She was kneeling in the rose garden when he found her though she hadn’t sensed him yet-or if she had she’d given know indication as to such. Alex packed the dirt down around the plant and stood running dirt streaked hand across her brow to remove the sweat. She smiled softly at the plant, and the work she had done to the gardens around her.

Spinning on heel, she arched a brow as she heard a low chuckle behind her. Of course she knew that chuckle, and knew its owner as well as she knew her own reflection. Grinning sheepishly, she said to her brother. "And how long have you been standing there?"

He leaned against one of the pillars, disregarding her question, as he often did because he knew it annoyed her. Sometimes, just sometimes, it did him well to disarm her oft too-serious nature since the incident with Colin. Something in her had hardened from that incident though he’d never been able to discern what. "Look at you, a dirt-streaked mess…shameful Alexandra, utterly shameful."

She narrowed her eyes at him and shot back in equally playful tones. "Shut up Marcus." Alex planted her fists on her hips and gave him a look of mock indignation and outrage, an outrage she likely would’ve had were she born and raised a proper lady in their day. She could act the part if needed, but more often than not, it wasn’t.

Laughing, Marc settled himself on a bench across from her. She’d grown so much in the last two years. He knew she was waiting till he came of age to be turned. They’d discussed it to some small extent in those waking hours between when their parents rose and when they themselves were awake. Silently thankful that she chose to walk this path with him, he asked. "Are you ready?"

Her mood quickly turned somber. "Aye love, as ready as I’ll ever be I suppose." Answering him softly, she stepped from the flower garden and sat down beside him. "Everything’s in order I assume?"

He almost laughed aloud at the smudge of dirt on her forehead and on the tip of her nose. Reaching into his pocket he removed a handkerchief and handed to her. "Wipe your face love, you look like a street urchin. Yes, things are in order, your daytime care for the gardens will be looked after."

Laughing, she took the kerchief and wiped her face. "Excellent." She wiped her forehead and handed it back to him, grinning impishly and trying to make light of things though he knew full well what was ahead scared her.

"Oh you…" He laughed and took the handkerchief, wiping the smudge from her nose. "You did that on purpose."

"Of course I did, you were too somber for my liking…" She stood and stretched as she looked to the horizon, the sun was setting. Her casualness about it eased him. She could feel the relief pouring through him. "I need to bathe, I’ll see you tonight?"

"Aye, love, of course you will." He answered as she bent and kissed his cheek then turned up the path, disappearing into the house. "Sister, I hope you made this choice for the right reasons…not for me." The young man spoke softly at his sister’s retreating form. Even if she did make it for him, he thought, she’d never tell him.

There had been a chill in the air that night. Alex had felt it clearly as she returned from her walk shortly before sunset. Silently, she entered the house dressed in the green velvet gown she’d bought a few years ago-she had only worn it once since it was bought.

Looking about, the young girl searched for her brother. She smiled warmly as she saw him coming down the stairs to greet her. "Evening Marc." She greeted as she stepped towards him and hugged him.

Marc slid his arms around her small waist and returned the embrace as he murmured lightly in her ear. "Evening sister, are you ready?" He inquired softly, repeating his question from this afternoon. In his heart he wondered why she was doing this. Dear gods he hoped it wasn’t for him.

"Aye love, I am." Alex answered as she sensed his worry for her. If he’d asked, she’d have told him yes, part of her was doing this for him, but a larger-more important, part of her was doing this for herself. Something in her own heart told her this was right and that there were larger things ahead of her, more important. Only time would tell, she supposed.

It had been agreed that Kira would turn her children, since Dameon wanted nothing to do with the act. Somehow, that hadn’t surprised either of them. After all, he’d never wanted anything to do with them before, why would he start now?

Silently, Kira watched them from shadows while they stood and talked. They would be strong-each in their own way. In time, with that strength would come wisdom, at least she hoped it would. Softly, she spoke. "Alex, Marc, its time." She stepped from the shadows; her auburn curls drawn up in a soft ponytail at her nape. She was dressed in a simple crimson-colored gown. Outside, beneath the stars they would do this, she decided. She had already selected two victims-a couple of bandits who preyed upon children, for Marc and Alex to feed upon.

The children turned their attention to their mother and separated, their hands still clasped in each other’s as they approached her. Silently she led them outside and to a couple of blankets she’d laid out upon the ground. Kira beckoned her daughter forward for she was to be first. Marc and Alex were her first-and perhaps only, fledglings.

Looking back, Alex would remember how the stars shone brightly over head. She never felt her mother’s fang prick the soft skin of her neck, and she barely felt the blood being drawn from her. What she did feel was an overwhelming sense of peace, of utter calm. Kira had promised she wouldn’t hurt them-that promise she’d keep for she loved them dearly.

Once Kira had drained her daughter she quickly grabbed a dagger and slit her wrist. Holding it to Alex’s lips she murmured. "Drink, my childe." Alex, too incoherent to do anything but obey, did so. Slowly she ran her tongue along the wound, and then greedily began to take what was offered her. Chuckling lowly, Kira retracted her wrist after letting her drink for a few minutes. "Now, sleep Alex, rest well my dearest." She bent and kissed her daughters now pale forehead.

Marc watched in silence. He’d never seen anything of the like before though he had been around vampires all his life. When his mother looked at him and beckoned him forward, he came willingly into her embrace. He’d sensed no pain from his sister, no anxiety, and no fear. It would be well.

The process was repeated. When she was finished, she looked to Dameon who had watched the whole thing from the shadows. "Let’s take them inside, where they’ll be safe." Bending she scooped her daughter up from the ground and carried her inside without waiting for a response from her mate. She knew he wouldn’t harm the boy, not if he valued his own safety. Of all Kindred walking the earth, only two could best her mate. One’s name was better left unspoken, while the other was she herself…Lucky him.

A soft grumble accompanied Dameon’s appearance from the shadows. Somewhat roughly, he picked the boy up from the shadows and tossed him over his shoulder like a sack of sorts. No, he had no intention of crossing Kira, not only because she could best him but also because he loved her. He knew he’d never care for the Jade children, but Kira, now that was another matter all together.

Both siblings were laid side by side in a room where no sun could reach them-Alex’s room in fact. When she’d brought them here she hadn’t intended it as such. As Dameon exited, she looked at her children…those she’d taken from Diana. She bent, kissing their foreheads gently and disappeared from the room. Dawn was approaching.

The following night Alex awakened before her brother. Her throat tickled…more than tickled, she felt thirsty. What was this? She wondered silently as her brother stirred beside her. Looking over at him, she smiled gently. They’d gone through with it, together.

A soft voice startled her from her thoughts. "What you feel, my childe is the thirst. Both of you should feel it, I know Marc will once he’s fully awake."

"He always has been a slow riser…" Alex thought, smirking mildly.

"Quiet sister." He shot back silently. The connection between them seemed stronger somehow. His sister’s presence came through strikingly clear, just as he did to her. He could sense every bit of emotion from her, every thought, every feeling, all of it. How odd. "Mother? Is that you?" He asked a bit sleepily.

"Of course Marc." Kira watched them from the corner of the room, having awakened scarcely an hour before. "Come along both of you, I will give you your first meals as Kindred." At that, she turned and stepped out into the hall, leaving the children to follow.

Soft grumbling came from the bed as they both rose and followed her out into the hall. Kira lead them outside once more to where two men lay bound and gagged upon the soft grass. After telling them who the men were, she watched with a small, satisfied smile as their eyes hardened at them.

Alex knelt beside him, her eyes angry and cold. "You prey upon children do you? How does it feel to become prey to a bigger predator?" She hissed softy then looked at him in surprise as her fangs extended. This excited part of her, while another, more human part, was disgusted by it. What right had she to decide if this man lived or died? Silently, she thought to him. "I will let you live tonight if you swear to me that you will change your ways…nod your head in answer." The man nodded vigorously and closed his eyes, fearful of what would come. Alex bent and her fangs impaled the man’s neck, she didn’t completely drain him, but left him with enough to survive-but little more than that.

Continuing silently, she thought as he drifted into unconsciousness. "Remember your promise, for if you break it I will find you." The man mumbled an incoherent affirmative and fell silent.

Kira rested a soft hand on her daughters shoulder. Her brother had stood and watched, having fed quickly, killing his victim. He’d furrowed his brow at her thoughts, wondering more or less what the bloody hell she was doing. Their mother waved a hand at him to silence and he did. "Alex, why didn’t you kill this man? He is evil."

Alex shook her head slowly. "No, it’s not our choice to decided if he lives or dies. I offered him a chance at redemption, and he took it." She hadn’t the right to play God with people simply because she was hungry and they were evil. "There were those that would call what I am evil. Isn’t it all a matter of perspective?" She asked softly.

Kira sighed, afraid this may happen. "Aye perhaps it is Alex, but there will come a day you will be forced to choose between life and death. When that day comes I hope you will be able to choose wisely." At the three of them went inside, Marc still looking questioningly at his sister while he took her hand and squeezed it affectionately. He didn’t understand her sometimes that was true. She knew what they would feed off of when she made this choice. How could she not kill them? He didn’t understand for this is what they were now. He squeezed her hand again as they walked into the main rooms and sat down. Quietly they listened while Kira began to speak.

In the weeks that followed, they developed their vampiric traits. Kira taught them to hunt, and how to be concealed from mortal minds, but never from each other for neither sibling had ever desired such. Marc strengthened his skills with his sword-this time at Kira’s teaching instead of their father’s. Marc remembered all too well the scene from two years ago. After that, he had never allowed Alex to watch again. He wouldn’t put his sister’s safety at risk like that.

As they learned, the children branched out from the Manor, traveling at night but always returning home at the dawn’s light. They never went alone, always together. Laughing, talking, learning and growing together. Kira was right; they were indeed strong--together as well as apart. Alex grew in compassion and strength while her brother learned to fight with courage and honor. He would defend her, Kira knew, she could see it in his every mannerism. She would leave the Manor to these two when she passed, she could think of a no more fitting legacy for them.

As the years passed word spread of a hunter-one that took great joy in killing Kindred and in fact took their fangs as trophies. No one knew his name, or had any clue who he was. One night, Marc awakened to find his calling card on their front door…a dagger embedded to the hilt in the front door with a wolf etched upon the hilt-a crest of some sort.

Marc gaze hardened, he’d only seen the crest once before in his life. Staring down at the dagger he enhanced his own memories. His mind drifted to the night so many years before…Colin…Alex…himself and their mother…the dagger flying by them…Colin’s dagger. That bastard-Why couldn’t he stay gone from their lives. Silently, he slid the dagger into his sleeve and started back up the stairs while passing his sister on the way. "A moment Alex, I’ll be with you shortly love." He thought absently as he put the dagger in his room, still angry. He wouldn’t tell Alex. It wouldn’t be safe for her to know. Their mother however, was another matter altogether. Why wasn’t she up yet? He wondered silently. She was always awake before they were…Suddenly a startled, anguished shriek came from downstairs…Alex…His thought raced as his body did down the stairs and through the house to where he sensed her. Her emotions called to him like a beacon. "Alex…. Alex tell me you’re all right…" Marc spoke as he approached her, his thoughts, as always on her before anyone else.

She turned, and fell against him, sobbing. All he could hear from her mind repeated was "The dream…. the dream it was real…they’re dead…. oh dear gods I saw them die and did nothing…" He looked past her while resting his chin upon the top of her head. Their mothers, Kira, their father Dameon, were dead at Colin’s hands. No, indeed he wouldn’t tell her whose door this deed laid at…it would kill her. Silently, he shushed her while rubbing her back comfortingly and tried not to look at the pile of ashes before them.

"Alex..." He whispered. "Calm down love, please. It’ll be all right, I give you my word, just pull together please..." His tone was urgent for he needed her right now, more than anyone he needed her as much as she did he.

Slowly, he watched his sister compose herself, physically as well as mentally. Silently, she thought to him. "She’s gone Marc, what are we going to do now? How…"

"A day at a time, the pieces will fall into place, they always do." He answered her simply, aloud. She shook her head dumbly. "N…no I don’t think I can." Honestly, in her heart, she didn’t think she had the strength.

Quickly, her brother corrected her. "Yes you can, I’ll be right with you the whole time." At that, he turned and started down the staircase. Hours later, curled in front of the fire, the two spoke. Alex had just asked him what they would do now. She didn’t think she could stand to live in this house anymore. After all, she’d told him, what held them here now?

Marc turned his attention from the flames before them and to his sister. "Nothing I suppose, and I don’t know if I could stay here any longer." After a few minutes thought, he spoke again. "How about tomorrow night, we pack up and just go, you and I, to wherever the wind takes us Alex?" In truth, part of him wanted to find Colin and extract revenge from his wretched hide-slowly and painfully.

She smiled, not sensing the intent, or the falsehood in his words-how thankful he was for that. "Marc, that sounds absolutely wonderful." She said. Right now, she wanted nothing more than to leave this place, run and hide from it all, be free as he’d put it so bluntly.

He nodded briefly then returned her smile as he slid an arm around her slender shoulders. "Then tomorrow night we’ll leave, headed for parts unknown. I’ll leave a note for Miranda to dismiss the servants and such…" He murmured softly, absently while he tried to imagine where the road would take them.

As dawn approached, the siblings slept soundly. Over Alex’s bed a dark figure hovered. A single, black-gloved hand caressed her cheek while she slept. "They’ve infected you with their poison, but I will take it from you Alexandra…fear not." The hoarse voice whispered, left her bedside, and then disappeared into the afternoon sun.

The following eve the two left the Manor…Alex running from her guilt-or what she thought was her guilt, and Marc silently hunting. One night before the fire, Marc regarded his sister calmly and asked her, this after they’d been traveling for weeks. "Tell me something Alex-what are you running from?"

She hugged her knees to her chest and stared thoughtfully into the flames. "Who said I was running Marcus?" Her tone was wary and cautious, not something she normally was and he knew it.

"I did Alexandra, now why don’t you tell me what’s on your mind dearest sister…you’ve been troubled since we’ve left home but refuse to tell me why." His green eyed gaze was hard upon her, hard yet loving all the same time. Whatever demons she was fighting, she wouldn’t fight them alone. Surely she knew that. Then, suddenly, it hit him. "Tell me what some words meant that I heard from you…"

Alex blinked for a full minute as his words were confusing, this sudden switch in tactics. "What words?" She inquired as her gaze met his across the small fire they’d built.

Quietly, he quoted what he’d heard the night Kira and Dameon died. "The dream…. the dream it was real…they’re dead…. oh dear gods I saw them die and did nothing…" He watched as his sister went white, even with their pale skin. Silently, he felt the ripples of shock from her mind. That was it.

Quietly, Alex told him of the dream-how Dameon had been destroyed first then their mother. She explained that she’d seen their terror filled faces brief instances before their demise. She expressed her guilt. As she finished, she looked across the fire at Marc expectantly, as if she expected him to be ashamed of her. To her surprise, he simply chuckled, moved around to her side of the fire and hugged her tightly while speaking. "Alex, there’s no way you could have known. I understand, so would Mother."

At that she promptly burst into tears-relief was what he’d sensed from her, nothing more nothing less. She fell asleep in his arms as the sun rose. Closing his eyes, Marc smiled. He was no closer to finding Colin but at least his sister was dealing with the demons she was fighting.

The forest was alive that night; teeming with a rare beauty that Alex was coming to love more and more as the years passed. Marc chuckled lowly as he watched his sister. She really did amaze him sometimes. Her utter passion for life and loving completely awed him. "You’re amazing sometimes Alex." He murmured softly.

"Hmmm?" She asked, startled from her thoughts as her gaze tore from the night sky overhead. Sea-colored eyes met green ones as a slow smile melted across her features.

Marc started to return the gesture but a sense nagged at the back of his mind...danger…approaching fast. Quickly, commandingly, he thought. "Alex, the shadows, hide now." Marc drew his sword and waited while Alex did as instructed. They’d encountered hunters before-he’d killed many that wanted he and his sister dead in years past.

Into the clearing strode a man; dark black waves framed a rugged face covered by a few days worth of stubble. A voice spoke softly to the boy who’d drawn his sword. "Hello whelp, ‘tis good to see you again…"

His green eyes narrowed into harsh slits at the man’s choice of words. Two people in his life had called him that. Thankfully his sister couldn’t sense or hear what was happening. He intended it so. "Well, it appears the bastard has decided to face me…how kind of you not to hide in the light of day. Tell me, do all your kind call you a coward?" He taunted softly making reference to how his parents had died.

Alex watched from the shadows, unable to hear between the banter between them. Her sea colored gaze hardened on the dark-haired man when he drew his sword on her brother and advanced upon him. She watched them fight, nearly gasping aloud when Marc was disarmed. Stealthily she crept from her hiding spot and met her brother’s eyes. She saw no fear; only worry for her if she were caught. Vaguely she heard his silent command to stay hidden and to let him handle this. Alex shook her head as she brought the dagger up and a slender arm came around the man’s shoulders and pressed the blade to his throat. Softly she thought. "Marcus, you may be willing to die for me…but not this night." Her words came harsh and angry from her lips, softly hissing her emotion to this stranger. "Drop it or you forfeit your life."

Ripples of shock issued from the man’s mind…Shock? She wondered silently as she met Marc’s gaze over his shoulder. His eye blazed back at her, praying she wouldn’t do this. Softly, the dark haired hunter spoke, his tone hoarse with surprise. "A-Alexandra?"

Alex faltered, nearly dropping her dagger in her hesitation. Quickly she cleared her mind and pressed the blade back to his throat. Marc’s life depended on her actions here. Hers alone. "Drop it Colin, I don’t want to kill you this day."

He sneered back at her, while remembering that this wasn’t his Alex, but something entirely different. A demon of the night is what she’d become to him. "Well Alexandra, it appears you have another choice before you. Your brother’s life or mine…"

Alex closed her eyes, allowing no moments of hesitation. She needed her brother more than this being before her. In her mind there was no choice, just as there had been before. She drew the dagger across his throat, slitting it from ear to ear. Absently she felt the hot blood gushing over her wrist as Colin’s body slumped to the ground and a scream erupted from her lips-one of utter anguish and pain. "I killed him"…the thought reverberated in her mind as darkness overtook her and she herself fell to the ground in an anguished heap.

Marc was there and caught her before she hit the pool of blood forming on the ground. Only a lock of hair brushed the slowly spreading crimson. He knew she wasn’t harmed, just in shock. Scooping her up into his arms he took her far from the clearing and knelt on the grass then laid her down. He nudged her gently with his mind in an attempt to awaken her then nearly grinned with relief when a small pitiful groan escaped his sister’s lips.

Her eyes few open as the ramifications of what she’d done came back to her full force. "Oh dear gods…Marc." Harsh sobs overtook her as his arms came around her and her head buried into the fabric of his shirt.

Tightly, he embraced her. "Shhh Alex, it’s all right I’m here." He rocked her gently in his arms as he whispered his thanks against the top of her head. Didn’t she know she didn’t have to kill for him? He dismissed the thought simply because he knew he couldn’t have gotten out of it without her.

Marc looked above into the night sky and swore fluently at the pain he felt coming from his sister. In his arms, he settled her once more and retreated from the forest, finding the cave they’d occupied only a few nights before. Alex was huddled asleep in his arms, whether from mental or physical exhaustion he was unsure. In the darkened cavern, he curled with his sister nestled at his side. As dawn broke, his eyes closed and his consciousness drifted into slumber.

Days later, she sat before him dumbly. She hadn’t spoken a single word since then nor would she leave his side. His sister had become a doll really. She’d function, she’d feed, but little else. Marc could sense her, could send her thoughts, but she wouldn’t answer him. He knelt at her feet now, still in that it cave, and stared up at her. "Alex, talk to me damn it…" They went through this every night, he yelled at her, he cursed, all to no avail, only to meet that same listless, lifeless, liquid stare. His gaze hardened on her.

Marc’s temper edged ever so close with her-and that in it was a rarity for him to lose it with his sister. "I need you Alexandra Jade, and I will wake you up, doubt it not." He shook her by the shoulders, she moved malleably as if she were a rag-doll. Before he could think about it, his hand came up and slapped her lightly across the cheek. Finally, some fire came to her eyes as she spat harshly at him. "What the hell did you hit me for Marcus?"

"Because it was the only thing I could think of to get you out of that damned state you were in…" He shot back hotly. "You can’t run from it Alex. Face it. You killed him. Your reasons were just."

"But Marc, a man died at my hands…a man I once loved is dead and the fact remains-" She spoke harshly; using a bitter tone he’d never before heard from her. Bitter contempt and cynicism poured through her consciousness to the extent that it nearly sent his consciousness reeling with the force of her emotions.

He cut her off sharply, intentionally before she could continue that rant. Did she really not see that what’d she’d done was best? "Alex, you did what you had to do. No more, no less. Deal with it." Marc stood and walked out of the cave, still angry with her.

Shooting to her feet, she chased him out into the darkness. How dare he even presume to know what I feel? Her mind railed at her as she walked out of the gave towards him. "Damn it Marcus, don’t you walk away from me when I’m talking to you…."

"Tell me, do you regret it?" He stopped dead in his tracks, but didn’t turn to face her. Emerald eyes were closed while his arms were folded over his chest as he gazed out into the darkness. It was the only thing he could do to make her see.

"Of course I do…" She answered shortly stopping scant inches from him. The question disarmed her, something he did when she was angry and he had a point to make. The two of them knew the other inside and out yet that rarely stopped them from falling for the other’s ploys in the course of an argument.

"Then you’d rather I’d have died that night?" His voice was a soft whisper to her ears as he continued. "Because that’s what it boils down to Alex. You chose me over him, my life for his. Would you wish it different dearest sister?"

Her gaze shifted quickly to the ground at her feet while she whispered back, hurt that he’d believe she’d want that. The realization hit her as clear as crystal as her lips moved. "No, Marcus, of course not…I’d have done it again…my regret isn’t for killing him to save you, but for all that transpired."

Marc’s shoulders slumped visibly. He couldn’t stay angry long…this was his sister. When their tempers flared it was rare that they stayed angry at one another for more than a few minutes, perhaps hours. Quietly he turned around and pulled her into a loving hug. He rested his chin on her head and murmured. "Then remember this lesson my dear, because I don’t think I could stand to see you hurt like this again. Remember it well Alex, and please don’t ever shut me out like that again."

Finally, she cried, for all of them. Marc’s point had been enough to push her over the edge she’d been teetering on. Herself, Marc, Colin, Kira, those that had died, and those that still lived, she cried for them. "I...I will Marc and I won’t shut you out, ever again."

He nodded and smiled lightly against the top of her head in spite of her tears. Inwardly, he understood why she hurt so badly from all of this. Alex felt she was responsible for all of it because she’d brought Colin into their lives. What his sister needed to learn was that she couldn’t control the actions of another…one could only be cautious, wary of those whose intentions seemed false and to trust her instincts. His sister’s instincts, when she trusted them, rarely led them both astray. In time, he hoped she’d learn that. Marc kissed the top of her head and ran his hands down her back then leaned back to stare down into her eyes. "Let’s get out of here hmm?" She nodded in reply and they left the cave, disappearing into the darkness.

As years passed for them, they both began to grow restless for home. The pair traveled for nearly a century. They watched and observed humanity, as Marc had always wished to do. Over time, he became disenchanted with it, realizing the world never changed but on occasion people did. One night in a clearing he looked at his sister seriously, weighing his words before he spoke. "Alex how would you feel about going home?"

She started in surprise at what he’d said. Home? That was a thought. It was a far trip home but they could do it, of course they could. As long as they were together they could do anything. "Home Marc? Are you sure we’re ready to go back?"

"I wouldn’t have asked if I wasn’t ready dearest sister. I believe the real question is you ready to go back. Can you handle the memories there?" His tone was gentle and inquiring. Certainly she knew he wouldn’t go back with out her. He couldn’t face the Manor and its memories without her.

Sitting in silence for a few minutes, she thought over his words. "I think I can Marc." The idea sounded sweet to her ears, achingly sweet in fact. Home…the house she’d always known. "Yes Marcus, let’s go home."

They rose together and started the journey. Years passed on the journey. As they got closer, the more Alex longed for the familiarity of the house, the memories--the main room, the library, all of it. With her she carried three or four volumes. Recording of their travels, her feelings. One of the books she carried was a small story…the story of her and Colin. The names were changed…to protect the innocent…She added silently, her tone somewhat snide then continued as Marc cast her a curious glance. Funny how I feel like mine was lost with a single action…

The door groaned in protest as she pushed upon it. Time rusted hinges screamed at Alex as she stepped in, pushing the door wide. Ever familiar green eyes peeked over her her, considering his height and her own diminuitive stature. Behind her Marc spoke. "What a mess."

"My thoughts exactly Marcus." Alex answered softly as her green-blue gaze swept over the dirty, disheveled, dusty house. As usual, they echoed each other’s sentiments. Dryly, she added. "Remind me why we came here again?"
Marc wrapped his arms around her slender waist and hugged her to his chest from behind while he rested his chin on her shoulder. "Because this is our home, no matter what occurred."

Leaning back against him comfortably, Alex murmured. "You know this is going to take a lot of work…" From the shadows of the room, a veiled, hazel eyed presence watched but said nothing.

"Of course it will…" Marc’s tone was warm and gentle as his breath tickled her ear. He’d felt no presence upon entering but there had recently been a human touch somewhere in the house, he could feel it as easily as she but, conversely the feeling wasn’t the least bit threatening.

She giggled lightly and slipped from his embrace. Purposefully, she strode into the main room and began to pull the dust covers off the furniture, then blinked in surprise when she found it remarkably intact. "What in the hell?" The words escaped her lips before she could even think about it.

"Alex, over here." Marc plucked a letter from the mantle and slit the unrecognizable seal with his finger. He scanned it quickly then began to read it aloud to his sister. As he spoke, his tone was amused. This was likely the human touch they’d felt upon entrance to their home.

"Master Marc and Mistress Alex,

For over a century my family has cared for this Manor in your absence. Lady Kira and my grandmother, Miranda, reached this agreement. I do so hope that everything is to your liking. Should you require anything, please inform me.

Your Servant,

Tessa Starson"

A soft chuckle escaped Marc’s lips as his sister stood there surprised. His eyes met Alex’s equally amused yet puzzled expression as the light dawned on who that could possibly be. She sent him a brief memory of a troublesome little girl they’d met before they’d departed the Manor all those years ago…and the boy that had been with her. His name eluded her however and the girls she only recalled as she read it. His murmur was quiet and thoughtful after examining her memory. "Well. maybe not as much work as we thought…"

Alex snickered softly and brushed past him, moving knowingly through the house. Out the back door, down the path, a quick dart to the north, she stopped when she reached her rose garden. A soft smile settled on her face as she saw it was only a little overgrown but more or less in tact. "Marc look, it’s still here…" She said in awe, knowing he’d followed her.

He smiled lovingly at her back while his gaze shot instinctively to the horizon. "So it is love, so it is, but now ‘tis time for rest, dawn approaches."

Turning, she gave him a bright, loving smile. "You can’t stay in your old room you know…" She took his hand as they entered the house. "But you can stay the day with me if you wish."
Grinning lightly, he teased, his tone whining and playful. "I’ve gotta sleep with a girl…uck."

Alex laughed long and hard at this. As her amusement subsided, she shot back. "Remember that next time you add a notch to the proverbial bedpost…" Flushing, he shoved her gently in to her room. Still giggling, Alex shrugged lightly when she saw the room was more or less in order, just dusty. Atop the cover she curled while her brother slid in beside her, taking her hand as he had when they were children. A simple, content smile melted on both their faces as dawn broke.

The following eve the pair awoke. Alex’s form rose into a sitting position, awakening when she heard a light, respectful knock on the door. Gently she called, "Come in." When she spoke, Marc awakened beside her.

The door swung open. The hinges squeaked ever so slightly as she who stood in the doorway wrinkled her nose and spoke softly to herself. "That will have to be fixed."

Silencing her brother with a single look, Alex uttered softly from the bed. "Tessa Starson, I presume."

"Aye, Mistress Alex, I be she." The red haired girl grinned lightly as she stepped into the room. "My grandmother told me of ye when I was but a lass." Her oddly colored auburn eyes sparkled with amusement, mixed with a bit of mischief. "She was oft fond of telling us how she was dressed down by a six year old girl and how that girl grew into the woman I now serve."

Alex flushed prettily at that as Marc’s elbow sank into her side. He grinned in memory while tossing a casual yet teasing thought to his sister. "What an impression you make dearest sister…"

"Quiet Marcus." She thought, smirking as she continued. "At least she had a story to tell about me."

Marc scowled briefly at his sister then smiled engagingly at Tessa. "Thank you for caring for the house in our absence. You did a fine job."
Tessa blushed at this and uttered softly. She in truth wasn’t quite sure what to make of this pair but time would tell, as it always did and would. That her grandmother had taught her. "Thank you sir."

A sour thought rang in Marc’s ears before he could speak aloud. "Another notch in the bedpost…" His sister smirked again; said smirk fading from her lips when he silently told her to shut up. Quietly, he continued. "Not sir, Marc, please. She’s Alex. We have no intention of running as formal a household as our mother did. Do you have any intentions of staying now that we’ve returned?"

"Aye s-Marc, I would wish to continue my employment if ye’ll allow me…" Tessa answered lowly in response.

"Of course." Alex interjected softly, intentionally interrupting her brother. "Could you excuse us Tessa?"

"Yes milady." She spoke, answering in formality out of habit. This...casualness would take some getting used to. The young woman withdrew from the room. Upon exit, Tessa closed the door behind her.

"You know, we’d be hard pressed to find anyone else willing to keep what we are secret." He murmured softly.

Alex nodded and got out of bed. Adjusting her travel worn gown, she opened the door. As she looked about, she saw that the rest of the manor was immaculate. A soft smile settled onto her lips as she started down the stairs. Memories tugged at her heart and at her consciousness. "It’s funny how it all comes back..." Gentle hands settled on her shoulders while an equally gentle tone rustled in her mind.

Alex reached up and patted her brother’s hands. "Funny but not in an amusing way Marcus…" Her eyes traced the night’s horizon as if she were searching for something…or someone.

"I know Alex." He hugged her and steered her inside. "Come on, I want you to help me choose my new room." Absently, his sister nodded and the pair went back upstairs.

A few weeks later, a soft knock was heard at Marc’s door. Tessa and the other servants had long since retired while Alex and Marc sat up talking. The two were trying to figure out what to do now.

While Marc rose to answer the door, Alex realized she’d sensed no one approaching. "What is it?" She asked as he closed the door and moved to sit back down on the couch beside her.

"A mail call apparently." Marc answered. His tone was puzzled and curious.

"At this hour? It’s nearly three in the morning." Surprise laced her tone as she looked at the heavy parchment in his hand.

"Time matters little to them…" Her brother replied softly then gestured to the seal on the letter.

"The council? What would the Camarilla want with us?" The Camarilla was an elder clan of vampire. The council was, in fact, the ruling house of all vampire clans. Few could match their superiority. When one was summoned by them, it wasn’t to be taken lightly.

"I don’t know dearest sister, but I intend to find out. Marc slit the seal, scanned the letter then began to read the letter aloud.

"We were orphans? They killed our parents?" White hot rage laced Alex’s tone as she glared at the signature scrawled across the bottom of the letter…Dante Giddeon…She would remember that name. "But why? What did they do?!"

"Whoa... calm down... it's in the past... we can't do anything about it. Aye, we can question about it, but it won't do us any good." Marc felt his sister’s wrath and slid his arms around in an attempt to calm her, the letter, which was forgotten for the moment, slid off his lap onto the floor.

"I know that..." She trailed off slowly and fought to finish her thought. "But still they killed our parents, Marc. We'll never know them...that single decision altered our lives forever, how can we tolerate that?"

"If we had met them, do you think they'd care for us anymore?" He attempted to reason with her. "We're not human, Alex, we're Vampires. Humans fear us."

Sighing softly and taking her mother’s watch from her dress pocket. "It’s all I’ll ever have of her." She says softly, looking at the small trinket. "That and scant memories. It’s not right Marc…"

"I know, Alex, but what can we do?" He gestured helplessly then grinned as he continued, "But, on the positive, we’ve been granted permission to start our own clan…We’ll have a family Alex…"

"I know there is nothing…but we have to live with the fact that our parents were killed by the very people that gave us homes." She sighed again, as if the latter hadn’t reached her at all and hugged him, not letting go for a long while.