You are vindicating, Liberating, Saviors of my soul- Nathanial Peter Quele Royale
Waking from peaceful dreams my eyes opened wide as realization hit me, oh this day was to be wonderful. My eighth birthday was this day. Pulling my suns and moons comforter off letting it fall to the floor, nothing could go wrong this day. Sitting up pulling my housecoat on I stood up opening the drapes at my window. A knock sounded at my door and I turned to see Thom standing in the doorway. Coming closer to him, �Good morning Thom.�
�Time for breakfast sweetheart.�
Nodding I was hugged then in his embrace as we walked backwards towards the kitchen. Thom then pushed me gently into my sit and I licked my lips upon seeing the stake of pancakes before me. Thom left then to get dressed and I poured syrup onto my breakfast.
�Thank you mom for the pancakes.�
Smiling back at me before she turned icing the birthday cake my father wrapped his arms about my torso, �Happy birthday son.�
I could not help my giggle at my father�s affection and kissed his cheek, �Thanks.�
He sat down then pouring syrup on his own pancakes, �The guests will arrive in about an hour.�
Giggling with pure joy I finished my breakfast quickly snuggling then into my father�s welcoming lap. He hugged me close and I relaxed happily. As my father finished he stood swinging me so my legs were around his torso.
�You weigh so little my son. You must eat more.�
�He�s fine Peter, he just ate 3 pancakes for goodness sake.�
I kissed my father�s worried cheek, �But it�s dad�s job to worry about me.�
Father carried me to my room where he set out for me upon my bed, clothes. I let him change me enjoying the unusual affection, he felt at the cut on my arm and I whimpered. He regarded me silently but hearing the doorbell ring he kissed my baldhead. Pulling on my shirt I ran for the door, catching my breath I opened the door Thom and father behind me. Timothy, Lawrence and Peter stood smiling, presents in hand. I had no friends but my loves as I was always too afraid to trust people enough. Lawrence came in while Timothy hugged me tightly, laughing I hugged back as Peter spoke with Thom quietly. Coming away from Timothy he kissed my cheek.
�Happy Birthday.�
Thom hugged Peter then me as we sat down in living room. The presents were set upon the coffee table and I sat once pulled into Thom�s lap. The doorbell rang once more, my father who came from the kitchen answered. James and Nilec walked inside laughter in their features. Nilec held a present in one hand a leather bag in the other, the present she set on the coffee table. She kissed my forehead pinching my cheek as my mother entered the room violin in hand.
�Let us begin to celebrate!�
Thom stood me up and Nilec grabbed my hand pulling me close, Lawerence took up the flute as my mother played the violin. As my family was anti-modern we had no electricity and we made our own music. I could feel eyes upon me when I was in Nilec�s embrace, my eyes wandered to James who starred at my back.
�He means you no harm.�
I smiled at Nilec knowing her love for him was deep, to deep for her words to be trusted. We danced a slow dance my head against her breast. Feeling now the eyes leave me I looked back to the vampire. He stood with the fathers of the household, they were displeased. Of course they were! He was a nightwalker, and he was dating an elven seer of our household. James had his head bowed I knew he was trying to gain their trust. Why? Did he care that much for her? Was that even possible? A vampire with a conscience? My father laid a hand on his shoulder speaking in our first language of elvish asking the gods forgiveness for this man�s sins. I stayed so till the music ended and moved back to the wall watching as Peter and Timothy danced. They looked so happy together as if nothing could come between them, I hoped that was true.
My father came to my side and took my hand, �What do you think of this James Cross?�
I looked up at my father, �He seems to have a conscience, unthinkable for his kind but it seems true.�
�Indeed.�
I followed my father�s gaze back to the dance floor in the center of our living room, James was on one knee before Nilec opening a small box. Could it be? No it couldn�t, No!
�Nilec Quele will you share the rest of your life with me?�
Nilec held a dainty hand before her lips shock but also joy in her green eyes.
How could she even contemplate it?
�Love as you wish,� my father whispered a heavy sigh following. True it was one of our religious codes, allowing human/elve unions, male/male and female/female but not a vampire? Surely not?
�Oui, Oh James!�
Their was a cheer and laughter of joy, but I could feel the tension beneath from my family. She was our greatest link to our faith, to our past and she was giving up everything for this vampire. My mother I knew was going to put a stop to the tension, to stop the underlying anger.
�Alright everyone grab a chair, were going to play Musical chairs!�
Being pushed into the hallway, I looked up at James whose hand had me pinned to the wall.
�James?� I squeaked as he looked back at the living room making certain no one was watching. What was he going to do? He just proposed to my sister, he wouldn�t hurt me would he?
�Tell me again what occurred once we left. Once I and Nilec left lad, tell me blast it!�
�I told you, he yelled at me and left, back into the dungeon of his room in the basement.�
�What did he say to ye?�
�He-he told me I was his, not to fight anymore. That I would always come back for more, my addiction will be my undoing.�
�Addiction?�
His other hand was beside me on the wall holding himself off of me.
�Yes,� I squeaked once more my voice was not my own to control at this moment.
�Child do not fear me, I am a night crawler but I will not bite you.�
�Please I am a monster, it is my shame. Please do not force me to speak of my-my-,� I finally choked up unable to keep the emotions locked within.
Laying a head of very long red locks upon my shoulder he shook it, �You are no more a monster then I am Nathanial, we are both blessed and cursed by what ever deity(ies) made us.�
�I-I,� finally my courage began to build again, I had told Thom and Drefan why could I not talk to the only one who would have a chance of understanding?
�I am masochistic, a lover of pain. Drefan is right, I always go back. I am dependent upon the pain. It is my undoing.�
�You go back to him for this? Can you not ask another? Someone who would not exploit that fact? Someone who would get no pleasure from the task?�
�Nay, to my family it is a horrible crime against the gods. If my family knew, nay I cannot tell them. Thom knows but he would never hurt me, even if I asked.�
James lifted his head red eyes steady upon me un-allowing my own to wander.
�You must find an alternative way, I will speak to Nilec of this. If things worsen we will help you.�
I nodded tensely to him unknowing of what to speak to this vampire I had meet only two months prior.
�I-I�ll t-try,� I whispered beginning to tremble, noise I could hear from the living room. The guests were beginning to worry, James noticing this as well came away from me.
�Go back and enjoy little one, for you have to little time on this earth as is.�
Slipping through his hold back into the living room arms enveloped me.
My eyes light up when I saw it was Thom, �Beloved are you alright,� he asked me.
I smiled up at him looking back at James who was leaning now in the door way. His blood red eyes were starring away at the sheet-covered window. Nilec wrapped her arms around him whispering in her ear.
�Love?� Thom ventured his eyes following my own James.
�I�m fine Thom, James and I talked, he was worried about what Drefan was doing to me.�
�Ah, alright then.�
Mom and Lawrence took up playing once more, Thom moving me so we could begin to dance. Laughing as we danced I could hear the others talking. They spoke of how today as well as being my eighth birthday was our 8th anniversary.
I looked to my love as I whispered, �It�s our 8th year together,� Thom�s face light up, I knew he had wanted me to notice.
�It is, I am so proud of you, we all are proud of you. Come, we will get the gifts.�
I did not want to disobey but standing their like that with the music, I never wanted to leave his arms. Laying my head on his sweatshirt-covered chest I sighed letting all anxieties go away.
He hugged tighter, �Anything wrong?�
�No, just want to be held.�
Nodding he told my mom to keep playing. Yes, I could stay like this forever, in his comforting embrace. I could feel then him lean down brushing his lips over my shoulder blade. My icy blue eyes looked up at him with shock, never had he showed desire for me before our parents. Suddenly hips brushed against mine, I gasped a child�s sound turning to find Peter dancing with us from behind. I looked to my mother, but she was caught up in the music, my father next who was talking to Nilec. Peter moved away another taking his place rubbing erotically against me. My eyes were wide as I laid my head on Thom�s shoulder. Suddenly the one behind me tensed and I felt hot breath on my shoulder as my shirt was pulled gently aside. I trembled wondering what was going on. Then a gasp of pain as teeth, sharp fangs tore into my flesh. No! Just as the pain made me scream Thom kissed me the way he had two months prior. My nails dug into his cloth covered shoulders deeply. Then one thought came to my mind as I began to drift, I had been betrayed. How could James do this? Better yet how could Thom help him do this to me? Did he not love me? Tears were now running down my cheeks as I felt the blood being drank away. I had so little in my body, why did he take from me? Why? Why? Why?
Thom had carried me to my room then, saying I was tired. I woke later the house seeming so silent, what had happened? Where was everyone?
�Thom?�
A face of freckles over my own sad smile lighting up his green eyes,
�I�m sorry darling, I�m so-so sorry,� he leaned down capturing my lips.
I could not stop myself; I wished to return this kiss. He was my love, my life, whatever he did to me I would still love him. Thom breaking away from me his fingers brushed over the sensitive mark on my neck.
�He was never meant to bite you, damn him!� Thom�s eyes flashed green fire, �You are of the true blood; never will you become a vampire.�
I watched Thom confusion evident in my features, so Thom had not meant to hurt me? He still loved me?
�You, you still love me then?�
Thom look me up hugging me tightly to his chest, �How could you doubt that? I never meant for you to be hurt like that, I thought maybe James could take over where Drefan left off. I will never rid you of this love of pain but I thought maybe at least someone could help you that was not sadistic."
I watched him sigh as his fingers massaged my head, �But I messed up and you got hurt. Please little love forgive me, without your-,� a knock sounded on the door.
Lawrence stood in the doorway watching us with intelligent brown eyes, �Your parents are beginning to worry Nathanial little one. We are all in the back yard if you are well enough to join us.�
Thom nodded to his older friend standing, helping me up. Making certain my shirt was tucked in; we followed Lawrence to the back.
Walking down the concrete stairs I tugged my shirt over the mark that still burned upon my neck.
My mom wrapped an arm about me her fingers testing for a fever, �You�re burning up.�
My father checked for a fever and his fingers now shaded with magic lessoned my burn. My fever, headache and hurt gone for a while he picked me up easily into his arms. Drefan and Peter holding on to a blanket between them smiled up at me. What did that look mean? Oh no..not that, please not-
�Alright little one, time for birthday bumps, Hmm how many again Drefan?�
Peter laughed as the other took a hold to the blanket, Drefan answering with a sneer, �Eight.�
Finally everyone having taken a hold on the blanket my father deposited me onto it, looking up at my family and friends they began to bump me. At first I tried not to gasp in fear but finally I could not help myself, I began to laugh.
Sitting on our velvet green couch a small pile of gifts were on the floor before me. Looking up at those around me I began to unwrap my parent�s gift first, opening the bag my eyes opening wide as I took in what was in the bag. I was to be bald no longer! The wig was silky and beautiful, long shoulder length black hair with thin strips of icy blue matching my icy blue eyes.
�Here,� my father helped me put on the wig upon my baldhead; the mish inside made it so it was not so itchy. Thom smiled seeing me this way; I knew in his eyes I was now beautiful.
Opening the Royale�s gift a small box that fit in the palm of my hand. Opening the box a small silver ring perfect for my ring finger, the center was a black diamond.
�We believed it time for you to show your marriage with pride.�
Robert picked up the ring putting it on my left ring finger showing me his son Thom�s matching ring. Now having done the adults presents other then Drefan and Nilec I dug into the pile at random. Finding a small envelope addressed to me from Peter I opened it reading the note within.
I got permission from your parents for this so don�t worry. I think you would look great with it.
Peter.
Confused I shook the envelope into my palm looking at the stud. It was very small and silver, an earring?
�When I found out your sister was a tattoo and pierce artist I thought that I should get you your first piercing with your parents permission of course. It�s a nose piercing Nathan.�
I smiled at him then Nilec standing and grabbing Peter in a hug. He laughing hugged me back whispering, �Thom is the luckiest guy in the world to have you Nathanial.�
I looked to him in shock but smiled with a blush, I did not know what to say. Sitting back down I grabbed another present the blush still tinting my cheeks, I unwrapped the box smiling once coming upon pencil crayons. One hundred and twelve different colors, I hugged Lawrence hard who was blushing like I was.
�I did not know what to get you but Thom always spoke of how much you love art.�
I nodded and sat back grabbing up Thom�s gift. Oh what could it be? Remembering my manners I said whilst unwrapping Thom�s gift, �Thank you for the wonderful gifts everyone.�
Opening the small box curiously I laid the locket and chain in my palm, it was gold and engraved with roses. Also engraved were the words �To My Love From Thom� I covered my lips with fingers in shock, it was so expensive. Opening it inside was a picture taken just last month. I sat on Thom�s lap his arms around my waist my hands clasped in his, his lips kissing my ear both our faces full of mirth towards the camera. Thom came to me on the couch taking the locket and undoing the clasp. Eyes watched us as tom closed the clasp at the back of my neck he whispered, �Happy Birthday.�
I turned hugging him to me tightly, �Thank you so much, I-I can�t believe, oh wow!�
Laughing he ran fingers for the first time through my wig of hair.
�Your welcome, open the rest of your presents dear.�
I turned back picking up Drefan�s gift unwrapping the box looking inside. Two small bracelets of silver, so simple, I smiled falsely at Drefan as a shiver ran down my spine. Why did these bracelets scare me so? Looking up at Drefan who sat on the love set against the west wall he smiled his constant cruel smile.
�You are my own, my prisoner.�
The voice within my conscience sent another shiver down my spine, Thom noticing hugged me tightly, �cold?� he asked innocent of my problems.
What did they remind me of? My prisoner...
Handcuffs? A constant prison, a constant reminder of how I was not my own?
�Thank you Drefan, they are wonderful.�
Drefan nodded his head as usual the great actor, giving nothing away.
Picking up the last gift I turned to Thom, �I�m fine.�
He nodded not venturing further as I opened the last gift, a set of paints from Timothy.
�Thanks.�
�Your welcome, though it must look small considering all the other amazing gifts you have gotten today.�
Shaking my head I stood Thom letting me go to hug Timothy, �No it�s wonderful.�
Looking to Nilec who sat beside Tim after I stood, �Your gift sister?�
�This is your eighth year little brother. Your bondment is half over. Your tattoo of freedom I will start now. You must choose what symbol is closest to your soul, that you will be proud to wear your whole life.�
She turned then, her green dress open n the back showing the tattoo she bore. The design was old, the oldest used among the tattoos, the briar rose. Black enlacing stem and thorns, with red flower bleeding droplets of scarlet down her back.
�The pain will be intense, for the needle must follow your spine.�
I already knew what I wanted; �I will sketch it for you.�
She nodded standing taking my hand, �Thom let me use his room. We will get this done while dinner is being made.�
Following her to the basement stairs I walked down following the path I had taken many times before. Coming to Thom�s sable room I looked to all the ink and needles ready.
�I will also do your nose piercing at the same time.�
She passed me a pencils and paper which I set to work sketching upon sitting on Thom�s bed. A mountain stream, subtle lines of underlying forms, a thick willow tree twining upwards towards the sky, a pattern of leaves spiraling downwards the finial. The lines would be strong, but the colorings subtle like my own fair skin. The trunk charcoals and grays, the stream pale blue and the leaves the merest hint of pale green along the edges.
Passing the paper back she looked upon it with a smile, �Perfect my little Altruist.� She looked over the page as I stripped laying upon the table set up and Nilec smiling now rubbed down my back to calm me.
�You will like it my masochistic brother. My poor little brother.�
The quill scratched my skin making me giggle as she did the outline. My sister was serious but laughed slapping my buttocks gently, �Still.�
I tried then to do as she asked, to stay perfectly still. As customary, she began at the base of my spine, I could not see oh but I could feel. I felt it suddenly against my skin, the prick of a thousand needles. I cried out the world going red fingers digging into the table holding myself still. The pain was perfect, the shock, the intensity it was all their. I ground down onto the table with my hips and my sister rubbed my thigh, �Still Nathanial,� their was a deep seriousness to her voice now.
I held myself still, it took so much effort but I did. I stayed so with every continuous prick up my spine, half my tattoo was to be done today. The top half when I was sixteen, ah I enjoyed every minute of it.
I came upstairs afterwards; I was a little stiff with the shoots up my back of continuous pain. It was quite lovely, only a few in the room knew what was wrong but no one said anything. Mother had dinner ready and out at the kitchen table for everyone. Salad and Pasta, nummie! I sat down beside Thom eating the dinner conversation usually above my head of adult things. I just stayed silent enjoying the meal and my companions. I looked to my father as he spoke of cards.
��Well we play?�
�Yes Progressive Rummy after dinner, but I do not want you up to late Nathan, this has been a tiring day for you.�
�Yes Papa.�
I wasn�t able to sit still, I fidgeted whilst everyone finished eating, cards, I loved playing cards.
The table was set up on the living room with chairs and we dealt the cards, this game could last for hours. We played every Saturday with Thom�s friends, it was a family ritual, I snuggled into my fathers lap and helped him choose cards to throw out and what runs and such to make. Feeling my father�s lips upon my head, my head of hair I was so happy. We played finally getting to stage nine of thirteen at twelve midnight myself beginning to yawn. My father winked at my mother and stood up hugging me close to him as he carried me to my room. Laying me down upon my bed he covered me with my blankets, �Happy birthday my little one.�
I nuzzled into my pillow with a yawn falling into dreams.
