"Raelin, why are you leaving?" The doe eyes starred back at her. Those perfect sandy brown eyes. That cute head of curled red hair. Zarina was only seven,she was a young witchling in the care of a few elders. Raelin had come across them in her travels. "I cant stay Z, You know why."

Everyone knew of corase what Raelin was now, more than just a witch yes, she had lived a long time.Too long. Every circile she had found since leaving home knew her with out a doubt. She was more than the last of a great house of elder witches, but she had been changed to something else. You couldnt hide it, not from them.The seers on every circle or coven knew. Raelin was a vampire.

Shed been that way for how long was it now?Shed been born in 1280, the years had flow by then. It was now the 20th century. So a little over 700 years, 729 to be exact. If she counted her mortal years till she was turned that is. She had been turned in 1305. She was twenty five living in Ireland then.

Her mortal life was really a bug blur. She recalled her family being decedants of a great witch. Everyone in the family had powers of some kind. Her brothers, her sisters. The women seemed the most powerful, but ehr father had powers no one had ever seen. rae had seen them, but she never spoke of them to anyone. They were all dead now,mabye some where a great great great great grand child lived, some one to carry on the line.

Now she went from circle to circle coven to coven. Witches, vapires,were wolves, shape shifters, shed met the lot of them. She eventually left Ireland, went to France and Egland and Italy. Saw so much of history. Wars and revelutions, famon and death and decay. Her family was gone, her mother, her father both died when she was still human. She could barey recall their faces now, she knew she had her mothers features, but her fathers eyes and light hair. Three brothers all dead, all the children of the Connor odd names .

Vesper was the first born son,and he had died when Rae was seven. She had barely known him, and couldnt recall him now. Lucas was the youngest and no Lucas was not an odd name it was his middle name Eoron. That was odd. He was shy Rae recalled, withdrawn, and sick a lot. He had died in 1304 the year before she had been turned . Raelin was the second oldest ,she would have been 26 that year if she had not been turned. She had a twin brother, Skylar Tasar Connor. They had been very close, she could recall him the best of anyone, his eyes the same green as hers, yet his hair was raven black like their mothers, his features like their father.

He disappeared the year after she was turned. She sought him out, but found nothing, now he was dead, yes unless. Raelin clung tot he hope that perhaps he was alive. An immortal elder. Not a vampire but a witch with so much power that they had gained immortality.

In 1301 her mother had died, and ehr father fallowed soon after that same year in the winter. By the time she was turned everyone was gone.

She recalled the night she was turned,and the vampire who had done it. He was dead now too by her own hand.

That was why she always moved, coven to coven, cricle to circle. Some how some where shed find a place for herself.

~~

She sneezed and stood up. The floor, wall,counter tops, every inch of the inside of building that was hers was now clean. Up stairs the loft was neat and tidy shed put her things away. That ahd taken ehr most oft he day. Cleaning that room top to bottom, the bath room took some major work. But it was looking like a real home now. In the door way to ehr room shed hung a few sprigs of dill for protection. The sheets were clean and washed with allt he scents needed for restful sleep.Lavender ,Chamomile and Flax the seeds were ina small bowl resting beside a live lavender plant.

Frankincense was burning.She ahd araaiged all her personal effects. She hung a dream catcher wita piece of turquoise in her window. Sprigs of dried lavender sat by her bed. She had her own box of healing crusyals in the top drawer of that desk. Quill,ink and paper,notes for herself about the desk.

She had cleaned with as many natural things as she could orange and lemon,lime and some vinegar.

Pennyroyal she hung in a green bag here and there down stairs.
She had a few crysals and gems stones about the small desk. At the foot of the bed was her chest of magical things, amulets, old world charms, fresh and dried herbs. On trhe chest was the triple moon, or simply the goddess crest. Three moons, one full in the center and one on either side, cresents of waxing and waining.. Books millions of books, it seemed now lay here and there and were stacked on the book shelves. In the dresser she put ehr clothing,and a few things for good luck, love and protection.

Down stairs it was so clean you could eat off the floor. She had placed all her things out now, the windows would come tomorrow or the day after. But their were her fresh anddried herbs,flowers and roots. Crystals and gems of every size,color and shape. Books on magic,on herbs, history and other things. She had every thing tagged and ready to sell. Everything on the shope floor,window, and on the shelves was for sale.

The stairs to the loft were now well hidden far behind the counter and door that led to the very small working space. There she kept all the things she mght need for making new mixes, bottles,a morter and pestal, her own book on herbs., satchels and baggies of every kind. She had a few jewlery pieces for sale, basic things like crosses, the triple sprial, the triple moon, pentagrams. Done in silver and gold with gems stones and crystals. Celtic decor was every where,green , gold and silver.

"Nicely done." She smiled and let her hair down. It was dark out now. Shed been working all day. Only to stop and take a break to eat. Of coarse shed brought a few months supply of blood, pigs, goat, and a few smaller bottles of human blood she had stashed up. She also had a fridge full of food, and a good place to cook it at. But her lunch time meal had been blood. It was part of life.

Now with the darkness settling she went up stairs changed and deiced to go see what this new town was all about. She was new here, and now that she was all moved in would stay a while.

"You can't deny yourself forever Raelin." A voice from the past echoed in her mind as she fled the inn. She was nearly running down the street. The tea had calmed her but something else had awoken she wasnt sure what it was. She was used to others of her kind and others that enjoyed drinking blood, to look at her as an odd one. She did drink blood, just not humans. Not usually. But it was what she was craving now. Three more blocks, she chimed inside her head as she ran, then I can open one of the bottles and just have a little. Human blood, donated. She had only five of those bottles left, the rest of her stash was animal blood.

She recalled what most vampires she had met had told her that she couldnt keep living that way, sure animal blood could keep you going, and human food had its good points. Chocolate, fruit and such. Sweet things shed grown a taste for. But human blood, warm human blood.

She could feel it now, taste it. The hunt, the kill. She ran faster, and hurried to her shop door unlocking the locks then bolting in side and locking herself in. A deep breath, lavender, chamomile, sage. Many scents hit her at once but she was already moving behind the counter through the workshop and up the spiral stairs. Her bag met the bed and she was at the fridge opening one of her stashed bottle, she poured it in a mug and sipped a little cold, then heated it up with a tuch of magic, a pintch of cinnmon on top once it was warm and she drank it. Like it was coffee,a sip, another, another. Till it was gone and her lips were ruby red from the blood. The bottle was empty, she sighed softly rinsed it out and sat it out to dry and all but licked the mug out before washing it.

"Get a grip." She grasp that triple goddess necklace she wore and closed her eyes. The blood rushed through her,making her feel sane again. She asked the goddess to grant her some strenght.

"Was it good?" The voice came from the bedroom. She spun and saw him sitting on her bed. He was a god amoung men. He smirked at her,his features were perfect but then he was an immortal. His hair was long to his his shoulders,and the oddest shade of deep red.It almsot looked purple in the light. His eyes twin pools of sapphire blue. "Zach."

She uttered the name and he grinned. Raelin knew very well that Zach was a name hed gone by all his days as an immortal. It was a human name,fitting for those he hunted. "Raelin, come now, you know better than to call me by that name, its only fit for the humans ."He rose fluidly and walked to her, he was dressed to his best, a fine silk shirt black as midnight, and pants of a deep ash grey. His jacket slung over her small bed. He always dressed to impress.

Zaos was his real name, and he was a vampire too, and also a witch, one of a few male withces she had known. Zaos was of a great coven of vampires and a large circle of elder witches. He was old, older than dirt. But he looked no more than thrity, even to her eyes. "Zaos."She spoke his name softly and he grinned, he crossed to her and pressed his hand to her cheek. " I am here dear. When I found that you had left Zarina and the others,I followed you. A nice little place you have here. A shope all your own, some place new. "He ran his finger over her lips, and lifted it to his own, "Mmm" He tasted the blood, " you have always had good taste for humans. Been denying yourself the simple pleasure?"

"I dont hunt my potential customers." He chuckled softly. "Rae, dear, your in a city full of others of our kind,and they hunt here. You could too, just now and again.I know how you enjoy your animal blood. "He said the word with distaste, " and human food has its good points. But you know sooner or later you'll find someone you cant run from. " She eyed him.

"I saw you in the inn, how that man was watching you. You dont hide who you are very well,you might get hunted. " She didnt move she just stood there looking at him. "Why are you here?"

"You called to me in your sleep,dont you remember?" Yes she did but she didnt want to admit it. She had dreamed about him, about their time together. They had been friends, and lovers and they had hunted together for the better part of a hundred years. He knew her,he understood her. She had loved him, and he had disimess that idea,and been with others many others.

He watched her smiling. " Come let me see you." He pulled her closer and ran his hand through her long hair and sniffed at her. "Mmm so fresh and clean,so sweet." His fingers danced to her shoulders and down her arms he admired her style, a mix of modern and old. Her shirt was girly, a ajde green pesant style shirt with gold designs on the front and back. Her pants were tight,low rising and black. And she wore flat black shoes. Like those dancers wore. His fingers graced her back,and sides. "Can you say you havent missed me? What I do to you." She couldnt say that, she could feel it already that spark that rose in her when he touched her, it was more than mere magic,it was the connection they had.

"Zaos.."She whispered softly as she felt his fingers grace her sides under her shirt. He grinned at her, "Hmm, I can sense that you want me,but you also want the abilty to be with who you choose."He titled his head at her. "You may bed who ever you wish Raelin,I would not stop you. Any man,mortal or other wise be happy to have you under him.. Or better yet on top of him." He grinned wildly, as his fingers pressed higher up her sides. "Its been how long? A full century since we last saw each other." Raelin backed away and nodded shaking off that feeling, "yes and how many did you bed in that time?" He chuckled, " jealously doesnt do you any good love. I have had a few, mortals. They are so fun. But they break so easily. "She glared at him softly. "You've refused to be with anyone, even though you had the chance many times. Why? Did I ruin you for any other man? Or is it just beacuse you yearn for my touch."His fingers rested upon her neck now.

She starred at him wondering how she could fight the feelings he gave her. He smelled so good,it made her mouth water. It made her putty in his hands. She knew it was liekly he used some magic to make her lust for him,or perhaps it was just how she felt for him that made her lust after him. "I have not found anyone that suits ny fancy, mortal men can hardly accept the witch in me, and most flee the vampire. " He chuckled to that, "You need ourself a nice litle vampire, or some mix breed,maybe a fellow witch?"She eyed him on that.

"Come now," he took her hand and pressed it to his chest over his shirt buttons. His own hand egded up her shirt across the silk and lace bottom of her feminine under garment. "Let us give in, for a while." His eyed measured hers, "You can pretend I am someone else.. if you like." Raelin shook her head and took a long breath. But before she could say no, his lips were on hers. In a deep slow kiss.

She didnt fight him, it would be rather useless to try, she was strong yes,but he had always had a will of steel. So she returned the deep kiss and let his hands explore her body.It wasnt as if he hadnt done it before. He licked her lips and smiled at the end of it. " I knew you had missed me." He leaned down and softly nipped at her neck. "I am staying here in town for a while, theres a little manor in the woods,suits me well. If you like you could come and see me,tonight for dinner?"

Raelin nodded. "Alright." He grinned, "And I can see if I can help you finish up setting up your little shop." Her brows rose at him, "what would you want in return." He always wanted something. "You know me so well, well come for dinner of coarse dress you best,bring some wine maybe,and a few things,since you'll be staying the night with me." She knew what that meant. "Alright..and in exchange you'll help me find some windows,maybe get some painters here to paint the building for me?"

He nodded, "anything your little heart desires. "He grinned leaned down and kissed her again. "Say around eight,I could send a carriage for you."

She nodded. She had to agree what else could she do. He smiled nodded and with one last kiss to her lips turned and left. She watched him go and felt as if everything had just exploded,Zaos was here in Rhydin. Watching her every move, and now hed made her an offer, and offer she couldnt very well refuse.

He led her up a wonderful stair case, and in to a large dark room. The windows had dark curtains over them and it was lit with gas lanters. Very vampire. She thought and he chuckled as he closed the doors behind them. "No need to hide what I am from you. " The bed was massive and had expensive sheets and blankets. There was a dresser, a desk and not much more in the room. He walked past her and she followed him. In the dark she could see him, but he wanted her to see him even better so he lit a few more lamps.

He then crossed to her. Slipping off his shoes and socks as he walked. She slipped her heels off and stood on the cold floor. He walked to her around her, slowly unzipping her dress. He peeled it off her, slowly his hands dancing over her skin, over the lace of her feminine attire underneath that dress. He grinned as she undid his shirt and pants and watched them fall.

He kissed her bared shoulders and along her chest before lifting her up in one fell swoop. He carried her to the bed and laid her there, and lay beside her propped on an elbow. He was going to tease her, run his fingers all over her till she was no longer tense. And that is what he did, un bound her like some ball of tightly wound string. Then he finished undressing her, and continued to unwind her. He grinned as her fingers explored his back and shoulders. Smirked to knowing those hidden sighs of pleasure were for him.

He unwound her till she was liquid. Then he sat up and reached for something. He brought out a wine glass. "Drink this my dear." He offered it to her and she eyed him with suspicion. He chuckle and drank some of the blood inside. "You must taste it." She sat up and drank a little from the glass. It hit her like two tons of bricks, it was so blinding, the blood was old, but still warm and pulsing with power. He sat the glass down a way and leaned down and kissed her red lips. Her mind swam in the rush of the blood.

He knew what she was feeling he was feeling it too. He could barely stand it any longer and leaned up and over her laying on top of her propped up. "Who's blood is that?" He grinned to the question. "You've tasted it before, but not like that." Her brows rose to him, he grinned. "Its your blood." He nodded, " I found this old witch in the forest a few years back, she said she could turn immortal blood back in to mortal blood. So I had her try it with mine. I was very powerful when I was mortal...wouldn't you say?" She nodded, "yes but as I recall your blood now is quite potent." He grinned softly. "More so now.. maybe I'll let you have some. After."

He kissed her and she didn't stop him. The moment of pleasure was there in one instant.And she cried out in pleasure. She gave in to him, and he took her as he said he would. He made her skin tingle. As he kissed and nipped at her, he even drank a little from her. Magic sparks flew between them. Held forgotten how amazing it was to be with her. Had forgotten that he loved her truly.

And before the end she bit in to him, and tasted him again. It was richer fuller, darker than his mortal blood. And it drove her crazy with desire for him. When the clock stuck midnight, she found herself wrapped around him, breathing hard. He grinned at her. "I had forgotten..hmm." He stroked her arm with his fingers. He wasn't sure he could let her go now, long ago he found it easy to play with hearts of mortals and immortals a like. But She was his other half. When she screamed his name and moaned that she loved him he knew she meant it, it wasn't the magic that mad her think it. She had always loved him. And honestly he loved her, but couldn't tell her.

The shope was coming together outside the men shed hired from the list Zaos had given her were paiting the building, a nice shade of tan. Shed also asked them to please paint the door blue was well if they'd be so kind. The windows had been hung with care eariler, she had to clear off the window sills and the tables,so the men could work but now the windows hung and passers by could see in as she rearragnged things just perfectly.Shed have to get some nice curtains for those two windows. That would come later.

For now she carefully watched the men paiting. Shed paint on the name of the shope above the widow ehrself,later in the day when the sun was not so bright.As it was she was standing in the shade of another building.She hadnt found any sun glassess yet. Shed been too busy.

Busy really wasnt the word for it. Shed been distracted.Now more than ever with Zaos in town. As if she didnt have enough to worry about with opening the shope. Shed made a few aquantiances at the inn, and a few other fellow shope keepers as well.She was hoping to bring them in, to look around at the very least. Herbs and spices were good for cooking as well as magic. Then there was always those who knew that some herbs and some spices could be used for medicine.

Her mind wandered to the night before. "Miss? Miss?" She blinked and realized she was being spoken too. "Oh yes?" The painter smiled at her, " were all finished." The building was now a nice shade of tan, the trim was two tones darker around the five windows, and the now very blue door .She nodded and paid the man. She was glad now for Zaos's investment as he called it. She had needed the money to buy the five windows she needed, three below on the shope floor and two above in the loft. And she had to pay the men to put them all in. And now she had to pay the painters. She also needed more things for the shope and even after paying the groups of workers she had much more money than she needed.

She watched the men go off and she stood there in the shade. "Not too bad." She watched as people walked by the shope and looked in the windows. They looked to the carved wooden sign above the blue door nd she could see they were curious. For some time she watched people look in and pass on.She caught some of their thoughts. Some knew what the store was, and liked the idea. Some didnt like the idea. Most were just curious.

Only a handfull that passed had the thought to return whent he store was open for business. A handfull. Raelin sighed, then set out to shop for the things she needed. Perhpas shed be able to find some of them in the woods. Shed set out to town first,to serach around the buidlings and maybe even inside. She had found that even at late hours of the night many of the buildings in town went unlocked. She didnt take anything that would be missed, tea bags, simple things.And usually she didnt steal them she left behind coins or gems to pay for them. And always thanked the goddess.

She hurried off in the sahde of the buidling. The sun bothered her eyes more than anything else.And until she found sunglassess shed stay to the shade or use her long hair to hide her sensitive eyes.

"Thank you for coming." The morning was busy. Customers at last, it was her first offcial day open. Shed been open at night already, shed had a few sales to a few vampires the eve before when she returned to the store. She didnt sell blood, but she did sell things they liked. They were rather modern vampires, more like herself, those who part took in blood but enjoyed a fine real meal as well.

Zaos had been there the perfect business man the whole time, playing as if he too was shopping around. But now, he was gone and she tended to a dozen humans,and one elf. They bought spices and herbs for cooking mostly, there was one healer amoung the mortals looking for aloe and Balm of Gilead Buds. And the elf bought the most things of all. Raelin would have to find or buy a few more things before tomorrow, shed have to close up shope tonight and go looking. Zaos would come by she was sure, help her out. Knowing him hed appear with everything she needed and more.

She worked through the day,selling herbs and spices,and once in a while someone claiming to be in the art came in. It was never hard for Raelin to tell who was apart of the magic and who wasnt. Shed only seen two real witches. One bought Angelica,Anise Star Pods and Arrowroot powder. The other bought one of the hand made triple goddess necklaces with a lovey polsihed piece of Jasper as the full moon along with a bag of almonds. Raelin smiled and thanked everyone, and wished them well. Blessed be and Merry Meet. She had said those words a billion times, and they were painted by the door way.

A few people came in asked questions looked around and left. No one stole anything,of this Raelin was sure.

She enjoyed the work she found. It made ehr feel so happy to help others even if it was only for cooking. Perhaps there was no place like hers, she knew their were stores that sold magical books, and weapons and even some that sold magical clothing. But she had not seen anything like her shope. It was one of a kind, like her.

By mid day shed made a good profit, good for rent and for a few choice things for herself. She'd use Zao's investment to restock the things she needed. She imagined that if he stayed here, that he would be a constant inverstor. He had money to burn. Centuries of it. She chuckled at that.

When a few children dashed inside ehr store she watched them .They were wide eyed and when their mother came in calling them out Raelin mealy smiled. "They were no troble at all here." She ffered them pieces of candied rose petal. "On the house." The mother at first shook her head but after the children pouted she gave in Raelin offered the candy to her as well. "Blessed be." The woman smiled took it and ate it, and Raelin saw that smile on her face as she left children in toe.

She had found it odd that most of the patrons had been women.Shed only seen a handful of men, one came in looked around and went, one stayed a while but didnt buy anything.She was sure she might have missed someone, she might need more help. Zaos was not that willing, he would come at night yes, but he did not like the day light, it bothered him. He could walk in it, but he said he was a night person period.

She could see him now almost hidding away in his manor with his servants. She smiled softly, they were very different but so much the same .

The day went by, and as the hour grew late fewer and fewer patrons walked in to the store, as the sun dipped lower it was those of the night who looked in the windows,lycans,vampires and mixed breeds, they looked in but didnt enter. Raelin welcomed everyone, no matter what. But they had to abide by her rules or else. By the time the sun was done, no one had passed by the shope, so she went to close up.

She closed and locked the doors and went upstairs.

The streets were dark. Even the lamps did not provide much light. Midnight was close.The bell of the clock in the far corner of the market ticked away.She could hear it, she could hear everything.The rustle of leaves, the foot steps of a paniced human running indoors. Those who hunted, lycans and werewolves and vampires.They hung out here at night, in the alleys on the roof tops waitng to strike and those who hunted them as well. She was carefull very carefull to appear human. Hurrying along the road, darting in to the light and out of it to the next.

Soon the market and those who hunted there were behind her and she had but a few streets to hurry down before the graveyard came in to view. She knew he was there ,she coulld sense him. Then she saw him back lit by the cresent moon. In ash grey his hair lit up that odd shade of purple in the moon light. She found herself hurring more to be at his side. Drawn so easily like a fish caught on a lure.

"Right on time." He spoke with out turning to see her there standing in the garden of the dead as he had called it. "Zaos." He was smiling she could just tell, even with out seeing his face. "Hello dear," now he turned to face her, "thank you for coming to meet me." He offered her his hand and she took it. He was back lit by the moon, and she could se how powerful he looked, his eyes glowed, not only from the moon but from the magic he behled and she knew he had fed very recently. She knew what he saw when he looked at her, her hair lit up by the moon like a chestnut fire, her face a glow, her eyes bright wild and green. "You look lovely, as always." She blushed softly, "your far too kind to me."

"I speak the truth. I asked you here for a reason." Raelin could think of many reasons he might want to see her again, had the blood made him lust for her again? Was he bored?Or looking for information perhaps? Or had he come to say goodbye?They were never much for goodbyes, he came and went like the wind. Sometimes she went,leaving him and all they had shared behind, in hopes of forgetting, but she never could.

"Raelin,"He looked down in to her eyes, "tell me why are you here?" "To start over again, some where I am unknown." He touched her cheek, "is that what you really wish to be unknown, is that why you left Zarina and the coven?Or why you left all the others?"

"I.." He knew her too well, he knew why shed left all those times.Him.

"Its me isnt it? It seems you always would leave after I arrived or before.."He looked distant now,his eyes looking off to the moon. "We've known eachother a long time." "600 years." "607 years, it was 1402 when we first met. I remember it so well , you were young then 122, and I was nearing my 300's ."He smiled softly. " You'd lost your sire, your family, everything was gone and you'd found my house, my coven my great circle of night dwellers. Vampires and witches the most of us, a few others of mixed kind. "

"Ahh yes, Circolo degli abitanti della notte, the circle of night dweelers it was in Italy then." He smirked to the name "Its just The Circle now. And its still based in the old world.How you and I came to ber here, is beyond me." "I have heard of a magic a power here they call the nexus, it seems to draw people in from all times, new and old. Where were you before you came to be here?"

"At home in Italy in the villa, you remember the Villa dont you? The great wine, both of the grape and of those willing. It had changed some like the rest of the world, time moved on,the coven, the circle.. remained the same. We gained and lost a few, to hunters and those who wished to move on. Then one night I went for a walk and suddenly I was here. In that manor, with everything from the villa save for the wine. All my servants came with me. What ever power it was."He gazed to her, "It brought me to you."


"You haven't changed." She giggled at that,, "I am an immortal. "He smirked, "No no, I mean your you, sweet and kind and soft. Your the same as you always were. You once said you did not recall much about your life, that the turning had washed over it. "He touched her cheek. "Yes,I recall some of my mortal years, some what of my family and my home. But the process ,in it I forgot. "

He nodded, "so young, he turned you at the prime of your life." "I'd be dead now with out it. I hold no ill will to him." "You still blame yourself for his death?" She nodded, "the hunters were after me, not him. Azrael was not their traget that night." Zaos brushed his fingers through her hair, "they are the ones who burned him , not you." "I ran." He sighed, "If you had not,I would have never known you."

They were walking now under those trees. She took in the scent of pine.The way he looked at her as they passed through beams of moon light. They were night creatures,and the beauty of the night could not be denied. Not a word had been spoken. The only sounds were those of the owls,the soft breathing of sleeping animals. The soft padded foot steps of wolves and bears as they stalked the night.

They were alone. Only the forest and its beauty. He had chosen this place well, no other immortals no other night wanderers. She didnt have to wonder what he was thinking, he freely was allowing her in to his mind. She had offered him the same courtisey. Her mind was still racing with thoughts. That was until his fingers brushed along hers.

"You wont have to give up anything. We can stay as we are, you with your shope and me in the manor. And you may come to me and I to you.I will not stop you from seeing other men. "She chuckled, " and you will take other women?" He shrugged, "perhaps, but it is you I love. "He stoped in his slow walk to face her.

The light came down around them. Time seemed to stand still. Raelin had wished for this moment for so long. The idea of being together with him for ever washed through her mind. They were immortals and they did have eternity. Her mind was racing again, but his hand came through her hair. Then they rested upon her shoulders. "Relax." He chcukled, "we don't need to think about forever, just now. Live in the now like mortals do, they have gotten some things right."

When she returned from the coast it was late. She hurried to her shope and inside. No Zaos. She had not seen him not since the night int he grave yard, that moon lit walk in the forest. Had he lied to her? She had loved him for a long time. She felt a fool for loving him still.

She knew him too well to trust in it. He was a creature of habit and she, she was already heart broken. She had traded one man for another. Seeking solace and friendship. Not many had she met, very few of her own kind had she bothered to get to know. But a favor done in terms of the shope, and a friendship was born. Raelin wasnt quite sure what to do. He was not from here, but neither was she. He was a lord, a man of some money and dark history. But what immortal didnt have a dark past. He was of mixed blood, not that she minded that.

She readied for bed and starred out the window. Zaos was out there somewhere, and she was alone. Why was it so hard? She paced to her bed and sat down, the light still burning bright. Tomorrow shed take the day off, go out of town , for supplies and blood. She had found a good source for it after that order. Her mind wandered . She felt an utter fool for trusting in her heart again. Zaos would only break it, he would get bored.

And although she hated to admit it she was lonely.


She eyed the necklace she had worn to dinner with Zaos. She would not cry over him again no, she would not. She would settle in to bed and dream of something better.

The street lamps flickered and she hugged her bag closer,the cold didnt bother her but she wore a jacket any how, to appear more human. She walked quickly but no so quickly to draw attention. She heard soemthing, and saw five men hanging out in an alley way, theives she thought. She gripped ehr bag closer and hurried in to the light of the market.

They followed her though. She could hear them, their foot steps. She didnt have much money on her, she could drop it and run for the shope. She searched for their thoughts at first she found nothing. Most theives had very impure thoughts about women at night these men were no thieves.

Click, click, click. Ping.The sound hit ehr before she knew what it was, an arrow hit the ground by her feet and she turned to see their faces, five men, one very young. A blond man older,perhaps the leader, he was the oldest. Two had dark hair brown or black. One had tawny hair the color of tan sand and then there was the boy young and red hair,like fire. Two had cross bows, the rest armed with daggers or swrods, and crosses.How funny she thought. Sh wore a cross too about ehr neck of silver, did they see it or did they just see her. A vampire, alone. They came at her again quickly, shots were fired and she ran. She wasnt armed, sacagger in her purse and what magic she beheld. The first shots bounded off the cobble stones. She ducked the next ones,she could hear the leader yelling at them and taking the cross bwo for himself. He shot and the aim was true. But it hit her arm, going through anf through. She cried out in pain and hissed looking back at them with wild eyes.

Magic stirred in her as she felt blood drip down her arm. Another shot, another hit to that same arm,higher up. She cried out again and then let them have it. They were hit with a blast of wind as icy and cold as the hand of death. Four were blown back by it but the leader got one more shot off, this one hit higher still right through her shoulder. But that just angered her more and he got a taste of her goddess given powers over fire. He ran away yipping caught in flame.

She watched them all run off and made her way to her door and opened it. Locking herself inside she lowered her bag to the floor and winced. Shed have to take the arrows out one by one. She had spied in tot he youths mind, she knew how they knew what she was. They had seen her. Careless she thought.

After the thrid arrow she tooka long swig of blood. Her arm was a bloody mess. She trated each wound with salves and then wrapped her arm in a long simple white cloth. The painw as so immense she had to take a tonic for it. She barely had the enegry to clean up the mess she had made before she lay on her bed and gained some rest.

It was surpising.Very surpising. In one moment she had loved him. And he had told her that he loved her. And in the enxt she didnt see him or hear from him.And now shed been attacked.And Zaos, he was gone.Like some storm that came in to ehr and wrecked her heart and soul then left.

She was glad for the new friendship she had made. It was an odd friendship. But she had felt at ease enough to let down her guard with him. They had enjoyed nights at the inn and hall, enjoyed talking of magic and their histories. No matter how dangerous he was she felt oddly safe there. She had not told him thus. He flattered her with his kind words. She knew that face he took was only a mask, to hide what he really was. Something of mixed breed, a werebeast and vampire along with something else in his blood.

She had felt it now, after that blood link. He had vowed to hunt down the hunters for her and return their hearts to her. He had power,he used dangerous and dark magics.But to each their own. She was no less dangerous,she had just evolved a moral center about killing people. But she didnt care if others killed mortals. Vampires,and lycans and dark magaians will be as they are. She wasnt going to question them or dare step in to save the poor mortals.

She took some comfort in that danger. She had liked the idea of getting those hunters hearts, and watching them burn. She took a little too much comfort in his kindness, and sweet words. In his touch and yes in that kiss. He had asked, how odd. Many would not have done the same. But she had wanted to kiss him.

She liked the way he said her name. It wasnt right of her she knew, and foolish most likely. But she wondered what was more foolish. Being in love with Zaos? Or moving on? The score against the hunters would be settled. She trusted Kanaas to follow through on that. She didnt care how he did it. She owed him, and she would repay him some how.

But now, now was not the time for that.No now, she was setting off to track down Zaos and get some answers.

"Raelin,Raelin.."The female voice came and the moment Raelin saw her she growled. " Jeardra." The woman smirked and headed out of the shaodws, she was short, no more that five foot. Her hair was long ,strands of blonde that were so pale they appeared silver. Her eyes were silver grey like cold steel. She was an elf. And older than Raelin. Shed known Azrael. "Always the same Raelin."

Zaos was behind Raelin now, ripping out those darts. "Zaos, go get out of here now." He started to argue but when Raelin looked at him he left running through the shade. Shed find him later. She knew if he satyed that Jeardra would get to him again, and Raelin couldnt take them both on at once.

Jeardra was a powerful witch, she possessed botht he magics of a witch and those of the elves. She had always worked for the highest bidder. "Your hunter friends will be dead soon." Jeardra shrugged, " looks like they got you though." Raelin had almost forgotten about her arm.

"They were merely pawns. I knew if I got to Zaos I would get to you. Hes a wonderful lover. "She smirked. " But you know that already. I was hoping we'd face off again. But now is not the time. "She then disappeared in to the mist .Raelin wondered what she meant but then she saw them Rhydin guardsmen, they must have been called out,likely by Jeardra herself. Raelin ran then in to the trees to track down Zaos.

Jeardra was here that was a dangerous thing, shed have to warn a few vampires of her coming.

She found Zaos hidding a corpse of oak trees hidding in the shade. "Zaos.."She ran to him. "Are you alright?" He nodded, " the magic she had over me has faded, and my wounds will heal." There was still blood on his shirt. "I am so sorry."

He shook his head, "I am sorry. "He brushed her hurt arm, and took her hand in his.. " I didnt lie to you, I do love you. But .."There was always a but. "I cant stay here now, not with Jeardra here. "Raelin nodded. "I am going to try and find a way home. Will you come with me?" She shook her head, "No I will not run. Jeardra is one fo the ones resposible for the hunters finding Az. I will not let her live."

He nodded and kissed her once. Just once, one short slow kiss."Then this is goodbye." She nodded, she loved him and would miss him but she knew he had to go. "Maybe one day."He began then shook his head. "I will love you for the rest of time ,dear Raelin. " She nodded, she would love him for that long as well. He realised her hand and headed for the next groping of trees. Then Raelin heard it. Click,Click ,Click.

She snapped her head around looking for the archers. There was no one there. "Zaos! Wait!" She ran after him. Ping. Ping. She heard the shots. She heard his cry of pain, he had gotten to the next grouping of trees just varely beyond the sun light. As he turned to see her she saw it an arrow hit him from behind and went through the heart. "No!" She ran to him,time seemed to move so slowly. She was inches away, and reaching for his hand.

Then as if by magic the light came through the trees. "No!" His fingers didnt even touch hers and he exploded in to ash.

The wind blew the ashes away and the only thing of him left behind was that cresent moon pendant he always had worn.The symbol of the coven they had both once belonged to. She lifted it up and felt those tears glide along her cheek. Then the sound came again, click,click ,click. She rose and ran, ran as fast as she could before the ping sounded. Arrows hit the trees as she fled in to the day light. No one followed. She clasp that cresent moon pendant in her hand and walked alway back to town, tears streamed down her face.

She arrived back at the shope and locked herself in. He was gone, dead. And no spell could bring him back. He had not lied to her, he had been posioned. She sniffled and kissed the silver moon in her hand. She then hung the chain from her neck. Jeardra would pay ten fold for this. Pay with her life, even if Raelin had to die to get the job done.

A funny thing it was for Kanaas to care about anyone, he had not done so ever really. But for Realin he would do so, only meeting her a few days ago, and now..Companions. What was it about her that stirred his dark spirit? Her Beauty, Her Strength, Her Touch, prehaps all of these and more. Maybe it was the lonliness of Eternity, the Long years down the corridors of Darkness. He found a Darkness in her Light, prehaps she brought out the Light in his Darkness.

Twice now he shared the BloodLink with Raelin, to see those that Hunted her, including this Jeardra, this Elven Witch. He would go after the Five Humans that attacked Raelin. She had told him, that Jeardra was her's to have, and he would not deny Raelin that satisfaction. Kanaas' spies and informations, a small but growing web in the Shadows of the City had found one of the Five Humans. A young man, seventeen winters old, named Reginald D'Guarre'. A fiery, headstrong youth with Red hair and green eyes, with a lanky body and fading freckles.

Reginald was easy enough to find, he was always in the company of another one of the group. Luis, his older brother, by four years. Taller and somewhat more husky in build, the D'Guarre' Boys, frequented the local Taverns and Brothels of the Dockside. Both men drank and gambled and bedded women on a nightly basis. Hardly men of Virtue, very much men of Vice. This was a common folly of Youth, much like Kanaas' slightly older Half-Brother, Jacob. Prehaps the same old tricks would work in a New world.

But Kanaas' would be cautious and take his time, he had to build up his resources. He had to observe a bit longer and discover where the others were first. A plan fomented in his dark mind, charm and enthrallment. When the Brothers left their nightly trysts with some of the Girls at the Mermaid's Den Brothel, the Vampire Lord took aside two of the girls used that night. With his terrible power he dominated the two young woman. Easy minds make for easy Slaves to the Will of a Vampire Lord. He knew that Mortal men in the thrall of Lust would spill secrets. And so now his Web of Darkness, grew by two more women. It would be at least a month or two before he had to use his Power over them.

Pleased with the results left in a good mood as he joined his six Vampire minions in the West End. Making sure he was not tracked or seen, travelling the Sewers. Dispatching with a small band of Goblins and Kobolds, he continued on. Prehaps tonight in light of his mood, a bit of folly of his own with whatever victims were going to be chosen tonight.

Locked in her loft above the closed shope Raelin starred at the soild chest.It was locked,both with a normal every day lock and with magic, she had felt the power enough to know to be carefull. She sat on her floor eyes closed working to unbind the box from that magic. Shed easily broken the other lock already. But that magical one had many layers. Zaos had done this with good reason. If anyone should find it they would be all most ceartainly killed if they undid the normal lock and opened the chest.

She could see Jeardra trying to open the box in her minds eye and getting zapped to its by arcane magics. The idea made her smirk. She worked her magic over the chest, with spells and herbs and words she had known for a long time and then pop. It opened.

Inside were folded letters,dozens of them along with a few other trinkets. She fished out the trinkest first, there were gems of every color and size, along with a massive amount of gold and silver coins. Some of them loose some of them bound in pretty blue velvet bags. Spigs of lavender and little died jasmine flowers.Things she knew Zaos had saved thinking of her. There was a rolled up map of the old world. Alogn with a lovely charcole sketch of her. "Oh Zaos..."She set the trinkets one by one aside. There was jewlery inside too,silver earrings that matched that moon pendant he had worn that now she owned. ilver rings, a claddagh,a celtic not, a triple sprial.

There was also little bags of ehrbs, things that were hard to find Balm of Gilead ,Dittany of Crete,Mastic all used for bringing dead spirts back.
Poplar, Maidenhair, Yerba Santa , Borage things for beauy,strenght and astral projection.Black Cohosh, Masterwort,Lucky Hand the Dragon's Blood herb, which she had no idea how he found. Love Seed and Passion Flower, powerful herbs for friendship. She had never seen many of these herbs in her life time, no matter how she had serached but he had been older and mroe connected to the circles always.

The herbs she found most intersting were those that could be sued to rasie the dead.Had he been expecting to die? Or wer those something new.The ehrbs and trinkets aside she starred down at the letters.Eaxh one had her name on the front, and the date it was written as well. She went throught hem stacking them in order newest on the bottom and oldest on the top. She began with that one.

Written in 1500, they had already known each other a long 98 years. It was one of the longest times she had stayed wth him at the villa in Italy amoung those of the great circle.

Each letter was different, yet some how the same, more like pages for some journal than true letters he ever ment to give to her. She read the words I love you over and over again. Already unable to keep from crying. They were love letters letters and words hed written thinking about her.

She read each one, as the light of midday passed through the room. Some were written in frech or italian, she was glad she recalled every word shed ever learned. He called her his heart and soul. And damned him self for being so foolish to let her go, to use her as he had.

The last thre were before her, the first one from when he appeared suddenly there in the Rhydin woods. And how he first came to see her, at the shope working on the front of the store. The second was all of that dinner,t hat night they had spent and how he planned to tell her he loved her.

The last letter, written the night after hed told her he loved her. In it she saw what he must have been feeling when the magic over took him, his penned hand was no longer steady. His words were wuick and she saw water marks on the page hed been crying, in pain from what was happening. He had known what was happening. Jeardra was working ehr magic, he had even said so in the letter. And at the end he wrote quickly.

"If you have foudn the chest in which this letter is, it means I am dead. Know that i have gone with only you in my heart and soul. And that I do and always have loved you. If there is a heaven for us we who are damned, I will wait there for you always. " And then she saw it a small red box in the corner of the chest. It was velvet. She was shaking, her hand reached for it. She lifted the tiny box up and opened it. If her heart had been ebating then it would have shattered in to a billion peices. It was a ring, likely as old as time itself, but lovely and elegant.

Something he had found,something like her. Simply lovely. It was three diamonds, one in the center pear cut, and one smaller round cut on either side. The band was silver. Inside the band was written,inscribed. The word Forever. Done in every language shed ever known. And a very small triple sprial.

"Oh Zaos..." Tears still ran down her cheeks. She knew she would ahve said yes,if he had ever asked her. She folded the notes back in then the herbs and lavender. Then the trinkets including that diamond necklace hed once given her, on top she put the herbs for bringing back the dead, the ring box and that silver cresnt moon pedant with its leather like chain. She then closed the chest and placed her own magic over it. Shed kept many of the gems out along with the money, she knew it was his investment in her. She hid the chest and the money away, and then sat back to the floor and let the sorrow flow, there was no was no way to stop it now.

The sun was gone, shed spent most of her day locked in her loft above the shope with old memories. And tears lots of tears.

Zach found himself in a strange town, with no clue on how he got there. What was more troubling is that he could only remember one thing from his past. That was a name that continued to flicker through his mind, with the face being a blur. Raelin.

As he moved around the strange town, his questions were answered for the most part. He was in a city called Rhy'Din. Putting the name to memory, as he continued to search for a clue as to who this woman his mind was trying to remember.

It was then he happened upon the newly open shop, little did he know that it was owned by the very woman he had come here for. He looked over the wares of the shop, as he looked around here and there for a shop owner.

As he looked and waitted, he tried to focus his mind. Which only served to get him to furrow his brows in frustration. "" Muttered to himself as his hands came up to massage his temples.

This had been happening for the last week. Each time he tried to put his memory into order, it gave him a massive headache. With the only thing he managed to remember...was this woman.. As well as it seemly being a woman he held deep feelings for.

Would she recognize him? and would she beable to answer his questions? He only hoped she would be able to..As for the life of him..He couldn't put anything together. Minus this Raelin held all the answers.

He shook his head to cealr his mind of the pain, before starting to move around the shop again. He had heard the owner speaking to him, before he pressed a hand to his temple agan.. The voice sounded very familer to him, as he started to breath in deeply. His other hand caught the table, as he shook his head clear again.

"Perhaps you can help me. I am looking for a woman named Raelin. But for the life of me..I don't know what she looks like." His voice coming out soft, yet there was a touch of confusion laced in his tone as well.

He slowly turned to face her, taking note of her tense form. Getting him to lift his hands up where she could see him. "I am not here to harm you..I am just looking for answers. You see..my mind and past is a blur. All I can remember in her name. Nothing more." It was odd how freely he gave this information away.

For some reason, he felt that it would help ease the tension. Little did he realize..This was the woman he was looking for. He kept his hands in plain sight, and didn't make a move towards her. Nor did he make a move to leave.

The moment she told him, that she was the woman he was looking for. It got him to lock eyes with her, his brows furrowing again, as he sank in to the chair that was behind him. He took a deep breath, to calm his mind again. While closing his eyes, he seemed to be trying to put her face to the name.

"I need help to put my memories back together. Your name is the only thing that I can clearly remember. I do not know why at the moment..but it has been the only guide I have had." Said softly to her, as he openned his eyes to look up at her.

Ice blues stay on her face, as he traced it withi his eyes. It lasted a few moments, before a hint of a memory came to his mind. "I..wasn't always human...was I?" He vaguely remembered a part of what he had been..But couldn't remember just what that was.

He kept his gaze on her as she started to tell him about his shattered memories of his past. Getting his brows to furrow a few times, as that shock of pain over took him again. With the hints of his memory returning to him in his eyes.

"A vampire.." Murmured when she told him what he had been, as he watched her as she moved to get him a cup of tea. Once she returned, he started to sip at it. Pondering on what she had already told him.

His gaze looked her over slowly. "I was the one that turned you into a vampire." Seeing if he was right as parts of his memory were starting to come to the surface. Parts of it falling into line, as well as the images starting to race through his mind.

It was seen in his eyes as each one slowly started to come forward. "We were also very close..lovers and in love." His brows furrowed as he downed the rest of the tea. With a nod for her to start filling in the blanks.

Zach remained silent as he listened to Raelin, keeping his eyes locked on her. There were moments he closed his eyes, as he was slowly starting to remember each memory she passed onto him. A sip of tea here and there, before setting it to the side.

"Please continue." Softly to her as he, without thinking about it. Moved a hand to be placed over her's, giving it a light squeeze. A silent hint that he was remembering parts of their past together.

He smiled back to her as he noted the odd luke warm feel of her skin, but again remained silent as she spoke. Again getting his eyes to close when each old memory returned to him, with a light squeeze of her hand. A deep breath was added here and there.

Once she paused again, he moved to stand now. Arms crossing over his chest as he started to pace, thinking over what she had told him so far. He then glanced to the window, taking note of how late it was. A yawn passed his lips, getting his to shake his head of the daze.

He then looked back to her, letting her again see that she didn't need to go further with what happened. "We were attacked. I was shot with an arrow through the heart, then the sun came up..killing me." Said softly as he sensed she was avoiding that.

He went quiet as he watched for her reaction now. Already knowing what that event done to her. "Raelin. I know it is hard to believe, but it is me. I do not know how I was brought back. I guess my will to live was strong enough to make it happen." Now moving to look out the window.

He nodded lightly as he kept his eyes out the window as she started to tell him of their past again. He then turned to look at Raelin as she moved to lean on the counter, before moving towars her. "Enough Raelin." Slowly moving up to her.

He then slowly turned her to face him, before using a few fingers to wipe the tears from her cheek and eyes. " I know a lot has happened, but perhaps we should rest for now." Giving her a light smile, before he turned to head for the door.

He had learnt a lot of his past, and needed a night to ponder over what he had been told. " I shall see you later, try and get some rest." Said as he looked over his shoulder to her.

He looked over his shoulder to her before stepping out into the night, before turning to head away from her shop. She had given him a lot to think about and a lot to piece together. Most things were still a blur, yet the things she had told him. Had put that part of his shattered memory back into it's proper place.

He moved to one of the smaller inns, before getting a room. After thanking the innkeeper, he moved up to the small room, before sitting down upon the bed. Resting his chin in his hands, before shutting hsi eyes.

He just sat there for now, letting the returned memories pour through his mind. As well as recalling the events leading up to his death, he then recalled the face of another. It got his eyes to snap open, before looking around his small room.

"Jeardra in due time..you will face me again, and this time the outcome will be different." Murmured softly before standing up, and started to get ready for bed. With him hooking the sword on the bedpost within reach. He then slipped under the covers, and fell asleep.

The customers came and went some muttering wthings about the Prop 37. The issue had not yet blown over.But no mops had tried tor an sack ehr shope, no one came at her with burning crosses yet. People still came for supplies, some for cooking some for magical use.
She greeted every customer and tahnked then whent hey left even if they only looked and never bought anything. She was not supised to see one of the coven come in. It was the one with the long drown ahir and eyes like emeralds. Raelin did not know her name but she knew her face. "Hello Lady Raelin." "Greetings,sister of the coven."

"Oh yes, Acacia never did get to telling you who was who,I am Angelica. I am here to hope you have deiced to come to the meeting tomorrow night." Raelin nodded she ahto a conculsion tot hat beofre Zach appeared, " Yes I am coming." Angelica smiled, "Oh good. You will get to match all the faces you saw with names then, Acacia will be so happy to have you come. "

Angelica then set forth to buying a large amount of goods. Raelin was happy to help the coven with anything they needed. Once she was done Angelica smiled to Raelin, "see you tomorrow night then." And she ws off back out the door and two of the others came and met her, the one with the sea blue hair and the one with the raven hair. Raelin would be happier knowing each name of those in the coven.

The rest of her afternoon was spent making new satchles and tending to customers. Her mind wandering to Zach. He had every right to stay away, shed laiid a lot at his feet. She knew what it was likenot to know your past, she still couldnt recall hers, and some how wished Az was there to tell her. Or better yet Skylar. The idea of her broher being alive wa s a wishful thing.

The day began to slow after lunch, only a few regulars came in for herbs and spices to make dinner. She was starting to know them all by name. None of them had she seen at the inn, in fact no one from the inn had even passed her store, shed fix that soon enough. Soon the last rays of the sun were setting behind the tall buildings and she was sweeping up before closing. She knew it was too much to hope to see Zach , he was likely locked in some room some where trying to remember everything.

Would he recallt he chest?Or would she had to break down and tell him about that too. As she locked the door and set the closed sign out she looked in to the dark street.

The lamps had just flickered on. It was always so odd to see no one about, everyone who dared be out was careful. She didnt feel like going out. Nor she knew would she sleep. But she drs over the front windows and went upstairs. The shope became dark as the lights in the loft went up. She could curl up in bed and read. Yes, that might help her get her mind off Zach.

She took out one of ehr older books and lay it on her bed before chaning in to her night clothes. Then she curled in to bed. She had the book before her but didn't lift it up. She was thinking of him again. The last time she saw him, starring in to his eyes. Wishing she could just hurl herself in to his strong arms. Wishing he would crush her lips in a kiss.


She had to remind ehrself over and over again that he was mortal now, he was not the play boy Zaos had been. She wondered if this was how he was before he was turned, soft and gentle yet still a warrior. His eyes hadnt looked at her witht hat intesne need that Zaos's always had. But he recalled they were lovers, it meant little now. Now he was mortal, and she would protect him from their eneimes.

She knew they could never be together again. She recalled the night of that dinner, the night shed tasted the blood he had magically tranfured back to his mortal state. He had been bursting with power as a mortal, and he was over run with that power as an immortal. The magic flowed freely so easily.

She recalled the atste, sweet and rich. It amde her toes tingle. She had smelt that blood,when hed been so close to her, felt the pulse of his heart when his hand touched hers. She was what she was,the yerning for human blood had never gone away, no matter how many times she tried to tstay to her' diet'.

She bit her lip and opened her eyes. Long ago if she had been thinking about him and he had been any where near he would have been there starring at her smirking like the devil he could be. But the room was empty. No book would get that memory out of her mind. Not now, not ever.

"Anyone home? Or do I need to go elsewhere to buy the spices I need?"

The voice rocked her from her bed like some waking dream.But she wasn't dreaming was she. She eyed the clock on the dresser, it wasnt that late. She glanced to the open window and then rose up quickly, dawning her robe as she Down the stairs she dashed barefoot, turning on the shope lights as she went.

She looked out the little peek window before unlocking the sevral locks on the door. "Zach."She smiled and ran her fingers through her hair. "Hi." She doubt very much that he was looking for spices, yes in a life before he could cook, and used herbs and spices for magic. But this was a new life. " Did you need something?"

She knew what she looked like, like shed rolled out of bed,bare foot with that deep indigo night gown and matching robe on. Both had little trees of life all over them. done in irdesent colors, the little tress shimmered in the light of the shope. her hair a little mess of soft chestnut waves.

"Would you like to come in?" She held the door open for him a little more. Why was he here? She wondered staring at him.

She closed the door behind him.Then she froze at his words. "Old letters... memories..." She blushed and swept her hair behind her ears. She noticed that hint fo something in his eyes for a moment. Then moved across the room after locking the door again. She fiddled with her hair more when he said somehting about her look, and tied that robe tighter.Her cheek red as as rose.

She caught that wink as she sat down.So he recalled their nights together now?As well as the chest of momentos he had left behind for him to find. What else did he know?

She didn't know what to say. To the fact that he recalled how she looked after their night together, yes at one point Zaos had seen that night gown under that robe, he had slid it off with his pinkys and kissed over her shoulders and lower. The memory made her blush more."I wasn't reading any old letters.I was just awake."

Thinking about you, day dreaming. She folded her hand sto the table pushing a few of the crystals and spices over so her too could rest his hands there. "So, was there something you needed?" She glanced outside, it was the middle of the night , not that that bothered her, she was after all a night creature. With the drapes over the windows she could see that the lamps outside had flickered off. It had to be near midnight.

Still as a stone she sat and looked across the table at him. She wondred could he read her mind? Or was her face that easy to read? She hadnt always thought so, but he knew her.Even now he seemed to know how easily to read her eyes. He always could do that. And he looked so swave while doing it.He didnt cut corners he was blunt to the point.

Her brows rose, what had he promised? To be with her forever?To love her?Or was he speaking of that unspoken promise, that little red box in the locked chest in her loft? She didnt speak even as he spoke her name, if her herat hadnt stopped beating decades ago it would be druming in her ears now. "What do I try to hide?" Combative, very Raelin.

As she followed his hand in that simple motion she knew there was nothing simple about it. She slid her hands back along the table,crusing some herbs in her fingers as she did.Hopeing they would steady her. "Things can never be as they once were. " She rose fluidly. " I agreed to help you get your memories back and I shall do that. It seems you've recalled your last gift ,gifts."She corrected herself, "to me." She ran her hand through her hair, slightly pacing. "I can tell you what I know of your past," She didnt sit down again. She just walked past him to the book shelf and pulled a worn old book fromt he very top, she had to stand to her toes to get it.

She sat the book in front of him, it was a map, not of Rhydin or this new place.No of what she called the old world . Europe: France,Italy,Ireland,Scottland,England, Greece. Asia beyond and the Americas beyond all that across a sea of black and white. "This."She tapped her finger to Italy. "Is where we met, six miles just outside of Rome. You, were born here."

She slid her hand along till it tapped Greece. "And I was from here." Again her finger moved to Ireland. "You never told me much else than where you as a mortal were born,and your sires name. You told me much more of your life as vampire. The years you had with your sire, and the years after he was killed. " She had not yet said the name.

" You told me of your time trying to go off human blood, you did too for some time with me. But old habbits die hard, as you once said. Your family, or what you could recall enough to tell me, was a band of powerful witches, though they would never have called them selves that. Seeres, and profits and wise men and women. You were the last of their house.We shared many things in common back then, the loss of our sires, the loss of our families. A link through magic and immortality. That." She looked in to his eyes, "is gone."

She left the book before him, the pages were worn and many of them were marked by beautiful book marks done over many years by Raelin herself. The section on Greece was marked off, as well as Italy and Ireland. In the very back of the book penned in his own hand was a short inscription. "To Raelin, so you may always look back to see through time. Z"

She was leaning to the counter now. "I can try to sum up the first time we faint of heart." If was his life, his memories. So in turn his choice.

She starred in to his eyes lost in them as he spoke, she felt that need to lean in to his touch. And so she did even if just for a moment.Everything came rushing back to her, it wasn't as of she could forget it. She caught that grin. She was still washe d over through the moment, she didnt see him moving. How was it he was at the door? He was leaving? No, No, No, No. She should have detached herself from the counter. She should have screamed those words. But she couldn't move. Did she honestly think what they had was lost? No. She loved him still.

But something kept her still, even as he unlocked the door and left. What was she doing? She was moving now but it was too late. She stood alone in the shope the door still open to the night outside. This was stupid she should run after him.But the night was dark. What was she scared of? Not the night, not the darkness.No shed have to be a fool to fear those. She was a vampire, and a witch. Both danergous things alone but together she could be even more dangerous. It wasn't the night or darkness she feared. It was the idea of lossng him all over again, and now he had walked away before she could ask him to stay. Beg him to,plead with him.

But it was too late. She looked to the book there still on the table and walked slowly over to it and sat, the door seemed to blow closed of its own magic. But she did not trise to lock it, she just pressed her fingers over the worn writting in the book.

She wouldn't cry, she wouldn't cry. She took a breath and closed the book, and rose putting it away. Then a sound outside drew her gaze. Was thata wolves howl? She walked away from the book shelf towards the door. It was an odd sound it didn't sound like a lycan,or any other werewolf type. No this sounded like a real wolf. She peered though the window in to the night.

A white wolf. She starred at the creature for a moment throught he window then slowly opened the door. Wolves were magical creatures, creatures of night and of the hunt.Family creatures. Pack runners. But this was a lone wolf. A lone white wolf, it was a beautiful creature.

She looked to it,slowly, then knelt to her knees. "Hello there." She smiled bitting back tears still,holding out one hand towards it, carefully. "Are you lost my wolf friend?" She looked to its ice blue eyes for a moment. It couldn't be.

She giggled to the lick and wahcted it walk in to her shope.The door closed behind her. As she moved to lock the one of four locks the wolf jumped on the table, "My table." At least there wasnt too much left on it now, then of all things it took the book. "Hey thats mine." She ran after it now as it headed under the break in the counter and in to the work room.She had to jump the counter and follow it through the work room. It was already gone up the stairs. Turning the lights off int he shope as she went.

She hurried up after it but as she opened the door in to her loft it was gone. The book on her bed and Zach was there. "Zach..did you see?" She blinked at him. What the wolf dragged in . She eyed his grin on that line. How did he? How was it possible? And he was turning to go again. "No, your not leaving again. "

She blocked the door, there was only one very small high window, no way else in or out. "I want you to stay,please." She starred at him, wondering if her assumption that he might have been the wolf. The idea played in her mind as she looked back to his face, those ice blue eyes. Was it even possible? Some vampires could become wolves, she had never know Zach to have that power. Some witches,wizards and mages could turn them selves in to animals. She starred ta him for a long moment still blocking the way.

"I should have never let you go the first time.." She moved from the door towards him. And now after fighting it for so long she hurried to him and embraced him. Carefully of coarse she didn't want to hurt him.

She smiled to him and as he took a step back so did she. .He was staying though, that was something. "Immortals don't need sleep." But she wished for it, to lay in her cozy bed. "But I think I might need it this once." He had always been a man of his word, though he had never uttered those words before. He had neevr been one to stay till dawn.. Always gone before it. She watched him sit in the green chair in the corner of the room, the cozy chair more cozy than the two wooden chairs by her small kitchen table. She climbe din to bed and curled under the covers and closed her eyes.

He would have full access to her loft. It was small, It was small,three rooms, the bedroom, a kitchen dinning area, and a very small bath room. . There was a small bed, a wooden desk ,dresser and her books shelves. The kitchen had the modern applainaces of a stove and fridge,a nice sink and shed brought her own round coffee table of wood with matching chairs.

Of coarse there were wild herbs in their little boxes,flowers of every kind in vases and growing out of pots. Herbs drying dangling just aove his full height when standing there in the kitchen. The fridge was stocked with human food as well as blood both human and animal.

The dresser was old, it held her clothes and on top were crysals,herbs and tools of her trade. The desk had an ink well ,pen and paper. He was seated in its chair. On the desk was that old chest with the cursive R, its cletic markings shown in the lamp light. On the desk was also that crystal bowl with Balm of Gilead , Dittany of Crete , and Mastic.Inside, Next tot he bowl was laying that cresnt moon pendant upon its leather like rope.She'd taken it out again.

She was sleeping now, soundly. He had free reign to her loft and the shope below. There were books on the shelves there in the room along with herbs,spices, gems,and jewlery of different kinds. There was more tan just one book he could look at, not only the one in his hand. Seeminly of their own accord the books that he ight want to peek at pulled them shelves slightly from their shelf and poked out of their neat lines. Some were on the old world as Raelin had called it, some where on vampires, and magic. Things he might want t read up on.

Sleep was always an odd experience for her. She was no longer mortal so sleeping was more for the healing of mind,body and spirit than real rest. But she did dream, she always had dreams. Az had called them visions more than true dreams. What once was, what could be.

She had this dream before. Alone in the woods where he had died. But not alone. It was jnight, it was a full moon. The glow illuimated the trees, and that white wolf sitting there. Shed seen it tonight, so it wasnt odd she would dream of it.But she had this dream ebfore soon after Zaos had been killed. A white wolf,lit by the moon with blue eyes....

She shot up in bed as the sun light played over her face. When had the sun risen? What time was it? Barely six am. There he was that white wolf all curled up at the foot of her bed,sleepimg.Where was Zach? "Zach?" She sat up and looked at the wolf again.

She reached out to pet it, stroke it behind its ear. It was a beautiful creature. And it was soft,her hand ran over its coat slowly. "Where did you come from? And where is Zach?" She looked to the chair where he had been the book was in it. And she felt like something was off. She looked at the wolf again, this was the second time shed seen it, in real life. She'd seen it in her dreams before. More times now than she could recall. Her fingers lingered on the wolfs head and she sat back. Was she still dreaming?

She watched it as it rose. It was weraing the cresent moon pendant.Zachs pendant, the pendant of the circle. She watched as it laid its head and forelegs in her lap. She ran her hand down his head again. She blinked,unsure of what to make of the moment. There was no way a wolf could get a pendant on. Perhpas it was some sort of pet?No. That seemed silly. She stroked it again,down its back. Magic is real, she reminded her self. "Zach?" Her brows rose as she touched the wolfs ear.

It was acting like a watch dog,looking after her. She ran her fingers over its fur softly. How would it be possilbe ? Man to a wolf? Magic was real .yes, but was that possible. Werewolves turned from wolf to man,but that was different.A lycan and a wolf were very different creatures.

She sat there for a long moment, letting the sun come in. She slipped out of bed carefull not to jar the resting wolf and shut the high blinds and curtain over that one high window. She had to get dressed and ready for work.She wondered if the store should stay closed today , no she couldnt.

Tonight was the meeting of the coven in the clearing past the forest to the north.Tonight was the full moon. Shed have customers today.Many, she was sure of that. She slid along in her bare feet and picked out what to wear for work. Shed wear somehting different later. She looked at the resting wolf, letting her questions drop before she went to bathe and change.

She came out about fifteen mintues later dressed and nearly ready. The room filled with the scent of lavender and rose. She hummed softly, still bare foot. She wore a pair of black pants, sleek and perfectly ironed it seemed. A lovely feminine shirt of the softest rose pink, it swooped low along her shoulders and neck. Her hair was down in long waves of chestnut. She hung the triple goddess necklace from her neck as she stoled by her desk. She eyed the empty chair, the book, and the wolf all again. She touched the chest there. She looked to the wolf again as she tened to making her morning meal and tea.

"Hungry?"She asked the wolf with a risen brow as she sat down. She had a cup of tea, a plate of eggs and bacon,with a side of toast, fruit and juice. As well as what looked like a black shot glass, it was full of a dark liquid as well. She downed that first before she began to eat. She had so many questions. But she had to focus on work, she had to eat go down stairs clean up and get the table ready. As well as dust and ready the rest of her shop. Shed have to go looking for more supplies after the full moon ceremony. She ate while humming.


There would be time for questions later. She sipped ehr tea,and took a bite of food. She could begin to piece together who Zach had returned to her later on.

She watched the wolf as it followed her around the loft. She felt the nudge and before taking another bite she looked in ehr fridge for wolf worthy food.

"What do wolves eat?I don't suppose they are like dogs?Who will eat almost anything... hmm how about some of this meat?"She had bought some meat fromt he bucher along with her blood. She held the package out and showed it to him. Then sat it on the counter opened it and started cutting off slices. She rummaged through her cabnets for a bowl.Once she found one she took the meet and set the pieces in it, the blood didnt seem to erk her, she just licked it off her fingers and sat the bowl down by the table.

"There you go." She looked at that pendant, that glow of power. That kind of power Zach and she both had. But it didnt always glow, only when Zach wore it. She shook her head at the wolf. "I hope you don't shed too much." She grinned as she ate her food, and drank her tea and juice.

She finsihed her food and sat her plate in the sink. She wondered if he might need water so she filled another bowl with that and sat it on the floor beside the food dish.It was like having a dog. A sexy sleek dog, who could kill people for you. She left her dishes in the sink, shed get to them later she had a shope to clean.

"Now, if you come down stairs stay behind the counter or in the work shope, you'll likely scare any customers I have.." She gave his head a pat and smirked to herself before going down to clean the shope up and open for the day.

For the most part after getting something to eat, the while wolf laid on the bed upstairs sleeping. As there was no sight of Zach all day long, the wolf then stirred as Raelin came up to get ready for her meeting with the coven members. Stretching out a moment, before hopping down off the bed. Shaking out it's fur for a moment, then moved over towards her.

Cold nose nudged against her leg, before looking up at her. In a silent question of wanting to head out with her. As the wolf sat down beside her, before getting a light mouth full of her dress, and gave it a light tug. It wasn't like the wolf had much to do there at the shop.

The wolf followed her through the shop, as Raelin lead the way out. Then off towards the forest, as it looked around. Taking in the path they took before looking over the coven members, as it left her side to sniff at them.

After sniffing each coven member, the wolf moved back to Raelin's side. Plopping down in the cool grass, as it's eyes closed. Resting it's head on it's front legs. Yet one could tell thatr at the drop of a hat, or at the barest hints of trouble. It was ready to spring into action.

She sat there wathcing the coven membes. Her hand laid to Zach's furry head. Everyone was paired off watching the moon go from high to low. Then all at once it seemed each memeber pulled off in tot he woods leaving only Acacia.

" I hope you both enjoyed the ritual." She smiled down at Raelin. "There will b another one in three days, right here. I do hope to see you both theree." Raelin smiled and nodded, "We will be here."

Acacia nodded and slwoly left the clearing with the white snowy owl following her. Raelin looked at Zach wondering if he was sleeping. She was not used to hm in this form. "Zach?" She played with his ears and she saw one eye opena nd settled upon her. She smirked, "Time to go home." She rose up and he followed suit.

She began the long walk home, the wolf at her side. It was like that night int he woods before he ahd died. Quiet yet some how perfect. Every day, one day at a time. She looked down at the wolf and shook her head. Soon Rhydin came in to view and the market place. She unlcoked the shope and let him go in first. She locked up behind herself once inside and headed up to change for bed.

Once in bed she smirked at him curled up at the foot of her bed already sound asleep. She gave hima soft pet. Tomorrow was anyother day.

She looked at him as he retreated tot he bath room, and there on her dinning table was a plate of food. The kitchen smelled of it. It was eggs, and toast and fruit. It looked very good, and also a shot glass with her animal blood in it. She rose from the ebd and padded for the table, there not even six feet away. She sat down, shaking off the sleepful night.

She ate her food quickly, tasting it just barely. She washed the dishes he had made and got dressed all before he was out of the shower. It was late she had to open the shope. She tossed on something comfortable yet classy. And pulled her hair back. Then went down stairs throught he work room out in to the shope. She pulled the shades open and unlocked and opened the door. She set tos weeping, humming a tune to get the work done.

She would thank him for breakfast later. She had the shope to ready, dust to puff away.

She just went about her normal day catching his grin when he got someone to buy soemthing they truly didnt need. But Raelin most of the time would tell them whent hey came to check out thathe was her new help and that he was just trying too hard and all they needed was this or that. She wasnt in business to lie. No matter how much got sold. She watched the female customers fall all over them sleves at his help and the mens eemed to come to Raelin and avoid Zach all together.

Then a dark cloak cd Raelin smiled she knew that cloak. "Damiana." She smiled tot he tall beauty with the raven hair. Damiana smiled back as she lowered her hood. "Merry Meet Raelin. "Her eyes panned to Zach by the book shelf. " Your guardian?" Raelin nodded, "Zach, yes. Hes gone human today."

Damiana ndodded and her blue eyes lingerd on him."Handsome fellow. " She offered hima flirtaious smile. Raelin knew hed like that. "What can I do for you today ?" Damiana looked back at Raelin, "Dylan, is in need of a slight healing,I was wondering if you had any catnip,Camphor Cedar and Chamomile." Raelin nodded and went to fetch each thing, sitting them on the couter. "How did Dylan get hurt?" Damiiana shrugged, " he gets in fights in the woods, with bears and wolves and lycans. Were beasts and such." She leaned ont he counter still eyeing Zach. Raelin tried to pay it no mind. Damiana paied the asked price and stuck the things in to her side bag. "Thank you Raelin, belssed be." To the door she went but not before winking at Zach.


Raelin shook her head and went to counting up the days fair so far as the mid day sun rose through the high windows.

The following moring Raelin was up early, she planned to keep the shope closed today as she needed to re stock. Some things came by ship, or courier, other things she went out and found.Today was not the day for any of that with all the rain. Zach woke up, stretching on the bed before looking around for Raelin. He slipped out of the bed, before moving towards the bathroom to take a shower. She yipped softly when she ran right in to him. " Morning " She was coming out of the bath room, all dressed and ready. But for no real reason, maybe shed go dust or something.

" Morning." He chuckled as she yelped when she came out of the bathroom. He then moved inside as he moved to take a shower. She shook her head and went to make some breakfast for them both. She felt oddly out of place knwoing the shope would be closed. There would be no steady banter of customers to save her from being alone with him. He would come down in just a pair of pants, as he dried his hair. Letting her get another nice veiw of his form, before he tossed the towel on the counter. " Smells good. "

She froze a moment. Shed gome down stairs to the stove in the work shope she liked it better some times. She nodded and slid a plate of food to he table. " Thank you," she looked at him, then away. "Welcome." Catching hos shy she had gotten, before shaking his head softly. "You have seen me nude many times..You never looked away once.. now you do.. Why? " Like he was talking about the weather, as he slowly started to eat.

She glanced back at him as she sat down. "That was before.". She didnt really have a good reason, he was right shed seen him nude thousands of times. He had never had anything to hide, and once upon a time neither had she. " I guess it just feels different to me.." He nodded lightly. "Not that you mind the veiw.. Seeing how you were rather..close to me." Winking at her.

She blushed softly as she took another fork full of food. " I have never minded the view. And I enjoy being close to you." She admited it. "I was planning on keeping the shope closed today.I need to restock and today is no day for that with the weather.." He nodded lightly. " It's nice to be back. " He sipped the coffee, before looking at the front of the shop. Taking note that it was rainning.

She nodded and sipped her tea. She had made him coffee and her self tea just like the old days. Yet in the old days there would be extra things added to each, but not now. " The rain is nice at least. But it means a day in doors." "Is that so bad?" Looking at her from over the rim of his cup before setting it to the side. He then took another bite of the food. She had gotten him used to it when they first met.

She shook her head. "No its not ." She remembered how he used to hate human food. Then through her alone he got used to it and started having people cook for him, rather than just hunting. But he was always one for a hunt. She took another sip of tea and rose with her plate to the sink. True..but as time moved on..He usually hunted her down. Scaring her each time. After finishing his food, he took his plate to the sink. He then popped her butt.

She yipped at that and spun to look at him. "Theres not much to do here I am afaird besides, read, or dust.I have very few things ready in the shope." She looked to the piles of dried herbs and the few unfinished jewlery items. He nodded to that, as he moved to work on the jewely for her. A skill she had taught him.

She watched him move away watching him. He had always had great hands, good for magic and art work. Hed always helped with the jewlery hed come up witht he cresent moon design for their covem. She bit at her lower lip her back pressed back to the sink. He looked over his shoulder. "Want to help me? Or are you going to just stare at my back the whole time? "

" Oh yeah." She nodded and walked over to stand beside him, it was usually her job to pick the right gem stone to put in each item. Or to fisnish a necklace by putting a clasp on. So she went to that. He chuckled softly as they worked together, like they had done many times in the past. " What ever happened to Jeardra?" As they traied off jewelry.

She paused at the name. " I havent seen her since that day in the woods.. when you.. well." She took the piece from his hands and was setting a stone in. "She'll turn up sooner or later . You remember her then?" He nodded lightly. He did remember the woman, but did find it odd that she hadn't been seen since that day. " Knowing her shes planning. Shes a fan of plans." She sat the item down it was finished and perfect. "Her lackies are dead, so she might be looking for new ones. "

He nodded again as he turned to lean against the table. "And what if she tries to come after me again?" "I will kill her". She said with out any change in her voice, not a moments pause. She was serious on that one. She looked at him once then went back to work He smirked to that. " My my.. " He leaned down to her ear. "You would kill her for me? " " She killed you,". She glanced at him. " And shed do it again. The last time, she used her powers to over take you, do you recall that? " She was looking right at him now. "I wont give her the chance this time. I will kill her. Not only for you, but for myself as well."

He nodded as he smacked her rump again. " You never know.. She may have changed." With that said he moved to atleast put a shirt on. She watched hm go. "I doubt it " She went to bundling her herbs up. He chuckled and back upstairs he went to find a shirt.

She really wished hed stay like that. She knew that in the back of her mind but just went to bundling. She was stll thinking about the way he had kissed her,she lingered on that thought. And after he came back he spun her around, before cupping her cheeks as he kissed her again. Slowly and softly. She was caught again by surpise. He was good at that lately. Sneaking up on her and kissing her. Not that she minded one bit, she let herself sink in to the slow kiss

And he pulled back just as she sank into the kiss. He then moved to sit at the table, with her journal. She shook her head at him. "What are you doing with that?" Pointing to her journal. She knew eventually hed come across it, sitting plain as day on her night stand.

"Reading it. " Winking at her as he waved it at her. As if baitting her to try and take it from him. She leaned there on the counter eyeing him, shed written in that thing form the day she knew how it was old and worn and shed rebound it many times, adding paper.It as thick. "Have fun, remeber much of your Gaelic? " Some of it was written in Gaelic,French,Italian. Most was english in her fine hand writing.

"Yes." Grinning at her as he slowly started to open it. But was looking over it just enough to see if she'd try to keep him from finding out her more personal thoughts. She snickered and leaned there watching him. SHe didnt much seem to care. When shed first met him he read all her past in three nights, and for the enxt few days talked of nothing else. She once hid nothing from him why should she now?

There was those weeks he was dead.. She could have wrote something during that time. And she had, many things, how she missed him and wished she could bring him back. About ehr dreams about him, that white wolf dream had started then.About how she found that chest for her. The letters, the ring.

He closed the book before holding it out to her. " Here". Sshe starred at it. "Read something you didnt like?" She took it . "I once held no secrets from you, I shouldnt hold any now. " He smirked at her. "You missed me so much." Murmured to her as he beckoned her closer.

" Yes I did." she sat her journal down on the counter and took two steps forward. " Every day. Every night. Wishing I had known sooner, that we could have had more time together." She looked in to his eyes " And now we have that time." Tugging her down into his lap. Letting her shift and curl up against him as he moved his arms around her she shifted easily in to his lap and curled in close to him. " And I am very happy for it ."

She couldnt have been happier for it. In all truth. She wanted to skip and sing and prance around. There was one thing that was stopping her from that. Jeardra. She knew the elf would never change Heradra held Raelin resposible for Az's death. And Jeardra wanted to amke Raelin pay that was the whole point behind killing him. And now he was back, right there.

Zach was sitting at the table, as he woke a few minutes after Raelin. He had gotten something to eat, before reading through the book of their past. While adding the last few weeks to it. He then looked up at hearing Raelin's comment. It got him to smirk. " You need my manly help in the bedroom. " Said as he set the book down, then moved to help her with the box. She fummbled with the box as she sat it to the counter, she blushed deeply, then went to go fetch another of the five boxes left outsideHe chuckled to that blush as he moved to follow after her. " Guess I was right..or would you prefer that manly help in another room?" Said as he picked up one of the boxes.

She was blushing trying to hide it with that box in her hands it did no good.That box was smaller. "I will not comment on that."She sat it down with the other. And went back again for another. "Because you know you'd like it and love it. " Box set on the counter, then followed her back out. One hand smacking her rump all the way outside. She yipped as she handed him one of the bsoes and took the last one up. "I always did before."She moved along beside him and sat the box down. "Did you enjoy your morning?" She was changing the subject. He took the box, and followed her back inside. " And you want some more of it right now. " Said as he sat the final box on the counter. " It was alright..A few people stopped by.."

"Well hopefully they will come back whent he store is open and the shelves are stocked."She ignored his comment. "Thats what these are suppiles. I found some on my walk as well. "She fished those out and sat them on the counter. He nodded lightly as he started to help her unpack the supplies. " So besides getting supplies..How was your morning?" "Fine." She was unpacking as well, taking some of those suppiles in to the work shope.Some things had to be dried, or put in satchles she coudl only put the lavender and rosemary out now. "The rain let up for a little while."

He nodded as he helped her to unpack. Popping her rump at every chance he got. Just waitting for her to catch his hand and glare at him. She glared at him as she unpacked once they were done she tookt he boexes and broke them down folding them along the wall. "Well now I have lots to do."She spyed all the suppiles, flowers,herbs,crystals,spices. All needing to be stored in just the right way. He smiled sweetly at her glares, before moving to sit down. " Have fun. " So leaving her to do the work as he sat back down

She didnt mind that he sat abck down at the table she went to placing the few thigns thats he could out, mostly the already dried herbs,the few spices that were sold alone, and the crystals and gem stones.She moved about from on thing to the next. Then back in tot he work shope to get stated. He watched her as she buzzed around the shop. " Raelin.. come here. " Called out just to bother her as she worked. She stopped in her bundling and her making of herb and spice sacthles to go over to him. "Yes?" She eyed him for a moment, her hair had sage in it. He smiled up at her, trying not to laugh up at the sage look in her hair. " Hello. "

Her brows rose at him then she fished the sage out of her hair. "Was there somehting you needed?" She knew he was reading their history and adding to it now. She wasnt going to tell him whos he ran in to nor what that person had told her. "I have lots to do Zach. If theres something you need ebside to laugh at me ask now." Her green eyes were very serious. He looked back to the book. " You..in my lap...facing me..while you tell me about your day..And no is not an acceptable answer. " Looking up to her with that serious smirk of his.

She sighed at him.She shope was clsoed after all the window shades down, the sign of clsoed in the window.The rain had come back.She could finish later.Who needed sleep right? She eased herself in to his lap but didnt face him.She only sprinkled that sage in to his hair. "I need to stock my selves Zach.I cant go with out working.And I already told you of my day " He smirked as he tossed the book on the table, then chuckled to the sage being sprinkled in his hair. " True but there is something you are hiding from me. " Looping an arm around her waist.

She watched him carefully.He always knew when she didn;t tell him soemthing. That hadnt changed so it seemed. She flet at ease there sitting on his lap side long not daring to straddle his lap and face him." I went for a walk, gathered a few things. Saw and old friend." " Oh? " Smiling as he tried to shift her to face him, as well as lean her in much closer. So they could see eye to eye. She as facing him now, nearly straddling his lapa nd blushing. It would have never bothered her before. "Yes. " She gazed in to his eyes. " Which old friend? " Trailing his fingers along ehr sides and spine. As he gazed back into her eyes.

She shivered to that touch.She enjoyed it all too much. "Jez." Would the name bring anything to light? He pondered the name for a few moments.. He seemed to recall the name. " He was there when I died...wasn't he?" "No" She shook her head. "Jez was a friend, form long ago.I am not surpised you don't recall him, youd recall his coven better." He nodded lightly, before he shook his head. " What news does he bring?" "He came here with what is left of his coven. He saw Jeardra" Said softly.

He nodded lightly, as he growled faintly to that name. " Where is she? " Fingers still caressing her back. "Not far, He saw her in the clearing the same one the guardian coven uses. Two night ago. With a fresh kill." She noted his growl. He nodded lightly. " Then perhaps she should meet me..again. " Resting his brow to her's. "No." She rested her brow to his. "You can't do that."She placed her hads on his cheeks one on each side. "She will kill you.but before all thats he will use you again as she did before.. you can not please.. "

He kissed the palms of her hands. " I plan to pay her back from what she has done to me, Raelin. " "She will put you under her magic again. Do you recall that?She did it the last time, she put you under a spell, and you tried to kill me. "She shook her head. "I will pay her back for what she did to you." He sighed softly. " Very well.." He kissed her lips softly. " Just be carefull " She returned that kiss softly. "I will be. "She lowered her hands from his face. " You better be. " A playfull little growl for her as he moved his hands down to swat at her rump.

She nodded and yipped lightly. "I promise." She slowly shifted off his lap. "Now I have to get to work." He frowned to her moving from his lap. " Oh fine.." He crossed his arms. She smiled to him. "Did you want me to stay there?" She picked the sage from his hair. He chuckled softly. " You have work to do. " Giving her stomach a poke. "So?" She smiled, "I could leave she shope clsoed till tomorrow and work tonight,I don't need to sleep." She eased back in to his lap.

" Like you would want me to sleep alone. " Teasing her as he ruffled her hair. " Though I wouldn't mind having the bed to myself. " She smirked at him. "Oh? Well mr wolf wants the bed to him self." She poked his shoulder. "You need sleep as much as I do. But yor right.I wouldnt let you be alone." He smirked to that. " This wolf has a nasty bite. " Baring his teeth and fangs at her. She smirked at him and bared her own fangs at him.She hardly ever bared them. "I don't fear your bite." " That's because you love it. " Leaning forward to nip at the tip of her nose. " A lot if I recall right."

She snickered and leaned back at the nip to her nose. "The things you recall."She shook her head at him and pressed her hand to his chest to keep him at bay. "You recall such bad things, yet can not recall old true friends.. hmm." He smiled sweetly up at her. " Maybe you can help to remind me of those old friends. " Hands moving up her back to pull her back in. She inched in and smiled looking in to his eyes.She blushed. "I would like that. "

" Or would you like to remember those bad things? " Grinning sweetly at her. "Zach."She snickered and blushed more. "I have a very good memory of those things as well." " Yet you blush more now than you did before. " He had just noticed that. That just made it worse.Her cheeks felt on fire. "I am allowed to blush.You've always been good at making me blush. "She softly placed her hand on his shoulder. "So shall I remind you of Jez and his coven?"

She leaned there smiling. "We met him and his coven many years ago,.The new world had come to apss.America, and the states there.We had taken a trip tot he south.You had told me I would love it there.And so i did. We met a few of our kind, but it seemed most were still in Europe and the old world. We met Jez and his coven .Jez was from Alabama oringinally. His coven was rather large then."

He nodded lightly as he listened to her, as it was starting to come back to mind. But he remained silent so not to interrupt. "He was very nice to us both. And we stayed there with hsi coven for a while, then returned to the Villa in Italy. "She wodnered if any bells went off. "Jez said the power of Rhydin brought him here.His coven is smalelr only one of the original members besides him si till alive."She eyed him on that. "Vampire hunters."

He scoffed to the last two words. " It seem they group our kind together. " Then a shake of his head. "Yes well now theirs only four of them. They might do well here in Rhydin. They prefeer my life style."The one survived on animals more than people, but even Raelin slipped now and again. "Jez never like Jeardra.They met,not long after we met him. When he decied to come see the old world."

He nodded lightly. " I hope they will be alright..This city is a good place to hide in. " She nodded. "Jez has awlays been good at surviving." She slid her fingers down his arms slowly. " That he has been. " Stealing a kiss to her lips. " Does he know about me?" "That your back ,well sorta of." She blushed, "He asked about you, I said you were here with me. Jez knows our... history."

She was going to say our on again off again hsitory. He smirked to that. " Told him that I am back to claim you as my own..huh?" Giving her sides a little tickle. She giggled softly. "He likely figures were on again. he said we should come and see him.I told him we might, But you do not look as you did.. your not the man he recalls." He nodded. " We can go see him when you wish it. It would do me good to see old friends. "

A slow nod to that, she fiddled with his hair.She kenw she saw the difference in his eyes and hair. Would Jez? Likely. Vampires never forgot anything. "Maybe.I'll think about it." He shook his head softly. " I am sure he will know it is me.." Taking her hands into his. " Besides..he knows that you love me..and would know it was me. " She nodded and blushed a little as he took her hands in his. "Yes I know that. I am more worried about Jeardra seeing you. But maybe once its safe we can go and see him."

He kissed the tops of her hands. " You worry to much. " She nodded. "Yes,always." She leaned back in closely to him. He moved his arms back around her, just holding her in his arms. She closed her eyes and smiled.


She sat there fr a long time then convinced him to help ehr stock the shope. He of coarse was a little devil about it smacking her int he rumb any time she passed him. But it seemed like everything came back to him.She watched him work,he put the ehrbs and spices for cooking in their bags while she focused on the magical ones. She was trying not to focus on his hands.But it was a hard thing. She had a very good memory, of thiertime together. And it seemed he had rememebred it as well. She watched him as he helped. There was magic in those hands and she kenw it well,

Soon enough by the time the moon rose the shelves were stocked. Raelin grinned at him then kissed his cheek. "See that wasn't so bad." She sprinkled some of the rosemary and sage elft on the counte in to his hair then dashed for the stairs snickering.

She took her dear sweet time. What was it about men.They never seemed to need tos hower or change to go most any where. Zaos had always been that way.Always ready ina ncie suit,and smelling wodnerful. She had to work at it. Once she was showered and changed in to somehting more coven emetingish.She headed down stairs. Zach was waiting sitting at the front table looking bored. Raelin had chosen a knee lenght jade green dress and black jacket.Her shoes were also black as was the small purse at her side.Her hair was up which she knew he wouldnt like.

She crossed to him. "All right I am ready. " She walked to the door and unlocked it and let him step out first then followed him. It would be a long walk to the meeting place. She wondered what if anytThen locked up ebhind them. They had a long walk ahead of them she wondered what if anything they would talk about.