Etched in skin

My Lady,

It has been brought to my attention that my Lord has granted you the honor of bearing him a son. That being so there will no longer be any need for you to continue your consumption of herbs. Perparations will soon be in effect, if anything is needed on your part your chamber maid will take care of it.



Sincerely,

His Lord’s Most Loyal Retainer



She was shaking as she re-read the letter for the fifthteenth time, not only was he subjugating her to bear an abomination, but he had just managed to cut off any likelyhood of her ever leaving. Letting the letter float to the floor, the tears of frustration brimmed her eyes until they freely streamed down her cheeks. Not only was she to be mother to an unwanted child but he had had the audacity to tell her through a letter rather than to her face. She went over to dresser and took out the dreadful herb grateful at least that it was no longer a nessecity. She remembered her first use, angry he stayed and watched until the blood flow had stopped trickling down her thighs paying no mind to the sobs escaping her mouth. She placed her hands on her abdomen and vowed to never love such a thing.

Haphazardly putting on her clothes she ran to the village, finding it in pandemonium. People were running to and fro and if it weren’t for the pull of her arm she would have stayed in her state of confusion.

“ Where have you been!? Something terrible has happened!” Not given the chance to answer she was pulled and lead in the direction of her family’s hut. If they had been strangers to the village, they wouldn’t have had much trouble finding the place, for about half way they spotted the crimson trail of blood leading the way. Placed for all to see, as if in some mock offering lay the body of her betrothed at the foot of the hut door. Contorted, his limbs were oddly out of shape and place, his insides were strewn about everywhere but his gut. His face was the worst of all, frozen in his last moments those who dared to look were greeted with a silent scream. Finding the faces of her family in the crowd she went to them and watched on as those brave enough tried to regain order. After most of the village had either been usherd or left out of fear she watched on as a cover was placed over the body. She didn’t know exactly how to feel. Part of her was disgusted and ginuenly felt sad for the death of someone she knew. The greater part of her was enraptured and though she felt guilty and ashamed for such a reaction she couldn’ t believe that at least for now she had been set free. The village went back to routine sooner than one would have thought, even so the fear of a blood thristy animal or demon was on the tips of everyones tongue. So much so, a couple volunteers took turns to stand watch during the night. Playing role of a would-be widow she in reality was lost in deep thought. Finally unable to sit still she pushed her fear aside and waited for nightfall to venture out to the field. Taking extra precaution not to get caught after dark it took her a little longer to reach her destination. Eventually making it, she was immideatly acknowledged by the coppery smell of blood. Covering her nose she turned only to be assailed and pinned again to a tree. He smiled down at her as she grimmaced at the sight of his blood stain attire, grinning he leaned in close,

“ For a moment I had resided myself to go get you...”

The words had caught in her throat, she looked only to see him intently observing her waiting for a response.

“ I came to thank you for-...” Cutting her off he tightend his grip letting his claws puncture her skin.

“ I didn’t come asking for thanks...in fact that’s not what I want...” Her eyes gaped open as she felt his one hand glide past down her hips and gently graze the juncture between her thighs. Breathing hard he managed to let out,

“ That’s not what I want at all...”