When Evangeline had taken a hold of the Vampires arm, he led her towards the main part of the garden as they talked. She continued to talk about her dislike of suitors chosen for her by her parents. As they left the sight of the group that had gathered for the tea party, Evangeline seemed to grow more relaxed and even dropped her head onto Azraels shoulder as they walked through the gardens, surrounded by tall bushes displaying colourful flowers. Azrael coughed into his free hand, it seemed that sun was affecting him more than he thought it would.
"Help you escape forever? That would be a very hard thing for you, because you are the daughter of a Royal Family, do you think they will just accept that you are gone? They will always be searching for you, meaning you would not be able to move so freely and you would have to always be making sure your identity is hidden. As long as your parents thought you were alive the search would never be stopped."
Azrael saw the sadness in her face before she turned her back on him. She posed another question.
"I honestly did not come here to become your suitor, heh. I would think that your mother and father would probably figure out that I am no one... special, anyway. Especially if they arranged for these suitors in the first place, they may not know the faces, but their names and titles will be what they are looking for."
Mind control, that was indeed an ability that Vampires could use, but unfortunately Azrael had never been so adept with it, and the thought of manipulating someone like that never sat well with him, not that he disliked anyone who was willing to use the skill themselves.
He shook his head.
"Mind control is not something that I tend to dabble in, and to use it on the King and Queen? That would be a situation that even the bravest would generally keep a distance from. Plus, if it were that easy, do you not think that some Vampire would be the ruler of the known world already?"
He said with a smirk on his face.
"Do you honestly hate this life that you have? You know, the world out there is much more difficult."
He said motioning toward the castle walls and beyond.
"If somehow I did help you to run away, I do not really want to look after a human girl who has no worldly skills. No offence, milady."
He said, smiling gently and hoping that she wouldn't feel offended. He felt like he shouldn't encourage the girl to run away from the castle again. The loss of a princess would be a very big event, the whole city would be in an uproar, maybe even the country. As Azrael thought about it, if the girl managed to leave the country she could possible escape her life of Royalty, or if she was clever enough, she could fake death. That was a trick many Vampires used when they took on an apprentice or brought someone into the Vampire fold. Being dead was than being missing, nobody goes looking for a dead person, and Vampire is best not haunted by their old life, luckily, after a century or so, anyone who knew you passed on and Vampire could truly be free.
"Do you think you could truly be free of your Royal heritage? A missing princess is not so easily forgotten, especially if your getting married increases their power, not that I am saying that is all you are worth to your parents."
He said, once more coughing into his hand.
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Azrael sat with his delicate china cup in his hand, carefully sipping the tea from time to time. He couldn't help but admire the sheer beauty of the castle garden, the fact that something so colourful and fresh could live so peacefully in the hustle and bustle of this never sleeping city. Once you entered the city limits, it was very rare to see any form of nature, it was all roads and houses packed together, there was just no room for plant life.
The sun was starting to take affect on his body as his grip on his cup loosened a little bit. He put the cup on the table to be safe, he wasn't sure if coming out today had been the wisest idea, but the thought of seeing Evangeline squirming in front of these old men caused Azrael to chuckle ever so lightly.
With that thought, the Princess appeared in front of him. It would be common courtesy for the man to stand in the presence of Royalty, and even though Azrael was a Vampire and didn't conform to Human rules, he did not want to cause a fuss. He stood, and the bowed deeply to her.
"Honestly, Princess, I wanted to see the castle during the day, and I was also hoping that I may get to see the new King. Then, there was the thought of you having to awkwardly meet all of these fine gentlemen, heh. Yes, I know that it is not much different from the old one, but the cut is surely more regal, fine craftsmanship I must say. You should not worry about me, my dear, this is not my first outing in the sun, the only real damaging effect is that I will end up as weak as a Human for a while, ha."
He winked at her as he joked.
"Hm... Are you trying to say that I could not pass for a Nobles son in front of the Queen, that is quite mean of you, Evangeline. If she does decide to question me, then I will deal with it at the time."
They both sat at the table, and Azrael finished off his tea with one quick gulp. He was about to open his mouth to say something when the Princess spoke first. Azrael cast a judge-full eye over her body before replying.
"I have never been one for fashion, I must say, but what you are wearing is quite nice. Though as you may have gathered, I do prefer black clothing. I think you would look nice in black, it helps compliment are skin colour. Also, if you were to wear black, your pale skin would surely force all men to become lost in the beauty of your face. I suppose being a virgin is a special thing, to be the first one to do something with someone in any manner of things makes it more special. Experiencing things for the first time is supposed to be exciting. Though for old men like these, you would probably not be their first, and being with them, you would not treasure doing things as much as you might, these men care nothing for romance."
Evangeline quietly stood and waited for Azraels decision. Making no hesitation, he stood next to her, bowed gently then raised his arm, seeing if she would take it.
"If milady would do me the pleasure?"
If asked with a little smirk on his face.
"Perhaps once around the garden to get away from all of these handsome suitors of yours? What troublesome pests they are, heh."
The sun was starting to take affect on his body as his grip on his cup loosened a little bit. He put the cup on the table to be safe, he wasn't sure if coming out today had been the wisest idea, but the thought of seeing Evangeline squirming in front of these old men caused Azrael to chuckle ever so lightly.
With that thought, the Princess appeared in front of him. It would be common courtesy for the man to stand in the presence of Royalty, and even though Azrael was a Vampire and didn't conform to Human rules, he did not want to cause a fuss. He stood, and the bowed deeply to her.
"Honestly, Princess, I wanted to see the castle during the day, and I was also hoping that I may get to see the new King. Then, there was the thought of you having to awkwardly meet all of these fine gentlemen, heh. Yes, I know that it is not much different from the old one, but the cut is surely more regal, fine craftsmanship I must say. You should not worry about me, my dear, this is not my first outing in the sun, the only real damaging effect is that I will end up as weak as a Human for a while, ha."
He winked at her as he joked.
"Hm... Are you trying to say that I could not pass for a Nobles son in front of the Queen, that is quite mean of you, Evangeline. If she does decide to question me, then I will deal with it at the time."
They both sat at the table, and Azrael finished off his tea with one quick gulp. He was about to open his mouth to say something when the Princess spoke first. Azrael cast a judge-full eye over her body before replying.
"I have never been one for fashion, I must say, but what you are wearing is quite nice. Though as you may have gathered, I do prefer black clothing. I think you would look nice in black, it helps compliment are skin colour. Also, if you were to wear black, your pale skin would surely force all men to become lost in the beauty of your face. I suppose being a virgin is a special thing, to be the first one to do something with someone in any manner of things makes it more special. Experiencing things for the first time is supposed to be exciting. Though for old men like these, you would probably not be their first, and being with them, you would not treasure doing things as much as you might, these men care nothing for romance."
Evangeline quietly stood and waited for Azraels decision. Making no hesitation, he stood next to her, bowed gently then raised his arm, seeing if she would take it.
"If milady would do me the pleasure?"
If asked with a little smirk on his face.
"Perhaps once around the garden to get away from all of these handsome suitors of yours? What troublesome pests they are, heh."
Azrael didn't feel comfortable about taking money from the young princess, even if her family was the wealthiest in the country, but, he had to admit, his clothes were probably beyond repair and it had been a long time since he had carried money. Reluctantly he took the small pouch of coins and slipped it into a pocket inside his waistcoat.
"Thank you, princess, I will endeavour to repay you for your kindness."
They talked for a little longer. Evangeline mainly conveying her distaste for being forced to marry someone a lot older than her.
It grew late and the girl started to show signs of tiredness so Azrael bid her farewell and left through the same window that they had entered not so long ago. He retraced his steps back through the castle grounds, up the large wall, and jumped down to the city floor, scaring a local drunk man at the same time.
It had been a while since he last visited the establishment, but Azrael had remembered that there was a local tavern that catered to the creatures of the night. It was run by the same family for generations, providing a safe haven and a warm place to stay for visiting Vampires, in exchange for money, or favours. Navigating by rooftop he found the small little building in no time at all. When he entered he was greeted by a young man. He was wearing a short-sleeved shirt and Azrael could see many cuts along his arm, no doubt he had let a few Vampires drink from him over the years, another service that they offered.
"Ah, good evening, young master. Would you perhaps have a room for one to spare for the night?"
The boy nodded and looked away awkwardly, stroking the cuts on his arms.
"It will just be the room and nothing else..."
The boy nodded again and led the stranger down some stairs into a cellar and showed him to a heavy door. He used to hands to push the door open. It creaked heavily to reveal a very empty bedroom, apart from a solid stone block in the shape of a coffin in the middle of the room, with three candles melted on the end. The boy grabbed a torch from the hallway and lit the candles and then turned to leave.
"...actually, there is one thing."
He handed the boy the bag of coins.
"I need a well made suit like the one I am wearing please, I assume you can have it ready by late tomorrow afternoon?"
The boy nodded.
"Very good. Pay for the room with that money also, please. If the suit is a good quality, you may keep whatever is left."
A small smile appeared on the boys face as he nodded yet again, he was obviously not used to more kinder Vampires. Azrael gave the boy his measurements for the suit and then sent him on his way.
The vampire sat on the stone coffin. He removed one the apples that he had bought earlier and started eating it. With no more than five bites the apple was nothing more than a core. He placed the second apple on the floor and then lay on top of the stone coffin and tried to fall asleep.
Azrael woke up to find a wooden chair in his room with a freshly made suit folded on top of it. He really did love the family that ran this tavern, so efficient. He removed his old clothes, folded them and put them on the floor next to the chair. His new suit was black from top to bottom, just how he liked it. He slipped it on and he could instantly tell that it was of great quality.
As he ventured upstairs he realised that it was still light outside, but past midday, so the suns light wouldn't be fatal, he would just get a feeling of numbness across his body as a side effect.
He walked through the city until he arrived back at the castle. He had decided to pay the Royal Family a visit as he was interested in what type of people the new King and Queen were. Seeing Evangeline squirm in front of her suitors would also be quite amusing. He walked around the perimeter of the castle wall until he could see the tops of the gardens trees poking over the low garden wall. He leapt up and grabbed the top of the wall and flipped over it, landing softly on the over side. He landed next to a servant who was carrying an empty tray. They looked at each other for a second before Azrael coughed into his hand.
"I could not be bothered to walk all the way around, that is okay, right?"
And then he walked off toward the crowd of men on the far side. Azrael guessed that these were the suitors, and he could see why Evangeline had been upset about it, they really were quite old or bad looking. In some cases both. It was funny, Azrael would be the oldest one there, and yet looked the very youngest by far, so much so, he was worried that he may stick out. Not too mention that he was dressed in black and they were all in bright colours, reds, blues, greens, all the family colours. Honestly, all the colour was making Azrael nauseous.
He was collared by what seemed to be a late forty year old man, with greying hair and blue eyes, and a red coat, white trousers and a black hat and gloves. Azrael almost laughed at the odd sense of style, he hadn't seen such attire for years.
"Excuse me, young man, just who are you, this is a private gathering."
Said the old noble.
"Yes, the one to meet the princess, correct? That is what I am here for, sir."
He said with a bow.
"Oh, and my name is Azrael, not young man. Now if you will excuse me."
Azrael took a few steps backward before turning and walking away. He was not about to waste time talking to these old men who thought they were better because they had power. He swiftly moved to an unoccupied table and poured himself a drink. He slipped his hand into his pocket and with his other hand brought the warm drink to his lips as he studied the castle grounds. It was truly a beautiful sight.
"Thank you, princess, I will endeavour to repay you for your kindness."
They talked for a little longer. Evangeline mainly conveying her distaste for being forced to marry someone a lot older than her.
It grew late and the girl started to show signs of tiredness so Azrael bid her farewell and left through the same window that they had entered not so long ago. He retraced his steps back through the castle grounds, up the large wall, and jumped down to the city floor, scaring a local drunk man at the same time.
It had been a while since he last visited the establishment, but Azrael had remembered that there was a local tavern that catered to the creatures of the night. It was run by the same family for generations, providing a safe haven and a warm place to stay for visiting Vampires, in exchange for money, or favours. Navigating by rooftop he found the small little building in no time at all. When he entered he was greeted by a young man. He was wearing a short-sleeved shirt and Azrael could see many cuts along his arm, no doubt he had let a few Vampires drink from him over the years, another service that they offered.
"Ah, good evening, young master. Would you perhaps have a room for one to spare for the night?"
The boy nodded and looked away awkwardly, stroking the cuts on his arms.
"It will just be the room and nothing else..."
The boy nodded again and led the stranger down some stairs into a cellar and showed him to a heavy door. He used to hands to push the door open. It creaked heavily to reveal a very empty bedroom, apart from a solid stone block in the shape of a coffin in the middle of the room, with three candles melted on the end. The boy grabbed a torch from the hallway and lit the candles and then turned to leave.
"...actually, there is one thing."
He handed the boy the bag of coins.
"I need a well made suit like the one I am wearing please, I assume you can have it ready by late tomorrow afternoon?"
The boy nodded.
"Very good. Pay for the room with that money also, please. If the suit is a good quality, you may keep whatever is left."
A small smile appeared on the boys face as he nodded yet again, he was obviously not used to more kinder Vampires. Azrael gave the boy his measurements for the suit and then sent him on his way.
The vampire sat on the stone coffin. He removed one the apples that he had bought earlier and started eating it. With no more than five bites the apple was nothing more than a core. He placed the second apple on the floor and then lay on top of the stone coffin and tried to fall asleep.
Azrael woke up to find a wooden chair in his room with a freshly made suit folded on top of it. He really did love the family that ran this tavern, so efficient. He removed his old clothes, folded them and put them on the floor next to the chair. His new suit was black from top to bottom, just how he liked it. He slipped it on and he could instantly tell that it was of great quality.
As he ventured upstairs he realised that it was still light outside, but past midday, so the suns light wouldn't be fatal, he would just get a feeling of numbness across his body as a side effect.
He walked through the city until he arrived back at the castle. He had decided to pay the Royal Family a visit as he was interested in what type of people the new King and Queen were. Seeing Evangeline squirm in front of her suitors would also be quite amusing. He walked around the perimeter of the castle wall until he could see the tops of the gardens trees poking over the low garden wall. He leapt up and grabbed the top of the wall and flipped over it, landing softly on the over side. He landed next to a servant who was carrying an empty tray. They looked at each other for a second before Azrael coughed into his hand.
"I could not be bothered to walk all the way around, that is okay, right?"
And then he walked off toward the crowd of men on the far side. Azrael guessed that these were the suitors, and he could see why Evangeline had been upset about it, they really were quite old or bad looking. In some cases both. It was funny, Azrael would be the oldest one there, and yet looked the very youngest by far, so much so, he was worried that he may stick out. Not too mention that he was dressed in black and they were all in bright colours, reds, blues, greens, all the family colours. Honestly, all the colour was making Azrael nauseous.
He was collared by what seemed to be a late forty year old man, with greying hair and blue eyes, and a red coat, white trousers and a black hat and gloves. Azrael almost laughed at the odd sense of style, he hadn't seen such attire for years.
"Excuse me, young man, just who are you, this is a private gathering."
Said the old noble.
"Yes, the one to meet the princess, correct? That is what I am here for, sir."
He said with a bow.
"Oh, and my name is Azrael, not young man. Now if you will excuse me."
Azrael took a few steps backward before turning and walking away. He was not about to waste time talking to these old men who thought they were better because they had power. He swiftly moved to an unoccupied table and poured himself a drink. He slipped his hand into his pocket and with his other hand brought the warm drink to his lips as he studied the castle grounds. It was truly a beautiful sight.
"That is just the thing though, when we bite, we are consumed by are animal urges and it becomes very hard to stop. Most Vampires choose to bleed their victims dry, which means that they will not have to drink again for a long time, although that means that the Human dies obviously. But, there are a few of us that choose not to kill, but it means that we obviously have to drink more often. I suppose most Vampires believe that we are superior to Humans and that we can just kill them for pleasure whenever we want."
He chuckled at her misconceptions.
"I wish I owned a castle, that would be very fun. To be honest, we Vampires are solitary creatures, choosing to roam the world for many reasons. Mixing with Humans is mostly because of a need than because of lifestyle. Even I haven't mixed with many Humans throughout my new life. It's hard to find someone who is interesting, or worth time. Do you think that you can live up to that?"
Azrael cast a probing eye of the girl to see if she was being serious.
"You think we Vampires just grow on trees? Just because you are Royal does not mean that you would be any more likely to find a Vampire in this world. There are not many of us and, believe me, a Vampire will only be found when he or she wants to be. I must reiterate, we Vampires are quite solitary and free-spirited, to be under the command of another, albeit as a ruse, would be most uncomfortable. Plus, I would be somewhat limited in my actions during the day."
He watched as she undressed under her covers and then turned to a tall mirror in the corner of her room. His old black suit was starting to look rather torn and scruffy. Being a traveller like he was didn't afford him the luxury of more than one set of clothes, and after being out of society for as long as he had. He brushed his waistcoat and watched as dust and tiny bits of thread drifted onto the floor. I think that I may need some new clothes.
"Vampires can spend a moderate amount of time in the sun, but too long can be dangerous or even fatal, that goes for continuous exposure too, we need to take a break from time to time. Garlic? Hm.. I personally do not like it, but it is not fatal or anything like that. Of course you have your holy objects too, crosses and water, that is all nonsense too. Honestly, we are just like Humans, just a little bit tougher."
He said with a wink.
"Married, huh? I suppose that is what is required of the children of Royals and Nobles. A pity, I would hazard a guess that most couples forced together like that rarely find love or comfort in the arms of their spouse."
He picked up a piece of parchment that was on her bedside table and looked it over. Then he looked back at her.
"A pretty young girl like you will make a beautiful trophy for a lucky man, heh. Have you met any of your potential suitors yet?"
He chuckled at her misconceptions.
"I wish I owned a castle, that would be very fun. To be honest, we Vampires are solitary creatures, choosing to roam the world for many reasons. Mixing with Humans is mostly because of a need than because of lifestyle. Even I haven't mixed with many Humans throughout my new life. It's hard to find someone who is interesting, or worth time. Do you think that you can live up to that?"
Azrael cast a probing eye of the girl to see if she was being serious.
"You think we Vampires just grow on trees? Just because you are Royal does not mean that you would be any more likely to find a Vampire in this world. There are not many of us and, believe me, a Vampire will only be found when he or she wants to be. I must reiterate, we Vampires are quite solitary and free-spirited, to be under the command of another, albeit as a ruse, would be most uncomfortable. Plus, I would be somewhat limited in my actions during the day."
He watched as she undressed under her covers and then turned to a tall mirror in the corner of her room. His old black suit was starting to look rather torn and scruffy. Being a traveller like he was didn't afford him the luxury of more than one set of clothes, and after being out of society for as long as he had. He brushed his waistcoat and watched as dust and tiny bits of thread drifted onto the floor. I think that I may need some new clothes.
"Vampires can spend a moderate amount of time in the sun, but too long can be dangerous or even fatal, that goes for continuous exposure too, we need to take a break from time to time. Garlic? Hm.. I personally do not like it, but it is not fatal or anything like that. Of course you have your holy objects too, crosses and water, that is all nonsense too. Honestly, we are just like Humans, just a little bit tougher."
He said with a wink.
"Married, huh? I suppose that is what is required of the children of Royals and Nobles. A pity, I would hazard a guess that most couples forced together like that rarely find love or comfort in the arms of their spouse."
He picked up a piece of parchment that was on her bedside table and looked it over. Then he looked back at her.
"A pretty young girl like you will make a beautiful trophy for a lucky man, heh. Have you met any of your potential suitors yet?"
"I do not need to drink right now. I drank quite a bit before I arrived at the city, that is why I did not need to drink from you so much. I just wanted a sample, it was quite different. I have never drunk from a Royal before, funnily enough, lifestyle does have a big effect on blood."
She was a very curious girl, but it had been a long time since Azrael had talked with someone who was just looking for a story, so he felt he would indulge her for now. It was a little exciting after all.
"Of course I did not bite you. If I had, one way or another, you would be dead by now. We only bite our victims if we desire to drink them dry. Or, if we are bringing someone into the fold..."
He tried to remember the night that he was turned.
"The bite? I cannot say that I really remember it much, it was a long time ago now. I suppose it depends on the person, there are many who enjoy the pain, some who remember it always. You wouldn't feel it for long anyway, the numbing effect would make sure of that."
He mused on the thought of biting someone whilst stroking his own neck.
"I do admit that your blood is quite unique, but do not assume that is enough to make me your slave. I am a creature of the night, I go where I please..."
He pushed her hands from his shoulders and walked toward her forcing her to back up against the wall. He put his face close to hers and ran his nails across her throat. His voice became a menacing whisper.
"..and I take what I please."
He stood back from her personal space and smiled.
"Though I had planned to be in the city for a little while, and it is nice to talk to someone new."
He had meant to scare her a little bit, he didn't want her to get too comfortable around him. Humans and Vampires were different creatures, they weren't meant to get too close. And he was not about to create a new fledgling Vampire.
Whether she was scared or not, she carried on talking, her voice unbroken
.
"The stories of Vampires are many, and each one seems more convoluted than the last. It would be hard for anyone to pick out what was true and what was not. Some Vampires are even confused about that point. You would be surprised how many people seek to become one of us in the hopes of attaining a lie. As for a secret society, is that not what Vampires are anyway?"
Azrael followed her gaze.
"Looks like there will be snow soon. All of you Humans will soon hide yourselves away in your houses to shelter from the cold. It makes feeding a little more tricky, that is for sure. If you want company at night, I can do that when I am free, in exchange for some of your, what was it? Pure, Royal virgin blood? Ha."
A smirk spread on his face.
"Maybe I can also straighten out some of the facts about Vampires for you, if you so wish..."
She was a very curious girl, but it had been a long time since Azrael had talked with someone who was just looking for a story, so he felt he would indulge her for now. It was a little exciting after all.
"Of course I did not bite you. If I had, one way or another, you would be dead by now. We only bite our victims if we desire to drink them dry. Or, if we are bringing someone into the fold..."
He tried to remember the night that he was turned.
"The bite? I cannot say that I really remember it much, it was a long time ago now. I suppose it depends on the person, there are many who enjoy the pain, some who remember it always. You wouldn't feel it for long anyway, the numbing effect would make sure of that."
He mused on the thought of biting someone whilst stroking his own neck.
"I do admit that your blood is quite unique, but do not assume that is enough to make me your slave. I am a creature of the night, I go where I please..."
He pushed her hands from his shoulders and walked toward her forcing her to back up against the wall. He put his face close to hers and ran his nails across her throat. His voice became a menacing whisper.
"..and I take what I please."
He stood back from her personal space and smiled.
"Though I had planned to be in the city for a little while, and it is nice to talk to someone new."
He had meant to scare her a little bit, he didn't want her to get too comfortable around him. Humans and Vampires were different creatures, they weren't meant to get too close. And he was not about to create a new fledgling Vampire.
Whether she was scared or not, she carried on talking, her voice unbroken
.
"The stories of Vampires are many, and each one seems more convoluted than the last. It would be hard for anyone to pick out what was true and what was not. Some Vampires are even confused about that point. You would be surprised how many people seek to become one of us in the hopes of attaining a lie. As for a secret society, is that not what Vampires are anyway?"
Azrael followed her gaze.
"Looks like there will be snow soon. All of you Humans will soon hide yourselves away in your houses to shelter from the cold. It makes feeding a little more tricky, that is for sure. If you want company at night, I can do that when I am free, in exchange for some of your, what was it? Pure, Royal virgin blood? Ha."
A smirk spread on his face.
"Maybe I can also straighten out some of the facts about Vampires for you, if you so wish..."
Azrael picked up a bracelet that he found on one of the girls drawers. It had the Royal Family Crest on it. It was a silver chain with a circular pendant in the middle which had the Crest engraved upon it. Finally putting all the pieces together, Azrael realised that the girl he had been with all night was a Princess to the King. Or a very lucky and successful thief employed by the Royals, but that was incredibly unlikely. So that is it then. He thought, looking behind him at the little girl sat on the bed. No wonder she looked so beautiful and had good manners, she had been brought up that way, and the Royals only married those with exceptional aesthetics, after all, what would you get if you sired ugly children? Bad alliances with weak countries, that's what.
As she started to talk, Azrael couldn't help but notice that the girl was starting to flirt with him. As she attempted to seduce him, Azrael couldn't help but feel his interest in her start to... rise, as it were. Although he wouldn't let himself be fooled so easily, as he rubbed a spot a few inches below his left collarbone. Elizabeth made sure he'd never forget her for the rest of his life, but she was a different seductress from a different night, and a different story. Nonetheless, he was finding himself attracted to this girls little show she was performing.
She held her knife against her soft neck. Just what is she going to do with that? Then she talked about Vampires, and Azrael couldn't help but snigger. What did this little girl know of Vampires? Of course she knew nothing but the stories, she was just a babe. Even the most wizened of men knew only the slightest realities. If Azrael was a lesser being, he could kill her before she even realised. He could toy with her like a cat would a mouse and she would be powerless to resist. Lucky for her, Azrael was not that sort of person, he was far too old for the nonsense games of the young. Not that he'd never indulged in such games, but those were darker days.
What surprised him, was how quickly this girl had come to the conclusion he was a Vampire. Sure, he hadn't been subtle with his talents, but none of it was truly extraordinary. And to most, Vampires were just horror stories for their kids, not something that rational people believed in.
As his thoughts dwelt on these things and the events of the evening, the girl took the knife to her arm and cut a thin and shallow gash into her flesh. The thick blood seeped out slowly and streamed down her arm, pooling in the palm of her hand. The blood was sweet, he couldn't describe why, usually a persons varying circumstances allowed for different scents and tastes in their blood. Apparently Royalty, plus being a young and beautiful girl was a very sweet and enticing combination.
It truly was almost irresistible, and completely unique to anything he'd smelled before. He wanted to taste it with every fibre of his being. But he had grown an incredible willpower over the years and he would not easily succumb to his desires. But still, it was being offered up to him on a silver plate, and the girls wound had yet to clot. Even if she is baiting me, why not?
Evangelines face remained scrunched up as she bared with the pain she inflicted on her self.
"Excuse me, little miss, we cannot have you bleeding all over the place now can we."
Azrael said has he took her upturned hand in his own and knelt down on one knee, as a subject would honour his Queen. He closed his eyes and stuck his tongue out. In one long movement he delicately lapped at the pool of blood in her hand and then seductively traced it all the way back up her arm to the cut. He placed his lips around it and gently tongued at the wound. What she may not realise, is that within the saliva of Azrael was an agent that would help heal the wound whilst numbing the affected area. When he had finished his meal, he cleaned the rest of her arm with his handkerchief once more.
The blood was truly exquisite, truly a delight he had never sampled before. He had to resist the urge to now bleed this girl dry. But he had sworn to never do that again, a tradition he despised amongst his kind. He dropped the girls hand and retreated back to the bedroom window, looking out on the castle grounds, licking his lips.
"I am sure that answers your questions, does it not? Are you happy now? Now that you know my true identity... Princess."
As she started to talk, Azrael couldn't help but notice that the girl was starting to flirt with him. As she attempted to seduce him, Azrael couldn't help but feel his interest in her start to... rise, as it were. Although he wouldn't let himself be fooled so easily, as he rubbed a spot a few inches below his left collarbone. Elizabeth made sure he'd never forget her for the rest of his life, but she was a different seductress from a different night, and a different story. Nonetheless, he was finding himself attracted to this girls little show she was performing.
She held her knife against her soft neck. Just what is she going to do with that? Then she talked about Vampires, and Azrael couldn't help but snigger. What did this little girl know of Vampires? Of course she knew nothing but the stories, she was just a babe. Even the most wizened of men knew only the slightest realities. If Azrael was a lesser being, he could kill her before she even realised. He could toy with her like a cat would a mouse and she would be powerless to resist. Lucky for her, Azrael was not that sort of person, he was far too old for the nonsense games of the young. Not that he'd never indulged in such games, but those were darker days.
What surprised him, was how quickly this girl had come to the conclusion he was a Vampire. Sure, he hadn't been subtle with his talents, but none of it was truly extraordinary. And to most, Vampires were just horror stories for their kids, not something that rational people believed in.
As his thoughts dwelt on these things and the events of the evening, the girl took the knife to her arm and cut a thin and shallow gash into her flesh. The thick blood seeped out slowly and streamed down her arm, pooling in the palm of her hand. The blood was sweet, he couldn't describe why, usually a persons varying circumstances allowed for different scents and tastes in their blood. Apparently Royalty, plus being a young and beautiful girl was a very sweet and enticing combination.
It truly was almost irresistible, and completely unique to anything he'd smelled before. He wanted to taste it with every fibre of his being. But he had grown an incredible willpower over the years and he would not easily succumb to his desires. But still, it was being offered up to him on a silver plate, and the girls wound had yet to clot. Even if she is baiting me, why not?
Evangelines face remained scrunched up as she bared with the pain she inflicted on her self.
"Excuse me, little miss, we cannot have you bleeding all over the place now can we."
Azrael said has he took her upturned hand in his own and knelt down on one knee, as a subject would honour his Queen. He closed his eyes and stuck his tongue out. In one long movement he delicately lapped at the pool of blood in her hand and then seductively traced it all the way back up her arm to the cut. He placed his lips around it and gently tongued at the wound. What she may not realise, is that within the saliva of Azrael was an agent that would help heal the wound whilst numbing the affected area. When he had finished his meal, he cleaned the rest of her arm with his handkerchief once more.
The blood was truly exquisite, truly a delight he had never sampled before. He had to resist the urge to now bleed this girl dry. But he had sworn to never do that again, a tradition he despised amongst his kind. He dropped the girls hand and retreated back to the bedroom window, looking out on the castle grounds, licking his lips.
"I am sure that answers your questions, does it not? Are you happy now? Now that you know my true identity... Princess."
"There are many people like me who can do things like this in the world. Scaling walls like this is no problem at all if you have been doing it for as long as I have."
Azrael had met a variety of people with many different skills throughout his travels around the world. Although it helped when you were strong too. When the girls hood fell down Azrael could see just how pretty she was, and the word pretty was quite the understatement.
The girl grabbed Azraels arm again and led him through the castle grounds. She kept clear of the main entrance of the castle and instead opted to make a beeline for just directly below her bedroom window. When she stopped she turned and looked at Azrael, then the window, then back at Azrael.
"Oh I see, it is up to me again is it?"
He said jokingly. With a smile he once again knelt down so that the girl could climb onto his back. After she had he once again proceeded to climb the old walls of the main castle, up to the girls room. Once inside, Evangeline moved over to her bed and sat down before removing her cloak. She quickly reeled off so many questions, probing Azraels true identity. It was true that he hadn't been all that secretive tonight, but it's not like he intentionally made a point of flaunting his strange abilities. Opting to avoid the little girls questions at the moment, he decided to ask her one of his own.
"This room is quite... elegant. You are not just any old handmaiden are you?"
He admired the beauty of the room, and the magnitude of expensive things that littered the room. All the furnishings were of the highest quality, and there were a variety of trinkets on the tables. This girl really did live in the lap of luxury, just why did she want to explore the streets of the city so much anyway?
"What do I want? Heh. I do not want for anything. I brought you home because you had been in trouble. I just wanted to make sure that you got home okay. You almost seem glad to be back, even though you were so eager to get away only a few hours ago."
He chuckled.
"Do you know the current king?"
He asked after seeing a portrait of him and the queen on the wall.
Azrael had met a variety of people with many different skills throughout his travels around the world. Although it helped when you were strong too. When the girls hood fell down Azrael could see just how pretty she was, and the word pretty was quite the understatement.
The girl grabbed Azraels arm again and led him through the castle grounds. She kept clear of the main entrance of the castle and instead opted to make a beeline for just directly below her bedroom window. When she stopped she turned and looked at Azrael, then the window, then back at Azrael.
"Oh I see, it is up to me again is it?"
He said jokingly. With a smile he once again knelt down so that the girl could climb onto his back. After she had he once again proceeded to climb the old walls of the main castle, up to the girls room. Once inside, Evangeline moved over to her bed and sat down before removing her cloak. She quickly reeled off so many questions, probing Azraels true identity. It was true that he hadn't been all that secretive tonight, but it's not like he intentionally made a point of flaunting his strange abilities. Opting to avoid the little girls questions at the moment, he decided to ask her one of his own.
"This room is quite... elegant. You are not just any old handmaiden are you?"
He admired the beauty of the room, and the magnitude of expensive things that littered the room. All the furnishings were of the highest quality, and there were a variety of trinkets on the tables. This girl really did live in the lap of luxury, just why did she want to explore the streets of the city so much anyway?
"What do I want? Heh. I do not want for anything. I brought you home because you had been in trouble. I just wanted to make sure that you got home okay. You almost seem glad to be back, even though you were so eager to get away only a few hours ago."
He chuckled.
"Do you know the current king?"
He asked after seeing a portrait of him and the queen on the wall.
"Sure. I will not tell anyone if that is what you ask of me."
He said politely.
"You... Live IN the castle? I see."
He pondered on that for a moment. It was true that she was very elegant and practised good manners. She was likely a handmaiden for the Queen, or one of the Princesses? He was not well educated on the current Monarch and his family. He hadn't really needed to know anything about them. Especially not this generation. A few hundred years ago he could list off each member of the Royal Family in his sleep.
"Everyone knows that castle, it has been there for centuries. I know where it is, but navigating these winding streets and traversing the uneven ground is another thing. Heh."
He guessed that she wasn't anyone of high importance, otherwise the city would be in an uproar trying to find her. Though she seemed a little young to be out and about alone. He pushed these questioning thoughts out of his head and decided that it would be nice to cast his eyes upon the castle once again. So with that he decided that he would escort the poor girl home. But just as he decided on that, the girl said something very odd.
"You will pay me handsomely will you?"
Just who was this girl?
"Just who are y-"
The end of his sentence was cut short as the girl started to tug on his shirt sleeve, dragging him in what she thought was the general direction of the castle. Well, whatever. He thought as he started to follow the girl.
The journey had been quite long. It wasn't that they had been very far away, although they had because the city was quite large, but mainly because neither of them knew the city streets that well, so all they had was the direction that they had to go because they could see the castle in the distance. Azrael would normally just take the 'high street' jumping from roof to roof, as in this city the buildings were very compact and tightly built. Obviously, it wasn't easy, and with the girl as well, it would be somewhat difficult, the roofs were badly made and tiles would slip quite often. Anyway, he was fine with walking, and it wasn't long before they hit the main road leading them straight to the castle.
The main gate was heavily guarded as they walked up to it. But as they got closer the girl pushed Azrael to the side and said that they couldn't enter that way. Before he began to protest she moved further around the perimeter of the castle walls.
"So how do we get in then?"
She shook her head, and Azrael sighed. Perhaps the girl would be in trouble for leaving then. She asked if he would ever visit her, she was oddly trusting in strangers he thought.
"Sure. You could get me some of that famous Royal Wine, right?"
He said with a cheeky grin. She then mumbled about being a peasant, or something.
"I am sure that your life cannot be that bad. Even peasants have their hardships you know."
He looked up at the pristine white walls of the castle fortifications and couldn't pick out any guards or light from and lanterns. As he returned his gaze to level ground, he noticed that within the 'perfect walls' there were many cracks and chips, no doubt from old wars, peasant revolts or just time taking it's toll. It wouldn't be the easiest way, but Azrael was confident he could enter the castle this way, the wall was roughly 50ft. Childs play.
He knelt down on one knee with his back to his companion.
"Here. Put your arms around my neck and hold on tight. I will have us up there before you even know it."
She seemed reluctant at first, understably, but after realising that this was a seemingly valid, if not crazy option, she threw her arms around his neck. It was a good thing that it was dark tonight, because even a human sized object would be seen against the white backdrop of the castle walls. With this, Azrael started to climb the wall making use of even the smallest of hand and foot grips, it was a good thing that he had much strength in his fingers and toes, because a regular human would probably have fallen by now. He couldn't tell, but ut seemed like the girl had kept her eyes closed most of the way up. About 5ft from the top, Azrael could find no more holds or cracks to utilize.
"Well, we are not going all the way back down. Hold on tight, little miss."
With that, he inhumanly threw himself upwards and grabbed the edge of the wall, he then dragged himself and his passenger on to the top of the rampart. It was quite wide, but then, it did house a castle inside, it had to keep people out. Azrael checked around, but saw no signs of any patrols, looks like they were lucky, for now.
"Here we are, hope that was not to scary for you. Home sweet home. Where next?"
He smiled reassuringly at her, as her eyes accustomed to the familiar sight of the castle grounds.
He said politely.
"You... Live IN the castle? I see."
He pondered on that for a moment. It was true that she was very elegant and practised good manners. She was likely a handmaiden for the Queen, or one of the Princesses? He was not well educated on the current Monarch and his family. He hadn't really needed to know anything about them. Especially not this generation. A few hundred years ago he could list off each member of the Royal Family in his sleep.
"Everyone knows that castle, it has been there for centuries. I know where it is, but navigating these winding streets and traversing the uneven ground is another thing. Heh."
He guessed that she wasn't anyone of high importance, otherwise the city would be in an uproar trying to find her. Though she seemed a little young to be out and about alone. He pushed these questioning thoughts out of his head and decided that it would be nice to cast his eyes upon the castle once again. So with that he decided that he would escort the poor girl home. But just as he decided on that, the girl said something very odd.
"You will pay me handsomely will you?"
Just who was this girl?
"Just who are y-"
The end of his sentence was cut short as the girl started to tug on his shirt sleeve, dragging him in what she thought was the general direction of the castle. Well, whatever. He thought as he started to follow the girl.
The journey had been quite long. It wasn't that they had been very far away, although they had because the city was quite large, but mainly because neither of them knew the city streets that well, so all they had was the direction that they had to go because they could see the castle in the distance. Azrael would normally just take the 'high street' jumping from roof to roof, as in this city the buildings were very compact and tightly built. Obviously, it wasn't easy, and with the girl as well, it would be somewhat difficult, the roofs were badly made and tiles would slip quite often. Anyway, he was fine with walking, and it wasn't long before they hit the main road leading them straight to the castle.
The main gate was heavily guarded as they walked up to it. But as they got closer the girl pushed Azrael to the side and said that they couldn't enter that way. Before he began to protest she moved further around the perimeter of the castle walls.
"So how do we get in then?"
She shook her head, and Azrael sighed. Perhaps the girl would be in trouble for leaving then. She asked if he would ever visit her, she was oddly trusting in strangers he thought.
"Sure. You could get me some of that famous Royal Wine, right?"
He said with a cheeky grin. She then mumbled about being a peasant, or something.
"I am sure that your life cannot be that bad. Even peasants have their hardships you know."
He looked up at the pristine white walls of the castle fortifications and couldn't pick out any guards or light from and lanterns. As he returned his gaze to level ground, he noticed that within the 'perfect walls' there were many cracks and chips, no doubt from old wars, peasant revolts or just time taking it's toll. It wouldn't be the easiest way, but Azrael was confident he could enter the castle this way, the wall was roughly 50ft. Childs play.
He knelt down on one knee with his back to his companion.
"Here. Put your arms around my neck and hold on tight. I will have us up there before you even know it."
She seemed reluctant at first, understably, but after realising that this was a seemingly valid, if not crazy option, she threw her arms around his neck. It was a good thing that it was dark tonight, because even a human sized object would be seen against the white backdrop of the castle walls. With this, Azrael started to climb the wall making use of even the smallest of hand and foot grips, it was a good thing that he had much strength in his fingers and toes, because a regular human would probably have fallen by now. He couldn't tell, but ut seemed like the girl had kept her eyes closed most of the way up. About 5ft from the top, Azrael could find no more holds or cracks to utilize.
"Well, we are not going all the way back down. Hold on tight, little miss."
With that, he inhumanly threw himself upwards and grabbed the edge of the wall, he then dragged himself and his passenger on to the top of the rampart. It was quite wide, but then, it did house a castle inside, it had to keep people out. Azrael checked around, but saw no signs of any patrols, looks like they were lucky, for now.
"Here we are, hope that was not to scary for you. Home sweet home. Where next?"
He smiled reassuringly at her, as her eyes accustomed to the familiar sight of the castle grounds.
"Evangeline, huh? I once knew an Evangeline in a far away land across the see. She was very beautiful."
He smiled.
"I believe she said that the meaning of her name was 'bearer of good news', heh. At least that's better than the meaning of my name..."
He watched as she delicately sipped from the tea in her mug. For some reason, Azrael got the feeling that she had been brought up to have good manners. It was just a few subtle things he had noticed. Like the cleanliness of her cloak or the way she held her cup. The way she talked was a little more refined too. If he had to take a guess, he'd assume that she was from the more middle class part of the city, perhaps she had ran away from home tonight and ended up lost here. He shrugged to himself and returned to his own cup of tea.
He chuckled lightly at the girls questions.
"Heh. No, no, nothing like that. I don't mean living like an animal. It was just a figure of speech. I've spent many years travelling around without any need for the concept of time. I just lived how I wanted to, when I wanted to. I must say though, a part of me is glad to be back."
As they sat quietly next to each other, sipping their tea, Azrael felt a pair of eyes looking over him. He started to wonder just what the girl thought about him, after all, they were still strangers to each other, and had only met a few hours ago. When he returned home to the city, he hadn't thought that he would end up escorting a young lady on his first night. Not that he had had a plan for when he returned. It was just nice to be back, and meeting this girl was a welcome change from his usual solitude.
The girl rested against his shoulder and let of a long yawn. It would be a long time before he grew tired himself, the night was still young and he generally slept just after the sun rose. He sat there for a few minutes before he addressed the girl again. He kept his eyes fixed on the moon as he spoke.
"Hm... by the sounds of it, you will be lucky if they haven't realised that you have disappeared on them. I would gladly take you home, but I am not so sure of my way around town either, I have yet to relearn the streets. Also, I have no idea where you are from, but I am guessing that it is not from any part of the poor district. Heh."
He turned to look at her as he waited for her to tell him whereabouts that she lived. Hopefully he would have some idea where it was, failing that, he could find out from someone inside the tavern. She looked quite young, but Azrael could sense a bit of experience in her eyes. Perhaps she was just deceptively young. He also noted that she seemed to exude a beauty that he rarely saw. Not to say that he didn't see many pretty people during his travels, but she seemed to hold a beauty that matched those of royalty. She was a lucky girl. Azrael even felt lucky to have encountered her and seen it for himself.
He returned his gaze back to the moon, enjoying the light that bathed his face. The night was always a beautiful thing for him, especially when the moon was allowed to shine without fear of clouds.
He smiled.
"I believe she said that the meaning of her name was 'bearer of good news', heh. At least that's better than the meaning of my name..."
He watched as she delicately sipped from the tea in her mug. For some reason, Azrael got the feeling that she had been brought up to have good manners. It was just a few subtle things he had noticed. Like the cleanliness of her cloak or the way she held her cup. The way she talked was a little more refined too. If he had to take a guess, he'd assume that she was from the more middle class part of the city, perhaps she had ran away from home tonight and ended up lost here. He shrugged to himself and returned to his own cup of tea.
He chuckled lightly at the girls questions.
"Heh. No, no, nothing like that. I don't mean living like an animal. It was just a figure of speech. I've spent many years travelling around without any need for the concept of time. I just lived how I wanted to, when I wanted to. I must say though, a part of me is glad to be back."
As they sat quietly next to each other, sipping their tea, Azrael felt a pair of eyes looking over him. He started to wonder just what the girl thought about him, after all, they were still strangers to each other, and had only met a few hours ago. When he returned home to the city, he hadn't thought that he would end up escorting a young lady on his first night. Not that he had had a plan for when he returned. It was just nice to be back, and meeting this girl was a welcome change from his usual solitude.
The girl rested against his shoulder and let of a long yawn. It would be a long time before he grew tired himself, the night was still young and he generally slept just after the sun rose. He sat there for a few minutes before he addressed the girl again. He kept his eyes fixed on the moon as he spoke.
"Hm... by the sounds of it, you will be lucky if they haven't realised that you have disappeared on them. I would gladly take you home, but I am not so sure of my way around town either, I have yet to relearn the streets. Also, I have no idea where you are from, but I am guessing that it is not from any part of the poor district. Heh."
He turned to look at her as he waited for her to tell him whereabouts that she lived. Hopefully he would have some idea where it was, failing that, he could find out from someone inside the tavern. She looked quite young, but Azrael could sense a bit of experience in her eyes. Perhaps she was just deceptively young. He also noted that she seemed to exude a beauty that he rarely saw. Not to say that he didn't see many pretty people during his travels, but she seemed to hold a beauty that matched those of royalty. She was a lucky girl. Azrael even felt lucky to have encountered her and seen it for himself.
He returned his gaze back to the moon, enjoying the light that bathed his face. The night was always a beautiful thing for him, especially when the moon was allowed to shine without fear of clouds.
Fortunately, Azrael had walked past a relatively small public house when he had entered the city earlier that afternoon and was confident that he could find his way back to it. It would provide them with a nice little place to sit and eat and decide on where the young girl would like to go next, after she had quite adamantly admitted that home was not a viable option right now.
As they navigated the wide main streets and the twisty-turny alleyways, heading for their destination, Azrael kept an eye out for anywhere that might be just as suitable a place to rest for a bit. After several minutes, the girl peered into a particular then at the sign hanging above the door before making a subtle sign that this place would be okay. Noting that, Azrael followed into the building.
The 'Pride of the City' was far from anything that Azrael would be proud of if he owned this certain establishment, but he had seen far worse along his travels, so with a shrug, he sat at a nearby table with the girl. Azrael had a habit of always making notes on his surroundings, making sure that he was familiar with those around him, or how many exits there were should trouble appear, he had learnt these habits the hard way. Apart from him and the child, there was just a bunch of men crowded around a table, swigging from there ale mugs and singing loudly. Not much trouble there. Apart from that, there was a man behind the bar cleaning glasses, and a barmaid who regretted the fact that she had to serve the drunks. As for exits, there was the door they entered and one at the back. Windows littered the front and back of the ground floor. There was a set of stairs leading up to the guest rooms too, but Azrael assumed that the girl wouldn't want to stay in a place like this, but then he could be wrong, he was still yet to discern her reasons for being out alone at this time of night, in such a rough part of the city.
As they sat, the girl mentioned that her identity was an important factor in her attempts to go unnoticed, not that Azrael had overlooked this fact. She had such a heavy cloak on and she was always tugging at it to keep it over her head, covering her face as much as possible. The food here wasn't that special, but that was to be expected, and Azrael happened to notice that the food listed on the hand written menus, or rather, rags of parchment, didn't seem to interest the girl in the slightest, in fact, she even looked a little disgusted. With that, the girl slumped further in her chair.
Azrael shook his head.
"No. She is fine. A little shaken up is all. Could we possibly just get some hot tea, please.... Oh, and a couple of apples as well. Thank you, miss."
The barmaid nodded and then retreated toward the kitchen. After a while, the girl said that she was heading outside and that Azrael could stay and eat, and then she exited back out of the entrance. Azrael furrowed his brow, this girl was obviously troubled.
Azrael had paid the barmaid a little extra as he had said that he was going to be keeping the cups. She was about to protest when she saw how many coins were in her hand, so she fell silent and let the strange man walk away. Azrael slipped the two apples into his pocket and carried the to cups in his hands. He pushed the door open and walked out onto the street with two cups of hot tea in his hand. Looking around he saw the girl now sat on a bench against the outside of the tavern they were just in. She hadn't heard his footsteps as he rarely made noise when he walked now, years of training and made him quiet stealthy as a default. He held one of the warm cups next to the girls cheek. A subtle way of telling her to take the tea and keep warm.
"You know, you have not even told me your name yet, little one. I know that you are trying to keep your identity hidden, but I cannot just keep calling you girl forever."
He said with a light chuckle.
"If you want to make up a name, that is fine..."
A warm smile spread across his face as he looked at her.
"The moon is nice tonight, it must be quite late now, perhaps ten o'clock or so. But then, I was never really that good at telling the time, too much time in the wilds I guess."
He took a sip from his warm tea, the steam formed from the drink drifted into the air before slowly dissipating. The cold didn't affect him like it had once used to, he could spend all night out here and still feel comfortably warm, that's just how his body worked, never hot, never cold, Azrael almost missed seeing the heat emanate from his mouth like it normally would when someone breathes.
"It is always the little things that you miss..."
He muttered under his 'breath' in a little sigh.
As they navigated the wide main streets and the twisty-turny alleyways, heading for their destination, Azrael kept an eye out for anywhere that might be just as suitable a place to rest for a bit. After several minutes, the girl peered into a particular then at the sign hanging above the door before making a subtle sign that this place would be okay. Noting that, Azrael followed into the building.
The 'Pride of the City' was far from anything that Azrael would be proud of if he owned this certain establishment, but he had seen far worse along his travels, so with a shrug, he sat at a nearby table with the girl. Azrael had a habit of always making notes on his surroundings, making sure that he was familiar with those around him, or how many exits there were should trouble appear, he had learnt these habits the hard way. Apart from him and the child, there was just a bunch of men crowded around a table, swigging from there ale mugs and singing loudly. Not much trouble there. Apart from that, there was a man behind the bar cleaning glasses, and a barmaid who regretted the fact that she had to serve the drunks. As for exits, there was the door they entered and one at the back. Windows littered the front and back of the ground floor. There was a set of stairs leading up to the guest rooms too, but Azrael assumed that the girl wouldn't want to stay in a place like this, but then he could be wrong, he was still yet to discern her reasons for being out alone at this time of night, in such a rough part of the city.
As they sat, the girl mentioned that her identity was an important factor in her attempts to go unnoticed, not that Azrael had overlooked this fact. She had such a heavy cloak on and she was always tugging at it to keep it over her head, covering her face as much as possible. The food here wasn't that special, but that was to be expected, and Azrael happened to notice that the food listed on the hand written menus, or rather, rags of parchment, didn't seem to interest the girl in the slightest, in fact, she even looked a little disgusted. With that, the girl slumped further in her chair.
Azrael shook his head.
"No. She is fine. A little shaken up is all. Could we possibly just get some hot tea, please.... Oh, and a couple of apples as well. Thank you, miss."
The barmaid nodded and then retreated toward the kitchen. After a while, the girl said that she was heading outside and that Azrael could stay and eat, and then she exited back out of the entrance. Azrael furrowed his brow, this girl was obviously troubled.
Azrael had paid the barmaid a little extra as he had said that he was going to be keeping the cups. She was about to protest when she saw how many coins were in her hand, so she fell silent and let the strange man walk away. Azrael slipped the two apples into his pocket and carried the to cups in his hands. He pushed the door open and walked out onto the street with two cups of hot tea in his hand. Looking around he saw the girl now sat on a bench against the outside of the tavern they were just in. She hadn't heard his footsteps as he rarely made noise when he walked now, years of training and made him quiet stealthy as a default. He held one of the warm cups next to the girls cheek. A subtle way of telling her to take the tea and keep warm.
"You know, you have not even told me your name yet, little one. I know that you are trying to keep your identity hidden, but I cannot just keep calling you girl forever."
He said with a light chuckle.
"If you want to make up a name, that is fine..."
A warm smile spread across his face as he looked at her.
"The moon is nice tonight, it must be quite late now, perhaps ten o'clock or so. But then, I was never really that good at telling the time, too much time in the wilds I guess."
He took a sip from his warm tea, the steam formed from the drink drifted into the air before slowly dissipating. The cold didn't affect him like it had once used to, he could spend all night out here and still feel comfortably warm, that's just how his body worked, never hot, never cold, Azrael almost missed seeing the heat emanate from his mouth like it normally would when someone breathes.
"It is always the little things that you miss..."
He muttered under his 'breath' in a little sigh.
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