Vampiric Blade

"This place is weird." The young Lord muttered, audible for only those at the table to hear. He lent back into his booth, growing a bit more comfortable, then proceeded to sip upon the ale within his hands.

"Anyone seen anything decent? I'm starving!" Said Sionn pursing his lips, unable to break his gaze away from the menu within his hands. Holding his stomach that crowed like the morning crow, he lowered the menu.

"You can never go wrong with eggs and steak. Better than the sex I had last night, I swear one would think a whore would know their way around a cock!" Vunlor, the drunken fool uttered, gardening heavy cheers from those around him.

"Did you pick up a Centar again? Goodness, Vunlor, they may neigh wildly, but it's still a horse, your fucking mate!" Said Jensen breaking down into tears in laughter!

"I'm a man of culture. I got to try an elf next. Shit, I may even try visiting the Hells to get me a succubus. Fuck to death is the best death, I say!" Shouted Vunlor clapping his empty tankard down.

"They are very vulgar," Ella whispered with a hint of disgust.

"What is sex, anyway?" Aurelia suddenly inquired, turning to Sionn and Zariel for answers. "I always hear about it, but what does it do?"

Taking another sip of Ale, Zariel appeared somewhat indifferent, while in contrast, Sionn grew bright as an apple. Covering his face with the menu, he pretended not to hear.

"I read some books over it, but I don't really know." Lord Blackwater explained, a little curious, "All I know it is what allows a woman to have babies, but the mechanics are beyond me. Although my brother does make a lot of references to booty and various other bits."

Noticing the bright complexion of Ella, The Lord frowned, "Do you know anything?"

'I-I-I'm only twelve about to be thirteen. I don't know," Ella hastily clarified, hiding behind her menu. Her cheeks and ears stained scarlet.

"You guys get more vulgar with each passing day; leave these lambs alone." Theia Semptis, Lady of the Twin Isles, announced. Stepping out from the back of the tavern, she crossed her arms. In a long cloak to help protect against the chill.

Zariel stared for a bit, captivated by the rainfall of scarlet hair falling over her shoulders. She was not too thin nor large, while her bust, hidden beneath her cloak, showed wild definition. Theia was without a doubt enchanting, gardening all the stares of women and men alike.

Approaching with a hint of zest towards Aurelia's table, Theia giggled, skipping her gaze over the table that reeked of ale, but not before her gaze fell upon the golden blade that rested upon Ella's hip.

"Forgive my rudeness, but how do you have that sword?" She asked, wishing to reach out, but held her urges down.

"It was a gift." Said Ella.

"A gift from me," Zariel added calmly.

"And who might you be to hold a vampire's rapier? I could practically smell the blood emitting from that blade."

The Lord did not respond instantly, merely emptying his tankard of ale. "A deal was stroke with me, you see. A house of vampires had taken the chance. Stand in sunlight, or be weakened during the day."

Theia frowned. "You are the Devil of the North, Duke Blackwater. I had heard you had an interest in strange weaponry and artifacts."

Ella felt an invisible pressure brewing at their table and held her blade tight. Having had grown quite fond of the sword her master had given her, she was not going to relinquish it to anyone.

"I have always been interested in the unknown. You just simply never know when one will hand over an artifact of priceless proportion." Zariel answered patiently, signaling to the bartender he was ready to order. "Although for you to wonder about such things, you are not a part of this kingdom, are you.'

"Gods no! And you girl. You needn't worry about my family's blade. You all are about to be at my college. How could I take away a blade that my family gave away?" Shaking her head, Theia sighed, backing away a little. Her vibrant greenish-brown eyes carried a trace of melancholy at the blade resting in the hands of another.

"If you don't mind me asking. Would you be willing to journey with me two moons from now?"

"It matters not to me. Aurelia here is the one leading. I am merely watching." Said the young Lord, glancing back at the bartender, who had not moved, growing a bit annoyed.

Flashing the young Lord a cute smile that could defeat the natural innocence of a fairy, Theia giggled into her palm, "how about we talk later? I am quite late for my appointment with the king. Till we meet again, Aurelia Morningstar."

Withdrawing from sight without another word, a spell of silence descended on not just Aurelia's table but the entire tavern. Yet it was soon broken by the Young Lords' impatience.

"Hey! we are ready to order! Hurry up!" He shouted.

Rushing over, almost tripping upon his face, laughter soon resounded. Filling the tavern in the vibrance, it once held.

"Get me the Eggs and Steak." Duke Blackwater ordered, unwilling to continue looking at the menu. "An another set of ale."

"Same," Everyone else added.

"Coming right up," He said, rushing away.

"Were you serious, Master?" Ella inquired, holding her blade tightly.

"It's up to you guys, but I will say this: college, school, or whatever you call it. The most important thing there is making a connection if you wish to go. Friends are nice and all, but it's the teachers that hold your future in hand. If you're nice to them, they are usually nice to you. That means extra resources, more missions, etc."

Having held her tongue for a while, Aurelia hummed in response. She was somewhat a bit apprehensive, having met Theia, who she had felt to be nothing more than human. Yet from her words and about this Vampiric Blade, she knew this woman who seemed to carry herself with an elegant confidence was indeed a vampire, a monster whose only weakness was the sun.

"Is she strong?"

"Very strong. She could probably give the Red Priest a run for his money." Said Zariel flatly, startling everyone at the table. "But the decision is up to you."