| "Chapter 14" |
| |
 Allura paced. She had contacted Vilona without asking DA’s approval. She would never do such a thing before. Why is it that she is more forward these days? Is it that she’s finally found him? The complete chance meeting has put her in a swirl. His name was Marius. All those years ago and she still can not get his face and that horrible night when she rejected him out of her mind. She never knew his name, or anything about him. Only that he was kindred and shown her no fear and no disgust. The two things that were rare among those that met her. In those days her wolf form was raven black, not well groomed and horribly underfed. The golden eyes were fierce and daunting, even other kindred avoided her upon meeting. Her only family were the other wolves that she packed with. They were not kindred.Since the avalanche that buried her 2 winters ago she has changed. Her hair, her wolf form, it all took on a complete metamorphous. DA had found her frozen body still half covered with snow. When the spring melt had begun, it was her yearly routine to explore the entire estate looking for possible damage done during the winter storms. Allura had been missing for several months, but she had assumed she had gone to be with her wolf pack for the winter. That wasn’t her usual pattern, but it wouldn’t be the first time. Allura was a dear friend, but by no means did she answer to DarkAngel Heylo or any other being. She conformed to the Prince’s wishes only because they fit within her life habbits anyways: No killing kindred, no feeding outside the BlackForest estate without permission, no coupling without the Prince’s approval. That last one had never been a problem. Allura avoided men with a very strong dislike. She had no desire to be “with” anyone. Now this was changing… “His name is Marius. What am I going to do?” Marius wondered through the forest holding his side, staggering from the pain and loss of blood. He could still heal, but it would be slower. He found a cave and laid to rest behind a large bolder. When the sun rose he would be concealed from its rays. When Allura and her pack returned home, they found this sleeping man. Their home had been defiled and they could not sleep there. They left and went up higher to their winter cave. Two of their bitches were soon to birth their pups, so it would be a safer haven for them anyways. Allura followed the pack leader up the mountain leaving the others to wait below until it was found to be safe. As the sun set, Allura awoke. The grey bitch had laid her head on Allura’s bare stomach. She appeared to be weak and sweaty. Allura sat up and realized that she had birthed 3 beautiful pups. One snow white and the other two grey like their mother. The mother had already cleaned them and they were struggling at their first meal. One of the grey ones couldn’t seem to make his way over the white pup to the teet. Allura pick him up gently and placed him where he should go. It was then she saw the other one. It was black as night. No lighter markings on it. She was cleaned but unmoving. Allura pick her up. The mother whined and licked the pup’s face. There was nothing to be done. Allura had no lungs to be able to breathe life into this little creature, so she could not help. The mother licked Allura’s face, then laid her head down and went to sleep. Naked, holding the small pup in her hands, Allura left the cave to bury the pup and find food for the sleeping mother. The rest of the pack had gone to the forest to find food as well. Once the pup was buried, Allura changed to her wolf form and ran off to find the rest of her pack. When she arrived, she found them snarling and backing away from a figure leaning against a tree. She stepped in front of her pack, between the figure and her family. The man stepped forward, unafraid. When the moonlight hit his face she recognized him as the man who had taken over their cave. This was the sleeping intruder! She heard her pack take off running behind her. She glanced back at them, then back to the man. He had stepped closer and was now lowering himself to a kneeling position. Their eyes were at a level height now. They paused for a moment. He lifted his hand, palm up towards her face. She growled and snapped at his hand. He whispered, “Reveal your self to me. Let me know you?” She backed away, continuing to growl and keeping her eyes locked on his. His eyes were clouded with pain. His long dark hair was matted with blood and leaves from the cave. He was stronger than before. His rest had healed him, but she could still sense his pain. He finally lowered his hand and his eyes. She had not succumbed to his wishes, and he had not used his power to pull her. She could feel a great reserve there, but it was untapped for her benefit. He had wanted her to reveal herself on her own accord. He walked out of that forest never to return. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Rising from a kneeling position her golden hair caught the glint from the fire burning before her. On the other side of the fire sat Moconra. His large beaked nose cast an ominous shadow over his other features. His eyes burned with a searing orange glow. His fury was simmering below the surface. Keeping her eyes cast down with a submissive posture, and speaking with all the “influence” she could muster, she hoped he wouldn’t sense her intentions. “I have long sought this meeting, Lord Moconra. I did not imagine you would travel to meet me. It was my full intent to come to you.” His gaze did not waver. He was not flattered or beguiled by her obvious seductive tones. He remained silent and watched her as she ventured a slight upward glance. Her eyes immediately returned to the view of the ground before her. Once she saw the set of Moconra’s jaw, she decided to drop the “influence” and speak from her heart. She hoped honesty would pierce his coldness. “Lord Moconra, I respect your authority. I once was Prince of my region. I answered to your delegate then and was ever faithful. I now hold no such position, and I have no prince for I have no set abode. I will pay homage to my host’s prince once I have your blessing, but there is something I must request…” with the last trace of courage she held within her, Vilona looked into the eyes of Lord Moconra, Grand Ruler of the Camarilla. He is Prince to all Princes that abide within the true Realm. Moconra’s entourage of 25 guards stood behind him. This was comprised of two of each clan with the exception of the Ventrue clan. Lord Moconra being Ventrue felt it only fair that only one of his kind be allowed. His wisdom had won him unwavering loyalty for the past 675 years, and it was still unchallenged today. Lief, a huge Scottsman of the Gangrel Clan stepped forward and placed a clawed hand under her chin, forcibly lifting her face upwards. He searched her beautiful noble face. After a moment of silence he let her face go and looked back to Lord Moconra. “Aye, she is sincere. No hint of beguile here M’Lord. I smell fear, but that is to be expected. Without it I wouldn’t trust the lass.” Moconra nodded. His face eased slightly, and he began to speak. His voice was low and clear. The tone of the majesty with which he spoke sent thrilling shivers through Vilona as she listened. Age had not touched the timber of his words. She listened with unfaltering attention; although, his words were in his native tongue and incomprehensible to her. When he finished speaking, the other Ventrue stepped forward. She was a smaller female version of Lord Moconra. In a clear American accent she interpreted for Vilona to understand, “Ask what you will, but be aware that you will pay the consequences!” In the surrounding woods, the silver wolf watched from the shadows. As Vilona nodded and began to make her request, Allura listened.
|