Vow of Blood and Starlight (a Pride and Prejudice retelling)

Chapter Four

Elizabeth had been training in the garden for nearly an hour now, dreading the idea of getting ready for a ball with bloodsuckers. Her mothers attempts with creams and bathing had not made her much lighter than before, but for some reason made her mother very pleased. Perhaps it was all the effort she felt leaving a glow on her daughter that gave her the impression of a job well done. Or perhaps she was just so tired with the action that she adjourned adequately and called it a day. Either way, Elizabeth was free to dance about the night with her sword in hand until her sisters come calling for ribbons and shoes and gowns.

It is not uncommon, mostly at night for Elizabeth to walk past the pond border and towards the line of trees at the property end. On many occasions that is as far as she would go, stopping just short of the large branches and leaves. But on other nights, such as this one, her skill as a warrior demanded her advance without fear.

You fear no darkness, nor monsters that may hunt beyond. You are no pray.

That was enough, on this particular evening, along with the overwhelming feeling to put distance between her and the manor. She decided to make it a game, as she took her first steps into the becoming darkness and folded herself among the shadows. Careful of every footfall and mindful of every sound. Her sword sheathed in her belt, hand at the ready.

Before she knew it, she was out of the woods and past properties. Back out amongst the starlight of a clear night sky.

Elizabeth sighs, tilting her head back into the subtle night air and taking in the freedome.

"Hello, friends." She says to the sky, that sparkles in answer.

Her tranquility is short lived as the sharp snapping of a twig sings through the night sky.

She does not think as she pivots and turns hard on her heels, pulling her sword out of her belt and up into first formation. She did not think it would collide with the weapon of another.

Jane grunts and falls to her knees at the impact of her sword and her sisters.

"Wow Liz." Says Jane as she puts down her sword to stand and wipe the dirt from her dress.

"Sorry Janie. I thought you were..." Elizabeth began.

"I know very well what you thought I was, Lizzie. If I was in fact what you thought, at that angel I would have lost my head." Burst Jane as she shakes off the rest of the unfortunate mess on her clothes.

Jane curses under her breath as the stane of mud seems unyielding.

"Sorry." Mumbled Elizabeth and she put her sword back to her belt.

Jane sighs, "This is my favorite training dress Lizzie, now look at it."

Elizabeth chuckles, "If it is your training dress it ought to have more than just one stain. Perhaps if you trained harder. Perhaps if you trained with me."

Jane cackled as they began to make their way back to the house.

"No way, I remember last time, you nearly broke my arm, in hand to hand and I still possess the scar from swords. You can try your luck with Mary. Or better yet find a husband who will delight in dueling you without injury."

Elizabeth rolls her eyes, "You know as well as I mother would not allow for anyone less than a vampire. Or any vampire less than a Lord. Better I remain unwed than wed something I care little for."

It's Jane's turn to roll her eyes to the heavens as they make their way around the pond and onto the dirt path home. Lydia stands in the doorway, waving her handful of ribbons and bouncing.

"Perhaps at the party, you will find a gentleman worthy of your time and talents." States Jane as they pass the front gate.

"Perhaps I will. Unlikely..." Mumbles Elizabeth.

"Promise you will try Lizzie." Says Jane as they mount the steps, "For me?"

Elizabeth sighs as they enter the house, "For you dear sister, I will try."

                                                                                                    *

"Mama, I must protest!" Screams Elizabeth as Mrs. Bennet presents a pastel pink dress with ruffled sleeves.

"Why must you protest my dear? This would look so lovely on you." smiled Mrs. Bennet.

"It would look lovelier still on Lydia or Kitty. I would like to wear my blue gown to tonight's event."

Mrs. Bennet moans as she stomps her way out of the room and back down the stairs, nearly tripping on her own sky blue gown. Jane chuckles as she finishes the laces for Elizabeth's dress and demands a spin.

"You do your best not to vex mother further, at least not tonight."

"I will wear what I wish. If men of standing think dark colors to be vulgar then they must go, not I." States a very confident and well dressed Elizabeth as she twirls twice and curtsies. "Besides, it does best to hide my short blade."

To that she pulls the skirt to the side to reveal a long glade attached to her thigh by a holster and some ribbon.

"What is the ribbon for?" Chuckles Jane.

"In case I get bored." Remarks Elizabeth.

Lydia dances into the room, her dress made of lace and pink ribbon. "More like if she need amuse herself in the case no gentlemen calls her to dance." She giggles.

Jane scolds her quickly for the remark and demands she go downstairs and inquire once more if papa will be joining them.

"Don't mind her words," states Jane, "We will all have fun tonight."

With that final remark the sister smiles and makes their way down the small staircase to the impatient family and the ball.