his cold eyes at his father, standing their with them. “You'd condemn me to such torture. To share my life with one of those monsters?” The bile in his deep and rich voice was obvious, and it made clear what he thought of the arrangement.

His father shook his head. “The council was ready to execute you boy. I had to to fight with them to get this much of a compromise. I love you and don't want to lose you. And God help us if the worst should happen we'll need you.”

Jameson shook his head. “Fine, I'll marry the bitch. But when this charade is over, I'm not wasting anytime killing the bastard when I find him. When do we get this over with?” He'd given his word now to honor the truce while it lasted as he knew it wouldn't, and the jailer unlocked the manacles on his wrist. He followed the council to prepare for the ceremony.

 

[darkangel76]

"When did you last feed, m'lady?" came a voice. Male. It belonged to Claudius Florino, that silky smooth tenor that sent chills down Estella's spine as he spoke. "Your cheeks. They are pale."

Just then, Estella felt a cool hand brush her cheeks and she turned away from the window she was standing next to, her eyes meeting those of the vampire looming over her tiny five foot frame. She touched the velvet drapes with her delicate hands, letting her fingers slide along the lush red material as she sighed. "Five days," she said softly, knowing it best not to lie. Not to one such as Claudius.

Claudius was old. Nearly as old as her father, Horace, though he looked oh so much younger. Like her, he would forever appear to be not a day over twenty, though his eyes said otherwise. He'd seen the ancient of days, unlike her who'd only been alive for almost a single century. What it must've been like to have lived through so many centuries... millennia...! To have witnessed and endured more wars and blood shed than just this blood feud between vampire and lycan. To have seen all your loved ones die, never to see them again...

Estella had only just recently heard word, about ten years back or so, that her mother had finally died. But she'd been separated from the woman at birth and had never really known her, just that she'd been of royal blood and that her father had loved the human. Why he'd never 'turned' her was something she'd never asked of Horace. She could see the pain hidden in his eyes where the human was concerned and thus left it alone.

"Five days?" Claudius tsk'd. "You need to feed, Estella. Especially since you are to be married soon."

Estella hung her head in despair, her eyes suddenly staring at the stone floor beneath her feet. She could feel the burning lust for blood building deep within her center. She didn't need Claudius to remind her of that. It was hard enough already. As her eyes fixed themselves upon the stone, her heart began to pound while her senses heightened and the smell of blood from afar began to tickle at the back of her throat.

"You do not wish to marry this lycan," Claudius suddenly said, changing the topic and causing Estella to look up into his eyes, her face twisting as she stared at him.

"Why would you say that?" Estella then asked, her need for blood rising further as the older vampire looked down upon her with an intense gaze. "I need to go and prepare for the ceremony." She could feel her fangs trying to push forward, wanting to come forth and expose themselves.

Suddenly, the door opened and Horace stood in the doorway. His gaze looked to Claudius and his eyes narrowed into slits. Immediately, the slightly younger vampire moved away from Estella and bowed respectfully to his elder. Estella quickly walked toward her father.

"Are you ready, daughter? We need to go now?" Horace stated, his eyes still fixed upon Claudius.

Estella nodded. "I am, father," she answered, though her tone still held a darkness that she could not hide despite the fact that she tried.

"I'm glad to hear that. You are helping us all." For a moment, Horace turned away from Claudius and looked down into the angelic face of his daughter, his hand gently touching her cheek. He could plainly see her fears and apprehensions as any vampire of his age could. "Come. They are waiting." Extending his hand, he took Estella's in his and led her out of the room, leaving Claudius by himself.

Estella felt an odd weight lift from her soul as she exited the room and she knew it was because she was no longer in Claudius' presence. There was something about him that was 'off'. She'd always felt it, but this night she was feeling that bit more than usual. Maybe it was her nervousness over having her fate sealed by an unknown stranger, having to give her heart away to someone who might not accept it or care. Maybe it was because she was afraid of what she was about to do or that the delicate truce she was hoping might be forged by the union she was about to make might not last and be in vain... Or maybe it was because she was in dire need of blood.

But whatever the reason, Estella knew she'd have to be wary of Claudius. Something about him was wrong. And she could tell that her father thought it as well and that alone made her even more ill at ease. She just hoped that it wouldn't spell disaster later on for vampire or lycan after the ceremony. She knew how Claudius could be at times. Then again, it was probably just paranoia over what she was about to embark. Vampires had a tendency to mistrust, it was partly why the war between their kind and lycan had lasted so long and become so brutal.

Horace led Estella down a long staircase and finally to a room where three ladies in waiting were stationed to help her dress in preparation for her wedding to the unknown chosen lycan. Once dressed and ready, Horace returned and looked upon her with a smiling face. "You are beautiful, my child. You do your bloodlines more than justice. And I admire you for what you are about to do for us all. Know this, daughter."

Estella smiled weakly at her father. She knew the elder vampire loved her with all his heart and that he wished for the war to end. She just hoped that when all was done, the union would indeed be worth it and not in vain. As she stood there, she could still feel her need for blood rising and with the way her father looked at her, she knew he was well aware of her need.

"Here," Horace suddenly said. "We have this for you." He stepped out for a brief moment and escorted a peasant maid into the room. The girl was young and relaxed, obviously glamored so that wouldn't be afraid.

Estella nodded and walked over to the girl taking a firm hold of her arm. She brought her wrist up to her lips, her fangs suddenly protruding with a hiss. Panting slightly as she looked upon the supple flesh, she bit down and began to drink the crimson that flowed forth from the freshly opened vein.

 

[Nekrosilisk88]

Jameson was escorted up to his personal chambers where a hot bath was waiting for him, as well as servants to scrub him clean. He never liked having other people take care of him, but given his personal habits as far as cleaning went he couldn't blame his father for this. Normally he'd just lick himself clean when he was shifted, and it did the job well enough. Tonight though he had to be absolutely presentable, so that meant a proper wash down. He grumble slightly as the servants fussed over him, and took the knots out of his mane. It took them almost an hour before they deemed him to be in an acceptable to state.

Next he had to get dressed, once more more fanciful than his normal attire. He was wearing a full suit and cape for tonight, simple yet elegant. It was a traditional black suit with a white shirt, and properly polished boots that matched. If formality and the council didn't require all this, he would've said to hell with it, and attended in his usual attire, a simple shirt and slacks as well as a good pair of sturdy boots. His stomach growled with hunger, he'd had little to eat over the past few days. He felt his father put a hand on his shoulder.

"We've got a good dinner ready for you so you've got one less thing agitating you tonight at least. I know you've only recently learned to control your transformations, but please try to keep it under control tonight.” Jameson nodded his head, and headed downstairs to eat his meal. It would've been considered a large meal by anyone else's standards, a full loaf of bread, two large steaks, a healthy serving of potatoes and a large salad. But for a lycan this was normal. The process of transforming took a lot of energy and then there was the regeneration which sped up there metabolism even further. He twinged slightly as he sat down to eat. The lump of scar tissue in his back was beginning to act up.

There was a small piece of silver embedded in his back from where a blade had broken off in a fight. Unfortunately they hadn't been able to get it out, but the scar tissue held it in place and kept it from traveling someplace dangerous. It just caused some occasional pain, but it was mild enough he could normally shrug through it. He finished his dinner as fast as he could while keeping everything clean. Once done, the elders ushered him into a cart with his escort so he could depart. They would arrive separately. His escort was there for two reasons. One to make sure he didn't make a run for it. More importantly though, they were there in case he lost control and began to shift.

 

[darkangel76]

Estella could feel the heat in her cheeks, knowing full well that her complexion had gone from porcelain pale to a healthy rosy shade. She'd seen human women don such colorations naturally, though it had been nearly two lifetimes since her own had been as such. She remembered the day she'd turned sixteen, that fateful day of her transition. It had been full of pain and anguish, the burn as the vampiric blood overpowered her human half, pushing it out, consuming it until it was finally devoured and no more.

Horace looked down at his daughter and smiled. "Come, we must leave for the cathedral at once. We must make haste." Estella could hear his urgency and she wondered if part of that had to do with Claudius lurking behind in the shadows or his eagerness for the truce between vampire and lycan to be sealed. No matter, it was something she understood even if it meant she had to shut her heart away in a box forever, never to open it again.

"I'm ready, father. And thank you," Estella said, her voice a soft whisper as she peered back into his eyes that matched her own. The blood she'd consumed was already making her feel stronger, more alive. And to think she'd only 'sipped' on that peasant maid.

"Good." Horace took Estella's hand and escorted her outside to the carriage, helping her up inside so that they could immediately go to the cathedral he knew the lycans would be waiting for them.

The carriage ride felt long, though to Estella not long enough. Her hands rested in her lap and she allowed her slender fingers to run along the laces of the gown she wore, an exquisite dress for any bride of royal blood. Blood. She laughed, darkly, on the inside as her blue eyes stared at the stark white material. Not a drop of that blood she'd drunk had spilled upon the dress. Not one scarlet bead. It was as pure as the snow she knew would soon be falling. Just then she shivered and the carriage went over a bump in the road.

Estella let out a tiny groan as her body jostled, her shoulder striking against the unforgiving wood of the carriage as it tossed her small frame about while it moved along toward its final destination. When it finally slowed, she felt a lump form in her throat and she dared to peer out the window, pushing the plush purple curtain aside. The cathedral looked ominous in the darkness as the moon shone down upon it, casting a demonic shadow to loom and hover. 'Ironic,' she thought.

When the carriage stopped, Horace got out first and offered Estella his hand. She graciously accepted, floating out of the carriage with grace and elegance. Looking up into her father's eyes, she smiled, though there was a strange sadness lurking in the corners of her eyes.

"I'm ready, father," Estella said. "I'm ready to be married."

 

[Nekrosilisk88]

The carriage ride was completely silent. There was nothing for him to speak of with his escort they were all there to do their jobs, and nothing more. He still cradled the rosary in his hand. It wasn't his originally, a sharp pair of eyes could tell it was a woman's, but it would be a cold day in hell before he allowed it to be taken from him. He let the cross fall and watched it swing with the carriage as he began counting the prayers once more. He doubted he'd ever say enough prayers to atone for all his sins, but the act was calming and helped him maintain control.

He was so intent on them that he didn't notice the carriage stop at the cathedral. The anger had faded out of him for the moment and he seemed relaxed and at ease. He looked up as he heard the carriage door open. Rising he put the rosary away, and stepped out of the carriage. Upon seeing the young woman standing there with a man who he presumed to be her father, the ease seemed to evaporate, and the cold hatred he felt towards her kind replacing it in an instant.

He stood there silent, and still as a rock while the breeze drifted by. His icy gaze was locked on to her, like a predator stalking his prey. She was a pretty one, but no matter how they dolled her up, she was still a vampire. Her only saving grace was that she wasn't a fighter, and so when this charade was over she'd be alive. He wasn't like them.

His thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of more carriages. One of them he recognized as belonging to the pack elders. He made an abrupt turn and began walking towards the cathedral. Normally he found this place to be comforting, but tonight, it may as well have been the gates to hell.

 

[darkangel76]

Estella felt her nerves rise as she waited just inside the cathedral, her father standing next to her in a protective manner. She knew he was proud of her, happy that she'd made the decision she had. Though, she was beginning to second-guess herself. Like him, she too wanted the war to end, for the fighting to stop. So much blood had indeed been spilled and the cycle needed to stop somehow. She supposed it made sense for it be someone like herself—daughter of an elder with royal human blood. Though, she had to admit, she still felt uneasy about it all, scared and unsure.

Suddenly, Estella heard the sound of a carriage arrive and she knew in her heart that it was the lycans. They were coming and bringing along with them their own chosen one, the man she'd be spending eternity with. She swallowed then, all the blood she'd just consumed making no difference as her body went into overdrive to control the emotions that began to roil inside her core. What would this lycan be like? Surely he couldn't be overly happy about things, this situation... could he? She honestly had no idea. Things between the vampires and lycans were shaky and fragile if anything, very few wanting peace. True peace.

Estella looked up at Horace, her breaths quickening. The elder vampire looked down at his daughter and smiled at her reassuringly, though it gave her no comfort. Not on this night. A shiver ran along her spine just then and she mustered up all her courage and walked out of the cathedral and onto the steps so that she could properly greet the lycans as they arrived. She watched them step out of their carriages, her body wracked with sudden fear as they readied themselves to begin ascending the stone steps.

Taking a deep breath, Estella began to descend the steps so as to meet them half way at the very least. When she came upon them, she looked up into the eyes of the one she was sure she'd be marrying given his attire and demeanor.

Trembling slightly, Estella gave the lycan a smile and curtsied low out of respect. "Good eve, sir," she began, she could see her father's shadow looming behind her. "I hope you encountered no difficulties traveling here." She then looked up from where she was while still curtseying. "And I hope I am to your satisfaction." At that, she noticed her father immediately take his leave. Whether upset or just leaving to further prepare for the ceremony, she couldn't be certain. But either way, she knew her life was about to change forever.

 

[Nekrosilisk88]

Jameson began his trudge up the stairs leading to the cathedral. He'd made a similar walk once before, and thinking of it now pained him greatly. He sighed and stopped for a moment. He spoke to himself scarcely more than a whisper. “Nessun maggior dolore, Che ricordarsi del tempo felice, Nella miseria.” Poets often had a way with words that others were lacking in. So it was now. The sound of heels clicking against the stone steps snapped him from his reverie.

He looked up to see the young woman approaching. He watched as she walked through the motions of greeting him. She was a perfect lady throughout the whole display, but it didn't stop the stench of fear from pouring out of her. It forced him to stop and refocus. He couldn't lose control here, and fear only did one thing for a predator, it made them want to give chase. Forcing the animal inside him down. He politely bowed his head to her.

“This whole arrangement is not to my satisfaction.” One of his most fatal flaws, was unfortunately his brutal honesty. “I'd just a soon keep hunting, but since the elders have decreed this truce, I'll follow the charade for as long as it lasts.” His voice was as cold as his eyes, but the pain from his memories was still there in his eyes.

He stepped to her side and began up the stairs once more, waiting for her if she didn't follow. He may not have liked the idea, but he'd keep the appearances up. His focus now was more towards maintaining control. “It's nothing against you personally, but when you've been hunting someone so long, it's becomes harder to see the line that divides a person from the rest of their kind.”

 

[darkangel76]

Estella blinked several times over, her pale eyes welling slightly knowing full well that not only did she displease him but that her life ahead most definitely was going to be fraught with difficulties. This lycan wanted nothing to do with her. He had no interest in peace between their kinds. Nothing. It was almost as if he was being forced into this arrangement rather than willingly trying to stop more blood from being spilled, from saving lives—lycan and vampire alike. Just...

Honestly, Estella didn't know what to make of it. Slowly, she stood up, doing her best not to lose her balance as she remained on the stone steps that led back up to the cathedral. As she turned back toward the doors, her heart felt even heavier than it had before, like a lead weight that would sink to the bottom of the ocean if she'd been tossed into its inky depths. To be frank, given the way the man had spoken, she wondered if such a fate would be sweeter.

Sniffling a little, Estella raised a delicate hand up to her eyes and wiped away at the tears she felt threatening to spill down her alabaster pale cheeks. All the blood she'd consumed earlier from the peasant maid had been pointless for all her nervousness had come back and in full force and then some. The words the lycan had just spoken to her had shaken her, made her realize just how much her life was about to change. And in ways she hadn't even begun to expect. Letting out a tiny sigh, she forced her feet to trudge back up the steps toward the cathedral door so that she could proceed with the inevitable—her marriage.

Once at the top of the stairs, Estella met her father. The elder looked saddened as his eyes gazed upon his daughter. "You make a great sacrifice this night. It will not be in vain if I can help it," he stated plainly.

"I know, father," Estella said, trying her best to smile.

Horace reached out and touched Estella's face as if to examine her. "You look radiant, child. Beautiful. And not just in face." He let his hand drop to his at that moment, Estella's eyes tearing at his words.

"Thank you, father," Estella said, her voice wavering ever so slightly. She moved to hug the elder vampire. When she pulled away, he held out his arm for her to take.

"Shall we? It is time," Horace said as he prepared himself to 'give away' his half-breed daughter to a lycan who didn't want her, but for a purpose so delicate, so fragile, that he knew it must be done.

 

[Nekrosilisk88]

Jameson sighed when he saw she wasn't coming with him. He couldn't help being what he was. He wasn't a diplomat, or even a particularly great communicator. He was a hunter. He was gruff and savage, much like the wilderness he prefered to live in. He could see how refined she was, this wasn't going to be easy in any aspect. He still had so much hatred burning in him, and a thirst for vengeance that would likely never be slaked. She was delicate and willing to make the sacrifices he was being forced into.

He continued on his way to the cathedral as her father comforted her. He knew this wasn't going to last. There was no way for it to work. All this would do is give them the time they needed to regroup there forces and prepare for the conflict that would follow this brief calm. He couldn't think of any bright side to this whoel affair. At the end it would be the same as it had always been.

"You didn't need to be so harsh boy." Jameson looked over his shoulder and saw his father standing there. He shook his head, he had been so lost in what he was thinking that he hadn't heard the old man approach.

"What else would you have me do?" His voice was bitter with resentment as he spoke. "We all know this is pointless. She's better off knowing what I am now. I'd rather be hated for who and what I am that loved for something I'm not. You all knew I was hunter and not a diplomat when you made this choice."

The cathedral was ominously silent as he entered. No comfort would be found here today. It was dark and somber. He saw thie figure of Christ suspended over the altar and couldn't help hanging his head in shame. He couldn't do the same now that had been done for him so many centuries ago. He couldn't forgive those who condemned and hated him, and he couldn't forego his own hatred for them.

 

[darkangel76]

With a heavy heart and eyes that stung with unshed tears, Estella hung onto her father's arm as he led her down the aisle to seal her fate that would result in binding her to a lycan who clearly detested her and the situation they both found themselves to be in. Given things, she hardly blamed him. After all, he didn't know her or anything about her as a being. For him to jump to such conclusions wasn't surprising, but... it didn't make it hurt any less to hear such things. Such... hurtful things. She hated the wars, never truly understood them and had always tried to stay out of the political arena whenever possible. Of course, being the daughter of an elder, not to mention the blood of human royalty, made that difficult at times. But she tried her best. And, like her father, she most certainly wanted the wars to end. It was why she was willing to give up her future now for the sake of everyone else.

Horace could feel the emotions of his daughter roiling underneath the façade she was trying to hold up for the sake of everyone else and it only made his love for her that much stronger. He admired what she was doing and he felt a pang of guilt that she was having to proceed as she was, to give up so much. He hadn't liked the way the lycan had looked at her. And the tone in which he'd spoken... he'd had all he could do not to lunge on him and tear his arms out of their sockets. But no. He was too dignified a vampire to act in such a manner. And the time for such violence was at an end, even if he'd wanted to react in such a way for his daughter's honor and that alone. No. It was time to put such things aside and strive for peace even if it seemed impossible. They all had to try, just as his daughter was now.

Estella held onto her father's arm as he led her down the aisle of the cathedral, her eyes fixed to the stone of the floor as she walked almost mindlessly to its end. When they finally stopped, she looked up at the crucifix and swallowed and then over at her father. She gave him a watery smile—one letting him know that she'd be all right, that she was ready. Nodding, she dropped her hand away from his arm and faced forward again. It was now or never. In mere moments she'd be bound to a lycan. Married. Her life would change forever and she'd belong to someone else. Her fate sealed.

 

[Nekrosilisk88]

ameson watched as his soon to be bride approached the altar. His mind was racing now, and it was getting harder for him to maintain control. He retrieved the rosary he carried with him once more, and began the ritual anew. He had to maintain his presence of mind difficult as it was. After one round of prayers he was feeling more level headed and approached the altar to take his role in this play. He'd honor the vows he would take here tonight. He wasn't so much a cur as to take a promise he wouldn't keep. The only vow he'd refuse tonight would be that to love and cherish, the only one he couldn't keep, the one he'd sworn once before that still made his heart ache when he thought of her.

He looked at his bride and took a deep breath, trying to swallow the venom and bile in his voice as best he could. “I'm sorry you have to do this.” It was the best he could do to show his sympathy for her situation. He couldn't say he felt her pain, or that he understood. His own anger and prejudice kept that from happening. If only he had a way to make this easier for her. The faint clack of beads echoed in the church as he stood there, still counting off his prayers as as he silently went over them, trying to keep himself in check.

 

[darkangel76]

Estella felt her heart grow heavier with each step she took, her fate approaching and her father somehow growing more and more distant. Though her tiny hands were clutching Horace's arm, it seemed to only grow colder and soon, the arm she'd be holding wouldn't be his, but... this lycan's instead. She swallowed hard as everything became more real, a hard truth that was suddenly staring her directly in the face. The bitter cold only grew as Horace let go and moved away from her, leaving her to stand next to the man that would be her future husband.

Horace looked upon his daughter, his own heart just as heavy as Estella's. He knew this was the only way to create balance. Even if the bond was short-lived, it would create peace for a time and that was enough. He knew this and he knew his daughter understood it as well. His hope was that somehow the bond would come to surpass that, but he'd overheard the venomous words that lycan had spat. They'd angered him as they'd dripped over his tongue and spilled out into the chilly air. How that man could speak to his daughter in such a way was abominable. But tearing out limbs wouldn't solve anything when his people and theirs were working toward reconciling their differences. So, at that, he looked down at the hard stone floor and waited for the ceremony to proceed.

Meanwhile, Claudius began making his way up the steps of the cathedral, his cheeks rosy pink from an obvious feed, until he finally reached the door. He gently pushed the door open and peered inside only to see Estella at the front of the main room and standing next to that odious lycan who was about to become her mate. It disgusted him, but he couldn't show his true feelings on the matter. He was a respected vampire, almost as old as Horace himself, nearly an elder. But that didn't change his feelings on the matter. He'd disagreed on this union since it's inception, though he knew he had to keep his thoughts to himself as best he could—difficult as that was. And now, seeing Estella where she stood, it was like a thousand stakes in the heart. But now wasn't the time. The situation was delicate...

Estella looked over at her soon-to-be husband and tried her best to smile for him, hoping that somehow it would quell his apprehensions. He'd already made it clear he didn't want her, but perhaps he could at least be... civil? A loveless marriage could at least have that, could it not? Oh, she hoped so. The thought of such loneliness for eternity made her insides turn about and twist into knots.

Just then, the minister began to speak and Estella found herself falling in line, speaking when she was supposed to, kneeling, nodding. Then, came the final part, the part that sealed it all. It wasn't the ring on her finger, but the public display she and her now husband needed to show those witnessing this union—the kiss. Swallowing, she barely heard the words.

"You may kiss your bride."

Estella just looked up at Jameson and blinked. Biting down slightly on her lip, she sucked in a sharp breath. She was unsure of what to do or what he'd do. Would he? She didn't know. He hated her, didn't want her. And so with bated breath, she stood there in silence.

 

[Nekrosilisk88]

Jameson went through the motions of the wedding. For him this was a pointless ritual, he had no desire to truly be here. He was not taking this woman as his mate, his second half. This was a political alliance to quell the bloodshed and nothing more. He remained cold and expressionless throughout the service, his voice deadpan as he fought back the bile in his voice taking the vows. Conspicuously absent amongst them was the vow to love and cherish. He was thankful, but he pondered who had intervened with the priest to make sure it hadn't come up. Then came the final words before the end.

“You may kiss your bride.” The last haunting moment of truth for him. After this the charade truly began. She wasn't his, he hadn't chosen her to be his own. She still belonged to the vampires, just as he belonged to the werewolves, and would never truly be hers. She still belonged to the monsters that had destroyed the one he had claimed as his own, and the reason his heart was lost in so much hatred.

Still he'd given his word that he'd play his part, and so he leaned over and gave his bride a chaste kiss on her lips. He then offered her his arm so that he could walk her back down the aisle, alone this time, just the two of them. He waited for her to accept his arm before leading her down the aisle. As they walked he remained deathly silent and solemn. As they neared the entrance of the cathedral though, he suddenly froze. He could smell the one who'd destroyed her nearby, and he was powerless to do anything. His eyes shifted from hazel to the bestial gold of his wolf. He spoke barely above a whisper.

“He's here.” For all the bile and venom that had been directed at her and her kind, it was nothing compared to the sheer intensity of the hatred that was laced into that whisper as he spoke. He gritted his teeth, and continued forward and out of the church. Whoever it was, they had better enjoy their freedom while it lasted, because it was only a matter of time until he would be able to hunt again, and then, then he would have his revenge.

 

[darkangel76]

Estella felt no warmth when Jameson leaned close to kiss her. Instead she felt cold bitterness, the barest brush of his lips against her own. It was as if he was afraid to touch her. Either that or disgusted, more than likely it was the latter given the way he almost spat at her earlier on the stone steps of the cathedral. His venomous words still stung at her halfbreed heart. Though her genetics caused her body to turn vampire, she would always have that essence of humanity. Horace had explained to her that it was a direct result of her lineage thanks to her human mother. It was something that could never be changed no matter how old she became. Whether that was a curse or a blessing was yet to be learned by her. But right now, it hurt... it stung deeply, terribly.

As he watched his daughter take the lycan's arm, Horace stood up to watch the processional. His heart sank. He had seen the deed done and given up his daughter, losing her to the lycans he'd fought for centuries on end. Perhaps giving up his most precious possession would end the bloodshed if even only for a time. Time. Time would surely tell. It always did and now surely would. But it never eased anything, not truly. Vampires were passionate creatures, more so than others would give them credit for. They could be cold when it served their purposes, but they were often passionate about their kin. Detachment was a difficult process and not easily achieved.

Meanwhile, in the shadow of the doorway, Claudius slipped inside unnoticed by all, even Horace who was too preoccupied with his daughter and his loss of her to see him enter the building at all. He remained concealed in the darkness, a trick and art that he excelled at—always had. He sneered as he watched Estella walk arm in arm with the loathsome lycan. He didn't even want her, had no appreciation for what she'd done. So typical. And Horace. He was blind to the charade, the game that was being played underneath his nose. His daughter was about to be used and before long all his wishes would be for naught. And for what? A meager attempt at peace with a race of beings lower than their own! It was abominable! What was worse was the fact that Estella was afraid, didn't want to be doing what she was doing at all. She was merely doing her duty, what she felt to be right given her lineage.

Claudius licked his lips as his eyes lingered on Estella, her rosy flesh turning paler by the second. He tsk'd silently. She needed to feed more than she had. The sad little sip she'd obviously been given had hardly been enough and the man she was now with would hardly understand that nor care. It disgusted him. His eyes shifted to the lycan for a moment and they narrowed into slits. There was something about that lycan. His scent... Just then he shrugged it off, his eyes going back to Estella once more. If Horace hadn't been there, he'd tear that lycan apart and take her far away, make her his own as was meant to be.

Estella felt the heaviness grow from within as she walked up the aisle, her eyes barely glancing at her father as she passed him by. What would happen now that she and Jameson were married? What would become of her? Her lonely days were about to start, that much she knew. This wouldn't be the wedding night she'd hoped for or dreamed of. She wouldn't have the future she'd longed for as a child growing up before the vampire from within took its hold and finally transformed her into what she was. No. Loneliness. That was what awaited her. For now she was eternally bound to a man who didn't love her.

Once they'd reached the door of the cathedral, Estella looked to Jameson and tried her best to give him a warm smile. She knew the carriage was waiting for them. Their destination? She wasn't sure, but she knew she would soon find out. "Sir," she said softly, giving him a curtsy. "Our carriage is outside. Are we to take that somewhere?"

 

[Nekrosilisk88]

As they walked down the aisle Jameson's father moved next Horace. He was old and perceptive to that which surrounded him. He could see the pain his now daughter-in-law's father felt. He knew that much of that was because of the way his own son reacted.

“Greetings. My name is Michael. I'm sorry we couldn't meet prior to this. I just hope you won't judge my son too harshly. It's no excuse for his actions tonight, but this war has hit him harder than many and left him bitter.”

Jameson looked over to his bride as he left the cathedral. His eyes were still feral it was becoming difficult for him to keep control. When she addressed him as sir, he felt himself slip a little further, his nails turning into black claws before he got it back under control. It was just the way the transformations worked, they began at the extremities, and went from there.

“My name is Jameson.” His voice was short, and his temper clear when he snapped at her. He paused and took a few breaths calming down a bit. “Sorry, I shouldn't have snapped at you. It's, difficult, to maintain control right now. None of this is your fault, and I shouldn't be taking it out on you. I don't like being formally addressed, I'm just a hunter, not some aristocrat.” He looked to the carriage. “I don't know where we're going. This all got dropped on me tonight.”

 

[darkangel76]

Immediately, Estella bit down on her lip, her cool blue eyes widening slightly as she looked up at the man she was now bound to for eternity due to the promises she'd just made for all to witness and hear. He seemed so agitated. Agitated, angry... alone. Though she stood with him and would be now for all time, she could see that loneliness he held inside. She wondered what secrets he kept and if he'd ever share them with her. Just then, she looked down at the ground. Silly notion that. The hatred was emanating off of him in waves. There was no way he'd speak to her of such things. Not ever.

Horace turned to look over at Jameson's father, Michael. He gave the elder lycan a nod, the corners of his lips turning upward into a partial smile. It was a grim day in some ways. He was glad of the union, the peace it would bring, the hope. But he was also saddened. He understood the sacrifices his daughter was making and could see the lack of acceptance coming from her new husband. Her new life would be fraught with hardship and he could only hope that somehow things would change, that they could change.

"It will be difficult for them both," Horace spoke, his voice a soft, soothing calm—typical for an elder vampire. "So, I do not judge your son, Michael." At that, Horace's smile broadened ever so slightly. "I am Horace and I do hope that somehow our children find a way. A peace between our people is of utmost of importance."

Claudius, still slinking in the shadows overheard the exchange between Horace and Michael and sneered. He was disgusted at these false pleasantries, this façade. The walls would eventually break, he was sure of it. He'd seen the fear and apprehension on Estella's face when preparing for the ceremony. She hadn't wanted to marry the vicious brute and now that he'd laid eyes upon him, he could easily see why. The barbaric lycan could barely hold himself together, almost shifting right there as he escorted her out of the cathedral. Act of peace? Who were they trying to fool?!

Moving back toward the doorway, Claudius wanted to see where the newly wed couple were heading off to. The last thing wanted was for Estella's whereabouts to be unknown to him. That just wasn't acceptable, something he'd stand for. Quietly, stealthily, he made his way outside, his eyes honed in on the vampire girl.

Estella looked up at Jameson and then back at the carriage. From the look of those tending the vehicle, it was clear that they were expected to head toward it. Luggage was being place on top and behind it and the driver beckoned that they come near.

"I suppose we'll find out soon enough... Jameson," Estella said, her voice practically a whisper as she spoke. She let go of Jameson's arm, figuring he wanted his space, distance from her. After all, they had a lifetime together now and with the way he was looking at her coupled with her earlier words, he definitely didn't seem pleased.

Once they'd walked down the stone steps toward the carriage, the driver looked at them both and nodded. "We are to take you to your new home. A place has been erected for you both, a courtesy of both your parents. It will have the comforts for both lycan and vampire alike so it should be suitable to your likings." The man grinned, his pale skin—clearly vampire—shone white against the light of the moon. He needed to feed. Estella knew he'd probably do so after they were dropped off.

Claudius' eyes narrowed as he watched Estella, all of his senses focused upon her. So, she'd be going to her new 'home'. A home with him. She wouldn't last more than three days, he was sure of it. Before long, she'd beckon him to find her, to take her away from the madness. His eyes narrowed further and just then the wind blew... again that scent. He breathed it in deeply, so familiar, yet... He shrugged it off, his focus going back to Estella. If she beckoned, he would come. And when he did, the lycans would be sorry.

 

[Nekrosilisk88]

Jameson allowed his new wife to release his arm, but as she walked, he remained close. He wasn't happy with the union, but he'd taken the vows now. One of those was to honor and protect. If nothing else he kept his word. He would honor her, learning to if necessary, and he would protect her, his hatred for her kind would have to be set aside for that. He stopped at the carriage and opened the door for Estella, allowing her to enter first.

As he prepared to to enter the carriage himself, he caught that hated scent on the wind again. He looked over his shoulder and saw him standing there alone. His eyes took in everything with the skill of a practiced hunter. He could discern even small details at this distance. How else could he do his job? They called themselves hunters, but in this war they were more like assassins. They were given targets and they hunted them down. Only the most skilled were allowed to assume the title, and he was the youngest to ever be granted the honor and the burden of it.

He stepped up into the carriage and sat down across from his bride. He hung his head and began slowly chanting the prayers of the rosary. As he did so, the transformation that had begun, started to revert. He looked up to his bride, his eyes once again human. That vampire appeared to have been focused on something, perhaps his bride knew who he was.

"Do you know who that was standing outside the church?” His voice was calm, and perhaps most terrifying about it was that all the bile seemed to have receded. All that was left was a cool, neutral, almost deadpan speech. He gave her a brief description of what he saw. If she knew, she did, if not, nothing was lost.

 

[darkangel76]

Once inside the carriage, Estella situated herself and pushed at the layers of her gown. They were many and she wanted them out of the way of both she and Jameson. She could hear the scrapes and thuds of the remaining luggage being placed on the carriage as she and her new husband sat down together and awaited the trip to the place where their new life together would start. Her heart was pounding hard, her blood coursing quickly as her pulse raced. She knew her life would be difficult and strange and more than likely filled with loneliness. But what was she to do? She'd had no choice really. Things were in a fragile state between vampires and lycans and though her father was young in face, he was old in soul and the weariness he held in his eyes... she could no longer bear the sight of it.

Yes, no regrets. Estella wouldn't regret the decision she'd made no matter what it cost her. As she sat there with Jameson, she somehow knew the lycan wouldn't cause her needless harm. His bitterness and hatred were apparent, but he didn't strike her as the sort to kill without motive. That, in and of itself, was a comfort. The loneliness would be worth it if it meant peace and that the worries and burdens that her father held, that her people endured would dissipate. She'd bear it now. It was her turn.

Estella then turned to look at Jameson, her head tilting slightly as she licked her lips. She hadn't noticed the person to whom he was referring, so she leaned toward the carriage window and peered outside. At the top of the steps of the cathedral and near its door, she saw a form she recognized. A tiny gasp escaped her and she immediately recoiled and sat back in her seat. Whether or not the one standing by the cathedral had seen her peeking, she couldn't be certain. But she'd most definitely seen him and was able to tell exactly who he was. A rush of adrenaline washed over her in that moment, but as to why she didn't know. Claudius had never made her feel fear before nor had he ever made her feel nervous.

Why now?

Perhaps it was the way in which Jameson gestured toward him. Did he recognize him? Did he know him? Maybe they'd fought before in battle. Claudius was very old, nearly as old as her father. It was possible the two had crossed paths before. The vampire knew many, had seen much. He was a reserved, yet passionate vampire and no doubt concerned for her welfare. He'd made that much plain just before she'd left...

Estella nodded. "Yes, I know him. Claudius Florino has served my family and all vampires for several centuries." She paused a moment, her heart rate picking up even more speed as she felt the hunger for blood rising even more. She definitely would need to feed sooner than later, a fact she wished wasn't the case especially now in this moment. "Perhaps he's come to see us off." She hoped that to be true, but she wasn't sure. His earlier words and insinuations to her back in her chambers made her wonder. And her father's earlier reactions... they made her question.

 

[Nekrosilisk88]

He could see something about the man alarmed his wife, but he didn't react. He had to stay collected and right now that meant suppression. Claudius Florino, six years he'd been hunting that scent, chasing even the faintest wisps of it in the air, and now he'd finally found the man that had butchered his mate.

“Fate is a cruel mistress. I've been hunting that scent for six years now, and the day I find it, I can no longer touch him.” He turned his eyes to her. He could smell and taste her fear again, but it was different this time sharp and alarmed. “What is it about him that frightens you? You've known him for some time I'd say, why would you be scared of him now if not in the past?”

He cocked his head curious to hear her response. He had his reasons for hating him and they were very clear. His wife, it was still alien to him to see her that way, but it was the case now whether he wanted it to be or not. His wife was frightened by this man that she'd known her entire life it would seem.

 

[darkangel76]

Instantly, Estella's pale eyes went wide and she turned to face her new husband with a tilted head. Had she just heard him correctly? He'd been... hunting Claudius? She bit down on her lip, trying her hardest not to bite so hard that she drew blood—the urge was strong just as the need to feed was ever rising deep within her soul, a burn she knew she'd have to satiate sooner than later. Curse her damned bloodline! She wondered why Jameson would exactly be hunting the older vampire, then again... being as old as he was, Claudius was bound to make enemies.

Wasn't he?

As Estella sat there quietly for several moments, her mind reeled with further questions. Questions that had begun to form the moment that rich voice had made her shiver in her chambers earlier that evening. His words had been simple enough, but the tone... "You do not wish to marry this lycan." The inflections had been there even though they'd been subtle. The venom. Though Claudius had never spoken to her prior to that moment of her upcoming marriage, she could hear his displeasure, could see it. And now... she could feel it, sense it. It frightened her And she could feel that it worried her father on some level and that worried her all the more. The strange pulses that had emanated from the elder when he'd arrived to escort her to the cathedral...

Just then, Estella shook her head, bringing a delicate hand to her forehead as she closed her eyes. "I... I feel dizzy," she whispered as her body began to tremble, realization hitting her hard. "I... I do believe he didn't want me to go through with this..." she then admitted. Had she not needed to feed, her cheeks would've flushed a healthy shade of red. Suddenly, she felt the pulse—Claudius' beckoning. "He... he's reaching out to me," she whispered, her body shaking a bit more.

Meanwhile, back on the stone steps, Claudius stood there, motionless. His piercing eyes were fixed upon the carriage as it rode away. He knew that Estella was within it with her new husband. That... lycan. The very idea made his blood rage and boil. Had there not been so many witnesses, or her father about, he'd have gone after them. But, he could bide his time. He had plenty of it and now he knew where they'd be. Letting out a slow exhale, he sent a reassuring mental nudge to Estella... If you need me, I will come. I will always come for my Estella. He smirked and raked a hand through his thick, dark hair. He could sense her fear and apprehension. Yes, it would only be a matter of time before she called out to him.

Estella licked her lips, her eyes frantic. "H-he... he wants me to go to him?" She shook her head, confusion crossing her face as her hands shook in her lap. Slowly she was beginning to understand and it just made a pit form in her tummy, an ache that she wanted to be rid of. Claudius would be merciless in his pursuit and now she'd learned that her husband had been hunting him for the past six years. Truly this would not end well, would ruin the peace. Everything. "We need to move faster," she then pleaded wanting to get away from the cathedral and from Claudius.

 

[Nekrosilisk88]

Jameson clenched his fist tighter as Estella spoke. He could feel the old anger and hatred rising up inside him. Not all the vampires it seemed wanted the peace. He looked at her, the cold rage present in his eyes as a few gold flecks appeared within the hazel. His wolf was trying to come out, but for now he was holding it at bay. He couldn't say he was surprised that the monster that had murdered his mate and unborn cub didn't desire peace, but to find out that he was actively trying to undermine the truce before it could even begin, even he hadn't been that far lost to his hate.

"Claudius will soon learn a permanent lesson if he isn't careful. We don't hold everyone accountable for the actions of one.” Cold anger and venom were creeping into Jameson's voice once more. It was evident that even without telling her what had happened, that whatever Claudius's actions had been, they were intensely personal to him. “If one stands out against the will of the group, he is dealt with. If Claudius Florino gives us cause to believe he alone is destroying what is trying to be built tonight he alone will suffer for it.”

He took a few breaths to calm himself, and then reached out to take his wife's hand. His own hands were coarse from a life of hard work, but he did his best to be gentle with her and reassuring. “Also if he tries to hurt you in anyway, he'll have to deal with me before either your kind or the packs can ever reach him. I may not have desired this union, but I have sworn to honor and protect you. Even if I can never love you, I will keep you safe.”

He rapped on the carriage wall to let the driver know to hurry up. He'd have to contact his father so he could relay the message to the council that there might be those among the vampires who would seek to destroy the truce. He may not have been happy abut it, but he wasn't going to deliberately destroy it.