Heirot

"Just making my rounds," the vampire said casually, observing the view from one of the slit-stone windows. "I thought of going into the city tonight. Do you have plans?"

Talon shook his had. "Nope. None. I haven't had the chance to start charming the clothes of women again, so I'm stuck with no plans at the moment. Anything interesting you plan to do in the city?"

"There's a festival downtown," Vlad said a little distractedly. "Seemed a good place to bring Tenele. I've been pretty busy lately."

Talon smirked. "That's a good idea. I'm sure she'd enjoy a night out. Its nice and warm and the festival usually is a big hit. Just don't let her anywhere near Jasper Folk's cart and his Tiger Ale. Trust me. So, I'm assuming you need a babysitter then. I'll be happy to watch Tenara for you. She'll be asleep for the majority of it so it'll be easy."

"I appreciate it," Vlad said, sitting down in front of the fireplace even though it wasn't lit. "You're almost ready, you know. It wouldn't be infeasible for you to visit Hajara, if that's what you want."

Talon nodded. "I'd like to," he admitted. "I want to keep my promise to Sho. I'll delve more into my research while Tenara sleeps tonight. Stay out as late as you want. The two of you could use some peace to yourself."

"Don't try anything yet. Even if you have a theory." Vlad frowned at the empty hearth. "I'm glad you've connected with someone. But don't forget how difficult it is for our kind to marry." His composure crackled into a devious smile.

Talon glowered at him. "She's a child," he hissed. "That's terrible Vlad. Don't think like that. I'm just very fond of her and it would pain me if I knew I'd hurt her. That is all. Go, get out before you start coming up with even more ludicrous ideas. Marriage. Bah!"

Vlad smiled. He wasn't in the mood to leave, but his protege seemed focused on his project.

What he wouldn't give for a project.

"I mean it. Don't try anything," he said, getting up with a casual stretch. "I don't want you learning it the way I did. I'll find a better way." He went to the door and saluted his bloodling. "I'll let you know when we're leaving."

Talon smiled. "I won't be porting anywhere for a little while, no matter how much I want to learn. The idea of being splintered apart isn't very appealing to me." He waved at Vlad before picking up his book again. "See you later.

Vlad nodded and made his way back into the hall. He'd hoped to engage a little more time. Now he had time left over to do as he pleased, and being idle had its consequences. Maybe he should take up teasing the Queen's Maidens again?

Sinead's words kept searing into his nerves. He followed the long hallways of the castle, observing the movements of the help and watching their patterns. There had been a time when he knew them all, but he'd been absent a while. He liked to know the comings and goings of his residence. His path eventually took him toward the chapel on the ground floor. Next to it was a library; the same one where he'd debated the plausibility of his marriage with the high Priest. He made his way slowly down the hall, feeling the holy energy creeping into his skin as he went.

He couldn't possibly be afraid of such a place. He'd passed it and felt its nauseating aura his entire undead life. The queen was looking for the dramatic where there was none. She'd been unable to save him, and now she was looking for a wound to tend to, to ease her guilt. He put one foot in front of the other, approaching the chapel.

"You didn't nap for very long," Tenele scolded Tenara as she crawled into her lap. The little girl sat back against her mother's chest while she read.

"Not sleepy," Tenara murmured, staring down at the words on the pages, but not yet understanding their meaning. "Where's daddy?"

"Daddy went for a walk to see about a baby sitter," she chuckled. "We have a date."

"Date?" Tenara poked the book.

"Mmmhmm," Tenele sighed, pressing her lips to the back of Tenara's warm head. "We are going out tonight and you are going to stay with Sinead or Talon. You get to stay up as long as you want and play as many games as you want."

"Will Uncle Talon play dress-up?" Tenara asked, fiddling with the pages of the book.

"If you ask," Tenele replied, smiling devilishly. "You can borrow my clothes."

"Yay!" the child giggled.

Vlad pushed ahead, his chest growing tight with adrenaline. No. He didn't want to be weak against this. He was the same person as before. It was like things inside him were slowly collapsing, crushed by the weight of the holy magic in the air. That didn't make sense. There wasn't enough magic here to hurt him. At the pulpit, perhaps, but not from all the way outside the door. He stopped in the middle of the hallway and stared at the open door. Soft music was flowing from inside.

A sudden figure in the doorway startled him. The priest was walking full speed when he paused and noticed the vampire in his path. "Lord Dracul," he addressed the startled vampire. "Can I help you? I was on my way to my study." He continued toward him to get to the library Vlad had just passed.

Vlad staggered sideways, catching the wall as the priest made to clap him on the shoulder.

"Lord Dracul?" the man murmured, approaching him slowly. "You're....uh, you're not well?"

"Fine," Vlad rasped. "Go about your business." His legs begged him to sit.

"If....it's something you need to talk about.... I know the church may not be a comfort to you, but I am here if you need to discuss it. Thar has shown you mercy, so you are one of his-"

"I need nothing from Thar," the vampire growled. "I am not your concern."

The priest blinked, surprised at his coldness after the positive nature of their last interaction. Then again, a lot had happened since three years ago. He frowned and turned past the vampire, leaving him unsteady against the wall.

"Pretty!" Tenara gushed, clapping her hands.

"Do you like it?" Tenele asked her daughter. "Its nothing special dear. We aren't doing anything fancy tonight." Tenele smoothed her hands over the green skirt. She turned to face the mirror, admiring the white blouse, and black corset that hugged her waist, fading into the ankle length skirt. Her silver hair was done up with braids woven together, and soft strands of silk fell around her face.

She looked to the window. The sun had set a few moments ago, and while her husband wasn't late, he hadn't been back at all that day. It shouldn't have been cause for concern, but something felt off in the pit of her stomach.

A knock sounded at the door and Tenele skipped off to answer it.

"Hello," Talon greeted Tenele. "I've arrived for snack guarding detail. Is the tasty morsel around?"

"She just ran off to her room to hide from you," Tenele chuckled. "It shouldn't be too difficult to guard the snack today, she didn't have a full nap. I suspect she'll fall asleep rather quickly. Have you seen Vlad?"

"Not since earlier," Talon replied, dropping his coat on a chair. "You look lovely."

"Tenara, Uncle Talon is ready for dress-up!"

"What?! I am not!"

Vlad stepped through the door about five minutes later. He was wearing a fine suit over his red silk shirt, and good boots. "My lady," he greeted, peering around for a sign of his wife. He made his way toward the door to Tenara's room.