Let me tell you the tale of Zillah,first love of Caine,first wife of Caine,the sweetest blood,the softest skin,the clearest eyes.Alone of Caine's newest Childer, did Caine desire Her,and she was not mindful of his desire,turning away from him.Not gifts,not sacrifices,not perfumes,not doves,not beautiful dancers,not singers,not oxen,not sculpture,not beautiful clothes,nothing would turn Zillah's heart from stone to sweet fruit.So Caine pulled his beard and tore at his hair and took to roaming the wilderness at night,thinking of her,burning for her.And one night Caine came upon an old Crone singing to the moon.Caine said to the Crone,"Why do you ding so?" And the Crone replied "Because I yearn for what I cannot have..." Caine said to the Crone, "I yearn also.What can one do?" The Crone smiled and said "Drink of my blood this night,Caine,Father of Kindred,and return tomorrow night.Then,will I tell you the wisdom of the moon." Caine drank at the Crone's bare neck,and departed.Teh next night,Caine found the Crone sleeping on a rock. "Wake up,Crone," Caine said " I have returned." The Crone opened one eye and said "I dream of the solution for you this night.Drink once more of me,and then return tomorrow night.Bring a bwol of clay.Bring a sharp knife.I will have your answer then." Once again Caine took blood from the Crone,who immediately fell back into a deep slumber.When Caine returned the next night,the Crone looked up at him and smiled,"Greetings,
Lord or the Beast," the Crone said. "I have the wisdom you seek.Take some of my blood,into the bowl you have,and mix in these berries and these herbs,and drink deep of the elixer.You will be irresistable.You will be potent.You will be masterful.You will be ardent.You will be glowing.The heart of Zillah will melt like the snows in spring." And so, Caine drank from the Crone's elixer,because he was so in love with Zillah,and he so desired her love in return.And the Crone laughed.The Crone laughed aloud.She tricked him!She trapped him!Caine was angry beyond compare.Caine reached out with his powers,to rend this Crone apart with his strength.The Crone Cackled and said,"Do not." And Caine could do nothing against her.The Crone chuckled and said "Love me." And caine could do nothing but stare into her ancient eyes,desire her leathery skin.The Crone laughed and said "Make me immortal." And Caine Embraced her.She cackled again,laughed with the pure ecstacy of the Embrace,for it did not pain her. "I have made you powerful,Caine of Enoch,Caine of Nod,but you will forever be bound to me.I have made you master of all,but you will never forget me!Your blood,potent as it is now,will bond those who drink it,as you did me,once a night for three nights.You will be the master.They will be your thrall, as you are mine.For though Zillah will love you,as you wanted,you will love me, forever.Go now,and claim your lovely bride.I will wait for you in the darkest places,while I brew more potions for your health." And so,heavy hearted,Caine returned to Enoch.And each night,for three nights,Zillah drank from her Sire, though she did not know it.And,on the third night,Caine announced that he would marry Zillah,his sweetest Childe,and she agreed. |
