Eulali burst into the armory where Beren and Ursala were staying, accusing Damara of 'witching' her brother. First of all, she hadn't knocked. She simply barged in as if she owned the place. Secondly, Ursala didn't like her attitude, not to mention she and Beren were in the middle of a romantic moment! Then again, Kelly *was* Eulali's little brother, who'd been in nothing but trouble most all his life. She was just being protective, as an older sister should be. Ursala took a deep breath, dispelling her anger. "I've got the same ability as you Eulali, and I tell ya, she's not witched 'im. Were ya so judgmental wi' Kelly when he changed?! Weren't ya willin' ta give him a chance? Look, after livin' more'n four hundred years, I know a thing or two about natures - human, fey and vampire. There aint much difference between 'em all...an' they can't change if ya don't let 'em. I've proved it wi' ma clan. She really cares for 'im and it seems he cares about her too - so just back off! A'right? Ya know, Damara isn't all bad an' never was. If it weren't for her, Beren would never have made it through the time when Mog captured him an' threw him in 'is dungeons. He don't talk about it, but tis true." "I...I had no idea," Lali said, relaxing her posture. Ursala had piqued her curiosity. "That must be why she did what she did after the dinner the other night...when she kissed him on the cheek. I just thought that was strange. I didn't know they knew each other 'fore now." "Aye, an' ya know what she said to him? She thanked him for suggestin' that Kelly be her guardian. He told 'er "I owed ya one, lass" - an that's why. Beren knows about Kelly. Beren knows a lot about everyone here. It's what 'e does - he's a watcher. She kept 'im alive cos she felt sorry for 'im. She knew why he was there - to get back at me. He'd never done a thing to Mog ta warrant such treatment, an' she knew it. So ya see, Lali ya shouldn't judge Damara so harsh. Let 'er be. Let them be - will ya? Kelly's a grown man. Let 'im make his own decisions. Now unless ya got other business here, will ya leave us be? An' don't forget ta close the door on yer way out. I AM a vampire an' TIS daylight, ya know!" Beren came down from upstairs after he heard the door close. "I wish ya' would'nae brought that up...but since ya did, thanks for not tellin' Lali *how* she kept me alive." "Well, the less said o' that sorta thing amongst those who are not our kind, the better. Eh, love?" "Aye." Beren sat down at the table half-laughing to himself. "It is a bit hard ta believe of 'er, but I owe Damara my life an' my sanity, an' that's the truth of it! I'm glad ya stood up for 'er. Would ya look at that fire. I like this place. Nice o' Morgan ta give us our own space. Ya gonna be a'right whilst I'm gone, light o' ma life?" "I'll manage," she told him, kneading his shoulders. "I'll miss ya somethin' terrible though. You leavin' on the morrow then?" "Aye. Good thing I'm a day-walker, eh? Day, night, in-between...," he pulled her arm down, so she was leaning over his shoulder. "Now, where were we a'fore we were so rudely interrupted? Remind me...." ***** It is a time of good-byes for everyone - none of them knowing for certain if they'll see each other again, so tensions are a bit high. Cheers my dears until next time and thank you for looking/commenting! Rayvn