A Night - Chapter One: The Kiss

Gazing into your eyes I reach up with my right hand. Turning my palm over I lay the back of my hand along thy jaw bone and slowly brush it upwards toward thy ear. Once I reach this point I open my hand and slide it along the back of thy neck where I cup the back of your head.1

With very slight pressure I tilt thy head to the side so t'is now resting with in my palm. Leaning forward, I smile, then dipping down I bend to kiss thee. Only to stop short, as I gaze into thy eyes. I hear as you try and not breath, thy heart beating rapidly, and I smile even more.2

Gently, tenderly I lay my lips upon yours. Only a slight pressure at first, and then I deepen the pressure. Holding you to me, I slide my tongue along the space that joins thy lips. Feeling as you quiver and thy heart beat rise even more. 3

Smiling to myself I quickly take thy lower lip between my teeth, tugging gently upon it, only to release it and kiss you deeply and passionately. Breathing in thy breathe, tasting the sweetness of thy mouth. Exploring all of the contours of thy lips.4

Quickly I slide my left hand along your side and around to your back, pulling you closer to me thus supporting your weight. Thy breasts press up against mine, and I can feel thy heat as it permeates my cool body though my dress. I shiver with suppressed passion, but I know I must wait.5

Releasing thy lips, I begin to kiss thy jaw bone, nipping gently with my teeth as I work my way towards your ear. Once I reach thy ear I kiss my way to the side of thy neck, tilting your head up so that I may reach more comfortably. 6

Working my way down the side of thy neck, gently nipping and kissing with my teeth, I can feel the quivers going though your body. Your breath is coming quickly, with sharp intakes and suppressed moans.7

I kiss my way back up from the base of thy neck over to your throat and slowly kiss and suck my way to thy chin. I slide my left hand up your back, tilting your body back, causing thy hips to press into mine, as I kiss my way back down to the hollow of thy neck.8

Softly I breath out air, blowing from the hollow of your neck up to thy chin. Causing a chill breeze to cool your hot skin. I can feel as you shiver beneath my hands. Smiling I tip your head back up so that you may see me, then I recapture thy lips with mine. 9

Hungrily we begin feasting upon the beauty and taste of our mouths. Becoming lost in the emotional release found with in. Yet suddenly I break off, standing you straight while I step back; watching thee with a smile upon my puffy lips.10

You are beautiful beyond words, as you stand there trying to gain thy balance. Thy skin has a rosy blush to it and thine eyes have an ethereal twinkle deep with in thy hooded lids. Your breathe is still rapid, yet it causes thy breasts to rise and fall with a hypnotizing rhythm.11

I continue watching as you raise one of thine own hands to thy lips, softly running thy fingers over them. Your other hand wrapping itself around thy waist causing you to appear as a Greek Goddess of old. So sensual and alluring in thy innocence.12

"Think thee upon my proposal this eve M'Lady, return upon the marrow with thine answer." 13

And with this said I walk out of the sitting room and up my stairs. Leaving you with thy luscious mouth hanging agape, forming a kind of divine flower awaiting to be kissed yet again. 14

I smile to myself as I reach the last step, lingering for a moment, only to continue down the hallway; the only sound that of my dress, a soft swishing sound coupled with the clicking of my heels upon the marble....15

**************16

Standing in front of m y window, gazing out upon the star shadowed landscape of my lands, I can not help but replay the evenings events. Oh how I wish I were some one other then what I am. To not be a hunter, a seeker, a killer. Shivering I pull away, turning and walking over to my monstrous fire place. 17

Looking upon it, as if for the first time, I notice how dark and mysterious it appears; not unlike myself I imagine. The only difference is that where this towering piece of obsidian is dark and foreboding, I am tan of skin and white of hair, save for my eyes. With in my eyes one can see the darkness, the pain and the menace. Combine this with the aura of death that hangs around me and I appear to be as this fire place.18

Sighing I reach out a hand and bending my head watch the flames burning with in its heart. I am always so cold, hardly ever warm. 19

Oh please do not mistake me, I am far from dead, nor am I a member of those known as Kindred, Night Hunters or Vampyre. Nay I am none of these, I am of living flesh, a beating heart that carries blood through my veins. I am just different in a few key ways. One of which has condemned me to always be cold of temperature. My only respite is gained through soaking with in a hot springs or that of my large tub. Even so I only gain some bodily heat for a few hours at most.20

Shaking myself, I turned my mind back to the evenings events...21

Sunlight, soft and muted, made its way through the flowering hibiscus trees. Adding a crystalline aspect to the edges of the pedals that escaped the myriad of flowers arrayed through out. It was an almost ethereal setting, one that I am sure an artist would love to have painted or photographed.22

Imagine if you will for a moment; these towering tree's, all in bloom, their exotic fragrance permeating the air. The soft melodic sounds of the stream as it sang to itself with in the confines of its bank. Coupled with the balmy air and off in the distance a morning bird was singing of its heart break. 23

I could almost loose myself in this setting; easily forgetting who and what I am. Almost, yet not quite. 24

With-drawing my hand back out of the ray of light I had been watching, I placed it into the folds of my gown. 25

Tis of a soft white silk inter-spiced with fine silver threads; thus creating an almost gift wrapped effect. Within this wrapping my shoulders are left bare, as is my neck, though the rest of me, including my ankles and most of my hands, are covered and hidden from sight.  My silver tresses, coiled upon my head, creating a bow effect. It leaves one with the feeling of being dressed and tressed as a turkey awaiting the carving.26

Raising my gaze I looked around this little garden, this place that once brought me peace. Seeing the old cobblestone wall, the tree's, manicured grasses; exotic flowers, most with their heads bent as if ashamed to greet the evening sun. Here and there a honey bee searching for nectar as it flits from one inviting bud to the next. Yet bisecting all is the stream as it happily bubbles over the river stone, casting a shimmer that only moving water with light refracting off of it can.27

No, there is no peace to be found here. T'is to quiet, to surreal. I am not meant to be here, not 'supposed' to be in such a place. 28

Sighing deeply, I turned and worked my way back toward my home, my tome.29

**************30

As I took the black and white marble steps up to the French doors leading into my dwelling, I notice that the evening sun has turned the glass in the doors to mirrors. Reflecting back to me an almost mocking image of mine own self. 31

This woman, seen through the eyes of the glass gods', she stands quite tall, almost emaciatingly tall. Large doe eyes hooded by dark lashes, pale cheeks and medium lips, colored in black. She seems small with in the confines of her gown, a frown pinching her brows. A few silver-white tendrils of hair frame her face, softening the entire effect. Long slender hands, tipped with black and silver nails, holding the front of her gown a few inches from the top step. One foot clad in an almost delicate high heel poised upon that same step. 32

She appears almost serene, regal even. Innocent. Until you look deep into her eyes.33

Shaking my head to dispel the image, I step forward and open the doors. Welcoming the cool, stark interior of my home. Sighing with relief as I close the doors behind me, leaning upon the glass and wood, I looked around.34

Towering bookcases of darkest mahogany, spanning from floor to ceiling, cover just about every wall save for one. They are filled with all manner of occult, science, history and ecology titles. Some are new, though most are old, bound with lovingly cared for leather that houses yellowing pages with in. 35

Set with one of these such book cases, as a back drop, is a rather large desk, the kind one would find with in a rich business man's office. Yet it seems to fit in with the surroundings for which it is housed. Upon its surface, placed to one side, is a black computer monitor; a white rose spinning gently in a black sea as the screen saver. 36

Laying next to this is a rather large folder, bursting with papers and partly seen photo's. There is the normal array of holders, bearing their fruits as if they were presents, of pens, pencils, markers, high-lighters and scissors. In the center there is a stapler and a container full of rainbow colored paper clips; seeming at odds with the dark decor of the room. 37

Against the only un-adorn wall of the room sits a rather large, squat, wood, twelve drawer filling cabinet. Upon which sits an authentic set of Japanese fighting swords. The only actual decoration in the entire room, save for the large white rug with in the center of the floor.38

This room, my study, is where I spend most of my days. Lost in a book, hunched over my computer, studying that which I may.39

Standing thus to stretch, I proceeded to walk over to my desk and sit with in my over stuffed office chair. Reaching out I pull gently upon the drawer set into the front of the desk. Sliding it out I place my hands upon my keyboard, thus waking my computer. This marvel of human genius that allows One to seek out information with out ever having to leave Ones home. My access to the world. Well the world-wide-web that is.40

The first thing that caught my eye upon looking at the monitor was the flashing symbol in the lower right hand corner alerting me to the fact that I had email. I never have any electronic mail this late in the day. My curiosity getting the best of me, I double clicked upon the icon and waited with a sense of foreboding as the system pulled up my account page.41

A few moments later I had the particular message sitting before my eyes, and it only deepened my sense of dread.42

It read thus:43

Greetings Milady, 44

You don't know me, but I know you, or I have heard about you. I want to come and talk to you tonight if that is okay. I wish I could give you more detail why I want to talk, but I am afraid to leave a trail that may get me into trouble. 45

Please Milady, if you agree to meet with me tonight at your house I would be very grateful. 46

Sincerely,47

A woman in need.

How intriguingly odd. Now why would a woman, or for that fact any one, wish to write me such a missive? Especially one that which carries so little information? T'is a true mystery. One that I must say captured my interest completely. 48

Ah I am a creature of whoa, for I dive head first into situations, ignoring my inner reactions and gut promptings.49

Quickly, so as to not loose my nerve, I typed a reply inviting this intriguing creature to my home at sunset. Giving her roughly two hours to arrive. Two hours in which I could ponder this situation and attempt to piece together what it was I could have done to entice her into my home.50

Mind you, I tend to keep to myself. I can count upon my two hands the amount of people's whom even know the location of my home. Out of these, only three have ever seen it. T'is quite a confusing situation. Unless... and here my heart skipped a pace, she knows what I am!51

Oh how stupid I can be! Yes lets just invite a complete stranger, a possible enemy to thyself into thine own sanctum and see what occurs. Gah! My mentor would be writhing in his grave if he had one. 52

My stomach began twisting into knots, causing me to double over. My hands shaking and my brow spotted with drops of perspiration as I sat back heavily in my chair. Nay, you are jumping to conclusions M'Lady. I told myself. You are edgy. 53

Reaching out I grasped the handle of the bottom drawer on my desk and jerking it out; reached within, drawing a large flask of golden-amber liquid from its recesses. Shakily I un-stoppered it and took a long pull from its fluted neck.54

Hissing and trying valiantly to not cough as the horrid stuff burned its way into my belly, I awaited its effect. Sighing as the warmth spread outward and into my limbs. Sweet blessed honey of the gods. I thought. 55

After a few minutes, I replaced the flask with in my desk, closed the drawer and rose. Taking one last look around the room I walked over to one of the book cases, pulling on one of the books there was an audible click and then the case swung outward. Behind it was another room, large, cold, and draped in blacks and whites; t'was my foyer.56

Pulling shut, what appeared as a solid marble wall on this side, the door to my office, I headed off to ready myself for the arrival of this mystery lady.57

***************58

A wise man once conveyed his wisdom to me, he explained, One should never love for it leads to heart ache. An even wiser woman conveyed her wisdom as such; never kiss anyone, for to do so opens the energy pathways of One's body, combining the two, thus making it so that you are one. T'is lamentable that I did not heed this wise mother's words.59

You stand before me on the threshold of my home, my mystery lady, silhouetted by the setting sun. Reds and golds flickering along the edges of thy hair, transforming thee into a type of dream deamoness come to fulfill my darkest desires. A dark figure alight with fire, the only feature seen are those of thy eyes; beautiful eyes that seem to see deep within in a person, reading them and assessing, yet loving all the same.60

"Welcome M'Lady, to this the front hall and sitting area of my home." Sweeping my hand in a graceful arch, directing thee to enter. 61

As you step over the threshold I notice a funny expression upon thy face. Almost as if my statement had confused thee. I watch as your eyes open wide, taking in the stark contrast of blacks and whites that adorn my foyer. 62

Walls of the blackest hue pressing in upon a ceiling and floor of purest white. Even the stair case that sits directly across from the sitting room is of a pure white hue. Little adorns this part of my home, save for a few black and white paintings, depicting the beauty of the female body, one elegantly carved ivory table bearing an ornate vase of white lilies, and the great chandelier of ornate Australian crystal hanging from the ceiling.63

I walk over to the entrance of my sitting room, waiting as you look around. Enjoying the look upon thy face. Smiling for it has done the desired effect of throwing you off balance; letting you know that thee are in my domain now.64

I have chosen my decor carefully this eve, including the donning of my black evening gown, allowing my hair to hang in soft ringlets to my waist, a simple chocker upon my neck. I am dressed as the predator, hoping to keep thee off balance if thee be foe and not friend. 65

After a time I beacon thee to join me.66

"Come M'Lady, join me with in my sitting room where thee may rest thy feet and we may discuss thy business in comfort."67

Shivering a little, you turn and walk toward me, a look of awe upon thy face and proceed me into the sitting room where thee stops. A sharp intake of breath your only answer to that which lays with in.68

My sitting room is a sharp contrast to my foyer; done in pale whites, soft reds, and spring greens. Looking upon it, I am struck yet again how it reminds me of a harem's domain. There are no couches with in this room. Nay, there are many pillows of varying sizes strewn about the edges of this room. A low round table sits in the middle, and surrounding it all is flowing silk hangings, affixed to the ceiling. 69

T'is not unlike stepping into a tent centered some where amid an oasis. In one corner there is a water fountain, softly singing to itself and upon the table is a crystalline dish bearing several types of fruit.70

"Please" indicating the cushions, "make thyself comfortable." Then I walk past you, thus arraying myself upon some of the pillows in such a fashion as to watch thy reactions.71

Your mouth is hanging partly agape, very becomingly, as you drink in the room and breath in the aroma of the honeysuckle incense that I have chosen for the eve. After a few moments you shake thy self, as if awakening from a dream, yet you refuse to sit with a slight shake of thy head.72

"Thank you, but I think I will stand". You wrap your arms around thyself as if to protect your self. Turning thy head to me you look me in the eye.73

"Milady I.." You clear your throat and continue. "The reason I wanted to talk with you is because I heard you know," One of thy hands flutters. "about magic." Blushing you lower your eyes yet you continue.74

"You see I feel that you have great power with in. And I have heard that you are a great woman. A person guided by the Gods'." Gulping you hurry on as if I will stop thee from finishing.75

Raising thy eyes, you look me square in the face as you say, "I want you to be my teacher if you will have me." 76

I am surprised, truly I was not expecting this. My mind is reeling as I attempt to figure out whom you have spoken with that would have said anything concerning my abilities, or even who I truly am. Carefully and meticulously I make sure to not let any of this show upon my face;though I wish to grab you and make thee answer my questions.77

Pitching my voice so as to sound casual, I ask thee, "What exactly is it that thee thinks I may be able to impart to thee M'Lady?"78

I watch as thy face goes through a myriad of emotions. Your thoughts are so vary apparent upon thy face as you try and form a response. Yet as you finally remember what it is you would like to say, I raise my hand, forestalling thy answer.79

"Nay, I need not a rehearsed response M'Lady." Shaking my head I look at thee with a serious expression upon my face. "Tell me what thy heart wants.Be honest with thyself as well as with me."80

"I.." and you stop, closing thy mouth. Thinking. 81

I watch thee closely as your sight turns inward. I can almost hear your mind working, the communication betwixt mind and heart. 82

With a deep sigh, you stand straight and begin, "I am lost and I hope that you will teach me how to use my abilities. Teach me how to be strong and like you." Blushing you continue, "I hope you will teach me how to have power like you have. Like I can feel standing here." You look at the floor now, a shy expression upon thy face. "I want you to teach me to be beautiful and alive."83

Did I say that I was surprised before? I was wrong, for now I was in complete shock. I do believe that mine own mouth hung agape for a few moments as I lay there gazing upon thee.84

"Please bear with me for a moment, M'Lady and let me see if I understand correctly. Thou are asking of me to teach thee to be, for lack of a better term at the present moment, Me?"85

Slowly you raise your head, and looking at me, begin nodding; fear pinching the corners of thy mouth and eyes. It has bleached thy face of any color, leaving thee to appear as some statue forever caught with in one moment of time.86

Anger welled up in me instantly, coupled with fear. No one should ever have to live as I have, deal with the death that I have! See the pain that I have witnessed! NO ONE!87

Standing quickly I walk to with in a few inches of thee. My fists tightly held at my side and my eyes narrowed to slits. I can see terror rise up in thee as an uncoiling snake, ready to strike. 88

"Who are thee M'Lady?" I hiss out between my clenched teeth. "Whom has sent thee here to my home?"89

"N..n..no one Milady." You stammer out. I can see you shaking from fear and wonder what it is that thee has learned of me.90

Slowly I begin circling thee, never taking my eyes from you. "Pray tell me what it is that thee," Emphasizing my next word. "thinks," here I paused for a moment, letting the word sink in. "that I am?" Stopping in front of you, I place my finger under thy chin, raising thy head so that thee are forced to look me in the eyes.91

Gulping and still shaking, you proceed to speak in a soft quivering voice. "I think," Pausing to take a deep breath you continue. "that you are a great lady, a person who knows what she wants and how to get it. I think you can use magic to get these things. You are not afraid to get what you want. You are happy and have joy in your life." Your shoulders drop as if all of thy courage has just left thee. "You are what I want to be." Here you pause for a few moments. "What I want is my life." This last is spoken as if a plea for salvation or freedom.92

Releasing thy chin, I step back, letting my hands fall to my sides. Watching you, trying to determine if thee are speaking the truth. Quickly I brush thy mind, seeking any hint that thou is attempting to deceive me. 93

What I find is of mild shock to me. Thy mind is wide open, speaking of untapped potential, and yet it is over laid with a unique shielding of raw power. 94

Yes thee must be taught, but am I the correct person for such an endevour? I, the lady of death and pain; could I teach thee that which you are asking? Nay, not me. All I can bring to this lady is pain and loneliness. 95

I must scare thee away.96

"I have a proposal for thee M'Lady." I can see hope spring into thine eyes and upon thy face. "Listen to me very carefully and heed my words." I begin pacing in front of you; only a few steps either direction, but pacing none the less.97

"If I teach thee, then thee will become cold, hard of heart, and doomed to roam life with out any inner peace." 98

Hearing your sharp intake of breathe I look up. Ruthlessly I continue. "You will not want to lie with a man, nor will thee wish to be around another human being. You will find that thee longs for quiet places, away from society. Yet at the same time thee will desire above all else to protect and care for humanity." 99

Sighing, I begin pacing again. "You will be denied all of these things. Thy heart will break and there shall be no one there to pick up the pieces." Lapsing into my own thoughts for a moment I continue pacing, listening to your quiet breathing.100

"I propose that if thee can deal with these chains that accompany that which I can teach thee, then I shall take up the mantle of teacher to thee." Stopping so that I am standing in front of you. 101

"But there is one test that thee must pass first." And on sheer impulse I reached out and kissed thee; passionately and deeply. Then, just as suddenly, releasing you I turned away, bidding thee to think upon my proposal and to let me know on the marrow as to thy decision.102

I watched thee leave some fifteen minutes later from my bedroom window. Saw how you were still shaking, and deliberately placing one foot in front of the other as you walked down my pathway.103

So here I stand, pondering all that has transpired, questioning mine own motives and wondering what to do next.