I saw the desperation in his eyes, I knew he needed me. I couldn’t say no. I stood up and quietly followed him out the side door. We walked for what seemed like forever, ducking into the nooks and crannies of the underground lair. Then finally he turned around where he felt comfortable. I crossed my arms, leaned on the wall and began to speak… but he stopped me. The touch of his finger on my lips lit the fire in me like no other man could ever do. Not even for Lucius, my favorite progeny, did I ever feel this for. “No. Let me say what I need to say first,” he continued, “and then you can scream, hit , yell or do whatever you want to me.” he said. What came next was a flood of confessions and apologies for which the sincerity couldn’t be faked. He spoke of love, like he really knew what that word meant. I almost believed him. I listened to all of it until he turned to me pleading for a response.
the draconians
The Tribunal of Marius de Romanus, Pt. 11
I saw him pacing, he would soon wear right through the floor. The tensions were running high. As we sat there listening to the testimony of Maharet, every time they mention that I or Merida are considered, “rogues” I sensed his anger level skyrocket. My poor sire was going to lose it. I squeezed Cherry’s hand, she squeezed back as she looked towards Va’lis. On my other side was Rich, my husband who gave me a supportive smile then followed my gaze. He too worried for Va’lis, he had grown to really like him. I read his thoughts, I was developing my gifts with Cherry’s help. His panic about allowing the marriage of Rich and I made me so sad. I— I had to go comfort him. I came up behind him and hugged him tight. My emotions pouring out of me. Did he know that allowing me to have Rich in my life was the single best thing he had ever done for me? Rich balanced me, Rich propelled me to master my thirst, Rich provided security and stability, and most importantly Rich assured me that my life, the plans for it, could certainly continue onward… that yes some things were different but him and I could still have our life together. What a gift that was! It was not a mistake at all!!!
He wiped away my tears, and with it my fears, and walked me back over to my seat. He lightly patted Rich’s shoulder but moved past us to Cherry. He needed her. Hell the Razele family needed her! She was our mother, our protector, our teacher when Va’lis could not. She really is the other half of him. Ohhh, Va’lis how I hope you can make it right and stay right. She needs you too, you know!
The Tribunal of Marius de Romanus, Pt. 10
I hate waiting on things. Most of the time anyway, especially for things like this. I get anxious when I am forced to wait. And so to pass the time, I began pacing. Back and forth while the others sat around or spoke with one another. I was determined to leave a worn area upon the floor.
Cherry of course was watching me, perhaps wondering what I was thinking. Not that I deserved her thoughts after I wronged her, I know I fucked up but I did want to fix things. It is just hard for me to admit such weakness. Often I doubt that I deserved her love in the first place. So many worries and so little time, one at a time Va’lis… One at a time.
My pacing continued and still her eyes watched me, Carrie watched as well and I could feel her worry from across the room. Another I wronged, and if I had been a better sire perhaps none of this would have happened. I could have forbidden her to marry him so soon after she was brought into this life. She was young and learning still, but instead I gave her what she wanted. Not what she needed.
Another mistake.
The Tribunal of Marius de Romanus, Pt. 8
I watched as my sire dived in front of Marius. I was shocked that at one time we fought about fighting in this war with the Dracos…and now… he gives a shit? I laughed. I laughed hysterically and so hard. I watched as Danielle tried to stop Altais from rescuing Zeeke, it was GREAT! Their family was torn apart by this! And ours stood strong in the face of disaster. I clung to Carries arm. Making sure she knew I was there to protect her. One attempt at her life and I would blow them to hell.
I watched them haul Zeeke away, the anger in David’s eyes. The sadness and anger in Altais and Blasphemy. The humor in Guy, Frank and Danielle’s eyes. I would use this to my advantage somehow. If we couldn’t kill them, I’d so work to kill their spirit, just as they nearly killed mine and my sisters. I couldn’t wait for this…..
The Tribunal of Marius de Romanus, Pt. 7
I stood in shock, frozen in time. All I managed to be able to do was push Merida behind me. Va’lis sprung in to action faster than I could blink. My guess is his own rage against Zeeke propelled him forward. Merida had told me of the fights, not in too much detail however, she’s had with Va’lis on this very topic. It was something to see him be at the forefront of a fight he was so keen to be against. But maybe… just maybe… it has to do with having his daughter in the front lines. Could he really have the heart to think in such terms?!? My entire perspective of the man would change if that was the case. Then again it could have just been he saw an opportunity to end this bitch once for all. He does despise her! Or maybe he really does love Marius? Who really knows!
Once the dust settled, we all entered the tribunal room and there they were, the High Council of the Order of the Talamasca. Our own supernatural version of the Supreme Court. Seven Chancellors sit in front of us always facing south and two or more opposing sides face north towards the High Council. Only appointed representatives can sit in the forum and all others must sit in their assigned seats. Each council seat is physically one seat with two sub seats behind it.
The Tribunal of Marius de Romanus, Pt. 6
Zeeke leaped forward, fangs out towards Marius… she meant to drain him dry! But a rush of wind was felt as Va’lis sprang forward dashing right into Zeeke’s path line. Oh he wanted a piece of that bitch! Probably more than anyone else in that hallway. Realizing her mistake, Zeeke tried to abort but it was too late… she landed right on top of Va’lis sliding down the hall right along with him. Va’lis quickly moved from under her and tried to flip himself over so he would be on top… Zeeke was weak, very weak! Va’lis felt it! He smirked, “I reckon I am going to enjoy this.” He tore at her throat. Zeeke tried to fight him, but proved futile.
The Tribunal of Marius de Romanus, Pt. 5
Ahhh a familiar face, “Hello my darling,” I said as I kissed Bianca’s cheek. She smiled and kissed my cheek right back m, then ran to Merida and enveloped her in her arms. Merida and Bianca were still very close. Matter of fact it was Merida that refused to sign the divorce papers back in Sosaria where plural marriages were allowed. I assume if Bianca wanted to marry again or found love of her own, Merida would reconsider. The toddlers of course immediately recognized their Auntie Bianca and embraced her. Bianca was a natural with children and had trained as a midwife many centuries ago.
Marius looked at her, and Bianca felt his stare upon her so she stood up and faced her sire. “Bianca,” he said. “Don’t ruin the moment by speaking Marius,” she said as she went to hug him. She lingered a bit fighting back tears. Her love for him had never faltered, it had never subsided, not even for me. Marius held her softly and didn’t let her go.
The Tribunal of Marius de Romanus, Pt. 4
I stared into Marius’ eyes. I could see his worry that Lestat and I would be overwhelmed with having to step into his shoes as head of this family. I shot Lestat a quick glance and nodded in understanding. Lestat was amazing this way, when he HAD TO step up he stepped up in a big way. He was clutch like that. I knew he would do his very best and he would be the one to hold Pandora together.
I could see how much Marius loved Mary, my sister, and how he worried that with the threats made against her, she would be harmed or killed. He could not bare that thought. It hurt him to have to tell her to stay and he was thankful that Flavius was home and that he would take care of Mary.
I could also see how he longed for Va’lis who had become like a brother to me, much more so than my wife’s sire. He had grown to love him and everything we’re going through now was really because he loved him so much that the harm that came to Carrie at the hands of The Draconians so vexed him that he could not contain his rage. I know my sire. I know his brutality and for him to have lost all control like that takes a lot. It is not something anyone would want to witness.
The Tribunal of Marius de Romanus, Pt. 2
It was late as he arrived in Umbra, having waited till the last possible moment as usual has that tendency.Work in Moonglow was keeping him busy these days and though the pirate threat was passing for the time being, there was always more yet to do. But this, this was more important and the city could manage a few days without him.
His approach was quiet, calculated even, each foot placed precisely before moving on. He thought back as he made his way towards where he knew the others would be. He thought back to all the times Marius had helped him out.
Believing in him, helping him to save Carrie. refusing to allow him things that would endanger those he cared for. The simple things really, such small actions that would echo throughout his mind as monumental moments later on. Marius was there when he needed it.
And now he would be there for when Marius needed it.
The Tribunal of Marius de Romanus, Pt. 1
I knew the time had come. Monday is the Tribunal. David and Maharet had done all they could do, at least I wouldn’t be put down like a lame dog. But I would be away from my family, my Lydia. That hurt me more than anything else. I know that as much as she sometimes gets overwhelmed by my antics, Lydia is actually a very sensitive woman and the knowledge that I am out there somewhere where she can run to is a big comfort for her. I am not sure that anyone would be able to quiet the silence that she would feel if they sentence me to a box. Not even Va’lis, for as much as she loves him and he loves her — it’s not the same. That desperation was one I felt when Lydia taken from me and only when you have that kind of love could you ever truly relate. But there was no turning back now, I must face the music.