Taken, Again

As the fight with the Draconians continued, we knew that David now had first hand knowledge that Merida and the twins, Maharet and Mekare, had special powers that persisted through their transition into vampires.  This is something that was so unusual, but because this power came from the elements it stayed with them.  Of course, finding out that Merida came from Maharet’s mortal line was a shock to us all, most especially Va’lis.  My son, because that’s who we both — Marius and I — believe him to be now, has a severe protective nature over Merida.  Not only because it was the first he ever turned, but also they kind of grew up together, if you will.  Despite their tumultuous relationship, they found a very happy medium and celebrate their family now… especially because of the kids now.  As Merida and Armand have expanded their family, it has brought all of us such joy.

The evening of May 7th we were all celebrating another double year for Saphira.  Saphi grows twice as fast now as she is part dragon, so she’s moving along nicely in her development.  Marius and I took our happy butts home to Romanus Manor and Cherry took the kids back to Monticello for the night as they were spending the weekend with her and Va’lis. Val decided to stay and chat with Armand and Merida over a bottle or two or six of wine.  The laughed and told jokes… the three of them finally got along well enough to really enjoy the night.  Val finally decided to mozey on home and Merida decided to walk with him back to Monticello.  Armand stayed and like the dutiful husband he had become cleaned up the house and patiently awaited his wife to return for a romantic night alone.  So he waited…  And waited…  And waited.

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Prism

pandoras_wedding_ringsI walked into the emptiness of Romanus Manor.  Cherry had gone back to where she belonged, with her husband.  I felt the chill of the air that runs through the whole house more so than ever before. I miss him. With every fiber of my being, with every pore of my preternatural flawless skin, I look at my hands… my left ring finger that adorns several stacks of rings, all with such different meanings and capturing such memories for me.  One in particular… an eternal band of small round diamonds… stands out for me.  It was the ring he gave me when we adopted our daughters, Saralyn and Brelynn.  Oh how I miss them.  They humanized me in a way that no other had ever before, or after.  I became a mother.  My heart opened and embraced the very many facets of this prism of life because of my girls.  Marius said to me when he gave me this ring…

“No other love will ever be like my own as the love of our twins… and the love of the many more we will have for eternity blesses us with this joy a thousand times over.”

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Finding a Purer Source

Va’lis was working in the lab already when I got there late last night.  I wanted to drop off another set of notes and books that Piper and I had found in Marius’ office at Romanus Manor. Of course his level of frustration was visible. Him and Piper just have not been able to cross paths. Piper, as she is still quite young, must keep herself to the dampness of the dark nights, while Va’lis being much more tolerant of the Malas sun tends to squeeze in some time throughout the day.  Of course, he does have a city to run.

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The Tribunal of Marius de Romanus, Pt. 26

pandora-listening-to-verdictThe High Council came in and sat at their respective chairs.  Chancellor Gray shook her head once at our David and I knew.  I just knew.  I stood up and placed my hands flat onto the bulletproof glass that separated me from the forum; from him.  He looked up to me and smiled his usual smile, one that always made me feel like we could face anything.  My eyes started to rim with tears that I fought so hard to blink away.  They asked all parties to stand, and Chancellor Grimm read the verdict and sentence.

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The Tribunal of Marius de Romanus, Pt. 23

Marius turned to Lestat and I and said, “They are putting Va’lis on the stand.” Lestat immediately winced, “They not only forced him to make Carrie, they then abducted, tortured, and beat her.  You really think he’ll be able to keep his cool? I know I wouldn’t.”  I sat there thinking before I spoke, “I have some faith in him. I mean those are the biggest reasons we are here to begin with. Them taking Va’lis and holding him hostage for a week then forcing him to create a progeny. That’s a huge break in the laws. Even for rogues, you’re not allowed to force the creation of progeny on anyone.”

Marius looked at both of us, but said nothing. David came back and Carrie soon followed. She looked resolute, but I wondered for how long. She looked at me and smiled trying not to look at the Draco’s. Natasha apparently stayed up preparing Va’lis.

Carrie was sworn in without any dramatics and her questioning began. Counselor Windsor always  going first.

The Tribunal of Marius de Romanus, Pt. 8

merida-devious-lookI 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

armand-in-hallwayI 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. 

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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.

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The Tribunal of Marius de Romanus, Pt. 5

hotel-four-seasons-london-ukAhhh 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.

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The Tribunal of Marius de Romanus, Pt. 4

armand-sexy-2I 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. 

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