The Lurkers' Domain

Good evening dear reader,
Greetings and if you have been here before, welcome back. Daniel has invited me to create a setting for this evening; *rubbing hands together mischievously. Figuring that we were getting tired of 'a real place' and 'real time' I've opened the portal of possibilities with where we are placed. This place I've known personally for a while, so enjoy.....and don't stay out of trouble. *wink.

You are in an encampment in the wooded mountains. No way of telling what time, day, let alone century it is. Sitting at the firepit, you watch the tree tops above you sway to the breeze in a dance. You can tell it's sunset as the soft glow of purples and royal blues color the sky. Darkness creeps around the camp, so you toss in another piece of birch, creating more light to ease your nerves.

Your tent is simply made of canvas with rope and stakes. Not particularly modern, nor ancient. The door, simply tied flaps rather than zipper, faces the fire open allowing the inner cabin to warm before the dampness of night claims the inside.

You see a humble wooden bedframe structure with tons of blankets and a wooden trunk holding your belongings. A familiar howl reminds you that you share this piece of land, so far peacefully, with a pack of wolves; an overly-curious bobcat, which sometimes you can see his glowing eyes peering not too distant from the fire eyeing you: and last but not least a black bear, whose den is WAY closer than you had planned it to be when you set camp.

Recalling where you put your firewood pile, you look toward a humble partial structure which will someday become your cabin, complete with a loft and stone fireplace. Hopefully if fortune is with you it will be complete before the first snow, or better the first frost. Your friends are not too far, they went off to collect more last minute water for supper, which you still argue should've been done long before dusk.

Veronica Wallace stares at the beautiful sky above her. She has always been fascinated by the unknown, by the forces of nature, by the beauty and spirit of gaia; being in this type of scenery comforts her, and soothes her mind even though sometimes being in the dark all alone can give her a bit of a fright.

Her long silky auburn hair flutters about with the wind, her lustful grey eyes wonder about as she watches for anything of the abnormal. unconsciously she craves adventure and hopes for something out of the usual.

"I can't believe how everyone can be so lazy" she sighs and slowly walks around the campsite, admiring her surroundings.

She is a bit annoyed that she was left alone and no one wanted to stay behind to accompany her even tho she sometimes argued for privacy and liked to be by herself most of the time. It slightly hurt her feelings that everyone just left without hesitation or any type of consideration.

Lost in her thoughts her attention is quickly diverged by a sudden movement.

Marisol unearthed herself from the dense holler in which she took refuge that day, shook out her dirty hair and opened her ears to the night sounds. Smiling, she noted the pack of wolves a few miles distant, yet talkative, the musk of the nearby bobcat, and the grumbles of a bear. What was this? What was this new set of sounds? People? PEOPLE had come to her woods?

“This is something I surely must investigate,” thought Marisol, combing her fingers through hair that was much longer than when she entered sleep. She looked down at the tattered remnants of her clothing and began to wonder just how long that “day” of rest in the shaded and mulched holler actually was.

Marisol made her way to the streamlet nearby, finished what time had begun with her clothing, and naked, she soundlessly continued in search of the clumsy sounds echoing in the woods around her.

Veronica approached the bushes when something tapped at her shoulder. She screamed stepping back and tripping with rocks making her fall on her back.

"Russell you jerk!" Veronica snapped at him for no reason at all.

"what the?...what crawled up your butt today woman, you've been very weird today" asked Russell with a slight look of concern over his handsome features. To Veronica, Russell was to pass a royal prince if it weren't for his goofy behavior and unmannered sarcastic attitude.

"what do you want" she asked dusting off from the fall.

"we need your help" he said, leaning in to take a leaf off her hair.

"what for?" she asked a bit annoyed.

"Abbie and JT are missing"

"Oh my god, let's go"

And so they rushed with the others, all the while in Veronica's mind was that mysterious movement by the bushes. Not knowing why or what it was, maybe just an animal, she was unknowingly being attracted by the one thing that was to change her vacation, maybe evern her life.

Abbie and JT were out lingering a little too long. Daring each other who would turn back after dark in the woods. After they collected enough wood to carry back to camp, they heard a wolf closer than ever before. Abbie was so fascinated that curiousity took over good judgement. She followed the beast for quite sometime, when she realized she didn't recognize where she was anymore. JT followed close behind, cursing her for not slowing down and her feminane wilds. JT found a long stick, flung it on his shoulder, determined to protect Abbie at all costs. "It was his fault" he thought to himself while trailing in closer behind her. Aiden, in wolf form, lured the humans away from Marisols resting place. Since this human woman was showing no signs of slowing down, to his surprise, he decided to have a little fun with them.

He chased them around in circles, playing a wolfs version of cat and mouse. When she got too near he'd disappear in the shadows, only his eyes glowing. When the young man was close enough to swing at him, he'd lunge at the boy making him scream like a woman, which in turn only infuriated him even more. From under Aidens paws he felt the earth rumble. The forest held its breath for a moment, then exhaled as if it hadn't breathed before. A wind whipped the trees even more, harder with a sudden impact. "Marisol" he whispered to himself.

Feeling in the distance two more humans approaching, feeling their mix of fear and concern, he seemingly disappeared into the woods. Lying down under a thicket, becoming darkness itself. Was it Marisol he felt approaching too? After all these years? A shiver of excitement coursed through his body at the thought.

Abbie is on her mid 20's around 24 or 25 and JT is in his late 20's about 30 or so. Abbie is a Hawaiian native. Prissy Islander definitely not made for the woods. She hates everything about it, her only fascination are wolves... The fact of the matter is JT pushed her to go with the crew. He figured it would be a good idea to spend time together since they are getting to know eachother and dating....now he kind of regretted he ever invited her to come along. Things were turning out a bit dangerous and he was getting a really bad feeling about the whole situation. Abbie agreed but wasn't too fond. She just wanted to have a good time with JT. Something about getting lost in the deep of the woods alone with JT was a bit of a turn on. JT is an all american book worm genius with a knack for nature and all its aspects, sweet and innocent of perversion. Abbie was the one who wore the pants in the relationship you could say. How they got together still is a mystery. I guess deep down shes a nerd herself.

While JT was gathering wood for the fire, Abbie was admiring from afar. She was overcome with energy for adventure and dropped evrything and made JT go with her to the deeps of the woods for a fun time, attracted by a weird looking creature she in her heart wished was a wolf.

Now, time left them and it got dark. It was wild goose chase. JT was tired and wanted to get Abbie to saftey, but somehow that seemed impossible. His gut feeling was getting stronger and he knew a mere stick would not do any good. He grabbed Abbie and hold her close, he could feel her trembling within his grasp.

"Oh JT! im so sorry for getting us into this mess, i thought we;d have a fun time" she wailed holding him tight.

"It's OK Abs, let's just find our way back to the camp site" He said looking around for some type of reassurance. He could be strong for her, but inside he feared for her and their lives. He knew something was abnormally wrong, the noise and sounds surrounding them gave him the creeps.

Abbie and JT were nowhere to be found. Everyone is looking for them while they have no clue what time it is or where they are.

Veronica and Russell are close by while all of the sudden Russell falls into a pit.

"Vero HELP!" he yelled out to her.

"Russell!!!!" she screamed as she ran to his aid.

"What happened?" She asked looking down, trying to make out his figure in the dark.

"I dont know, i guess some kind of bobby trap or something. I can't climb out, try and see if you can get a branch or something to help me out" He looked around, the place was warm, someone had been in there and it had gotten out, he wasn't liking this at all.

"Hurry Vero, i think Abbie and JT are in trouble!!!!" he yelled as loud as he could, but the noises of the woods drowned out his attempts and Veronica couldn't hear him. She was too busy looking for something to get him out.

Marisol flicked her long wet hair over her shoulder, hearing some silly human fall into her hole. Her hands clenched into claws and her jaw worked, showing the tendons in bas relief as she caught the scent of ... sex mingled with fresh fear. It had been so long ...

Marisol flung herself into the shadows, running like a wolf on all fours, making no noise as she tracked that scent, past the man floundering where she had slept and the woman panicking above. She might deal with them later.

Another scent caught her attention ... mmmmmmm Aiden was about. Marisol smiled and wondered if he'd been tormenting these people. He knew fear spiced food so wonderfully.

Marisol came to an abrubt halt, stilling herself as she looked out between branches at the young couple clutching at each other and talking about who was to blame for their getting lost in her woods. Foolish children.

He smelled of ... a strange kind of concern ... an ... innocence of a sort.

She smelled of .. petulance and fear. Here was a fine bit of cattle upon which to break her fast.

Marisol broke into motion, backhanded the young man through the trees. If he died, Aiden could eat him, and grabbed the whimpering young woman.

She took a moment to savour the fear rolling off this young thing in waves, then plunged her mouth down to feast ... oh the red glorious heat spilling from her neck ... so long .. it had been so long ...

Marisol drank until she could hold no more, then dropped the girl. She ran her hands over her blood drenched breasts and abdomen, then let fly with a full throated laugh that trembled the leaves in the trees and called a scream forth from the bobcat.

She'd been away for far too long. There were humans in her woods. It was time to play some games.

JT rubbed the side of head.It felt like he'd been hit by a freight train. Trying to focus his vision, he recalled where he was. "My God where's Abbie?" Squinting into the near pitch black woods, he thought he saw what he would best describe as a feral Goddess of the woods. He lay sideways on the ground, dizziness took possession of his poor head, and he saw Abbie lying a few yards away staring at him with deaths stare. A pathetic sob escaped him as his heart and soul seemed to be wrenched from his very being.

Aiden shapeshifted with ease into his human form. He was tall and muscular, seemingly in his early 30's. Wearing a pair of ripped jeans and black t-shirt and sneakers, he bowed to Marisol. The old gentleman acknowledging the once elegant lady she once was long ago. She stood there more beautiful than he had ever recalled in his long years of protecting her. He said nothing, waiting for her first words. "Does she remember who she is? Why she is here? What century it is? How she came to be here? Or more importantly, does she even remember him?" He was careful to keep these thoughts locked away hidden in his mind. He wasn't even sure if she would recall how to read him like a book. He remained perfectly still,like a statue in moonlight. His dark rich hair rested on his shoulders, his green eyes glowing in patiant wait.

Veronica had found a large branch, big enough to manuver into the hole for Russell. He was quietly cursing himself that the girl had to rescue the guy this time. His macho ego had a little bit of a bite taken out of him this night. He pulled himself out, quickly making sure that she was alright. She was a bit paler in the moonlight than he had thought, her voice seemed so calm, reassuring him that she was okay. One look at her told otherwise. Veronica had felt the hand of death itself pass them both by. She couldn't exactly explain what it was, but she knew in her gut that they could consider themselves both very lucky for the time being. JT and Abbie on the otherhand, she was not so sure. "They are okay, I'm sure." Russell whispered to them in confidence as they clumsily meandered their way through the dense woods. Thankfully the moon was in their favor.

Every hair stood up on the necks as they heard wolf howls in the not so distance. "What if.....what if they are at the camp already? You know they don't usually stay away this long. They probably have the fire burning, and they are safe. Maybe even trying out the new cabin, albeit that it isn't completely finished. It's a good night to try it out." Russell was using logic through his fear. It all seems reasonable to both of them. Veronica agreed outwardly, but could feel that deep down, they were not back at camp.

"Why do you worry, Aiden, my pet, my sweet, my desirous honey-wolf? We are here, the night caresses us like a lover, and young flesh roams these woods," Marisol throatily murmurred, stroking her bloody hands over Aiden's cheeks before licking blood across his mouth.

"Isn't it sweet? The taste of fear and moonlight? There is a whimpering male in the wood behind you, Aidenwolf. Did you tease he and the girl child for my pleasured supper? How sweet. How long? Have I slept these trees into their full growth and beyond?"

Marisol sniffs the air and listens. "Ahh. The clumsy one and the woman have gotten themselves out of my hole. Shall we see just what these humans are up to? Where is this camp they babbled on about?" she asked, stroking Aiden's hair and cheek.

Aidens stomach turned into knots, despite his outward calm exterior. If there was one thing that Marisol could do, was turn him inside out with her voice alone.
He had changed quite a bit since the last time he saw her. He'd gone from a love sick pup, literally, to a hardened warrior well trained in the art of combat. He swore to her that he would protect her during her sleep, and he did. The thoughts he had, he did not hide from her. The answers lay in his mind, for her taking. If she was awake enough she would be able to read him easily. He hoped so, because the truths are more difficult to say outloud.

Things had changed since she last walked the earth, many things. People had weapons, he had to teach himself (sometimes the accidental painful way), that could kill their kind quickly and more easily with frightening efficiency. Humans have developed a new kind of psychic abuility. Back in the old day, only prophets and seers were known to possess. Now, though still blessedly rare, there is a human psychic trait that reveals their kind for who, where and what they are. There were new laws now, killing and slaughtering humans for play was forbidden. No evidence, as the human race had developed so much that a piece of hair alone may be identifiable to their kind.

If he let her, she could sooth him to forget all this. She was primal, like the moon goddess herself. Any member of their kind, so long ago, would slaughter anything or anyone for him to so much as be looked at by her. Her eyes alone held forbidden desires, and that is what they should be............forbidden. For the long centuries, she had become legend. Stories made to rouse men into battle, to be blessed by her, perhaps even favoured. For the most recent centuries Aiden had become a cast out, still insisting on remaining her protector, although so many had swore him a madman. The old ones are gone now, remaining are the children, who hear stories of the mad warrior bent on protecting the legend. She was sin incarnate. Even for their kind.

Marisol, the temptress.

Marisol stared at Aiden, appalled at the thoughts chasing each other through his head, at the passage of time, the newness of everything, this ... DNA ... these weapons and WHERE HAD ALL THE TIME GONE?

"I intended to sleep for only a day or more ... oh my bonded one ... " she whispered, sinking to her knees over the dead girl. "I am woke strange," she choked, "we are no longer ... we no longer hold the reigns? My worshippers ... gone?" she pleaded with her eyes both for the truth and for a kind lie. Seeing Aiden's distress, Marisol knew the answer. "My armies are dust? My kindred ... Have I slept long and long past their endings? We cannot be the onliest left ... You can teach me what I need to know, my honeyed wolf? You will teach me, yes? And then we shall again wield power."

Seeing her intent stare, and knowing the only possible answer he could give to his mistress, Aiden whispered a soft, "Yes. I will teach you." Hearing JT's heavy breathing and rustlings, he turned, and wondered what to do about witnesses.

"leave them alone" Aiden said, surprised at himself for blurting out his thoughts.

Marisol gave him a sharp look that sent shudders down his spine.

"they are not ready yet m'lady" he was quick to recover his faulty impulses, and he cursed himself for it.

"very well, i trust your judgement...you have never failed me" Marisol looked at him as if studying his mind, his soul, his everything.

Aiden walked up to Marisol, shaky on the inside because all his mind could think of was that human woman and her enticing eyes... but he could well pull off the raw macho treatment he knew Marisol was aching for, he was good at hiding his thoughts. Afterall, for a cold blooded animal like him ....this was in his blood, it was what he lived for, the art of deceit.

"What do you have in mind?" he asked, embracing her with his muscular arms. As she could feel the strength and desire building from within her, her eyes gleaming with evil, she proceeded to bite him slowly but surely. She knew what made him tick, she knew what got him started and she loved seeing him beg for more. Although Marisol could feel something different this time, she decided to ignore this feeling..afterall, she had been asleep for quite a long time. She trusted Aiden, he had been around ...become a warrior for her protection. She knew he was hers, and this...not even time could conquer.

Back at the cabin Veronica and Russell arrived.

"Abbie, JT!?!" Veronica called out to them, but no luck. They searched hi and low but no sign of them or the others.

As Veronica was coming down the stairs she saw that Russell was standing in the doorway, paralized...almost in horror.

"What's..Oh Russell, Oh my god!!!" She said facing him, as he embraced her, they both looked again.

"How could he.."She said sobbing hysterically, her mind racing and her head throbbing.

Aiden could feel her anguish, but didn't know at the time what that strange feeling intruding his mind was for so he decided to put it aside. There was no time for contemplation in the presence of his lover. He was Marisol's slave, her everything, and he belonged to her...all of him was hers, or so he thought.

"Look!" Russell cut her off, showing her a writing on the counter that was written in blood and blurred by the crimson liquid.

-"bew r f v p"-

Both Veronica and Russell just stood there, embraced and petrified...thinking only the worse of both JT's and Abbie's fate ....and what was to become of theirs and the others.

Marisol stood up straight, looked at Aiden, and said, "I will not harm him. BUt he will not remember this evening."

She stalked over to JT, put both hands on either side of his head and commanded, "Look at me!"

The command in her voice brought his eyes open, looking straight into hers. His breathing slowed to normal, his muscles relaxed, and his face no longer held firm in a rictus of terror. Marisol gently laid him down in the leaves on the forest floor and said, "Small tap."

"Ok," JT breathed, and Marisol tapped the back of his head with a knuckle, enough to raise a goose egg. JT closed his eyes and lay on the ground, breathing evenly.

"Aiden," Marisol called softly,"Lead those people here to find him. He will remember running through the woods to find the girl and tripping over something. Then find me and we shall go a ways apart from this clearing for a while."

She picked up the girl's dead form and silently made her way through the trees.

Russelle hold her tight, then suddenly grabbed her shoulders and looked into her eyes "we have to go look for them" he said trying to be strong.

"what about the others?" said Veronica tears streaming down her cheeks.

Russell knew feeling something for Veronica was out of the question. She was way out of his league. making her smile and laugh and have a good time wasn't all that she deserved. He knew he wasn't enough. Looking into her eyes he knew there was so much more to her than just the Veronica they all knew, there was something he couldn't quite put his finger on, a mystery he was eager to find out.

At that moment Janine, Joseph, and Jeremy barged in.

"We found JT" they said almost out of breath.

"Thank god, is he okay?" Veronica said running to aid the agitated group.

"I think you guys need to see this" said Jeremy, his eyes reeking fear.

"where is he?" asked Russell as they ran through the woods.

"just up ahead" they said.

Veronica was looking around, when all of the suddenshe was stopped by a feeling, someone was looking at her...watching her every move.

Russell and the others closed in to where JT was. When they arrived they found him lying on the ground; moaning, rubbing his head. "You okay?" Jeremy asked, nearly pulling him up into a sitting position in his excitement. JT winced in protest. "Sorry dude." Everyone was so relieved and rejoiced that their claimed friend was, for the most part, in one piece. "What happened?" Janine offered a gentle touch on his shoulder, keeping him steady. "I hit my head. She lured the animals away from me, saving my life. She never came back, but neither did the animals." Rubbing his head as if it were going to split into pieces. The group looked about the quiet woods for a few moments, in both in reverent 'moment of silence' for Abbie and to hear for any wild animals near by. "Well then we consider ourselves very lucky that you are alright." Joseph offered softly. "We will offer a memorial service for Abbie," He said trailing off into a mournful whisper "Brave Abbie." Struggling to get up, Joseph wrapped his strong arm around his friend and helped him. "We should get back to the cabin. It's safer there. It was no ones fault, it just happened." JT resigned her fate as an act of nature, the way Marisol more or less wanted it.

Veronica sat on a rock a little ways from the regrouping friends. Close enough to be safe, but still far enough to hear the woods speak to her. Janine softly stepped towards her old friend since elementary school. With a hushed voice she asked "What do you feel?" She had, for decades known of Veronicas special talents. She had the privilage of growing up with her as it sharpened and became a fined tuned instrument. She understood her as no one else had, or ever will. "You look pale, like the moon kissed you. What is out there?" Shaking her head slowly, as if afraid she'll scare it away, "I don't know. It's not like anything I had ever felt before." "We really should get back to the cabin, the boys are going to need us to keep things together." Standing she held her hand out for her friend, waiting for her to be good and ready to stop scanning the unseen vibrations. Blinking, as if she came out of a soft trance she smiled at her friend. "Yeah, that's a good idea."

Slowly JT stood up with help, and they made their way back to their new home, following the moon as a guide. Finally they made it to their small simple cabin. Janine opened the humble door and quickly reached for the lighter to stoke the oil lamps. Within seconds, a warming golden glow filled the little kitchen made by the group of friends. They placed JT onto his bed on the second floor, though the steps proved to be challenging as they are narrow enough for one person at a time. He rolled over, and stretched out onto his mattress made of dried grasses, fabric, and straw. The frame was extremely primitive, with rope underneath, individually tied, forming nearly a net, to keep him off the floor. It felt good compared to the forest floor, he thought amusingly. Janine tends to JT one last time for the night. Her face glowed like an angels, carrying the oil lamp. She wished him goodnight as she carried the light down the creeky stairs with her.

A cold biting wind tore through the trees. Whipping arms and limbs to a sick twisted dance, or maybe they are waving a warning. The first frigid breeze to announce the colder winds from the North were approaching. The soft earth seemed to open its arms, accepting the inevitable death season. A snap of lighting, the roar of thunder shakes the trees cores, their very foundation. Nearly every breathing creature in tuned with the earth held it's breath, sniffing at the wind; heading its warning. Aiden and Marisal both understood. Running through the black woods, they shape shifted in mid stride. Muscles rippled, bones snapped and twisted, skin stretched into and covered with fur. From a short distance a rumbling ran through the ground, rain was coming. The smell was unmistakable.

Aiden raced with Marisal close at his heels, leading her to his adopted home. It was an older cottage, handsomely crafted. It had stood for decades, through the worst of storms he's witnessed in his long life. It's timbers were as strong as its resident, a little old woman Vanya. Aiden truly believed that the iron nails that held the house together, weren't nearly as sharp as her perception. Its single story shown a tidy home well cared for. Marisal felt Aidens heart jump in alarm when they approached the oddly calm home. It's fire was out, the door was shut, and all was too dark. He paced, obviously anxiety gripping him. She was amazed to see such blatant affection for a human.

Another shot of lighting danced across the sky, the storm was getting stronger with every breath. Warm air from the day and a cold front from the north was feeding this storm. It could easily last all night, but where was Vanya?! Marisal sniffed the wind, and leapt towards the woods again. Surprised Aiden had to make effort to catch up with her. He couldn't help but be in awe as to how powerful she had become, even in the simple act of tracking and running.

Marisal's nose lead them both to Veronica's cabin. Staying in the darkness, they saw an older spritely woman knocking on the door. "Hello? I'm not going to bite you, and I'm not carrying a basket of apples." she chuckled.

"what is she doing?!" Marisol snapped at Aiden

Aiden shrugged and signaled for her to tone down and quiet a bit. Marisol stared at him then turned her attention towards Vanya. They both wacthed.

A redheaded woman slowly came to view as the door opened. Even from afar Veronica gave light to the darkened armaggedon that seemed to be taking place. Marisol did not like her one bit. This human woman was a threat to all that she wanted and so she watched, cautiously studying Veronica's every move, every word, every breath, every blink, every freckle, every pupil dilation, all with the outmost detail possible.

"Yes, how may I help you?" Veronica asked a bit confused to see such woman at the door under the horrible weather circumstances.

Vanya just stared at Veronica, studying her reaction. This perplexed Veronica sending shivers all down her spine. Some how she knew this lady from somewhere, she just couldn't quite put her finger on where she knew her from.

"Would you like to come in?" Veronica asked gently signaling inside.

"I am just here to let you know, it has started." Vanya said, looking into Veronica's eyes more intensely now.

"What has started? excuse me? do I know you?" Veronica asked.

"Whos there?" Russell asked from inside.

"Beware of the dark, Always follow th light for it is your sanctuary" Vanya said lightly caressing Veronica's cheek.

Veronica turned to face Russell, scared and alarmed. When she turned back, nothing but the howling torrents of lightning, thunder, and wind remained.

"And now for something completely different."

A british newscaster stands in the middle of the woods holding a microphone standing in the glaring light.

"News tonight. Here we a'e on location in the middle of the da'k da'k woods. A breaking story is occuring here. A giant hole, a mysteriously growing cabin, strange occurrances, flaring tempers, and straw. Yes, straw. Straw has been reportedly found right here in this mysteriously growing cabin right ova' my shoulda'. It's usually found in fa'ms, and in fields, but an anonymous tip to the police says that these "unregista'ed" tenants have.....straw!" What? What's that? Really?! The reporter grabs Vanya from the onlookers "This lady right here has been a tenant of these da'k da'k woods for how many years mame?" "Thirty years sir" "Ahhh very good! And what makes you think that these people have "Hey"?" "Well I walked up to the door, looked in an' saw in their cabin, which was mysteriously growing, hey under thei' mattresses. I tell you, I saw that and ran my lil' bum off" "Well the' you have it, from the anonymous tip tippa. We'll be he'e while the story unravels. Back to you Ken"

Thank you, John. This just in. Apparently Bobby Ewing, Patron Saint of Episodic Drama Second Chances has just miraculously appeared outside the cottage. He is apparently quite upset that the cottage still does not have running water so he cannot do a shower scene with anyone proving that this was all a bad dream.

Instead, he has a Magickal Director's Clapper Board, marks the scene and says, "Darklands, Scene 42, take Two. Once again with feeling everyone. Cue Vanya and Action!"

Staring into the pitch dark woods, holding a mug of dark chocolate coffee. Veronica feels restless, unsure of why she feels this way. Russel walks behind her, putting his hand on her shoulder. "I wont let anything happen to you Vero, I promise" She smiles wearily. Vanya walks towards Veronicas cabin with apples nestled into a basket, cradled in her arm. Earlier she heard screams throughout the woods, and she wants to make sure her new neighbors are alright. A mid autumn storm churns overheard, threatening to strike very soon. It's easy not only to smell in the air but you can feel the energy as well.

Aiden watches the elderly woman at the doorstep uneasily, he knows Vanya better than all here. She was especially difficult to predict at times. Marisol watched Vanya approach the house, warily, still holding the young girl's corpse in her arms. She makes sure to keep out of sight, sniffing the growing tang of ozone on the air.

"I'll get it" Veronica says as Russell walks into the kitchen. "I don't have poisoned apples with me, I promise" says Vanya in her sense of humour after knocking on the door. As the door opens slowly Veronica's and Vanya's eyes meet. Together at the same moment lightning flashes and thunder rolls the mountains simutaneously! They both take a breath and step backwards, both hearts skip a beat! Electricity rolls throughout the entire cabin, sending shivers up everyones spines. Something important has just happened here. Veronica stands there, in awe. Looking at Vanya as if she knew her from eons past. Vanya clears her throat. Only twice in her life has she felt this. "I heard screaming, are you alright?" she asked. "I...I....I dont know..." Veronica answers slowly. Russell comes running towards veronica. "Are you alright?!" Veronica looks over at Russel, and nods then takes back her attention towards Vanya. It's easy to see exactly how Russell feels for this dear young woman. It's immediate. She smiles softly to Russell, as a kind greeting.After shock waves roll through Aaiden and Marisol as well. They smell it, sense it, and are keenly aware of it, but are not able to define it............yet. A snarl crosses Marisol's face at the flare of lightning and magic rolling through her, uncomfortable and indefinable.

"Aidenwolf ..." Marisol whispers. "Is this woman one of those DNA people you mentioned? This new kind of magic? This searching thing?" He whispers softly to her mind, gently brushing it with reassurance, "Yes. I've known Vanya for decades now. I have taken her in my charge since her husband had died." Becoming somber, he says reverently "He was a good man." "... Yes? Then she will chase this DNA?" "No, I truly don't believe so. Vanya has talents, no doubt. But her goal, is to live out her remainder years in peace. But this one, something about this one. Something more than Vanya's talent." Aaiden says softly.

Veronica offers for Vanya to come in, extending her hand in a gentle manner. VAnya, accepting the hospitality, offers the basket of apples as a neighborly offering. "Thank you ma'm, I appreciate the gesture" "Well thank you child. The fall is fast approaching, so I hope you have enough." She hobbles in with a visible limp. With a soft chuckle "How's your roof?" "'Would you like something warm ma'm?' 'Russell, bring out the warm cocoa and cookies'" Veronica asks Russell toning up a little bit louder, but still in a gentle voice. She continues "Well, I think it...the boys say it will " Veronica says looking down at the wooden floor. Vanya receives the warm mug, in her mind, of wonderful sinful pleasure from Russell. "Thank you dear. You have a wonderful fire burning here. Strong hands must've built it." Eyeing Russell, he smiles and offers the most comfortable seat in the cabin to their guest. "You're too kind dear." Jeremy comes in and smiles at Vanya "Hello ma'm" he sits on a stool next to the petite wet bar they built for fun. It was a treat to have a guest, especially an honest to goodness neighbor!

Vanya begins; "I would figure with the screams that you must've found it." Janine comes down the stairs, interested by the question "Found what?" "My husband, had noticed years and years ago, of something very special hiding, dorment, in these parts. Unexplained. I had the funny feeling tonight, since it is a God awful night, with the screams and all, that you may have found what it is." Everyone gathers round, enjoying their new guests woven stories. The smell of the chocolate coffee, warmth of the fireplace, and winds picking up outside, and their first terrifying experience, it was perfect timing to ask their questions. No one wanted to say it out loud, but Janine had to know "Was what your husband found the same thing that killed Abbie?" The silence was unbearable. Vanya knodded in sympathy "He came back to our cabin one evening, determined to discover what it was that we were both feeling." Veronica strangely felt she knew something deep down. Her gut instinct had brought her here, she felt a tingle of anxiety in the pit of her stomach. "Unfortunately something happened." Veronica holds Vanya's hands, trying to comfort her pain."I feel that he had gotten too close to the 'source' of the energy. We always got the creeps when we took our evening walks together, as if something were protecting it. We are pretty sure it slept in the ground. Something ancient, beautiful. More fierce than it's protector, but not sure whether it is good or evil, or even just primal. Not like anything we had ever known before. He must've gotten too close, that he stirred the thing that protected it. He became so absolutely obsessive about it, that he paid the ultimate price." Russell and Jeremy frowned.

"Evil?" Jeremy said taking a shot of tequila to warm his tingles and shudders. "Thats nonsense" he said standing up and stretching. "So with your husband killed, how have you been surviving all these years?" Janine and Veronica both shot him deadly looks for the disrespectful question. Vanya smiles, "That's an excellant question. I was coming to that part." Jeremy sits back down, putting his foot in his mouth. "Shortly before my husbands death, he told me he heard a name in his head "Aiden" shortly after he saw the wolf. Thought it was odd. He had seen a solid black wolf, without a pack, a loner.

Veronica sat up straight and looked towards the window, towards the blackness. Vanyas hands felt ice cold to her, despite her comfort and blazing fire. She felt Aiden, close....knowing of their chatter. "Ahhh, you DO know of Aaiden, don't you dear? Had you seen him?" Veronica said still looking outside the window, piercing through the darkness, staring right at him without knowing so. "Aiden? That is his name, isnt it?"

Aiden was grateful for the cover of night, but the depth of her stare at him while whispering his name sent shivers throughout his body, in any form. It caught him off guard completely. Vanya continues "He has been an incredible companion for me throughout these years. Honestly I don't think I could've survived without him. He's a great companion. He sends for his companion from the woods, an angel. A tall man with dark hair and eyes. He says he's my guardian angel. He chops wood, cooks for me when I'm too ill. He always knows when I need him. Aiden sends for him." She knows the baffled looks from the group of friends oh too well. "I know I must be insane. I realize how crazy that sounds. A guardian angel, a protector wolf who befriends a little old woman." *soft chuckles taking a sip of her coffee. "And I bet, if my wits are about me, right now this very moment he is my outside in the darkness. He is good, down to the core. "Weird" Jeremy said shuddering and laughing nervously.

Marisol looked closely at Aiden. "How did the man die?" A cold breeze blows by, shaking the trees outside and blows down the chimney for a second. Vanya carefully places her cup upon the end table. Veronica gently helps her up. "I had better get back to the cabin. Rains nearly upon us. Plenty more where that comes from. You all have been too kind. Don't be strangers, you are all welcome." Thanking everyone one last time, She winks in the direction of the window. Aiden whispers softly, his voice reverent "I killed him." Trying not to delve into old wounds "He was getting too close to you Marisol. Vanya speaks truth. I had no choice. Since then I have taken responsibuility for her well being." Marisol sighed gently and looked into Aiden's eyes. "Oh, my honey wolf ... you know you cannot serve two masters. After we take care of this ... one who fed me earlier ... you will introduce me to this Vanya. I am who I am and am exactly as I am. Nothing more, and certainly nothing less. Why would she call me evil?!" All he could do was nod, nothing more. Whispering to her "She didn't, my night Queen. She didn't. She could've said more, I'm grateful she didn't this night." Marisol looked away from Aiden. "Would we finish this more quickly if you excorted her to her home as you seem to wish to do?" He watched closely Vanya's pace, her posture. Seeing to it that she can make it home before the oncoming rain. The scent of rain hung heavy in the air. Fog collects in the depths of the woods.

Janine stands outside near the boundary between the woods and safety light of the cabin. A knitted shawl wrapped around her arms she watches vanya navigate her way through the old narrow path towards her home. A rustle. Somethings there! A chill runs down her spine when she sees eyes glowing light reddish amber, glowing like flames. Jeremy steps outside and sees Janine shuddering. "Please come inside Janine, the storm is nearly here." "I...I...saw something!" pointing into the darkness. "I swear I did!" "We've had our fill of ghost stories for one night. Won't be surprised if we have nightmares for weeks. Come inside to warm yourself." Turning once more, to press her point, she hears a whisper in her head. Words unintelligible, but the meaning very clear ... "Go back into your safety little one. I am not so sated as to turn down a gift. Shoo."

"Come, Aiden," Marisol mind-whispered. "We will leave this tempting place and escort your other ward to her dwelling-place." As Aiden and Marisol came within distance of Vanya's steady paced walk, she feels the presence in the woods as well. "I hope you know that eaves dropping is rude Aiden." She scolded. Silence was her answer. Not even the crickets or night birds spoke tonight, only the silent fog. "You felt it too didn't you? She IS special. I've not felt anyone that talented since my great grandmother, god rest her soul, came to speak with me when I was her age." Soft chuckle. "Yes Aiden, you don't answer, but I'd guess you'd agree."

That night Veronica tossed and turned in her small bed. Flashes of lightning breaking mountains and flowing rivers of blood filled her mind. Outside the weather was nasty; rain came down upon the earth with the strength of a million armies.
Sitting up, she looked around and counted all her friends to make sure they were all there with her, safe and sound.
Relieved to see them all peacefully asleep she decided to sit by the window. She remembered that when she was younger and storms rolled in, when her parents slept, she watched until the last rain drop with intense interest.

Now, she glanced outside and nothing could be seen beyond the wall of pouring rain. The heavens didn't want her to see what lay out there she thought. Nestled with a blanket in the couch she looked down upon the floor. She thought of Aiden and the mysterious "Angel" that cared for Anya when she was ill. "Why wont you show yourself to me?" she whispered outloud. Suddenly she heard something fall outside. Standing up she looked upon her sleeping friends and feared for their lives. not wanting to cause a panic between all of them she decided to go check herself.

As she wrapped a trashbag around her head and covered herself with another she thought to herself that these things only happened in horror movies. making her way through the door the wind filled the cabin making the group shiver and toss around for comfort.

Rain smashed on the ground outside, the wind howled and the trees fought against eachother. Her trash bag covers flew away with the force of a mad man into the depths of the woods. "So much for covers" she thought. In less than a second she was drenched in rain, her red hair damp and her clothes wet and suck to her skin...Oh! How she hated that feeling. It didn't matter now as she made her way around the cabin.

She saw nothing, only a few logs of wood all scattered on the ground. Making her way around again to go back inside she saw a figure standing a few inches away from her. Due to the massive amount of rain pouring upon them it was hard to fully make out what it was. Taking a deep breath she took a step foward, the figure stood still. She knew in her mind it wanted her to go closer. A few steps more and she could see a manly figure. He walked away now. "Wait, come back!" she yelled, squinting her eyes to be able to see through the rain. Now she found herself running after him. Then she stopped, in the middle of the woods. He was gone. She couldnt see him but she could feel him. Looking around for him she whispered to herself "I know youre here, I know you are..."
She stood there for a few more minutes, looking, waiting.....then nothing, just the battle of the storm against the earth. She turned to head back and there he was, now they were face to face, just a centimeter away from eachtoher. She saw fire in his eyes as they stared back at her with intensity and depth. His body was muscular, this Veronica could see as he had no shirt on and the rain poured down on him. His long black hair on his face as the wind blowed from a different direction now. She took a step back because even though she wanted to approach him she felt fear. He grabbed her shoulders and said to her "I know you know who I am, I wont hurt you" he said looking straight at her, serious as he ever could be.
"Let me go" She said struggling to get out of his grasp, but strangely longing for him not to let go. "You wanted me to show myself, now here I am"

Hypnotized, she stared into his fiercesome beastly eyes. Before she could utter a word she felt almost weak at the knees. A strong gust of wind managed to tear down a trunk of old oak still standing in the forest and without hesitation Aiden pushed Veronica out of the way with such force he tumbled and against his mighty struggle he fell on her, pinning Veronica to the ground.

The forest itself trembled. Every tree, every shrub, creature, all felt the rumble from the earth. Was it really the storm? Aiden really didn't think so, maybe naturally in the beginning, but not entirely.

Veronica made an attempt to scream, but they were drown out from Aidens frame and the wind. Marisol was out hunting, finally out truly replenishing herself, coming into contact with the world, beyond the forests borders. Nearly his whole existance was to protect her resting place, now that she's awakened he truly didn't know what to do to serve her.

Years ago when he was a boy, he looked up to her as a living Goddess, and a thousand ways she was, and still is. What she wished to do with the homestead with the sleeping humans within it, and with 'colonization' so terribly close to her territory, he would not be able to stop her even if he wished too. She was the storm, embodied, he had no doubts of it. All he could do was take this human Vanya called 'gifted' and hide her away and await the 'storm' to be over.

Aiden unceremoniously lifted her over his shoulder and carried her deeper and deeper into the mountains, miles and miles away to a tiny shelter he made. It was a hillside shelter, literally a portion of hill dug out and a handmade wooden roof leaned over it, creating a 45* roof. He carried her inside, closed what seemed like a door, made of tree branches, mud and clay. Seeing she was shivering uncontrollably he quickly began a fire in the firepit. Rubbing his hands together with the long stick and wooden block, within maybe 15 minutes or more there was a warm raging fire.

Veronica had enough light to make out that the shelter was a comfortable 8 x 10 room. Big enough for two people with warm dry blankets that were scattered along the floor against the farthest rear dirt wall. It was fascinating to think that he must've dug this fort right out of the hillside. He tossed some blankets and fresh clean clothes to her, bowing like an old world nobleman, he opened the door and went outside into the bitter angry storm. For a moment it didn't quite make sense, but then...........oh! Quickly she got out of her completely drenched clothes and put on a heavy mans grey sweatshirt and matching sweatpants, complete with heavy thermal socks. After yelling back to him, he came in and smiled at her.

Was it the first time he smiled in how long?

Sitting back down to the fire, he suddenly had the most unnerving image of Vanya. Something about the roof. Absolute worry gripped him. Standing straight up completely still, he looked down at Veronica and asked nearly in a whisper spoke "I need to go look after Vanya, please stay here. You'll be safe."

With that he was gone.

While the storm raged outside Veronica sat alongside the crackling fire producing warmth for her shivering body, with thoughts of the stranger who captivated her more than anyone else ever had in her life.

His eyes were still imprinted in her mind. That moment in the forest when lightning struck and he saved her life, that fraction of a second when their eyes connected to the core of her very being...

Veronica, you're just being a sappy romantic

She thought to herself.

I wonder how the others are doing. I hope they haven't noticed my quick departure

A few minutes since Aiden had gone, the storm pushed the door open and a gust of frozen rain and wind gushed inside sending shivers up her spine. She quickly got up and ran to close it when a shrieking howling noise filled the torrential force of the hellish panorama going on outside.

What the hell is going on! She thought, hesitating to go out again into the night, hesitating to risk her life again.

What if my friends are hurt? What if this wonderful stranger is in danger?

Aiden ran three strides from the door of the shelter and transformed into a Peragrine Falcon in mid stride. His slate blue grey colored wings hitting against the winds of the storm, slicing through like a jet. Catching the first heavy gust he used it to propell his small form out of the dense forests up into the sky.

One thing that none of the other humans truly realized was that it was not the storm they had to worry about, or of Marisol, but the disturbing fact was that the storm WAS Marisol! In the middle of the night she began to glow, become restless, frustrated, distant, then the storm from the distance grew exponentially. He felt her hunger, the invasion of Her woods, as deeply as if it were his own. Tonight would be retribution, and reclaiming of her home. The only thing he could do was physically remove Veronica out of immediate harms way. Now soaring through the sky, he spots below in the darkness and rain drenched valley, what is left of Vanyas home. He heart sank the moment he saw the entire structure torn to shreds from a microburst.

Touching down on the ground, instantly he transformed back to human form, doning cotton clothes around himself as he had for centuries. Rain nearly blinding him, his calls out to Vanya were cut from the wind. Finally tossing broken boards, moving timber, broken glass, finally furniture, he stood frozen. All he saw was a pale white limp arm and hand. Falling to his knees in grief he dug out Vanyas dead body, holding her he wept like a mortal for the first time in as long as he could remember. She was in bed, the fire had gone out not too long ago for the stones in the hearth were still warm, easing the bite of the cold November rain. She was in her white nightgown he had produced for her the way he produces his own clothes. Every season he would appear to her with gifts of clothing, shoes, blankets, and dry goods explaining "He happened to be in the same vicinity dropping bye." Pulling her out completely, it was obvious from the blood that a main timber fell on her chest, hopefully killing her fairly quickly. Walking out of what used to be her tiny cottage, he carried her body over to where her husband was buried. Magically he produced white silken wraps to wrap her body in. He could only produce natural fiber material, his magic and his being coming from nature, silk was the only material suitable for his life long friend. With a few gentle words, the ground opened up, he laid Vanya down to rest, and another gentle word the earth closed holding her for all time next to her love finally together at last.

Eyes choked in tears, he started making his way towards the groups make shift home.

Veronica once again heard a loud cry coming from below, as the shelter was nestled inside a cliff of sort made of rock. Standing out to brave the rain and winds to her amazement it was Russelle coming to her rescue! Her heart leapt with joy! "RUSSELLE!! I'M HERE!" Running down to him, slipping on the muddy steap path, finally she ran into his arms safe. "How the Hell did you get all the way out here?!" he yelled to her over the wind, trying to brace his body to buffer the storm from her. "Aiden brought me, I don't know how we got here so quickly." He stood still and passionately commanded to her "Stay away from him Vero!! He's a demon! I'm not kidding! He'll get you killed if not kill you himself!" Baffled she looked at him seriously for a moment weighing his words carefully. "But he's done nothing to me other than keep me safe from the storm." "Yeah and kidnap you from your warm safe bed into this storm from Hell!!" Starting to protest he held her wrist tight and roughly started making their way back to their home.