Love: A Blessing and A Curse {Open}

[†The Blood Countess†]

Something in her gut said something wasn’t right. It was a time of war and once more, her husband will have to leave for war. The Countess looked up from her dinner with a concerned expression on her face, ”Darling. Must you go again? You’ve done enough.”
Ferenc looked up from his meal to give his wife a gentle smile, ”Fret not, my love. All will be well. I’ll return by the moonlight to you, sweep you off your feet and give you a kiss you’ll never forget.”
Elizabeth laughed, emerald eyes sparkling with delight, ”You always were a romantic, dear. I look forward to that kiss I’ll never forget.”
A single red curl fell into her face but Ferenc brushed it aside, ”How could I not be romantic with a wonderful woman like you?”

A charming laughter came forth from her vocals, filling the room. To think that this woman so close to the brink of losing control was held back from the edge by…love. Her husband swept the female into his arms, carrying her out of the dining room as if though they were a newly wed couple. ”What do you say? One more round?” A polished violin was held out to the Countess. A smile appeared on her face as she picked up the instrument, setting it under her chin, ”Sounds excellent to me.”

Ferenc sat down beside a harp and brought it towards him. Fingers plucked the strings and Amoura began to play. The entire castle was filled with their song. Servants stopped to listen. Every night those two would do this before the fireplace. Fifteen minutes had passed before their playing stopped. It was time to turn in. The two walked upstairs to their room, hand in hand and shut the door behind them.

Right when the door was shut? Ferenc lightly pinched his wife’s side, ”Darling! Oh you little!” The Countess snatched a pillow and started hitting her husband with it. He joined in the fun, also whacking her with one. By the time their fun was over, Elizabeth’s hair was a complete mess! Did she care? No.

”…I’m frightened. What if…”
”Remember what I said?”
”…alright.”
---
It was the day she dreaded most. To make matters worse…it was a gloomy morning as he left the front door. Ferenc gave his wife one final goodbye kiss and left but…before he did, the Countess tied a ribbon onto his arm, wishing him good luck. As he left, she had a feeling that this would be the last time…the very last time…she’ll see her love again.
---
A carriage was pulling up but it was different. Very different. Without putting a cape on, she dashed outside into the rain towards a male. Then the news she dreaded.

”Your husband is dead, m’lady. He died from a gunshot wound to the chest…I’m very sorry…” he kissed her hand and returned to the carriage. As it drove away, she sank to her knees into the mud, allowing the rain to soak her…

What has a greater effect? The chilling wind or a shattered heart?

”Why am I thinking about this?” The vampiress muttered aloud. Right now the female was sitting atop a thick branch, both hands grasping her katana. It’s interesting how past memories tend to spring upon people, especially the ones that finally caused one to snap. After her husband’s death, Amoura lost control of herself. That…feral part of her mentality…it took over. It was the only way to escape the sudden loss.

And it was foolish of her.

Had she kept herself in control? So many things wouldn’t have turned out so wrong. What would Ferenc say if he was here? He wouldn’t believe it…that his wife was…Amoura shook her head.

You gave up the fight. You left me behind. All that’s done’s forgiven. You’ll always be mine. I know deep inside. All that’s done’s forgiven.

The ageless being leapt from the tree and landed gracefully to the floor. A walk was needed to clear her mind.

[shadows]

Shadows landed hard on the ground, his black steeltoed boots making a slight tap with every step. Crimson eyes locked onto Amoura as she moved. This enigma of a female had stalked his thoughts for two long now and he was going to find out why. Shadows leather clad body moved fluidly, almost as if he were a serpent stalking it's prey, all stone cold power with an air about him that wreaked death and chaos. Shadows moved quietly untill Amoura was within sight. Suddenly Shadows was gone.

Sliding to a stop infront of the female his hand rested on the hilt of his black bladed katana. Starring at her for a few seconds the female could no doubt see her reflection in his eyes. "I have things I need to discuss with you that do not concern buisness. I grow tired of the same game repeatedly." Shadows stepped closer, his grip tight on his blade. Amoura looked unstable, damn near feral and he knew this was her most dangerous. "What troubles you my beauty?" Shadows smirked as he leaned foreward.

[†The Blood Countess†]

Amoura knew Shadows was close by. One thing she learned from her first encounter with Vicious was to have your eyes open…but your nose working. Vampires always had a sharp sense of smell and it has helped her on more than one occasion. A part of the female wished he would be about his own business, leaving her to sink deep into these bittersweet memories but it seems her wish will not be granted. There he was…the leader of their big schemes to taking over the world, allowing purebloods and half bloods worthy of life to continue. Fortunately she was among few who escaped Vicious’ blade.

”I don’t wish to discuss anything with anyone right now. Leave me in peace. If you must know, there are things on my mind that refuse to leave me be. Excuse me…” she slipped past the male and continued onward, hands buried deep in the pockets of her long coat, head bowed. Right now she just had to be alone. Rarely did the Countess go through such a shameful phase. To be caught in this state of mind was embarrassing! Emotions were running haywire and it was NOT a good idea to bother her at this point in time.

It was then she paused to look up towards the treetops towering over her. Curiosity was abounding…”Why are you here? I came to this spot to be alone and yet you seek me out. What on earth is so important? Is there another plan for me to execute?”

[shadows]

Shadows watched as she walked past. "I did not come here to discuss buisness." Shadows walked towards her slowly untill he was beside her and glanced up to where she was. "DO not feel overwhelmed by those thoughts Amoura. Each has their demons they much face and each do so in different ways. I myself tracked down the beasts that haunted my past and broke them apart." Shadows sighed slightely and then looked at Amoura, really looked at her for the first time. The female was one of the most beautiful women on the face of the planet and had the eyes of a goddess. Shadows turned away and walked a few steps.

Turning to the side he started a slow pace as he glarred at the ground, his power ripping through the air in his frustration. This was raw power though, not his energy that sparked insane amounts of sexual pleasure nor the energy that drove beings to kill themselves. Instead it was merely a steady thrum. As his pace sped up his mouth began moving quickly. "From the first time I saw you, do you remember that? Well since then my mind wouldn't stop circeling you on that rediculous rock. I thought at first I wanted you to join me, work for me, become one of my tools. The Vicious somehow introduced us again right when I was beginning to see other things, and you were working with me. But since then now my mind follows you again and I think I'm going insane." Shadows blurted this all out in about....uhhh....3 seconds. Turning to the female about which he spoke a low growl ripped through the air. "Why! WHY DO YOU STALK MY MIND FEMALE." Shadows blurted again as he slight unsurity passed through him. For once, one thing wasn't how he planned and it damn near through him off track.

[†The Blood Countess†]

Not discussing on business? Then what was he here for? Hardened expression softened a tad, giving a strange glow to her eyes. The last time she looked like this was when she was at her home in Montana. Ah, who could not enjoy the great outdoors, the cool weather and the beautiful life forms that roamed? Somehow it manages to calm her and right now, for some odd reason that state of mind was rolling in. Hands left her pockets at this point as Shadows spoke but what she didn’t expect…was a flood of letters.

What the heck?

”Woa! Woa Shadows slow down! I cannot understand a single word you’re saying.” She raised an eyebrow at the male but was suddenly taken aback by his sudden exclamation. Eyes shot open and she leapt back, pressing her hands over her ears, ”DAMMIT SHADOWS NOT SO LOUD!” she replied whilst wincing. Dammit, her ears were ringing from that.

”Okay. Look. I honestly have no idea what you are talking about. Did you ingest something that’s making you behave this way?” Maybe he’s drunk. No, there was no alcohol coming from him nor any type of drug so…what was going on?”

[shadows]

Shadows purred as he closed his eyes and reigned in his thoughts and mind. After a few moments his energy disappeared aswell. Opening his eyes they were slightely darker, not quite as vivid. Stopping Shadows starred at the trees as he spoke. "I've taken nothing into my body in quite a while Amoura." Lowering his gaze he shrugged and cracked his neck. "Don't worry about me, I've dealt with worse." Shadows was suddenly beside her, his voice soft now. "I didn't mean to hurt you." Shadows tilted his head to the side.

Starring for a few moments he growled low and looked away quickly. "Tell me about you Amoura. You are one of the few masters I have yet to fight or learn about." SHadows unsheathed his katana and slid the blade across the ground. "Tell me why you chose this life.....please." Shadows cursed at himself. The first time he'd said please in a millenia and it was to Amoura. Maybe he had eaten something.

[†The Blood Countess†]

”Many ask me that question. Why I chose this life and why I still live it. In all honesty…I chose to be a vampire because I wasn’t in the right state of mind. After my husband died I wanted to do anything, everything to let the world know how much I despised it for what happened.” She sighed and leaned against the nearest tree, fingers toying with strands of her hair, ”It was a foolish mistake to begin with yet I was too blind to see. It’s like that one song you sang to me.”

”Caught up in this madness to blind to see. Woke animal feelings in me. Took over my sense and I’ve lost control…” She shook her head and then turned towards Shadows. He wasn’t looking so grand right now…

Amoura slid a knife from her pocket and slit her palm open, presenting it to him, ”I fed recently. Take what you need.”

[shadows]

Shadows smiled as he heard his own song sang back to him. "I know exactly the way you fell." Turning to face her as she slit her hand his entire body dropped for a lunge, a growl ripping through the air. Just as he was about to spring suddenly his body steeled. Closing his mouth tightely he slowly stood. "Amoura do not offer to feed me from your vein. My saliva has very....unique affects." Shadows stepped backwards.

Crimson eyes locked onto the blood as pain shredded his insides. "The technique that allows me to destroy almost anyone is also a very...treasured gift among our kind that many try to covett." Shadows closed his eyes and shook his head. "My power may be sexually pleasing but my saliva is orgasmic. I'm the perfect predator for females." Shadows pressed the blade of his sword into his foot to stay grounded in his body. If not he would go feral.

[†The Blood Countess†]

Amoura raised an eyebrow at Shadows. Interesting effects eh? Not like she cared but then again…she wasn’t up for sexual pleasure this night. It wasn’t a full moon and her hormones were not in control. ”Then here.” She tugged out an empty bottle, recently drained of blood, and filled it up with her own. Once that was done, she handed it over to Shadows, ”That’s interesting. I never knew that such a thing existed. Here I thought it only existed in anime and the like.”

Amoura was referring to Black Blood Brothers. Whenever a vampire bit a female, she would experience something greater than an orgasm while the male fed. Odd isn’t it?

”I don’t see how that is possible really…but eh. Whatever.” The female folded her arms and looked up towards the tree tops once more. Nothing was happening yet and the night was still so young. With a long exhale, her posture slumped.

[shadows]

Shadows caught the bottle and drained it in but a few moments. Throwing it aside he grimaced as the alreaady slightely cooled substance slid down his throat. Turning to face Amoura he froze. The moonlight struck her in slight beams that seemed to glisten across her body. "Fuck....beautiful." Shadows breath came out along with the words that caught him suprise. Shoving the thought aside Shadows was next to her again.

Turning to face her Shadows fangs were only slightely elongated. "Tell me what your dreams are Amoura. Tell me what your deepest wishes are." Shadows power made the air thick as he spoke. "Tell me please. I want to see what your like when your happy, jovial and in utter bliss." Shadows slid the blade from his foot as he flashed more fang. "Tell me what blood I must spill." Shadows was unsure as to what brought on the sudden urge but he didn't care, he just hoped it involved blood shed.

[†The Blood Countess†]

Amoura raised an eyebrow at the male as he spoke. What makes her happy? Why would he even care? The female just sighed and shook her head, ”My happiness matters not. My only goal in life is to help you and Vicious with your plans…after that…? I will be of no use to anyone.” With a slight bow, she turned around and leapt up onto the nearest rock formation, hair and long coat trailing behind her, ”When that day comes. I will cease to exist for I have already planned my exit from this hunk of rock called earth.”

Was she talking about suicide? That can’t be. Amoura viewed such an act despicable! ”And it won’t be by my hand but by another’s. I will not tell you of whom I speak for I feel you may interfere.” She waved her hand as if though dismissing what Shadows might say, ”I just live on for this goal, find joy in the slaughter. I see no point in asking for more than that. I’m allowed to live a while longer at least.”

The female bowed slowly and turned back towards the moon. What a sight it was this evening…

[shadows]

Shadows watched as she moved back to the stones and stood in silence for a few minutes. Suddenly a great growl ripped from his body as he spiralled through the air. Slamming into Amoura's back he skidded ontop of her. Wrapping his arms around her throat he hissed into her ear. "You will do no such thing fool." Shadows growled again as his power hammered through his body like fire. Muscles pumping slightely a snarl came from him as his muscle fibers shredded and reformed much larger, his strength growing 10x.

Why was he skimming his technique right now? there was no need for it. It would take him up to 1000x his normal physical strength but he'd never used it before. Now he was tip-toeing over it and why? For a stupid female. "I will chain you to a wall for the rest of eternity before I would allow either you or Vicious to do such a stupid thing." Wrapping his legs around hers he made sure to keep her off balance with them. "Now tell me who you're going to get to do this, and why." Shadows voice was a cold dead sound, like the final breath leaving a body.

((I know I did a bady but it wasn't in a fight and it wasn't to cause harm so.....pwease don't be mad!!))

[†The Blood Countess†]

{Oh it's fine}

Amoura wasn’t expecting this. Here she was just sharing her future plans and he reacts this way! What on earth was wrong with Shadows? Still managing to breathe only slightly, she exhaled in a horse tone, ”Yes I will. You won’t stop me! My mind has been made up! Let…me…go!” She tried to get the male off but to no avail. He was much stronger than she could ever be! Dammit all! Wait…pressure points…

Amoura reached up, pressing her thumbs deep into his arm, forcing his grip to loosen just enough for her to shove him off. ”If you must know? I asked Vicious to do it. Why? Because once our plan is done…why bother? I’ve had enough of this world, alright? I don’t find a lot of joy in a lot of things. Haven’t you noticed that as of late?”

”There is NOTHING left in this world for me except to help with this cause. Once completed?...Why bother? You tell me that, Shadows.” she folded her arms again.

[shadows]

Shadows growled as blood-flow slowed to his muscles. As Amoura shoved away Shadows sat on the ground breathing hard glarring at her. "I will not conquer all and then see one of the greatest being I've ever met and you wish to cast it all aside? And for what! You don't see anything worth living for?" Shadows jumped to his feet a snarl escaping his lips. "AS I've said, you will not do this, even if it leads Vicious and I to war." Shadows snarled and turned his eyes to the moon.

After a few minutes he smiled an actual smile which he never did. "I've always wondered what it would be like to see the fall of an empire, the decimation of a country, the entire life span of a human. I've done all these things Amoura, I've seen them an impossible number of times. And honestly, I don't care to see them again." Lowering his gaze Shadows shook his head. "But I must believe there's something else out there. If I see you do this to yourself then I will realize that there really is nothing out there left to see." Shadows turned and raised an eyebrow looking damn human." We all grow tired Amoura, but don't give in, stay here, stay as my queen?" Shadows smiled as he spoke and turned back to the tree line.

"I can't stand here any longer......come...please" Shadows burst through the clearing infront of him. Gliding through the forests like he had when he was young but now it was old to him. Slamming through a tree he snarled as a splinter dug deep into his chest. Sliding to a hault a few miles away he could still feel Amoura in his mind, feel her like the pulse of his blood. Glancing around he was waist deep in a small pond that was covered in bloomed water lilies. With a sigh Shadows sank to his knees in the cool water and closed his eyes, fingers ghosting the water. "It fluxuates....like everything does, and it never ever stops.....so why should we?"

[†The Blood Countess†]

Amoura peeled her lips back and snarled at Shadows, ”I don’t see anything worth living for! Don’t you get it?! I don’t care what you say nor others! You have NO right to stop me! If I think something isn’t worth it then I should have the freedom to choose! Life or death? I choose death. Why? Because I don’t give a shit!” The vampires turned her back towards the male, refusing to look at him.

It was then he asked her to stay and be his queen. All she did was force a laugh.

”You’re kidding, right? Vicious said that same thing in hopes of having me join his side. ‘Every king needs a queen’. Hah. You two are so much alike it’s not even funny.” Yet despite that she followed him towards the pond filled with water lilies. What on earth was he getting at?

”Every ripple in the water has its time, Shadows. It’s there and then it’s gone. One day I will be one of those ripples to never return.” She sat down at the shore of the pond, ”My mind is set, Shadows. I won’t let you stop me. If I have to do the dishonorable task of disposing of myself? I will. Because I honestly don’t see a future for myself after this is all over.”