A Handful of Pebbles

((Taken from RP))

Sitting by the water, Ethan picked up a handful of pebbles offering half to Brit along with a sweet kiss. He settled her back against him listening to her babble about the Shelter while he had gone to rest. “The kitty brother and sister are sweet. Though, they were so frightened of Gwyn last night and still asked if I needed protection.”

Cocking a brow, Ethan asked, “What do you mean frightened of Gwyn? Did anything happen that made Gwyn look like a threat to you?” His next pebble flew quite a distance before hitting water indicating that his mood hand ceased to be relaxed. “You do mean Gwyn from the Coven, correct?”

Brit nodded and started to explain. “Last night, Merma, Poncho and Gwyn were having milk and cookies. And suddenly Gwyn seemed sad.” She mused for a moment and added, “She was sad after seeing a picture of Nikita and Pieter. Then…the kitties came…and Poncho and Merma left…and Gwyn went outside.” Brit stopped often trying to get the events exactly right. Ethan stroked her arm and listened patiently. Nodding, she continued, “Gwyn conjured a storm I think…and the kitties were scared. Mya and Son. I think it was just Gwyn having a hissy fit over the picture, but I do not know why.”

Blinking, Ethan recreated the scene in his mind. “But she has never seemed to act vengeful toward you. She just seemed to grow angry or upset about that picture?” Brit nodded and Ethan said, “Most curious.” Ethan looked to the toxic water for a while and seemed to relax. “Okay, Brit. I will not need to speak with her then. I do hope you were not upset that the kitties grew frightened.”

“Kitties seem to scare easily,” Brit lisped. She dropped a pebble watching the rings spread from where it dropped in to the water. “Ethan, I think something happened to Gwyn. And I think she is a little like Nikita in her magic.” Snuggling against him, she said, “I am out of cookies. And the rain spotted my nightgown.”

Ethan started to respond about the kitties, Gwyn, and Nikita’s magic. He blinked yet again and threw another pebble further than normal. Looking puzzled, Ethan asked, “Why would your nightgown get rain spots on it? Did it rain in our resting place?”

Brit explained that the rain was blowing through the door of the shelter and Ethan remembered seeing the splatters on her white slippers. He blinked again as he dropped more pebbles and pulled her closer protectively. “You were outside of our resting place in your nightgown? Downstairs…at the entrance, even?” She nodded and he felt his jaw muscle flex slightly before kissing her forehead. His voice was calm when he continued, “Baby, I do not think it is proper for a lady to be up and about in her nightgown. Nightgowns are reserved for our resting place and for the viewing pleasure of your husband alone.”

Brit dropped a few pebbles into the water as she thought of what he had said. “But….Ethan, my nightgown covers me like a blanket almost.” She mused about the length and continued, “It has more layers than my dresses and covers my legs and wrists.” She did not understand the differences. “Merma liked the bows you put in my hair.”

Ethan nodded, but clarified, “Brit, I know that it covers more, but it is a nightgown. It is not intended by its maker to be worn in public or on streets. By using it differently than its true purpose, its role as an item was not respected.” He took a few of her pebbles back and dropped them in the water silently. After a moment of silence, he said, “And I do not want you in nightgowns in the midst of others. It is not about how revealing or not it is.”

Brit puffed her cheeks and cuddled against him. Her voice was a soft whine, “But what if I want some cookies after you rest?” She tossed a pebble in the water after his and watched the ring. Finally, she asked, “What is its purpose?”

Ethan replied calmly, “The nightgown is to wrap my love up in a package that I would consider attractive to unwrap her from. So, if you get hungry or thirsty at night just make your way to the kitchen quickly. And return quickly. But do try to remain undetected.” Peeking down to her, he grinned picturing her tiptoeing in her white slippers.

Stammering, Brit asked, “In my nightgown?” More pebbles dropped in the water. She mentally made her plan to raid the refrigerator. She would move down the hall quickly and continue down the steps. Once there, she planned to grab the milk and cookies and run back.

Nodding normally, Ethan gestured, “In your nightgown, perhaps throw a little jacket or something over your shoulders. Just so you do not catch a cold in the middle of the night.” He pressed her body against his side and kissed her cheek. “Just like a good girl,” he said low. “My good girl,” he clarified.

Brit repeated back to him, “So, I wear my nightgown but hide from people. And wear a jacket over it if I go get anything when wearing it?”

Ethan replied, “Well, not quite hiding, but just remember that it is something you should not wear when you know that you will most likely encounter someone.” Watching his wife, he paused searching for an example, “Brit, the nightgown is pretty, but I would not have you wear it when we go out to dinner with my friends in Vienna, for example. As I said, it is for my personal viewing pleasure. Just as I am the only one who is allowed to peel it from you skin.”

Turning to him, she giggled as she pressed her palms against the ground to kiss him. She rubbed her nose against his and said, “You are the only one who can take my clothes off.” Kissing lightly, she added, “I remember..” With a bit of processing, she mused, “Nightgowns are a little bit like underwears and not for anyone but you to see.”

Nodding several times, Ethan gave Brit a soft kiss on the lips whispering, “Exactly.” His palm ran down her cheek to her neckline and a bit lower to the side of her body. “I am glad that you understand now.” Picking up another pebble, he dropped it in the water near to them. She dropped one beside it. They watched the circles entwined as they spread until the circles reached the shore.

Transitions

((Taken from assorted RP's))

It was Sunday, and Brit was watching Ethan conduct his business again with the men on the small skiff. Brit sighed softly. The late meetings were more frequent and she could not hear what was being said. Items were exchanged for wide, sealed envelopes. Brit’s awareness was growing, and her questions were becoming more pointed; and therefore, Ethan sent Brit to wait for him at the library. Brit was greeted by Joah and Poncho as she entered, and sat pristinely smoothing out her new dress. Joah assisted someone with nightmares as Poncho looked over the report in his hands. “You’ve been gone for a while….honeymoon?” he asked Brit.

Brit filled both in on her comings and goings. A soft blush tinged her cheeks as she spoke. One left and another joined. Lorne was mentioned, and Brit asked, “Where is Lorne.”

Joah looked to where Poncho had been sitting, but he had gone too. She told Brit, “He left the library. He went to the Shadows.” Brit asked about Larissa and whether she was upset over Lorne’s leaving, and whether Lorne checked on Larissa and their baby. Joah walked over to Brit and placed a hand on Brit’s knee comfortingly. She then told Brit that Larissa died giving birth to her baby and that Nareth had taken the baby from the city.

Other explanations followed, but Brit heard little. She could only remember Larissa’s prettiness and gentle friendship. Tears fell down Brit’s cheeks. One fell and she remembered Larissa telling her how much love she had for Lorne. Another tear splattered and Brit remembered dancing with Larissa in the library, warehouse, and dance studio. More tears fell. The talks in the library and diner. The time Larissa’s eyes went black and the broken glass that swirled around her. Memories passed with the falling of each tear. Joah explained that Larissa was an angel now. Full of sparkle and light, but Brit had not seen her. So many had gone and the tears continued to fall. Joah hugged Brit as she cried and wiped tears with her handkerchief until Ethan came to get her.

Brit felt a strong sadness for a few days. Mirah had told her, “I wish I had an answer as to who goes and gets to stay with us, sweetie, but I don’t. And it kills me that I don’t.” Brit said little about it for a few days. Unexpectedly, Ethan took her from the city once again. This time, they did not meet men with the skiff or with Ethan’s tailor. He took her to a tall tower that overlooked a city on the mainland. Ethan sat on the railing and watched his wife who seemed terribly silent. With a slight frown, he pulled Brit a little closer and touched her neck gently before taking her hand to bring her closer still. With a caress of her hair, he wrapped his arms about her bringing her to him for a tender kiss.

Brit returned a warm hug and paused to take in the view. Another kiss lingered before she pulled away just a hint. Her eyes were sad and she whispered, “Larissa is dead.” He asked her what happened as he anxiously checked her over with soft touches. Brit explained all to Ethan. He held her tightly as he thought over what else he had recently learned regarding the wards that had been removed from the library. After a very long time and some soft quiet words, Brit said, “I was asked if we have been on our honeymoon. Are we?”

Ethan grinned and the look of concern left his face at her question. “Well, you could say we have been on our honeymoon in Toxia, but we came here to extend it a bit.”

“You kiss lots on a honeymoon,” she said before kissing him. Wrapping her arms around him, she said, “And cuddle lots too.” Her lips brushed over his as she whispered, “And get close.” A few more moments passed before she offered, “I read about it in the library.”

Pulling back just a moment, he repeated somewhat stuttering, “Read about it?” He had asked others to keep such things from her and thought of ways he could inflict pain on them for not doing so. She seemed still somewhat reserved and teary wetness lingered on her eyes from where she told him of Larissa. He kissed her again sensing each kiss distracted her from sadness.

Quiet kisses and time passed. Her fingers ran through his hair as she continued to kiss him with a growing boldness. The sound of her dress rustled slightly and she said softly, “I want to make you hungry….and…then….remove your hungers.”

After a brief blink of surprise, Ethan looked at her quite entertained and lovingly ran his fingertips down her neckline to where her dress starts. “Make me hungry?” His finger traced her face as he continued, “I am always hungry for you in one way or the other. It is just a matter of timing for my kind. And how much you want to fight the hunger.” With a grin, he said, “Of course, there are all kinds of hungers. And some I only ever feel for you.” The next kiss was deep and more sensual. He took her back to their temporary resting spot in the city they were visiting. Brit looked about just for a moment before helping him off with his tie as he shrugged off his coat.

The Wedding

((Taken from Rp))

After escorting her into the church, Ethan and Brit lit a candle at the door together. Brit’s shaking hand was steadied with his. She focused intently on lighting the candle while Ethan stole quick looks at her. Many had come to join them and both wondered how so many knew so quickly. Hild, Gweneth, Omega, Nikita, Larissa, Lorne, Pieter, Kishi, Kytara, Merma, Poncho, Katinka, Nicholette, Sinco, Carlos, Arcann, Komali, Xelion, Pix, Tony, Spirit, Kaya, Tanika, Choi, and Jon were there to bear witness. Brit clasped Ethan’s arm tighter not use to having so many watch her and she struggled against the distraction of so many near. Even so, she wished Ellie, Vlad, and Denny could have been there.

Ethan walked down the aisle with Brit on his arm. Continuing to steal glances at her, he whispered, “You are stunning.” It never occurred to Brit how many set aside their differences to be there for their wedding. She smiled to their friends as she passed them as she walked to the front of the church where Stacy stood. Ethan gave Stacy two rings, which she held in her right hand and said, “It is the right hand of God that blesses, to the right that Christ ascended, and to the right that those who inherit life eternal will ascend. Blessed are these metal symbols, given by me unto you to prove among any observers true faith, concord, love, and that in marriage the weakness of one will be compensated by the strength of the other. There is perfection within a union of imperfections.” Brit’s hand tightened on Ethan’s as she listened.

Stacy’s right hand seemed to gleam brightly as she prayed, “Welcome these witnesses forgiving them of their transgression this day of blessed unity. Two souls bonded in unwavering union protected here until come judgment. Amen.” Ethan took Brit’s hand entwining her fingers and gave her a comforting squeeze. Stacy continued, “Welcome witnesses. Ye are truly blessed to witness a holy union granted in the gift of free will. God’s gift to mankind.” Stacy pulled from her pocket a small coloring book and opened it to take a small piece of paper. Looking from the paper to the audience, she said, “This book given as a gift to me possesses an excerpt from which I will read. This excerpt will have special meaning unto these two as they take their steps into union.”

Brit listened carefully to each word along with Ethan. Reading from the book, Stacy’s voice filled the church. “’What is Real?’ asked the Rabbit one day, when lying side by side near the nursery fender before Nana came to tidy the room. ‘Does it mean having things that buzz inside you and a stick-out handle?’ ‘Real isn’t how you are made,’ said the Skin Horse. ‘It is a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long long time, not just to play with but REALLY loves you, then you become Real.’ ‘Does it hurt?’ asked the Rabbit. ‘Sometimes,’ said the Skin Horse for he was always truthful. ‘When you are real, you don’t mind being hurt. It doesn’t happen all at once. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get all loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand.’” Outside, gunfire blazed, but neither Ethan or Brit heard anything except for the unusual reading from the Velveteen Rabbit.

Stacy placed the tattered book and the paper back into her pocket. Looking from Ethan to Brit, she smiled before looking up at the audience. “Dearly beloved. We are gathered here in the sight of God to join together this Man and this Woman in Holy Matrimony; which is an honorable estate instituted by God in Paradise, and into which holy estate these two person present come now to be joined. Therefore if any man can show any just cause why they may not lawfully be joined together by God’s Law, or the Laws of the Realm, let him speak now, or else hereafter forever hold their piece.” The crowd grew quieter as eyes shifted about. One scratched her ear while another narrowed his eyes. Merma chuckled thinking that someone would have to be suicidal to object.

Ethan took Brit’s hands in his and looked directly to her. He mouthed, “You are beautiful” causing her to beam up at him. Stacy refocused on the couple, “I require and charge you both as ye will answer at the dreadful day of judgment when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed that if either of you know any impediment why ye may not be lawfully joined together in Matrimony, that ye confess it. For ye be well assured that so many as be coupled together otherwise than God’s word doth allow are not joined together by God; neither is their Matrimony lawful.” Both Ethan and Brit smiled at each other and then to Stacy feeling completely at peace with what they are doing.

Stacy smiled at the couple, then asked, “Ethan, wilt thou have this Woman to be thy wedded wife, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honour and keep her in sickness and in health; and forsake all others, keep thee only unto her until judgment and divine wrath cometh upon this Earth?” Looking directly into Brit’s eyes, he responded to Stacy with a simple and meaningful “I do” as another smile hinted on his lips. Pausing, Stacy asked Brit, “Ms. Brit, wilt thou have this man to be thy wedded husband, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou obey him, and serve him, love, honour, and keep him in sickness and in health; and forsaking all others, keep thee only unto him until judgment and wrath up this Earth cometh?” Processing each word, she smiled up to Ethan and lisped, “I will” as she gave his hands a tight squeeze.

Stacy directed Ethan take Brit’s hand and repeat after her. His voice was clear as he said, “I Ethan take thee, Brit, to my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse. For richer or for poorer, for fairer or fouler, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish until judgment cometh, according to God’s holy ordinance, and there unto I plight thee my troth.” Several noted that Ethan did not blink once. With a nod, Stacy had Brit repeat after her. Brit lisped repeating each word slowly and ensuring that she said each and every one, “I Brit take thee Ethan to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to be bonny and buxom at bed and at board, to love and to cherish until judgment cometh, according to God’s holy ordinance and thereunto I plight thee my troth.” Ethan actually blinked at part of the plight and squeezed Brit’s hands slightly.

Bowing her head, Stacy said, “Let us pray. Bless these rings, O merciful Lord, that those who wear them, that give and receive them, may be ever faithful to one another, remain in your peace, and live and grow old together in your love, under their own vine and fig tree, and seeing their children’s children. Amen.” Ethan quirked slightly at the last part of the prayer. Stacy gave each one of the rings to give to the other. Ethan placed his ring onto Brit’s finger repeating after Stacy, “With this ring, I thee wed; and with my body, I thee honor; and with all my worldly goods, I thee endow. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” With the last word, he slowly slid the ring onto Brit’s finger before looking up to her with the triumphant expression of a 10-year old after his first kiss. Brit then repeated the same vow as she slid a ring onto Ethan’s finger. She could not resist bouncing slightly as it settled in place and her smile mirrored his happiness.

Both knelt as Stacy placed her hands on their foreheads and said, “Let us pray.. O Eternal God, Creator and Preserver of all mankind, Giver of all spiritual grace, the Author of everlasting life; Send thy blessing upon these thy servants, this man and this woman, whom we bless in thy Name; + that, as Isaac and Rebecca lived faithfully together, so these persons may surely perform and keep the vow and covenant betwixt them made, whereof this Ring given and received is a token and pledge, and may ever hereafter remain in perfect love and peace together, and live according to thy laws; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Those whom God hath joined together let no existence put asunder. Amen." Removing her hands, both stood. Opening her arms in a wide embrace, Stacy addressed the audience. “For as much as Ethan and Brit have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company by giving and receiving of a ring, and by joining of hands; I pronounce therefore that they be Man and Wife together, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

A chorus of Amens could be heard from the crowd, including a few who had not ever said it before. Facing one another again, Stacy said, “May God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit bless, preserve and keep you; the Lord mercifully with his favor look upon you; and so fill you with all spiritual benediction and grace, that ye may so life together in this life, that in the world to come ye may have life everlasting.” Someone whispered, “Blessed be. Amen.” With a warm smile, Stacy said, “Let now this union be witnessed by all present as now. Ethan, you may kiss your bride, and go forth from this house forever your union in grace.” Ethan did not need to be prompted twice and very slowly pulled Brit to him placing her hand where his heart was located. Then he pulled her even closer lifting her up for one single sweet kiss. Their lips barely touched before it turned into a more lingering kiss.

After the kiss, Stacy said, “As these two conclude, there is a request f a ceremony of common cup. Let all witness to look upon.” Ethan picked up the chalice and took his necklace to use the point to cut his wrist slightly dropping blood into the goblet. He then guided Brit’s fingers to do the same with her wrist. Guiding the cup to her lips, words are heard, “My blood, your blood, our blood…unites as one.” She sipped from the cup while watching him the entire time. He drank the rest and whispered, “Mine” before putting the chalice down and walked her back down the aisle and out of the church. Pausing a moment, an invitation was given to all to celebrate their union with music and drink.

A Public Discussion

Watching the flames in the fireplace, Brit blushed slightly thinking of Ethan leaning forward to whisper a comment against her lips before placing a soft kiss. He then kissed her chin and her throat, and then he placed another on her neck before opening his mouth wider and biting down on the skin. She could hear soft pops as his fangs sank deep through the layers of her flesh. Pressing her against the wall, he trapped her with his hands and body weight ensuring no possibility of her breaking free while he gulped her vitae. She could hear it being pulled from her. After regaining her bearings, she closed her eyes losing herself to the intense sensation.

As she watched the flames, her heartbeat started to race at the memory of the night just as it did while he drank from her enjoying the adrenalin rush that flavored her blood in a way he found pleasing. He drank until she felt dizzy, and then licked his lips clean and ensured that her wounds had closed. Brit stroked his cheek as he grinned at her saying nothing. Quietly, they simply stayed close until he pierced his lip before leaning closer for a different kind of kiss. Her body’s response to the taste of the powerful blood was immediate. She felt stronger. Her thoughts were strangely clear. Blinking up at him, she realized how very beautiful he was, and she wondered if the blueness was always in his black hair. She could smell the ocean and contrasted it with the salty-vanilla scent of her own skin. The night seemed clearer and she could hear the rustling of their clothing. It had happened before, but she associated the clarity and enhanced senses with the blood on his lips and pressed against him in return as she sucked softly on his lower lip until he pulled away.

She tried to follow him but he spun her toward the wall and pressed against her again biting into her neck again. This time, he took only unimportant amounts of blood but focused on feeling her skin part. Letting his fangs slide in and out of her neck…savoring the taste…..

“Brit?” The voice blinked her out of her memory and she noticed the library had become quite full. Merma, Poncho, then Neri, Omega, Larissa and Nareth. Denny entered. Nareth had said that she had bought a dress. Brit and others asked to see it. Nareth looked lovely, but Denny’s focus seemed to be on Brit. “He’s taking too much,” Denny muttered. Then a few minutes later, he added, “I miss the colorful dresses too.” The newspaper he was reading rustled. Others talked and admired Nareth’s dress. Some started to pay attention to Denny as he continued, “Around each other too much.” He muttered something about wedding rings and stared at Brit as he told Nareth she looked beautiful. Then he asked, “How is your beloved Ethan, Brit?”

Denny watched her noticing the paleness. Her answer was sentient, clear, and aware with no hesitation. Denny said, “How many are near” and Brit answered without missing a beat. “Is there anything else you want to tell me,” Denny asked. She told Denny of the ring she received for Valentine’s Day and he gave her no response for several moments. “Brit, I know he drinks from you, but are you drinking from him?” She did not answer and seemed to focus on conversations of others in the library for a moment. Denny picked up a book and hurled it toward Brit who caught it easily and simply put it in her lap. Omega asked him if he had gone mad, then commended Brit on her catch. Denny answered Omega, “No M’Dear. Our dear Brit has tasted vampire blood.”

Brit said softly, “What happens between beloveds is not for public discussion.” The words were not hers, but she felt they fit at that moment. Denny continued to glare at her and said, “I think it is time for bed for you, youngling. Wouldn’t want to stay up too late and miss OUR dear Ethan now, would we?” Brit kissed Denny’s cheek as she left and thanked him for understanding. She left not knowing that, within the hour, Denny would destroy the second floor of the library and spend the following hours repairing it while harboring rage regarding his adopted daughter.