Dancing In the Shadows

-Original RP-

 

The Chanserv Chronicles: A Vampire Tale

by Shuuki and Pookie

Chapter7: Another Storm

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A cold wind wraps around Versailles, bringing in its wake the scent of an autumn storm...

Somewhere in the depths of the palace, two lovers slowly stir to wakefulness...

 

RB: *slowly slips out of Chanserv's sleepy embrace and sits up, staring around the room*

Chanserv: *clasps hands above his head and stretches*

RB: *looks down at Chanserv and smiles* Good evening.

Chanserv: *places hand on RB's cheek* Good evening, love.

RB: *smiles and looks around once again* Did you sleep well enough?

Chanserv: Like a stone, my dear. This room proved to be as secret as you promised. I did not even hear the guards searching for us.

RB: Oh they searched, but they would never find this room.

Chanserv: Indeed. Well my visit to the King should prove interesting. That is, unless He visits you first tonight.

RB: Ah. I had not thought of that...*leans over Chanserv and grins* However will you explain your disappearing act?

Chanserv: *chuckles* I have a long history of disappearing. I'm sure I will think of something. *tickles RB's nose with a lock of his golden hair*

RB: *giggles lightly as he considers his lover*

Chanserv: Shall we begin our evening?

RB: Let’s...

RB: This should be an interesting night... *listens to the wind howling somewhere outside*

Chanserv: *kisses RB before getting up to dress*

RB: *lingers in bed a moment longer before following*

Chanserv: *watches the wind strip the trees in powerful gusts as he fixes his collar*

RB: *joins Chanserv by his side* A nice storm is brewing...I wonder when it will hit...

RB: *adds a finishing touch to Chanserv's collar and smiles* Shall we head out?

Chanserv: *nods and escorts RB to his bedchamber*

RB: *smiles as he notices the surprised looks from the guards as they walk through the halls*

Chanserv: *opens the bedroom door for RB*

Chanserv: I have a visit to make now my dear. Will you be all right on your own for a bit?

Chanserv: It is early evening yet. I doubt you will have any visitors while I'm gone.

RB: *smiles, flashing his fangs* I shall be all right. I too doubt anyone will come...

RB: Where are you off to?

Chanserv: To see your former Owner. I must pay my respects at the start of my workday mustn't I? *caresses RB's face briefly* I will see you soon.

Chanserv: *makes his way to the King's court*

RB: *watches Chanserv walk off* ...

RB: *turns around and enters his room, closing the door behind him*

Chanserv: *footsteps echo as he walks the length of the Hall of Mirrors*

Chanserv: *smirks to himself as he glances at his reflection, recalling the old vampire superstition*

RB: *walks up to the window and stares blankly outside*

Chanserv: *smiles at court ladies as he passes, leaving titters and blushes in his wake*

RB: *drums his fingers on the windowsill, debating*

Chanserv: *halts as he arrives at the King's Salon*

Chanserv: *addresses guard* Inform His Majesty that M. D'Chanserveaux requests an audience. I'm sure He is eager to see me.

Guard: *eyes narrow* Indeed His Majesty is. *opens the doors and ushers Chanserv in*

Chanserv: *bows low as he steps before the King*

Chanserv: Your Majesty.

King: *glares at Chanserv without a word*

Chanserv: *waits patiently for a response*

King: *impatiently waves everyone out of the room*

King: *walks up to Chanserv and asks in a barely controlled voice* Where have you been all day?

Chanserv: *straightens and stands with his hands clasped behind his back*

Chanserv: If His Majesty will recall, I explained my work takes me away during the daylight hours. As I am now in His Majesty's employ, I had some loose ends that begged attending before I assumed my duty here.

Chanserv: I left M. R.B. in the care of one of His Majesty's guards in my absence.

King: *his stare not wavering, turns his back to Chanserv and takes one of his swords* So you were taking care of some loose ends... *turns around and walks back up to Chanserv, the sword in hand* …and you left my RB with some guards...yet...yet...none of the guards were with him today... *points the sword at Chanserv's neck* How do you explain that, Sir?

Chanserv: *continues calmly* Sadly I could not leave these matters to my associates; they required my presence in closing. You understand Your Majesty, that my reputation was in the balance. As for His Majesty’s guards: with all due respect Your Majesty, are their actions my responsibility? They are not my guards, nor were they trained by myself.

Chanserv: I assumed His Majesty's elite guard of would be sufficient for one day of absence.

King: *a small dangerous smile forms on his lips as he pokes the sword lightly against Chanserv's neck, forming a small pearl of blood* Do you mock my elite guards?

Chanserv: *nabs the blade between two fingers and moves it away from his neck* *levels his gaze with the King's* I assure you, Sire, I do no such thing.

King: *holds the gaze and smiles* Do you value your life?

Chanserv: I ask His Majesty to consider my explanation. I am sure in His wisdom, His Majesty can see who was truly at fault in the matter.

RB: *pulls the sword away and considers Chanserv* Your words would soothe an enraged lion...

Chanserv: *bows* I am honored by His Majesty's praise.

King: *slowly raises Chanserv head with the sword’s edge* I am much more than a lion... *leaves a thin trail of blood across Chanserv's cheek and says dangerously* Remember that... *turns around and walks to the window* Bring me the guard who was in charge of M. RB.

King: Bring me M. RB as well. *waves his dismissal as he stares out the window, the sword still in hand*

Chanserv: *flicks the blood from his cheek with his thumb, a dangerous glint crossing his eyes* At once, Your Grace.

Chanserv: *turns on his heel and heads out the door*

King: *stabs the sword into the ground, his thoughts raging*

Chanserv: *strides swiftly down the long halls of the palace, his intent gaze forward* *the same ladies who tittered at his passing feel a chill wriggle up their spines as he moves by them*

Chanserv: *raps firmly on RB's door before entering*

RB: *is leaning against the cold window, staring intensely at the wall in front of him* *is startled by the noise and smiles brightly as he sees Chanserv* *smiles fades as he notices his eyes* Chanserveaux?

Chanserv: *smiles broadly, bearing his fangs* The fun is beginning sooner than I expected.

RB: *looks at him curiously* What did you do this time?

Chanserv: Placated a lion apparently. Come, He requests the pleasure of our company...and let us pick up someone on the way. *takes RB's arm and grins*

RB: *smiles and lets himself be lead out* Oh, in that case let us not make His Majesty wait...

Chanserv: *pulls RB's ear close to his lips* Now we have only a few short minutes for a game, my dear.

RB: *listens eagerly* A game?

Chanserv: *smiles and winks* The object is to find an impressionable young guard. Bring him here, without being seen. *pulls out a pocket watch* I'll be timing you.

RB: *smiles* A simple guard, eh?...*claps hand together* Of course! I have the perfect one! *grins and disappears inside an empty hallway*

Chanserv: *calls after RB* You have five minutes!

RB: *makes his way towards the outside of the Palace until he reaches the inner courtyard* *stops for a moment considering the menacing skies*

RB: *scans across the courtyard* Now where are you?... *smiles as he spots a young guard hiding from the winds* Aha...

RB: *crosses the courtyard and quietly walks up to the guard*

RB: *taps the young man lightly on the shoulder*

RB: *takes a step back as the guard whips around, alarm written across his features*

RB: My apologies friend; I did not mean to scare you so. *smiles pleasantly*

Guard: *tries to make out the face in the dim light* Sir? *suddenly recognizes RB* M. RB!

Guard: *takes a small bow* How may I be of service, Sir?

RB: *puts a hand on the guard shoulder* Do you wish to work as one of my guards again? You did such an excellent job under Sir D'Harmental.

Guard: *smiles broadly* Of course, Sir. It would be an honor!

RB: Good, then please, to the King's chambers. *heads across the courtyard, a grim smile on his face as the guard follows him*

RB: *turns into a hall going the opposite way of the king's chamber*

Guard: *hesitates an instant* Sir?

RB: *stops halfway across the darkened hall and turns* Yes?

Guard: Forgive my presumption...I had come to believe we were going to the King's chambers?

RB: *smiles* Of course. How silly of me. *slowly walks back toward the guard*

RB: *stops in front of the guard, making him back up against the wall* Imagine that...me getting lost...

Guard: *suddenly feeling a bit more nervous* It...happens, Sir... *uneasily regards RB's smiling face*

RB: *puts an arm on the guard’s shoulder* Would you lead the way?

Guard: *suddenly notices how close RB has gotten to him* ...

Guard: Of course...Sir... *looks at RB's face and gasps in horror as his eyes turn a shade redder*

RB: *swiftly pins the guard against the wall and bites deep into his exposed neck*

Guard: *starts letting out a chilling scream before being effectively silenced by RB's hand*

RB: *eagerly drinks the guard's blood, feeling the body tense and then relax*

Chanserv: *shakes his head and smirks as his sensitive ears pick up the sound*

RB: *reluctantly pulls away after drinking a significant amount of blood* *wipes away some blood dripping off his lips while holding the guard’s slack body * Did I drink too much again?...

RB: *sighs and closes the wound* *raises the guard's head and slowly wakes him*

RB: *smirks as he concentrates his gaze on the groggy guard's eyes* *after a moment pulls away and walks down the hall, the guard following him obediently*

Chanserv: *leans against the wall in the shadow of RB's doorway, arms folded*

RB: *smiles proudly as he spots Chanserv* So how did I do?

Chanserv: *holds up his pocket watch for RB to see* You barely made it.

RB: *grins like a child as he makes the guard step into the room* There we go!

Chanserv: *steers the poor guard back out into the hallway, laughing* No, no fledgling, we have a visit to make, remember? Your little friend here is invited as well.

RB: Ah yes, so how will my new friend be of service?

Chanserv: *guides RB and his guard toward the King's Salon, his gaze mischievous and dangerous* Wait and see...

RB: *nods and follows Chanserv, his curiosity increased*

Chanserv: *the guards at the King's door part swiftly and without comment as he lets himself into the Salon*

King: *still standing by the window*

Chanserv: *in a grand voice* Your Majesty, I return with the gentlemen as requested.

King: *slowly turns his eyes searching the faces present* *fixes his dangerously fierce eyes on the guard*

Guard: *nervously bows* Your Majesty...

King: *looks at RB* Where have you been, my lovely?

RB: *glances at Chanserv* I was...

Chanserv: His Majesty has asked you a question, M. RB.

RB: *looks at King with confidence* I was out hunting most of the day.

King: Hunting? Alone?

Guard: *takes a step forward* No your Majesty. I was guarding him.

King: *raises an eyebrow* Were you? *takes a step towards the guard* Why was I not notified about this hunting trip?

Guard: *nervously fidgeting* Sire?

King: *turns around and stands in front of Chanserv*

King: It seems you still have one loose end to tie up, Monsieur. *waves his hand vaguely towards the guard and goes back to the window*

Chanserv: *bows slightly* The matter will be taken care of immediately, Your Grace.

King: *looks at Chanserv sternly* I mean now.

Chanserv: Of course, Sire. *pulls the guard's sword from its sheath and drags its blade across the guard's throat before he can blink*

King: Dispose of his body, Monsieur. That will be all for this night.

King: One more thing...*stares at Chanserv* Because you are so swift with your sword I am giving you one more chance. Do not disappoint me again. *waves his hand in dismissal*

Chanserv: *bows* Your Grace. *opens the Salon doors and directs the guards to take their unfortunate comrade away*

King: *walks up to RB and caresses his cheek, ignoring Chanserv’s lingering presence* My dear...why were you far from me today?

King: *clenches RB's throat tight* Why do force me to hurt you so?

Chanserv: *reclines with his back against the doorjamb, licking the sword clean*

RB: *gasps for air as the grip around his neck tightens* *grabs the King's wrist*

King: *smiles* Seems you still have some fire in you... *throws RB onto the nearby couch*

King: *walks up to RB and pauses as he passes by Chanserv* Monsieur? *his voice low and dangerous*

Chanserv: *takes one last swipe from blade with his tongue* Ah, I see I am not needed any longer tonight, Your Grace. I will take my leave then. *flashes his most charming smile and disappears into the shadows*

King: *stares for a moment where Chanserv stood* Hmm... *nods and returns his attention to RB lying on the couch*

Chanserv: *hangs in an upside-down crouch from the ceiling in the corner, long hair swinging as he watches his kin*

RB: *glances toward Chanserv and smiles* *quickly looks back towards the King but doesn't move*

King: *licks his lips as he leans over RB* You look so beautiful when angry...*forces RB on his back*

King: *kisses forcefully as he quickly starts tearing RB's clothes off*

King: *noticing the lack of reaction from RB, rakes his fingers along his back, digging his nails into the flesh*

RB: *moans at the painful sensation* *suddenly bites down hard on the King's lustful tongue*

King: *suddenly pulls back, shock and horror on his face as blood pours out his mouth*

RB: *spits back a mouthful of blood and flesh* You never learn... *glares at the King with deadly intent*

King: *grabs his nearby sword and slashes at RB, cutting him across the chest* *glares back at him with a mix of hate, anger, and fear*

RB: *stares down at his ripped shirt and the blood dripping from his chest* *runs his finger through his blood and licks it off* My favorite shirt...

King: *points his sword at RB's neck and forces him back down*

King: *looks down at RB and smiles dangerously* *suddenly stabs his sword in his shoulder, pinning him to the couch*

RB: *screams out at the sudden rush of pain*

Chanserv: *frowns at the display, but restrains himself a moment more*

King: *smiles victoriously* I will always win over you, my dear... *leans in closer to his face as he pushes the sword in deeper*

RB: *moans painfully* *grinds his teeth as he glares angrily at the King, unable to move*

King: *runs his hand along RB's chest and smiles at the angry face*

Chanserv: *breathing accelerates as the scent of RB's blood fills the room*

King: *rolls his finger teasingly around RB's nipple* What will I ever do with you?...

King: *kisses RB again while twisting the sword in the open wound*

King: *runs his hand lower as his kiss muffles RB's scream*

Chanserv: *trembles, his eyes clouding over in the deepest shade of red as he witnesses the display*

King: *breaks the kiss and starts untying RB's trousers*

Chanserv: *drops to the floor silently behind the king* *taps his shoulder*

RB: *turns around violently, pulling the sword out of RB and slashing it towards the intruder* WHO DARES?

Chanserv: *catches the King's wrist in his hand, face shadowed by his hair*

King: *suddenly recognizes Chanserv and feels his blood freeze* You...

Chanserv: *without lifting his face, smashes the king across the mouth*

King: *is sent flying to the ground* *looks back up at Chanserv, holding his broken jaw, his eyes full of terror and hate*

Chanserv: *steps slowly to where the King lies, visage still in shadow* *slow, eerie voice* I am sworn to protect M. RB, by the King's command...

King: *stares in disbelief, his body trembling in fear* But...I am the King!

Chanserv: *finally meets the King's eyes, his own, serpentine and full of barely-suppressed rage*

Chanserv: His Majesty should take care to specify His own edicts.

King: *shivers violently, feeling his blood curdle under those eyes* I....I...

Chanserv: *takes another step forward* His Majesty should take care as to what He calls His own...

King: I order you...to stop....*in a small trembling voice*

Chanserv: …for this young beauty you have molested is...*grabs the king by the shirt collar*

King: *shrieks in terror*

Chanserv: MINE.

Chanserv: *drops the king to the floor* *walks over to RB on the couch*

King: *blinks as the realizes he is still alive* *starts giggling* *laughter intensifies into loud insane laughing, broken by small sobs of terror*

RB: *moans as he tries to sit himself up, his shoulder burning*

Chanserv: *leans down and caresses RB's face, eyes softening a bit* Are you all right, my dear?

RB: *moans lightly* It hurts...

Chanserv: *kisses RB softly on the mouth, petting his head with one hand*

RB: *lets out a pleasured sigh and tries to embrace Chanserv* *winces at the pain of raising his arm*

Chanserv: *pulls back from the kiss and gathers RB into his arms* *walks over to where the King still sits on the floor*

King: *laughter slowly dies out into small whimpers as he watches the two approach*

Chanserv: You do not realize the terror you escaped this evening Louis the XVI. I restrained myself only to spare your country. *eyes flare with crimson again* But I assure you I will not if you lay hand on this boy again.

King: *in a very low and scared voice* Leave....please...go away... *buries his head in his hands as his body is shaken by uncontrollable sobs*

Chanserv: *looks down his nose skeptically* I am not impressed, nor am I deceived by this display, Your Majesty.

Chanserv: Even Pharaoh let Moses' people go and sent his army after them the next morning.

King: *stares down at the floor, his fist clenched but doesn't say a word* ...

Chanserv: If you divulge tonight's events to one person, I will know...and I will show you no mercy.

King: *still in a low voice* You monster...

Chanserv: *grins cruelly* You have little idea. *grin dies* Are we at and understanding Louis the XVI?

King: *looks up at Chanserv but quickly looks away* Leave me be...I don't ever want to see your face again...either...of you...

Chanserv: *glare hardens* *brings his boot down hard one step closer to the king* I asked you if I am understood!

King: *shrinks back and lets out a very small 'yes'*

Chanserv: Good. *turns and walks toward the exit* I would bother to ask for your word if it were worth anything.

King: *clenches his fist tighter at the insult but doesn't say a word*

Chanserv: Au revoir, Your Majesty. *smiles* Say goodbye, RB.

RB: *looks toward the King* ... *shakes his head and looks away without saying a word*

Chanserv: *sighs and exits the room without another word*

Chanserv: *ignores the guards' questioning looks as he carries his bloody charge past them*

Chanserv: *walks the halls in silence*

RB: *nuzzles his head against Chanserv*

Chanserv: *returns the gesture and resists squeezing his fledgling, mindful of his injuries*

Chanserv: *arrives at their secret room* *lays RB gingerly on the bed*

RB: *lets out relieved sigh as he lies on the soft bed*

Chanserv: *opens RB's shirt and peals the bloody fabric from the wound*

RB: *winces lightly* I liked that shirt...

Chanserv: *regards the rapidly closing hole for a moment* *extends his tongue and runs it gently along the flesh*

RB: *moans softly under the touch*

Chanserv: *nuzzles RB's shoulder with his nose between licks, healing it tenderly*

RB: *runs a hand in Chanserv's long hair and sighs gratefully*

Chanserv: *low moans rise up from between RB's skin and Chanserv's lips*

Chanserv: *rolls his eyes as he savors each taste of RB's blood*

RB: *feels his body stirring under Chanserv's touch*

Chanserv: *burrows his faces in the curve of RB's neck, kissing and nibbling*

RB: *moans as he embraces Chanserv tightly*

Chanserv: *slides his hands under RB's back and holds him, head resting against RB's chest*

RB: *holds Chanserv tight, whispering his name*

Chanserv: *closes his eyes, listening to RB's heartbeat*

RB: *closes his eyes also, and sighs contently, unable to say a word*

Chanserv: *hears the sound of the wind demanding entrance against the windowpane*

RB: *looks out the window at the storm brewing and smiles*

Chanserv: *voice rises softly over the din outside* Why, RB?

RB: *looks at Chanserv, slightly surprised* Why what?

Chanserv: *continues without moving* Why did you let Him do that to you?

RB: *looks back out the window, not answering* ...

Chanserv: ...He was little match for you. You know that...

RB: ...I know...but...*sighs and shakes his head lightly* it's just...

Chanserv: *stares at a patch of rug as he waits for RB to continue*

RB: *looks back at Chanserv, his eyes at once uncertain and firm* I have been under His rule for longer that I can remember. He is my King, or was I guess...I...*bites his lip*

RB: I have always been ruled by Him...whether by force or not. I do hate Him...and always will...But something in me cannot kill Him...

Chanserv: *pushes himself up on his elbows and regards RB with an undefinable look* That is your answer?

RB: ... *small smile as he runs his hand in Chanserv's hair* I have always had a protector...I was not afraid of what could happen to me. I would always be protected...I have no need to fight.

*drops his hand and looks away* It is weak of me to think so...but it is what I believe.

Chanserv: *fingers his hair where RB's hand touched* *murmurs* Hot and cold...

RB: *looks back at Chanserv, a confused look on his face, but doesn't voice his question*

RB: *in a murmur* Chanserveaux?

Chanserv: *hair is suddenly ripped from his fingers, swirling about him like spun gold as the window latch cracks with a clatter. Rain-spattered wind fills the small room, extinguishing the candlelight*

RB: *is started by the sudden clatter* *instinctively grabs Chanserv's arm and stares out the window* *smiles softly as small raindrops splash his face*

Chanserv: *stares with RB, eyes transfixed on the sky, little jolts running through him as lighting skips silently across the clouds*

RB: *closes his eyes as the thunder suddenly strikes, letting the sound resonate throughout his body*

RB: *slowly tears his eyes from the spectacle outside and looks at Chanserv*

Chanserv: *seems oblivious to RB's presence, shivering slightly as he watches the heavens, unblinking*

RB: *stares at Chanserv's face, unable to read it* *slowly raises his hand but hesitates to disturb Chanserv*

RB: *very slowly whispers* Chanserveaux...

Chanserv: *without removing his eyes from the storm, sounding distant and yet annoyed* What, Gabriel?

RB: *swallows hard, trying not to let his emotions overtake him* *takes a deep breath to calm himself down* *says in a low and controlled voice* Who am I?

Chanserv: *blinks suddenly and angles his head toward RB* I said what is it, RB?

RB: *closes his eyes and collapses on the pillow* *clenches his fist and lets a single tear fall out*

Chanserv: *sits down on the bed and smoothes RB's hair* What has gotten into you, fledgling?

RB: *slaps the hand away and looks into Chanserv's eyes* Who...*hesitates*

Chanserv: *looks at RB with slight shock and puzzlement*

RB: *grabs his collar, still staring at him* Who...is Gabriel? *watches the face intently*

Chanserv: *simply blinks at RB for a moment, brow furrowed in surprise at this turn of events* Gabriel?...RB, who are you talking about?

RB: *takes Chanserv's head in hands, not about to let this be* *in a soft and low voice* Who lies with you on stormy nights?

Chanserv: *smiles easily at this question* *eyes narrow and he leans his face close to RB's* *whispers huskily* You do.

RB: *pushes Chanserv away in frustration and steps out of bed* *stands by the window and stares at the storm*

RB: *turns around and glares at Chanserv* Why did you call me Gabriel?

Chanserv: *rolls over and props his chin in his hands* I don't know who or what you're on about, fledgling, *smiles* but you make an adorable jealous-lover.

RB: *stares at Chanserv incredulously* ...

Chanserv: *points at RB* Your face is red.

RB: *shakes his head and looks at Chanserv bitterly* You are no different from the others... *turns his back to Chanserv and stares out the window* *adds in a cold tone* …menteur.

Chanserv: *appears behind RB and wraps his arms about him* And will you kill me as you killed them?

RB: *turns around in his embrace* No. You have given me eternity, and I shall try to enjoy it. *kisses Chanserv softly and pulls away* *looks at Chanserv with a mix of sadness and betrayal* Enjoy yours... *disappears out the window in the gardens, ignoring the pain in his heart*

Chanserv: *leaps out into the rain after his prey* *smiles to himself* This little one is so interesting...

Chanserv: *dances atop the hedges that form the royal maze, unnaturally light feet leaving their branches unbroken*

Chanserv: *the rain pelts his head and shoulders as the shower grows into a downpour*

Chanserv: *breathing grows strangely labored as he nears the hidden patio*

RB: *lets the rain wash down on him as he waits on the patio*

Chanserv: *his figure emerges from the gloom of a green corridor and approaches*

RB: *does not acknowledge him, just stands under the pouring rain*

Chanserv: *flickers of memory* *shards of awareness*

*squints through dripping lashes at someone ahead* ...Who?...

Chanserv: *the soaked expanse between he and the figure seem to lengthen* *picks up the pace of his gait*

RB: *stands as still as stone, listening to Chanserv approach*

Chanserv: *breathing comes harder, pushing in and out of his lungs painfully, expelling large plumes of steam as he begins to run*

RB: *slowly turns to face Chanserv, but stays hidden in shadows*

...Blood...cold...the scent of blood is everywhere. Steam rises on all sides of the boy, fleeing the ground under the onslaught of cold rain.

Chanserv: *extends one hand as he reaches RB, grabbing him to his chest fiercely*

RB: *resists the urge to embrace Chanserv quite yet*

Chanserv: *takes RB's shoulders into his grip and forces him to meet his gaze*

Chanserv: *eyes grow large as he meets RB's flat blue eyes, rimmed with fresh tears* *something twists and breaks inside of him, and somewhere, a scream starts to build in his throat, forcing its way out until it is filling the gardens with his shriek*

RB: *holds Chanserv close, holding back tears as the shriek pierces deep into his own soul*

Chanserv: *releases RB as if he were hot coal and stares at his hands, shrieking* *takes a few steps back and falls to his knees, eyes riveted on his hands*

Chanserv: *looks up at RB in anguish for one moment before falling unconscious onto the wet earth*

RB: *quickly runs to Chanserv and holds him close, hating himself for what had just happened* *brushes a wet strand of hair away and murmurs softly to Chanserv*

RB: *ignores the pounding rain and the cold wet grass, instead concentrates all his attention to Chanserv's unconscious face*

RB: *abandons making sense of the night's events as he gently caresses Chanserv's face* *in a low concerned voice* What happened to you?...to...him?...

RB: *leans down over Chanserv and gently brushes his lips* ... to me? *deposits a light kiss on Chanserv's cold lips*

 

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Fin…?