((Thank you, friend. :) I appreciate the compliment . . . and it's something I'm looking in to. ^_^))

Keji smiled, reaching over to run his hand over Helga's arm. "Alright. I'll continue then." He hesitated. "Perhaps a bit about my home life."

It was a few weeks after Protius had come to live next door, and Keji had grown used to his daily wake-up call.
"Keji!" the dark-haired elf child darted into his room, pouncing on top of Keji despite his protests.
"Ow!" Keji squirmed beneath his friend's wiry form. "Boney knees much?"
Protius laughed. "That's only because you are soft enough to feel it." Poking the boy beneath the blankets, the elf slipped off of the bed. "Come and play!"
Keji groaned, the small sprig of gray hair that poked up out of the blankets disappearing. "Can I sleep in for once? Please?"
The dark-haired youth shook his head, shoving his hands under the blankets and grasping Keji's arms. "Up!"
"Your hands are cold!" Keji yelped, but eventually stumbled out of his warm caccoon. "At least let me get dressed first, Protius!"
The other boy nodded, turning around and covering his eyes. "I'm waiting."
Keji flushed in embarassment, but went about changing into his day clothes quickly. When he finished, the elf ran his slender hands through his hair and stepped up next to his new friend. "Alright, let's go."
The two elven children headed for the front door, only to be stopped by the mother of the household. "You haven't finished your work for over a week," she commented, and Keji seemed to brighten.
"Drama keeps me outside all day," Keji said, heading over toward the table with a skip in his step. Mother just told him to finish his work! Elated, the elf flipped the book that rested in front of him open.
Protius stepped up to Keji sulkily, plopping down in the next chair and resting his arms on the table. "Drama, huh? Is that what you're calling me now?"
Keji laughed, his eyes still in his book. "It's an accurate description."
With a groan, "Drama" burried his head in his arms. "Hurry up, Kej!"

"He was very unhappy to find out that I spent the rest of the morning studying to my heart's desire," Keji smiled, running a pale hand through Helga's hair. "Drama hated books almost as much as he hated my hesitance." The elf blinked slowly, sighing. "For the next few days, I tormented him with my knowledge. Though were were only twelve, I pressed him with my head knowledge as much as he tormented me with his taunts."
The vampire let his eyes rest on Helga's form as he spoke.
"Through Drama, I grew stronger and faster," he said, "Even my own mother was surprized when I tanned to a normal color for once. I actually looked like I enjoyed the world . . . and honestly, I was beginning to." His gray eyes darkened. "And it was thirteen years later, when we were both twenty-five," he paused, "when Drama left."

"See you next summer, Fish." Drama gave a happy three-fingered wave, and spun about to follow the merchants. He had planned to leave with them all summer, but Keji was sad to see him actually leave. He had hoped that Protius would have changed his mind. Watching his only friend walk away, the elf followed after him.
"Promise you'll stay out of trouble," he said, shaking his head and grabbing Drama's arm. Spinning him about, the elf frowned. "And keep yourself alive. Don't do anything foolish."
"I'll miss you too, 'Mother,' " Protius laughed, hugging his old friend and patting his back. "I'll see you next year, Kej. Promise me you'll go outside at least once a week, alright? I worked too hard to have this," he stepped away and motioned to Keji's lean form, "turned back into a scholar."
Keji smiled slightly, patting the other man's shoulder. "Until next we meet then."
Drama grinned slyly, nodding and giving a mock salute. "Until then, Fish-boy."

"When we next met, it was four years later," Keji sighed. "He was that sort of person. I had given up waiting for him by then . . . but he came anyway. And then he called me after him . . . where we started a series of adventures that I'll never forget." The elf smiled, and ran his hand through Helga's hair again. Things had changed . . . but was it for the better, or worse?

((Whew, talk about a creative splurge!! Dang. :O I feel like I've written a book!! :lol:))

(hey Es, i remember awhile back u mentioned u drew a pic of auda or somethin, can u send me the link so i can check it out??)

"Alright Es, then let's get to it!!" *as Auda gently slides between Es' legs and plops her onto his back. They then run off into the woods, keeping their eyes peeled for the village" ooo, this is gonna be a fun night!!!!!

With a surprised yelp, Esmme clung to Auda's fur. After running for many minutes, she pointed off to the east. "There, beyond that hill. That's where we should find it."
When they reached the village, the woman leapt smoothly off of the wolf's back, patting his shoulder in appreciation. "Would you mind waiting here for a few moments? I don't want to frighten them off with your fierce looks." Smiling gently at the blue wolf, she slipped between two older buildings and into the small village. "I'll return within a half hour," she hissed over her shoulder.
In all actuality, it was a glorified camp. There were about a dozen buildings, one stable, and a few fences here and there. A field or two rested not far away, and a few gardens were scattered between houses, but nothing was big enough to wield much food. Esmme stepped up to one of the buildings - the doctor's home, by the smell of it - and knocked. Slipping inside, the elf began to speak with the woman there. If there was anyone close to dying, Esmme wanted them. She wanted them for her clan . . . and she didn't want life to be in vain.
Half an hour later, Esmme returned to Auda's side with a smile on her face.
"There is a boy there that I think will do nicely," the elf brushed her black hair away from her face and stroked the wolf's fur. "We must wait for another couple hours . . . the doctor will be asleep by then."

((haha, yes. I'll send you the link, friend. ^_^))

*flops down onto his back and rolls around in the grass* ahhh, grass! that always hits the right spots hehe care to join me es?? *as he rolls all over, eventually hittin his body against her leg* hehe at least we can have abit of fun while we wait

Esmme chuckled, and moved to sit down beside the wolf. "How glad I am that you came to us," she said, rubbing his belly and flopping down next to him. "You are a loyal and caring friend." The woman sighed, reaching over to scratch Auda's ears.
It was a few hours later before Esmme looked back toward the doctor's office. "Time to get our new clan member," she smiled grimly. "Would you mind carrying us both back to the den?"
Without waiting for an answer, the vampire flashed over to the building she knew housed her new clan member. Slipping inside, she stole away the boy she wished for. The youth was pale, deathly so, his face ashen and sunken. He looked so close to death, it seemed that even Esmme couldn't bring him back. His shaggy black hair gave him a disheveled appearance, and the boy looked far too young to be dying then.
Esmme held the young teen closely, smiling at Auda. "Let's get back before I change him."

*blushes inward from her praise* awww, thank you Es!! and of c.....*as he watches Es bound away to a random house, he follows and watches her enter and exit* awwww he's just a wee pup! ok Es, let's bring the little one to his new home. here, lay him across my back *trots over and waits for Es to place him and climbs on herself* ok, and just 1 more thing *walks alittle bit further into the town, clears his throat and gives his most eerie and terrifying howl before turning back* ok, now lets go hehe

Esmme chuckled to herself as she steadied the boy in front of her, using her legs to keep herself secure. As Auda ran, she crooned to the teen that she had seated before her, telling him to hold on just a little while longer. The youth never replied; he was too far into his sickness to even fathom what was happening.
When they reached the den, the clan leader leapt down, pulling the boy with her. Stepping toward one of the empty rooms, she moved the ragged gold curtain aside. "Would you like to watch?" she asked Auda, slipping inside and placing the new member on the bed. She then took a deep breath and lifted the dying boy's wrist to her lips.
"I'm sorry," she muttered, sinking her fangs in carefully. The youth gasped from the burning pain, and he instantly came to perfect clarity. Fighting to escape Esmme's touch, he was far too weak to do anything - especially against a vampire. When he called out for help, the elf released his wrist and stroked his forehead, crooning to him comfortingly. Like any normal person, he shied away from her.
"This is going to take some time," the elven woman said, sitting on the edge of the bed and cornering the stranger. Indeed, it would. It took a few hours to bring a human to the edge of death, and even more time for the venom to start to turn him. It would be dawn before Esmme was finished, and the following evening by the time the new vampire was risen.

*follows slowly as we enter the den* i'd be honored to be there to bear witness *he says with a tear in his eye* would it be ok if i stayed with him till the end Es? i know pups feel better with their elders around, and the same goes for children

"Stay with him," Esmme nodded. "Even without knowing you, your presense will comfort him."
By now, the teen had stopped breathing entirely, his pale features growing even more deathly. He was dead . . . only to be risen within a few hours. Already his features began to change - his features sharpening, his sickness seeming to fade a bit to reveal his true looks.
The clan leader stroked the youth's forehead, sighing sadly. "I hate this part. Death is nothing to wish for."
It would be many hours until dawn, but the new clan member would be awake before the sun rose. Nodding to Auda, Esmme stepped out of the room. "Please alert me when he wakes. He might be a bit . . . feral, so be wary. Just because he's a small vampire doesn't make him any less dangerous. If anything, he will be worse for the first few days."

*nods to Es* as u wish. I will make sure that when the pup comes to, u will be notified. but don't worry, nothing will happen to us or him. I stake my life on it. haha, i said stake. *his tail wags at his own joke*

((Sorry I was gone for so long. It was uni again. Anyway, YEAH! A newbie! <3 ))
Helga was at the cusp of sleep with Keji's voice carrying his story into the night. She loved imagining Keji when he was younger. It was fun for her to hear of his life before they met. All the things in his past that made him him were completing the image of him in her head.
Suddenly, a cry for help echoed through the cave and Helga's eyes snapped open. "Vhat vas dat, Keji?" she whispered.

Keji's eyes widened, and he slowly got out of the bed. "It didn't sound like any of the others," he said quietly, reaching for Helga's hand. "Should we go check?"


The youth groaned, shifting in his new bed. He felt something nearby (Auda), but wasn't quite sure how to fathom his new sixth sense. Letting out a wrenching cough, the scrawny teen opened his eyes. He immediately flinched, letting out a hiss that he didn't know he could make. The vision was too strange - completely unfamiliar.
His jaw ached, and his body felt . . . strange. A ravenous hunger tore at him from the inside, and the feedling felt something inside of him snap. Vampiric instincts began to cover and supress his humanity. Strength flowed through his wiry form, and the youth sat up slowly. His red eyes narrowed and immediately locked on the only living thing in the room - Auda.

Helga crawled out after Keji. Gripping his hand, she nodded. Someone was in trouble and needed them. For a moment, she almost headed towards the kitchen to be armed with blood just in case. Instead, she headed out with Keji to discover whoever sent out that cry.

Blinking rapidly, the youth shook his head, trying to clear it. Vampire fought against human instincts, neither of them strong enough to take over. Until the monster grew more ravenous.
Letting out a snarl, the dark-haired teen slipped out of bed and past Auda. He soon stood in the middle of the cave. Sniffing the air with an overwhelmed expression, he glanced toward the others before heading for the cavern's entrance. Warning signals went beserk in his head, but he ignored them - the sun never hurt him before.
It was a mistake - the youth hissed as soon as the rays struck him, and lurched back with such force that he fell backward. He wasn't used to his new reflexes and hyped up senses. It was so confusing; so strange and wild.
What is this?


Keji watched Helga for a moment before grabbing her hand. With a smile, he nodded and led her out into the cave's main area. At the sound of a light hiss, he spun to see the newest addition to their clan standing near the den's entrance.
"Esmme didn't waste time," he said quietly.


((Erm . . . if it was nighttime, I apologize. :XD It's daytime now. :D Otherwise, Ehl would be far too fast for anyone to catch. He's on a super-high, being a new vamp. Aw . . . LOL, he's a baby vamp! ^_^ =3))

hmmm? what in the nine hells is that stench?? it smells like swamp-marinade on rotting meat!! ...o shit! wakeup ya dumb beast!! your pup is roastin!!! *as auda suddenly wakes up* "PUP!!!PUP WHAT HAPPENED!?" he roars as he begins to run into the cave in search of his youngling* *spies him on the floor with a small gash on his leg, trots around him, giving him the once-over before letting a hearty chuckle* MWAHAHAHAHAHA!!! ahhhh laddie, it's just a scratch! no reason to be makin noise about it!!! come with Uncle Auda and let us go get your first meal *headbutts him with the force to knockout a grizzly and wraps his jaws around his neck tight so his fangs could be felt against his neck but not yet puncture* "but you had better be listening: I will not and never shall be your meal. and you will extend that courtesy to ALL who dwell in this cave and calls you friend. do you understand that?"

The slender youth froze in Auda's jaws, struck with fear. A giant wolf had him by the throat . . . and it just spoke to him. His breathing, a human habit, came in shortened gasps, and he struggled to get away from Auda . . . at first. After a few seconds, he swallowed audibly.
"I understand," he said in a small voice. Nearly shaking with hunger and fear, the teen forced himself to stop trying to get away.

*takes his jaws off the visibly frightened "child" and chuckles* good. cuz uncle auda's hungry and your kind doesn't taste good, so lets go find us something fit to feast on. now lets go pup and *gives him the scary face like Yamato does in Naruto Shippuden) don't get any ideas. aaaaaaand we're off!! *he yells as his bounds out into the night with a tear in his eye* thank you Es. for letting take the young pup under my paws and even taking him to his first meal. she must really trust me hehe im gonna have to dig her up 1 of my bones and give it to her as a present "hey pup!! you doin alright back there?


((btw, sorry for the naruto reference but visually, it was perfect!!!))

((Ah, Auda and the new kid are cute together! Feeling uninspired due to a head cold. I dunno what to do w/ Helga right now. **shrugs** Es: it's cool. Nighttime, daytime, whatever the story calls for is what we have. Dewey: LOL, naruto!))

((:lol: Aaaand it's night again. :P I guess it was the fading rays of sun that struck poor little Ehl. Little . . .LOL, he's like 17-18. >.>' That's little. :P))


The youth was surprized when he found he could keep up with Auda's long strides. After a few seconds of running, the new vampire sped up, nearly passing the blue wolf.
"This is amazing," he said quietly, leaping over a fallen tree branch. His vampiric instincts sore nearly out of control - he could feel everything living within a large radius. And it made him shiver with anticipation as the thought of a meal approached.

Esmme chuckled, coming to lean against her room's door. "Auda has been given charge over the child." Her blue eyes flickered over to Helga and Keji, and she smiled. "Did his turning disturb you? It's always strange for the first few hours."

*turns his head left and right, making sure to keep the pup in his sights the whole time, even when he threatened to run ahead of him* "mwahahahaha!!! atta boy!! get used to ur new speed, the power of your legs and your ability to run and never tire!!" *stops suddenly* hold! *he roars as he glimpses their prey stalking them from the shadows* "we're being watched. what do ya say pup? ya ready to fight for your food??"

When Auda stopped suddenly, the youth ended up tripping over his own feet and landing in a dusty cloud. Too fast to stop properly. After a small fit of coughing up the dirt, the teen wiped his face sheepishly, a blush spreading across his features.
"Fight?" Ehl frowned, but nodded. He hadn't done such a thing before, but then again . . . the sickness seemed to have left him, and he felt the strength flowing through him like never before. This wasn't natural. A slight smile flickered across Ehl's face, and his red eyes locked on the creature in hiding. He could practically hear it's frightened heartbeat, smell it's fear. It drove him mad with hunger.
"Now?" he asked, crouching low to the ground. Looking to Auda, the feedling tilted his head in question. He was ready to maul this thing . . . he was absolutely starving.

Helga's worry vanished, loosening her expression, and she beamed suddenly at Esmme. "Ve have a leedle malysh?!" Nearly bouncing in excitement, she released Keji's hand to stand, grinning, before Esmme. "Vhat kind? Vhere is he from? Aw, I bet Auda is proud papa, no?" Calming some, but still inwardly giddy at the news of a new member she turned to Keji. "Dat makes you uncle, Keji," she teased.

*snarls* atta boy! thats what i like to hear from my pup *crouches low* ok, now u have to listen to me. In times like these, when we have time, it is best to bring down our dinner as efficiently as possible without making too much noise. remember, this isn't our cave. there could very easily be other predators waiting. now, i know you're new to all this, but i know you can do this. what we're gonna do is flank him. see where my head is pointed? look there and tell me what you see" awwww i feel like a proud papa already!!!

"If I'm his uncle, you're his aunt," the elf replied without thinking, nudging her hand with his and slipping his fingers into Helga's.
Esmme laughed as Keji blushed.
"He's from the small farming village not far from here," the clan leader said to give Keji a moment to recover. "His name is Ehl. He is a youth around . . . 17, I believe the nurse said. He was dying when we found him." Esmme's pale blue eyes were full of bitter-sweet sorrow. "But he'll be alright now." The female elf smiled again. "Auda took him out for his first meal. I just hope things will be alright. I remember the first meal being the most difficult for you, Kej. I'm sure it's the same for many others."


Ehl nodded, his fangs aching at the thought of food. It was hard for him to pay attention, but he knew he needed to learn. The youth followed Auda's gaze, and pointed to a smaller animal in the herd.
"You want to flank the weaker one?" he asked, frowning. Did he misjudge it? Or was he right on?

*scoffs* "don't ye be gettin cocky pup. he might be weak, but he's not the one u worry about. it's his daddy that's the threat. thats y u need to not only flank them, but u need to be quick and pick off the little one, carry it beyond his reach quickly. and then, feed. but not before the threat is neutrallized. don't worry, uncle auda will be there to make sure u come out alive, but make no mistake, this is YOUR lesson. I learned mine a long time ago. Now, are you ready??"