Civil Twilight

Chapter 7

Lyllian was alone with her thoughts for some time. She noted the room she now occupied was simple and modestly furnished, not near as grand as the vampyre lord's chambers. A modest window allowed daylight to naturally illuminate the room, and a fire helped keep the room at a comfortable temperature. Yet despite the warmth the blaze provided Lyllian couldn't help but feel a chill at the knowledge she had just learned.  It has to be a lie.          
             
Soup and fresh bread were brought up, and hours later David called upon her again with a book casually resting in his left hand. It was clear as he entered the room he was unmistakably upset as he glared at her.
 
He was the one to break the silence, “Give me one good reason to keep you alive.”
         
“I can’t. Perhaps you ought to do us both a favor and kill me.”
         
“I’ve contemplated it,” he stated icily.
         
A look of horror crossed her face. As she responded she could feel her face grow warm, her fists clenched in rage, “Then why did you ‘save’ me in the first place?” her voice was dripping with disgust and disdain, “No, kisértet, if you want to kill me, I won’t put up a fight. You would just be doing us both a favor in the end.”
         
“Do you fully comprehend death?”
         
“I’m not afraid to die.”
         
“Yes you are.”
         
Lyllian was silent as she knew he spoke the truth. “I have no honor left; you have disgraced me. It would be best if-“
         
“Stop. I don't want to hear you lament about the circumstances of your revival,” he spoke condescendingly to her as he continued, “You are just a child. You don’t understand anything of which you speak of, and you purposely choose to ignore the the kindness that has been bestowed upon you.”
             
“It would have been kinder if you had let me die," she spat.          
               
"You are being irrational and emotional – like a child,” he stated.
             
“Where do you come off patronizing me? You, a vampyre! You have no morals, integrity, or ethnics!”
         
“Ethics,” he corrected, which enraged her even more.
         
“Whatever, kisértet.”
         
“I do have morals, ethics, and integrity; however, I do not have the same morals and ethics as terrans. Just because they are different does not make us deficient in them. You cannot hold us to the same customs and laws as you terrans hold yourselves. We aren’t human, our morality is not the same as yours.”
         
“Of course not, you need to justify your actions.”
         
“And you are going to tell me that Sanavins do not justify their actions as well? The mashari slaughter thousands of innocents and then find solace in the justification that they are righteous based solely on the principle that their victim must be malicious because their physical appearance was different from that of their own. In this way the Shastrua feel justifiedin annihilating countless innocent people.” 
         
“I’m tired of listening to your vile words; your voice makes me sick.”
         
His eyes dilated again, the vibrant blue once again completely obscured; Lyllian could feel the hairs rising on her neck and her body tensing for action. When he finally spoke again, his voice was nothing more than a lethal whisper, “I am opposed to killing children, or you would be a desiccated corpse by now.”
         
It bothered him that she caused David to lose his carefully constructed composure so easily. He was beginning to realize that he couldn’t try and rationalize with a child, she wouldn’t understand as it was beyond her comprehension. The girl was wide eyed and afraid, resembling the lost and frightened adolescent that she was. He softened, his eyes returning to normal as he realized he was being harsh and insensitive with the youth. Of course she was petrified; there is no reason she shouldn’t be.
             
He took a deep breath and began speaking tenderly, “I apologize; I’m being unsympathetic. Of course you are terrified and apprehensive, and I’m sure you miss your home and your family. You will be safe here for the time being.”
         
She glared at him in response, “I don’t want your charity.”
         
He pretended not to hear her, “I brought a book for you to read, one of the few books I have in common. It’s a collection of short stories I thought you would enjoy,” he set it down on the nightstand next to the bed, “I have other matters I must attend to. The nurse will be in to check on you from time to time.”
         

*                    *                    *

         
Lyllian initially refused to have anything to do to the book, but with time boredome eventually won out and she reluctantly plucked it up and began to read. The stories were comforting in a familiar sort of way. They reminded her of the tales her mother used to tell, though the names and places were different. She was not a proficient reader and it took her the better part of the day to read the first two stories, but she found great enjoyment in them just the same.



*                    *                    *

               
David had sent a petition earlier that day requesting his friend come speak with him, and soon enough Loyen arrived as per David's request. He bounded through the door in high spirits as usual. A human male in the prime of his life, he had dirty blonde hair and steel grey eyes, "You requested to see me, my lord?"
             
"Yes, I wanted to speak to you about the gift you sent me."
             
"The girl? Does she please you?"
             
David's face was a mask of neutrality for a moment as he arranged his thoughts, "She is...most intriguing."
             
"She does not please you then," Loyen gave an unhappy sigh, "I apologize, I should have selected her myself."
             
"You have not met her?"
             
"No, I never saw the girl myself. My new slave master is from one of the lands to the far east. He is a terran with a considerable amount of experience in his trade, so I had tasked him to search for an agreeable female that he felt would be best suited to please you."
             
"Well that explains a lot."
             
"I apologize my lord, I did not mean any slight against you. I will have the girl removed at once."
             
"No, that won't be necessary. She was just so....young. I know you intended no disrepect and I am sure your slave master meant well in selecting her; I hear they value children for pleasure in some of the remote areas to the east. What a disgusting practice."
             
"My lord, I can easily remove her and have a more desirable woman take her place."
             
David smiled, "Be at peace my friend, the girl is a rather unusual gift but I accept it none the less. Do you know anything else about her?"
           
"Unfortunately no. He only informed me that he had carried out the assigned task, and that you would be pleased with Maria. I can press him for more information if it would please you."
           
"Maria? She said her name was Lyllian," David sat and pondered this a moment, "Yes, please gather as much information as you can."



*                    *                    *

           
Late that afternoon David made his way to Lyllian's room; he walked in to find her reading the book he had left for her earlier that day. She was reading so intently she did not hear him initially come in, but upon shutting the door her eyes shot up and widened at the realization that her least favorite person had once again returned. She gave a frustrated sigh and attempted to continue reading her book. "I see you like the book," she didn't respond, though the look on her face told him she was annoyed, "If you would like, I can read aloud to you Lyllian, or is it Maria? I'm confused."
           
"Maria?" she said as she looked up over the book.
           
"Seems you aren't being completely honest with me," he said as he crossed his arms.
           
An expression of befuddlement crossed her face as she set the book down, absently forgetting to save her page as she did so, "Why would I lie about what I told you?"
           
"I don't know, you tell me," both her heart and mind were racing as he continued on, "The slaver master informed us that your name was Maria, yet you have told me otherwise."
           
"Oh, um, the men who kidknapped me, they started calling me by that when I refused them my real name."
           
"I see," he said, obviously not convinced.
           
She was irritated now, "If you aren't going to believe a word I say, why did you even bother to ask?"
           
"You are hiding something," he stated.
           
"You asked me your questions, I answered them. I'm not sure what you think I would be hiding."
           
David was now leaning against the wall, his arms still crossed. He took a deep breath as he turned to look out the window, "I'm not sure what to do with you."
           
He was lost in his thoughts until the terran interrupted him, "What is it you want?"
           
"Answers," he stated before excusing himself from the room.   



*        *        *


           
Having concluded his work for the day, he put his quill down to contemplate the situation regarding the girl. Truth be told he wasn't sure what he was going to do with her. Her health seemed to be improved, though her demeanor was unchanged. Had the circumstances surrounding her recovery been different, he would have dismissed her as soon as he unraveled her secret, or until he grew tired of her, whichever came first. However, that was now completely out of the question. Just what am I supposed to do with you little terran?



*        *        *


               
The following morning David called upon Lyllian and noted that she seemed much recovered from before. He found her gazing out the window evidently consumed in contemplation. He dismally noticed the nature of her scent had changed, reminding him once again of the actions he so painfully regretted. It wouldn't take much to terminate her life, I could just put an end to this nonsense here and now-
               
"It must be nice to come and go as you please."
                 
It took him a moment to disengage from his previous deliberations, "I take it you do not like my visits," his voice retained a bit of a cold edge to it.
             
She disregarded the tone in his voice as she continued, "I'm merely saying it must be nice to have that kind of freedom.”
             
His tone softened, "With freedom comes a considerable amount of responsibility. You must constantly weigh your decisions and perceive how your actions will affect others."
             
"Of course. You must be able to perceive when your actions would affect others to your greatest benefit," she said snidely.
             
"There was no benefit in saving you, I might point out. As a matter of fact it’s been more of a hindrance."
             
"What is it you want? My gratitude?" she took a deep breath, "I am indebted to you for something I didn't ask for."
             
"Would you have preferred the alternative?" he asked knowing full well what her response would be.
             
"I didn't ask you to save me, nor would I have. However, I am..." she struggled to get the next words out, "grateful you saved my life. I am disgraced, but I am alive. Nonetheless, you have enslaved me to a debt I would not have agreed to had I been able to object. You must understand you have forced this upon me, and you cannot expect me to react agreeably to it."
             
"No, I suppose I can't."
               
An uncomfortable silence filled the room as Lyllian shifted her weight and absently fiddled with her dress, "I...have something I need to ask you,” David was surprised but did not interrupt the girl as she tried to find the words to continue,  “I, I…I noticed something strange. Marks on my body have disappeared, vanished, marks I have had since I was very young. I'm not, you didn't...I'm not a..." she struggled but in vain she couldn't put the words together.
         
"You are not a vampyre if that is what you fear."
         
Though she said nothing, the look on her face spoke volumes. “But I don’t understand. If I’m not a vampyre, then why…?”
               
“Surely you know that in many areas of the world, vampyre blood is sought for its healing abilities?”
               
“I…I have heard of people doing such things, I didn’t think it actually existed.”
               
"Yes, obviously it does.”
               
Another stretch of awkward silence remained between the two. Noticing the brilliance of the sun coming through the window, David quickly made a decision before he changed his mind, “It has been awhile since I have ventured into the city, and you seem well enough. Perhaps you would like to take an excursion into town with me?"
               
Lyllian was caught off guard by the proposal, "I...um...uh...with you?"
               
"Of course, that was the idea. Unless you'd prefer to remain confined to your chambers."
               
"I suppose if it’s the only way I will see anything beyond my tiny window, I will have to agree to it."
               
"I'll send Mia and Mya up then to see that you are properly dressed."



*        *        *



               
Lyllian stepped outside into the crisp, cool air, and felt the warmth of the sun smiling upon her face. She felt healthy and whole again, her spirits lifted by the sunshine and fresh air. Brightly colored leaves crunched under her feet as she made her way to the waiting carriage where Lord Des'kar was waiting. The dress was more cumbersome than she was used to, and she had difficulties getting into the carriage as a result of it.
         
Lord Des'kar kept to himself, preferring to read letters and reports on their way into town, meanwhile Lyllian gazed out the window at the surrounding countryside. She was delighted to be out of the castle, regardless of the company she was required to keep in exchange for the excursion. Naked trees and rolling hills filled her vision, with white capped mountains far off in the distance creating a picturesque scene. She pulled the rich velvet cloak tighter about her, “Are you cold?” David noted with concern, “If you are still unwell we can ride back to the castle.”
               
"I'm fine," she reassured him, "I'm just not used to the cooler weather."   
               
"That's right; they say it doesn't snow in Sanavin."
               
"No, it doesn't. It snows here?" she asked incredulously.
         
He gave a soft chuckle, "Yes, quite frequently in the winters. Is your cloak adequate for the time being?"
               
"I'll be fine, thank you," she muttered.
               
She felt even more awkward and clumsy exiting the carriage than she had entering it; she thought of other noble women she’d seen do both with such ease and grace. This was definitely not her: clumsy and gawky was how she looked, stepping on the hem of her dress numerous times as she tried to navigate the small step.
               
Teldaeryn was an imposing city, a melting pot of all sorts of different cultures and races; Lyllian never imagined such a place could exist and she found herself feeling a little overwhelmed as she tried to take it all in.  The streets were clean and free of the sick and dying, and still more astonishing, the roads were smooth and not made of mud as she was accustomed to seeing.
               
As they meandered through the city, she saw a group of undersized men, with wide shoulders and long beards. What made her look twice, however, was that one of them was wearing a dress. At such a sight, Lyllian had to stifle a laugh, though she couldn’t help but smile.

Further up the road they approached what Lyllian had assumed to be a group of children; however, closer inspection proved that they were in fact adults of their kind.  There were inhabitants of every shape and size in the bustling city, and she saw more variety of races and people than she could have ever thought existed in the world.
               
She continued to follow Lord Des'kar and his entourage through the crowded streets of Teldaeryn. As she was glancing at one of the many market stands, one particular face caught her eye. Upon laying eyes on him, she immediately supposed him to be the most attractive person she had ever seen despite his unusual dress, and she found herself unable to do anything but stare at him. His features were delicate and his movements were fluid and graceful, like living water. His skin took on a bluish tint if you saw it in the right light. His hair was long, dark, and at certain angles it appeared forest green; it flowed untamed around his shoulders like the rapids of the Illeraek River. His eyes were a vibrant green and were full of life, and he gave Lyllian a wide grin and a wink as he passed by causing her face to flood with warmth.
               
"They all appear that way," David said without even looking at Lyllian.
               
"I..I...um...What was that, I mean he?" she nearly tripped.
               
"That was a horr. They are an unusual race of people, you were lucky he was wearing clothes."
               
"Huh?"
               
"They generally don't like to wear clothes," he stated matter-of-factly.
         
“No clothes?!” she repeated with great embarrassment, she had never seen a naked man before.
               
They continued their journey, eventually pausing at a local bakery where they each enjoyed a sweet roll while Lyllian marveled at the sculptures that adorned many of the buildings. Lyllian had noted that the people of Teldaeryn seemed to readily accept everyone, regardless of what race they belonged to. Lyllian never dreamed such a thing was possible, yet countless different cultures and races coexisted here side by side peacefully and contently. .




         
                 
As they strolled past the various shops, David patiently explained to Lyllian in his usual charming voice that the small people she had seen earlier were called gnomes, the ‘man’ she nearly laughed at earlier was actually a female of their species and was called a dwarf, the pale skinned beings with dark hair and pointy ears were lune elves, and lastly he pointed out that generally, with the exception of horrs, people don't like to be stared at. Lyllian hadn't realized she was staring until he mentioned it, now it suddenly seemed no matter what she did, she felt like she was gawking at everything.
                 
The last stop of the day was at a cozy looking bookstore. Upon entering a curious looking creature came forward to greet them. Although he had pointed ears, dark hair and pale skin, his face seemed to lack the delicate features all elves seemed to possess.
Lyllian couldn't help but unconsciously recoil at his appearance; part of his nose was missing, his face was disfigured with numerous deep scars extending from his face to his neck, large patches of hair were missing from his scalp, and part of his left arm was missing from the elbow down. Despite all this he seemed to maintain an air of grace and dignity as he hobbled over and politely ignored Lyllian’s bad manners as he spoke to Lord Des'kar in demarian.
         
As soon as the elf was absent, David whispered to her to stop gawking at the poor man. Lyllian felt her face grow warm as she realized she had indeed been staring the entire time they were speaking.
             
“What happened to him?" she asked in hushed tones.
             
"Perhaps you should ask him yourself."
             
"I, feel it might be rude."
             
"And staring isn't?" David replied as the abnormal looking elf slowly hobbled back. He handed David a book, and after a brief exchange of words and money David began speaking to him in common, "The girl does not speak demarian yet."
             
"I assumed that was why you wanted the book in common," the elf replied with quiet understanding, his accent was distinctly different from David’s.
               
"If you do not mind Naldell, the girl wanted to know how you came to find your way here," he said as he gestured to his face, "I feel perhaps your story may be an enlightening one for her."
               
"Of course, if my lord wishes I will speak of...that night," there was a hint of sorrow in his voice, "then I will."
               
A hush fell about the room as the man gathered his thoughts, deciding where to begin. "It was..." he had to stop again and think for several long moments, his voice quiet and trembling a little as he spoke, "almost 50 years ago by my recollection. My wife and I, we lived in Lalos, a small town near the northern border of Sanavin. That's when they came out of nowhere and began attacking."
                 
"Who?" she asked feeling her anticipation rising.
                 
"Soldiers from Sanavin, they invaded our home. They came and began slaughtering everyone who was in their path. My wife, she was in the house at the time," he spoke painfully slow, "A group of mashari set it on fire. I attempted to come to her aid but unfortunately I was outnumbered and ill-equipped for any sort of battle. I do nothing more than listen to her screams as I lay immobile on the ground bleeding. No matter how much I willed my body to move, I couldn’t."
                 
He was eerily calm as he continued, "They did unmentionable things to her and then left us for dead. By the grace of the gods we survived and managed to escaped the gripe of those wretched beings."
                 
"Mashari wouldn't do something like that," she was very assertive on that fact.
His features and tone remained unchanged at her declaration, "It is well known that Sanavin is intolerant of any who are different. They refer to us the Katein plague. But we were peaceful and desired none of the violence they visited upon our village. I am merely grateful that we have at last found some measure of serenity here in Teldaeyrn."
                 
As he finished his tale a horribly distorted woman walked up, one whom Lyllian assumed was female only because of her manner of dress. She was clothed modestly, and a shawl skillfully concealed her hair. Her skin had the appearance of molten rock that had re-cooled, and her eyes appeared to have a cloudy look to them.  She exchanged words with both David and Naldell in demarian, and then turned towards Lyllian. Contrary to her appearance her voice was very gentle and comforting, and Lyllian couldn’t help but feel an instant connection with the woman, “I hope you have enjoyed your visit to our humble shop, and please do come again," she said as she bowed her head slightly. 
         
As they made their way back to the waiting carriage, Lyllian found herself so caught up in Naldell’s story she failed to take notice of that which was around her. Absently she followed Lord Des’kar back to the waiting carriage, where with little grace and much awkwardness she once again bumbled her way in with assistance. The horse’s hooves created a rhythmic pattern which was almost mesmerizing as Lyllian repeated Naldell’s story again and again in her mind. "Why would anyone do something like that?" she said meekly.
         
"People do horrible things in war."
         
"I thought...the mashari fight for a good cause. To protect the weak, to bring glory to Solmyst."
               
"In the battle Naldell spoke of they were fighting for land, resources. They killed innocent people in order to gain prosperity. But by going about it the way they did, they could not have hoped it would bring permanent gains, and in the end they lost what little they had achieved and made more enemies and fewer friends."
               
"No, I can't believe it. I won't believe it."
               
"Denial won't invalidate facts."
               
"I don't believe you, any of you. It has to be a lie."
             
"Suit yourself," he said, unwilling to engage in another heated discussion.





**Author's Notes**
Wow, this chapter took me a long time to write, but it is virgin chapter...that is, these are fresh scenes I've never written before. Many of the other scenes in previous versions of the story that were just copy, pasted, edited here and there but all this is in chapter 7 is completely new content which is partly why it took me so loooonnnngggg to finish. Finally overcame this writers block that has been plaguing me for over a year, and after I was over that the initial draft of 7 came out quite easily. Then of course I had to edit the crap out of it, and now I'm trying to resist the urge to edit it again and again....if you read it, welcome to my strange world. lol

Its probably one of the longest chapters I have written, there was a definite stopping point that I wanted to reach, which involved incorporating a lot of information/scenes I felt were important. Well maybe not all of them are important, but they were fun to write. Also, it was brought to my attention that events prior in the story were unclear, so I tried to resolve that in this chapter rather than re-writing a previous chapter. I think its flowed well and I hope clarifies any confusion for the reader.

I'm trying to back away from describing scenes as much, to leave a little to the reader's imagination. I'm slowly coming to terms with the fact no one will see it the same way I see it in my mind, no matter how much I describe it. So I am trying to paint a picture for you to enjoy. :)

Oh yeah...I forgot one other thing...I am aware of the spacing issue. For some reason, writing.com doesn't like to preserve my spacing. Its driving me nuts and I'm trying to fix it. I'm experimenting with it as I try to find a resolution I'm happy with so please be patient with me. :)

I hope you enjoy the latest edition...I know I've been enjoying writing it.