Blood Memoir: The Serene
by Matthew Barnett



The tranquil, ivory complexion of Adeline, the smaller of the two Nexian moons, peered shyly at a grassy field that was host to a cornucopia of delicate, strange flowers. It had risen at the same moment it always had, right at midnight, when the first moon, Talle’han, had come to rest in the south. In the center of that lush meadow, in a small area where the grass was slick and flattened to the earth, was a nest for stargazing.

“I don’t suppose you know what time it is?”

“Honey, does it matter? The child isn’t even born yet, there’s no need to fuss about when it gets to bed.” Two sets of pale hands embraced each other; every finger sliding into a space perfectly, like a simple child’s puzzle. Lips were also met in the silence, with no observers but the celestial bodies. If anyone cared, they might have thought it ironic. A feminine laugh escaped the more slender of the two.

“I suppose you’re right, Maximilian.” As she drew back her lips, her fangs were pearly in the lunar glow. The long incisors were swiftly hidden once more as she kissed Maximilian’s cheek. He smiled in return. A finger traced the warm swell of the expecting mother’s stomach.

“Cassie…I had never thought about having, you know…a kid until we made love that first time, in this very same spot.”

“I remember,” she crooned, running a hand down his pallid features. And she did remember. It had been one of the most exhilarating things she had ever done, and didn’t regret a second of it. Gods knew, she deserved a little wild time. It nearly drove her insane to be as reserved as she had trained herself to be in town, where that revolting scientist’s abominations pranced around as though they owned the place. They practically did, actually. Nediryo’s scaly hordes were rumored to amount up to at least three armies, and they all nested at the rear of the Panterran woodland, a forest so vast and thick it seemed from above a green field, a sight gained only by dragonback. The woodland was located a few kilometers north of the small village of Veldt, where these two careless souls spent most of their time, sleeping and eating at the town inn, or making money by playing cards with brash travelers that passed through.

One particular detail was soon to change. It was near Cassandra’s birthday, and Max had quite a surprise in store for her. For months he had been going on long treks in the Panterran, lopping down trees and slicing them into lumber. He had purchased nails from a travelling merchant, and enlisted a few others to help him. The domicile was near completion, and by tomorrow, Max would be showing her their new home.

An ideal current of cool air breathed past the lying figures, and they closed their eyes in delight. This was one of the finest nights the couple had ever had the pleasure to witness, and the day hadn’t been bad, either. There had been a cocky, inept gambler in The Lily today, and he had practically tossed his gold pieces at Maximilian. In celebration, two sweet-smelling mugs of rattler blood were placed alluringly at their usual table. Typically, Max would have his mixed with alcohol, but if Cassandra couldn’t have any for the sake of the unborn, he wouldn’t have it to hold an extra pleasure over his lover’s head.

Brushing a strand of black hair from his visage, the nosferatu arose into a sitting position, and patted the coarse grass, alerting Cassandra before she fell further into unprotected sleep. He wouldn’t have it for them both to die like fools by being deceived by nature’s savage seduction.

Who knew what could be prowling the dark, that very moment?

Using Max’s firm hand, Cassandra pulled herself to her feet, and picked a blade of grass from the convoluted design of her regally styled dress. It reminded Max of the Victorian clothing that nobility once wore where he came from, and it was under quite a bit of stretch, seeing as Cassie had no maternal gown to replace it with. As for Max, he was wearing the clothes he had been able to purchase with a meager bit of gold he had been saving from selling animal hides to Veldt’s sole shopkeeper. The fabric the tunic was made of was cheap, and also poor was the quality of the job done to sew it together. The two weren’t making much in terms of finances, but they seemed as merry as a couple of aristocrats.

On the walk back to the Inn, Maximilian spotted a glimmering coin in the dusty path, and slid it into his pocket. Cassandra smiled as he kneeled to collect the currency, and thanked the gods for small blessings. They would be able to afford three entire meals tomorrow.

OoC: Okay, that's the opening. I'm allowing comments in between posts, so feel free to comment, give constructive criticism, etc. ^^

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:The Timeline Wars::Cryptic Verses::Dead Memories:
True revolution is in mind. Remember this and all else shines.
--Rozz Williams, Musician
There is nothing true anywhere, the truth is nowhere to be seen;
if you say you see the truth, this sight is not the true one.
--Huineng, the Sixth Patriarch