| Alliances by Articus (~Darknight~) |
| They stand on a distant roof; pulled this way and that, but bound together by a force none of them understand just yet. Together they represent the hope of the world. Divided...it isn't an option. However, as easy as it may seem, keeping these kids together as they endure the trials and tribulations still to come is going to take one h*ll of a miracle. And, by the end of this, I'll need one h*ll of a psychotherapist. The hardest part of all of this is that I cannot do more than stand aside, and struggle to find a way to aid them while remaining unknown. Watching my son from a distance all the while my arms ache to hold him, my heart cries out to know him. This cannot be just yet. He is a strong young man, but one ruled by his emotions, and vastly defiant. If I were to appear on the scene now he'd run right into their trap. The hope that they didn't realize what he is was shattered when that woman prevented the slayer from killing Damian. They know...and they want. As if that weren't bad enough, everything I've done thus far to silently aid him has fallen through. Up until recently I was at a loss as to where to turn next. However, I renewed hope. She stands there among them, silent, proud, haughty, defiant...and oh so badly wounded in heart. She won't let them see it...no. That would be a weakness. She won't respond to Damian's attempts to draw her out. Not when he is whom her heart cries out for. And, she alone is aware of my presence. She, alone, is my greatest hope at this point. They begin dispersing, going their own way for the night, most of them intent on meeting tomorrow night for their trip into the Borderlands. I cannot help but wonder if the werewolf understands just what is in my son's blood. Yes, Damian is half human and half vampire, but his vampire blood is like none other on this world. However, I can give no warning unless I can gain her aid. She leaves, her heart cracking, her thoughts dark, her true desire to follow Damian. As is mine, but it is her that I follow, insuring that for now she cannot sense me. I watch as she slips into her home, secure for now. Carefully scanning the area I insure that there is no one around. Once I'm satisfied that we are alone, I make my way into her sanctuary. A beautiful place, indeed, somehow befitting her. I walk quietly, noting the small things that mark it as hers and hers alone. In a distance I can hear the gentle sounds of water. Walking towards it, I come across the first article of clothing. And then another. Smiling, I muse to myself of how very feminine the act is. A lonely woman casting aside her clothing as she seeks the warmth and safety of a hot bath to soak away her sorrows. Damian's mother had done it...but for no other reason than to drive me to insanity. It worked all to often. She was a woman who knew what gifts the Gods had granted her, and bore no shame in using them to the best of her ability. Coming to the doorway, I stop, leaning against the frame. The large tub is centered in the spacious bathroom, currently surrounded by countless white candles bathing the room in a soft, warm glow. Resting her head against a towel at one end, her body discretely hidden beneath a mountain of silky bubbles, Ibybeth stares into the dancing flame of a candle, her expression soft, sad, and deeply lonely. "Who are you that you dare to enter my home?" she demands in a soft, silky voice, never once glancing my way. "You will find that I dare quite a lot, Ibybeth." I answer, walking over to the tub. "Particularly when I am in need of something." "And, what is it that you need?" she asks, her tone haughty, her gaze hardening. "Your aid. I need you to insure that Damian comes to no harm." I state, gazing down at her. Slowly she looks up at me, her eyes flashing dangerously. "What do I get out of it?" Crouching down next to the tub, I look deep into her beautiful eyes. "What you desire most is not mine to give." I whisper. "You know nothing of what I want." Ibybeth snaps, shifting her angry gaze back to the candle flame. Gently forcing her to look back at me, I smile compassionately. "You want him to desire you as deeply as you desire him. You want him at your side, gazing into your eyes with loving dedication, swearing to be only yours, promising his heart and soul to you." "Just who in the h*ll do you think you are!" Ibybeth snaps, jerking away from my hand. "His father." I whisper. Ibybeth freezes, staring up at me in shock. "But...where...why...oh, h*ll!" she stammers. With a gentle wave of my hand a tall, slender glass of wine appears. Handing it to Ibybeth with a smile, I rise, and walk away from her a bit. Facing her again, my thoughts somewhat organized. "I have no idea of what Thaddeus has told Damian in the years since he stole my son from me, but I do know that to approach him now could very well destroy Damian. This I will not do. Nor will I stand by and allow my son to come to harm. Thus, I need your aid." Returning to her side, I kneel, gently caressing her cheek. "Ibybeth, I am sorry for you that your heart falls to a man who does not seem to want it. However, while you may never gain his love in this way, you aren't going to throw his friendship away, either. It may not seem like much now, but one day you could find that his friendship is worth more to you than anything you may or may not have had. I ask you to aid me in saving my son and his friends, yourself included. I swear to you now, young one. You will never regret it. And, I can promise you this. No matter what today may show, tomorrow is forever a mystery." "What do you mean by that?" Ibybeth whispers. "I mean that Damian is young. There is no way to know where his heart will come to rest in the end. But, if he does not come your way, do not allow the pain to embitter you. You are much to lovely a woman to gain an icy heart. Learn from it, accept it, and know that one day the man whom you are destined for, the man who is destined for you will be yours." I explain softly. "Will you aid me, Ibybeth? Will you aid my son?" |
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