Arista

[Beneath a moonless sky] 18+ [Arista x Earlymorninstar]

“Alright, I've had enough.” Kieran heard Madam Isabela hiss from behind him. He shifted to dodge a blade and found her there to finish the human, he blinked at her words. A moment later he heard shouts and the hunters that were headed towards them stilled. Thursday attention shifting to a hill that overlooked an endless field that led to a forest, Kieran blinked once more.

Other vampires had appeared and held two struggling individuals, the others held the weapons. Ryanair moved forward as if to investigate, only to still when a gloved hand fell on his shoulder. He blinked when pink eyes met his own, a frown on the nobles vampire face.

“Best not get too close yet. Madam Isabela?” Lady Esther addressed the other with a bow of her head, Ryanair remained still in confusion. He relaxed when another hand fell on his other shoulder, the smell of mint invading his nose. Kieran sighed softly but made no indication of moving, he watched as Madam Isabela patted her skirts.

“Now then, I'm assuming this game is over. Do be dears and leave before I really lose my temper.” Kieran shuddered at the mere mention, the vampires in white moved forward and brought with them their hostages. The other hunters parted and allowed them passage, Madam Isabela huffed and moved forward. Her hand almost seemed to caress the female's chin, her other seeming to poke the male's chest. All three and the ones in white knew that it was a warning, Madam Isabela could easily kill them.

“We've been sent to-” The woman began, only to be silence by a knife to her neck. The second hostage remained silent, his only move to move away from the poking finger. Ryanair moved away from Lady Esther and stood beside his sire, not aware that he stood beside Clara as well. Kieran didn't have the energy to ponder the sight, he really couldn't think straight anymore if he was honest.

“What did you dose your weapons with?” Lady Esther’s voice filled the air, the hard underlying of anger clear. Both humans remained silent for a moment, Madam Isabela’s Guard pressed shifted as if to move forward. No one moved and for that Kieran was grateful, he couldn't tell which was up or down anymore.

“Silver.” Was the simple answer the male provided, Kieran noted all three of his companions flinch. He swallowed and felt his legs give from under him, his world going black around the edges. A hand slapping his cheek jerks him awake, a familiar face meeting his blurry vision. His brown hair was tied and his eyes were glowing gold, Kieran blinked and rolled his head to see why he wasn't on the ground. He was being held by a Guard member, he returned his attention to Wolff.

“You won't be moving for a bit, you've taken too much silver in your system. Be thankful that some of left your system already, really Kieran I thought you could fight better then this.” Kieran couldn't answer aside from narrowing his eyes, Wolff ignored him and turned to the others. “The ones that sustained cuts should be fine, just don't push yourselves. Be good dears and destroy those weapons please, I'd hate for someone to find them.” The other Guard members moved into action, Kieran only noted then that they were alone.

“I suggest we all stay here for the night. You have rooms?” Lady Esther asked after a moment, Kieran was lifted by Wolff and kept in place by the hand on his shoulder. Ryanair nodded and turned to the house, a frown on his face.

“We've renovated and have added more rooms. We should get inside, will they be staying?” The question was directed to the white-clothed figures, Madam Isabela nodded and Ryanair relaxed. Kieran watched as his second fledgling turned room face his first, his posture going rigid as he opened his mouth. “Will you be staying? I don't think Healer Wolff wants us moving.” Wolff nodded and moved away from Kieran, Ryanair appeared a moment later. Resting his heavy head on the blonde's shoulder, he unconciously called for his first fledgling to join them. His feet felt rooted to the ground, his ears focused as Wolff began to speak.

“We will all be sleeping here. Any objections I don't a shit about. Let's get moving inside.” Kieran watched as Madam Isabela and Esther moved forward, the white figures gone as well as the bodies.

Kieran fucking hated silver.

@earlymorninstar

[Beneath a moonless sky] 18+ [Arista x Earlymorninstar]

Ryanair managed to snap the male's neck before him, his body tense and dyed glowing. Kieran was staggering but managing to hold his own, the male he kicked away had a torn throat. He could feel it again, the heaviness clinging to his body ashe moved away and kicked out. Ryanair hissed and moved towards Clara, feud forgotten as he intercepts a male with a discarded bow in his chest. It seemed endless, the shadows seeming to spew more hunters as time dragged by. Ryanair grit his teeth as he ducks under a dagger, his leg kicking out and connecting with a knee. The male fell with a shout, Ryanair was on him in a moment. As he stepped on the man's windpipe he thought of how the he'll they were going to get rid of so many bodies.

How head snapped up and to the left when a shout sounded from ahead of them. Kieran tossed his enemy away and took a step, only to still when a dagger pierced his back. His lips parted as a pained shout left his throat, an enraged his filled his ears before the weight on is back was lifted. Another hiss came from ahead and Kieran felt his shoulders relax, only for his body to tense when a band landed on the new injury.

“I'll take it out only, it seems their weapons are coated with something that slows the healing process. Also hello and you look like shit.” Were the words that filled his ears, he grunted and groaned when the dagger was removed. A floral scent filled his nose as a gloved hand lifted his face, his eyes meet glowing pink. Lady Esther patted his cheek before turning and lurching forward, an unexpected hunter getting a palm slammed into his windpipe.

Kieran took took a moment to survey his spinning surroundings. His eyes blinked and he rose on instinct when he felt movement behind him, he came face to with a smaller opponent. The female moved back and lifted what looked like a gun, Kieran rushed forward and knocked it away before piercing her with his hand.

“Pleasant meeting you here pet. I brought Wolff with me just for this occasion.” The bright voice had Kieran whipping around to find Madam Isabela calmly tossing a body away. Her crimson hair was loose and her eyes were glowing silver. He nodded dumbly and moved back into action, Ryanair pausing only slightly to notice both females before returning to his task. He'd ponder why there were here later, Kieran dodged a kick and flawlessly reentered the fight.

Five vampires against an army of hunters. Kieran didn't think too much on that and simply focused on fighting.

@earlymorninstar

[Beneath a moonless sky] 18+ [Arista x Earlymorninstar]

The pulled told him Clara was following. Her questions were good ones and he took a fee moments to answer them. His eyes blinked to clear the persisting black spots that refused to leave his vision. His took a breath and then another, the pain in his lungs distracting him for a moment. The wounds were healing, though slowly and his blood was still seeping from the wound. His arm stung like a bitch, though he ignored it as he focused in answering.

“An old family of vampire hunters that are out for my blood. I haven't done anything except exist, though for them that's the problem. Their ancestors seeked my assistance in the elimination of a group of mindless vampires, I denied and apparently that's cause for this now. I don't intentionally make snipes Clara, I prefer peace and quiet to be honest.” It wasn't a lie, he been alive long enough to just want an easy life, then again with these bastards it wouldn't be possible.

“I might have killed a few or their members when I'd gone too long without feeding. That might also be a cause, though that was a century ago.” He offered after a moment, talking helped him focus on staying awake. Their bond was uncomfortably numb and that pushed Kieran to move faster, the quiet town left behind as his gaze focused on his home.

The sudden spike of fear that sliced through him had Kieran staggering. Ryanair was frightened but an underlying anger came simmering forward moments later. Kieran grit his teeth and forced his heavy body to move faster, his eyes scanning the darkness. The sudden light of the front door slicing into the darkness had him stilling, a familiar blonde head xme into view as Kieran moved behind a tree trunk.

What met his gaze had fury filling him. Four familiarity figures were huddled behind Ryanair, their hearts slow and sluggish. Kieran pushed away the pain as he moved forward, his words towards Clara a soft hiss passed his lips. “Help me, my fledgling.” He lunged forward and impaled the closest male though the heart, his body discarded with a flick of his wrist. Ryanair had spotted him, if the elation that fills the bond is any indication. Ryanair backed away and aimed a punch at the male that lunges forward, the kids kept safe behind them. Kieran noted their eyes were glassy and he was glad he'd taught Ryanair how to use his convulsion.

His next target manged to pierce him with an arrow before his windpipe was crushed between pale fingers. There were more here, Kieran moved away from another arrow and lunged for another hunter. They were outnumbered as long as-

The sudden blonde blur that passed by was his answer. The sudden darkness was his second answer, Ryanair had manged to close the door and plummet the terrain into darkness. Three against the small army might do better then two with one of half-useful as Kieran was.

@earlymorninstar

[Beneath a moonless sky] 18+ [Arista x Earlymorninstar]

Emre dodged the arrow and with a twirl of his dagger, he tossed it with accuracy. Kieran rolled his shoulders and grit his teeth as he gathered his strength. With a deep breath, he drew his legs up and slammed them into Emre’s chin. The smell of blood filling the air had the elder vampire lurching away and kicking out. The vampire hunter grunted and managed to block his kick, while his other hand held his jaw.

Gathering a breath in his burning lungs, Kieran lunged forward and spun a roundhouse kick at Emre’s chest. He missed and an elbow met the back of his skull, a pained hissed escaped his lips as he pulled away. He could vaguely feel anger in the bonds he had with his fledgling’s, he knew one was close but the other was far.

Why was that? His mind shifted to the problem at hand, just in time to duck another slash. Kieran grunted and kicked out with his left leg, his right curling close to his body before it too lashed out. Emre hissed when one leg met his shin, the sound of breaking bone filling the air. Emre growled and slashed downwards with a flick of his wrist, Kieran didn't feel the slash this time. He grabbed the arm as it pulled away, his right arm gripped it hard enough until he shattered.

“Did you notice your pet hasn't come yet? I have others watching your home...shame if anything were to happen to-” Emre’s voice was choked off as a pale hand ripped put his throat, his narrowed eyes clouding over as his heart lurched. Kieran flexed his hand and let the other male drop, his eye closing as the world spun around him dizzingly.

“Can I ask for you help? I know you want nothing to do with me but in the condition I'm in I won't stand a chance. I'd be grateful if you did.” He breathes out as he shifts his attention to his first fledgling. His mind was clearing but his reactions were slow, he swallowed and moved around the body.

He had to get home, his mind unconciously calling for both of his fledgling’s once more. Steps feeling heavy and his lungs aching Kieran moved across the roofs with will alone guiding his speed. He needed to get to Ryanair, if any of the bastards hurt him they'd pay. He was glad that the children had gone home with their mothers just hours earlier.

This wasn't something they shouldn't see. This he'll thar was the life of some vampires.

@earlymorninstar

[Beneath a moonless sky] 18+ [Arista x Earlymorninstar]

The male before Kieran laughed and twirled both the daggers he held with ease. His face was covered but his eyes were visible and narrowed, Kieran remained still and on alert. He'd managed to calm down enough for Ryanair not to come running, he could handle these two so long as he kept his head.

“Go ahead leech, we all know that in this line we face death on a daily basis. Isn't that right Traver?” He asked with an almost teasing note in his tone, the male below grunted softly in agreement. Kieran released a breath and lurched forward, the male met him half-way. An arrow whizzing past his ear had him reacting without thought, he ducked and pressed himself flat on the shingles.

“There's another hidden that has a crossbow, please take care of him.” He stated as he rolled away from a boot aimed for his head, his own legs lashing out in retaliation. Kieran hissed when a blow landed on his side, his arm lashing out and catching the other by the back of the neck. The older assassin didn't like that and with speed equivalent to a vampires, his daggers slashed across his chest. Searing pain rippled through the new wounds, Kieran swallowed and swayed backwards.

Something didn't feel right, his knees felt wobbly and his vision blurry. He blocked a blow with his arm and aimed a misguided punch at the blurry figure, the only answer was a laugh. Another slash ran along his chest and this time, Kieran didn't falter backwards. A hand grabbed his hair and a cool blade was held at his neck, a weak hiss escaped his lips.

Something was in his bloodstream. It was slowing him down and he felt weak and lethargic. He didn't like it and as the blade teased his pulse, Kieran wanted his bed and warmth.

“You've grown weak since we last met, pity really since I was expecting more or a fight.” The words were said into his ears, Kieran swallowed and struggled to move away. The world was spinning and his stomach burned like a trail of fire was searing his skin, he struggled harder to get away. The grip on his neck tightened as if to hold him in place, it wasn't really like he could really get away.

“Screw you....Emre…” He manages to hiss out between his teeth, his mouth tasting like copper. The blade was suddenly in his chest, twisting slowly and sending new waves of agony throughout his body. His arms slammed backwards and the grip loosened enough for him to move away, he did just that. He didn't get far before his legs gave and he slid down the roof, he kept himself from falling by griping the edge of the roof.

The sound of boots drawing closer had panic filling his chest. He didn't think twice as he consumed him, he could feel his fingers twitching and his grip lossening. Either he was going to fall, or he was going to be killed.

Neither was an option he wanted. He unconciously called for both his fledgling’s, his eyes closing as a hand grips his hair. Kieran couldn't feel his body anymore, his energy non-existent as he was hauled upward once more.

@earlymorninstar

[Beneath a moonless sky] 18+ [Arista x Earlymorninstar]

After finding the small shop, Kieran stepped out after speaking with the elder woman who owned the shop. She'd been both surprised and happy to see him, he rarely visited and he gladly accepted her words. He'd received his letter and had opened it right there, his stomach dropping at what met his gaze. Pure will had him refraining from ripping the parchment into pieces, his jaw clenched hard enough to grind his teeth.

They were moving again. The damn bastards had been spotted a few towns over, and seemed to be coming to this town. Somehow managing to pass the letter off for unwanted business information, he left after a few more minutes of chatter. He wondered if the information had changed, they were humans but were persistent and quick. The cool air outside was a relief, now he could go home and sleep-

The sudden stinging pain that uncurled in his chest had Kieran staggering, a hiss escaping his lips. His eyes scanned the now empty streets, I'll to find no threat within sight. Fingers moving to abdomen, he pulled the arrow that found there, his posture rigid and on alert. He had to keep calm or Ryanair would seek him out, the was the last thing he needed.

He was able to see the arrow that was aimed at him, Kieran jumped and was glad he'd made it away from the shop. He turned to take off, only to duck and kick a leg out. The figure before him smoothly dodged it and lashed out with something that glittered off the moonlight. This one wasn't alone it seemed, the one holding the crossbow was behind them somewhere.

A hiss escaped his lips as he dodged another areow, his reflexes helping him dodge what he now knew was a dagger. His abdomen ached as he jumped back and crouched, his now glowing eyes scanning the darkness.

This was a problem.

“It's time to come quietly, Kieran. We won't attack you if you agree to come without a fight.” A smooth voice pierced the air and had Kieran spinning to find the owner. A familiar figure came into view and with it rage filled him entirely, an enraged hiss left his lips in answer. This was the man that had found him, that had chased him and drawn him near insanity.

Like hell was he going to be captured again.

@earlymorninstar

[Beneath a moonless sky] 18+ [Arista x Earlymorninstar]

By the time they reached the Shallows, both boys were nearly undressed. The moment all four spotted the water, Kieran and Ryanair moved to block their path. They leaned from the last time that allowing them to run off meant wet clothes and disapproving mothers. Raising the bags in silent reminder, all four deflated slightly but stilled and nodded.

“Ty and Sena are with me. Wythe and Isaac are with Ry, now once your dressed you will wait until we're all at the shoreline, understood?” His tone was firm but gentle, he was glad he knew their temperaments by then to know how they'd respond. Four nods had them splitting up, bags handed off and clothed switched for another. Kieran nodded when both were changed and moved his two towards the shoreline, Ryanair and his two following after a fee moments later.

“Now, the rules apply like last time. You stay close and don't go too far. And no Wythe even if your uncle taught you to swim, your to follow our rules our your out of the water.” The brunette’s arm fell but she nodded, Sena giggled softly at her friend. Rolling of the ends of his trousers, Kieran moves forward after removing his boots and socks and guides the kids into the water. Ryanair remaining on the shore with a smile on his lips, he follows after removing his shoes and socks.

The water fight began almost immediately. The two vampires wisely stepping in before someone lost thirty temper. After that, both vampires convinced the children to practice swimming techniques. They paused long enough to grab lunch and watch a crab scuttle to the water, before they were back in the cool embrace of the small waves of water. By the time either male noticed the sun's desent, the kids were close to falling asleep as they played.

Getting them all out and changed was a task, all four more asleep then awake. As they made their way back towards town, Kieran had an armful of Wythe and Isaac on his back. Ryanair had Sena and Tyre and followed a few paces behind him, the silence relaxing. Entering the town and moving towards the center, they soon found each child's mother waiting. Handing the kids back, both male's waved them off before turning to head home. Only then did Kieran remember the letter Lady Esther promised to send, he paused and sighed.

“I'll meet you home Ry, I have to collect Esther’s letter and I'll be there.” Ryanair had turned to look at him, at his words a frown settled onto his features. After a moment the blonde nodded and turned to continue walking, Kieran turning to head towards the Postal service. His strides slower as he moved around the people milling about, his gaze focused forward.

Just this and then he'd be home and asleep.

@earlymorninstar

[Beneath a moonless sky] 18+ [Arista x Earlymorninstar]

Kieran smiled and waved as they mothers bid their goodbyes and moved away, he turned and placed his hands on his hips. The children were excitedly telling Ryanair stories that the other male listened to with a smile. They had calmed and we're taking turns telling a sorry, Kieran moved closer and crouched down.

“Where shall we go today?” He asked the group at large, the kids turned to him and tilted their heads. They had grown slightly in the few days that had passed. Isaac had grown at least an inch, Wythe looked darker, Tyre had gained a few pounds and Sena looked taler as well. Kieran noted this with interest but allowed the four to think, Ryanair moved to his side and waited.

“The shallows!” Wythe and Sena coursed as one. The two boys blinked and then nodded in agreement, Kieran frowned in thought. None of them were dressed for a day at the Shallows, they were dressed more for a day around town. Ryanair hummed softly and glanced down at the smiling faces, Kieran voiced his concerns.

“I don't mind but we're not dressed for an outing. Though we can buy clothed if you'd like.” He knew the answer and turned on his heel, several pairs of excited feet followed him. Twenty minutes later and bags in tow, all six exited and moved to the right. The shallows was nothing more then a small lake that was kept hidden by a barrier of rocks, they'd found it a year before and it was the kids favorite place.

“How long can we stay with you?” Were the words that Isaac asked as they moved away from the center of town to the quieter area. Kieran thought for a moment as Wythe grabbed his hand. It was surprising sometimes how they've known these kids since they were six, now their ages ranged from eight to ten. Sena and Tyre walked ahead of them, Ryanair in between the cousins with his arms relaxed at his sides.

“Till dark I'd imagine. Your mother didn't say and nether did anyone else, why?” He asked with his gaze focused on the youngest of the four, Isaac blinked his brown eyes and grinned. The eldest vampire sometimes questioned how he and his fledgling become caregivers, then he remembered how they met this group of kids and he vanishes the memory.

“Just curious. Did you hear? Ty’s mom is pregnant again!” Kieran blinked in surprise and turned his attention to the third eldest of the group, he was the more timid of the four. He hadn't noticed when he'd spoken to her, then again he hadn't really been paying attention. At the mention of his nickname the little blonde turned and tilted his head, his hand reaching for Ryanair’s for support.

“She told me last night, Mama said she was happy.” He said with a smile, Sena was instantly hugging her cousin and Wythe had moved to congratulate him as well. Kieran shook his head and stilled when he felt the buzzing in his mind pick up a notch, he ducked his head and resumed walking. None of the kids noticed but Ryanair did, the blonde arched a brow in silent question.

Kieran didn't say anything as he brushed passed the other, only trailing his fingers down his right cheek. He'd hadn't expected her to be near today, when an excited shout filled the air he shook his head and focused on the kids.

If Clara came close then he'd attempt to talk her. He wasn't going to make the first move yet, and judging by the numbness that came from the bond she wanted nothing to do with him.

@earlymorninstar

[Beneath a moonless sky] 18+ [Arista x Earlymorninstar]

The next morning had both male's rising on either side of the bed. Lower bodies clothed only in silk boxers, Kieran yawned and rose to his bare feet. Ryanair was more reluctant and only moved when Kieran tugged him to his feet, he blinked sleepy when he was ushered into the hall.

“Shower and get dressed, we're going to wander town for a bit.” Kieran stated softly, pale fingers lifting to soothe away blonde bangs. Ryanair nodded his head and turned, his own hand rising to scratch at the side of his neck. Soon the two-story home was filled with the sound of running water, then silence after thirty minutes. Ryanair stepped out with a towel wrapped around his waist, he moved to his dresser and tugged it open. Pulling out a pair of black trousers and boxers, he slips them on before reaching for a shirt. He pulls out a gray long-sleeved shirt and slips it on, a pair of socks and then boots follow.

Kieran was dressed only in a pair of brown trousers, when Ryanair entered his room. The blonde settled down on his bed, Kieran continued with dressing after a slight pause. A white shirt was slipped on before a pair of socks and a pair of boots, Ryanair remaining quiet where he sat. Reaching the other with a brush in hand, he combs the still wet locks until he'd satisfied. Doing his own hair and then tying it, Kieran moves to his bedroom door and enters the hall. Ryanair closes the door behind them and follows home after his sire, if he knew anything of today it would be filled with laughter. Exiting their home and moving down the road, the sounds that tilled the air was that of people waking. The vendors move sleepily to their stalls, the shoppers already moving about. Their destination was the center of town, where a water fountain stood and a group of mothers gathered.

Upon reaching the fountain, both pause when the sound of laughter reached their ears. The four mothers that stood talking around the fountain, turned to look at them. The four kids that were running around stilled at the hello’s their mothers said, their small faces splitting into smiles.

“Kieran! Ryanair!” They shouted in unison, running forward until they stood before the vampires. Ryanair crouched down and ruffled each child's hair, Kieran moving to converse with the mothers for a bit. This was routine as well, it didn't happen everyday but this group of eight was glad for the help their two offered them. The mothers could attend their bookclub in peace and shop, while the kids were kept entertained and out of trouble.

Plus, neither male minded the loud, hyper company of kids. It was a win for everyone when the day came to a close.

@earlymorninstar

[Beneath a moonless sky] 18+ [Arista x Earlymorninstar]

“May I ask something?” Ryanair’s sleepy voice jostled Kieran from his thoughts, he blinked and rolled onto his back. An hour or two had passed since they'd arrived, Kieran hadn't been able to sleep. Ryanair hummed softly and shifted until he was against the headboard, Kieran turning his head to regard his fledgling. “Why did you bite her?”

The simple question brought with it a tangle of emotions and blurry memories.

Kieran rose onto his elbows and leaned back until his head met the headboard, a soft sigh escaping his lips. He'd expected this and for once he had no clear answer, freeing a hand and lifts it to the crimson canopy above. After a moment he licked his lips and closed his eyes, he needed to answer as best he could.

“I honestly didn't know I bit her. There was a time were I had been hunted, and due to that I hadn't been given ample time to feed. My control was beyond weak and I don't remember entering a town. The memories are blurry and the only emotions I remember is pain and a bone-deep exhaustion, finding her just confuses me. I never thought of siring anyone, I'm four hundred years old damnit. I hadn't felt the bond with her until the day before yesterday, and I wonder why.” Kieran flexed his fingers and released a breath through his nose, Ryanair was silent beside him for a fee moments.

“Do you regret it? Finding out you have a first fledgling while you have a second?” His tone was neutral, Kieran glanced over and found a blank expressions on the others features. Their bond was still, no rage underlying it thar Kieran could find. He remembered warm skin and the smell of sweat, the sound if crashing waves and cool sand. He'd hadn't purposely ignoring his first fledgling, he just didn't know she existed.

“No. Gran has given me tips on how to remember just what happened, but I don't regret turning either of you. Your cases were different but I'm fine with having two fledgling’s, I feel as if I've failed as a sire though. I've unconciously ignored one of my fledgling’s and have kept the information from my second. Now when we meet I feel both the urge to hug her and try to mend what is clearly non-mendable, on the other hand I feel the urge to hide away. She clearly doesn't want anything to do with me, and the fact that her personality is different then yours is off-putting.”

Ryanair sighed and Kieran jumped when a fist gently met the side of his head. He turned to face his second and found glowing emerald eyes watching him, Ryanair’s face still carefully blank. Still no anger filled their bond, Kieran arched a silent brow and waited. The feelings had faded and the blurry memories vanished until Kieran felt tired and raw.

“I'm not in a position to give you advice, but I think starting small would be the best option. I don't much like her but then again I've only known her angry aide, she clearly hates me so I guess it's neutral. Anyway, the half-bond you feel with her will help and hopefully things settle of you take it slow. I'm new to this so don't take what I say to heart but it's what I'd do if I had a fledgling. Now can I stay here or should I go to my room? I don't feel like moving” Ryanair huffed and a yawn overtook his features, Kieran blinked and rolled onto his side.

His second fledgling had a point. With little effort he tugged Ryanair down and curled up on his side. This was confronting and he wasn't going to have Ryanair get up, his second fledgling didn't protest and settled with a pillow hugged to his chest.

Tomorrow he'd start, it shouldn't be so hard.