Sedsha: Bloodties

        The Grand Hall of the Castle was bustling as the clan mingled with one another; some feasting on Thralls, others drinking blood from fine goblets. On the dais, positioned below the mezzanine, sat the thrones for the Lord and Lady of the Castle, occupied by Sedric and Vaesha. Sedric sat straight, looking over the hall with a proud expression, a golden chalice in his right hand, his left draped over the arm of his throne. Vaesha on the other hand, was slouching, her head propped against her fist as the fingers of her opposite hand drummed along the arm of her throne. Her face held a bored expression as she watched the clan socialize with one another, laughing at jokes, or trying to one-up one another on their recent achievements. She heaved a heavy sigh and glanced to Sedric momentarily, sighing once more before looking back towards the clan. She was hungry. She wanted to go get herself some blood, but if she were to rise, the clan would cease their chatter and stare at her. Something she hated just as much as she hated the denizens of Mania.

        "Vaesha, dear, please sit up," Sedric chuckled without looking at her "it's not ladylike," he glanced at her, meeting her gaze when she looked at him once more. His brows rose when she stuck her tongue out at him, crossing her arms and slouching even further in her throne. Sedric rolled his eyes, letting out another chuckle. Vaesha would have remained like that if it weren't for the thrall approaching them. She was pale from being fed upon, but still kept her mortal beauty.

        "Yes? What is it Thrall?" Vaesha inquired with a forced noble tone. She hated acting prim and proper all the time now. She was bored beyond belief, something dangerous for someone as mentally unstable like Vaesha. The thrall looked at Vaesha and dipped her head, holding out a goblet for her,

        "Y-You looked famished... M-My lady..." she said, bowing deeply to hide her fear "S-So, I b-brought you some blood..." Vaesha accepted to goblet from the thrall, who flinched at her sudden movement, and nodded at her "thank you thrall," she said, balancing the goblet between her fingers "you may return to your duties," the thrall backed away, not lingering on the dais. It made Vaesha happy that she was feared, but it made her heart ache that a young woman such as that thrall had feared her in such a way that she flinched at every movement she made. Vaesha shrugged and raised the goblet to her lips, taking a tentative sip. It tasted odd, almost like blood of an Argonian, but she was too hungry to really give it any attention, so she took another sip, and another, until the goblet lay empty on the vacant arm of her throne.

-~-

        As the night lingered on, Vaesha grew bored with each passing minute, as well as annoyed. There was a dull ache in her gut from her consuming the blood far too quickly. On occasion, the dull ache would send a rippling pain throughout her body, leaving her extremities tingling as if they had fallen asleep. Sedric seemed to have noticed her discomfort and turned his attention away from conversing with Nikolai about important clan matters,

        "Vaesha, is everything alright?" he asked.

        Vaesha took in a sharp breath, pinching the bridge of her nose whilst holding her abdomen. She shuddered when she felt his hand on her shoulder, distracting her enough from the aching in her body to look at him.

        "It's nothing," she stated in the best voice she could muster to hide her pain "I-I'm... Just going to retire early for the night..." with that she stood, using her throne to help her to her feet. She swayed at first but masked it as just straightening her attire. As much to her dislike, the chatters of the court ceased and all eyes were upon her. Taking a deep breath, Vaesha held her head high, looking straight as she moved for the stairs, swaying even more. The ache in her gut increased, turning the pain into cramps, the sounds of court starting to become muffled, like she was underwater.

        Halfway up the stairs she paused. Her vision had started to dance before her, and attempt to continue onwards would cause her to tumble, causing a scene, and being the laughing stock of the court. Taking in a deep breath and letting it out slowly, she took another step, but at some point, she had found herself being supported by Sedric, she let out another moan of pain, feeling her strength sapped. That is when she expelled the contents of her stomach. The muffled snickers of the court reaching her ears, making her head start to ache. The snickers ended as soon as they begun, most likely from Sedric giving the Court a murderous glare; but there was no knowing due to her distorted senses.

        Sedric scooped Vaesha up into her arms carrying her the rest of the way to her rooms. He glanced to Vaesha who was in and out of consciousness. He shook her vigorously, increasing his pace as he moved through the halls.

        "Come on Vaesha, stay awake!" he said "do not fall asleep on me! Do you hear me?" he pushed the door to her rooms open, not bothering with kicking them shut as he crossed the threshold. Vaesha let out a moan, her eyes fluttering open and shut as she fought for consciousness.

        "So... tired..." she groaned, her eyes fluttering shut.

        Sedric placed her down on her bed, propping her head up; he placed a hand on her cheek to prevent her from sliding over. Pulling out his handkerchief, he began wiping her mouth clean of the blood caking the skin; she was pale already, but not this pale. The veins beneath her skin had begun to show, appearing like cracks on porcelain.

        "I know, but you have to stay awake," he said "you consumed dead blood, it's poisoning you from the inside, and if you fall asleep, it will kill you!" he glanced momentarily to her bedside table, almost wanting to sigh in relief when he spied a decanter of a Blood Potion.

        "I'll gladly accept that fate..." Vaesha mumbled, struggling to keep her head steady "anything to get me back home..." Sedric pulled the stopper from the decanter and held the bottle to her lips,

        "I won't allow that, Vaesha," he held up her head as he forced the potion down her throat "Your home is here, in Tamriel. Not the Shivering Isles!" he poured the rest of the contents down her throat, wiping away any remnants dripping from her lips. It wasn't enough to fully counter the poisoning, but already some of her color began to return. She needed blood, fresh blood, but he dare not leave her side. He was left with no other option; he had to give her his blood. At least enough to help counter the poison in her system. Heaving a heavy sigh, Sedric rolled up the sleeve of his left hand, bringing his wrist to his mouth to pierce the flesh. Vaesha seemed to have perked up at the scent of blood; she snatched up his arm when it was close enough, feeding from him ravenously. It was almost painful to Sedric, the way she was feeding. When he felt his arm beginning to tingle, he pulled her from his wrist, having her lay back.

        "You should have countered enough of the Dead Blood to allow you proper rest," he said, clutching his wrist "I'll make periodic checks on you, bringing you thralls to feed upon, thralls that I examine to ensure that this won’t happen again,"
           

       “That…” Vaesha sighed, “That won’t be necessary… This was a sign that I am not welcome here, nor am I wanted…” she struggled at first, but she rolled onto her side, curling into a fetal position, her arms cradling her body. Sedric sighed, reaching out to touch her shoulder,

         “No, Vaesha…” he whispered, “this was an act of treason, and the culprit will be found and dealt with. They will regret this transgression and the clan will know that you are not to be harmed, and that you are always welcome here, especially as their queen…”

        "Leave me..." she muttered, curling her body into a tight ball "just go... I want to be alone..."

-~-

        "My lord! My lord come quickly!" a lesser clan member ran through the halls towards Sedric's chambers. Sedric turned the corner, almost colliding with the clan member "What is it Geralt?" he asked calmly. Geralt took several deep breaths before looking Sedric in the eye, "It's the Lady!" Sedric raised a brow "what about her? Speak?" fear shown in Geralt's eyes momentarily "S-She's gone mad!" Sedric almost wanted to laugh at Geralt's response. Didn't the clan already know that she was the maddest amongst the clan? Sedric took a deep breath and brushed past Geralt, striding down the hall towards Vaesha's chambers, sounds of Vaesha's roars of anger, followed by objects being thrown. A crowd had gathered just outside her room. Sedric pushed himself through to find Vaesha holding her prized dagger defensively towards a Thrall.

        Vaesha, dressed in only a shift, hair disheveled was a force of pure unadulterated rage. Her fangs were barred as she snarled like a wild animal. The pupils of her eyes hardly visible. The Thrall, who was holding a goblet of blood, took a foolish step forward, only to get a vase thrown at her. The Thrall ducked out of the way, letting out a squeal of fear, Sedric stepped aside as the Vase flew at him.

        "Show's over, everyone out!" Sedric ordered without looking towards the observing crowd "Now!" everyone, including the Thrall was gone before their lord grew angrier. Once the doorway was clear, Sedric closed the door with a wave of his hand. A quick glance to Vaesha and he was by her side in an instant, taking her by the wrists. She struggled, gritting her teeth and hissing as she attempted to break free.

        "Vaesha, cease this madness that has consumed you!" Sedric grit his teeth as he fought against her.

        "Let. Go. Of. Me!" she kicked Sedric in the abdomen, staggering him enough for her to break free and take a defensive stance. She gripped Sufferthorn, ready to attack should Sedric make any attempt to come for her again "That Thrall was going to poison me!" she growled "she must be dealt with, and you aren't going to stop me!"

        "Enough Vaesha!" Sedric snapped his form broke off into a cloud of bats, materializing behind her. He wrapped his arms around her, forcing her to drop Sufferthorn before she had time to react. With his arms wrapped around her, Vaesha could only kick and scream "That is enough, calm down, please," Sedric pleaded.

        "Let me go damn it!" she kissed. She sank her fangs deep into his arm, but he hardly reacted. In fact, he didn't even react further than a slight hiss. Sedric hoisted Vaesha off the ground and pinned her to the bed. Applying all his weight into her as he gripped her wrists. Still flailing, Vaesha tried kicking his again, but her legs were held down.

        "Vaesha, calm down," Sedric's voice was calm and soothing. To the trained, Magicka could be sensed radiating around his form. Vaesha seemed at have calmed at first, but the spell began to trickle away, allowing her fury to return. She attempted to head butt Sedric, but he dodged her attack. Their eyes met, and her fury melted away once more. Sedric's eyes went from crimson to amber, a sign that he was using his Vampiric abilities.

        "Vaesha, it is alright, the Thrall will be dealt with. But you need to calm down," his voice was like velvet "everything will be okay, you just need to calm down," Vaesha stilled. Her pupils began to dilate to their normal shape, the fury that had consumed her gone all together. Sedric let out a sigh, his eyes returning to their normal color as he cautiously released Vaesha from his grip. He moved to lay Vaesha properly on her bed, sitting beside her before draping the blankets over her form. Vaesha's eyes fluttered shut; she seemed subdued enough to sleep, but not to eat. It had been days since her last meal, and if she were to go any longer, she'd become a ghoul, fully consumed by the madness of hunger. Not something that would be safe to have around not only the clan, Sahri. Sedric brushed some hair from her face, and then rose. He made his way towards the door, but not without confiscating Sufferthorn. She didn't need her dagger in her current state. He wouldn't have another episode like this until she was passed this. The sconces dimmed with a wave of his hand, leaving the room casted in a faint amber glow.

-~-

        'He can't be trusted!' the voice whispered 'he planned for this! He wants you gone!' Vaesha tossed and turned as the voice continued to torment her in its dark, raspy voice. She heard its hisses deep within her mind, it buzzed like a hornet's nest.

        'You have to take him down before he takes you down,'

                'The only way you can remain safe is to kill him. So kill him! Now!'

        Vaesha squeezed her eyes tighter, trying to block out the voice. She draped her arm over her eyes, gritting her teeth,

        "No," she whispered "stop it!"

        'Do it! Kill him!'

        "Leave me alone! She pleaded, tears escaping her eyes "Please!"

        'Kill Sedric! Do it!' the voice was relentless 'if you wait, he is going to kill you. He doesn't forgive you for all that you have done. He ordered that Thrall to poison you, he wants you to get the message that you aren't welcome amongst the clan!'

        "You're lying!"

        'Why would a Pureblood ever want someone like you? You're weak, unstable, unpredictable' there was a sound similar to a chuckle 'he doesn't forgive you for nearly costing him his life on the day you dragged him to Solitude. He plans to enact his revenge on you. Just wait, when you think you are safe he will strike. Kill you for what you are, an abomination, a freak, a monster!'

        Vaesha snapped her eyes open, shooting upwards in bed. She gripped her head, tears streaming down her face, her form trembling.

        "I'm no monster!"

        'Yes you are! You are a freak of Vampiric society' hissed the voice

        "No I'm not!" she pleaded.

        'Yes you are. Sedric was hoping that his blood would kill you upon consuming it. Imagine his dismay when you survived?'

        "Stop it! Please, I'm begging you!"

        'Your only salvation is to kill him! Only then will you be free!'

        Vaesha gripped her head, shuddering out tears as it rocked from side-to-side. The voice spoke nothing of lies, it was only sowing discord. Nothing more. She wasn't a monster or a freak. Sedric didn't hate her. But what if he did? She stopped rocking and opened her eyes. Glancing around her room, she always wondered why Sedric gave her separate quarters when they moved to the Castle. Did he truly think that she was an abomination? That she needed to be dealt with. Vaesha grit her teeth and went to reach for her prized dagger, only to find it gone.

        'He took your dagger so he could kill you with it,' the voice sounded 'he's going to keep it as a trophy, to celebrate your demise and his freedom from you'

        "LEAVE ME ALONE!" Vaesha yelled, grabbing an untouched goblet of blood and tossing it at the wall, the crimson liquid painted the stones as the goblet clattered away. Air, she needed some air. Vaesha threw back her blankets and climbed from bed, her naked feet scrapping across the stones as she made her way towards the door. She gripped her head as she crept down the corridor. Sunlight streamed through the frosted windows, marking the time of day... or night.

        As she was about to turn to the doors leading to the grand courtyard, The Voice reared its ugly head back into her mind.

        'Keep going, you're almost there!' it seemed rather thrilled that she was on the move. But not for the reasons it wanted. Vaesha ignored the voice and turned down the steps leading to the Courtyard. However, upon touching the door, she felt odd. She forgot why she needed to go outside. The buzzing inside her head went away, and she felt... euphoric.

        'Here, I'll help get you started' said the voice as it took away her control. Vaesha turned away from the door and made her way back up the steps, turning towards Sedric's chambers. Were anyone to see her, she'd appear in a trance. Vaesha felt hungry, not for blood, but for vengeance. She eased herself into his room, creeping silently across the stones until she stood over him.

        'You're almost there, don't stop now,' Vaesha glanced over to the bedside table, her prized dagger gleaming in the lone candle's light. She made a quick glance over to Sedric before reaching out to wrap her fingers around its golden hilt. She quickly snatched it and climbed onto the bed, straddling Sedric. She gripped the dagger and poised it for a quick plunge into his heart. She raised her hand for momentum, but before she could strike, Sedric snapped awake, grabbing her by the wrists, making Sufferthorn fall from her grip before he flipped around, and pinning her down.

        She let out a snarl of anger, her fangs barred as she attempted to break free.

        "Vaesha, what is the meaning of this?!" Sedric snarled.

        "You are the cause of this!" she snarled back, fighting against his iron grip.

        "Cause of what? What do you mean?" He applied more of his strength to keep her from struggling "Talk to me, Vaesha, please!"

        'Don't tell him anything! He'll only deceive you!' the voice inside her head warned.

        "Why should I tell you? You will only deceive me!" She jerked in attempt to break free "You'll make me feel safe and sound before striking me down!"

        Sedric almost faltered, letting his strength drop when she spoke. Had she completely lost her mind?

        "Wha- What are you talking about? Why would I ever harm you?"

        Vaesha raised her head and smashed her forehead into Sedric's dazing him enough to weaken his grip on her. She broke free and managed to climb from under him before he began to regain composure. As she was about to leap forward to scoop up Sufferthorn to re-arm herself, Sedric had wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her back.

        "Let go of me!" she snarled.

        "You're not going anywhere until you tell me what is going on, Vaesha!" Sedric commanded as he half-dragged Vaesha over to a chair. Vaesha yanked free and made a mad dash over to the door, but Sedric was right beside her. He grabbed her once more and slammed her against the wall, holding on to her forearms.

        "Why were you trying to murder me in my sleep?!" He asked with acid in his tone.

        'Don't do it! Don't tell him!' Vaesha's inner voice hissed across her mind. Vaesha flinched and look at Sedric with fierceness in her eyes "Because you were trying to do so yourself!" she hissed. Sedric nearly released her in shock, what was she talking about. He furrowed his brow and looked her in the eye "Explain," he ordered.

        "The blood?" her tone was hostile "and not only that, but the Thrall too! You were trying to poison me!"

        "That's absurd! Why in Oblivion would I do that?!"

        "To make room for your new queen, or king if that is your preference!" Vaesha tried to break free once more "Now let me go!" She began jerking around in an attempt to break free, but Sedric's grip on her was strong.

        "I don't know how you got that idea in your head, but that is the most insane idea you have ever concocted," Sedric forced Vaesha to remain still. His eyes starting to turn amber as he matched her gaze "You will go back to your room, and not come out until I say so, is that clear?" Vaesha's pupils began to dilate as Sedric's compulsion took over her entire form. Sedric released her, and instead of her making a dive for her dagger, still on the floor, she left Sedric's room. Sedric peered out into the hall to watch her leave before stepping back into his room, closing the door and magically locking it with a sigh. He had to find the suspect, and fast. He didn't know how much more of this he could take.

-~-

       "My lord, I have something to report," Nikolai said as he stepped into Sedric's study. The Vampire lord sighed and glanced up at Nikolai, if he were mortal, his eyes would be bloodshot from lack of sleep. He gestured Nikolai over with a gesture.

        "How did the interviews go?" Sedric inquired without lifting his gaze from his book. Nikolai stood in front of Sedric, standing straight before he cleared his throat.

        "Everyone in the clan has been interviewed and interrogated, my lord, but..."

        "But?" Sedric glanced up at the lesser Vampire Lord

        "I have been unable to locate one clan member, she seems to vanish each time I begin my interviews,"

        "Interesting. Who is this clan member?"

        "Elenya Yves, Breton girl from Markarth, one of my fledglings unfortunately,"

        Sedric let out a sigh, marking his spot and closed his book with a hollow clap and stood, he placed the book on the table beside him, reaching for a goblet of blood, "Assemble the clan,  tell them only that the Lord wishes to speak with them,"

        "Sir?" Nikolai tilted his head out of curiosity

        "Everyone is to attend, no questions asked," He took a sip from his goblet "get on it, Nikolai, this is an urgent matter,"

        Nikolai bowed and stepped away, his face grim. Sedric placed down his goblet and let out a heavy sigh. He hoped that this endeavor would be over soon.

-~-

        The clan was gathered within the hours, some confused, some annoyed that their activities were disturbed for whatever it was that the Lord of the Clan had to discuss with them. Sedric stood on the Dias, arms folded behind his back, his red eyes, burning like fire as he gazed at the clan, he looked very intimidating. Nikolai stood just one step below him, also gazing at the clan, only his gaze was soft, for he was just as confused as the majority of the clan. Sedric glanced down, raising a hand to silence the murmuring clan members. Once they had ceased, he glanced back up,

        "Many of you are wondering why I had summoned you here this evening;" his voice was calm, with a subtle hint of firmness, his eyes crimson scanning the crowd "it has come to my attention that there has been a threat upon the lady, your queen, of the castle. This will not be tolerated!" his eyes flashed molten orange from the rise of his voice "I know many of you have your own prejudices against those not of Pureblood, but Vaesha is here to stay, whether you like it or not. I am not pleased with the attempt on my queen's life, Vaesha may have her moments, but she is what makes life bearable," he straightened, his arms now folded over his chest "in any such instance where Vaesha's life is put in jeopardy, an offense not only to the livelihood of the clan, but myself as well," cocking his head to the side he stared forward towards the center of the room. In an instant, the room filled with startled gasps as the crowd broke apart, a clan member lying on the ground, golden hair fanned around her, eyes wide open as they were glued to the ceiling. Sedric let out a "humph" and turned away, his hands folded once more behind his back, before turning to leave he paused to glance over his shoulder, "I trust there won't be any more transgressions?" he took the silence and the fearful expressions as acceptance. Turning to Nikolai, "don't clean up your fledgling, Nikolai, leave her there for an example" he ordered before continuing to walk away. The hush murmurs filling the chamber as he ascended the stairs gracefully.

        He made his way towards Vaesha's rooms, confident with the news he wanted to pass on. He had hoped that with the event just moments ago was enough to keep Vaesha safe within the clan. He reached her rooms and knocked a few times before entering. The room was dark; he'd expected it, however, her candle. Vaesha's special candle that she always kept burning whenever she slept was extinguished. Something that she never allowed, for to her, it kept her nightmares away.

        He stepped further into the room, casting a novice spell of Candlelight, the magical orb of light floating about, casting a bright light around a decent area. To no surprise, Vaesha was nowhere in sight. He didn't even bother glancing up towards the rafters for her, should she be waiting to ambush him. His eyes drifted towards her neatly made bed; a piece of parchment was neatly folded on the pillow. Letting out a heavy sigh, he moved for the parchment, sitting on her bed as he read it. It was from Vaesha. Her usual neat handwriting was rushed and messy, some letters were smeared, all signs of tears. He felt his heart sink at the thought of Vaesha crying. As he read her letter, his heart sank even more. He placed the letter beside him, his head falling into his hand. Vaesha had written that she was returning to the Shivering Isles. She not only felt unsafe at the castle, but unsafe around him and Sahri, fearful that she'd hurt their adoptive daughter should she ever snap once more, like the night she attempted to attack Sedric.

        "I should have better protected you..." he whispered "None of this would have happened if I took better care of you..."

-~-

        It had been several weeks since Vaesha's sudden departure. The air of the castle was tense, especially after the example Sedric had set upon Nikolai's fledgling for her transgressions against Vaesha. Sedric rarely left his chambers, often keeping to himself when he wasn't caring for Sahri or taking a stroll through the courtyard with his beloved Deathhound, Fluffy. Things hadn't been the same. He felt... Empty. With her around, the clan was lively like a feast at a Jarl's Court. Now, it seemed more like a mausoleum.

        One night, while sitting in his rooms, nursing a goblet of blood. Sedric sensed that something was different. He placed his goblet on the table beside him and rose, moving towards the door. He found himself moving towards Vaesha's vacant rooms. As he entered, he stopped. Eyes on Vaesha's form. She stood in the center of her room; clad her Dementia attire, hair pulled into a neat bun, except for a few strands curled on the side of her face, her prized amulet and the raven feathers of her mantle shimmering in the light of the sconces. She looked quite regal.

        "You're back," Sedric noted, crossing over to her in long strides. He pulled her into a gentle embrace, however, instead of returning the embrace, she flinched, pulling out of his embrace and taking a few steps back, making Sedric look at her with surprise "are you alright?" he inquired. Vaesha looked down.

        "Please don't touch me..." she replied in a monotone voice "it is too soon, and I am not ready for that sort of affection," she looked at him with sorrow. Sedric sighed,

        "I understand," he said softly "welcome home," he turned away, wishing to leave her in her solitude. As he walked away, he heard her take in a deep breath, letting it out in the form of a gentle sigh,

        "Is it?" she asked "is it truly home?" Sedric stopped. He glanced over his shoulder, looking at her,

        "It is indeed home," he went to continue onward, but Vaesha once again sighed.

        "How did you know that I was back?" Vaesha had asked. Looking at her again, Sedric mimicked her sigh,

        "That... is a story for another time," he replied "for now, get some rest, we will talk in the morning," he didn't wait for her reply, he continued onward, leaving her to her solitude.