Shadows Of Desire
The Kindness of Strangers

Alarmed, Thaden had scooped Rowan up in his arms and held him close to his chest. He looked to the two Shee, the concern and worry evident on his face. Even Tally, as young as she was, could tell that not all was well as she leaned over the side of the cart, distressed, watching the adults.

“I believe the shock was too much for him.” Thaden told the couple, pleading with them for assistance. The woman did not look convinced that Rowan’s ‘fainting’ was anything more than an elaborate act to gain their sympathies. Her male companion on the other hand seemed more considerate of his guest’s unexpected reaction to the news of his father’s death. “He needs a place to rest.” Thaden continued, “Please. He’s with child.”

The man nodded, and motioned for Thaden to follow him into the village. “This way.” He said.

“Asgall!” The woman looked to her companion, anger flashed across her face as she stepped in front of Asgall and placed a hand on his chest. “You can not do this.” She hissed. “This vampire is our enemy.”

“Out of my way, Riona.” He gave her a stern look then gently removed her hand from his chest. “I will not turn away those in need. It is not our way.”

Riona huffed, narrowing her eyes angrily, but stepped aside and allowed Asgall to lead Thaden into the village. Tally had jumped down from the cart and was running at Thaden’s side. Even as the woman, Riona, tried to stop her. Tally only swatted the woman’s hands away and shouted for her to leave her alone.

Asgall led them to a small hut not far from where the festivities had taken place. Once inside, he pointed to a cot sat against the far wall of the hut. “Put him there.” He instructed. Thaden did as he was told, gently laying Rowan’s unconscious body against the cot that, he realized, was remarkably soft. The three of them were followed by Riona who kept a watchful eye over the new comers. Tally sided up against Thaden, staring suspiciously at the woman. Riona had to smirk at that. Such a tiny child, frail and weak looking though the fierceness of her eyes told Riona that the child would fight anyone who might threaten her family.

Riona took a step near Asgall, then leaned in and whispered in his ear. “Once the vampire is awake and well, send them on their way. I beg you. Keeping them here puts our entire village at risk.”

“I disagree.” Asgall put a hand on Riona’s shoulder. His expression was soft and kind as he looked back at her. “I do not believe these strangers mean us any harm. The Gods would not have sent them here if they did.”

“But, Asgall...”

“Trust in the Gods, Riona. These three were sent here for a reason. I can feel it.”

Riona was about to protest further when the door to the hut opened and a woman with lavender hair pushed her way inside. “If the two of you are going to argue, take it outside.” She snapped. Thaden looked at the woman as she approached Rowan’s bedside. He was apprehensive at first but once he looked into her eyes he was filled with a sense of calm that put him right at ease. The lavender haired woman was beautiful and had a youthful appearance, like all the other residents of the village, but Thaden could see the truth of her age behind her silvery eyes. This woman had the benefit of countless centuries of wisdom behind those eyes. She very well could have been older than even Asgall and Riona, which was evident in the way that she scolded them as though they were children.

“My apologies, Peigi.” Asgall bowed to the woman as he spoke. “You are right, of course. We have no business arguing in front of our guests.” He gave Riona a stern look as he said the latter.

Riona huffed, folded her arms over her chest and turned away from him.

“The Vampire Prince, collapsed after receiving some devastating news.” Asgall explained. “I imagine all he needs is rest.”

Peigi cocked an eyebrow as she looked up at Asgall. “Are you a healer?” She asked him, curtly.

Asgall smirked. “No, madam.” He answered her.

“Then let me diagnosis the patient and keep your opinions to yourself.”

Asgall bowed in respect. “Of course, madam.”

Peigi leaned over Rowan and touched his head. She closed her eyes, humming softly to herself, and began to wave her other hand slowly up and down the length of his body. Tally tugged at the hem of Thaden’s shirt and he looked down at her.

“What’s she doing?” Tally whispered.

“She’s a healer, little one. She’s using her magic to make sure Rowan is healthy.” Thaden said, as he smiled down at the child.

“I wouldn’t say the news he’s received is all that devastating.” Peigi said, eyes still closed. “His soul rejoices at the death of the man who has caused him so much pain and suffering. His heart, on the other hand, weeps for those who have been enslaved by the vampire realm. This young man is no enemy to our people, nor is he fully vampire. He is, something...more.” She continued her humming as she moved her hand down to Rowan’s belly and then stopped. Her hand rested there and Thaden saw the hint of a smile grace her pretty features.

“I thought so.” She whispered. Opening her eyes, she turned to Thaden and smiled warmly at him. “The answer to the question you seek is yes. He is indeed carrying your child and you can rest easy, my Prince. The Child is well and healthy.”

Thaden sighed a breath of relief, returning the smile. “Thank you Milady.” He bowed to her, kissing her hand. “Your words are a great joy and relief to me.”

“I am sure they are.” Peigi held Thaden’s hand in hers and gave it a gentle pat. Her eyes shone with kindness and her smile was as radiant as the sun. “As for his ailment, my Prince, fear not. He’s merely fainted. I suspect due in part from the pregnancy and being overwhelmed with emotion. As Asgall, our fearless leader, has stated, he needs rest. That is all.”

Thaden nodded. “Again, thank you.” He reached for his purse but Peigi stopped him with a shake of her head. “Keep your coin.” She told him. “My services are free to all.”

“Then, you have my gratitude.” Thaden told her. “Mine and Rowan’s, I’m sure.”

“Me too.” Tally spoke up, looking to Peigi. “Thank you for helping my Papa.” She grinned up at the woman and Peigi laughed softly.

“You are more than welcome, child.” Peigi touched the top of Tally’s head and sighed. “It is terrible thing for one so young to have suffered so much. The Goddess saw your pain though and led you to replace these two men. It has always been her plan for the three of you to be together.”

Tally clung to Thaden’s side and Thaden wrapped a protective arm around her. “Then the Goddess has truly blessed us.” Thaden said. “For this child is a gift and we are extremely grateful to have her.”