OSHA
Having been late, I sprinted breathlessly into the main hall. I spotted Gertrude by the far corner, serving guests who looked like they had recently arrived. Once she left the group, I rushed to her side doing my best not to make a spectacle of myself. She turned around long enough for our eyes to meet. "I beg pardon, madam for my late arrival, I've been making trouble for you all day, I sincerely apologize." I bowed deeply. I had been acting like a child all day, well... not all day. Mind flashed to Pasha. Master yourself Osha! Lifting my head, I peeked at Gertrude. "Heavens child, the fault was not your own, a certain young lord asked for you." I pressed my mouth in a thin line and my skin getting hot and prickly. She knows. A knowing smile spread across her face, she lifted the corner of her apron feigning innocence, she plucked at a stray thread. "Did something happen?" This little minx. "Of course not! I... just got lost." I trailed off. I was grasping at straws here. She erupted in hushed giggles whilst I stifled mine. Someone caught her attention from behind me, her laughter coming to a halt. "Meera?" That was my mother's name. I whirled my head around to see a very tall man, he was by far the tallest person I ever met. He had years on him but they didn't take away from his startling appearance. His auburn hair was tied back into one voluminous strand, his warm tan skin almost glowing. His mossy green eyes glassy with disbelief. For an older man, was visibly masculine, the clothes he wore gave notion he was royalty, although he looked out of place in them. He was very different in contrast to the appearance of our usual guests. Fully turning to him, his face fell. "Apologies my ladies, it appears I have been mistaken." Obviously perplexed he took a grand stride back turning elegantly on his heels. "My mother..." I blurted out gaining his attention. "That was my mother's name." His eyes swept over me, studying my every detail. "Meera Birch."
The man had excused us and ushered us to the corner of the room. We sat in opposition of each other. "You may call me Yuri, My Lady." He began. "I'm no lady sire, I'm simply a servant." Meeting his eyes with dull glance. "Of course, of course." How did my mother come to know a vampyr? He cleared his throat, he looked to be nervous. "How is your mother, has she been well?" My eyes revealing what my lips could not. "You don't mean..." he trailed off, the weight of it seeming to crush him. How well DID he know her? "Did you...know my mother well sire?" Still in a state of shock, he drew in a large breath. "I did." He exhaled mournfully. "Will you tell me more?" I pressed. "I didn't have much time with her before..." I let my sentence fall silent on my lips. "Do you not have a father?" He tentatively asked. "Never knew the bastard." I replied dismissively. Yuri squirmed in his seat. "Do you know of his name?" "No, not even his name." He fumbled with his hands, deep in thought, the wheels churching in his could almost be heard aloud. Observing him I realized he was sweaty, the tan of his skin now blotched with red. "I-I have matters to attend, may I call on you sometime..." "Osha." I finished. He froze, an unidentifiable expression crossed his face. "Osha." He swallowed, he hopped from his seat. "Are you alright sire?" I asked. "Oh yes, just the nerves. " he waved then walked away. How strange, first Pasha now- "Gertrude!"
She may have the patience of a saint but even she, is bound to have a limit. I hastily gathered myself to find her.
It had been years since I've dreamt of her. Chocolate waves streaming down her lower back, the caramel swirls that made up her eyes. I can remember her smiling and the warmth that flowed from her. I could almost feel the touch of her arms around me. Mother... I've been lost without you. If only I could turn the clock of time backwards, if only I'd been older, perhaps I could've helped you. If only I could uncover the reason for you being taken from me. What made the villagers so happy to watch you burn? What did you do? If only I'd known! If only...
The following morning, I reported back to Gertrude, having not heard word from Yuri, Pasha nor Misha. I spent a great deal of my night lying awake, contemplating everything. Who was that man to my mother? Was he a lover perhaps? Would he indeed contact me again? Then there was Pasha. What transpired between Pasha and I had to be addressed, what would this mean continuing forward, if it did at all. Did he hold affections for me or was it simply lust? Of all the unlimited supply of flawless vixens in his wake, not to mention highborn, why was it my lips he devoured? Was I not but a servant in his eyes? I was plagued with the same question over and over. Why did I enjoy it so much? What overcame by base instincts to make me behave so freely and why...did I want more?
Gertrude sat on a stool next to the preparation table smiling. "Good morning!" She beamed. "Good morning ma'am!" I bowed. "Gertie." She corrected. "Gertie." I repeated. She motioned me to the table. I walked around, grabbing the stool next to her and sat. "Today, I'll teach you the ways of cooking. I'm going to advise you while you do all the work, this is how you learn quickly, by just jumping in. We will be preparing food for the workers." She paused. The air grew stale and heavy, we both knew what hung between us. "We take great care with this, it's the least we can do." She placed her hand on mine, our eyes meeting. "This is our way of lifting their spirits Osha, this way no matter how horrible the day, their bellies will be full on our deliciously made meals. From afar we shall make them strong and stir their spirits, they deserve to remember what is to be human." She finished with a squeeze. "You're absolutely right Gertie! They deserve this! Teach me everything, from start to finish." My voice rung with a godly righteousness as I stood. Gertie watching my declaration grinned. "Let's begin."
I had learned so much from Gertie today! Skipping down the halls I felt as though I was soaring in the clouds. I've never had a duty in which I could serve my people before, now I could. It may in a small way but I was able to do something. As I've said, I'm no hero and this is no fairytale in which for me to wake from, this was reality. I held no real power or sway but cooking that meal for them was a balm to my soul. A mustard seed of pride grew in my heart, what my hands did, helped feed my people.
I returned to my quarters, once inside I heaved myself across my bed. I was consumed by thoughts of many different things I would learn about cooking, I giggled with excitement. A single knock to my door had me leaping from my skin. What now? With the shuffling of paper under the door I looked downward. A message. I paused waiting for the footsteps outside to recede, they did. Recovering the letter from the floor, I dusted it, it was from Pasha. Wait for two knocks at midnight. "Guess I'll be getting some answers tonight. I knelt beside my bed, stuffing the message deeply into my mattress. I hopped back onto my bed and waited anxiously.
PASHA
Misha and I stood silently our parents chambers, like children before being punished. The room was in all black decor, the both doors on either side of their room opened leading to the wrap around balcony. In the middle of the room were chairs, filling them were two slaves, one male, one female.
My parents were abnormally hunched over their victims, drawing the last bit of life from them. Upon doing so, they discarded them to the side, lifeless. It was mercy compared to my act the prior evening. Lydia's death loomed over me, Misha calmed me enough to focus on getting rid of they body. We decided to offer her body to The Pits, the hounds eating the remains of what was left of her. "So." Our mother spoke, gliding towards us. She licked the remaining blood for her lips, her golden hair was in twisted and braided into an elegant style, red silk flowed from her slender frame, piercing eyes the color of the sky bore into us. "You can imagine my surprise when your King informed me that my sons-" She nodded to the King. "Heirs-" she corrected. "Had not only taken a heathen pet, but stood in the way of her punishment for having the gaul to do so." Mother cared for us, in her own minuscule way, she did not dote, not once, she was a hard woman. She enjoyed playing the deadly games of court, intimidating every man and woman in the room, she relished her role as Queen. In her spare time, she was oft was found torturing her hand maidens, pitting them against one another, charging them with impossible tasks to finish resulting in beating or death. Sometimes she gave no reason, she just loved to feel the power she held over people. As for my brother and me, she gave only the slightest affections. Her eyes flashed to me. "What possessed you to do this?" Misha shifted uncomfortably beside me. LIE. "I-" "No lying." She interjected in a singsongy manner before her hand came with a thunderous clap down on Misha's cheek. "Do not interfere." She breathed. Misha straightened himself and squarely met her gaze. "What of the war coming?" They had together in their treacherous reign, goaded the other houses, causing the upstart of a rebellion. "Surely we have other matters that greatly require our attention." His voice pinched. He was rewarded with another slap from our mother. "Insolent child, your dear brother has already declared to serve. He is to be victorious on the battlefields, you must be, in court." A smug smile splayed across her face. The heat from Misha's anger surrounded me. "I'll not be a pampered flower of the court, Pasha goes, I go with him!" he shouted. Mother placed a hand on his shoulder. "It's done, my love. The pact has been made. He will leave in the morn to join the front. You cannot change it, you can only help him from here on out." Her hand dropped as she returned to her steely self. "Now, we shall see about this pet of yours."
MISHA
I knew not what to expect but I knew we being tested. Our Queen was ever watchful, I fought the rising sense of panic as we gathered in the throne room. We took our places beside their thrones silently. Pasha was sweating leaving no doubt he was overcome by the crippling weight of what lied ahead. "What exactly are we waiting on?" I questioned rather anxious myself. "Patience." My mother sang out. She sipped on blood given by her handmaiden, who cowered near waiting for instruction. "Ah, almost as if on cue!" She snapped, promptly bringing the maiden forth who took her glass silently and returned to cower in her corner. My mother clapped, as she was drug in, Pasha's head snapped up, my mouth ran dry. DON'T ENGAGE. IT'S A TEST, HER LIFE MIGHT DEPEND ON HOW WE REACT.
My words reached Pasha, his face schooled back into a more neutral state. Throwing Osha on the floor, the guards bowed and took their place against the walls. She was bleeding from her nose and mouth, fear shining in her eyes. She had no idea what was happening. "Rise heathen, I want to see your face." Mother commanded. My father chuckled at the sight. Osha struggled to her feet, looking to Pasha and me as she did. "Keep your eyes to me you insolent urchin!" She snapped. "Now." She smoothed her dress. "It has come to my attention, that you, a lowly wretch of The Pits, have fraternized with your superiors. Not only your superiors, my heirs. What have you to say about this?" Mother challenged? Osha trembled in her presence, fumbling with her hands. My father stayed in uncharacteristic silence. "I simply serve the good masters Your Grace." She emitted softly. Father then rose from his throne, he transported to her causing her great alarm. "I'd wager you do. It seems-" turning to us again. "that you not only "served" your princes but Lord Yuri as well." What was he talking about? Yuri? What has he to do with this ridiculous accusation? "What say you lech?" He stood behind Osha, hovering over her menacing, all the while twirling his finger around her hair. "He requested my company, I am as you say, a servant. My needs and wants are not of any consequence, our purpose is to please you." She gulped, shifting slightly, beads of perspiration dotted her brow. Father gave her a sound blow to her stomach, causing her to heave in reflex. My nails dug ground into my thighs. She gasped for air that didn't want to come, coughing she tried to recover. Pasha glared at his feet, not wanting to give away any feelings lurking beneath the surface. Mother, was taking delight her humiliation. "And? Did you or did you not lie with him and your princes?" I bit my lip as inwardly battled to restrain my true form, I too needed this answer. Was she in fact in earnest? Was everything she did only out of obligation? Was she ever sincere around us?
"I- did not- Your Grace." She replied shakily, her breath still unsteady. "No? How can we confirm this? Are you intact?" Pasha's head lifted, eyeing her intensely. "I am not Your Grace." Both Pasha and I turned to each other. WHAT THE FUCK DID YOU? His eyes shifted to her. THAT IS NOT YOUR CONCERN BROTHER, HOWEVER I CAN ASSURE I DID NOT FUCK HER, DID YOU? he shot back. I WOULD NEVER, I sent. "So what are we to do with you? We cannot confirm nor deny your claim, having such charges against you, we would be remiss of our duty if we did not punish you. You dogs never learn, and this is not the first time I've dealt it to you either." Father stated, haughtily climbing the stairs to his throne. "I sentence you," Osha's eyes grew large with dread. "to death." Before Pasha and I could register it, Mother interrupted. "My love, my hand maidens often tend to over work themselves into an early grave." She giggled. "Give her to me, as a gift, I've been in such dire need." She feigned a pout. Sweeping over Osha's appearance once more he sighed. "Either way justice will be met." Undoubtedly getting bored he dismissed himself. "Clean up your filth." he ordered to Osha before departing. "Come boys, no need to linger." Mother insisted, snapping her fingers. Pasha and I glanced back apologetically and followed her.
OSHA
I had returned to my quarters promptly after cleaning my bile from the throne room. Along the way I couldn't ease the sting from my earlier encounter, the coals of my anger smoldering my insides. I was exhausted from convincing myself that Misha and Pasha were trying to protect me in some way, the pity in their eyes as they left gave life to the fires within me. Why did it bother me so? Was it the fact they were bystanders, as if they were my people, helpless and frail? Or was it their impassiveness as I was interrogated. They held power no mere mortal could possibly obtain, they had a voice to rally any cause. How was it that they reminded me of children, sitting up there obliged to follow their parents lead. Pasha wouldn't lift his head once to meet my gaze, Misha held a vacant expression the entirety of the inquisition.
I pondered this for some time before resigning to sleep, letting out a hefty sigh I smothered my face into my pillow. Two soft knocks resonated in my ears. Pasha. I raced to the door, opening it almost forcefully. To my surprise it was not only Pasha but Misha. My expression must have given away what was lurking inside, they entered silently, closing the door behind them. Before I could ask, Pasha swept me into his arms. "We didn't know, we couldn't do anything Osha, I know you're upset but you know not the dagger that hangs over all of our heads. They know about our friendship, of you." I sank deeper into him, Misha's eyes watching me from a corner of the room he decided to occupy. "We have matters to discuss." Misha cut in. Fear took root deep inside me. "Alright, what is it?" I asked wearily. I tried my best not to display my earlier feeling further. "I'm leaving to the front tomorrow." Pasha uttered softly, releasing me. In that moment everything stilled, within me and in the room. "P-pardon?" Misha moved from his corner, closing the space between us. "Pasha is headed to the front tomorrow Osha, this changes your situation substantially." He paused for a moment only to continue. "You must now, more than ever, obey my every command. With Pasha away, I am your only hope of survival, we have a plan in place, all you must do is listen." Words did not come easily, I was taken aback by what they were trying to explain. "What do we do?" I was drawing blanks, Pasha gripped my arm. "You will meet with Misha every night, you will learn everything there is to know of our world, you will learn to fight in combat and be able to properly defend-" "What about you? Is this our new life? War? What's going to happen?" My thoughts were jumbled, focusing on what ifs. Pasha eyed his brother for a moment, it looked as if thousands of messages passed between the two. Misha turned his face to me. "Say your goodbyes now, we don't need you making a spectacle tomorrow." With that, he left the room, the room seemed lighter in his absence. Pasha cupped my face, startling me, his platinum eyes searching mine. "I don't expect will see each other for some time. I will miss you my Osha." He sighed, bringing his hands to his side. "You can't leave me." I breathed. My eyes started to well, my heart racing with tomorrow's troubles. "You're my only friend..." My sorrow began to drown us both, he swept me to him, bringing his lips down upon mine with a crushing need. I kissed him back with the same urgency, I felt a deep ache within my breast. I was angry at him, for many reasons but he was my dear friend. Circumstances be as they may, he never harmed me, nor treated me ill. From the moment he pulled me from the cage all those years ago, I worshipped him; in time as I grew into a woman I began to feel more towards him. I knew this was fruitless, to even give life to such emotions, yet I was already in so deep. I wanted him but knew I could never have him. "Osha." Pasha murmured against my lips pulling away, my eyes met his. I wanted him more than ever. "Was what you said true? In the throne room?" Everything stopped once again, the air was thick, almost suffocating, I had an idea where this was headed. "Have you laid with another?" His eyes bore into mine, I felt heat rise up, I can't explain exactly but a darkness, tangling me in its snares. Was this him? I tore my eyes from him, searching the ground for something to focus on. I could hear a growl emit from his chest. "No, I was taken." I bit, shame hanging heavily on me. It was common, especially for the women here, it was forbidden but there were always those who were more desperate than blood hounds. Hunting and sniffing about for some bitch to heel, it sickened me, it almost made me understand why we were seen as dogs. The heat spread ferociously, breaking my thoughts, Pasha's hand raised my face to meet his. "Who, how, when?" He growled. His eyes were glowing, I'd never seen such eyes, such furious storms brewed beneath the surface of them. "It was a while ago, I was cornered coming back to my chambers, he died from a beating not even a year later." I stated flatly. I felt nothing, no anger, sadness, or pain, just impatient to get this over with. He gripped my arms almost shaking me. "Why? Why did you say nothing?!" The heat was intense waving over me, my lungs desperate with aching gasps. "You're hurting me." I managed. The release was instantaneous, the relief of cool air filling my lungs as the darkness receded. "I-" he paused, waiting for me to give my attention. "Don't. This is the last I'll see you. Please." My tone left no room for discussion, instead I closed the space between us. I embraced him, breathing him in, trying to remember his scent, his touch. His stiffened posture had softened, his hands roamed to my waist, digging his fingers into the fabric of my dress. "Osha..." he sighed in my ear, brushing his nose along my jaw. I turned before more words could escape from him, locking my lips with his, weaving my fingers into his soft silver waves. I didn't need to know how he felt, I just needed this moment, where we were simply man and woman. He scooped me up before I could register I was leaving the ground, slamming me onto my bed, tearing my skirt's hem. So animalistic. His eyes tied me down, leaving me open, his hands slid up my legs achingly slow. I let out a gasp, warmth in a pulsating wave rushed below. He rose to me, posturing my leg around him, resting on his hip. He took me in, drinking in the very sight of me under him, breathless. "Osha...I'll hurt you." He groaned. "I don't know if I can control myself." He pushed up to leave but my hand struck out, hungrily reaching for him. What were we doing? Is this not what he wanted? Did he not want me? "Is it that or is it because I'm your servant?" I demanded, trapping him in my gaze. "Am I not pretty enough?" His eyes flashed with something strange, I couldn't make out. He pushed me back returning to hovering over me. "If only you knew Osha..." He panted. I opened my mouth to respond but his tongue interrupted me. He kissed me, deeply, drowning me in his seduction. I felt his hand reach below softly caressing my nethers. A moan escaped from me, the sensation of his touch leaving me swimming. "You want me." He stated, to my dismay removing his hand from me to bring to his mouth. He licked his fingers, his canines low and clearly visible. I felt myself grow hot, flushing under him. Never had I been with man, voluntarily, let alone Pasha himself. I touched myself during long uncomfortable nights to thoughts of him but this, this was more than I could imagine. I shied almost immediately, my reaction to him obvious. A lascivious smile crossed his face, making him more irresistible, I was engulfed in desire. "So be it, I'll try not to hurt you, Little Love." He smirked, pulling my hips to the edge of the bed. He tore the rest of my dress open revealing my body to him with a bounce. He licked his canines, his eyes sweeping over every inch, scorching me as he went. "Absolute perfection." He removed his shirt effortlessly and began to finger his pants, loosening them enough to show a trail of hair leading down his chiseled body, I hungrily eyed him, the throbbing below becoming unbearable. "Pasha..." I begged. I pulled him to me, my body shaking with nerves and desire, my breath coming in quakes. I felt him settle himself between my wet thighs, he hooked my leg behind him yet again. "Breathe for me." He groaned. A sharp pain parted me, the tip was too full, there was no way. "Pasha, I don't think you'll be able to-" I cried before his hand flew to my mouth covering it. "It will fit Little Love, take it." He moaned, pushing further. Slowly the agonizing sting of him inching forward stopped and he uncovered my mouth, sweat beaded my forehead. "Fuck you're immaculate." He breathed, he began to pace himself, in and out, the pain subsided enough for the pleasure to reach me. "Holy Hell..." I moaned, his hips meeting mine with every thrust. We were actually doing this, my mind couldn't wrap around the fact. His hands grabbed my breasts, pinching my nipples whilst pushing further into me. "Pasha!" I shrieked. "Shh Love. I need you to be strong for me. Bite me." He lead my head to his shoulder, taking my hip with his other and held me firm. He thrust again, brushing something inside me making me want more, my hips swirled to reach it. Pasha growled low in his chest, quickening his pace, crashing into me. I bared my teeth down upon his sweet flesh, the pain lingering with the pleasure almost overwhelming it. "Fuck Osha I'm going to break you." I moaned against his skin in response, my fingers grinding into his back, breaking skin. "Mmmm yes my Love, show me...." he growled to me satisfied. He gripped my jaw in his hand, forcing me into the mattress, our bodies slick with sweat, glistening against the candlelight as we moved in ancient rhythm. I wanted more, I needed more, panting and gasping like an animal in heat I pushed back against him. He took my face in his hands, his eyes hungry, over spilling with desire and kissed me, shifting me to where I straddled him. I could feel him deeper this time, his tip touching the furthest of me, filling me. "You're too much." I panted against him, trying to adjust to the pain again. "Mmm..." He moaned. "You asked for this. Ever since you became a woman I've known, take it Love, I won't stop." He moved himself inside me, initially causing me to cry out, the sharp stab of him dulled with every thrust. My hips began to rise and fall onto him, wet warmth sloshing between me, overwhelmed by the sensation building. "Fuck yes, feel it, ride me Osha." He ordered. His eyes glowed brightly whilst baring his fangs, our eyes locked as I moved, his fingers found their way to a sweet spot in front. "Pasha, What is-" I couldn't even finish, whatever it was, it was about to spill over. Pasha must've caught on because he moved under me at such a pace and intensity that I felt as if I was going to explode into smithereens. He wound his hand in my hair, hard, yanking me head back to expose my neck to him. "Pash-" piercing pain shot me away from my goal, I could feel I him ripping my inside out through those small holes his mouth made onto the base of my throat. A drunken relief washed over me before the terror could set in, then almost like the calm before a storm, a lull. Waves of insurmountable pleasure and pain pounded me, overtaking my very being. It took a moment for my hearing to register, I was filling my small quarters with my cries of ecstasy, blowing caution to the wind. "Harder!" I gasped out. He pulled harder on my hair, my saliva dripping down my mouth, and my blood down his. Then almost as if he was being pushed he flew from neck, eyes wide with horror. "It can't be..." His hand rose to his mouth, utter confusion displaying clearly. "Pasha, What is it?" In a flash he had gathered his clothes and began dressing himself. Rising from the bed I went to him, trying to understand what exactly happened. "What IS it?" I demanded, hurt evident in my voice in spite of me attempting to conceal it. "I...must go." He uttered mostly to himself. "Pasha!" My voice rising enough to snap him out of his jumbled thoughts, his eyes lifted to meet mine, I've never seen them so cold, so steely. "Don't." Before I could respond he was gone. The toll on my body broke my stance bringing me to my knees. "What the fuck happened?"
The following morning Pasha set out to the front, being pure of blood he was able to travel during the day, unlike the ones that were made who were usually done away with unless needed. Last night was still mystery to me, the way he recoiled from my touch. I had to push it far from my mind, he was leaving for I knew not how long. I watched from his room balcony. Seeing him upon a white steed, armor glistening in the sun, a sword at his back, his silver hair tied back into one short strand, my heart fluttered. Even now, he was gorgeous and fearsome. Riding off like a lone knight on his way to save the world. My chest heaved with every stabling breath. He gave me no word nor farewell, just his back as he rode away to somewhere where I could never go. My arm stretched before me with longing, stroking his silhouette. Tears tumbled down my face without any sign of stopping. "He can care for himself." Jumping out of my skin I spun to meet Misha's impassive expression. Ignoring me he moved to stand out on the balcony. Was he sad as well? We stood there together watching the last bit of Pasha disappear.
"We have things to attend." Misha stated, tearing me from the path Pasha left upon. "What things?" I sighed with grief. "A great many things, you have to be ready so let's begin." He shifted from one foot to the other, his hair worn back in a slick braid, his gaze still stretched out to the horizon. "What exactly am I getting ready for Misha? I looked up examining his features as they grew dark and his expression grim. "War."
YURI
The pack grew restless, war was coming. After submitting to the council my findings there was no doubt left. We could no longer abide to the truce that held for thousands of years between us and the Vampyrs. Now we will break those chains, lay siege to their castles, burn their cities to the ground and murder every single one of them. We will fill the night with our cries of war, with the scent of blood that will spill over the fields of battle, we will roam over these lands laying claim over all we see. It is time.