Eterna

~Chapter 2~ Underlying Meanings

"Would you like something to drink?" said Payne as she poured herself some bourbon.

"No thank you."

I was sweating and couldn't control my breath. I had a feeling I knew what she was going to say. I seated myself and braced the table as Payne sat across from me, sipping her bourbon.

Payne was tall, appeared thin, and very pale. She had short, silver hair and sparkling red eyes. These were the traits of a Darkling; A darkling who understood ridicule and prejudice. The entire right half of her body was marked with black tattoos. These marks were given to Darklings to represent how strong the Darkwalker blood was within them. Since she was half Darkwalker, half of her body was marked.

Her solemn, ruby hues looked at me with sadness, but unless you really knew her, you could never tell what she felt.

"I'm going to try and say this in a civil manner."

"Please just get on with it." I managed to blurt out.

"Roland is in danger; Grave Danger." Moving her silver locks away from her eyes, she breathed deeply and placed her bourbon on the table.

"He may die."

I gripped the table harder now.

"Do you know how?" I asked, though I didn't want the answer.

"A bird or bird-like creature is going to be his cause of death. I don't know exactly how but that's what I've dissected."

I was choking back tears.

"Maybe I should stop-"

"No. I want to know. Keep going."

"Okay." She took another sip of bourbon. "It will most likely occur in about a week's time at sunset. That's all I know."

I sat in shock. How could I respond?

"All I can say is that these are not merely dreams or nightmares, but visions. It was a warning, but you took no steps to heed the warning; that's why the dream hasn't changed."

"Divine, take me..."

I began to weep. I had done nothing to save my husband from his certain death.

"It's not too late Milady. We can still take precaution."

"How?" I said after I caught my breath.

"I'm not entirely sure, but we can get protection for Roland."

"Hell, Payne, you know Roland. If an army was against him he would still refuse protection."

"I know." She said. "That's why I have a plan."

"I'm listening."

"I could go and get Devon and Roxy. They're trustworthy and the perfect decoys. Roland will never know they're here to protect him. He'll just think they're here for a visit."

"Sounds like a plan." I said. "But if you leave out of the blue and come back with them in toe, it looks a bit suspicious, don't you think?"

"Hardly...If you want to come-"

"Stay out of my head Payne."

Darklings possess the rare ability to manipulate objects, or even people, with their minds. Telepathy, telekinesis, and even mind control. Payne had the ability to read thoughts, and affect the decisions of the weak minded.

"Sorry Milady, I can't help it. I just think it would be wise for you to stay with your husband during his last few days. The trip only takes a day or so, I'll be back before you know it."

"I disagree. I want to come along. That is no longer a suggestion. If it is to keep him alive I would travel forever."

"I know you would Milady but forever is not promised to him."

I looked down at my feet.

"I will begin packing tonight. We leave tomorrow morning." I said as I stood.

"Well, I suppose it's settled then."

"Thank you, Payne. I don't know what I would do without you."

"I feel the same, Milady. You are my light."

I opened the door and stepped out.

"Sleep well, Milady; For his sake."

When I stepped inside the house I was surprised to see Roland toiling over the stove.

"Roland? What are you doing?"

He turned quickly, revealing his dirty apron and disheveled appearance. I couldn't help but smile.

"Well, I'm trying to cook, but nothing seems to be agreeing with me." He said with a grin.

"Here," I said. "Let me help you."

"Oh, no you don't. You're going to sit down and be served young lady." He said before he guided me to my seat.

"Oh really? This should be interesting."

In a few minutes he had a delightful dinner spread across the table.

"Ah, I don't know how you do it, my love."

"Do what?" I said, confused.

"Manage doing your womanly duties and still being able to kick my ass at the same time."

I let out a laugh and studied my husband's face. His light brown eyes shone in the sun's rays and his smile filled both his soul and my own. I couldn't lose him. Not now.

"Are you alright, Evelyn?"

"Hmm?" I returned from daydreaming to catch tears running down my face.

"Oh." I said "I'm just so happy to have you Roland. You're my joy."

He smiled proudly.

"Well, I do try my best to please you."

"I know you do." I said to myself.

"Well, let's eat before it all gets cold and tastes even worse." He laughed and dug in.

The food was surprisingly good considering his inexperience and we both ate quietly.

"Ah, if you don't mind cleaning up my love. I need to wash up."

"Of course." I said with a smile.

At the time I would do anything he asked me to.

After cleaning I changed and headed to bed. Roland soon followed. He lay next to me, shirtless and almost pant less. I watched him dress. He caught me from the corner of his eye.

"Checking me out I see."

"Who, me? Never." I said with a smile.

He fixed his pants and dove into the bed next to me. He turned the light off and embraced me, kissing my chest all the way to my face. I put my finger to his mouth. He and I were hardly intimate after we figured out we couldn't have children. He blamed himself partially and continued to try in a state of denial. I was a woman. I knew my body.

"Stop it Roland." I said, whilst gently pushing him away.

"Why, Evee? I just want to love you. You can't let your own husband love you?"

"You know exactly what it is Roland."

"You're still afraid to love me? Or is it because we can't have children?"

"I can't have children, Roland. Not you, ME."

There was a moment of silence as I turned over in the bed to face away from him. I wanted to love him but something in me was telling me it was wrong. I was married to this man for over 4 years. How could it still feel wrong?

I didn't dream that night. I cried until I was too exhausted to think. I cried because after it all, he still held me through the night.