Fight on Undaunted: Chapter Fifteen - part 2
Read Part 1.
Then Godric grabbed the handle of the scythe, ripped it out of his back, swung it around and severed her feet from her legs.
She was too surprised to scream as she fell back. She pushed herself up on her elbows, staring at her feet, still resting just in front of Godric, as if confused as to how they got there. Then she started shrieking in agony.
Godric nearly toppled over several times as he struggled to get up, but eventually staggered to his feet. He looked down at her coldly.
Kallisto realised that Godric was standing and she was not. Her eyes widened in terror as he lunged, grabbed her, and sunk his fangs into her neck.
The crowd had gone silent in shock. The only noise to be heard was Godric gulping down her blood.
When he was finished, he dropped her to the sandy floor of the arena. She lay there, almost completely drained, weakened to the point of being unable to heal. Godric stood over her, flushed with strength again, her blood dripping down his chin to cover the tattoo on his chest.
Everyone heard her final pleas. "Please... don't kill me." She started to cry. "I don't want to die!"
Godric knelt down beside her, running his fingers over her mouth to hush her. "Everything ends," he said, gentle, but unmerciful. "Even the immortal."
He slammed his fist into her chest and yanked out her heart. The crowd starting screaming in delight when it and Kallisto's body exploded, splattering Godric with yet more blood.
He did it, Eric thought dazedly, watching as Godric waved politely at the audience of excited vampires. With the fight now over, he seemed eager to leave the ring.
As Hannibal leaned over to whisper to the ugly, unfamiliar vampire, Eric bolted out of the box, muttering something that he hoped was ‘Excuse me.’
By the time had Godric finished waving to the audience, Eric was already waiting for him just outside the amphitheatre. His Maker smiled as he approached, pushing his dripping hair out of his eyes, though he was so covered in blood it made little difference. Back in the arena, the crowd began to cheer for the next combatants who were stupid enough to fight to the death.
"You're alive."
"So to speak." Godric gave up trying to wipe the blood off his face.
Eric opened his mouth to say something when Godric pressed up against him, wrapping his slender arms around Eric's neck, pulling his head down, and kissed Eric lightly on the jaw, letting his fangs run across the skin. Eric shivered with pleasure.
But the scent of unfamiliar vampire blood on Godric was strange. His hands hovered over Godric's skin, and Eric found himself unwilling to touch his Maker in this state.
Just then, a human approached them and Godric's eyes gleamed dangerously at the interruption.
There were dozens of villages nearby and many of the humans had been hypnotised into becoming willing victims and servants. When the vampires eventually left the area, the hundreds of dead bodies would be blamed on some sort of disease.
“There are some towels by the river if you’d like to clean up,” she said in dull voice, pointing towards a small river mile or so away. She stared blankly at them. There were bite marks all over her.
Eric was glad for the offer. The very thought of tasting another vampire’s blood on Godric's skin made him feel ill suddenly.
“Thank you,” Eric said, tugging on Godric's slippery wrist.
The girl just blinked. “There are some towels by the river if you’d like to clean up.”
She remained where she was, still staring blankly. Eric looked at her pityingly. Her mind is completely destroyed. He started to head towards the water, but Godric paused beside the girl, and then his fangs were in her neck.
A few minutes later, she crumpled to the ground and for once, Godric didn’t bother covering his tracks, he simply left his kill there. Eric looked around, hungry himself and saw another mindless slave sitting nearby, a young man staring silently past them, as if waiting for someone. His fangs extended and Eric drained him within minutes, tossing the corpse aside as casually as Godric did.
Once they were by the river, Eric couldn’t hear the eager screams for death coming from the amphitheatre, even with his excellent hearing. Thank the gods. He dropped down beside the towels while Godric stripped off his stained pants and stepped into the water.
As the water rushed over his ankles, Godric tilted his face towards the sky and closed his eyes, a small smile on his lips. In the moonlight, the blood glistened on his Maker’s skin, trickled over his strong muscles and Eric could see the tips of his fangs just visible against his pale lower lip.
I was right in calling him Godric. Eric couldn’t help smiling. He is as powerful as a god.
Yet I was so afraid I would lose him.
After a few minutes of just watching his Maker standing quietly, Eric picked up one of the towels, wetting the cloth in the water and began wiping Godric’s face clean. Pulled out of his reverie, Godric blinked, looking up at Eric, but his eyes were distant, not really seeing him.
He pushed his Maker’s blood-drenched hair back off his face, towelling Godric's messy hair clean as best he could and took his time as he continued to wipe the congealing blood off, occasionally picking off a small bit of tacky tissue.
While Eric was on his knees pulling a stringy, bloody bit of... something off Godric's torso, Godric playfully pushed him backwards into the water. Eric's reflexes had improved and before he fell back, he wrapped an arm around Godric's legs. Godric splashed into the water beside him.
At least her blood is off him now, Eric thought, relieved. When Godric sat up, Eric splashed water in his face. “Imp.”
Wryly, Eric looked down at his clothes, now heavy with water. He pulled his shirt off and tossed it up onto the bank, hoping it would dry before dawn, and smiled when Godric's slender hands joined his in tugging off his pants. He tossed those up on the bank too and wrapped his arms around his eager Maker.
He sighed softly, enjoying the weight of his Maker in his arms. He ran his fingers through his damp hair, and closed his eyes as Godric's fangs cut into the skin of his jaw, a tiny line of blood welling up, that Godric slowly licked away.
Godric replaced his mouth with his fingers, running them over Eric's fangs. A finger pressed lightly against Eric's lips and Eric sucked it into his mouth, tonguing it gently. He felt a shudder run through Godric, and then Godric was kissing the corner of his mouth, his other hand twined in Eric's long, blonde hair.
Eric let his hands slide down Godric's stomach and then his hand moved between Godric's legs. He let go of Godric's finger when Godric groaned softly with pleasure. He rested his head in the crook of Eric's shoulder, rocking slowly with Eric's hand.
Eventually impatient for more, they went back to the shore, and Eric pulled Godric down to a patch of dried grass and snatched up one of the towels.
Ignoring his own wet skin, he worked the towel down Godric's chest, gently rubbing one arm and then the other, slow, firm movements as the gradually dampening towel passed over Godric's skin. He could see Godric relaxing, enjoying this different sort of touching between them.
Eric wiped off the outside of his legs, and when he saw Godric's mouth curve into a smile, clearly expecting him to move his hand to the inside of his thigh, he teasingly shifted behind him.
It proved to be a mistake. As he wiped down Godric's back, at the very place the scythe had dug in, his hand faltered. Eric knew that Godric was perfectly healed - having drunk the blood of another vampire would have only increased his strength - but he couldn’t help feeling that he ought to be able to see scars or bruises on his Maker.
How is it possible that someone could have almost killed Godric?
Eric hurriedly continued wiping down the backs of Godric's legs, desperately wanting his lust to return. But it was too late.
Godric caught him by the wrists and turned around to face him. He rearranged himself so his face was level with Eric's. “Talk,” he ordered gently.
“I was frightened.”
As soon as the words were out of his mouth, Eric felt the fear return, spreading through every part of him. It felt like he was choking on it. In his mind, he suddenly saw the silver scythe embedded in Godric's back.
The towel dropped from his hand and he fought down to urge to tremble. No, he told himself angrily as he tried to will the vision away, Godric is fine. He’s fine.
“I could feel how frightened you were,” Godric said calmly, leaning back. “I was never in any danger, my Child.”
Far from soothed, Eric gaped at him. “I thought that bitch was going to kill you, Godric. You might not have been frightened of her, but I was. I thought I would lose you.”
“You should have controlled your fear.” Godric tucked Eric's hair behind his ears. “I promised you that I wouldn’t die, did I not?”
“You needed a weapon in the end,” Eric muttered accusingly, a little irritated at the familiar chiding.
“I meant to break her ankle.” Godric's hand fell away. “But I grew distracted and too much time passed. I had to improvise.”
“Distracted? By what?”
“It doesn’t matter.” Godric waved dismissively. “I studied all the victors for the past few nights. When I decided to fight, I knew I-”
“Wait, you planned this? And didn’t tell me?” He punched Godric in the face, grimly satisfied when he heard Godric's nose break and saw blood trickle from his nose.
“Of course it matters, you bastard!” Still enraged, he went to hit Godric again, but this time his Maker caught his fist and squeezed, slowly crushing his hand.
“I have shed enough of my own blood for one night, Eric.” Godric's grey eyes were cold. “I said it did not matter. Yet you question my words?”
He cried out in pain as the bones in his hand splintered and snapped. Eric couldn’t meet Godric's gaze, and finally defeated, he hung his head.
“When you were lying there,” he said softly, “I wanted to go down and help you. But I felt like I couldn’t move. You were forcing me back, weren’t you? Through our bond.”
Godric let go.
“Yes.”
Eric just nodded miserably and stared at his hand, even after it had healed. He nearly died because of me.
Godric sighed. “I knew I would conquer anyone I fought. I would not throw my life away." He tried to catch Eric's eye. “I did not mean to upset you. That was not my intention.”
“Intention?” Eric repeated. He looked up. “Godric, why did you want to fight?”
This seemed the greatest mystery of all to Eric. However confident he was, Godric had put himself in a very precarious position and it was extremely out of character.
To Eric's surprise, Godric was troubled by the question. He lay back, staring at night sky, his expression dark. Despite the current tension between them, Eric lay on his side, but was careful not to touch his Maker.
“You said you would tell me,” Eric reminded him tentatively.
“So I did.”
As if their fight was forgotten, Godric pushed his body closer, making Eric think of a pup burrowing into its mother’s fur for warmth. Eric smiled, relieved, his nails tracing over the black runes on Godric's arm.
His Maker chuckled suddenly, but there was no mirth in it. “You tell me that I cannot understand something because it’s so human. That I’ve forgotten it.” He looked up at Eric's face. “I think this is something you cannot truly understand because you are too young.”
Surprised, Eric leaned back. “Tell me?”
“I wanted to fight,” Godric said softly, closing his eyes, “to make them see me.”
Eric nodded slowly, but didn’t say anything. He could grasp the meaning of Godric's words, and they frightened him.
Could you be a companion of death? Could you walk with me through the world...Through the dark?
He shivered, looking around them. He could see extremely well in the dark, but even his eyes had their limits. Eventually, the night swallowed everything up in shadows.
Darkness makes so many things disappear and Godric has walked through it for over a thousand years. Unnoticed for a thousand years.
Eric wished there was something he could say, but if there was, he had no idea what it could possibly be. He let his hands wander over Godric's skin again. His Maker appeared to be grateful for his silence, lost in his own thoughts.
Eric watched his Maker’s face as his hands stroked over Godric’s feet, his ankles, and up and around his legs with only a weak smile in response. It made Eric uneasy.
“Godric?” he prodded, wanting to quickly draw him out of this unexpected melancholy. Godric glanced at him with the same distant look in his eyes.
“I see you.” Eric touched his cheek. “Always.”
The fierceness of the kiss caught him completely off guard and he very nearly pulled back in surprise. Eric had expected a smile, or a sweet, gentle kiss; not for Godric to grab him by the back of the neck and pull their mouths together, sucking and nipping hungrily. By the time he let go, both their lips were bleeding badly.
“You saw me, my Child.”
Eric had no idea of what particular time his Maker was referring to, and just closed the gap between their mouths again, hungrily tasting their mingled blood before the wounds healed over. Godric slid his hands along Eric's broad shoulders and down his arms to hold him down by the wrists, rolling him onto his back.
Godric was almost always the dominating one, it was simply a part of his controlling personality, but Eric didn’t mind. It was just one of the many things about his Maker that he loved.
Eric arched up as Godric's strong body slid against his own and Godric's fangs brushed along his throat and shoulders.
Eric growled softly, wrapping his arms around his Maker to grind himself against Godric's cock and Godric growled back, his grey eyes full of lust. Hearing the noise, Eric felt quite confident, smugly so, that Godric's heavy-heartedness was gone.
Godric sighed, rubbing his cheek against Eric's and grinding harder. His lips began making their way down Eric's neck, his fingers constantly exploring Eric's skin. Every time Eric moaned in pleasure, Godric's eyes flickered up to look at his face. He took a nipple in his mouth, running his tongue over it gently before sliding his fangs in. Blood trickled from the tiny wounds on either side as he sucked.
Though he felt almost dizzy with delight as Godric's mouth moved to his other nipple, Eric thought he would go mad with frustration, pressing himself against Godric's cool skin.
Eric let his hands wander over Godric's shoulders, his nails lightly grazing the skin the way Godric liked so much, but realised the red mark was getting too close to his fingers and let go. His fingers curled tight as Godric reopened the wound and sucked harder.
Abruptly, Godric let go and his mouth continued downwards, the tips of his fangs skimming over Eric's skin just enough to bring blood to the surface for less than a second. His hands travelled down Eric's thighs, his thumbs massaging lazily. He glanced down to see Godric's eyes intent on his face, waiting for him to look down. Then Godric smiled slowly, wickedly, taking his time as he kissed his way down Eric's abdomen.
Eric heard Godric retract his fangs.
Eric gasped as Godric's tongue ran up and down his cock before closing his mouth over him. He gently sucked, his tongue stroking, lightly at first, but then harder. Eric's moans continued as Godric's nails trailed up the inside of his thighs. Eric propped himself up on his elbows to watch, his entire body shaking with pleasure.
Just as Eric got close, Godric released him, though he barely moved his head away. He held out his wrist to Eric and Eric eagerly pressed his mouth against it. Pulling his leg closer, Godric nuzzled the inside of Eric’ thigh.
They bit at the same time and all else vanished. The red bliss of blood flowed into Eric's mouth, and through the link, Godric's fiery passion filled him, consuming him.
He wasn’t sure who let go first; he slowly became aware that Godric's face was inches from his own, blood dripping down his chin and throat. He licked at the blood around Eric's mouth.
“Tell me what you want,” his Maker whispered.
Eric wrapped his arms around Godric's chest, pulling him close. “I want you inside me,” he whispered back, running his fingers along the underside of Godric's cock, smiling as when he heard a soft moan in reply.
As Godric licked the blood off his face, Eric let go of him, reaching for a pouch attached to his trousers that held a small vial oil.
Once his fingers were slippery, Eric wrapped his hand around Godric, stroking and squeezing gently. Godric sighed when Eric let go. He slid his tongue against Eric's as he entered slowly and Eric groaned against his lips, clutching his back, trying to draw him in deeper.
Godric's fangs brushed along Eric's neck. “I love how you cry out into my mouth like that.”
With each of Godric's gentle thrusts, Eric felt the tension and anxiety of the night melt away.
His Maker began kissing his way down Eric's neck, pausing every few inches to bite and take a few thrilling mouthfuls of blood, while Eric clawed his back, his nails digging deep enough to draw blood. Godric hissed at the sensation, withdrawing his fangs to arch up into Eric's hands.
Wracked with pleasure, Eric watched, spellbound, as his Maker lost control of himself, groaning softly, his eyes focused on Eric's face, but not really seeing him. Such an enthralling sight, something that only Eric ever saw and only in the heat of their coupling.
Eric felt him begin to tremble and grabbed Godric's face, demanding his attention. Godric snarled softly at the disruption, but slowed his movements, dazed and shaking.
“Stay with me,” Eric gasped, pressing his forehead against Godric's, gazing into his grey eyes. “Stay with me.”
Godric nodded, holding Eric's gaze as he began to move faster again. He ran his fingers down Eric's shoulders and arms, enlacing their fingers and suddenly, Eric realised he’d been pinned down. Godric looked down at him, his fangs bared and growling, but from this position, his mouth couldn’t reach Eric's neck. Eric growled back, urging him on.
Eric wriggled a wrist and his Maker let it go, watching raptly as Eric placed it to his mouth. Godric hissed softly and bit, driving his fangs in deep. Caught in his blood lust, Godric had lost possession of himself again. Eric gasped, writhing as Godric swallowed, blood dripping down his chin and throat.
Godric let go of his wrist, and tilted his head back, exposing his throat. His movements didn’t cease and Eric had no idea how he managed to reach his Maker’s neck to sink his fangs in, but he did.
He forced his fangs in deep, lost in the flowing river of blood.
Not withdrawing his fangs, Eric's hands twisted tightly in Godric's hair as he came and feeling Eric shake in his arms, Godric cried out as well, his nails digging deep into Eric's shoulders and shuddering violently.
Eric kissed him tenderly. “Always.”
“Forever,” Godric whispered back, nudging Eric's cheek with his nose.
After a few quiet moments, they stood up, and Eric was rather amazed at how much blood covered them both. He looked up, about to comment on it to Godric, but was suddenly struck by how...
There was a human on the other side of the river, about three hundred yards away. Godric was watching her, his fangs extended. Eric was startled at how quickly Godric could go from being so loving in his arms to being a predator ready to go in for the kill.
“You were born for this life, weren’t you?” Eric whispered. “One of killing and blood and endless night.”
“I am Death.” Godric's fangs gleamed in the moonlight. “Never forget that.”
A little unnerved, Eric bent down to see if his clothes had dried at all.
“You are as well, my Child,” Godric said from behind him. His voice became a littler sterner. “Be sure to remember that in future.”
Eric nodded, waiting to see what Godric would do about the human. She died.
They washed quickly in the river. It was uncomfortable dressing, more so for Eric, as their clothes weren’t dry, but they could easily acquire some from one of the villages, so that was where they headed.
While they waited on a bench for a hypnotised human to find them something suitable, Eric pulled a newly made bracelet out of his pocket.
“I finished this for you last night.”
Godric smiled gently, delighted, holding out his wrist obligingly. It had taken Eric week to ‘acquire’ the rubies and opals for this particular gift, and he was quite proud of it.
The amphitheatre was close by and when there was a sudden roar, Eric grimaced, knowing the excited noise meant that some other fool had died. Remembering something, he turned to Godric.
“You said last night that the oldest vampire attending was an Egyptian called Iah, didn’t you? That he was about five thousand years old?”
Godric looked up. “Yes. As far as I know.”
“He was killed in the fight before yours.”
“He was?” Godric actually sounded shocked.
Eric nodded. “Actually, they killed each other by throwing their weapons at the other’s head.” He tried to recall the other fighter’s name. “The other one was Jimrasu, I think.”
Godric frowned. “He was three and a half thousand years old.”
“Who is the oldest vampire you know?” Eric asked curiously. None of the vampires they’d encountered since Eric had turned had ever recognised Godric, despite Godric having said that he’d lived in nests before. So he must know older vampires. But where are they?
“The oldest vampire I know of is my Maker and even then, I do not know the exact age.” Godric smiled at Eric’s astounded expression. As Godric seldom mentioned his Maker, this was particularly exciting for Eric.
“My Maker was ancient when those that claim the title of ancient were still human.” But that was all he said.
“Aren’t too many of those left now after these stupid games,” Eric grumbled. Godric glanced sideways at him.
“We all knew the rule of the game,” he said coolly. "There is only survival or death, my Child. Remember?"
"Your words are very true," a voice purred behind them and they both stood up. When Eric saw who it was, he immediately moved to stand behind Godric.
It was the ugly vampire that had been sitting with the three Romans. How long as he been standing there, Eric wondered suspiciously. Probably listening the whole time.
Ignoring Eric, the vampire held out the scythe to Godric, inclining his head. "A symbol of your great victory."
Godric took the proffered scythe, smiling politely, but Eric knew that it would be thrown away when they left. Having used a weapon in the fight, Eric knew his Maker did not consider this a true victory.
"Forgive my bad manners," the vampire continued. "My name is Magnus. I am one of the gentry in the court of Hannibal Antonius Silvanus."
Godric looked him over, as unimpressed with his appearance as Eric was. Eric felt Godric become cautious and wondered what was going on. Godric has just killed a fearsome foe, why would this ugly bastard make him wary?
Magnus smiled. It did nothing to improve his appearance. "The Roman Triumvirate are very impressed with your skill. Particularly Hannibal."
Eric realised that Aemilia Metella had just won a kingdom. "I expect that Aemilia is pleased too."
"Eric," Godric said, his voice low, but extremely stern. "Be quiet."
Chastened, Eric looked at the ground. Vampire etiquette could be tiresome, but Magnus was his elder. Barely. To a puritanical vampire, he'd potentially put himself in a perilous position by speaking out of turn.
Magnus ignored this faux pas, focusing on Godric instead.
"If you are willing, Hannibal has an offer he would like you to consider."
Then Godric grabbed the handle of the scythe, ripped it out of his back, swung it around and severed her feet from her legs.
She was too surprised to scream as she fell back. She pushed herself up on her elbows, staring at her feet, still resting just in front of Godric, as if confused as to how they got there. Then she started shrieking in agony.
Godric nearly toppled over several times as he struggled to get up, but eventually staggered to his feet. He looked down at her coldly.
Kallisto realised that Godric was standing and she was not. Her eyes widened in terror as he lunged, grabbed her, and sunk his fangs into her neck.
The crowd had gone silent in shock. The only noise to be heard was Godric gulping down her blood.
When he was finished, he dropped her to the sandy floor of the arena. She lay there, almost completely drained, weakened to the point of being unable to heal. Godric stood over her, flushed with strength again, her blood dripping down his chin to cover the tattoo on his chest.
Everyone heard her final pleas. "Please... don't kill me." She started to cry. "I don't want to die!"
Godric knelt down beside her, running his fingers over her mouth to hush her. "Everything ends," he said, gentle, but unmerciful. "Even the immortal."
He slammed his fist into her chest and yanked out her heart. The crowd starting screaming in delight when it and Kallisto's body exploded, splattering Godric with yet more blood.
He did it, Eric thought dazedly, watching as Godric waved politely at the audience of excited vampires. With the fight now over, he seemed eager to leave the ring.
As Hannibal leaned over to whisper to the ugly, unfamiliar vampire, Eric bolted out of the box, muttering something that he hoped was ‘Excuse me.’
By the time had Godric finished waving to the audience, Eric was already waiting for him just outside the amphitheatre. His Maker smiled as he approached, pushing his dripping hair out of his eyes, though he was so covered in blood it made little difference. Back in the arena, the crowd began to cheer for the next combatants who were stupid enough to fight to the death.
"You're alive."
"So to speak." Godric gave up trying to wipe the blood off his face.
Eric opened his mouth to say something when Godric pressed up against him, wrapping his slender arms around Eric's neck, pulling his head down, and kissed Eric lightly on the jaw, letting his fangs run across the skin. Eric shivered with pleasure.
But the scent of unfamiliar vampire blood on Godric was strange. His hands hovered over Godric's skin, and Eric found himself unwilling to touch his Maker in this state.
Just then, a human approached them and Godric's eyes gleamed dangerously at the interruption.
There were dozens of villages nearby and many of the humans had been hypnotised into becoming willing victims and servants. When the vampires eventually left the area, the hundreds of dead bodies would be blamed on some sort of disease.
“There are some towels by the river if you’d like to clean up,” she said in dull voice, pointing towards a small river mile or so away. She stared blankly at them. There were bite marks all over her.
Eric was glad for the offer. The very thought of tasting another vampire’s blood on Godric's skin made him feel ill suddenly.
“Thank you,” Eric said, tugging on Godric's slippery wrist.
The girl just blinked. “There are some towels by the river if you’d like to clean up.”
She remained where she was, still staring blankly. Eric looked at her pityingly. Her mind is completely destroyed. He started to head towards the water, but Godric paused beside the girl, and then his fangs were in her neck.
A few minutes later, she crumpled to the ground and for once, Godric didn’t bother covering his tracks, he simply left his kill there. Eric looked around, hungry himself and saw another mindless slave sitting nearby, a young man staring silently past them, as if waiting for someone. His fangs extended and Eric drained him within minutes, tossing the corpse aside as casually as Godric did.
Once they were by the river, Eric couldn’t hear the eager screams for death coming from the amphitheatre, even with his excellent hearing. Thank the gods. He dropped down beside the towels while Godric stripped off his stained pants and stepped into the water.
As the water rushed over his ankles, Godric tilted his face towards the sky and closed his eyes, a small smile on his lips. In the moonlight, the blood glistened on his Maker’s skin, trickled over his strong muscles and Eric could see the tips of his fangs just visible against his pale lower lip.
I was right in calling him Godric. Eric couldn’t help smiling. He is as powerful as a god.
Yet I was so afraid I would lose him.
After a few minutes of just watching his Maker standing quietly, Eric picked up one of the towels, wetting the cloth in the water and began wiping Godric’s face clean. Pulled out of his reverie, Godric blinked, looking up at Eric, but his eyes were distant, not really seeing him.
He pushed his Maker’s blood-drenched hair back off his face, towelling Godric's messy hair clean as best he could and took his time as he continued to wipe the congealing blood off, occasionally picking off a small bit of tacky tissue.
While Eric was on his knees pulling a stringy, bloody bit of... something off Godric's torso, Godric playfully pushed him backwards into the water. Eric's reflexes had improved and before he fell back, he wrapped an arm around Godric's legs. Godric splashed into the water beside him.
At least her blood is off him now, Eric thought, relieved. When Godric sat up, Eric splashed water in his face. “Imp.”
Wryly, Eric looked down at his clothes, now heavy with water. He pulled his shirt off and tossed it up onto the bank, hoping it would dry before dawn, and smiled when Godric's slender hands joined his in tugging off his pants. He tossed those up on the bank too and wrapped his arms around his eager Maker.
He sighed softly, enjoying the weight of his Maker in his arms. He ran his fingers through his damp hair, and closed his eyes as Godric's fangs cut into the skin of his jaw, a tiny line of blood welling up, that Godric slowly licked away.
Godric replaced his mouth with his fingers, running them over Eric's fangs. A finger pressed lightly against Eric's lips and Eric sucked it into his mouth, tonguing it gently. He felt a shudder run through Godric, and then Godric was kissing the corner of his mouth, his other hand twined in Eric's long, blonde hair.
Eric let his hands slide down Godric's stomach and then his hand moved between Godric's legs. He let go of Godric's finger when Godric groaned softly with pleasure. He rested his head in the crook of Eric's shoulder, rocking slowly with Eric's hand.
Eventually impatient for more, they went back to the shore, and Eric pulled Godric down to a patch of dried grass and snatched up one of the towels.
Ignoring his own wet skin, he worked the towel down Godric's chest, gently rubbing one arm and then the other, slow, firm movements as the gradually dampening towel passed over Godric's skin. He could see Godric relaxing, enjoying this different sort of touching between them.
Eric wiped off the outside of his legs, and when he saw Godric's mouth curve into a smile, clearly expecting him to move his hand to the inside of his thigh, he teasingly shifted behind him.
It proved to be a mistake. As he wiped down Godric's back, at the very place the scythe had dug in, his hand faltered. Eric knew that Godric was perfectly healed - having drunk the blood of another vampire would have only increased his strength - but he couldn’t help feeling that he ought to be able to see scars or bruises on his Maker.
How is it possible that someone could have almost killed Godric?
Eric hurriedly continued wiping down the backs of Godric's legs, desperately wanting his lust to return. But it was too late.
Godric caught him by the wrists and turned around to face him. He rearranged himself so his face was level with Eric's. “Talk,” he ordered gently.
“I was frightened.”
As soon as the words were out of his mouth, Eric felt the fear return, spreading through every part of him. It felt like he was choking on it. In his mind, he suddenly saw the silver scythe embedded in Godric's back.
The towel dropped from his hand and he fought down to urge to tremble. No, he told himself angrily as he tried to will the vision away, Godric is fine. He’s fine.
“I could feel how frightened you were,” Godric said calmly, leaning back. “I was never in any danger, my Child.”
Far from soothed, Eric gaped at him. “I thought that bitch was going to kill you, Godric. You might not have been frightened of her, but I was. I thought I would lose you.”
“You should have controlled your fear.” Godric tucked Eric's hair behind his ears. “I promised you that I wouldn’t die, did I not?”
“You needed a weapon in the end,” Eric muttered accusingly, a little irritated at the familiar chiding.
“I meant to break her ankle.” Godric's hand fell away. “But I grew distracted and too much time passed. I had to improvise.”
“Distracted? By what?”
“It doesn’t matter.” Godric waved dismissively. “I studied all the victors for the past few nights. When I decided to fight, I knew I-”
“Wait, you planned this? And didn’t tell me?” He punched Godric in the face, grimly satisfied when he heard Godric's nose break and saw blood trickle from his nose.
“Of course it matters, you bastard!” Still enraged, he went to hit Godric again, but this time his Maker caught his fist and squeezed, slowly crushing his hand.
“I have shed enough of my own blood for one night, Eric.” Godric's grey eyes were cold. “I said it did not matter. Yet you question my words?”
He cried out in pain as the bones in his hand splintered and snapped. Eric couldn’t meet Godric's gaze, and finally defeated, he hung his head.
“When you were lying there,” he said softly, “I wanted to go down and help you. But I felt like I couldn’t move. You were forcing me back, weren’t you? Through our bond.”
Godric let go.
“Yes.”
Eric just nodded miserably and stared at his hand, even after it had healed. He nearly died because of me.
Godric sighed. “I knew I would conquer anyone I fought. I would not throw my life away." He tried to catch Eric's eye. “I did not mean to upset you. That was not my intention.”
“Intention?” Eric repeated. He looked up. “Godric, why did you want to fight?”
This seemed the greatest mystery of all to Eric. However confident he was, Godric had put himself in a very precarious position and it was extremely out of character.
To Eric's surprise, Godric was troubled by the question. He lay back, staring at night sky, his expression dark. Despite the current tension between them, Eric lay on his side, but was careful not to touch his Maker.
“You said you would tell me,” Eric reminded him tentatively.
“So I did.”
As if their fight was forgotten, Godric pushed his body closer, making Eric think of a pup burrowing into its mother’s fur for warmth. Eric smiled, relieved, his nails tracing over the black runes on Godric's arm.
His Maker chuckled suddenly, but there was no mirth in it. “You tell me that I cannot understand something because it’s so human. That I’ve forgotten it.” He looked up at Eric's face. “I think this is something you cannot truly understand because you are too young.”
Surprised, Eric leaned back. “Tell me?”
“I wanted to fight,” Godric said softly, closing his eyes, “to make them see me.”
Eric nodded slowly, but didn’t say anything. He could grasp the meaning of Godric's words, and they frightened him.
Could you be a companion of death? Could you walk with me through the world...Through the dark?
He shivered, looking around them. He could see extremely well in the dark, but even his eyes had their limits. Eventually, the night swallowed everything up in shadows.
Darkness makes so many things disappear and Godric has walked through it for over a thousand years. Unnoticed for a thousand years.
Eric wished there was something he could say, but if there was, he had no idea what it could possibly be. He let his hands wander over Godric's skin again. His Maker appeared to be grateful for his silence, lost in his own thoughts.
Eric watched his Maker’s face as his hands stroked over Godric’s feet, his ankles, and up and around his legs with only a weak smile in response. It made Eric uneasy.
“Godric?” he prodded, wanting to quickly draw him out of this unexpected melancholy. Godric glanced at him with the same distant look in his eyes.
“I see you.” Eric touched his cheek. “Always.”
The fierceness of the kiss caught him completely off guard and he very nearly pulled back in surprise. Eric had expected a smile, or a sweet, gentle kiss; not for Godric to grab him by the back of the neck and pull their mouths together, sucking and nipping hungrily. By the time he let go, both their lips were bleeding badly.
“You saw me, my Child.”
Eric had no idea of what particular time his Maker was referring to, and just closed the gap between their mouths again, hungrily tasting their mingled blood before the wounds healed over. Godric slid his hands along Eric's broad shoulders and down his arms to hold him down by the wrists, rolling him onto his back.
Godric was almost always the dominating one, it was simply a part of his controlling personality, but Eric didn’t mind. It was just one of the many things about his Maker that he loved.
Eric arched up as Godric's strong body slid against his own and Godric's fangs brushed along his throat and shoulders.
Eric growled softly, wrapping his arms around his Maker to grind himself against Godric's cock and Godric growled back, his grey eyes full of lust. Hearing the noise, Eric felt quite confident, smugly so, that Godric's heavy-heartedness was gone.
Godric sighed, rubbing his cheek against Eric's and grinding harder. His lips began making their way down Eric's neck, his fingers constantly exploring Eric's skin. Every time Eric moaned in pleasure, Godric's eyes flickered up to look at his face. He took a nipple in his mouth, running his tongue over it gently before sliding his fangs in. Blood trickled from the tiny wounds on either side as he sucked.
Though he felt almost dizzy with delight as Godric's mouth moved to his other nipple, Eric thought he would go mad with frustration, pressing himself against Godric's cool skin.
Eric let his hands wander over Godric's shoulders, his nails lightly grazing the skin the way Godric liked so much, but realised the red mark was getting too close to his fingers and let go. His fingers curled tight as Godric reopened the wound and sucked harder.
Abruptly, Godric let go and his mouth continued downwards, the tips of his fangs skimming over Eric's skin just enough to bring blood to the surface for less than a second. His hands travelled down Eric's thighs, his thumbs massaging lazily. He glanced down to see Godric's eyes intent on his face, waiting for him to look down. Then Godric smiled slowly, wickedly, taking his time as he kissed his way down Eric's abdomen.
Eric heard Godric retract his fangs.
Eric gasped as Godric's tongue ran up and down his cock before closing his mouth over him. He gently sucked, his tongue stroking, lightly at first, but then harder. Eric's moans continued as Godric's nails trailed up the inside of his thighs. Eric propped himself up on his elbows to watch, his entire body shaking with pleasure.
Just as Eric got close, Godric released him, though he barely moved his head away. He held out his wrist to Eric and Eric eagerly pressed his mouth against it. Pulling his leg closer, Godric nuzzled the inside of Eric’ thigh.
They bit at the same time and all else vanished. The red bliss of blood flowed into Eric's mouth, and through the link, Godric's fiery passion filled him, consuming him.
He wasn’t sure who let go first; he slowly became aware that Godric's face was inches from his own, blood dripping down his chin and throat. He licked at the blood around Eric's mouth.
“Tell me what you want,” his Maker whispered.
Eric wrapped his arms around Godric's chest, pulling him close. “I want you inside me,” he whispered back, running his fingers along the underside of Godric's cock, smiling as when he heard a soft moan in reply.
As Godric licked the blood off his face, Eric let go of him, reaching for a pouch attached to his trousers that held a small vial oil.
Once his fingers were slippery, Eric wrapped his hand around Godric, stroking and squeezing gently. Godric sighed when Eric let go. He slid his tongue against Eric's as he entered slowly and Eric groaned against his lips, clutching his back, trying to draw him in deeper.
Godric's fangs brushed along Eric's neck. “I love how you cry out into my mouth like that.”
With each of Godric's gentle thrusts, Eric felt the tension and anxiety of the night melt away.
His Maker began kissing his way down Eric's neck, pausing every few inches to bite and take a few thrilling mouthfuls of blood, while Eric clawed his back, his nails digging deep enough to draw blood. Godric hissed at the sensation, withdrawing his fangs to arch up into Eric's hands.
Wracked with pleasure, Eric watched, spellbound, as his Maker lost control of himself, groaning softly, his eyes focused on Eric's face, but not really seeing him. Such an enthralling sight, something that only Eric ever saw and only in the heat of their coupling.
Eric felt him begin to tremble and grabbed Godric's face, demanding his attention. Godric snarled softly at the disruption, but slowed his movements, dazed and shaking.
“Stay with me,” Eric gasped, pressing his forehead against Godric's, gazing into his grey eyes. “Stay with me.”
Godric nodded, holding Eric's gaze as he began to move faster again. He ran his fingers down Eric's shoulders and arms, enlacing their fingers and suddenly, Eric realised he’d been pinned down. Godric looked down at him, his fangs bared and growling, but from this position, his mouth couldn’t reach Eric's neck. Eric growled back, urging him on.
Eric wriggled a wrist and his Maker let it go, watching raptly as Eric placed it to his mouth. Godric hissed softly and bit, driving his fangs in deep. Caught in his blood lust, Godric had lost possession of himself again. Eric gasped, writhing as Godric swallowed, blood dripping down his chin and throat.
Godric let go of his wrist, and tilted his head back, exposing his throat. His movements didn’t cease and Eric had no idea how he managed to reach his Maker’s neck to sink his fangs in, but he did.
He forced his fangs in deep, lost in the flowing river of blood.
Not withdrawing his fangs, Eric's hands twisted tightly in Godric's hair as he came and feeling Eric shake in his arms, Godric cried out as well, his nails digging deep into Eric's shoulders and shuddering violently.
Eric kissed him tenderly. “Always.”
“Forever,” Godric whispered back, nudging Eric's cheek with his nose.
After a few quiet moments, they stood up, and Eric was rather amazed at how much blood covered them both. He looked up, about to comment on it to Godric, but was suddenly struck by how...
There was a human on the other side of the river, about three hundred yards away. Godric was watching her, his fangs extended. Eric was startled at how quickly Godric could go from being so loving in his arms to being a predator ready to go in for the kill.
“You were born for this life, weren’t you?” Eric whispered. “One of killing and blood and endless night.”
“I am Death.” Godric's fangs gleamed in the moonlight. “Never forget that.”
A little unnerved, Eric bent down to see if his clothes had dried at all.
“You are as well, my Child,” Godric said from behind him. His voice became a littler sterner. “Be sure to remember that in future.”
Eric nodded, waiting to see what Godric would do about the human. She died.
They washed quickly in the river. It was uncomfortable dressing, more so for Eric, as their clothes weren’t dry, but they could easily acquire some from one of the villages, so that was where they headed.
While they waited on a bench for a hypnotised human to find them something suitable, Eric pulled a newly made bracelet out of his pocket.
“I finished this for you last night.”
Godric smiled gently, delighted, holding out his wrist obligingly. It had taken Eric week to ‘acquire’ the rubies and opals for this particular gift, and he was quite proud of it.
The amphitheatre was close by and when there was a sudden roar, Eric grimaced, knowing the excited noise meant that some other fool had died. Remembering something, he turned to Godric.
“You said last night that the oldest vampire attending was an Egyptian called Iah, didn’t you? That he was about five thousand years old?”
Godric looked up. “Yes. As far as I know.”
“He was killed in the fight before yours.”
“He was?” Godric actually sounded shocked.
Eric nodded. “Actually, they killed each other by throwing their weapons at the other’s head.” He tried to recall the other fighter’s name. “The other one was Jimrasu, I think.”
Godric frowned. “He was three and a half thousand years old.”
“Who is the oldest vampire you know?” Eric asked curiously. None of the vampires they’d encountered since Eric had turned had ever recognised Godric, despite Godric having said that he’d lived in nests before. So he must know older vampires. But where are they?
“The oldest vampire I know of is my Maker and even then, I do not know the exact age.” Godric smiled at Eric’s astounded expression. As Godric seldom mentioned his Maker, this was particularly exciting for Eric.
“My Maker was ancient when those that claim the title of ancient were still human.” But that was all he said.
“Aren’t too many of those left now after these stupid games,” Eric grumbled. Godric glanced sideways at him.
“We all knew the rule of the game,” he said coolly. "There is only survival or death, my Child. Remember?"
"Your words are very true," a voice purred behind them and they both stood up. When Eric saw who it was, he immediately moved to stand behind Godric.
It was the ugly vampire that had been sitting with the three Romans. How long as he been standing there, Eric wondered suspiciously. Probably listening the whole time.
Ignoring Eric, the vampire held out the scythe to Godric, inclining his head. "A symbol of your great victory."
Godric took the proffered scythe, smiling politely, but Eric knew that it would be thrown away when they left. Having used a weapon in the fight, Eric knew his Maker did not consider this a true victory.
"Forgive my bad manners," the vampire continued. "My name is Magnus. I am one of the gentry in the court of Hannibal Antonius Silvanus."
Godric looked him over, as unimpressed with his appearance as Eric was. Eric felt Godric become cautious and wondered what was going on. Godric has just killed a fearsome foe, why would this ugly bastard make him wary?
Magnus smiled. It did nothing to improve his appearance. "The Roman Triumvirate are very impressed with your skill. Particularly Hannibal."
Eric realised that Aemilia Metella had just won a kingdom. "I expect that Aemilia is pleased too."
"Eric," Godric said, his voice low, but extremely stern. "Be quiet."
Chastened, Eric looked at the ground. Vampire etiquette could be tiresome, but Magnus was his elder. Barely. To a puritanical vampire, he'd potentially put himself in a perilous position by speaking out of turn.
Magnus ignored this faux pas, focusing on Godric instead.
"If you are willing, Hannibal has an offer he would like you to consider."