He waited with great patience giving her all the time in the world before he spoke again, his tone like a rasp on a hard surface, and yet as soft and intoxicating as velvet and silk, "What brings a blood doll to my door on a day such as this. Surely your Lord does not see so little of you as to risk your health and life by sending you to me in such conditions?"

"No my Lord," Maria answered softly, bowing her head respectfully, feeling as if at last she could speak, as if he had been holding her from doing so until this very moment, "I come of my own will and for my own reason."

The man laughed an evil sounding noise, almost a cackle as he looked down at her, "A blood doll with freedom," the smile slowly faded when he found no lie in her words and he leaned forward on his throne, "Who is your Lord child?"

"The Count Talomar Longden," Maria answered simply and once more found herself quiet, as if only able to answer the questions he asked.

He sat back, rubbing his chin in thought, his yellow eyes growing distant for a moment, "I see," he finally spoke, "I know this man by reputation only, he is kindred, and contains great anger, he has made himself a dark reputation, do you too follow his ways?"

"I do as my Lord asks of me," she answered.

"Very good child, I pray you, I am an old man, would you do me the service of pouring me a drink from that bottle over there," he waved to a bottle across the room sitting beside a carved crystal glass and Maria stood and bowed.

"Of course my Lord," she crossed the distance and uncapped the brandy bottle and began to pour the thick red liquid into the chalice before recapping the bottle and setting it back on the server and bringing the glass to him, holding it out to him with both hands. He motioned her closer and she automatically took a step closer in. His hands moved to cup over hers, his eyes on her, the cold of his flesh made her want to shiver, then slowly he raised the cup as if in salute and started it towards her.

"Drink with me child, and I will see to your every need," he stated softly. Maria looked at the cup, she knew what it was, she could smell the metallic scent of blood and had seen the thickness too much so for wine, or even blood wine. But she could not turn him down, she could not hesitate, it was important to her that this man accept her and she allowed the cup to touch her lips, the blood to course over her tongue, even the small amount strong to her as he slowly lowered the cup drawing it back to him, to his own lips and took his own drink, his eyes on her as she swallowed nervously, he watched her, through her as if seeing her to her soul, reading her every thought and memory, her every need and want, then finally he drew the glass from her fingers. "What do you will of me Maria Eriko?"

Maria slowly lowered to her knees before him once more, this time well with in reach, "Please my Lord, I beg of thee, I am mistress to a vampire, I love him dearly and wish only to provide his every want and need. You run the market here, you carry all that any Lord of the Night could wish for. I only wish to have a small part, I will pay handsomely for anything I request," she added.

"There will be no need for payment my dear," he smiled softly and took another drink of the blood, watching her, eyeing her quietly before setting the cup aside and holding out his hand, "Give me your hand child," Maria immediately offered up her hand to the old man, and he withdrew a small knife the size of her pinky finger, turning her palm to the side he swiftly moved it over her palm, slicing her hand open. Maria was shocked at the sight of her own blood, but felt no pain as he set the blade aside and moves a very small vial just under her hand, catching the drops of blood as they fell. Once the vile was full he turned her palm up to keep from further spilling blood and closed the vile before laying his hands on her, her hand between both of his, after a moment he withdrew his touch and gently pushed her hand towards her, the wound perfectly healed and Maria blinked again.

The man's movements drew her from her stunned stupor and she looked up as he worked and after a moment took her hand once more and dropped a silver chain into it, in the middle of the chain was the vile a cylinder with intricate silver design on the top and bottom incasing the blood red cylinder, "One ounce of your blood," he spoke as she looked over the design, an intricate M was inlaid in the silver tendrils, "To wear at his neck, as you wear him at yours." Maria looked up at the man and he seemed to produce from know where a bottle and offered it to her, "and one bottle, of pure blood wine, the purest as can be gotten, from the holy mother herself," he offered it to her, "a gift of the gods and one that if not received well then he does not have the taste for one so pure," he smiled and rose, Maria quickly rising as well.

"Thank you my Lord," she breathed softly as she took a step back as he did one forward.

"Return to me when you need another, none in this house shall touch you, as you have so been marked by another Kindred, you are his, and death to anyone who tries to partake of that which is already given to another. Good eve Lady Eriko," he bowed, and as if he had never been there, was gone. Maria gasped her eyes wide as she looked around and suddenly was in darkness the candles in the room extinguishing. She turned and quickly moved down the hall where there was still light and out the brownstone doors. It was darker now, the sun beginning to set and she still had one more stop she wanted to make.

Swiftly her feet moved down the stairs and into the rain once more, hauling her coat collar up and pausing at Kyuusai's side to slip the bottle and the gift away in her saddle bags before she untied the horse and mounted smoothly. She paused in the rain, the leather saddle creaking softly under her as she looked at the house before turning the horse from it and urging him away, only now did she realize how close she had come to dying in there, and how lucky she had been to have had Tal feed on her so often. If not for Talomar's small scars and smell about her, she was sure she would have been drained for entering the Ancient's house. She shivered at the thought, all she wanted now was to get done this final business and get home.

She nods, "We can go if you like my love."

"I was thinking for a more extended time. I've noticed that the Countess is not wearing her wedding ring. I need to speak to her about that."

Maria looks up at the count's words, "Has she spoken to you about the bump on her head?"

"Why no, she hasn't. How did she get a bump?"

"She came in here the other night bleeding my Lord, I tried to convince her to go home but she refused me," looking up at him, "wanted a drink first. Said she couldn't remember how she got it."

Talomar shakes his head "Figures. That woman is a walking disaster."

"If I may my love, how did you end up with her?" glances at her love again, curling up with him again.

"She was pregnant. It's said that it's my child, but I'm beginning to wonder."

"It my love? Was she not married before you?"

"Yes she was...supposedly. Who knows. To a certain elf by name of Earendur."

Maria nods, "I have heard her complain about such a person many many times"

"She's always complaining about some thing or someone."

Maria nodded, but did not speak at that as she snuggled closer, "I know its my day off, but is there anything I can do to help you my love?"

"I just want you to have a good and relaxing vacation. Probably the last person you want to see on your vacation is me. I should leave you alone - not an easy thing to do."

She grins "Actually the point of the vacation was to see you more."

Talomar just looks at her, in love, no words adequate for him to respond with. Maria smiles and moves to kiss those speechless lips.

"I must be going now, my love...work to do."

Maria nods, "Of course my love." Talomar stands and stretches She watches him as he moves to go.

"I will see you tonight, Maria. In fact, why don't we go out for dinner. Just you and me."

She smiles, "I would love that my Lord."

"Me too....I'll see you back at the castle, and we can depart for dinner at 7:00."

She nods and smiles, "I'll be there," she answers crossing her legs, the leather hugging her form. Talomar looks at her legs, winks...then heads for the door, grabbing his coat, scarf and gloves. another quick look to Maria and he leaves. She watches him going and adjusts her coat before standing to head out herself, a few more things she wanted to do yet.

The evening came quickly, and Count Talomar Longden came home from the West End office and barely had time to be shower, shave and dress in his usual impeccable fashion, setting him apart (as usual) from all the other rift raft of Rhydin. I was down in the huge foyer as the great clock at the castle entrance rang 7:00 p.m. There he waited for Maria.

Maria had learned if anything in her time with Talomar, it was that you were never late for anything the Lord of the castle told you a time for. She had come home early to prepare, bathing for sometime to relax a bit and cleaning her hair and taking the time to see to perfect body as she always did for him before preparing herself for the evening. Tonight she would not look the part of valet and she did not. as the clock struck seven her 'slippered' foot touched the step, her hand holding the skirt from being under the delicate shoe's toe and stopping her from taking a tumble down the stairs. Her delicate hand on the rail as she walked the steps, her hair pulled up and off her neck to spill in little pattern back down from the bun it had been placed in at the top of her head. Her lips as always a blood red, her eyes lightly colored to bring out the dark depths, the dress itself was of the most delicate of silks and velvets, red as beep and crimson as fresh blood, with hints of black and gold to bring forth a touch of design and color. The skirts were floor length and flowing, the top hugged her trim stomach and curving heavy chest and at her neck, instead of his collar was a gold and pearl necklace with the same ornate 'T' as was on her collar, done in gold to match.

He watched her come down the steps and he swallowed back the emotion in his throat. She was absolutely the most beautiful woman he has ever beheld, and she took his breath away. When she arrived at the floor, had he not been married to Lani, he would have ushered Maria into the chapel and married her on the spot. He took her hand in his and kissed the back of it while looking into her eyes. "Maria, you look absolutely stunning. I can hardly breathe. I fear the restaurant I selected is not suitable for such beauty, for even a king's palace would be put to shame with the glory you'd bring to it this evening."

Maria smiled softly and inclined her head in a slight bow at his compliment, "Thank you my love, I rarely get the chance to present myself in such a way to you, I wished to make you very happy this night," she answered looking up at him, her dark eyes meeting his.

He smiled a most handsome smile, "Just seeing you here at this moment has already made me a most happy man, for I now realize just how rich a man I am." He helped her with the coat a servant was holding out. He then took his own coat and hat from two other servants, and gloves from a third. A fourth and fifth were at the front doors to open them and escort the couple to the waiting carriage that was warmed inside with hot bricks beneath the seats. "Let us go, my love."

Maria slipped on her own delicate gloves and moved to pull her cloak around her before nodding to Tal and heading out the door, letting the servants escort them to the carriage and open the door, she slipped inside, carefully knocking what little snow had collected on her boots from the cleared walk, before stepping fully into the carriage and sitting quietly as she waited for her love and lord.

After tapping off his boots he entered right behind her and sat next to her. A servant handed him a carriage blanket and closed the door. Tal put the blanket over their legs as the carriage started forward. The carriage wheels made little sound as they rolled, except for the light crunch of the snow getting backed beneath them. The snow was coming down harder now than earlier, and it looked like Rhydin was heading for it's first blizzard of the year. Tal took Maria's hand in his. He could smell her delicious fragrance, and knew she would be hard to resist long enough to have their dinner. Yet, he would try. "I've been looking forward to this dinner with you. The Countess had a wound to her head and I've told her to stay in the castle. So, my love, it's just you and I." He winked.

Maria smiled softly, curling against him, "I have so looked forward to this, time to be alone with you without worrying about jobs being done or not done," she smiled sweetly, "and I can not wait to get there, I fear my hunger will consume me if I do not eat soon."

"Well, then we much hurry, for I want nothing to consume the woman I love except for me." With words unspoken he signaled the dark driver who always kept his face hidden within the cowl of his black cape. The carriage moved faster and within thirty-five minutes they were pulling up in front of the "Highlander Hotel and Resort" on the outskirts of the city, overlooking the banks of the ocean. At this time of night there was nothing to seen but blackness and wind driven snow. The carriage door opened and Tal emerged first and held out his hand for Maria, while holding his hat on with the other hand.

Maria slipped her hand into Tal's and let him help her down, a first sense they have met. She folds her cloak around her against the chill, rising her collar and looked up at Talomar, letting him lead the way.

Without delay he lead her to the main doors that were recessed in the circular drive in front of the Highlander. Valets opened the door for the distinguished couple and they entered. Tal escorted Maria past the reception desk to the restaurant that was decorated on the outside in dark woods and brass and a large sign with the restaurant's name carved with gold inlay. Their coats were checked and they were escorted through the elegant dining area whose interior had subdued light so that the guests could enjoy the outside view, which usually clearly showed the cliffs and ocean. Tonight it was only snow being driven again the window at an enormous rate.

He smiled and held her even more tightly. "Me too, sweetheart. Me too," and he truly believed that he could have and been perfectly happy. The song ended and another began. "Let's go back to the table," he whispered.

Maria hesitated, loath to move, if only for a short moment before she nodded and slowly separated from him and slipped away to lead the way back to their seats and their half eaten meal, sitting once more.

"I didn't want your meal to get cold. Perhaps we can dance later for it looks like we're going to be here all night." A full scale blizzard was blowing outside the restaurant, and the snow had become nearly a half foot deeper in just the time they've been at the restaurant.

She looked up and out the window and smiled softly, "Indeed, it does," she nodded, glad to be inside and not stuck on some street some where running from the bounty her lover had seen to. She picked up her fork and went back to the chicken and smiled softly, "We shall have to try something more animated next time," she added.

"Oh?" he said while putting the last bit of salmon in his mouth. "And what were you thinking. The tango?"

She smiles, "It has been much too long sense I have danced a Tango, I'd be likely to hurt someone, if not myself," she smiled at him.

He laughed, "Well, to tell you the truth, I could have just stood there motionless with you in my arms and have enjoyed myself immensely."

She smiles softly and looks down at her plate as she finishes off her own meal, "I know the feeling," she answered with a nod before taking the last bite off her fork.

He finished off his second glass of wine and notice she still had some left in her glass. "As soon as you finish your wine, I have something to show you."

Maria looked up at him then at her glass, and smirked, she had been kind of nursing the drink and she picked up the glass to finish off her first glass of wine before setting it aside, "Something for me my love?"

He gave her that look of 'you'll just have to wait and see', then rose from his chair. "I want to show you something."

Maria blinked in confusion and moved to stand as well, setting her napkin by the plate, "What is it?" She asks curiously.

"Come, I'll show you." He took her hand and led her to a dimly lit part of the restaurant that had a large picture window. "Look out here. You'll not see much right now, but on a clear day you can see the cliffs that line the shores of this area of Rhydin, and ships out on the water." Tonight they would see little more than snow whipping around the resort on the currents of wind.

Maria focused her gaze out into the thickening darkness and the swirl of white around them of the snow falling outside the window.

He maneuvered himself behind Maria and placed his arms around her, nuzzling his cheek against hers, just holding her and swaying slightly. "It's a pretty sight when you can see something."

Maria smiled, "I like the snow my love, its tranquil and pure and when children about it has a magic to it that no one else see but when they are laying in it staring at the stars while leaving funny shapes below them," she looked up at his reflection and smiled softly.

He smiled, "Of course, you are right." He kissed her cheek and removed a flat case covered in soft black velvet from his jacket pocket. He opened he case and allowed her to see the reflection in the window. Reflected in the window was a diamond necklace with matching earrings and bracelet. "I'm a few hours early, but happy Valentine's Day, my love. I think we can celebrate that day even in Rhydin."

She blinks in shock once more and her gaze drops immediately to the box, "My love," she breaths softly, a hand moving to her chest, and slowly she smiles, "surely it is too much," she reaches out to run her fingers over the jewelry.

He holds out the box in front of her as he looks over her shoulder. "No, it's not enough. You never ask for anything from me and I always want to give you something. Your pearl necklace is beautiful, but with the amount of going out that we shall be doing, I'm sure that an alternative to the pearl necklace will come in handy."

Maria smiled softly and nodded, "It is most beautiful my love, thank you," she looked up at him, kissing his lips softly. "I do try not to ask for anything," she turns back to the gift and slowly takes it from his hands, "I never want doubt in why I am with you."

As she took the jewelry box he placed his hands upon her hips and kissed her neck. "I don't doubt why you are with me. I should also tell you something. You are not with me just because I needed a valet or a strong person to handle difficult situations. I've asked you to be with me because from the moment I saw you, I fell in love with you."

Maria smiled softly, remembering that day and her attempts to grab the most obviously rich man's attention, at the time she had been after a meal and a warm place to sleep, but as soon as she found out what he was and how well he would treat her she had fallen deeply and madly in love with him. She looked up at his reflection once more, her dark eyes full of love, "I love you too," she answered softly, "I have sense that first night, and I am bound to you, my soul and heart are yours, I just wish I had a gift to give you," she added softly.

He turned her around to look at him directly. "To be able to gaze upon the most beautiful woman I've ever seen, is itself a priceless and highly valued gift than I don't take lightly."

Maria smiled softly up at him carefully closing the box and meeting his gaze, "Then I am more then happy to be there whenever you wish to gaze upon it, for time spent away from you is pure torture."

With that he lowered his lips to hers, and kissed her as they stood there in the subdued lighting. When the kiss had ended he asked her, "Do you wish for dessert or a cordial?"

Maria smiled softly, "My eating sweets wont bother you will it?" She asked, worried about eating anything that might make him ill when he feeds off her.

"No my love, as long as it's not an entire box of chocolates in one sitting," he said teasingly. "Would you like a little ice cream or cake or cr?me broule? I'll have a brandy while you have dessert."

She smiles, "It has been a very long time sense I have last had ice cream," she nods. She grins softly, "I think a slice of pie and ice cream if they have it."

"That sounds delicious! Do you like blueberry, peach or apple?"

"Blueberry would be perfect," she answered happily, it had been too long, she loved the fact that he seemed to read her mind at every turn, to know exactly what she wanted.

He smiled and signaled the server. "Blueberry pie and vanilla ice cream for the lady. I'll have a glass of Remy Martin." He looked at Maria. "You looked like a blueberry lover to me." He winked.

She grinned, "And strawberries my lord, raspberries, blackberries, you name it," she grinned, "I love any kind of berry."

He grinned, "I'll have to keep that in mind. Notice that I didn't order fish for you this time? I try to remember your preferences."

Maria smirked, "I like sushi my love," she pointed out and grinned and slipped back to their table, and down into her seat, setting the box gently between their place settings.

"Well then, next time we shall go to a sushi restaurant." The server came with her pie and ice cream and his cognac. "I want to know more about you. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?"

He pulled down the dress off the other shoulder and began to nibble that shoulder right to her neck. "You taste so good."

Maria let out a soft sound of approval as she let the dress slip down her arms, gently tugging the sleeves off and leaving her upper body completely bare to him.

He hands moved over her breasts, feeling her warm flesh against his hands, loving the feel of them as he sucked upon her neck. "You feel so good," he whispered.

She shifted back against him and smiled softly , leaning back against his bare chest, feeling the warmth of his flesh against hers, again making a soft noise of approval and shimming the rest of the way out of the gown, leaving her only in the red lace g-string that hid nothing from view.

"That's no fair. You are free of your clothes and I still have all mine on. This has to be remedied." He began to shed his shirt.

Maria grinned and turned around to gently push him onto his back once his shirt was off, kicking her shoes off and to the side, "Easily and wonderfully remedied my love," she muttered, starting a slow wet process of kissing her way down his chest to his naval, lapping at the depression there as she loosed his belt and pants carefully pushing them from his hips.

He was surprised to be laid upon his back, his heart nearly leapt out of his chest. "Oh, darlin'....oh Maria...you make me feel so good."

The room was so romantic, the night so perfect. He wanted her totally. "Oh Maria...I'm so in love with you."

She raised her head to glance at him again, smiling softly at him as she works her way up his body once more, dropping herself gently on his stomach, her fingers making soft patterns on his chest, "I love you too my dear master, I would do anything for you too," she added with a playful smile, fingers moving down over his ribs, exploring.

He just laid there, basking in the heat and glow of the fire, hearing the howl of the blizzard outside and the light sounds of the small flakes of snow hitting against the window. "You would do anything for me? Is that really true?"

Maria looked up at his question, her fingers still trailing soft patterns over his skin, "Of course it is my love," she answered softly.

He grinned a grin that said he had something on his mind. "You had a dessert, my love, and I didn't. Do you know what that means?" He was teasing her, loving her more than life and loving these moments together.

She blinked at the question giving him a confused look, "My love? You did not wish for anything," she pointed out.

"Oh but you are wrong. It's just that what I wished for couldn't be served in the restaurant."

Maria slowly smiled down at him, "I see," she purred softly, fingers resuming their exploration of her lovers sides, stomach and chest, "And what dessert do you long for my lord and master?"

"I long for the taste of you, my love." Looking at Maria, stunned once more by her beauty.

She smiled softly at his words, "Well seeing as I did say anything," she purred, softly looking down at him, and lowering to press her lips to his, kissing him deeply.

His strong around went around her neck and shoulders, holding her into a kiss that lasted several minutes. When the kiss finally ended, he smiled, "Now I want to taste your other lips."

Maria smiled softly, and chuckled, moving to slip down off her and slipped to her feet to hook the g-string with her thumbs pulling it lightly off her hips, teasingly before rejoining him on the blanket, laying out on her back for him.

He had wanted her but he could have his dessert this way also. He shed the remainder of his clothes and rolled over on top of her and began to place kisses upon her shoulders, moving slowly down her neck, taking his time to kiss every part of her exposed body.

Maria moaned softly at his kisses, her eyes following his movements, her legs spreading for him as she anticipated his touch.

He would go very slowly down her body with kisses, taking his time on each breast, sucking and licking and teasing each nipple until it was hard, the slightest movement of his teeth over her nipples, being careful not to hurt. He continued his journey lower.

Maria moaned and whimpered needfully, her hips shifting under him, funny how she had all the patients in the world until his lips touched her, then all she longed for was for him to fill her, to full fill her every need and in the process his own.

His lips lowered to her hips, kissing and licking their way down, but instead he took the detour down her leg, taking time as her Knee, her ankles, the arch of her foot, and to even suck on her toes.

Maria moaned and let out a soft noise of frustration as she looked down at him, licking her lips as she watched him play over her body, jumping at the play at her knees and feet, "Your killing me my love, slowly and torturously," she purred.

He started up her other leg, taking equal time with her foot, ankle, calf and knee, before moving his kisses to the inside of her thigh. He looked up at her with a grin, "I love to take my time with my dessert. I love to savor the taste and texture."

Maria smirked, "And to drive your love crazy," she purred and smiled at him, her legs spreading a little wider.

(edited for content)

He pulled himself on top of Maria and kissed her deeply. Neither of them would be getting up early and there was no reason to rush the night along.

She quickly enveloped him mouth in her own, tasting herself on his lips, as she deepened the kiss before very very slowly breaking it and smiled up at him, "That was very, very, nice love," she muttered to him softly.

He smiled down upon her, "That was the best dessert I could ever have, my dearest. You taste so good, and I feel so intimate with you when I do that." His hand cupped her cheek and his fingers combed through her hair around her ears. "I love you, darling...so very much."

Maria smiled softly, "I know the feeling," she muttered softly and looked up at him as she leaned into his touch, "I love you so much," she smiled softly up at him, "Let me get us a drink," she muttered softly.

He smiled and nodded and rolled off of her and laid there by the fire. "Would you toss me two pillows too, and maybe another blanket. There are extras in the closet."

She nodded and stood slipping away, removing the collection of pillows from the bed to lay out on the blanket with Tal before fishing through the room, finding the wine and a small collection of cigars and the blankets and a small complimentary box of chocolates. She gathered it all and a couple of glasses, dropping the extra blanket before she knelt beside him, setting the chocolates aside and offering him one of the cigars and the lighter as she moved to open the bottle carefully pouring the two drinks and curling her feet under her.

He watched her, loving every move of her body, her tight butt, her marvelous beasts; and the way she was getting them a drink and making their position on the floor comfortable. She was not doing this as a valet, but rather as lover - really, as a wife, which she was become more so to him than was the Countess who wasted her time with birds and animals and fidgeting with the decor of the castle, not to mention getting in trouble being where she shouldn't. This was how a wife should be...just as Maria was, and it was already looking up her in that way. He took the cigar and when it was lit he blew the smoke away from them. "Thank you, Maria....for everything."

Maria had spent the better part of her morning in the inn, with Hanzo, Keaton and Moon. She had learned much of the dragon woman, and felt a deep sympathy for the woman. She had spent a short time teaching her to better cope with the problems of her eye sight and was soon joking around with her, teasing Keaton. Maria snickered, trying really hard not to laugh.

Talomar entered the Inn, looking remarkably casual for him - black leather pants, blue jacket a package in his hands

"What?" Keaton raises an eyebrow at Maria, gulping down another huge bite of panini.

Maria looks up at her love from where she is sitting on top of the bar.

Talomar walks up to Maria...and pulls her into a deep,sensual kiss

Guess he'll never know. It's probably unimportant and affects him in no way, shape or form, right? He finishes off his sandwich and leans back a little in his seat, sipping at his beer.

Maria sinks quickly into the kiss, happily, with her on the bar makes the kiss without having to bend over for a change. Moon hears new footsteps and turns to face that way as Maria slowly breaks the kiss and smiles at him, "Good morning my Lord." From Maria's statement Moon knows it's a man, goes back to eating

Talomar releases her and out of the package he pulls a sterling rose to go with the diamond necklace, ear rings and bracelet he gave her last night "Good morning, darling...and Happy Valentine's Day."

Keaton's heart freezes in his chest, dropping right into the pit of his stomach at hearing those fateful words.

Maria smile brightens at the flower, "Oh, my, thank you my love," a slip of the tongue as she takes to rose inhaling the sweet fragrance.

"Valentine's Day," Keaton hisses to himself, eyes wide, staring at his reflection in one of the bottles. Maria glances at Keaton from the corner of her eye then back to Tal, someone forgot the date.

"Valen-what?" Moon had never heard of it

"One sec, Sweetheart." walks over to Moon Lyght and takes out a box of chocolate, knowing she can't see them, but can smell them. "Happy Valentine's Day to you too, dragon."

"It means I'm a dead man if I don't hurry," Keaton explains hastily to Moon, and quickly chugs the rest of his Heineken. Maria watches Tal go to Moon and smiles a bit more so.

Moon looks shocked "My goodness...thank ye sir!"

Talomar bows "Every beautiful woman deserves love today."

"Shops love people like you Keaton" Maria pointed out

"They know your rushed and will be able to sell you anything for any price."

A smile - genuine but curious - is cast to Talomar at this unexpected kindness, but only briefly. He gathers up his coat, pads down his pockets, and counts out how much money he has. "I'd likely sell my soul for the perfect gift." Keaton answered Maria. Talomar watches Keaton, was going to give him something too, but he looks in a hurry Maria Finishes off the last of the breakfast and pushes the plate aside.

Moon blushes "Such a nice thin' tae say...thank ye" loves chocolate

Keaton finishes counting... and tells himself to relax with a little sigh. "...She doesn't finish working for another several hours, anyway. I have time."

"You're most welcome, beautiful dragon." Talomar can be quite charming and diplomatic when he wants to be, walks back to Maria "You look beautiful, my love."

Keaton's stomach groans uncomfortably before settling. It didn't appreciate that chugged beer. The gears are still turning, though. What to get her? What to do?

"I have a pretty little mare I'll sell you." Talomar watches Keaton, is sure that he must be considering what to give Trix. Maria looks up at Tal and smiles, "Thank you my lord."

Moon looked towards Keaton "Yer awful quiet..."

"I'm thinking... and no, thank you, a mare won't do the trick..." He begins to stalk the room slowly, brow gently knit.

Talomar whispered to Maria "Not 'my lord', but 'my love'."

Maria smiles, "Yes, and most definitely that," she kisses him softly.Talomar returning the kiss with great hunger for her mouth Moon can smell the pheromones coming from the pair, and smirks

"Ahhh...Maria darling....If you wish me still to love, bring me back the age of loves; in the twilight of my days revive, if it is possible, the dawn. Awaken this old heart with the love of your mouth!" Moon was impressed, poetry!Keaton stops near the fire, mouthing silently to himself. Yes... yes, that's perfect.

Maria blinks at his words then grins, "Mmm, I could hear more of that," she sniffs the rose once more, small things make her so very happy.

"You want more? Ah...then....how about this? I praised the fortune that brought me to this land of Rhydin which now seems most enchanting to me. It is a brilliant land because the women in it are brilliant, combining brains with beauty beyond any precedent; and Maria, it is true of you the most of all."

"Dilemma solved," and Keaton goes to Moon, hugging her around her shoulders and pressing a kiss to her cheek. "Happy Valentine's Day, Moonluv..." He smirks, and then looks at the others: "And to you two, as well." Maria grins at his words and smiles at Keaton, no hug for her?

Talomar smiles: "Thank you, Keaton. I'm in a most fine mood this day." Keaton knows his limits.

Maria looks at Tal once more, "Mmm, I noticed, I should take advantage."

"Oh Keaton...you may hug her! I'm in a generous mood this day...within limits."

Moon hopes her mate will show up today "Thanks, Keatie pie" Moon would wink, but settles for a smirk

Keaton inclines his head with a little grin, and offers a hug to Maria, and replies to Talomar: "It's a good day to be in love."

"Aye...that it is!" Talomar agreed. Maria grins and chuckles and hops off the bar to get a hug and slips back to her true love.Of course, for me, every day is a good day for love! Talomar laughs Maria looks up at Talomar and smiles up at him, how she loves this man.

"Take care, Moon, and you crazy lovebirds," Keaton winks at the lot of them on his way out.

"My day will be a good one i'fn Sanrik shows up.". Moon grins "Bye Keats" Moon curiously fingering through her chocolates, picking one and eating it with a smile

Maria Snuggles into Tal's arms as Tal looks down on Maria and gives her another kiss as she is snuggled in the protection of his arm Talomar laughs I think our man Keaton owes me one! Maria grins and nods.

Moon scratches gently at her blindfold she knows she should air her eyes to aid in healing, but thinks perhaps its best she not disgusts the lovebirds Moon scratches and a small flake falls from the edge of the bandage

Maria moved out of the way to watch her lover work, curiosity fully peeked.

"Maria, remove her blindfold."

Moon smiles thinly as Maria moved to do as asked, carefully removing the fabric from her eyes. Healing always drained him and he seldom did this, but he would make this one exception As the gauze falls away a terrible mess is made apparent, where her eyes were were nothing more than two disgusting orbs of mucusy bloody scabby horror her cheeks redden, hating to be seen like this Talomar he took Moon's hands and raised her to her feet.Maria gazes at the woman more with pity then anything else as she carefully folded the cloth and set it aside, staying out of the way. Moon rises slowly, her tail twitching nervously

Talomar looked first at where her left eye should be, and as he did, his own eyes began to change...glowing, changing from their darkness to red, his fangs beginning to protrude, becoming noticeable. Maria shivers watching her love, wishing for a moment it was her before him, but knowing it would come shortly. Talomar grabbed Moon's head and pulled her face to him. His mouth opened upon her left eye. Moon's wings fly open in shock, panic racing through her, but she's frozen by shock. Talomar's mouth settled over her eye, looking like he might bite her face, his breath hot upon the eye socket

Maria shifted to watch quietly her love. Talomar's saliva moved against her socket and he felt his power as a master vampire being released. He held her body to him...tight....pressing, the heat of his mouth upon her face. Moon no longer wanting to fight or flee,she just allows this, a strange calm washing over her it was an erotic, consuming union, the only thing more intimate would be if he would be feeding upon her, from crotch to face, they were pressed tight. Moon's wings slowly close and she relaxes, starting to enjoy this encounter, forgetting everything else for the moment

Talomar then release the left side of her face, no long was there only a socket. He staggered a bit and then opened his mouth upon her right side of her face, the fangs holding it in position as the heat of his mouth washes over her,again his saliva washes her wounded eye. Maria moved closer, preparing to support her love as soon as he finished and losing the collar of her shirt and tugging down the collar of her jacket as she prepares to help him. Moon's body pulled tight against Tal's bare chest and tight leather pants the heat of his mouth and the moisture of his saliva wash the wound the power flows out of him once again, body pressed to body, mouth to face, the leather of the crotch of his pants against her loin cloth

Maria watched the two quietly, eyes watching not at all upset at their closeness, glad he could help her. Talomar finally releases Moon, an eye now where only a socket was...and he staggers into Maria's arms "Please...."whispered"...take me out of here." his eyes return to normal. He whispered very softly "I'll need to feed."

Maria nodded, quickly hooking his arm over her shoulders, somehow supporting his much heavier form, and headed them for the door, glancing at Moon passed out on the couch, on the way out, already prepared to feed him. "I know my love, I'm ready for that," she whispered back.

Talomar ignored all others, hating to be this weak he actually has to reach for the door to open it. Maria lead him out the door quickly and straight to the waiting carriage, helping him inside before slipping in behind him. Talomar leaves with Maria