When Harald met Lauran, a vampire story (standard:fantasy, 7913 words)
Author: Bogey	Added: Oct 27 2000	Views/Reads: 3819/2413	Story vote: 0.00 (0 votes)
It's a dark place we're going, but hold my hand; I think where to go.

Click here to read the first 75 lines of the story

contact with my host. He is only a baron and very rude in his manners, 
but, since his parties are usually well organized meeting places for us 
and our possible contacts, I show my manners, bow and shake his hand. 
After the proper greeting ceremony a servant steps from beside him and 
she leads me inside. There a drink is placed in my hands. I accept. She 
waves at the servant at the door leading inside, introduces me and then 
returns. 

The male servant announces me to the crowd with a clear, far carrying
voice. I see several familiar faces in the room. Among them my friend 
who talked me into going to this party. As we meet, we separate 
ourselves from the other people, there are at least a hundred, and we 
smile and complement each other with our costumes. He looks like a 
tiger, fierce and strong in his striped suit, woolen head and silk 
gloves. As always, he is posing as the gentle and friendly father-like 
man, concerned only about the well being of lovely young ladies. He 
says that he is jealous. I'm wearing one of my older suits, a costume 
tailor made in Venice three hundred years ago. It consists of a knee 
long pair of silk pants, black with dark gray striping, leading into my 
boots, made of leather, painted black and stitched with golden thread. 
A gold and red colored jacket, with an open chest and high collar. A 
silk white blouse with bright yellow and red frills. A powdered wig and 
topping it all off with a black hat with golden stitches and red 
frills. I look ridiculous to all the modern people, but my friend 
recalls a few nights long ago, when we "did the town" in Venice. He 
blushes at the memories and I feel a bit uncomfortable myself as well 
at those memories. We certainly ruined some reputations then. 

We drink in silence, admiring the crowd and their costumes. Words are
not necessary for us. With one look we know. Still, my friend suddenly 
speaks out in surprise. "She's here, she came. How unfortunate." I turn 
towards him with a frown on my face and feel his body stiffen. 
Uncertain of what to expect I look around. There, I see a girl, no she 
is older. She looks very young, about twenty-five, maybe even younger 
than that. A yellow and orange fluffy costume, resembling a bird. A 
mask hides her face but I can see she is looking around for somebody. 
Her long blonde hair is shining in the candlelight. A lightly orange 
color in her hair indicates she painted it to match her costume. I 
decide that she is not one of us, she lacks confidence. My friend hides 
behind me and tries to slip away behind a curtain hanging in the 
corner. The woman looks at me, takes the few steps towards us and stops 
right in front of us. My friend sees that there is no escape. He steps 
in sight and I hear his teeth grinding before he smiles "Hello Lauran, 
it is so nice to see you here. What a lovely suit, that is a bird, 
not?" The woman's eyes narrow a bit. "Oh dear, you're in trouble," I 
whisper to my friend. "Better surrender before she pins you down." 
Lauran looks at me, a look that tells me to be somewhere else very 
fast. Not even her mask can hide the burning eyes, dark moons in a fury 
of anger. With a bow, I leave my friend, "I'll fetch us a bit more 
wine." 

As I return with three drinks, I see Lauran and my friend in ferocious
conversation. An old lady takes one glass of my hands by surprise and 
starts talking to me. I don't listen and soon she leaves. Another woman 
tries to take one of the remaining glasses. I turn swiftly, preventing 
the loss of another glass and interrupt the fight between the angry 
bird and my friend. "Please, both of you back into the corner, this 
round is over. Here, drink and rest." I force the drinks into their 
hands. Automatically, they stop fighting, although the looks they throw 
at each other still slash the infantry by the dozen. "Now, for as long 
as I'm here, we just chit-chat about everything except the two of you. 
When I leave, the next round may start. May the best kill the other." I 
see smiling lights in the eyes of Lauran. We talk about the nice party, 
the music and some of the more outstanding costumes. Meanwhile, I 
exchange looks with my friend and learn that Lauran was a lover who 
thinks she still is. I make clear that I like her looks. He nods at me, 
indicating that she can be mine. "I think I will try to find someone to 
dance with, you two can continue your fight. I will nurse the loser and 
kiss the winner." With that, I leave for the dance floor. 

With my vast experience, it is not before long that a long row of woman
stands waiting for the next chance to dance with me. I seem to be in 
for a marathon. From the start, I indicated a payment of one glass of 
wine per dance. I laugh at the sight of many women, holding two glasses 
in their hands, looking at each other, anxious to be the next one on 
the floor, to be dancing and swaying with me. My blood rushes through 
my veins, the alcohol makes me less cautious and the women are younger 
and prettier than a minute before. I dance and dance and dance. 

With my head thrown back I laugh out loud as another middle-aged woman
offers me a drink. "Luckily, I love to dance and drink." She smiles a 
bit uncertain at me. I grab her hand, empty the glass at once and sway 
her onto the floor. "Maestro, music please!" I look at my partner. 
"Make it an old fashioned waltz please!" The maestro swings his stick, 
then looks at the violin players and off we go. Again and again I turn 
and sway her around. Suddenly, I feel dizzy. My blood pumps in my 
veins, shivers run my back up and down. The music filling my ears turn 
into a blur, combined with the cheers and clapping of the crowd. My 
mouth feels dry as a desert. I start to sense her blood rushing, her 
heart pumping. My dancing partner looks younger and more beautiful than 
she ever was. As I turn and sway, she tries to keep up with my motions, 
her cheeks red and her forehead hot. Now, now I feel her. Hot blood, 
rushing. Heart, pumping wildly. I feel, I feel more and more and then I 
open my mouth. The urge to bite her becomes stronger and stronger. My 
teeth at her neck, tempted to bite. The crowd doesn't notice, they 
cheer and clap as we turn and sway. Wildly, waltzing and turning and 
swaying. My mouth is dry, her blood is rushing, her heart pumping, my 
teeth pressing.  My mouth opens wider, I place my lips at her neck. Oh, 
sweet temptation, I bid you. Her blood pumping, my shivers running, her 
heart pumping, music filling my ears, swaying and turning, my lips at 
her neck and I bite. 

Jumping at the sudden pain, the woman stumbles back and nearly falls. I
snap out of the hypnotizing sway and catch her before she hits the 
floor. I don't feel dizzy anymore; just a bit drunk as my stomach 
tightens. As I apologize at the yet again middle-aged woman, I make my 
way to the garden. With relief, she lets me go. 

Outside, fresh air fills my lungs. Boy, that was a close call. I must be
careful. As always. I hope no one saw what really happened. Be careful. 
I hope they think it was a misplaced joke. Be careful. Those words have 
been my motto for many years. For too long have I been careful. I feel 
the need to break away. To be free. To share my being, my thoughts and 
emotions with somebody. But, the one to share my pleasures must share 
also my doom. Be alive at night, be dead at day. Who can accept such a 
faith? I surely can't ask anyone to share this at free will. And the 
alternative? See each other only in the shimmering between day and 
night? And for how long? I would see her grow older and fade, while at 
the same time, my appearance would remain the same. I look today the 
same as when I was killed. No, not true. Sometimes, as I look in a 
mirror, my eyes show my age. Old, wise by experience, sad by faith. Who 
would willingly share this? The few who tried; all dead now. Their 
memories are etched in my brain. The joy of meeting and loving and 
caring. The pain of losing. 

No doubt I experience benefits. My old friends and I share talents. We
have incredible strength and remarkable speed. Our ears and eyes are 
improved versions of those the normal humans have. Some of us can 
actually change their appearance. Not into a bat, that's a myth, but 
looking older or younger, just as wanted. It will take centuries of 
practicing, but the mind is a powerful weapon, if used wisely. And I 
had plenty of time to practice. 

As I am strolling in the garden, trying to set my mind straight again, I
feel a tap on the shoulder. My ears had picked up a footstep before, so 
I'm not startled. It's Lauran. Of course. She walks beside me, matches 
her speed to mine and is surely enjoying the fresh, cool breeze. "I 
deserve a kiss." Her voice is soft and tender. It has an underlying 
tone of a clear mind, intelligence and humor. "I take it then my friend 
needs the nursing?" She nods her head, smiling. She thinks I can't see 
that. Time to stand up for my friend. "Don't smile, it not nice to 
laugh at someone's defeat. If you lose, lose with dignity, if you win, 
win in style." "How did you know?" "We have been friends longer than 
you could imagine, my dear Lauran. By the way, my name is Harald, Lord 
Harald of Rosefield Castle" 

She no longer smiles. She is scared. Wondering how I could know. How
could I know about her spitting all her poison at his head? She was 
furious at my friend. Before one word was spoken, she knew. Lauran knew 
that whatever her feelings, the man who made her fall in love would 
drop her and leave to let her to die in vain. And here a friend of him 
tells her to keep up some style? I sense Lauran stiffen at my remark 
and looking straight ahead, into the darkness. "It's getting too cold 
for you. Here, take my jacket." She takes it without a smile. I sense 
anger and feel sorry for her. "Don't be mad at him. Just accept him for 
what he is." "And don't tell me he is a nice person!", Lauran is 
breathing fire. "'Cause he ain't!" 

I hide a smile. This Lauran is truly heart-broken. I have to speak with
my friend about this. "I know he is very nice. And he is a very true 
and loyal friend. That does count a lot in my world. And beside that, 
he is generous, open-minded and willing to share his heart with anyone 
who might need it. I know he just broke your heart, but by making a 
scene; not accepting a defeat with dignity; you just have proven, to 
him and yourself, that you are a sore loser. It does make you less 
attractive. Now, please close this chapter of your life, get rid of 
your anger and apologize to him. I'm sure that he will apologize for 
his behavior. And then we can go to my place and dance and share a 
bottle of real good wine, instead of the fluid they dare to call wine 
in this house." 

As I speak, I try to form myself a picture of the woman underneath the
birdcage. I realize that I was wrong. She's not 25, not even younger. I 
realize, by listening to her and watching her, that she is older. I 
wonder how she met with my friend, another thing to discuss. Would she 
know about us? And how old is she really? But I shake my head. All 
those questions are leading nowhere unless I succeed in taking her 
home. 

Leading Lauran inside, we spot my friend immediately at the bar. I count
three bottles already, all empty. We must hurry. I drag the woman 
nearly across the floor, bumping people out of our way. Several people 
turn their heads, but I don't pay much attention. I know what danger 
lay ahead. If my friend drinks too much, I fear for him to lose 
control. And then I fear for the crowd inside this old mansion. We 
reach him just as he wants to order bottle number four. From behind, I 
indicate the servant to stop serving my friend. The man turns away, not 
able to conceal his relief. My friend turns around. His eyes are almost 
closed as he looks at Lauran and me. I expected trouble, but he lets us 
drag him up and away without a word. We hold his arms and we stumble to 
the large doors leading to the hall. 

Without much trouble, my friend allows us to lead him to his driver.
Together we quickly get him inside his car and I instruct the driver to 
take him home and take care of him. The whole action was over in a few 
minutes. I glance at my watch, see that it is already past two in the 
morning. "Now, let us find my driver and have that bottle I promised." 
Lauran steps back, letting go of my arm. "Are you going to seduce me?" 
Her voice is trembling at the words. Why? Aroused? Fear? Both? "Of 
course, my dear Lauran. I like you and I hope you like me, so let us 
dance away the rest of the night. And maybe, if we like, we can end in 
passion." Lauran looks at me, her eyes meet mine and then she shrugs 
her shoulders. "Okay. Why not." 

I call number one from the car. "Pick up a bottle of the finest wine,
two glasses and put them in the dance hall." Lauran frowns, I think she 
is thinking I want to impress her. Well, I want to, but don't have to. 
My castle will do that for me. 

As we turn into the lawn, the old oak trees are rushing at the nightly
wind. Softly outlined by the light of the moon. A distant light from 
the castle gently lights up the second half of the road leading towards 
the front entrance. I feel Lauran suck in her breath. She looks with 
admiration at the castle. The sight takes her at surprise as we see the 
castle fully in front of us after passing the last oak tree. The castle 
looks like an old-fashioned fairy tail. With a high, strong tower at 
each of the four corners, a moat filled with water and a wooden bridge, 
lowered to let us cross. The gate is a set of two giant wooden doors 
set with iron bars to protect the inhabitants, then a square with large 
concrete tiles inside where the car is parked. 

I help Lauran step out of the car and lead her up the stairs to the
door. We are met by my servants, they help Lauran and lead her away. 
The richness and extravaganza of the hall stun her. An enormous 
stairway leads to a balcony and several large doors are looking out on 
the large square. Between the doors, paintings of ancient knights, 
noble ladies and magistrates hang to collect dust. From the ceiling a 
monstrous, golden candleholder lights the room. Shadows play as the 
open doors let in a breeze that makes the candles flicker. She hardly 
notices me slipping away. 

I have instructed for a few surprises that Lauran didn't think of.
First, some servants, all female, take off her costume, then a quick 
bath and an ancient dress. Dark green, fitting perfectly on her 
slender, girl-like body. While she is busy, I take off my own clothes, 
jump through the shower and helped by a few male servants, I put on a 
black tie. This, just like the costume for the party, brings also 
memories to life. It was tailor-made in the fifties and I remember that 
another women helped me getting it off. Smiling at those passionate 
memories, I make my way to the dancehall. 

There, insecure and a little bit afraid, Lauran stares out the windows.
I stand still as she is unaware of my presence. The moonlight creates a 
silver lining around her, and her long blonde hair falls around a 
lovely figure. I admire her body, lightened only from the moon behind. 
I sense myself falling. Her dress lines out her hips and her arms are 
crossed in front of her chest. Silently watching, admiring my view, I 
let her enjoy the view outside. From this side of the castle, you can 
see across the valley and at this time in the night, the moon is bright 
enough to light up the mountains on the other side, ten miles away. 

"I guess you like my little home?" Lauran turns quickly around, holding
her hands at her chest. Obviously I scared her. "You are wicked!" 
"Thank you." "How did they know?" "They are old and trusted servants, 
my lovely. Now I hope you like your dress, because I think you look 
marvelous in that." And indeed, her body is tightly fitted in the 
ancient cloth, making her firm breasts standing proudly, showing a flat 
belly. I secretly admire my view again, let my eyes walk over her body. 
Her eyes lighten up, "oh yes, it's wonderful. But how?"  "Shht, no more 
questions, let us dance." 

I snap my fingers and music fills the room. I take Lauran in my arms and
we dance. I feel her warm body close to mine. Her long legs can meet my 
pace at ease. I feel her breasts brush my body as we turn and step 
closer and sway and step further apart. The music dies and I lead her 
to the small table with two chairs. Two glasses of red wine are 
waiting. I let her take a seat, facing the large windows. As we drink, 
I see the wondering in her eyes. I decide that someday, I will tell her 
my awful truth. But not now. Not while she is enjoying the wine and 
dancing. 

We dance again, without a word I lead her across the floor. She meets my
pace and figures like we are an old couple, dancing like we did years 
ago and years from now still will. As the music drifts away, we return 
to the table, where our glasses are waiting. We drink again and dance 
again. I feel aroused by her perfume, her body close to mine, her 
breasts brushing my chest. This time, a slow and sensual dance. 

Lauran steps closer to me and I feel her body against mine. In the
middle of the floor, I suddenly stop and take her head into my hands. 
Gently and slow but unstoppable I kiss her. Lauran returns my kiss and 
closes her eyes. I kiss her again. Firmly, she grabs my hand and 
presses it against her bosom. I take her in my arms and this kiss lasts 
forever. 

Without a word we walk upstairs. Lauran holds my hand, maybe afraid her
dream might end right there. In my bedroom, she turns to me and lowers 
her eyes. "Please be gentle," she whispers. I slowly take off her dress 
and then remove my clothes. Then, passion rules. 

The morning comes and I have to hurry. I slip out of the bed, careful
not to wake the woman in my arms. I leave a note that I'm out for 
business but that she can stay as long as she wants. "Be back tonight." 
Bitter words if you realize their double meaning. I hurry downstairs, 
to the hidden cellar. There, a bed is waiting. Quickly, I change into 
my sleeping suit and lay down. Now all I can do is think of a lovely 
woman, still asleep in my bed. And wait for the next sunset. 

We meet again tonight. Lauran accepted my invitation to stay for dinner.
Then, the rest of the evening is filled with dancing and red wine. I 
promise to show her around the grounds. The night is again ruled by 
passion. I am falling deeper in love, every time I touch her body, kiss 
her lips and caress her breasts. She meets my desire with equal 
passion, her experienced body makes me shiver in delight, reach for 
higher levels of joy and lust then the night before. We go on and on, 
to leave both of us exhausted. I fall deeper and deeper with every 
dance, with all the intelligent questions she asks, with her humor and 
her playful anger about my cigars. 

For a month, we live in a mind-blurring dance of romance, passion,
lovemaking, red wine and slow walks in the moonlight. I have to tell 
her. I can't wait to let her know my secret. Already, Lauran is 
suspecting something. 

My old friend told me that Lauren was wondering about his behavior too.
And now she's wondering about my absence during the day. Most of the 
servants are gone too. And the library is filled with ancient books 
about cultures long gone, written in languages long forgotten. She asks 
me about those books, but what can I tell her? That I have written a 
few myself? Books that are hundreds of years old? That my dearest and 
closest friends are vampires? That I'm one myself? She would forget our 
passion, forget the good and gentle conversations and run away. Run to 
save herself for the demon in me. But do I have a choice? Lauran, oh my 
heart cries out. What can I do? 

Well, as with most difficult decisions, it comes to a showdown by
itself. Lauran caught me while I was drinking blood. The drink could be 
a mistake, my mouth and eyes certainly not. I look just like the 
pictures in the ancient books in my library. White eyes, a bloody mouth 
with sharp teeth. My mouth is running with blood as I look up at an 
unexpected noise. 

Lauran looks at me in disgust. "Oh my god!" It's all she manages to say.
Fear strikes her eyes and she turns and runs. "Lauran! Wait!" No 
response. I clear the cup, wipe my mouth and run after her. I catch her 
as she enters the square outside. "Lauran, please wait!" I grab her 
arm, turn her around and feel my heart crying as I look in her face. 
Pain and fear and disgust are all there in one look. She cries and 
tries to pull free. My grip is stronger and with a bleeding heart I 
drag her back inside. 

"Follow me, we must talk." My short words make her fear even larger. In
the study, a servant is busy fixing a fire. "Leave!" He jumps at my 
order and runs out. With one hand I drop Lauran in the large chair in 
front of the desk. I sit down behind it, open the box of cigars, pick 
one and light it. Lauran is not only afraid and filled with pain, both 
mentally and physically, she is also struck with wonder about my sudden 
change. One moment the mysterious gentlemen, the next a blood-drinking 
monster. 

As my cigar is burning neatly, my number one enters. "Please excuse me,
milord, but I suspect you might need a drink." "Yes, brandy." I turn 
the cigar around and around, drawing little circles of smoke before my 
face. As my servant leaves, I talk. "I don't exactly know how to start. 
I fear that if I say that I won't hurt you or turn you into a bat or 
so, you won't believe me." Lauran shakes her head slowly. "But it is 
the truth. I live on blood, yes, but not human blood. Animals are 
sufficient. And I can't change myself into a bat or anything. Just make 
myself look younger or older." Before her eyes, I change into an old 
man and then to a resemblance of a teenager. Than, back into my normal 
appearance. Lauran holds a scream just inside. "Yes, it is scary." 

"The reason I hide during the day is obvious. I have to hide in order to
protect myself. My body stiffens at daylight. I will not burn, another 
myth, but my eyes can't stand sunlight, they hurt like hell. Just like 
looking into the sun too long. As the sun sets, my body is refreshed, 
healed from wounds and recovered from exhaustion. I have to feed myself 
with fresh blood every night, not necessary human blood. And about 
becoming a vampire: you have to be killed to turn into one. And I can't 
stand the thought of killing you. If I would bite you and drink your 
blood, you won't die. You will not change into a bat. If you cut 
yourself, you don't turn into a bat right?" 

I hesitate to proceed. Lauran is still afraid, still with that horrible
painful look on her face. "I like you, even think I love you, but that 
doesn't matter now. What matters is how you feel, what you think." She 
does not know what to say and how to say it. Clearly, I see questions 
in her eyes, fear, pain and a spark of curiosity. I drink my brandy. 
Waiting for Lauran to overcome her first horror, the overload of 
information and maybe, just maybe, overcome her fears. 

"Why didn't you tell me?" Her voice breaks. As if she has to speak with
a dragon who's about to eat her. In her mind that's what I am. "I liked 
the woman at the party, a month ago. I took her home for a night of 
pleasure, maybe more. I fell in love with you when I saw you standing 
in your dark green dress, looking out the window." She smiles watery, 
struck by the memory. "I want to answer all your questions, take away 
all your fear and pain, just ask them to me. I do not want to change 
you into a vampire. This life is a burden. A doomed existence in the 
shadows of the world, forced to live at night, drink blood. The few 
advantages are not much comfort." I stop as I see the fear return on 
her face with my words. 

"Please Lauran. Tonight, I may look like a monster, but remember our
dancing, the joy we shared. That was not just a dream, just like this 
is not a nightmare. Our shared memories will stay with us. Despite what 
I am, I love you." "Stop, please?" Her voice sounds broken and Lauran 
cries a little. Her large eyes are filled with tears. Her mouth is a 
thin line underneath a button-like nose. I close my mouth. Uncertain 
feelings rush trough my mind. What else can I say, or do? 

She stands up, pours herself another large glass of brandy and empties
the glass in one big swing. She starts walking around the room and 
then, suddenly, she steps outside, walks away. I jump up and follow 
her. Careful not to stop her, I follow as she walks up to the 
dancehall. There, a few servants are pretending to clean the room. 
"Leave us!" They run. "Will they do everything for you?" "Not really 
everything, but their loyalty goes a very long way." Lauran walks up to 
the large windows. "I already suspected you had a secret, you were 
always gone or busy. The books in the library. And this room. The view 
from here so beautiful." She bursts out in tears, drops to the floor 
and starts crying loudly. Putting her hands before her face, I hear her 
muffled sounds. I know what to do. Silently, I slip outside and call 
for a servant. "Fetch wine and a wet towel, fast!" 

As I return to the window, Lauran sits on her knees and folds her hands
in front of her breast. Her tight jeans and gray sweater make her look 
younger than she really is, almost a teenager now. Her make-up is 
running a bit. I take her in my arms. At first she struggles but then 
relaxes and lays her head on my breast. "And I was hoping you and I 
could go to the festival tonight. That I could show off my rich and 
mysterious lover to my friends." I couldn't help grinning at the 
thought. "Well, why don't we still go? Just to set your mind away from 
all of this. And I promise I won't bite anyone." She shares the little 
smile. "I need to clean up." At that, the servant returns with wine and 
a towel. Lauran looks wondered. 

"I left you alone for a minute to arrange this." "Why do you always seem
to know what I need?" "I can read your mind." Oops, wrong words. 
Lauran's look on her face tells it all. "Please, don't start again. I 
can't actually see what you think, but I have experience in reading 
body language, facial expressions and have some knowledge about human 
minds." She relaxes. Knows that I'm telling the truth. I relax too and 
leave her with a glass of wine to quickly change into a pair of jeans 
and a woolen sweater. I nearly run back to the dancehall and find her 
on the balcony. The sky is still light, but my body feels fresh again. 
"Come on, we've got till dawn." "Just like Cinderella?" "Yes, my love, 
just like Cinderella." 

We take the four by four, it's faster at the dirt roads and might
prevent trouble. I hate to watch my back all the time, feels like 
paranoia but I can't help it. 

The festival is a yearly market with a carnival and firework. It will
last a couple of days and I always attend. We have fun at the 
merry-go-round; I shoot a toy-bear for Lauran and even make her smile. 
Her friends are jealous, I can tell. She looks a bit sad, but it does 
make her look pretty. My feelings haven't changed, I hope that she can 
accept that. But what about us? Well, we will work something out. I 
also hope that she can accept what I am. But will she stay with me? 

We are careful not to break the thin layer that holds her emotions in
line. We make little jokes and walk arm in arm. But a few older people 
look at us with knowing eyes. At the ghost house, Lauran smiles with 
sad eyes, "Maybe you can scare them back a bit." I smile back, feeling 
the hurt inside. "Let's take that ride another time." She agrees with a 
breaking voice. "I've had my share already." Quickly I lead her out of 
sight. We round a wagon just as Lauran starts to cry again. I hold her 
in my arms and wait for the inevitable. 

"I love you! Damn you! Why can't you be normal?" her words are cold
knifes in my heart. "Please hold me." I do; my arms tightly around her 
to never ever let her go. "I don't know what to do anymore." "We'll go 
home." My own voice cracks a little too. An emotional vampire? Forbid 
my friends to find out! I lift her in my arms and carry her to the car. 
The toy-bear swings in her hand. 

Back at the castle, Lauran is brought to bed. Although it's only just
before eleven, she is exhausted. I walk over to the study and call for 
my number one. We talk; I give him detailed instructions and when he 
leaves, I start my nightly routine. At the break of day, I walk to the 
cellar again. 

Lauran waits for me at the door. I felt her presence before she entered
the room. I estimate the time at an hour before sunset. Lauran looks 
scared. Her eyes are bigger then ever and she holds a wooden stick 
close to her breast. I let out a grin that doesn't reach my stiffened 
mouth. That won't work, another myth she believes to hold any truth; if 
I could shake my head, I would. But still, it indicates her feelings. 
If I make one false move, I will lose her. I certainly do not want that 
to happen. 

As time passes, my body comes to life. Lauran sees it happen and
although you need sharp eyes, I sense her whole body standing stiff 
with emotions. Slowly, I raise myself to a sitting position. Then, just 
like a drunk I get up, wobbly and all. I walk to the little desk at the 
opposite wall and sit down. There, number one has poured me a can of 
fresh blood and provided a living chicken. I let out my teeth, see 
Lauran stiffen up even more and bite off the head of the chicken. Blood 
runs off my chin as I eat the chicken and drink the can. Lauran's 
stomach must be turning at the sight, but she holds on. I admire her 
strength. Finishing the can, I stand up, clean my face and jump into my 
clothes. 

"Well, good evening, my love. I hope you're not too startled by my
eating habits?" Lauran shakes her head. "No, I was just curious." "I 
know, that's why number one brought you here at this time. Just to see 
how I come alive." "How old are you anyway?" "I was born in 169." A 
fast calculation. "You mean you are nineteen hundred and thirty one 
years old?" "Yes, I'm that old." She is really surprised. "Let's go 
upstairs." Back in the study. Lauran has more questions than I can 
answer in a few hours. 

I talk while she listens. About when it all started for me. About how I
was killed, how I spend my time, what I can remember from old times, 
And more, many more questions. She tells me that she has been sleeping 
really late and took a nap in the afternoon so she can stick with me 
all night. "I want to find out what and who you are. Before I decide." 
I don't dare to ask about what she wants to decide. 

For a week, Lauran greets me when I awake and sits with me as I turn
into a big lumb of flesh. We talk for hours during long moonlighted 
walks. Many times she asks me how to become a vampire. I don't want to 
tell her, but she manages to drag the answers out of me. All she has to 
do is drink my blood. Then die. Simple. 

Another week passes by. Lauran seems brighter now. The winter has
arrived and the castle is sealed off from the world. Even my big four 
by four can't get out through the piles of snow. I don't care. Lauran 
has arranged for her prolonged stay here long ago. We picked up her 
clothes and a few personnel belongings weeks before the first snow. I 
wonder why she is feeling better. Did she make a decision? And if so, 
what is it? Hopefully, I will like it. 

An hour before dinner, Lauran sends of all the servants and arranges a
light meal in the bedroom. I'm instructed to meet her there. I wonder, 
but, since I like a bit of surprise every now and then, I knock on the 
door. "Enter." I open. And stand like I'm nailed to the floor. Looking 
at a young, gorgeous woman, I feel my mouth hang open. Lauran is 
dressed only in lace that leaves nothing for guessing and everything 
for wanting. 

I forget about dinner and nearly jump to her. "No. Eat first. It's a
long night." I obey: anything to rip of that lace and grab the 
beautiful body underneath. With the speed of a hungry bear, I clear my 
plate. Lauran is lying on the bed in a pose that makes it hard for me 
to swallow. I feel lust grow in me and walk up to her. Hastily I 
undress. Then, I take her hand, lift her in my arms and kiss her. 
"Dance with me." We dance, her almost naked body pressed against mine. 
I feel warmth and lust, running through her body. Slowly moving, 
swaying around. Suddenly, Lauran breaks away and slides over to the 
table. There, a bottle of wine is waiting. We drink. As I want to hold 
her, she pushes me into the chair. Then Lauran snaps her fingers and a 
slow music fills the room. Teasingly, she turns around and sways before 
me. I empty my glass without tasting what it contains. Take another 
refill. And feel lust rising. Slowly, torturing slowly she let the lace 
fall. And sways and turns and teases. I can't stand it and jump to her. 
We hold each other closer and closer. Her body is hot. My senses 
sharpen and I feel her blood running through her veins. She teases me 
with her fingernails, I feel shivers on my back. I caress her body, 
holding her closer and closer till I'm hurting her. Her heart is 
pumping faster and faster. I feel it, hear it. Her blood runs faster 
and my eyes start hurting. I close them, I don't need them. I kiss her, 
feel her lips, full of life, kissing back. The taste of wine. I sense 
her hair, falling over my shoulder. I clear her neck and kiss her 
there. She starts moaning a bit and I feel blood rushing, hear her 
heart pumping with life and I kiss her neck and the blood red wine 
tastes so good. 

A sting. I jump out of my hypnosis and step back. Lauran lies on the bed
in a pool of blood. Eyes closed. Her beautiful face pale with an 
expression of pain and her blood runs through the valley between her 
breasts. Behind me, number one is standing silently and holding a cold 
knife. I realize he stabbed me with that. I turn around, hit him hard 
in the stomach and swing back. Lauran's throat is cut by sharp teeth 
and blood runs over her body to join the rest on the bed. I take her 
arm. Cold. I press my ear on her chest. No heartbeat. Oh my god, what 
have I done? She lies in her blood. Naked. Dead. 

My eyes fill with tears. My mind stops. My vision is a blur, and not
only from the tears. I run to the balcony, jump off. The landing two 
floors down at the waterfront is hurting but hardly felt. I run. Run 
away. Far away. Forever. 

As the sun announces her arrival, I find myself at the end of the
forest. The snow is cold and the wind chills my bones. I have to hide 
before I can't move anymore. Hasty, I dig a hole in the frozen ground, 
cover myself with leaves, branches and snow. It's cold but suitable. 
Just in time. 

I awake and find a dog standing over my body. He howls and his master
arrives. Scared but holding his rifle firmly, he shouts something. I 
jump at him and feel myself drop to the ground as the shot hurts my 
body, rips me in two. I lay still for a moment, jump up and grab him. 
This time I win. I quickly kill the dog too and feed on their blood. It 
makes me feel sick, but I need food. I take the man's clothes, bury him 
and the dog and walk back to my castle. 

My mind is set on instinct only. Operating just to survive. I cannot,
dare not think of anything else. I killed the one I love. Number one 
would have disposed of Lauran's body by now, as the loyal servant he 
has always been. Now my existence is totally meaningless. The few joys 
I had are vanished by one moment of lust, a brief loss of self-control. 
What can I do? Forget her? No, after losing a few loved ones, I know 
that forgetting her is just not possible. And such a horrible death! 
Sucked to death, bleeding to death and feeling your strength and life 
stream away slowly and steadily. I press my fingers in my eyes, press 
hard to wipe out the memory. I pull my fingers in my ears to stop 
hearing my screams. I cry. I fall. Black out. 

Slowly, I regain some senses. I feel someone standing over me. I realize
I'm on a bed. How did I get here? Never mind. A scent reaches my nose. 
That perfume. It can't be! Only Lauran uses that! "Who is joking me!" I 
try to jump out of bed, see her, stumble to the floor. My mind is 
racing, not believing my eyes. "Lauran!" My cry of relief is smothered 
in my throat. She stands there, smiling with sad eyes. Wearing that 
lovely dark green dress. Her blonde hair tied in a knot. Looking lovely 
and sad. She whispers. 

"I took your blood when you were sleeping." Her voice is filled with
grief. "I planned a night of passion, hoping that you would kill me, 
and you did. Number one helped me. Please forgive me." I run to her. 
Take her in my arms and cry out. "Oh Lauran, what have you done! This 
is not an existence for a young beautiful woman like you." "I decided. 
I wanted to be with you. And since you can't change into a normal 
person, I changed into a vampire. So far I don't like it much. Maybe 
you can cheer me up?" I shake my head. My heart feels broken as I lead 
Lauran to the stairs. "Maybe later, my love, maybe later." 

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- 


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