Children of the Wheel Ch. 03

Thanks to Liter Knight for her careful editing!

Chapter 3

Lily sat down across from Abby, two small beers in hand. Lily gave Abby her genuine smile, not the one she gave the patrons, as she slid the beer forward. As always it made Abby smile back. Lily was one of the few people who saw her smile growing up.

"Sorry, they're kind of light. I've got a laundry shift in a couple hours," said Lily.

"That's alright, I have a shift at the bakery after this too."

"Just a couple working girls."

"Uh huh," said Abby, making her voice sound extra tired and jaded.

They both snorted.

"It's so good to see you," said Lily. There wasn't any accusation in her voice, but Abby cringed anyway.

"I'm sorry, I've been busy."

"Oh no, that wasn't a criticism, the last month has been..."

"Crazy?"

"That's a good way to put it," said Lily. "And I didn't visit you either and you're right down the street from me. I think... maybe we both needed some time. To settle."

Abby nodded, "That's exactly it, but I didn't want to say it out loud."

They both took a sip of beer. It was light but Abby could tell whoever had brewed it knew what they were doing. It was a wheat beer and it had that sweetness, but there was a fruity undertone she had never tasted before.

"Oh, this is good."

Lily nodded, "Tommy's cousin brews it. I'm thinking of sending some to my dad."

"They'd love it back home."

Lily nodded.

"How are your parents? Will said you wrote to them?"

Lily sucked in her lips, "They're overjoyed I'm alive, of course, but.... Obviously not too happy about the situation. I told them Will wouldn't let me go. It felt bad to lie but... I just didn't want to deal with them pressuring me to come home," Lily snorted and shook her head, "they asked if they could buy me back."

"Oh lord."

"I know. I feel so bad doing this to them, but, I mean, look at this."

Lily gestured behind them and Abby looke. The bar at the inn was busy for the early evening. Abby recognized some of the regulars, craftsmen from the surrounding shops, but there were merchants dressed in the bright silks of the southern league, a pair of traveling musicians, fiddle and flute in cases by their sides, and, most shocking of all, a trio of Khazad. The Khazad were short and broad, their skin a cool, pale blue-gray, magnificent beards braided and tied down with gold rings. They were drinking beer and talking amongst themselves in their rough, guttural language that sounded like rocks breaking. One of the Khazad felt her eyes and scowled at her, Abby quickly looked away and saw Lily looking at her, delighted.

"Don't let them scare you. They're a bunch of softies. They were a little handsy when they checked in but Tommy sorted them out."

"Those are Khazad," said Abby. She was so shocked she was just stating the obvious.

Lily nodded quickly, a smile plastered on her face.

"We'd have gone our whole lives without seeing Khazad back home and we've only been here a month."

"You don't have to convince me, although you actually have a family to miss."

Lily nodded.

"And a fiance."

Lily gave her a look.

"The most perfect man in all..."

"Stop," said Lily, sounding pained.

Abby laughed. Everyone treated Lily and Ryan like they were star crossed lovers, but Lily had vented all her frustrations about the match to Abby one day when they had swiped a couple bottles of cider. Not that Abby had needed Lily to tell her Ryan was an uptight, boring nitwit, but she was glad Lily wasn't deluding herself about the man she was supposed to marry. Lily claimed she did like him, and Abby chose to believe her. He was very tall and handsome.

"How about you and Will? Will seems happy, but he's hard to read."

"Great! We're great! I didn't know what it was like living with someone that cares about you but he's so sweet."

That's wonderful. I'm so happy for you," Lily hesitated and shifted in her seat. Abby had known Lily a long time and knew she was working up the courage to confess something. Abby waited patiently. She knew Lily always found the courage to do what she thought was right.

"Abby, I have a confession to make."

Abby leaned forward.

"The last time I saw Will, I... asked him if he wanted to feed on me."

Shock and betrayal surged through Abby which she quickly suppressed. It was a ridiculous reaction. She knew Will fed on a lot of people other than her, but then she realized she was justified. Abby knew, and she could tell Lily did too, that Will feeding on them was a very different thing than when he fed on some sleeping housewife he had fixed a cupboard for.

"Oh that's... fine."

Lily gave her a half smile, "It's alright, I know you're upset."

"No, no, I mean... alright yes, but I don't have a right to be. Will isn't mine and if you two want to..." she trailed off. She couldn't say it. She had a sudden nightmare of Will falling for Lily, just like everyone else did, and moving on from her. She'd be alone all over again.

"He turned me down."

Abby blanked, "What?"

"He turned me down, very politely," Lily tried to make it sound like a joke but the frustration was obvious.

"I, oh wow... I'm sorry?"

Lily laughed lightly, "It's alright. I shouldn't have asked anyway. What would my mother say?"

For a moment Lily looked very uncertain and very young. She always looked young, she was small and had delicate features and slightly buck teeth and it made her look younger than she was, but for a moment she looked even younger than that.

"But I see how you are together and I hear the girls talking about... about what it's like, and I guess I..." Lily looked down and blushed.

"Wanted a little taste," said Abby.

Lily covered her mouth and blushed harder.

"I'm sorry," said Abby.

Lily pulled her hands away from her mouth, took a deep breath, and let it out, "It's fine. I'm glad he said no. I wasn't sure how you would have felt about it but I can see now it would have upset you. I don't want to ruin what you have. You deserve to have something for yourself. "

Abby felt a wave of relief, "Thank you."

Lily nodded.

Abby took a sip of her beer and prepared herself.

"I asked Will to turn me."

Lily's eyes widened, "Are you serious?"

Abby nodded.

"Oh my god, Abby, that's... I don't know what that is. Wow. Wow, what did he say?"

"He said... he said he wanted to make sure it's what I really wanted."

"That's good. It's not something you should rush into," said Lily.

"That's what he said. He said he's going to try and show me what being a Savon is really like."

"That sounds ominous."

"A little, yeah. I..." Abby trailed off, suddenly anxious, "... is it okay? That I asked?"

"You're asking me?"

"You always know what the right thing to do is."

Lily laughed, "Trust me, that is miles from the truth."

Lily took a sip of her beer and went quiet. Abby could tell she was thinking hard.

"I guess the fact you'd be damning yourself, putting yourself forever beyond the Father's light and barred from His heaven doesn't matter," she said.

Abby pushed down a thrill of fear and shook her head, "The Father gave me a shit life. I don't think he's going to do much for me when I die anyway."

"You know that's not how it works. The Canon says it. 'The more the faithful suffer in life, the greater the reward in the Father's heaven.'"

"Lily, I've always respected your faith but please, I don't want to hear it."

Lily sighed, "I'm sorry. My faith isn't exactly the beacon it used to be anyways. I just offered myself to a vampire for the fun of it, after all."

"'Sin and corruption are all around us, look to the Father as the light in the darkness,'" said Abby, quoting another passage from the Canon, then she gave Lily a smirk.

Lily shook her head, then gave her a serious look.

"What about children? A husband?"

Abby paused. The thought honestly hadn't occurred to her. But now that it was bright up she knew how she felt instantly.

"I never wanted kids. I don't want to mess anyone up as bad as my mom messed me up."

"You're not your mom, you know. You wouldn't be like that."

"I don't want to find out. And I'll have Will," she said. The thought filled her chest with warmth. She had never had anyone care for her like he did. Never had anyone care about her at all, other than Lily.

"That's a lot to commit to," said Lily. "You just met him a month or two ago."

Abby felt a flash of irritation. She knew Lily was right but she didn't want to hear it.

"I think I've seen enough. What you see is what you get with him. And It's not just about him, not really. It's about..." Abby trailed off, struggling to find the words.

"Power," said Lily.

"What?"

"You've been powerless your whole life and you want the power Will has. That they all have."

Anger flared in Abby's chest, she clenched her jaw, "I want to feel safe."

"You don't feel safe with Will right now?"

Abby responded without thinking, "I don't want to be dependent on anyone to feel safe. Even him."

Lily took another drink and the silence stretched. Abby hadn't known those words were in her. It wasn't something she had really thought about until Lily made her. She liked Will, maybe even loved him. She wasn't really sure yet. But she knew what Lily had said was true. She wanted to be with Will but she also wanted what he had. What his blood gave him. She felt guilty for a moment then decided she didn't have anything to feel guilty about. She had basically told Will this already, maybe not in those words. And Will had to know. He probably understood it better than she did.

Lily looked at her a moment more before speaking, "I can understand that. It sounds like you know what you want. And it sounds like you and Will are being careful. You're going to take your time and make sure. So I don't think you need me to tell you anything."

"I want you to tell me... you won't hate me. After."

Lily smiled, "I've seen enough of the Savons to know you'll still be the same, after. And I'll always be your friend."

Abby dashed away a tear, she hated how much she cried, "Thank you."

Lily nodded and finished her drink.

...

Abby entered the bakery through the back door, into the warm, cavernous place where the countless loaves of bread, cakes, and all manner of pastries were brought into being. The four large ovens, each at a different temperature depending on what they were making, were already warm and working. Racks with covered trays were full of the bread and pies already baked. Unlike a human bakery, this bakery never stopped working. The Savons and their human workers took shifts so that the ovens were tended day and night. Maddie had recently purchased heatstones to replace the traditional wood fuel of the ovens, but it was recent enough that the faint smell of woodsmoke still saturated the very walls.

Will walked in right behind her. Abby tried to keep her nervousness in check. Will hadn't explained why he had wanted to accompany Abby to work, just that he wanted to talk to Aunt Maddie about showing her more of how the bakery worked. That it would be her first step in understanding what it meant to be a Savon. Abby had no idea what that meant and Will hadn't volunteered much when asked only that it would be fine and to just wait and see. Abby wasn't sure if Will was keeping her in the dark for a good reason or just because he liked surprises. She would be a lot more nervous if Maddie wasn't involved. Maddie had been so warm and welcoming to her that it was impossible to imagine Will's plans could lead to trouble.

Maddie saw them enter and gave them a warm smile. She always got a glint in her eyes when she saw them together that made Abby blush. Abby knew she didn't really have anything to be embarrassed about at this point but she was still getting used to the idea she was in a real relationship and that no one had the right or the inclination to disapprove of.

"Abby, Will, this is a surprise," said Maddie. "You're about twelve hours early to your shift."

"Yeah, I, or we... I guess I, I had a favor to ask," said Will, "do you mind if we step into your office?"

"Of course, such as it is."

Maddie's office barely had room for the three of them. A small desk and three tiny chairs. The desk was piled with paperwork. Filing cabinets, spare bags of flour, baking utensils and a few empty cooling racks crowded the walls. Maddie sat but Will took one look at the chair and stayed standing.

"I could come fix those up for you if you'd like," said Will.

"That's kind of you to offer. I may take you up on that. But why don't you tell me why you're here first?"

"Well, Abby and I.... I'm sure you know we've come to care for each other."

Maddie nodded seriously; Abby could tell she was suppressing a smirk.

"And Abby's been so impressed with you and the family she... asked if she could join," said Will.

Maddie clapped her hands and stood, shuffling around the desk to give Abby a hug. Maddie's arms crushed her with a little more force than she expected, and Maddie didn't have the warmth that a human hug would have, but it was still joyful and supportive, and Abby sank into the comforting embrace.

Maddie pulled back, her smile wide.

"Oh, I'm so excited. I knew as soon as Will brought you in you'd be joining the family."

"You did?" asked Will.

Maddie gave him a look and rolled her eyes, and Abby had to laugh.

"You're going to be such a wonderful niece," said Maddie.

Abby felt a knot form in her chest. She had never had a family beyond her parents. They had left everyone behind when they had fled their home, running from some war they never talked about. Abby had seen the big extended families of her neighbors and been keenly aware it was another hole in her life, another thing she lacked. Having that was something she had barely considered, dared not imagine.

"I haven't agreed yet," said Will.

Maddie blinked, "What?"

"I haven't agreed to blood her yet. I want her to see what being in the family is like first."

Maddie stepped back from Abby and crossed her arms.

"Will, you're ridiculous, you know that, right? Nobody asks to join the family, and you're going to turn away this wonderful girl?"

"I'm just being careful, I don't want her to have any regrets. Just because no one asks doesn't mean I can't be careful," said Will. He sounded like he was trying to convince Maddie.

Maddie shook her head, "You are the most uptight Savon I've ever met."

Will looked pained.

"But you're not wrong, I suppose. Plenty of us could do with a little more restraint. What did you have in mind?"

"You're making deliveries tonight, right?"

Maddie nodded slowly.

"I was hoping Abby could accompany you."

"You don't have a job to take her on?"

"I figured if Abby did join the family, the bakery would be her Craft. So it makes sense for her to see what that would be like. Also, my Craft is kind of slow. I don't want Abby to have to sit around for a few hours while I fix someone's kitchen table."

"I guess that makes sense. And I'd be happy to. I've never had a human keep me company while I work my craft. This should be interesting."

Then suddenly Maddie clapped her hands and smiled, "Oh, this is so nice. Will's been dithering on siring for years..."

Will looked pained.

"... But I can see now he was just waiting to meet you," said Maddie, "You've brought a wonderful young woman home with you and I'm happy to help welcome her into the family."

Abby felt a surge of affection for Maddie and fought tears. She was not gong to start this off by crying. Will looked moved as well.

"Now then, just leave Abby with me and I'll give her a little taste of what her new life will be like."

...

Abby sat in the back of the delivery cart, surrounded by bread wrapped in cloth. Maddie was in the driver's seat, clucking affectionately at the mule that pulled the cart. The mule moved slow but seemed content, needing very little input from Maddie. Abby suspected Maddie fed the mule her blood along with his breakfast, to bind them together and keep him strong. They were moving down the street into one of the poorer districts in town, away from the nice neighborhood the bakery was in. The cart rattled on the poorly maintained cobblestones and the streets were darker than she was used to. The streetlights were cracked and dim. Maddie didn't seem to mind at all, and once again Abby felt a surge of longing. She couldn't wait until she was that fearless.

Maddie made a gentle noise to the mule and it stopped. They were in front of a worn looking tenement, four stories high. It might have been painted once but it was worn down to a dull brown color.

Maddie got down from the cart and approached her sitting place in the back. She pulled out a small notebook and studied it for a moment.

"Can you bring three loaves, sweetie?"

Abby nodded and moved quickly to obey, grabbing the thick, crusty loaves the bakery sold as meal bread, to be slathered in butter or dipped in oil and eaten along with whatever fruit or meat a family could afford. It was a hearty and filling bread meant to keep a whole family going for another day. Maddie took one of the loaves and gave the other two to Abby to carry in a wicker basket. They were big enough that three would have made her arms ache eventually.

"So we're delivering bread?" asked Abby. Maddie hadn't explained anything about what they were doing. After her meeting with Will, she had asked Abby to load the cart with the last three batches of bread. Abby knew the cart was there for deliveries but this was the first time she had seen it used.

"Mmm hmmm,. said Maddie, looking up at the building, a little distracted, "Stay close to me, dear."

Abby felt the familiar muffled chill of the Shroud drop around her and automatically took a step closer to Maddie. She knew from her time with Will that the Savon could extend their invisibility to others, but it was easier for them to maintain it if you stayed close and moved carefully.

Abby followed Maddie to the front door of the building and went inside. There was a small foyer with a mailroom, just a few metal drawers with faded names on them that Abby couldn't read. They passed through the next door, into a small landing for a stairwell. There was a small stroller on the stairs, one of the older wooden types. The heels looked cracked and broken. It would be terribly bumpy.

"I should tell Will about that stroller," said Abby.

Maddie flashed her a smile, "You should, actually. He would genuinely appreciate it."

Maddie led her up the stairwell. Many of the steps were cracked and any varnish was long worn away. Her footsteps on the old wooden stairs sounded incredibly loud to her, but Abby knew any creaking would not escape the Shroud.

Maddie led her to the third floor. Each landing had two apartment doors on opposite ends of the short hall.

"How do you know where to go? I mean who to visit?" asked Abby.

"Oh, the family keeps its ears to the ground," said Maddie as they climbed to the third floor. "People are always gossiping about neighbors. And some of us walk the streets, looking and listening for people that need help."

They stopped in front of one of the apartments and Maddie opened the door. Abby heard the click of a heavy bolt unlocking and the faint tinkling of chains.

"How did you do that?" Asked Abby.

"Under the auspices of the Shroud we are as shadow. The eyes of the world do not see us and no portal may bar our passage," said Maddie. Her voice took on a sonorous quality that Abby associated with reading from the Father's Canon.

Then Maddie winked, "So we go where we please."

They walked into the apartment. The family's shoes were in little cubbies by the door. Enough for three adults and three or four children. Maddie led her into the family sitting room. Toys were scattered on the floor and one of the chairs had a knitting basket and a pile of half finished clothes. The other a bottle of whiskey and an empty glass.

"For example, we're here because my cousin Godfrey has a cobbling business over on Lowcastle, and the tanner he gets his deliveries from, who isn't in the family, mind you, mentioned that his best worker was out sick, dropped a bag of salt on his foot and smashed it up good," said Maddie. She gestured at the liquor bottle, "He's not taking it well. Men like that don't know what to do with themselves when they can't work. Godfrey got his name and passed it on. My nephew Alex visited him and made sure his foot didn't fester. They can't afford to see a guild healer, of course. I'm making deliveries for the next few weeks to make sure they don't starve while the husband is laid up."

"That's wonderful," said Abby.

Maddie smiled.

"But why? I mean why go to the trouble?"

Maddie raised her eyebrows, still smiling, "That's what you're here to find out, isn't it?"

Maddie led her to the kitchen. It was much cleaner than the rest of the house, with countertops well scrubbed and every dish, pot and pan in its proper place. Maddie gave it an approving nod before going over to the pantry. The family don't have one of the new fancy preservation cupboards, but when Maddie opened the large cupboard Abby saw one of the cheap preservation stones that kept bread fresh for a week or so sitting in the back. Maddie placed the loaf in the breadbox and gestured to Abby to do the same.

"That should last them a few days, and then Rachel or I will come back and refill it."

Maddie led her back to the front hall and climbed the stairs, leading her to the second door in the hall. It opened into a children's bedroom. There were two beds, one against each wall. There was a little boy asleep in each bed. The oldest looked about ten and the other a few years younger.

Maddie glanced at Abby, looking unsure for a moment. Then knelt next to the little boy's bed.

"Maddie," said Abby, her mouth suddenly dry. The boy was too young to be fed on. Abby didn't know if she could let Maddie hurt a child in front of her, but if she tried to stop her and broke the Shroud it would be a disaster.

Maddie glanced up at her, "I won't hurt him."

Then she took the boy's hand.

"Billy."

Billy stirred, in his sleep, "Grandma?" He asked. His voice was clear but his eyes were still closed.

"Yes, it's me. I came to see if you're still okay."

"I'm alright, grandma. Thank you for the food."

"Of course. I left you some more."

"Thank you. Mom feels bad about it."

"I know, your mother's a proud woman. Sometimes it's hard to admit you need help. How's your father?"

Billy jerked, "He's okay. He..." a tear streamed down his cheek.

"Did he hurt you?"

"No. No, but he yelled at Sean. He was mad our toys were on the floor. I know we're supposed to clean up but he never yelled at us like that before."

Abby felt a sympathetic tear slide down her own cheek.

"I'm sorry, sweetie. I know it's hard but he's not mad at you. He's mad at himself for getting hurt."

"That's silly, it's not his fault."

"I know. Dads can be silly too sometimes. But once his foot is better and he's back at work it'll all get okay. It'll just be a few more weeks. You need to be strong. Can you do that?"

"Yes, grandma."

"Good. You're such a good boy."

And with that Maddie leaned over and kissed Billy on the forehead. He smiled and shifted a little. Then his features went smooth as he sank back into deeper sleep.

Abby tried to stop crying but she was unable to get herself under control by the time Maddie stood and turned around. Abby looked away from her, embarrassed.

Maddie approached her, "Are you okay?"

"Yes," said Abby. She cleared her throat. Talking helped her get herself under control. "I'm fine. I just... I wish you had been there for me. When I was that age."

Maddie gave her a sad smile, "I do too. But we can't be everywhere."

...

Maddie opened the door to the next townhouse. This was the fourth townhouse they had visited. The last two had been very similar to the first; they had left two or three loaves of bread in the family cupboard and Maddie had had a quiet word with one of the children of the house, speaking to them in their dreams as a dead loved one or, in one case, as a fairy godmother. She made sure they were okay, told them to be strong, and asked if their parents were treating them right in a difficult time. In the last house the little boy, a skinny little moppet named Joshua, had said his dad had grabbed him too hard, and there had been bruises on his arm that put another wave of tears in Abby's eyes. Maddie had looked at the bruises and then gone to have a quiet word with the father in his sleep. He was a big, heavyset man who had been fired from his construction job for tardiness, and he had whimpered quietly as Maddie had chastised him, her fingers digging into his arm. Abby knew he'd have bruises in the morning.

"When you speak to them, it's part of their dreams?" Abby had asked afterwards.

Maddie nodded, "I don't choose who I appear as, but I can... will it to be someone kind. Someone they trust. The Millstone can bring nightmares to life, but you can use it to shape dreams as well. It takes practice to make those dreams pleasant."

Maddie had paused then to give her a serious look, her pleasant demeanor melting away for a moment, revealing something older and sadder.

"All the gifts of our blood are meant to cause pain. The Shroud to catch our victims unaware, strength to tear their flesh and break their bones, the Millstone to torment their minds. It takes work to use them for anything good. To escape the legacy Savon has given us."

Abby drew a sharp breath. She knew what Maddie was telling her, if she were to take on that legacy, it would be her responsibility to overcome it as well. She gave Maddie a serious nod and in a moment her smile was back, warm and cheerful.

They moved through the fourth apartment. This one was tidier than the last few; toys tucked away carefully in chests and well made shelves with books and curios. The walls had paintings that Abby didn't recognize. They weren't the mage crafted replicas of famous paintings that Abby had become familiar with around the city.

"What happened to these people?" Asked Abby

Maddie looked around, "The father was a telegrapher. The Dracul have been monitoring all the telegraph offices and he couldn't handle being questioned under the Lash."

"The Lash?"

"It's the Dracul gift. They can force their will on you."

Abby remembered Lily walking away from her family, face blank and empty, while her family watched helplessly, frozen under the imperious gaze of the Dracul.

"I've seen it," she said.

"Draculs call it the Scepter, they try to make it sound noble and just, but it will always be the Lash to the Savon. Anyways, he couldn't stand having the Dracul dig into his head so he quit. He's been working as a scribe to make ends meet, but it's not enough. They had to move here from a nice house in uptown."

They moved to the kitchen, passing the kitchen table. A large orange tabby was asleep on the table. It sat up as they passed and gave them a warning mrrr.

"Cats can see through the Shroud?"

"Of course they can," said Maddie.

When they made their way upstairs, Maddie stopped suddenly. Abby followed her gaze to the open door of the bedroom at the far end of the hall.

"What's wrong?"

Maddie ignored her and started walking down the hall. She peeked through the door and then growled. Abby looked at her, startled at the noise, and saw her eyes had gone black.

"What is it?"

Maddie gave her a sidelong look, her dead black eyes sending a chill down Abbie's spine.

"There's a Mircalla, feeding," said Maddie, she sounded like she was chewing on something and Abby saw her fangs were extended.

Abby leaned forward to look. Maddie hesitated, then reluctantly got out of the way.

Abby looked into the bedroom and her mind went blank with what she saw. There were three people in the bed. A man in his early thirties. He was handsome, with a strong jaw and a lean, well toned body. A woman was straddling his waist, riding him. She was heart stoppingly beautiful. Tall and raven haired. Big eyes that sparkled like stars and a heart shaped face. She was looking down at the man with a look of tremendous satisfaction. The man was staring back with a look that went beyond pleasure into rapture. Watching the movement of her body, the bounce of her breasts, the stars in her eyes as the goddess rode him, squeezing the life from him with every thrust. Next to them the wife looked on with the same awe, watching with wide eyes as her husband was fucked in front of her. Then a wave of the Mircalla's power washed over Abby and Abby wanted her, too. Abby had never desired a woman before she met Gwen and now this woman was doing the same thing to her. Abby's eyes traveled over her slender body and wide hips, the curve of her breasts and her midnight black hair. Abby wanted to bury her head between those breasts. She wanted the Mircalla to bury her face between Abby's legs and lick her, just like Gwen used to. Lick her until she came and then her fangs would sink in and it would feel so good. So good. Gwen had made her feel so good...

Abby shut her eyes and turned her face away. She put her hands on her knees and dry heaved as she was swept by a wave of self loathing so strong it made her nauseous.

"Oh my gosh are you okay?" asked Maddie.

Abby nodded quickly. She hesitated, she didn't want Maddie to think she was weak but she needed to say something.

"I had a bad run in with a Mircalla once. Seeing that brought back memories."

Maddie's mouth tightened, "Monsters. They're all monsters. They pretend to be so high and mighty, they think they're gracing the world with their presence, but I know abusers when I see them and that's all they are."

Aby nodded and cleared her throat, "What are you going to do?"

Maddie stared at the bedroom door for a long moment.

"Twenty years ago I would have marched in there and dragged that harlot out by her hair. This is my territory and she doesn't have the right. And if she feeds on him, or her, or them, who knows with a Mircalla, if she feeds on them too much it'll ruin their marriage. They won't remember what happened but they won't be able to satisfy each other anymore."

As Maddie spoke she got angrier and angrier. All her teeth had gone sharp, not just her fangs. Her mouth was full of serrated, razor teeth.

Then she closed her eyes, visibly gathered herself, sighed, and opened them again.

"But now we're allies, and we're supposed to live and let live. Let's go talk to Aaron and see how the family is faring."

Maddie went into the childrens bedroom and had a quiet conversation with Aaron, a tiny little kid with a mop of brown hair clutching a dragon stuffed animal. As Maddie stood she still looked irritated. She walked out into the hall and Abby followed her.

"The children were fine but... let's wait here a few minutes and see if I can catch her when she's done. I'd like to have a few words."

"Just words?" asked Abby, not hiding her disappointment. Maddie gave her a fierce grin.

"Just words, wouldn't want to cause a diplomatic incident."

"Does this happen a lot?"

Maddie nodded, "More often than any Mircalla wants to admit."

"So they just sneak into people's bedrooms and..." Abby felt her face heating.

Maddie made a disgusted noise, "Uh huh. Mircalla all like to pretend they can just crook a finger and a meal comes running to them, but plenty of decent, happily married people want nothing to do with them. So they go sneaking into bedrooms and use their filthy magic to force themselves on people. And plenty of them prefer feeding this way. They love climbing in people's windows and fu..." Maddie gave her a glance.

Abby got annoyed. She wasn't a child. "Fucking them," she finished for Maddie.

Maddie nodded, "Fucking them while their husband or wife watches."

"That's disgusting," said Abby.

Maddie nodded, "Hypocrites. The whole lot of them. They mock us, call us skulkers and wretches. But they sneak around, seducing wives and ruining families. And they have no Bargain. They take what they want and think a night with them is a gift they're giving to the people whose lives they ruin," said Maddie. Then she snorted like an angry cat.

At that moment the bedroom door opened and the Mircalla came out. She had put on some clothes at least, a black dress that clung to every curve. Even clothed, seeing her still brought that same feeling of desire and nausea roaring back. Abby looked away and made a pained noise, overwhelmed once again by self loathing.

Maddie looked over at her and saw her pain. It made her go rigid with anger. Abby saw Her eyes turn to black pits and her mouth became razors again. Abby felt the Shroud drop away.

The Mircalla saw them and stopped, going completely still.

"I don't want you coming around here again," said Maddie. Chewing on her words like they were raw meat.

"What are you doing here?" asked the Mircalla, her voice as cool as a fall breeze at midnight.

"That's none of your business," said Maddie, "This is my street and these are my people and I don't want you bothering them again."

"Oh, he wasn't bothered. He begged me to keep going. And I can go where I please."

"Not if you want to show your face at court. If you come around again, I'll make sure everyone knows your dirty little secret. That you're sneaking into people's rooms and feeding on them, just like we do. Your sisters will start whispering you're a Savon in disguise."

Whispers and laughter filled the hallway as Maddie called on the Millstone. The air was filled with the sound of mockery and shame, the fear of exposure and ridicule made manifest. The Mircalla bared her fangs and hissed.

"If you say one word. I'll beat you into Languor. I'll find every human you love and make them worship me before I suck them dry."

Maddie laughed, it was a mean laugh.

"Gossip is hardly an Insult. But if you try and harm me and mine that would be an Injury," she said, "I'll tear you apart and when I'm done I'll bury what's left of you so deep you'll only have the worms for company. And your sisters won't be able to lift a finger to save you."

The Mircalla was so angry she was shaking, but Abby recognized futile anger when she saw it, the anger at being powerless, knowing you're beaten.

"But I won't tell anyone," continued Maddie, "As long as this is the last time you visit this neighborhood. I never want to see you again."

The two women glared at each other, then finally the Mircalla sniffed and waved a hand, "This part of town is a shithole anyway."

Maddie looked at her another moment, then moved into the doorway to the children's room, giving the Mircalla room to pass. The Mircalla looked at her for a moment, no fear visible on her face, but Abby could sense it just below the surface. Then the Mircalla began walking towards them, keeping an eye on Maddie as she passed by. She glanced back once at the top of the stairs, then made her way down the stairs and out the front door. Maddie watched her leave, arms crossed and with an equally blank expression. As the front door closed, Maddie sniffed and turned to Abby. Her teeth were back to normal but there was still something shark-like about her smile.

"Showed her, didn't I?"

Abby laughed, "You sure did. That was great. God, what a bitch."

"Hmph, that's the Mircallas for you. They're so full of themselves they think the sun should give them a kiss. Let's go. I don't want to give anyone bad dreams with my mood."

They left the apartment and headed towards the street, back to their almost empty cart. When they got outside Maddie looked at the building across the street and licked her lips.

"Are you okay?"

Maddie nodded, still staring up at the building across the street, "Let's go in there. I need a bite to calm my nerves."

Abby swallowed. Maddie hadn't fed on anyone they had helped tonight. She knew that had to be part of what Maddie was doing but she didn't want to ask. Now it seemed it was time.

"Did you want me to wait with the cart?"

Maddie hesitated, but then she stood up straighter, head held high.

"No, you're here to see what being a Savon is about. And this is part of it too," she said. She brushed her hair back, "And I'm not shy like Will. I don't mind if you watch."

Maddie started toward the building across the street and Abby followed. Maddie led her up to the third floor apartment. This one was neat and well kept like the previous one, and there were more signs of prosperity. There was a new pair of shoes by the door and the wallpaper was new. Abby followed Maddie to the master bedroom. There was a couple sleeping in the bed. They were in their late thirties. The man had a sharp face and a short red beard and the woman was pretty and blond. They were both fast asleep.

Maddie stared down at them, "I made deliveries here last year. The woman had her second child and suffered from birth melancholy. Do you know about that?"

"I've heard of it. It sounds awful."

Maddie nodded in agreement, "She couldn't get out of bed. She barely spoke. She couldn't feed the baby. The husband was at his wits end. He didn't understand. I had to do a lot of talking in his dreams to keep him from leaving. I brought milk for the baby. That took a lot of work, let me tell you."

Maddie pulled the blankets away from them. The man was wearing just a pair of sleep shorts and the woman was in a simple nightdress that barely covered her legs. Abby had to look away for a moment. The sight of them, almost naked, helpless and vulnerable, made her uneasy.

Maddie ran a hand down the man's chest, through a thick thatch of hair. He was in good shape, the strong muscles of a man who worked with his hands for a living. He stirred uneasily under Maddie's hand.

"I saved the baby's life, I kept them together. They're happy now, they kept their lives because of me. And now I've come for what's owed," said Maddie. Her voice had gone slightly sonorous again and there was a formality to the words like she was reciting from scripture.

As Abby watched, Maddie knelt in front of the man, put a hand on his chest, nestled up to him, and gently bit into his neck.

The man opened his mouth and drew in a long, loud breath. When he let it out it was shaky. His breathing became deeper and ragged, with little hitches, always on the edge of a gasp but never quite getting there. Maddie's head moved slightly as she fed, opening and closing her mouth to suck the blood from him. From where Abby was standing the sounds were faint but they still sounded like kissing, lips moving over skin. Maddie's hand kept stroking his chest, moving lower, stroking his belly, hesitating then moving back up to play in his chest hair.

After a minute or so Maddie pulled away. The man made a slight sound of disappointment as she pulled out of him. Maddie put her head back, closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and let it out. The man flipped over and put an arm over his wife and she nestled closer to him. Maddie pulled the covers back over the sleeping couple, then turned to Abby and made a contented sound.

"He's a strong man with a good life. I can taste it."

Abby licked her lips. She didn't know what she was feeling, but her chest was knotted and her breathing was ragged too. She knew she had seen something private and intense. The ambiguity of it made it all the more powerful. Maddie must have seen the uncertainty in Abby's face, because she pursed her lips and moved towards the door without a word. Abby followed, equally silent.

As they descended the stairwell to leave the building Abby finally spoke, "So you only... collect after you're done helping them?"

Maddie nodded, "I don't take enough to really hurt them but the families I'm helping are sick, hungry, and sad. I don't want to add any more strain to their lives. They pay me back when they're ready."

"He... seemed like he enjoyed it."

Maddie nodded, "He'll have some very interesting dreams. It isn't always so nice. When I collect from the people who didn't behave so well, the ones that took their troubles out on their families, their dreams are less pleasant. I always enjoy it though."

They had reached the entrance hall and Maddie opened the door for them, they walked out into the cool night air.

Maddie climbed into the cart and clicked the cart mule into motion. Abby assumed they were heading back to the bakery.

"So what did you think of our little adventure?" Asked Maddie.

"It was wonderful. You help so many people, make a real difference. And you do this every night?"

"Just about. The distillers let me take the night off if I want but I still go out most nights."

"That's great. It was all... it was inspiring."

"Awww I'm glad you enjoyed it," said Maddie, "it isn't always that good, I will say. Everyone we visited was dealing with their troubles well, but that isn't always so."

"But the cases that are hard must be even more satisfying when you carry them through it."

Maddie nodded agreeably. They fell silent as the cart made its way down the deserted streets. It was very late now. So late even the usual night time crowds had gone to bed. In the silence broken only by the creaking of the cart wheels a question formed in Abby's mind but it took her a few minutes to work up the courage to ask.

"Maddie, I... can I ask you something?"

"Sure, sweetie, ask away."

"Have you ever thought about siring?"

"Now you sound like my father. He's been pestering me about a grandchild."

"I'm sorry. Will said that his aunts do the same to him."

"I'm sure they do. He's older than me. He's at the point where everyone is getting on his case, whether it's their business or not," said Maddie, "but it's alright. I don't mind talking to you about it."

Despite her professed willingness, Maddie hesitated, "I've thought about it sometimes. When I practice my craft, I see the part of people's lives that they hide from the world. A lot of the time it's ugly, but some people... they struggle so. They meet hardship with such strength and dignity. It's easy to get attached and..." Maddie ran a hand through her hair, suddenly looking nervous, then her eyes went a little distant.

"There's a man who lives a few blocks from here. He's a good man, smart and kind. He writes poetry he doesn't let anyone see and he's as handsome as a Savon can be."

"What do you mean?"

But Maddie ignored her question, lost in her thoughts, "His wife died in childbirth. He loved her very much and took it badly. I did more for him than I usually do. I helped care for the children; brought them food and toys, kept things clean. I had less time for others but I had to help him. The oldest son got a good job as a cooper and he and the aunt care for the youngest now. Edward, that's his name, he's working again, he stopped drinking but... he's alone."

Maddie hesitated again, she glanced away from the road and gave Abby a nervous look. Then she ran a hand through her messy hair and continued.

"I go to him sometimes. I... make myself look like his wife. He thinks I'm a ghost or a dream. I know I shouldn't but... he shouldn't be alone and... the things he says when we're together. And I can taste his love for her in his blood. His desire, it..." she trailed off and rubbed her face "... it's so sweet."

Abby cleared her throat, overwhelmed by the raw emotion in Maddie's voice, she was vibrating with it. They both were.

"When you fed on that man earlier. I could tell it was very... intimate," said Abby. She kept her voice carefully neutral. She didn't want to imply what Maddie had done was anything like what the Mircalla did.

Maddie looked uncomfortable as she replied, "It can be. The blood does more than just nourish. You can get a sense of a person. An impression of their soul. It isn't always that strong but if it's the right person it can be very intense."

The conversation died away for a minute. This had been an even more personal conversation than she expected but she knew it could help her come to a decision about her own life.

"So you've thought about turning him? Your poet?"

Maddie pushed a nervous hand through her hair.

"Sometimes. I'm younger than Will but I'm still getting to that age. The blood wants to be spread and it gives you... urges... When I'm with him I think about cutting my tongue and kissing him. Sharing my blood until he's mine. We could be together forever. He'd never be alone again. But..." Maddie rubbed her cheek again, "... It wouldn't be right. I haven't even shown him what I look like, who I really am. Plenty of us wouldn't care but it doesn't seem right to me."

"I'm sure he'd love you."

Maddie smiled a sad smile, "Never as much as he loved her, but maybe. Maybe he would love me enough."

...

Abby sat at the kitchen table with Will, eating dinner. Abby had made gorritas. They were meat turnovers from the country her parents had come from. The Cambrians liked their meat pies but these were different. They had broth and raisins and olives and when you bit into them the sweet salty flavor burst into your mouth. She and her mother had made them for church potlucks and always got wild compliments. Making them was one of the only times Abby could remember feeling proud growing up. Her mother had taught her when she was young. She still remembered the way her mother had sounded as they made the turnovers together, patient and slightly sad.

Will loved them just as much as anyone else. He took big enthusiastic bites, never worrying about burning his tongue, and then would chug a bottle of blood.

"You can't make those too often," said Will, "they're too good. I'm going to go through my whole blood supply to digest them."

Abby smiled, feeling that familiar pride.

"Maddie asked me if I wanted to go do deliveries with her again tomorrow night," said Abby. It had been a few days since she had first ventured out with Maddie, and Abbie had wanted to go again the next night. It had been such a wonderful experience. She had been overjoyed when Maddie had asked her.

"Really? Huh."

"She said she likes the company."

"That's funny, are you going to go?" Asked Will.

"Absolutely, if that's okay with you?"

"I... guess so. I'm usually busy with my own craft around then anyways. You like it though?"

"Of course. Helping those families, making sure they get through a hard time. It feels good to be a part of that."

Will nodded and took another bite of his gorrita.

Then Abbie thought of what Maddie had said at the end of the first night and blushed a little. Will must have noticed the look on her face.

"You okay?" He asked.

"Yeah I just... I remembered something Maddie said that I wanted to ask you about."

Will look interested

"It's a little embarrassing."

"I think at this point we're past embarrassing," said Will.

Abby laughed, remembering the magic cum conversation.

"Maddie said as the blooded get older, the blood makes you want to sire," she said.

Will sat up straight.

"You never mentioned that before."

"Yeah I... you're right, I guess I did find that a little embarrassing."

"Is it hard for you then? When we're together?"

"Well... a little. I think that urge varies from blooded to blooded, and I don't feel it as strongly as most. Some of us sire like clockwork every forty years and others never do. But it's mostly..." Will took a bite of his gorrita and chased it with a long pull of blood. Abby could tell he was stalling for time and waited patiently. He looked at her and sighed.

"My sire wasn't really the best. She turned me on a whim and... well, she didn't treat me very well."

"Oh no, I'm so sorry."

"Thanks, yeah... I was with her for a few years until I was... well, basically rescued by another Savon, Lida. She's the one that actually raised me."

"Oh that's awful. Is Lida still alive? Is she here?"

"Oh, she's still alive. She stayed up north, though. She's not like most Savons. She travels, likes to keep to herself. She usually travels with a fledgling or two that she's rescued, like me. She shows them the ropes, then sends them off to a town or a city to live with the rest of the family."

Will hesitated, "There is another of Lida's rescues in the city, we didn't travel with her at the same time but we do call each other brother and sister."

"Oh that's great. You never said anything."

"It never came up. But my point was, my sire turned me without any concern for my feelings. I was just a tool for her."

"And that's why you're so careful about siring."

Will nodded, "I don't want to repeat her mistakes."

"I think I know how you feel. When I told Lily what I had asked you for, she asked me about children, I mean babies, and I... I never wanted kids. Since I was old enough to know what that meant I swore I never would, I didn't want to become my mom."

Will took her hand, "If that's your choice that's fine but... I think you'd be a good mom."

Abby twined their fingers together, "You're sweet, but I'm not going to find out. I like the idea of a childe though. I know that'd be decades from now but... but just the idea that you find someone you like, or respect, or love, and change them to make them even better."

Will pulled his hand away, "They don't always end up better."

"I'm sure. It sounds like vampires are just as bad at siring as humans are at parenting."

"That is very true."

"But at least it's something... you can work on together, a childe has their own life already. Their own personality. I like that... it's a shared responsibility."

Will gave her a long look, "I never thought of it that way."

There was a quiet respect in his voice. Abby blushed and looked down. Then there was a small silence as Abby thought over what they had said.

"Did you want to go to bed?" Asked Will.

Abby looked up, felt a surge of heat between her legs.

"That conversation made you want to go to bed?"

"Talking about siring? Yeah. Going to bed is usually an important first step."

Abby laughed, "I think everything makes you want to go to bed."

He ran a finger down her arm, "Everything about you. Just seeing your smile makes me want you."

Abby shifted in her chair pins and needles broke out across her skin. It was still hard to believe anyone wanted her like Will did. But he was looking at her with that gleam in his eyes and she saw the bump of his fangs under his lips. She stood and stretched, her back arched and she felt her dress go taught across her breasts. She knew they weren't the nicest breasts, but Will seemed to like them just fine. When she finished she looked at Will, who was staring at her hungrily.

"Stretching'll do it too."

Abby chuckled, "Alright you horn dog. Let's go to bed."