Hello, my name is `Emmon (the e is pronounced as an A) Siofra. I am older than I look, I look 25. My family consists of my parents, both father and mother, a sister, and two younger brothers. Things were going well for me, I live in the noble house of Siofra, a very influential family. My father often went out to help this one commoner family but it only helped our influence. To worsen things however it was decided that I was to Marry a woman of 23, from that very commoners house! I was quickly sent away to a castle over a days travel from my home by horse. This is not going well.
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Emmon walked the halls of the stone building rubbing his head. In his hand sat a letter that brought a lot of bad news. His younger sister was coming to the castle for sanctuary from their family. He wasn't sure the details but it had to do with a large scandal. He had only been here for maybe a week awaiting the poor female to arrive. Now she was here and his sibling was on the way. The dark haired Scot wasn't sure if this was a bad thing. In fact it pleased him greatly to know she was coming, it would push the wedding back a while. If they were more worried about the pregnant dame they couldn't "Solve their differences". Like he wanted to. Sighing he pushed open the doors to the dinning hall. The cold winter wind howled outside rattling the windows. The rain came down in sheets outside, winter was the worst time of year to get stuck in a stone castle, ever fireplace in the building was lit and kept roaring. Food was always cooking to help keep up the heat. It wasn't uncommon to see the servants huddled together or working in pairs so they could warm up quicker. If they thought for a second that he would huddle with that girl they were dead wrong. Looking out the morning was dreary. "What time is it?" He asked looking over at a butler.
"Just about 6, sir." He said in a thick Scottish accent.
"How can you tell with the weather as it is?" Emmon asked looking out the window.
"The rain did not start till after the sun rose." He informed his master calmly. Nodding Emmon kept his gaze on the cliffs near by.

Hello, my name is Anarith McLaughling, I look younger than I am, I am 23. My family consists of my parents, both father and mother, two sisters, one older the other younger, and a younger brother. Things were going okay for me, I lived in the village of Pheadas near the Siofra. My mother was often visited by a very mysterious noble (whom I call 'Uncle'). To worsen things however it was decided that I was to Marry a man of 25, from that noble house! I was quickly sent away to a castle over a days travel from my home by horse. This is not going well. God, please help me!
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Anarith sighed as she languished in her room, this was going to be such a disaster. Her parents had sold her to the highest bidder, (though she knew it wasn't true). How was she supposed to act when she'd never met him?! She'd met his father, a kind person and she thought of him as an uncle. But this arranged marriage, how could they? Did they not know that such a thing as hand fasting or weddings didn't work when arranged? No matter what anyone said she knew this wasn't going to end well, she could kiss her freedom goodbye and resign to becoming a proper lady. Though she doubted that right now anyone would be attempting to change her, it would happen. And she wasn't ready for that, she was a free spirit, she still ran among the children in the moonlight barefoot. How could she manage to become a lady for her new husband?

She got up with a sigh and crept, barefoot, down the stairway making her way to the dining hall and peeking her head in, and she caught a glimpse of him. Her betrothed, he was breath taking. But then her instincts kicked in, he was no doubt arrogant and unruly. She wouldn't take anything from him, with her head help high and her back straight she swept into the room with all the courage and beauty she could muster. Much of the former but not of the latter she supposed but would not be offset by it.

"Good eve my Lord, I trust this winter is treating you well?" she asked softly with a curtsey, her eyes flashing with the light from the fireplace.

(Is okay?)

((I love it!))

Emmon heard someone enter but didn't turn until he was spoken to. Her voice was strong and yet musical, a strange sort of twist. Turning so his face was half lit with the grey light of the overcast sky he smiled some. "This season is treating me very well. It seems all my troubles come when the weather doesn't promote escape." He said with a small sigh. "Ah, but then again, this winter has also brought me a lovely thing, a bride to be. With out a doubt that alone makes the wild winds and freezing rain, bearable." He said with a stronger voice. Turning out of the window completely he walked forward leaving a cool air in his wake. "I have not yet formally introduced myself. I am Emmon Siofra," He bowed with all the grace of a swan. "It is an honor and a pleasure to meet you." He rose again placing his arms behind him. His manners were in check, and his introduction was done. Now he had to wait for this picturesque beauty to speak again. A momentary laps in judgment whispered lightly with in his own mind Perhaps this won't be so bad.

As she came up from her curtsey, her eyes flashed by themselves, the fire still arcing and making it seem as though it were the culprit. She smiled softly, her opinion was still reserved. Was he the arrogant horse's arse she though him to be, or someone she could actually talk to. She knew better than to think of just looks, many winters in the village as the only unmarriageable maiden had taught her that. The men or boys they had been, as well as their parents had thought her strange and whispered that she might be a witch. But the children of the village loved her so and often were kept out of trouble and in good care with her. She was good enough to help raise their children but not marry their lads. She held some bitterness about this she supposed, she knew she wasn't a beauty and could curse no one but fate. Her head raised to look at him, in no way was she submissive to anyone.

"Anarith McLaughlin my Lord, and please do not flatter. It will get you no where, I am not a child to be courted by a woman to be spoken plain to if you please. I would hold you in the highest respect if you would allow us no formalities and let us but be friends." she said softly with a small hitch in her breath, nervous from his close proximity, in truth she wasn't accustomed to dealing with males besides her family and Uncle really, because they avoided her. Well now they did, there had been an accident a few years back that had lead to that avoidance.

Smirking some he held up a hand. "Forgive me, I was unaware that flattery was for children. I'll admit it is not something I do often. Courting either, but I'll assume, for your temperament suggest it, you are accustomed to these practices. So on, you rather not waist your time. This I understand, perhaps my breath is better save." He said before turning to the fire slightly. "The moor is flooding in the mildest of ways. I suppose the coast gets the most rain, being near the majestic seas. It is quiet beautiful here in the spring. I hope to stay that long at least." He said with a since of dread that he would indeed be stuck here that long. "The stones here a cold, much colder than home. What of your home? Are the winters there harsh madam?" He asked avoiding getting annoyed. She was proving that it would be a waist of time to court such a person. "Hungry?" His voice flat but indeed it was a question. The butler bowed with out waiting for her answer and left in haste to get the early morning food together.

Anarith felt a blush of indignation creep up her neck. "You misunderstood me... Flattery shall get you no where for I do not believe it, the winters were indeed. But we managed, back to the first subject, I do not understand the relations between men and women and they confuse me. I would prefer if you spoke plainly with me, for that I shall understand." Her voice was breathy, filled with emotion and uncertainty, she knew she'd said something wrong from his reaction, which was why she avoided people, it never went well. "Hungry, yes... I am." she said softly and made her way to her seat, though she'd never been instructed by a tutor in the art of comportment, her posture and poise was that of a queens.

She did not know what was to happen next, who was to say? Her life had been decided as surely as an accused mans fate. But she didn't know if it was a sentence yet, it might yet prove to be a blessing. She hoped that it was with all her might, hoping that she could find a modicum of what her parents had, at least some small affection that would allow them to be friends and care for each other.

Sighing deeply in a state of frustration Emmon just walked over and looked at her. "Normally, when dinning at a lord or lady's home you sit after the food is placed on the table." He straightened out having leaned down near her ear. "Your very graceful none the less." Sitting down at the head of the table he rested his arms on the arm of the chair. "Do you know of my father's nature?" He asked curious if she knew what he was. Perhaps that would account for her nervousness. If not he didn't know what sent her into such a flutter. How was he supposed to handle a human wife? A fragile, aging, blood filled, human. Would he have to change her? Oh god he couldn't do that if she was going to be nervous all the time, a life time of that would very nearly drive him crazy. Emmon's eyes stayed on the female as he waited for an answer, his stair was kind of intimidating since it never fluttered for a moment.

(Sorry, I've been gone what almos a month, my boyfriend took his laptop back... and now my father has bought me one... I am now to be online everyday when I can to post and stuff)

"When you say nature, what do you mean?" she asked softly, because the question confused her. She in truth knew almost nothing about the man save the story she'd heard and what she'd witnessed. He had been a very kind and generous man, someone she considered family. She even called him Uncle. He was very loving and caring towards her family. Normally vampire families hated each other but the tale of the friendship between her mother and him was almost legendary among their families. She smiled a little as she tilted her her slightly to the side, allowing her fair to fall over her eye and give her a mysteroius air. She folded her hands in her lap and thought about her family, her sisters and brother. Her older sister had gotten married years ago as well as her younger sister only a few short years ago. Her own brother had become engaged with an enchanting woman not a year ago and was soon to be married. How she envied the love matches that they'd made, how she disliked that her future had been decided for her.

She watched Emmon intently. He was very fascinating to look at, and occupied her attention as she still waited for his answer.

Emmon sighed and rubbed his head trying to find a way to state this with out scaring her. "Do you know my father is not exactly human?" He asked worried he was going to scare the girl. "He, and I for that matter, look, act, sound, smell human but we aren't exactly human." He tried to explain. Feeling like he was just going to frighten her away he stopped. "Never mind, please ignore my insane ramblings." Emmon brushed a few strands of loose hair back out of his loose pony tail. He'd tied it up for the meal. If he wasn't so worried about disappointing his father he would of scared this dame away the moment he arrived. If he had, however, he'd obviously be disowned which was a stain on his honor (and pride) that he couldn't handle. Putting his head in his hand he sighed deeply listening to the pretty female's hear beat. It was musical, calm, something he wasn't used to. The servants knew what he was and always had a frightened hear beat around him. Her on the other hand, it was pretty and slow like a classical song.

Anarith broke into a grin and began to laugh. Then she calmly got out of her seat and walked over to him, standing by his side at the table. She looked down at him and then chuckled as she shook her head. It was amusing to think that this man had not been told anything about her, and it gave her a giddy sense of confidence. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad, her fiance at least worried about her somewhat even though he didn't particually like her. She laid a hand on his and then she crouched down to whisper to him, "I am a Vampire..." and then leaned back before sweeping away to sit close to the fire, like a moth to the flame. The seductive heat of it was too much and she could no longer resist it, and gave in sitting in the same seat he had before she'd stumbled upon him.

Emmon blinked at her sudden movement and then relaxed some at her words. The relaxed feeling turned into a ticked off feeling when he realized he hadn't been clued in. "Fantastic, I just looked like a complete moron." He muttered placing his head in his hand holding his temples lightly. Standing up he walked over to the fire, though the cool back area of the room didn't bother him either. "Well that removes some awkwardness doesn't it." He muttered sitting down on the ground, there was another seat but it wasn't as close as he'd like to be to the fire. "You know of my family then, and I should not have to worry about getting hungry around you, vampire blood isn't the least bit satisfying." He muttered looking at the dancing flames. Silence befell upon him allowing his mind to wander some into the fire.

"Those are harsh words my Lord. Why do you feel like that, because you simply did not perceive what you wanted to ignore. I knew what Uncle was when I first met him, he's a very kind man you know." she said softly as she leaned over the arm of the chair to watch him. He looked like recalcitrant child sent to wait in Father's study while he awaited punishment. He was quite cute from this angle. Almost angelic in fact. She mentally shook herself then drew back to stare into the fire again. She wanted to be even closer to it, she was forever cold and the drafts in here did nothing to help that. Why did her mind wander when she was thinking of him?

"Harsh or not, its true. If one chooses to ignore then they are ignorant which is as close to a moron as that person can get." Taking a deep breath he tossed a piece of wood into the fire and watched it burn brighter. Just then the doors swan open and a parade of people carrying food and warm drink came in setting the table. Raising from his spot Emmon nodded thanks and appreciation as the pulled out seats for the two of them. "Thank you this looks fantastic!" He said softly walking over and standing at his seat waiting for the female to take hers' first. "You've out done yourselves this morning." He said once he was finally seated and served since apparently he couldn't do it himself, the servants simply wouldn't allow it.

"Do you have a lover?" Anarith asked softly as she swept by him, with no concern for the servants expressions of eagerness and embarrassment. She wanted to know and would have her answer. She was soon enough to be wed to this man, and though there may not have been a great love between them, they had to have some respect for each other. Not to mention ground rules. She would not be made a fool of nor neglected or disrespected in anyway. She knew what was expected of her socially, but intimately did he know what she expected of him? She took her seat and waved the servants away, they hovered like pests and she couldn't bear it. Her station in life was no better than theirs, but she'd been elevated thanks to Uncle.

Emmon sat in a small state of shock before waving the servants off for good. " A lover?" He asked dumbfounded. Regaining his composure he shook his head. "No, despite many of the beautiful women in my past, none ever caught my attention. I am not fond of the concept of loving someone you weren't to be married to." He stated simply as he started eating, never once speaking with food in his mouth. Looking at her he leaned back in his chair some. "And what of you? Do you have a lover I should be aware of?" The dark Scot asked before eating more of his food. Human food, it sat fine with his stomach because of the meal he had, had the night prior, but he was not sure of his lady to be.

"I shall confess, I am pure still... Not a single kiss. My life has been lived mostly in isolation it seems, however my other siblings are very happy with their own chosen mates. I envy the love they have, but enough of that. I asked because, in this marriage I will tolerate no infidelities, else I shall cry off this whole farce and leave. I know that you aren't cruel, but there are somethings that should be stated up front. I only request that and respect from you as a person... What of you, what do you wish of me?" she asked softly as she laid a napkin in her lap and then cut up her food into portions and grouped it before eating small almost dainty bites. She wasn't a normal vampire she supposed, she didn't like drinking blood and had long ago learned her limits, so long as she had meat she was fine. "Oh and towards your earlier comment, vampires blood isn't satiating you because you hold no romantic love for them, not a true pure love... nor are they your fated other..." she said almost absentmindedly.

Emmon found himself slightly irritated. "I see you already have a plan on making this a contract based union." He said simply trying not to show his underlining emotions. "You? I request nothing from you, I expect simple things from you, first that you learn the last of the proper lady like mannerisms. The other is that you remember your place is at the top of the food chain, I don't appreciate you swatting my staff like flies." He stated with a slightly narrowed eyes. "That is all, simple and to the point." He stated. "I don't care of your loyalties or infidelity, neither of us even knew the other lived till the was arranged so what ever makes you happy." He stated taking a drink of something before making a horrible face. Coughing some he put the glass down and took in a deep breath. Cranberry juice was just a little too strong for his seances.

((Sorry I am coming up short right now. I've had a horrible case of writers block))

A flush came over her face that might have been embarrassment, but was clearly stated by the angry sparkle in her eyes. She pushed out of her seat and stood proud and tall. "Do not think I jest my Lord, we may be at the top of the food chain but I do not like others hovering around me, it makes me very uncomfortable. And as for not caring for my loyalties or fidelity. I will beget no heir under those circumstances nor if I do not think that you will be a fit father. And with that I take my leave of you, I shall retire to my own chamber until you find yourself more willing to respect your future bride, unless of course I write to my mother and ask for it to be broken."

She then swept from the room just as elegantly as she'd come. The quiet storm had left the room, leaving the servants with some semblance of relief. They were already afraid of their Master, but if he should truly become angry they had no clue what to do. But the future mistress, why they felt down right bad for her. They should have warned her that he was a heartless bastard unlike the rest of his family.

She would not give into tears and cry as she wanted, nor throw or break anything. She would ask her maids to help her prepare for bed then sleep the rest of the night away, because he so obviously did not care what she did as long as she did not embarrass him.

(It's cool, it happens to everyone and you just helped meh not to explode on mah mom)

Emmon rolled his eyes and laid his head back on the table. Sitting up he grabbed a cup and lightly tossed it, the strength of his immortal hand however sent it smashing into the wall ahead of him. "She is rather irritating." He stated simply standing up. "Have fun eat away." Walking out the doors slammed behind him before the servants took to the table. Emmon walked down the hall and opened the door to his room. "Unless of course I write to my mother and ask for it to be broken...meh! Disgusting!" He said after mocking his future bride. "If it was as easy as asking mommy or daddy to fix things I wouldn't be here." A noise similar to a roar irrupted from his throat as his fist hit the stone of his fire place. "I'm a snobby little peasant who is taking to this position like a natural lady. Like a snobby, pushy, all controlling mentally unstable individual. Servants aren't needed lets make them feel worthless and unneeded! Let them lose their jobs and freeze in the deep winter!" He hissed tossing something else so he didn't hit someone else. "Let me write my uncle, allow me to vent my disgust with his choice in woman, allow me to give my sister sanctions, and if god or the devil allow let her bake in the sun!" Closing his eyes he walked over and pulled out a chair taking to a quill, paper, and ink.

Anarith was mad enough to spit but of course didn't do that. She was not to be toyed with, by anyone. This was not going well, at all and she was not about to cry about it. He probably thought her some selfish little ditz. She didn't want anything to do with this, she had just gotten used to being alone. Her life had been fine, she was going to live at home and take care of her parents, but then they had sprung that on her. She couldn't believe this! "Why is this so difficult? No one understands, I wanted to marry for love or die alone!" she lamented to herself as she hugged a pillow to her chest. The maids knocked on the door and waited for permission to enter. She gave it and blushed as they surveyed her with eyes full of uncertainty. "Please, would you help me get ready for bed, I'm not used to having people help me, or how wealthy houses are run..." she said softly, blushing deeper and looking down to the ground, missing the maids exchanged grins. They chattered around her for a while helping her and joking. "Thank you, I would like it if whenever you come to help me you aren't formal, it would make it much easier for me." they beamed at her and skipped off. She'd done something right for once today.

"He doesn't get that I only want respect and loyalty, those are important to me. I can't stay here if he can't give me those things... I will leave, that's the only thing I know for certain." she whispered to herself as she turned towards her bed, which looked big enough to fit ten people, felt intimidated and unsure. The pillow she had hugged to her chest earlier became her shield as she broke down into the tears that she said she wouldn't. She cried as she had never before, all the bottle feelings of rejection and hurt everything, she cried them all out and fell asleep.

After working on his letter for a good hour or so he crumpled up a nine page letter and tossed it into a dying fire. "I shall not allow this to slip through my fingers. I am a wealthy bachelor where I come from, I could have any dame I wanted." He huffed leaning against his window as his chamber maids came in, which were actually male to stop any rumors. "What should I do?" He moaned as he changed and laid on his bed. His maids started giving him suggestions, most of which he waved off. "Perhaps I should just work on my charm. I think I'm showing that I dislike this arrangement in the way I speak to her." He suggested using them as a sound bored. "I should probably start with an apology first thing tomorrow, and possibly a much more...formal breakfast!" He suggested sitting up and quickly making plans. "I just have to pretend I want to be here (like I'm not being forced) and work towards..what is that word?" He asked snapping his fingers. The older maid stated "woo" and he nodded. "Yes, thank you, wooing her. If I want to bring honor to my family name I can't let this fall the shambles. Dear god why can't she be a normal dame? Why can't she just like money and that be it?" He asked running his hands through his hair.

Just then as he settled down again a letter came for him. Grabbing it he read the fine, feminine script, on the delicate paper. He sighed rubbing his head. "She's coming late tomorrow night so no one sees her. Make sure a room is ready. God be willing my lady to be won't mistake her as my mistress. That would be absolutely ghastly to explain." He moaned again allowing the letter to fall to the floor before throwing the blankets over him. The maids, and butler, left in a hurry as he did so. He could be in a worse mood in their minds, however this depressed doomsday, yet productive, attitude had them a little on edge. Closing his eyes for what felt like a little longer than a blink Emmon fell asleep.


The mood rose behind clouds for the second day in a row. Emmon rose like a child on Christmas. His maids were there on que and he got to the point of picking out a great outfit, it was nice, and gave the impression he was out to impress. Quickly bathing the vampire made an effort to appear as tidy as possible. Tying his hair back with a golden colored ribbon he sighed as he got into his shoes. Running to the bathroom he checked himself over again he sighed and pulled on a gold and blue jacket and made sure everything down to his kilt was orderly. Sighing he braved the door walking out to the hall and down to Anarith's room. His bare knuckles knocking against the wood and iron door.

At first, she did not want to get up, but she imagined that those maids were back in her sleepy mind. Her state of undress was going to shock him, but he didn't know. She yawned a little and with one arm clutching the pillow to her chest, the braids the maids had made had come undone during her tormented sleep, walked towards the door, thinking of her dreams.

Dark and haunted they had been, filling her with an impending dread of what was to come. Foreshadowing and grief, love and hate. It all mixed together into one simple line, "LIFE." she was a bit scared by it, and wanted to talk to the maids, to ask their advice on what she should do about their master. But when she opened the door, a saw him at first her mind did not register as though it just forgot the possibility that he might be offended.

Her night dress was white and a strap hung from her shoulder, it had become crumpled and a bit messy looking as she sleep, but when she turned back to bed, the pillow clutched in her arm, she noticed something, he was not following her. She supposed real ladies did not do this, but she was tired and scared. Her eyes were still red and puffy from her crying last night, not that he would know.

"Yes," she yawned before snuggling under her covers and finished softly, "my lord?" her mind had somehow slightly misted over the events of last night, her own defense because in her life there wasn't much she had ever been able to do. And yet, even though she didn't know this man, she was scared to lost him, this arrangement tossed onto them had brought them together and to her it made him seem like a refuge, and right now she needed that, else she would mentally collapse.

Emmon stood at the door partially in shock, partially amused, and most deffenitly interested. Clearing his throat he stood at the door and then turned away from the bed so not to look at her undressed. "I came to make sure you were awake, perhaps it is to early?" He questioned with a deep breath. "I will have dinner set at the table. is there a type of blood you prefer over others?" He asked as he flushed some. In all honestly, he was not accustomed to blushing and it took him by surprise. Scratching his head some the male just nodded. "Right please be down for breakfast shortly. The maids will come to help I assure you." Reaching in he closed her chamber doors walking down the halls, refusing to look up into a mirror for the fear that he was indeed red in the face.

His feet raced as he got down the stairs to the library, a sorry excuse for one at that. Walking over he grabbed a random book. It didn't help his situation at all for it was a romance novel and the page he turned to randomly was rather intimate. Slamming the book closed he placed it on the shelf. "Who writes such things?!" he asked sitting down in a chair, in the cold drafty room. Head in hand, elbow on the arm of the chair. "This is not the proper way to start the day." He whispered softly.

"Heh, he's embarrassed! How cute!" she said to herself right before her maid busted in glaring playfully and having their hands on their hips. They heard what happened and scolded her, making sure that they teased her. She was glad to have them as friends. As she bathed one of them washed her hair and she sighed at the heavenly feeling of it. Her dress was laid out, a rich deep purple velvet overlaid with pure white french lacing. She shook her head as they offered her a corset, she was not big but she didn't want to become any smaller. "I'll go see your master now." she said as her hair finished drying, having been brushed by the fire.

When she found him, she almost took pity on him. But the barefooted imp in her said otherwise. "I prefer the blood of a passionate blood of whores and adulterers. It tastes so, overwhelmingly, lustful." she whispered as she leaned down to speak into his ear, pressing her body against his innocently, unaware of her power as a woman, and only thought herself playing with him.

Emmon was already uncomfortable but this was much more than he could handle. Refusing to be inappropriate he fought his instinct to just grab a random part of her body and squeeze. Instead he shoved her backwards just enough for him to stand up and move. "Is something wrong with you?!" His voice was deep as his frustration grew slightly. "What are you doing?! I do not understand your methods here! Do you want..." Biting his tongue he sighed deeply. Taking in a sharp breath he smoothed out his jacket annoyed, why would she even dare? Granted they were to be married, and he'd even give her that she was a commoner by birth. But why in god's name would she act so lustfully, when yesterday she hated his guts. Forcing his annoyance down he cleared his throat.

"I apologies, I tend to over react when I am taken off guard. Though that behavior should probably be limited." He said his voice returning to normal pitch and volume. Emmon kept his distance though. "Are you alright?" The vampire took a step in her direction. A little weary as to whether or not she'd throw herself at him again. He didn't have a clue what kind of jest this was or how to react.