Eternal Deathbed

II

(7 pm, Crudetha Hearth (mansion))

"You got it sweetheart?"

"Yes ma'am." Melois struggled a bit to put on her dress and shoes but eventually she got it. I put my fur coat on and helped Melo into hers and zip it up, then I grabbed her hand and took her downstairs where I saw Cassius and Odis talking in our front living room. They both had very serious looks and were talking very quietly. Cassius glanced at me then whispered something to Odis, making them nod in sync and walk to the back door that leads to the thicket-like garden.

I felt a warm sensation trickle throughout each part of my body as a telepathic message came up in my mind, from Cassius. 'Keep Melo safe tonight, I have a few things to do with Odis and the other high class vampires. I love you, we'll talk later dear.' his voice softly echoed.

I send a telepathic message back to Cassius saying 'I love you too, lets talk on the roof like we used to when we get back' And smile to myself, thinking about those lovely memories when we were a bit younger. I bend down to straighten Melois' dress, hat and fix her fur coat and wrap, giving her a forehead kiss as she giggles and hugs my leg.

I love my daughter so much. I'll do anything to protect her.

"Melois, go sit on the couch and wait for mommy okay?" She nods and sits on the couch, playing with her toys and trinkets.

I walk to the kitchen and pull out a family sized lunch pack for me and Melois to share on our trip to Ruiterra falls. I started to put food, including our special vampire food, and packed it in the lunch box along with special, healthy snacks for Melois to nibble on; a pinch of my magic was added inside to keep the foods and drinks at their appropriate temperature.

I put the lunchbox with my other bag of basic things for personal care that me and Melois can use if needed.

"C'mon dear let's go." I say as I watch Melo slide off the couch onto her little feet. She puts her toys away in her little bag and runs to me. I grab her hand, picking her up and holding her with one arm, resting her bum on my hip, my two bags in the other and walk out of the door with her.

♦♚♦

(9 pm, Ruittera Falls Village/Plaza)

Me and Melois arrive at Ruittera Falls Village and wander around, purchasing a few items from their shops with the Ruthers I had left kept since I used to live here with my Great Aunt.

I bought her the most beautiful necklace I could find to show her how much she means to me, as well as some children's trinkets and collector's items for myself. We hung out by the massive frozen water fountain in the middle of the village, eating the rest of our half-eaten lunch pack and soaking in the positive energy around the town. Ruittera Falls is especially lovely at night. The natural glistening lights, emitted by the enchanted ice itself, reflected off the ice statuettes. The energy that built this place many years ago is still present.

We got various looks from elves folk, I assume they've never seen a vampire with a child in a while. Due to past situations , it's not very common for vampires to have children, at least not anymore. Surprisingly, marriage is more common within the vampire species nowadays.

Some looked afraid whilst others seemed faintly confused and worried. Although Melo didn't seem to notice much, I simply just smiled them off anyway, continuing my short quality time with Melo.

"Mommy, this place is really pretty," she compliments with a bit of food in her mouth, squirming in my lap, "I wanna live here!"

I chuckled at her words along with her tiny voice. "No dear, we cannot live here. It is far too cold for our kind so we cannot stay here long. Hurry and chew your food, we have to leave soon honey." I finish up my first piece of Honey Dew Bread and grab another, watching her finish up her food.

"Mama, why is it so cold here?" Melo asks as she turns toward me, watching me eat another piece of the Honey Dew bread.

"Dear, the cold is the best habitat for the cousins of our species, the Elves. And since Vampires and Elves have learned to work together, at least some species of the vampires, we are allowed to visit, but for a short period of time since the cold isn't made for us." she blankly stares at me, confused.

"Elves..

"Look around dear, look at the townspeople's ears." She looks around and sets her focus on a young elf, about the same age as her. Melois admires her pointed ear. Looking at other elvesfolk, she sees various types of ears. Gnome, half Orc, firbolgs, normal elves, etc.

"Woah!! That's cool mommy!" She gave me a big smile and snuggled with me, hugging my waist.

"Alright Melois, we need to leave now" I said as I patted and rub her back. I pack up the leftover lunch and the containers, zipping up the lunchbox. She climbs up on me, resting against my chest. I cradle her and wrap her safe and sound in my wrap to keep her warm. I get our things together and summon my bats from the enchantment realm, commanding them to help us get to the Ruittera Glacier.

We'll need 30 to 60 minutes to get to the council because the town is so big. Melois gently falls asleep in my arms due to the cold and the warmth of the snacks we ate. Using my magic, I give Melois some warmth ensuring she's warm despite the warmth of our coats and my wrap.

Off we go.

(9:30 pm, back at Crudetha Hearth)

3rd person POV

"The Rirathyes are back already?!" Cassius abruptly shouts and spills his Sanguine Moontonic, a specialized blood drink for high class vampires, in the enchanted grass making it turn a deep blood red and disintegrate into nothingness ; Odis slightly backed away from Cassius, shuddering.

"Y-yes, sir... Would you like another Sanguine Moontonic so we can calmly talk about this?" Odis carefully picks up the ornate wine glass and looks at Cassius.

"No, I'm not in the mood for another right now," Cassius sits down on the outdoor couch, taking in a deep breath before talking again, "Where did you get this news from Odis?"

"The Rirathyes themselves sir! They sent a letter saying they're going to take a 'visit'." Odis hands Cassius a dioxazine envelope and he immediately opens it, reading the enchanted letter.

" Prepare for a visit.

All you silly vampires will see who's the true ruler! "

-the Pixies

Cassius set the envelope down with a nervous look.

"They're going to attack our land .. Euphorium.." he trails off, " What if they try anything on my dear Melois.. I..." Cassius's face became pale, then full of spite. "The other species and their great kingdoms.." He pauses and glances at Odis directly in his eyes, "They are not going to cause harm to this enchanted thicket once again."

Cassius aggressively grips Odis' shoulders, setting an afraid expression on his face.

"Odis."

"Y-yes sir?" he responds, slightly trembling.

"Tell each delegate from each region of the forest to meet me in the Great Oath parlor at midnight. Got it?"

"Yes sir. I'll go ahead and do that now."

Released from his grip, Odis quickly makes his way to sending out letters through the Travel Phoenix's that roam in the thicket every now and then. Cassius takes a deep breath and walks back inside. He travels to the kitchen, making himself another Sanguine Moontonic to pipe down for the night.