Mature: Desert Moon

[Emora Deen]

Atul smiled as he poured wine into the three glasses. "It was the same. There are some skirmishes in a border town to the east, but that's common place. I'm inviting the neighbouring ruler to our wedding in hopes of easing tensions. Over all it was a pleasant day," he replied, taking up the glass of wine. "Just long. I'd enjoy your help tomorrow if you are offering."

Tenele took her own glass of wine and stretched out on her side across one of the lounges on their large balcony. "I was thinking of setting up a healing station," Tenele told them. "A place where the people could come to me to be healed. I have this power and I rarely use it, and I thought it would be a good way to show the people I care. Obviously I couldn't do it all day or everyday, like court, else I'd be exhausted all the time. But, maybe a few days a week?"

[Soran Nightblade]

"I'm at your service, King," the vampire offered handsomely. His coy manner dulled, however, at Tenele's suggestion. "It would be a noble idea, Tenele," he said carefully.

[Emora Deen]

Tenele smiled. "I just thought it would be nice to help our people," Tenele explained, trying to decipher her husband's careful tone.

"It is a noble idea," Atul agreed with Vlad slowly.

"Noble, but you both seem somewhat hesitant," Tenele replied, as she took a small sip of wine.

"I'll support you," Atul added. "If it is something you really want to do."

[Soran Nightblade]

Vlad thought a few more moments. "A program like this would be in high demand. Not only here...word will spread to other regions. Thought will need to be given to the issue of emigration and stewardship of those in need. I'd like it if you could design a team... an organization to help with selecting those who most need your help. People assertive enough to advise you about your health and knowledgeable enough to redirect people to more appropriate services if their need is not great."

[Emora Deen]

Tenele nodded. "That is a good idea. I'll have to put some thought into that selection. Maybe Espha would be able to help me with that? I'd like more than one person, so I'll have to think on another, and a replacement if she decides to decline." Tenele beamed. She was so happy that they hadn't gotten too over-protective.

Tenele noticed that Vlad hadn't touched the wine, so she hopped up, grabbed the glass, and handed to him. "Cheers," she mused, clinking her glass against his. She curled her fingers in his collar and pulled him in for a kiss, before slipping back to the lounge chair.

[Soran Nightblade]

Vlad stood vampire-still with his glass after his wife's lips had parted his. He'd sucked the life from her for pure pleasure before. How could he condemn those who needed her strength to save their lives? And yet, he already resented those she was to save, for what it would do to her health, and for what it would do to her emotionally when she had to decide where to draw the line between life and death.

Suddenly, he wondered for the first time what it felt like to be Attara. To live the existence of a goddess of life. Did it take away one's humanity to live the life of a god?

He nodded to her toast and raised the flavorless glass to his lips, drinking it like water.

[Emora Deen]

Atul found his own chair and kicked back, crossing his legs at his ankles. He gave a content and heavy sigh, turning his gaze up to the stars. "Its a beautiful night."

"Vlad wrote a letter to Knight," Tenele chirped with a sly smile. "Its on the night stand. I was thinking of calling him so he could read it."

"A letter?" the King asked curiously, turning his blue gaze on his future husband. "Interesting."

[Soran Nightblade]

Vlad put on a smirk. "How am I to know anything about him if I don't communicate with him?" He reflected on how tired Atul had seemed getting back, and his comment about relaxing under the stars. "If you'd prefer to wait for another night, there is no urgency to the letter."

[Emora Deen]

Atul pondered it, rubbing his chin. "Maybe in a minute or two?" he asked. "I want to enjoy your company for a little while longer before my energy is completely depleted."

Tenele grinned, moving to sit in the King's lap. "Of course," she cooed, curling against him with her arm twined around his neck. "Whenever is fine. No rush."

Atul smiled, brushing his fingers across her face. He turned his gaze on Vlad. He gave Vlad a loving smile. "It pleases me to come home to you two."

[Soran Nightblade]

The vampire stilled a little, reflecting on his words. He rarely identified any particular place as 'home', but he felt a silly glee at the idea of the King regarding them that way. He shifted behind Atul's chair and hooked his thumbs precisely into the curves of the man's shoulders, massaging the tight muscle.

[Emora Deen]

Atul purred softly, letting his head loll back as Vlad massaged his muscles. Tenele straddled his lap and ran her fingers through his hair, rubbing his scalp lightly.

"Now, I feel like I'm being spoiled," he chuckled, curling his hands over her waist.

"You had a long hard day," Tenele smiled at him, cupping his face and kiss him. "Its good for you to be pampered."

Atul's blue eyes flickered open, and then up to Vlad. "What did you write to Knight?"

"He won't tell me," Tenele mused, nipping at Atul's neck.

[Soran Nightblade]

"Top secret," Vlad confirmed mysteriously.

[Emora Deen]

Atul glowered at Vlad. "That's not fair," he prompted, casting his gaze on Tenele.

"I told you, he's keeping it a secret," Tenele sighed.

"We could make him talk," Atul asserted confidently. "There are ways."

Tenele looked thoughtful as she stared up at her husband. "Yes, I suppose there are."

[Soran Nightblade]

"I am very resistant to torture," Vlad boasted.

[Emora Deen]

Atul snickered. "That is true."

"Yes, he is resistant to torture," Tenele nodded. "I do know a few things he's not resistant to, however."

Atul cocked his head to the side. "Hmm, yes. Quite right. He does tend to cave easily when we go that route."

"Not easily," Tenele corrected. "He can be very stubborn, but he eventually caves."

Atul laughed, reaching up to cup Tenele's cheek. "You are a wicked, beautiful woman... But, go ahead and call Knight. It has been a long time since you summoned him, and tonight is very nice. I'm sure he'd enjoy spending it with you."

Tenele looked up to her husband for approval.