Traveling Far And Wide

There were birds chirping and chattering with one another high up into the trees above. The only other sounds in the forest is that of the rustling in the trees. Besides the normal scenery of a forest with deer, other animals and little critters running about; not including the scene itself with leaves falling, you wouldn't believe it was real. That's what Arden was thinking. This was a new place from what she had seen for the past one hundred years. This place was different and so beautiful, but she knew it was all to good to be true. Everywhere she had been there was always something evil or wrong hidden behind a beautiful mask of a place.

With her footsteps being so quiet, it made it easier for her to hear the beautiful forest sounds around her without being distracted from her 'Monster' self. The most that she enjoyed was with the clouds overhead, it made all the animals rustle around. She doesn't really like to hear the sound of silence; it makes her feel uncomfortable.

Arden had been walking for days non-stop, but it didn't really bother her; she is used to it. With the cloud cover ahead and no one else around, there was no need for her to wear her hood. Arden couldn't help but think of that terrible day a long time ago; it pains her so to think of it but she can't seem to think of a way to stop.

She glanced up from her thoughts and saw that there was a deer near. Putting her nap-sack on the ground, she took off her cap and placed it on top and leaped into a nearby tree. She landed in the tree just above the deer, not making a sound. The deer looked up from eating and glanced in Arden's direction. As soon as it did there was no time for it make a move and leap off to safety. Arden drew her fangs out with a wide beautiful smile and leaped out of the tree onto the deer, bringing it to the ground.

When she was done she cleaned off her mouth and picked up the deer. She walked, with the deer in her arms, to the place where she had left her stuff and placed the deer near a tree. She put it in a resting position with its head on it's legs; as if it wasn't attacked. Putting her cape in her bag she put her bag back on her back and headed for the big tree that she had passed when she was going for the poor deer.

Once she got there she braced her bag on her back tighter so that it wouldn't fall off and started jumping from branch to branch. As soon as she got to a high enough spot she stopped and got comfortable. With her being a vampire she didn't need sleep, but she still enjoyed resting. Even though all of her actions didn't take any energy nor effort.

She sat there and gazed up at the clouds with her still dark ringed, beautiful eyes. She wasn't really thinking of anything this time but more of looking for shapes in the cloud cover.

He could smell it: the scent of blood in the air. His stomach rumbled, but churned savagely at the same time. He wrinkled his nose at it, slightly disgusted. The smell was blood, most definitely, but dirty, tainted blood. Animal blood. Disgusting. He hated lowering himself to drinking it, hated even the sight of it, and was more than sickened by the fact that he would have to live with it for the rest of his extremely long life.

Because humans were all but extinct, and finding a human was like finding a needle in a haystack. And, even if he found one, he wasn't entirely certain he could drink from them. There were the preservationist fools to worry about, the ones that were against diminishing the human population completely and for good. The idiot ones that had fallen in love with the humans, of course. They were the reason why he had to take a meal that made him hate who he even was.

He wanted to retaliate in some form or fashion, but that would most likely be foolish. He lived in dangerous times now, with all this childish talk about some kind of pandora's box and the end of the world. Rubbish, if he'd ever heard it. Ghost stories to frighten the gullible.

Liam Gray scowled, he didn't consider himself gullible.

Though he might be a tad bit cynical. Yes, the tall, muscled, dirty blond could be considered cynical. Along with bitter, angry, and frightening, especially when there was a certain frosty gleam in his blue eyes.

He also still considered himself royalty, acting as if so at all times, though his title had died long ago.

Regardless, he wasn't certain what he was doing roaming around in the forest. Perhaps venting, perhaps just attempting to escape the annoying reminder Dark Mountain had become.

But his mood was only soured more that he had happened across another of his kind, feasting on the blood of an animal, a feat that repulsed him. And now, he was unfortunate enough to have to breathe in the scent of fresh blood, and be reminded that he was both hungry and stubbornly refusing to dine.

Liam passed the peculiarly positioned, obviously deceased deer and wrinkled his nose again. He glanced up at the tree tops and muttered under his breath, shaking his head.

"Found that pleasant, did you?" Liam growled irritably.

He snorted, and continued to pace away, then back a little, then farther away, muttering incoherently to himself the whole while, his mood dark and stormy.

Arden found a few shapes; an acorn, some weird looking fish, and some other things that she wasn't even sure that they were real or if she just made them up. For the past few weeks she couldn't figure out why she couldn't get comfertable but this time the tree was surprisingly comfy. She took her bag and placed it on a branch abover her shoulder and positioned herself so that it wasn't hitting her head.

The deer that she had drank from had a weird smell to it but it was the only creature around and she hadn't fed in days. The deer was too easy for her to get too; she wanted more of a challenge. Something that would make it harder for her get too and a good lesson for what she had done. That day still haunts her to this day and it makes her feel worse everytime she thinks of it.

Her thoughts were interupted when she heard the sound of someone near. She glanced down and at the same time he spoke up. She was confused when he said that is was pleasant for her. Every vampire knows that animals aren't anywhere as good as human.

Though, there are a few that would rather live the humans. Kind of an offensive way of living to others. But it didn't bother her any; it wasn't effecting her in any way.

"Would you?", Arden replied with an unsatisfied, sarcastice voice. She knew what his answer would be but couldn't help but ask. She found his remark a little funny. It had been a few months since she had seen or even talked to another of her kind. It made her feel a little at ease with herself.

She watched his every move as he paced back and forth, farther and farther each time he came back. She found him slightly appealing and something about him she wanted to get to know about, but not sure exactly what.


(( I'm still really new at rping, so please tell me anything that I do wrong and I will do my best to fix my mistakes. This is a new character for me as well so it will be a little more difficult for me to get the hang of things than it would if I used my normal characters. Thank you))

Though he was several paces away when her reply came, Liam still heard it. Despite his best intentions, he even grinned a little at it, though it looked more like a sneer on his face than anything. Stubborn and arrogant, he was never one to let an arguement pass, and he was secretly pleased that she'd whipped a biting reply back at him. It'd been awhile since anything had fought back with him.

Animals were dumb and mute, there was no intelligent conversation there, and he'd rather eat his own socks than converse with the people he'd met in Dark Mountain. They were just as brainless as the animals, though most were slightly more calculating and wicked.

He would give them that credit at least, though he resented them for it.

"No, I certainly would not," Liam responded finally, turning on his heel to glance in the direction of the tree the vampire was lounging in.

His tone was cold and snug, the tone of an aristocrat, or just a snob. Either would work in classifying Liam, and he would deny neither.

He pursed his lips as the scent of the deer caught up with him again, coiling into his senses. Apparently he hadn't paced far enough away. He didn't know how the female could stand her current post in the tree, as it most certainly was in range of the stench. But, then again, she had drank it.

Liam's stomach rumbled again, and he ignored it then as well. He'd rather starve, or wait long enough so that he was delirious with hunger and wouldn't notice the rotten taste of animal blood when he finally caved and sank his fangs in. He thought mournfully of the large surpluss of humans there had once been, and then belittled himself for pining for the insolent fools that had went and nearly gotten themselves completely extinct.

Liam folded his arms over his chest, rumpling the simple, white button-up shirt he wore. He continued to stare up at the tree, his habitual scowl returning to his face. He'd stomped into the forest for an escape from his thoughts, and, if this was what he could get, he'd take it.

"So," he started, his tone clipped, "who are you exactly?"

He tilted his head to the side, craning his neck a bit, trying to get a better view of her. He wasn't entirely sure what she looked like, as he hadn't paid much attention when he'd sulked past, and the trees were hindering his view now as well.

Arden thought of a few reasons as to why she might want to get to know about him; it may be that he actually talked to her, he gives off this challenging tone when he talks. Most likely the second, she loves a good challenge. Then again, it may be because she hasn't seen another vampire in a long time that she had forgotten what they were like. With her being one it doesn't help her much when it comes to getting to know your own kind.

The way he was carrying himself made her look up to him and feel more at ease with herself. She has always been on her own and been downing herself and her new nature of things. She doesn't like who she is but its challenge that she is willing to take.

His answer caused a slight smile to appear on her face, as she watched him spin on his heel. The smile soon disappeared when he grimaced at the smell of the deer. It was bothering her too as well. Going after the deer was a really low move of her to had done.

She ignored his question to think about who she really was. A murderer, a chicken who runs from everything instead of taking things as they are. Loving challenges backfires on itself when running from things. She knew her name and where she had come from but not where she was going.

Arden sat up on to her feet and reached over her shoulder, without taking her eyes off him, and grabbed her bag. Strapping it onto her back, she leaned forward and jumped down a few feet away from him.

Without making a noise or having to rock back and forth to catch herself, she landed on her feet as if she had been standing there the whole time. The smell of the deer had finally gotten to her and she couldn't take it anymore.

" My name is Arden Harvina. " , she replied as she looked into his eyes. She couldn't see anything there; usually she can see atleast one thing in a person but this was strange and was starting to eat at her.

" And who may I ask are you? " Arden said with a little more interest but still unsaticfied. She was half searching in his elegantly blue eyes and the other half waiting for his reply; hoping that he would answer. For once, she felt that this is someone that she won't run from.

Liam watched—the best he could through the trees—the female vampire consider what he’d said, maybe even consider him. She wasn’t acting too trusting of him, though he couldn’t blame her. He wasn’t asking for trust anyway. He wasn’t too big on making friends, and most likely didn’t even remember how to. It’d been a long time since he’d cared to try.

He stepped back slightly as she sprang nimbly from the tree, landing before him with a backpack slung over her shoulders. A traveler then. Finally, someone who wasn’t a native of the dull and redundant Dark Mountain. That, at least, peeked his interest.

Though he had the faint suspicion that there was a mixture of uncertainty in her gaze, somewhere deep down. Maybe something conflicted. Probably so. People without conflictions usually planted roots, made a home. People with them usually kept moving. He sensed a bit of baggage with the vampire, and was a little disappointed. When someone could and would live forever, there was really no room for baggage. It wasn’t exactly comforting or wise to let old ghosts continue to haunt, unless someone was looking to be driven positively mad.

Who knew. Maybe Arden Harvina was that type. Liam smirked.

He was slightly amused to find her studying him with open curiosity and scrutiny, perhaps trying to uncover the mysteries of his soul. She would find herself disappointed, he assumed, considering he didn’t believe he had a soul. There wasn’t much to hide when one didn’t have a soul.

Or, perhaps, just kept it thoroughly and deeply buried.

“I’m Liam Gray,” he told her, surprising himself.

He didn’t usually hand his name out so freely. It wasn’t as if he wanted every Jack and Tom to know who he was. Still, it had slipped out, for better or worse. So he might as well go with it. A wicked gleam sparked in his eyes, and he gave her a short, mock bow.

“More commonly known as the bastard ass of Dark Mountain,” he informed her. “Apparently, I make quite a first impression.”

He chuckled darkly. “I assume you aren’t from around here? Just passing through? Looking for something? Someone?”

Though he kept himself secretive, he didn’t mind prying into lives of others. He rocked back onto his heels, looking thoroughly amused, as he awaited her reply.

Arden still found nothing in his eyes. When he stepped back her vision became a little more open and clear but she still found nothing. This had really been the first time she had found someone who had a type of shield in their eyes. He either might be hiding something in great importance or he wants to forget.

She was relieved that he had answered her question. Most people don't open up so easily to her. With her wearing ripped up clothes and sometimes a cape didn't make her the best person to open up too. Probably a killer or some crazy wacko is what they thought of her. Some days she had to agree with them.

When he replied she found it a bit odd that he was surprised at himself for it. She figured that he didn't do that very often or not at all so quickly. She wasn't so sure of him and herself with him. He was just too interesting, yet she just only found out his name.

Liam Gray. It had a ring to it and carried a security sense along with it. Then again, she wasn't sure of she was going mad and imagining that or not. But there was something else; she wasn't sure if it was because of his being or if it was another thing that she was imagining.

She put more of her attention on her and her surroundings and his actions, instead of more on his eyes and trying to find something on him that way. Even though it was a little more easy for her that way, talking to people isn't really her thing.

The wicked gleam in his eyes made her smile with no self control. It had been awhile since she smiled and was happy to be smiling again. Though it may not last long; it never really did.

She chuckled and said, " Well it's very nice to meet you Liam Gray. " She wanted to stick out her hand and twenty-first century shake his hand but instead she pretended that she was wearing a dress and curtsied. She couldn't take her eyes off him still and she wasn't sure if she wanted too. He was quite amusingly unique.

"You assumed correct. I'm not looking for anyone or anything; just passing through. ", still in her curtsy.

" Who may I ask are you running from? ", She asked with a slit smile and stood back up on her feet. Hoping that she hadn't gone past his point on this conversation.

He’d noticed the ripped clothes, and, on any other occasion, they might have turned him away from her, but today he was feeling a little like living on the edge. Anything to otherwise occupy his mind. Though her appearance was questionable, and he couldn’t help but ponder over who exactly she was. Arden didn’t seem to be a typical, run-of-the-mill vampire.

He smiled faintly when she curtsied, taken back to a different time by the dated gesture. Those were the days, he had to admit. Back when he was practically king and there wasn’t anything more exciting going on than humans puzzling over disappearances. Now everyone thought the world was coming to an end, and no one even bothered to show any respect.

Though she admitted his suspicions were correct about her just passing through, Liam still felt like there was a cloud of mystery shrouding her, something she wasn’t telling him. He wanted to pry, but it wasn’t in his nature. At least not today. He knew what it was like to have secrets and want to keep them.

"Who may I ask are you running from? "

Liam stiffened automatically, his thoughts turning to a woman, and he flinched. He nearly cursed himself for the display as well.

It wasn’t as if she could read his mind, or as if she knew he was keeping one secret close to the chest. She barely knew him at all, and she most certainly knew nothing of his past. With effort, Liam slackened his stance, and tried to pretend that he hadn’t just overreacted to a simple question.

“What makes you think I’m running from someone?” he asked lightly, and then smoothed it over with a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Well, perhaps I am running from something. Anyone would run from the nonsense occuring in Dark Mountain these days.”

His gaze slid to hers, pondering her expression. Did she know of the recent events? Of the predictions of the world’s end? Did she have any idea what kind of madness was breaking loose on the mountaintop while people went a little crazy thinking all sorts of demons were about to arise?

“Are you sure you’re just passing through?” he questioned suddenly, watching for her reaction. “Positive you haven’t come like thousands of others in search of Pandora’s box?”

Liam snorted and folded his arms across his chest, scowling when his stomach rumbled rudely in response. It would just have to suffer. No deer blood for him.

His smile was quite nice and almost well practiced. As if he used to smile all the time and was happy. Apart from his smile, he seemed pretty preoccupied and distant. She put that aside and took in his smile before it went away. It felt nice to have someone smiling back.

She watched him stiffen and wondered what he was thinking of. She wanted to know more of him and try to come up with an explanation based off her knowledge of him. At the same time she was taken aback at it; she had never made anyone stiffen from a simple question.

" What makes me think that you were running from someone is because you were trudging through like you were in a hurry but not wanting to show it. " Her voice trailed off towards the end as she tried to picture it. Making sure that she wasn't just imagining it.

Dark Mountain? This is what this place is called!? It kinda fits, with it being really cloudy and has been for the past few days. As well as a dark sense of a feeling taking over. "Dark Mountain? I've never heard of it. " She couldn't help but look at him questionably when he said that 'Anyone would run from the nonsense occurring in Dark Mountain these days.'

Pandora's Box? Now he really lost her there. Sounds a little chaotic and strong powered. She looked at him questionable, hoping that he would speak up and tell her what he was talking about. With his tone, it seemed at thought he suspected her of something and was trying to pry. And if he found anything then he may try to kill her.

The thought of dieing didn't seem all that bad after she thought about it. She had been for years. Just the way that she would die is what really made her think of the subject. His movement of crossing his arms over his chest brought her back to the present. At the same time, her eye's widened and she started thinking and feeling that she may have made him mad at her.

With only a few minutes and just finding out his name, she had made a new record of getting strangers mad at her. She was a bit shocked and worried at the same time. There was a strange feeling that she got from him when he arrived and still holds strong in her chest. She touched her chest with her hand and started to rub it. Then she let her hand fall back to her side.

" Positive. I have never seen nor heard of this Pandora's Box that you speak of. " Him scowling at nothing around through her off guard for a but, until she opened up her ears and thought of him possibly being hungry.

The deer blood was really getting to her now and she wondered how much longer she could last before she goes and attacks something else. If Liam was thrown off at her weakening up too a deer, then he may not like it again. Arden closed her eyes and took a long breathe, then opened them again to await his response.

He supposed that sort of display would have made him think that someone was making a hasty retreat as well. It made sense, since he had, in a way, been running from the annoyances of Dark Mountain and all its trivial people. Really, did no one have a unique thought these days?

Maybe that was why he felt a sort of reluctant friendship forming with Arden when she admitted that she’d never heard of the place. It’d been a long time since he’d talked to someone out of the loop, and he could appreciate it.

And not knowing about Pandora’s box, well that was just another positive check for Arden. Finally someone that wouldn’t babble incessantly in his ear about myths and certain doom. Liam’s icy exterior melted slightly.

“I suppose that makes you tolerable then,” he told her, humor lacing his voice.

As if noticing it again as well, Liam glanced toward the deer and frowned. The smell, already unpleasant, was becoming slightly worse as time passed, smelling of death now as well. Liam’s stomach rolled, half sicked, and half hungry.

He wasn’t certain how much longer he could avoid the need to feed, but his stubborn will spiked again, denying him the ability to hunt. He was going to stick with his initial plan, which was to starve himself into delirium so that he wouldn’t really taste the animal blood when he was forced to resort to it.

Nearly sighing, Liam gritted his teeth and nodded his head at Arden.

“If you have nowhere else to go then, you might as well come along with me. It’s getting late. I suppose I can house you for the evening, unless you’d rather sleep in a tree.”

He didn’t know why he offered exactly. Maybe just for company, maybe just to get away from the smell of the deer, or maybe just to occupy his thoughts with something other than the need to feed.

Ooc: Ugh! Lame post XD Coffee killed my brain.

Arden took a breath and relaxed when he didn't go any further with the subject. Really pleased that he object to her saying that she didn't know anything of it all. The deer blood didn't really do anything or if it had, it was wearing off really fast.

" I supposed that makes you tolerable then, "

He supposes? Arden couldn't help but chuckle with his comment. She was pleased that she was at least tolerable. She followed his gaze to the deer and then felt that he was hungry and that the deer was getting to him as well. For a second she thought that maybe he could help her contain her hunger better then what she was teaching herself.

She gave a sad glance and hoped that he would notice so that she wouldn't have to say that she was sorry. She watched him nod at her and froze when he offered to have her come along with him. Him housing her was the main part that got her. He was right about the beginning of the last part.

" I don't sleep. " She didn't have to think about saying that. It was like someone else said that for her. Usually she just goes along with someone when they talk about sleeping. If she comes across anyone sleeping she just pretends to sleep. Hoping that she didn't freak him out when she said that.

" I will come, only if you want me too. " Arden stared at him and couldn't help but give a little smile when she said that. He made her a bit happy when he offered it. The forest was peaceful but she didn't want too attack another innocent deer again. The deer and her saying that she doesn't sleep was the only part that made her hold back a more truthful smile. Also that she wouldn't want him to start thinking that the made a mistake one offering.

Deeply, she really had nowhere else to go. She didn't have anywhere to go in the first place. It had been a very long time since she was in another persons home. She was pretty sure that he wouldn't go back on it. If so, he would've just left already.

Ooc: It wasn't lame. It was good. At least we found a start to what we can do. XD I'm sorry too because my shoulder was bothering me while I replied so i couldn't concentrate completely.

Liam pursed his lips, fighting back a smile as she reacted a little jumpily at his metaphor of sleeping in the tree. She seemed to be waiting for him to attack or harrass her, and he wasn’t certain if that fact was amusing or not. Not that he didn’t like being intimidating.

“Neither do I,” he responded, his tone a little warmer now.

There was something so unique about her that he couldn’t quite be as cold as he wanted. Besides, it’d been a long time since he’d had company. Especially of the vampire sort. He usually kept to himself, though he’d imagined that was just vampire nature to be a bit reclusive.

"I will come, only if you want me too. "

He wasn’t sure how to respond to that, as he didn’t want to sound needy or lonely. So he decided to take it nonchalantly, and he shrugged his shoulders.

“I wouldn’t have asked, otherwise.”

Though he was still surprised that he had asked at all. Maybe he was finally growing tired of the solitary life style he led. Or maybe he was just desperate for some conversation that didn’t revolve around Pandora’s box.

Either way, he didn’t mind attractive, unique company. And, though her clothing could use some updating, Arden seemed to fit both of these categories. Maybe she’d even help him stay preoccupied so he didn’t notice how dry his throat was becoming, or how his stomach seemed to be folding in on itself, seeking what it could for sustenance.

Liam nearly frowned. He was going to have to feed soon. But the question was when and on what?

Liam glanced upward suddenly, as if the answer was going to rain down onto his head. He noticed that clouds were moving in, and caught the distant rumble of thunder. Perfect. A thunderstorm. He scowled momentarily.

Then he merely shook his head and dropped his gaze back to Arden.

“We’d best go. That deer is truly starting to smell foul, and rain is coming. Dark Mountain becomes more difficult to navigate in the dark. And slightly more dangerous.” His lips curled as he said this.

Then he simply turned and led the way, expecting her to follow. He led her several miles north before they entered the town that resided in Dark Mountain. There were people milling about on the streets, but Liam ignored them, his nose nearly wedged in the air. Though some people did turn to stare of both genders, eyeing the two immortals curiously. Most knew him, but he imagined they were speculating as to who the newcomer was.

He hoped they wouldn’t be idiotic enough to think that she had something to do with their precious Pandora’s box. They would believe anything just to think they were a few steps closer to ultimate power. Fools.

He was glad when they reached his house, which was somewhat secluded, and found an escape from prying eyes behind the walls of his home. It resided on the outskirts of the town, guarded by a couple of dense trees that made it harder for curious eyes to spy. The inside was modestly decorated, but appeared to have the heartless feel of a room from a magazine. It was evident that he didn’t dwell on decorations or giving it a homey feel. It was just a house for him, just a place to reside when he had nowhere else to go.

“This is it,” he told her. “Make yourself at home. I thought maybe later we could go into town and find you some proper clothing. Don’t take this the wrong way, darling, but yours look a little worse for wear at the moment.”


Ooc: Yours was great, no worries. =) I just came up with a bit of an idea as well for what to do. Liam’s going to go a bit crazy in a little while from denying his thirst for so long, so be prepared. XD

Arden felt closer to him knowing that he didn't sleep either. A few of the vampire's that she had met actually slept and it made her feel out of place. Wondering if there was something wrong with her. But she casted it away when she thought of how perfect Blake was and that it couldn't be possible for something to be wrong with her.

Arden couldn't help but wonder his reasoning on asking, but she didn't worry about it too much. She was just happy that he did. The thought of going to another vampire's home, and a very handsomely attractive one, made her even more happy.

His mouth dropped a little. It was only enough that she could see, but if she was farther away she wouldn't have noticed. It made her look at him questionably again. Hoping that either he wasn't getting second thoughts on his offer or it was the deer again. She had to agree on the deer more so then then him changing his mind; it was starting to make her feel sick.

“We’d best go. That deer is truly starting to smell foul, and rain is coming. Dark Mountain becomes more difficult to navigate in the dark. And slightly more dangerous.”

Her thoughts were broken when he spoke up. His lip curling made a stream of shivers and excitement roll up and down her spin and changed her expression dramitcally fast. He answered her worried thoughts just the way she had hoped. The tone of his voice made it even better.

She loves the smell of rain, of something new. Faster than a blink, Arden picked up her bag and slung it over her shoulder and was right behind Liam. Soon she was right by his side, taking in his smell and the further surrounding of Dark Mountain.

As soon as they reached a mill of people she drew back a little and took in their stares. She knew that her dressing wasn't the best and would probably draw suspicion. Especially when there was someone much more elegantly dressed leading the way. She drew closer to his side again and watched the ground for bit, watching his feet lead hers to his house.

When they reached his house, it was a little secluded, and looked like it was a good place to get away from those starring people. It had a few guarding thick trees. Once inside, it looked to fit him quite well; his comfy, except able home. It had a good feel to it and made her feel relaxed. It didn't really have any decorations but it still fit him.

“This is it. Make yourself at home. "

She did feel at home and she didn't know why. She pierced her lips back and looked around, soaking everything in. She was wondering how long she was going to be here. She really didn't want to leave and wasn't sure that she would say that or not.

"I thought maybe later we could go into town and find you some proper clothing. Don’t take this the wrong way, darling, but yours look a little worse for wear at the moment.”

Darling!? That made her get a little jittery in her stomach and sad at the same time. Blake used to call her that all the time. It pained her dearly to think of him and what she had done. Liam saying it made her happy that it was him saying it. He made her feel so relaxed and a bit mixed up sometimes.

Especially when he said that he was going to take her shopping. She had money, but not enough for this place, it seemed. She did have to agree with him; her clothes were badly ripped in some places and they were starting to get a little uncomfortable.

"Ok. What did you have in mind?", she said while she glanced up at him.

He could see her scrutinizing herself as he remarked about her clothing. He nearly apologized, as he hadn’t meant to insult her really, but “I’m sorry” was a phrase he’d never truly learned to speak. Instead, he offered her a somewhat apologetic smile and shrugged.

“I’m not quite sure. We’ll find something. It will be my treat in exchange for your company. It was getting a little dull on my own,” he admitted.

He was warming up to her, a fraction at a time, and he let himself ease slowly into the social situation he’d allowed himself to walk into. It’d been awhile since he’d had close contact with anyone, and, now that there was a woman in his house again, the ice around him was melting a little, allowing him to see how much he’d missed the contact he’d deprived himself of.

Liam took a step toward her, a pondering expression drawing his brows together. He studied her frame, considered some of the clothing he’d seen in shop windows, and tried to imagine what would look best on her. Before he’d decided to become a recluse, Liam had been quite aware what looked good on and off a woman.

“You have a truly lovely bone structure,” he commented, his eyes lifting to her face finally. “A lovely body altogether, for that matter.”

His lips turned up into a playful smirk. “It won’t be too hard to find something that looks nice on you. I’m sure the boutique two blocks over will have something nice.”

He’d forgotten how particularly fun being devious was, forgotten entirely how much he enjoyed flirting with someone, forgotten just what it felt like to need.

His stomach growled ironically, and a ghost of a frown whispered over Liam’s face as the hunger pains started again. Enjoying himself too thoroughly to pay them any mind, Liam lifted a hand and trailed a tentative finger down Arden’s cheek. Once, long ago before he’d locked his emotions away, he’d been a rather skillful charmer.

“Come along then. We can go now and beat the rain.”

He nodded his head toward the door and took the initiative, dropping his hand and stepping around her.

Only to freeze solid just a few steps away, every joint in his body locking into place.

“Oh no,” Liam hissed.

Moving around her, he’d shifted the air, and, in his hunger’s desperation, he’d detected the faint scent of blood in the air, no doubt the dulled scent of the deer blood that was coursing through Arden’s veins prior to digestion. The deer blood that didn’t smell as repulsive underneath the skin of another. All at once, Liam’s mouth ran dry, spontaneously gathering venom in the back of his throat at the same time.

“Get out of here,” he tried to growl around it.

The hunger pain in his stomach nearly doubled him over, making his eyes grow round and slightly crazed. He had the briefest of moments to curse the timing, as he’d wanted the delirium so that he’d be able to feed blindly off an animal, not another vampire. And then, his mind went skillfully blank of everything but the one primitive, wild desire to feed.

He turned back to Arden, his eyes darkened with need, the blank expression in his eyes making his current state of mind apparent. He’d reverted back to a vampire’s original instincts: to lure the prey and to feast. Though he was half crazed, half mad, he was the cool charmer, the alluring count, the hungry predator.

In swift, nearly blind movement, Liam was in front of Arden again, no longer the same person. He caught her wrist, pulled it up between them, and jerked her forward so that they were pressed together. He could feel the pulse of the deer blood under his thumb. But it didn’t matter that it was deer blood now. It was just blood.

“Mmm, delicious,” he purred, as the scent curled into his nostrils. “I bet you taste delicious.”

He lifted her wrist to his mouth, exposing his fangs. “Just a sip. Just a tiny drink. It’s all I need. Don’t you want me to be satisfied?”

A suffering sigh expelled itself from his lungs, and Liam dipped his fangs into her wrist for a taste. Just a taste. It wouldn’t hurt her anyway. No, a vampire’s bite was best. It always felt quite nice. He lapped the blood. Not bad blood. Not deer blood. Not in his mind. Sweet delicious blood. Blood of a human. Blood of a vampire. But, he only took a taste, true to his word, and then his pleading, darkened blue eyes were back on Arden.

“Beautiful Arden Harvina, won’t you let me try some more? Just another taste. Maybe…Maybe from here?”

His voice didn’t sound like his own, and, as he spoke, he dropped her wrist and looped one arm around her waist to draw her closer, lifting the other to her neck to gesture at the base of her throat. It was better when the victim enjoyed it. Better when they asked for it. Yes.

ooc: Feel free to punch him XD Or whatever you like. Just thought I'd spice things up. He'll be himself again once he's fed. Or been knocked out ;P

Arden smiled back and couldn't help but stare into his eyes. The cool blue coloration was just so hypnotizing that she could see a world, not his but a new world that was exactly the way it was before all of the wars started. It carried a good feeling with it.

" Are you sure? I have some money with me. " Arden couldn't help but ask it. She was glad that it was his treat but they just met and she didn't want him to start taking care of her when she could herself. She didn't know how much she had with her but hopefully enough for at least one outfit.

She was getting more and more comfortable with him. He was giving her all kinda of emotions at once and yet they all come on their time as well. One after another. She loved feeling this way, but she deeply felt that she was just getting in over head and getting the wrong message.

“You have a truly lovely bone structure,” he commented, his eyes lifting to her face finally. “A lovely body altogether, for that matter.”

Arden started to blush when he complemented on her structures. She had gotten a few compliments here and there but nothing like this. Liam had an overwhelming smile that she couldn't help but smile back. She froze when he stepped closer and brushed her cheek with his finger. She got a jolt of joy and excitement in her chest that felt as thought it was going to blow out.

Two blocks away was a store that had anything that would look good on her. She couldn't really believe him on that, but she couldn't control herself in trusting him. She kept her blushed filled smile and tried nodding at him in reply. The words she wanted to say were stuck in her throat and she could barely move.

" Thank you. ", was all she could manage in a whispered voice.

Arden barely heard a light growling noise coming from his direction. She woke a small fraction from her hypnotized daze, but not enough to ask him if her was ok. She knew it would be a dumb question; every vampire, even herself, knew what that sound meant.

She watched his hand fall and caught a small whiff of his smell. She closed her eyes and quickly drew it in. The thought of him needing to feed faded to the back of her mind. The only thing that she was starting to hate about meeting him was what he's doing to her and making it harder for her to concentrate.

Arden slowly opened her eyes and watched him step around her, but just as he did she got a weird strong shock from him. She drew a worried and questionable face. The shock felt like a danger warning and she couldn't quite put her finger on it. It vastly started eating at her right then.

A hissy noise came from Liam and at first she didn't know what he said. It was a little fuzzy, but then she heard it. She took a step to the side and she found her control was back in her grasp and said, " What's wrong?"

She waited patiently for his reply. She took another side-step to the right, trying not trip over the furniture and hoped that she would be able to see his expression.

The growl of her voice made her jump back on her heels and made the things in her bag bounce up and then fall back down, pulling her weight a little towards the floor. Her bag slid off her shoulders and fell to the floor with a thump. She flung her arms out for balance and caught herself while taking one more step back. She put both her hands to her mouth and gasped as the sound of the growl still rung in her ears.

When he turned, he still looked the same but not. It looked as though there was someone else taking control of him. It started scare her and she couldn't think of what to do. She wanted to listen to his warning but she couldn't. He appeared right in front of her faster than she could blink and she couldn't move. He took her wrists so abruptly and rough that fear spread through her body. Masking the feeling that she got from him brushing her cheek.

The way that he was holding her wrists normally wouldn't hurt a vampire, but she was smaller than most and wasn't used to this kind of wrestling. " Oww!", she moaned only loud enough that they could hear. She was too fear struck that she couldn't make her voice any louder than that. She started to breath raspy and shaky when he protested that she may taste delicious.

Arden want him to be satisfied but she didn't think that she would be so scared of it being from her. Her eyes widened when he started coming in close to bit her. She winced and cried a little when his fangs entered her wrists. It was a weird and short, sharp pain that she never thought that she would feel. She understood what it must have felt like for Blake when she couldn't control herself. He was true to his word and only took a sip, a sip that made her weaker and left her feeling a little drained.

When he dropped her wrists, it felt like he did it a little gently. She weakly blinked and let her arms and wrists fall to her side. He wrapped one arm around her waist and one on her neck just as gentle. She slowly blinked and let him hold her close to him. He still had his sweet, lovely smell but trailed with the scent of a predator and one that was out of control. A killing machine, held back from it's own word.

She was like putty in his hands. Warm and pliable, and utterly delicious. The taste of her stolen blood was still warm on his tongue, still sweet and sticky in his throat. But it still wasn’t enough, not to fight off the delirious desire for more, not enough to quench his thirst. He felt her fear, sensed it in the air, but wasn’t deterred by it. If anything, fear only made him want more.

She didn’t give him the answer he sought, but she didn’t fight back either. This was as good of an answer as he cared to retrieve. He didn’t know, couldn’t think past the hunger, what he would have done had she denied him. It was safer that she hadn’t. He knew that at least.

The scent of blood was stronger in the air now that there was an open wound on her wrist, as small as it was. His stomach rumbled, clenched, and egged him on. In his mind, he wasn’t in his house, he wasn’t even on Dark Mountain. He was somewhere dark and luxurious in a private haven, enjoying a feast better than any at a four star restaurant.

He licked his lips, catching a trail of blood that he’d smeared messily on his bottom lip. Wasteful. How silly. He nearly chuckled. Nearly. But the moment was too intense for humor. Too intense to think. He kept his gaze trained on Arden, watched her register several different emotions while she stood in his arms.

The primitive needs were still there: the hunger. But there was something more, as there always was, with the intimate act of taking blood. Liam growled softly and dipped his head, but, instead of going for her neck, his lips landed on hers, tasting her mouth beneath his.

For a moment, the lines of reality blurred for Liam, and Arden was human. Real and alive, and coursing with blood. He could almost feel her heartbeat in their kiss. Then the world shifted again, and she was a vampire like him, though no less appealing. He pressed his lips harder against hers, sustaining the kiss, warring between two different needs.

When he finally drew back, only slightly, there was a haunting smile on his lips and still a trace of blood at the corner of his mouth.

“Beautiful Arden Harvina, you won’t keep it from me, will you?” he asked, his voice like velvet.

The ultimate predator.

His lips grazed her cheek as he ducked his head and found the hollow of her neck. He was still too hungry to wield himself with much flourish, and, like a starved animal, he sunk his fangs into her neck, growling in delight as her blood rushed up to meet him. It washed over his tongue, coating his throat with a brand new layer of sugary sweet liquid. It was like heaven. It was like release.

He drank. He didn’t know how much. But, after a time, something inside of him clicked cleanly back into place, and, all at once, Liam found himself again. Though deep down to the core he was pleased and elated, he gasped, horrified with himself, as he came to with his fangs in Arden’s neck.

Immediately, he released her, thought better of it, and quickly looped his arms around her again. He wasn’t certain how weak she would be after he’d just stolen her blood, so, out of courtesy, he thought he'd hold her up, keep her on her feet, until he was certain that she could do so herself.

His eyes were clear and his own again as they studied her in panic, though his cheeks contained a slightly rosy glow from his meal. He was sickened with himself, to the very core. He never stole anyone else’s meal. Never. He never fed from another vampire. By his own self-inflicted rule.

“I’m so sorry,” he uttered the one phrase that rarely passed by his teeth. “Are you all right?”

His eyes were full of unhabitual worry. “I don’t know how much I took. Can you stand? We…We need to get you some more blood. It’s all my fault, really. I’m such a fool.”

Why hadn’t he fed? Certainly, feeding from wildlife was degrading, but he’d just absolutely humiliated himself in front of a stranger, one he’d had had hope would have become something of a friend to him. At least for a little while. At least to curb the loneliness. Now she was probably terrified of him.

“I’m sorry,” he blurted again, uncertain as to what could possibly make up for his blunder.

Arden braced herself for this monster to bit her neck. Her breathing quickened and then she started to fall a little limp in his arms. They felt so strong and but was covered and controlled by a complete killing machine that no one knew existed. Like it only came out on it's own self set time and lurched in the shadows.

All her memories were running in her head but she was trying to push them away. Most of them pained her too much and she was already in enough pain. Pushing them away made her feel a little more weaker. She was using her energy over her mind instead of trying to get away to safety.

Liam's grip on her was too strongly held and she was too weak to move. Her wrists still hurt, one hurt more than the other as the blood trailed down her hand and dripped of her finger tips, splashing everything in its path. Her torn jeans were starting to soak up a few drops here and there that were barely making it from her arms still swaying a little. The blood felt unbelievably warm on her leg. The smell of her own blood smelled sweet and delicious. At the same time, the thought of it being her own blood made her sick. She no longer felt the last of the deer blood in her body.

Each breathe she took pressed her chest against his. Her heart was slowly calming its pounding. Despite Liam being a hungry savage, he was the only thing that was keeping her heart pounding, but not of fear. Her blood slowly dripping out of her body was lowering her fear. She wondered if he could feel her chest pounding against his through the monster casing.

The motion of his tongue smoothly gliding over his lips gave her a little bit of uncontrolled energy to stand up straight again. She looked at him and saw that his lower lip was redder than the upper from him smearing her blood all over. She looked into his eyes and saw that he was way far away, too far away to try and find. The only way for him to be found is for him to come back on his own.

When his lips touched hers her limbs and joints locked in place, filling her body with excitement and jitters. She closed her eyes and tried to enjoy his kiss, even though it was controlled by a monster and truly not him. She got a small taste of her blood while she tried to get a taste of his lips above hers. She couldn't help but give into it.

With her eyes still closed she faintly saw the first smile that he had given her in the forest and distinctive pressed her lips harder to his. A few seconds later he pulled away and she drew brows close together to form an unsatisfied face and then let it go as fast as it came.

His velvet voice wrapped around his words and all that she heard was "Beautiful Arden Harvina." Well, the only part that she could understand. She was too weak minded to think about what he meant on the last part. She ghostly thought that she's not fighting for her life; that she's just giving herself to him.

His lips grazing against her cheek and down her neck gave her the slight pleasure filled chills. When he unhesitantly suck his fangs into her neck pain a fear shot from the punctures and spread out through her body. Her arms shot up to clench onto to is waist, gripping tightly. Her eyes and her mouth shot open and wide. Her eyes contained a little cloudy coloration to them. Her fangs distinctively came out, make it seem like a monster was killing another. A short scream came out and then faded with a ringing echo that she could hear herself.

After a few minutes of this monster killing monster picture went on, she started getting unbelievably weak. Her fangs still stood out, but her eyes slowly returned. She could feel every time he sucked more blood out of her body, slowly losing consciousness as well.

Arden sensed that the monster that had consumed Liam was leaving and that he was coming back. Her eyes and her mouth relaxed a little when he released her. She still had her hands clenched to his waist, soaking the ends of his shirt , jacket and all along his pant leg with her blood.

She weakly took a breathe after breathe while he held her on her feet. She took in his normal, sweetly, worried voice as he apologized. Deep down she was happy and excited that she was in danger, but mad at herself for not listening and making him worry and possibly hate himself.

" I'm... sorry. ", she weakly and out of breath said. She looked into his worry and embarrassed filled eyes and hoped that he saw that she wasn't afraid of him. She was relieved that she had seen another vampires power; feeling it course through her own. She wasn't sure if it was the monster part of if it was his true part that she couldn't help but love.

Arden closed her eyes and weakly leaned her head into his chest, listening to his voice fade as he said that he was sorry one last time.

Liam could barely believe it when he heard her apologize, her voice faint and weak from all he’d taken. Apologize to him? She had nothing to be sorry for. Except, perhaps, choosing to come home with him. That had been both their mistakes. He should have known that he’d been a recluse too long to properly entertain anyone. Now look what he’d done. He must have left her close to the edge, just at the boundary between life and death.

Her body sagged against his, and the effort of her drawing breath was so weak and faint that he could only barely feel her chest rising and falling agianst his. Oh, what a fool. What had he done?

When she dropped her head against his chest, he stiffened slightly, through it all feeling something that was completley out of place as she made the simple gesture. Not that he could blame her. She was probably already too weak now to hold her head up on her own. He was sickened with himself, absolutely sickened.

Gritting his teeth, Liam effortlessly situated them both so that he could loop one of his arms behind her legs and the other behind her back, and he lifted her off the ground and into his arms. As he lifted, he realized she’d been holding onto his sides the entire time, but now her grip weakly fell away, and Liam felt like the scum of the earth. He barely knew her, had been reluctant to be social with her, but now she was his ward to revive. It was his fault she was how she was now.

Stepping carefully, Liam took her to his couch and gently laid her across it. When he saw that her wrist was still bleeding, he inwardly cursed himself as he noted how it smeared her clothes and was most likely going to paint his couch. The couch could be replaced. Her life could not.

Once he was certain she was comfortably situated, he ripped a length of cloth from his shirt and tied it around her wrist, hoping to ebb the flow of blood and cut it off completely. When he noticed that her neck was still bleeding as well, he figured that his shirt—covered in her blood as well—was beyond repair anyway, and he hastily shrugged out of it, pressing a clean patch of it to the wound on her neck. Vampire’s healed their own wounds after time, but, in her weakened state, he was certain how long it would take her.

“I’ll be back. Don’t move, not even a little,” his tone was soft and comforting, though his eyes were clouded with worry as he pushed to his feet. “I’m going to get you some blood, okay? You’ll be all right. I’m truly sorry.”

Before he could feel any more like a fool, Liam hurried out of the house and down the street. He was only gone, at most, for thirty minutes, but he managed to lasso her a clean outfit (a simple white shirt and pants, he’d let her pick something else out later) and some blood. The blood had taken some begging, which he was usually above and still hated doing, but Sev of Caliendos finally caved when he learned of Liam’s desperation.

Now, armed with a wine bottle of blood and fresh clothes, Liam re-entered his house and dropped to his knees beside the couch. Carefully, he slid one arm underneath the back of her neck and helped her sit up enough so that the blood would go down easily, then he lifted the mouth of the bottle to her lips and helped her drink from it.

“I’m sorry,” he apologized for the millionth time. “I got you a clean outfit. As soon as you’re done and can stand on your feet, feel free to use my shower. Throw whats left of your outfit in the garbage and put on what I’ve gotten you. Then we can talk. I’ll escort you back out to the woods if you want to leave. I’d understand.”

It was the first time he’d been truly gentle or nice to anyone, and Liam felt both awkward and embarassed, though his guilt kept him from doing anything else.

Arden wanted him to know that she should have listened to him. She should have left when he warned her. She couldn't figure out why she didn't. She just couldn't move and felt that she didn't want too. Thinking that she may have made the biggest mistake in letting her feelings come out again, she closed her eyes tighter and tried to take a slow, calming long breathe.

She wasn't quite gone but she wasn't a hundred percent conscious either. She had heard of this place before, countless stories and tales, but she didn't believe them to be true. They called it the boundary of death and life. It is one of the worst places for a fledgling to be in, and apparently Liam agreed. His worried struck voice is hard to miss.

When he lifted her up into his arms, her grip vastly let go and her arms fell down too his blood soaked legs. The ceiling looked cloudy and her vision was well off from returning. Her body weakly lay in his arms and her mind faintly raced with the events that started from her attacking the deer to the current time. Constantly arguing on about it was all her fault, that she shouldn't have attacked the deer and that this wouldn't have happened. Liam probably would have gone on his merry way, just like the others.

Arden tried to give herself some credit to the fact that she hadn't fed in a week, if not more, and since she had been on her own for a little more than a hundred years, she didn't really have anyone around to help her out with her thirst. Then the times when she faintly heard his stomach yelling at him, she should have said something, but yelled at herself for not.

The ceiling came a little more into focus when the movement stopped. She lightly glanced around and felt that she was laying down on Liam's couch. She still felt her blood leaving her body and now soaking up his couch. What more was she going to ruin for him?

She closed her eyes and heard the sound of cloth ripping echo in her ear. She felt a little pressure on her wrist were he had bitten her. Then the echo returned, like a round in a chorus concert. Then she felt pressure on her neck next and wondered how long it would take for her wounds to heal. That was one thing that she really appreciated about being immortal; your wounds heal faster than mortals.

“I’ll be back. Don’t move, not even a little,I’m going to get you some blood, okay? You’ll be all right. I’m truly sorry.”

His voice sounded really comforting and calm, but filled with so much worry. It carried a sense of truth with it, like it's to be another of his words to be kept. She decided to listen to him, no matter how much she wanted to reach out to him and ask for his forgiveness on disobeying his warning. She owed him that much.

The time that he was gone Arden spent thinking on a plan to lock her feelings back up and hope that they don't consume her again. She knew that they were hurting Liam and now her. The last thing that she really wanted in meeting someone was to have her lose control of her emotions and to hurt them. To be weak and powerless of her own will. She winced at the thought of failing to be strong, strong like she promised her family, and Blake. She broke the promise and almost lost her sense of things over it all.

She knew that by locking her emotions back up, that it would be harder than before. Especially since she realized that she didn't want to leave Liam, unless it was necessary. She didn't want anything to happen either again or worse.

When he arrived he carried with him, it looked to be a wine bottle of blood and some fresh clothing. Carefully sliding his one arm underneath the back of her neck, she eagerly drank from the wine bottle once she was sitting up enough. Her fangs had gone back, barely noticeable, but from Liam's distance, she was sure he could see them still.

The blood felt like velvet running down her throat. The sweet smell filling her nostrils with energy filled fums. Her vision soon became their normal form and she could see things more clearly now. Liam's face looked so much filled with worry and sadness that it was hard to miss. Once the bottle was empty she had enough strength back and she used it to take the bottle and tilted her head back with the bottle resting just above her lips and let the last few drop drip down her throat. She closed her eyes to enjoy the last bit of the blood and then opened them to look back at Liam as he spoke.

"... I’ll escort you back out to the woods if you want to leave. I’d understand. "

She looked at him questionably when he said that. She didn't want to leave him and that much was clear to her, no matter how fuzzy and distort-ant everything appeared. She took a deep breath and waited for more of her energy to return, looking into Liam's still emotion filled eyes.

He was moderately relieved when she took the bottle and finished the last of the blood for herself, however, as she remained silent, his guilt didn’t completely ebb. He couldn’t quite describe the expression in her eyes as she peered up at him, but he thought it looked dangerously close to trust. How could she possibly still trust him now? He had to be, possibly, the most unhonorable man he knew at the moment. No boundaries, no limits. He was just a fool.

Perhaps she was still more weakened than he expected. For all he knew, the blood might take awhile to restore her strength. However, he just couldn’t quite stand seeing her lying on his couch, bloodied and immobile because of his ignorance. He felt utterly useless.

“All right, well, why don’t I help you to the bathroom?” he offered.

Just as carefully as before, he scooped her off of the couch and into his arms. He had her clean, new clothes tucked under his arm as he started down the hall with her, careful not to bump her into anything. He sidestepped into the bathroom and carefully sat her on the toilet, eyeing her warily to make sure that she didn’t suddenly topple over sideways.

His bathroom was stark white with glistening clean tile floors, and this décor seemed to emphasize the deep, angry color of blood spattered on her clothing and seeping through the makeshift bandages he’d constructed for her. Because he couldn’t stand to look at what he’d done, Liam turned, set her clothes on the hamper in the corner, and then presumed to hot water into his porcelain tub.

As he let the tap run, he spoke to her without turning. “I hope you can handle it from here. I’ll just step out now, and, if you need anything, just holler. I won’t be too far.”

He offered her an apologetic half-smile and straightened. What was there to say? He wasn’t quite sure. He’d already apologized prefusedly, and he already felt like the scum of the earth. Now all there was to do was to mend his mistakes. To the best of his ability.

He’d take care of her, nurse her back to health, and then oblige her if she still felt like leaving. For now, however, he would occupy himself while she took a bath. Absently, Liam rubbed a hand on his bare chest, as his shirt was still currently wrapped around Arden’s wounds.

“I’m going to step out and find something different to wear, just yell if you need…err..help or anything.”

Feeling miserable, Liam nodded absently at her and slipped out of the bathroom, closed the door behind himself, and went to his room to find something to change into.

Her strength was returning a little bit faster then before and she started feeling better. Though she was still in pain, she continued to stare Liam. Her strength to speak was back but she really didn't know what to say. Like the original plan was made, they would talk after she showered.

The silence between them became awkward and was broken by Liam moving the plan into a faster motion. She could tell that it was starting to get to him more so than her; why he was the one who had broken the silence.

The time that he had lifted her back up into his arms and carefully walked down through the hall was all a daze. It happened fast and presently at once. She wasn't sure if this stage was part of her recovery. The only thing that she was really aware of was the brief moments when she was present.

Arden motionlessly sat on the toilet and watched every move that Liam had made. As if she was just born and trying to figure out the function and form of everything; relearning it all.

" I'm sure that I can. " She replied with a raspy but still weak voice when she came too and gave a small smile back.

The steam from the porcelain tub started floating up and out towards her. It was a thin mist that started to dance on the floor and made a small wall between the two of them.

She nodded to him as he reassured her that if she needed him to just call. While she nodded, the slightly dried blood cracked and shot a few little sharp pains throughout the opening areas on her neck. Once she left she slowly got up and walked to side of the tub and used the edge to brace herself as she undressed. She winced as she tore off the pieces of Liam's shirt. They were fully soaked with blood and there was no trace of there ever being another color.

She let the hot water peel away the slightly caked on blood and soothe the inside of her wounds. They weren't as bad as they were before. The blood was taking affect on her healing, but not enough of dulling the start of the painful process. She laid back and relaxed with her eyes closed and focused on staying calm.

Liam could hardly believe she was continuing being civil with him after the display he'd just put on. All she seemed to have for him was smiles and trust. He wondered what kind of foul company she must have kept previously to still tolerate him being in the same room as her. He was waiting for her to throw something, to punch him, to shout accusations. Anything!

Unnerved and still feeling idiotic, Liam ventured down the hall into his bedroom. He didn't both to turn the lights on, but simply crossed the room to his closet. Like the rest of his house, his bedroom looked like it came straight from a magazine ad: nothing was out of place, everything blended, and even the bed was tidily made in such a pristine manner it looked as if no one had ever slept on it.

Well, he certainly hadn't.

Growling, Liam flung open the doors to his closet and angrily tore a shirt off of the nearest hanger, jammed his arms through it, and began to button it up. Once done, he kicked off his pants, finding that they had smears of blood on them as well, and shrugged into a clean pair.

Once he was done, he didn't bother to spare a glimpse in the mirror, but simply reached up to flatten the collar of his shirt. It was navy blue and blended darkly with his black slacks. Suiting his mood.

He wasn't certain how he was going to handle Arden now. Not when she was taking his horrible atrocity so lightly. He couldn't believe she wasn't running away from him as it was. He'd done something truly despicable.

Steeling himself, he paused on his way back down the hall to tap lightly on the bathroom door.

"I'll be in the living room. Come and find me when you're done," he spoke through the door.

He didn't wait to hear a response, as he wanted to allow her time to relax. He'd just put her through a very strenuous experience. Still glowering to himself, Liam glided down the hall and into the living room. He went to the smaller couch, sickly eyeing the blood stain on the larger one as he passed, and dropped himself wearily onto the cushions.

He could have done with a long, hot bath himself, but he didn't feel as if he'd done one. Running a troubled hand through his dirty blonde hair, Liam waited for Arden to finish her bath.

Arden thought it odd herself that she wasn't running from Liam. That she was till gonna be around him after what he had done. He almost killed her, and absolutely brought on pain a fear to her. Normally she would've hit him and fought for her life, but her body and mind didn't allow her to be in control.

She would've done what most people would've done; run, fight, scream, and other related actions. But she's not like everyone else; at least, not anymore. That was her new goal that she made official when she meet Liam in the forest. She didn't want to be the one to run anymore. The only times that she didn't was when it was necessary for her to stay. That really only happened once in a blue moon.

The water was very soothing and relaxing. Which came to a surprise because Arden didn't get to relax that much. Arden was a little glad that what happened, happened. It's helping her to relax, which she hadn't been able to do for a long time. And it felt good, she had forgotten what the feeling of relaxing felt like.

Arden opened her eyes and stared at the ceiling for a few seconds to let her eyes adjust. She looked at the bloody bath water, it wasn't really as bloody as she thought it would be. She was relieved to know this, Liam is so worried and angry with himself that it's making her worry about him. Wonder what he's thinking about on her actions towards it all.

She sat up and searched for the drain plug and unplugged it. She stood up and let the water roll off her body and then reached for a towel and wrapped herself in it. She glanced at her wrist and saw that there were healing up nicely, that looked like little dark red imprints. She rubbed her fingers over them and they felt like small dentations. They hurt a little but it was manageable. Her neck was the same, but a little more deep of dentations and even though they hurt more then her wrist, they too were manageable.

Her strength and energy were a lot better now that she had rested and was able to relax. She stepped out of the tub and got dressed. The clothes that Liam had gotten for her were really comfortable and fit her nicely. She picked up the towel and hung it up on the rack. She winced and gave a little cry as a sharp pain shot through her neck when she reached for the rack. She started feeling a little trickle running down.

Once she found a clean piece of her shirt that wasn't crusted with soaked in blood, she tore the piece and held it in place on her neck. Then she picked up the rest of her old clothes with her other hand and through them in the trash. She walked out of the bathroom and down the hall. She stopped and leaned on the corner of the wall and found Liam sitting on the little couch.

Liam had nearly jumped up, nearly run to the bathroom to see if she was all right when he heard her give the small scream that sounded pained. He wasn't sure what stopped him, but he felt even guiltier for it, despite how he'd, embarrassed, thought of the possibility of accidentally seeing her nude. As if he could do anything more to scar the girl in one day.

Uncertain and uncomfortable, he'd been somewhere between going to check on her and resolutely staying on the couch when he heard the bathroom door open and, seconds later, found Arden standing in the hallway, looking marginally refreshed, and staring across the room at him.

His gaze flicked once to where she was applying pressure onto her neck, and he felt guilty and yet horribly hungry at the same time. This only sickened him further as his stomach gave a lurch. He could smell the human blood he'd given her coursing through her veins now, and, as he hadn't taken that much from her before (seeing as there had been so little to take from her meal of the deer) he was still somehow, despite it all, hungry.

Liam grimaced and dropped his gaze to the floor. He was absolutely insufferable and foul. It wasn't hard to remember why he had inflicted a solitary existance upon himself. He never worked well with others. It always ended badly.

"Are you feeling better?" he asked finally, feeling idiotic.

Of course she probably still felt miserable. He'd nearly killed her. Just because he'd been stupid enough to think he could outsmart his thirst and find a way around consciously drinking animal blood. It wasn't worth the price his conscience had paid. Though he was truly surprised to find that he still had a conscience.

"I hope the clothes suit you all right." What a dumb thing to say. He berated himself. "Would you like to sit down and rest awhile? Or... I suppose you'll want to be leaving."

He closed his eyes for a moment. "If that's the case, I must insist that you at least rest here tonight first to regain your strength. I...I promise to keep my distance."

Liam looked shook up and a little antsy. She saw him glance at her hand on her neck and look away. She awkwardly took her hand off and started combing her wet hair. Once all the knots were out, she ruffly shook both hands and made her hair look a little wildly messy. Most would think that by doing that that she was flirting, but it just felt better and her hair dried faster that way; even though she liked her hair wet. At least, that's what she would tell them if they said anything. She didn't tell them that she really liked it that way;that she looked good that way. She didn't really speak much of what her likes and dislikes were.

His actions were making her worry and sad. She wanted to run up and hug him, let him know that it was ok. She wasn't mad and that she understands. But she held herself back, remembering that she has to keep better control of her emotions. Lock them back up.

" Yes, I am. Thank you." She knew that saying 'thank you' was going to make him confused and rebel against it, but she was glad that he wasn't like most that wouldn't or don't care.

She felt bad for him, empathy, not sympathy. She understood completely what it feels like to lose control of yourself to the thirst. The only difference between them is that he knows what it's like to see the other still alive, she doesn't and it makes her feel like she should take the pain away. She's been through it before, even though she handled it the wrong way.

" They fit nicely. Really comfortable. " She walked past the blood stained couch and sat in the chair next to it. She looked at the couch for a little and then glanced over at Liam, still looking at the floor. She saw her bag still on the floor and thought what he had said. She could or should leave, it would be the safer and smart thing to do. Which is one thing that she is hoping to change into; smarter and safer.

" That's not necessary. I'm not going anywhere. Unless you want me to go." She said with confidence and insurance. She didn't want him to want her to go, but if so, she would obey this time.