This is a story of fiction and is not intended to reflect any factual basis upon the characters mentioned.
This story is hopefully enjoyed by those who like a more romantic tale. I hope I've done justice to those this story reflects. F/F.
Joan
A test. A test from The future king of France, Charles VII. She was to travel to a small village and slay a monster that was reportedly killing the villagers there. Her claims of saintly visions would be tested if this eighteen year old peasant girl should succeed. If she failed, then a brief glimmer of hope in defeating the English would be snuffed and a momentary distraction removed.
Joan was provided with some old armor and a dull sword for her mission. Many scoffed that this illiterate child, a girl no less, could be the salvation that France needed in it's floundering campaign to rout the English from French soil.
Joan traveled alone to the village of Les Brousseau on an old war horse. Joan spoke to the keeper of the small inn upon her arrival. Her claims of being sent to rid the village of the monster of the night was met with skepticism and quiet ridicule.
The innkeeper decided to humor this child, in her old and rusted armor. He told her the monster came at night, and had recently killed the local tax collector.
He also confided that the village saw this creature of the night as more of a protector of the village. The victims were the sick and dying. The tax collector was not liked and was harsh in his methods of collection. The man perished after the children of a family had died after being driven from their home for not being able to pay.
Joan considered what the innkeeper told her. She found others in the village would not speak to her of what ever, or who ever it was that moved in the night. She was uncertain if it was fear of the monster, or of her removing a creature looked upon as more a savior. Villages and cities were only now beginning to recover from the curse of the plague that had killed so many.
The innkeeper provided Joan a room, as she carried papers from the Royal court.
Joan was out that night in search of this monster. Moving quietly among the few alleys and woods of the village. Joan was fearful, but held to her faith that she had been selected after visions of saints had visited her.
Joan felt a breeze upon her neck as she walked among the trees, though noticed no movement of the leaves. Turning quickly, she saw but a dark blur moving away further into the woods. Joan attempted to follow, but soon realized there was no further movement ahead of her.
Joan returned to the inn as the sun began to rise. After a brief meal she went to her room. After kneeling and saying her prayers and giving thanks, she slept.
Joan returned to her hunt again that night. While moving between homes, she heard soft voices from around the corner. Moving silently to the end of the home, she peeked around the corner and beheld a person dressed in black, kneeling with an old woman, who's head lay upon her lap. A cowl covered the head of the dark form. Joan could hear the old woman softly speaking, coughing intermittently.
"Thank you for answering my prayers and coming to me. The pain is so unbearable and I know that I can no longer help my family and am only a burden to them."
"You have never been a burden Patrice. Your family loves you. And knowing how much you have given to them and others, this is the least that I can do."
"I am fearful though. I don't know what God's will would be for me when we meet."
"Do not worry, you have had a life of loving and caring for those around you. No god will find fault with you."
"Thank you my lady. You have been a saint and protector of my family and village. I only wish there was something I could do to end the sadness I see in your eyes."
"Shhh, Patrice. My fate shall be what it is. Are you ready for your next journey?"
"Yes my lady. But, will it hurt?"
"No my dearest, it will be like closing your eyes to sleep, no more cares, no more pain."
"Thank you."
Joan watched as the cowl bent to the women. Joan heard a soft sound from the old woman and then, a contented sigh. The cowled figure stayed bent over the women's body, which had ceased all movement.
Joan's sword, previously held in the ready position, had dropped in front of her. She knew she had just witnessed the end of the woman's life, though done by some fashion that appeared to have brought only relief.
This could not be the murdering creature she had been told to find and kill, could it?
Joan was stilled by her thoughts when she heard a woman's voice. The sound so sweet, that she looked up in surprise to see a beautiful face framed within the cowl.
"If you are here to slay me, I would think it better that you have your sword up."
Joan moved from the corner towards the woman. As she approached she noticed rich black hair framing the woman's face and falling to the swell of her breasts, hidden under her cloak. The woman's eyes were almond shaped, dark brows above brown eyes, the depths of which Joan felt here self captivated by. Joan's eyes moved to the woman's full red lips.
Joan felt a heat rush through her body. A yearning to move into this woman's arms. To be close. To be kissed.
"If you wish to strike me down child, I will not resist. My time has been long. Perhaps it's time for me to make my leave."
"I was sent to kill a monster. I see no monster here my lady," Joan stated quietly.
The woman tilted her head slightly as she looked upon this young woman, barely removed from being a girl. She felt the goodness of Joan as she stood fearlessly before her.
She was surprised to also feel a yearning to be near this young girl. With her brownish hair cascading from under the helmet she wore. Her blue eyes, long, thin nose and pale lips. She could not recall a time she wished to be near someone and hold them tightly to her.
"Tell me child, what is your name?"
"Joan D'Arc, my lady." "And if I may be so bold as to ask yours?'
Joan watched as a brief sadness descended upon the brown eyes of the woman.
"I have had many names, but for you, I will give you my true name, Cosmina."
The women stood, simply staring into each other's eyes. Joan again saw sadness descend and flicker across those brown jewels.
"With your leave then Joan, I leave you."
As the woman turned to leave, Joan felt a pull she had never known before. "Will I see you again Cosmina?"
The woman paused, turning to Joan with a raised eye brow." Do you wish to see me again?"
"Yes. Yes I do." Joan replied softly. A slight smile came to the woman's face.
"Then you shall. I shall be at the ruins in the forest tomorrow night. Ask Pierre, the innkeeper. He will provide you with directions." And with that, the woman was gone, so quickly that Joan looked around, but saw no sight of where she had disappeared to.
Joan returned to the inn. Deep in thought of these strange feelings she was having towards Cosmina.
Joan learned of the ruins from Pierre. A questioning look from him, though still he provided her the information.
Joan returned to her room and sunk to her knees in prayer.
"Lord? Is this a test you have placed in my path? Have I been mesmerized in some way by this woman?"
Joan could not bring herself to believe that Cosmina had some how clouded her mind. She had no experience with needs of her body. She had had no lovers in her life as no man had ever been of an attraction to her. Yet she felt a yearning that coursed thorough her body, centering on the junction between her legs.
Joan stayed upon her knees in prayer and thought until exhaustion forced her to her bed. For the first time she dared to sleep unclothed. The rough blanket scraped across her hard nipples, sending shivers of excitement through her body.
She would not allow herself to touch the wetness that she noticed in her nether region. She knew such things were forbidden by her church.
Joan knew that she would be in the ruins that night, for she could not bear the thought of not seeing Cosmina again.
Joan awoke in the late afternoon. Pierre was very generous in providing her with a dinner. A look of contemplation upon his face. She noted none of the other diners would speak to her, instead speaking with each other quietly. She felt the looks that she was receiving from the other diners, but when she would turn their way, eyes were quickly diverted.
Joan felt the need to hurry to be with Cosmina again. She questioned this desire, but was powerless to stop herself as she hurried from the inn before the sun set.
Joan was able too find the ruins from the directions provided. They appeared to have been an old castle, now partially crumbled and buried in the woods.
As darkness enfolded her, she began to question her choice to be at such an isolated location. The movements in the woods around her and the howling of a wolf set her nerves on end.
Joan felt her breath leave her body as a voice sounded behind her.
"Thank you for coming Joan D'Arc." A quiet voice said.
Joan turned to see Cosmmina standing behind her, still wrapped in her long black cloak. Cosmina's hood was down now and Joan could see her full rich hair cascading down across her shoulders.
"I could no more avoid this then my need to breath," Joan said.
"I'm sure you have many questions for me child. And for some reason, for you I am willing to answer them."
Joan again felt herself lost in the rich brown eyes of Cosmina.
"Have you enchanted me? Is this why I feel so drawn to be with you, to be near you?" Joan whispered out.
A small laugh came from Cosmina. "No child, for if I have enchanted you, then I have also enchanted myself."
Joan smiled back at Cosmina as she moved to her. Joan stopped in front of Cosmina. Inches separating them. Joan felt the need to touch this woman. TO see if she was actually real, or some trick that God was playing upon her.
With a trembling hand, she reached up and softly stroked Cosmina's cheek. She felt her warmth and the smooth, unflawed skin under her fingers. Cosmina's hand moved to cover Joan's hand. Pressing her warm caress against her skin as she tilted her head firmer against it's pressure.
With a sigh, Cosmina moved from Joan's touch while still holding her hand. Come Joan, let us find a more private place to speak.
Joan entwined her fingers with Cosmina, allowing herself to be led along a path she had not noticed through the rubble of the decaying castle.
Cosmina led Joan to a portion of the castle that was undisturbed. A fire burned in the large fireplace, providing a warm sanctuary from the cool night air.
A bear skin rug was laid out before the fire and Joan moved with Cosmina to sit upon it.
"I don't understand any of this my lady." "I feel such need to see you, to be with you, to touch you." Joan's head dropped to her chest as she felt tears fill her eyes.
"Shhh my child. For I feel the same towards you. I have traveled to many places for a very long time. But you are the first I have ever felt the need to want to be with."
Cosmina moved her hand to Joan's chin and gently lifted until their eyes once again met. She wiped away the tears that had spilled upon Joan's cheeks, a gentle smile upon her face.
Joan felt herself once again become lost in those eyes. She felt as if she could look forever into their depths, seeing only warmth and what she did not recognize as love.
Cosmina moved slowly towards Joan until their lips were but inches apart.
"May I kiss you?" Cosmina whispered.
"Yes, yes please." Joan answered back just as softly. The warmth she had felt the night before moving through her body tenfold over what she had felt the night before.
Joan felt as if she could not draw in enough air for her body to survive. Her lips opening slightly, as if to draw more air into her lungs.
Cosmina closed the small distance between them. Her lips moving against the soft, slightly opened lips of Joan.
Joan moaned as the heat flared within her. Moving her hand through Cosmina's hair, she pulled those lips harder against her own.
Cosmina felt lost in her feelings of lust. Wrapping her arms around Joan, she pulled her tighter to her body. Her leg, as if having a mind of it's own, moved between Joan's legs, pressing against her center.
Joan felt the pressure of Cosmina's leg. Spiraling her desire higher. She began grinding herself, feeling the slickness leaking from her spreading to coat her thighs. Joan's mind became a blinding flash of white as a rush of sensations exploded within her body.
Joan clung tightly to Cosmina as her body surged harder and harder against the thigh pushed against her. Her head dropped back as a scream of bliss was torn from her throat.
Blackness quickly descended upon Joan as Cosmina caressed her slack body to her.
Joan awoke to find herself laying upon the rug. The soft fur, pleasant upon her skin. Joan could only smile as she felt Cosmina's arms around her. Her body pressed tightly against Cosmina.
Joan began to regain her senses as she continued to smile into Cosmina's eyes.
"What happened?" Joan asked.
"You have experienced le petit mort, my love." Cosmina replied.
"My love." Joan liked that. She found that she also felt an undying love for this woman. Joan cared nothing of her religious teachings at this moment. She could only think of how great her love for Cosmina was. Surely god would not deny such a feeling of joy and peace she felt while Cosmina held her.
"Do you trust me Joan?"
"Yes! Yes, I trust you with my heart, my body, my soul."
If possible, Joan saw even greater love flow into Cosmina's eyes as she looked upon her.
Cosmina reached to the hem of the peasant blouse Joan wore, and slowly lifted it up her body. Joan held her breath, her face flushing red as she would be exposed naked for the first time since being a baby in her mother's arms.
Joan surprised herself as she willingly lifted her body to allow Cosmina to remove her blouse. As she lay back down, she felt the softness of the rug against her naked back. But all she could think of was the look of wonder and hunger that were in Cosmina's eyes.
Cosmina stared down upon the fragile beauty before her. Joan's small pale breasts, topped with hard, pointed nipples before her. She watched as Joan's chest rose and fell with her rapid breath. She could hear the pounding of Joan's blood as it coursed through her body.
Cosmina's hand moved slowly up Joan's bare stomach. Savoring the smoothness and warmth she felt. Her hand encircled Joan's breast. Her fingers moving to lightly pinch the erect nub that sat atop it.
Joan's back arched at the sensation of Cosmina's touch. Her body again became flush with the heat she associated with being near Cosmina.
A moan came unbidden from Joan's lips as Cosmina leaned forwards, and placed her lips around that turgid point. Joan felt she would burst into flames as she felt Cosmina's tongue encircling her nipple.
Joan offered no resistance as Cosmina's fingers lifted her skirt to her hips. A louder moan escaped her lips as Cosmina's hands moved through her wetness. Her hips rose to push more of those delicate fingers within her as Cosmina's hand rubbed her very essence.
Cosmina rubbed her thumb over the hard nub that lay atop her soaking wet cleft.
Joan again felt the rush of her body, as again there was an explosion within her head and through out her body. Her body arched as she cried out. Shaking and frantic for this blessed feeling to continue.
Soon, she felt as if she were returning. Cosmina laid atop her, moving to once again press her lips against Joan's.
Joan's body could withstand no more and she found herself sliding into a contented sleep.
Joan awoke to the sounds of birds chirping. Light was filtering in through the open windows above her. She was disappointed to find herself alone. No sign of where Cosmina had gone.
"Cosmina?" Cosmina?" But no answer was forth coming.
Joan donned her blouse and arranged her skirt as she rose. Joan found her way back to the forest, taking one last hopeful look back, hoping to see Cosmina there. Such was not to be and Joan followed the trail through the woods, back to the village.
Joan noticed the surreptitious glances she received from those villagers that were about as she walked. Again, none would meet her eyes, but she noted many with a smile upon their face.
Joan entered the inn to be greeted by Pierre.
"I was not sure we would be seeing you again miss." "We were unsure if perhaps you had met with an accident, or become lost."
Joan smiled towards Pierre. "No, I was not lost. I believe I have been found."
Pierre's eyes widened as he looked upon Joan. She was uncertain of his thoughts as he then became flustered.
"I am sorry miss, but you can no longer stay here."
"But why?" Joan asked in confusion.
"You belong to her now. The woman of the night. We enjoy her protection here, but I cannot risk having her presence drawn to my inn by you."
"Where will I go?"
"I believe you know the answer to that. Your eyes shine with a new light that was not there when you left last evening."
Joan knew what the man was saying. She did not understand his fear, but she knew she belonged at the castle with Cosmina.
Joan returned to her room and quickly collected her sparse belongings. She found her old horse and together they returned to the trail that led to the ruined castle.
Joan was able to find a suitable place to leave her horse near the castle. She found the path back to the room she had been with Cosmina during the night. She laid back down upon the fur rug, longing to once again be in Cosmina's arms before closing her eyes to sleep.
Joan awoke to the feeling of a hand softly stroking her face. A smile came to her face as she opened her eyes to see Cosmina lying beside her, their bodies pressed together.
Joan pulled Cosmina's face to her. Pressing their lips together hoping to fill this unquenchable hunger she felt to touch Cosmina with her entire body.
Joan broke the kiss, moving her head back to look again into the depths of Cosmina's eyes. Again she felt lost in the golden colors she now saw there.
"You've returned to me my love."
"I don't ever want to be far from you Cosmina." "I love you, I can feel it in my heart, in my very being."
A sadness again appeared in Cosmina's eyes as she turned away.
Joan was confused and lightly pulled Cosmina back to face her.
"What is wrong my love?" "Have I done something to hurt you?"
"No my sweetness. I am not all that I appear."
"What do you mean? Do you not want to be with me.?"
A tear slowly descended down Joan's cheek, wondering what she had done to harm this woman she loved so. She did not understand what Cosmina was saying.
"I am a creature of the night my beloved. I fear that should you know all of me, you will flee the horror that is my life. I know that would break me, for my heart has never been moved as you have moved me."
Joan rose up and gripped Cosmina's shoulders.
"Please, tell me! There is nothing that you can say that would be so awful that I will not love you."
A sad smile came to Cosmina's lips. She bent forwards and placed a light kiss upon Joan's.
"I will tell you my story then. Then you may choose if your feelings are still the same towards me."
Joan moved behind Cosmina and wrapped her arms around her, pulling her back against her chest.
"Please tell me what brings such sadness to you. Though in my heart, I do not believe there is anything you can say that would turn me against you."
Cosmina settled against Joan as she felt Joan's lips kiss her tenderly upon her neck.
Many years ago, I lived in a small village in the mountains far from here. I had a husband and child at the time. Cosmina felt Joan stiffen at the mention of her being a married woman.
This was before such ideas of being married even existed my love. He was a man who chose to stay with me and I was his woman to care for the home we made and tend to the child I bore him.
He had gone out hunting for our food one day, and had not returned by nightfall. The woods around our home were filled with horrible creatures, and I feared that he may have been slain by such.
He did not return the next day. I found what I could to feed our small daughter.
That night, he returned, but he was no longer the man who had left to hunt. His eyes were red, and angry. I went to him, but his body was cold to my touch. All he would say was that he hungered.
I felt a deathly fear when he grabbed me roughly. I looked up to his face, and saw two long teeth protruding from his upper mouth, like the front teeth of a wild dog. He was so strong, that I could not escape him.
He pulled my neck to the side as he buried those fangs into me. I felt pain as they pierced my skin, but I was helpless to escape.
Slowly, I felt the life leaving my body. My last thought was what of the safety of my daughter?
I awoke to see him holding our daughter as I laid upon the ground. I saw the sadness in his eyes as he looked upon me.
"I am sorry my Cosmina. But the hunger was to much. I have brought you back as I was brought back with the drinking of my blood. I could not bear to be without you.
I wept, not sure what had been done to me. But I could no longer feel the beating of my heart. I felt coldness inside of me, and a hunger that I felt I could not control.
I realized he was one of the creatures of the night. And he had made me in to one as well.
He held out our daughter to me. I wept, but when I wiped my face with my hands, all that was there was thin, watery blood.
I was so hungry though. I could here the blood pumping in my daughter's veins. See the pulsing at her neck.
I could feel the fangs lengthening within my mouth.
I had no thoughts as I lunged at her and buried my teeth into that pulsing vein along her neck. She let out a short gasp, then was quiet as I drank from her.
Finally I felt sated, the hot blood coursing through my body, but as I held the limp body of my daughter, I could only cry for the sweet innocent child who's life I had just taken.
I begged my husband to bring her to life as he had me. He refused, and I knew then that I hated this man.
He told me to cover all the windows as the rays of the sun would burn and destroy us. A part of me wished for that end to come, but instead, I followed his requests.
I felt as the dawn broke. No sun light entered our cottage, but I could feel it as if I was standing outside. A lethargy like none I have ever know fell upon me. Then, darkness.
I cannot say I awoke. But one instance there was nothing, and the next I was standing in our cottage.
My husband showed me how to hunt others. What he now called our prey. He was not gentle in how he took them, but I learned that I could sooth them and enter them gently before sending them to another existence.
We continued this way for several weeks, but still, my hatred for him grew. I recalled the old women telling stories of how the night creatures may be killed. A stake through the stilled heart and removing the head would end their existence.
I found I was able to awaken a bit earlier then my husband. I planned and found a rounded branch that I was able to sharpen to a point with out his knowing.
Finally the night came that I was awake and he had not yet roused. My speed was so much quicker and my strength that of a bull. I grabbed the sharpened branch from where I had concealed it and as his eyes opened, I was able to thrust the stake into his heart.
Blood erupted from his mouth, his eyes almost popping from his head before he collapsed back onto the cot on which he lay.
We had no swords with which I could remove his head. I instead dragged him outside, to let the morning rays of the sun finish my work.
I hunted alone that night and walked past his still body as I returned for my daytime slumber.
The next sunset, I quickly walked out to see a burned, rotting body where I had lain my husband.
I left the area then, traveling where my sight took me. I would find solitary homes and feed on the inhabitants to then use their empty abodes for my slumber.
Years passed and I found my self her. I was better able to control my needs and would listen at the windows of the inhabitants. It brought a bit of my humanity back to me as I listened to the villagers talk, argue and make love. I found that I could help those who's end was near. Taking the life of them gently, instead of allowing their slow pain to continue.
Villagers would catch sight of me before I could vanish from their sight. Soon I was looked upon as a guardian of death and a protector of the village. I found I had powers to control the other beasts of the night, and no wolves invaded the village.
I had watched Patrice's parents when they were but children. Watched Patrice come into this world and watched as she grew old, having a family of her own.
Joan could only hold her tighter as tears ran down her cheeks. She felt Cosmina's pain and sadness as she told of her life.
"Pierre had mentioned the death of the tax collector here. He did not describe it as a gentle passing."
"No, that man was a bully and evil. He had removed a family in Winter, ignoring their pleading for their children. I watched as their son and daughter died from the cold. I could not allow that harm to go unpunished."
"Now you know of who I am Joan. Do you still wish to be with such a creature? One who must feed upon other's so that I may continue?"
"Yes my love. Your life hurts me too think of the pain you have endured. But I saw how you soothed Patrice when you ended her suffering. I see in your eyes the love you have for me. I do not fear you, but love you more for the faith you have shown in telling me."
Cosmina quickly turned. Hope brightening her eyes for the first time in so many years. She stared into Joan's eyes and saw only the truth in what she had said.
Cosmina pulled Joan to her, crushing her lips in a passionate kiss of longing, desire and peace in the love she felt for and towards her.
Their desires flared again as their mouths opened, their tongues pushing against each other.
Cosmina tore the blouse from Joan's body. Running her hands across Joan's soft breasts. Feeling the hard nipples pushing into her palms.
Joan pushed back, her eyes flashing with the lust she felt.
"Please my love, I must see you, feel your skin against me."
Cosmina untied her garment and let it slide down her back. Leaving her naked before the wide eyes of the woman before her. Joan's eyes took in the fullness of her breasts, her olive colored skin and the dark nipples that were like sharp points.
Joan's hands rose and cupped the soft mounds. Moving her fingers over the erect points, feeling joy at the moan that issued from Cosmina's lips. She bent forwards and took a breast into her mouth. Her tongue languishing the tip as Cosmina pulled her tighter to her chest.
Joan's hand moved down her stomach, noting now the skin felt colder to the touch. She was not deterred as her fingers moved through the lush thick hairs above the junction of Cosmina's legs.
Her fingers felt the wetness as she pushed her fingers into Cosmina. Cosmina pushed her hips forwards, burying the fingers deeper within her. Cosmina began rocking her hips as Joan moved her hand within her. Cosmina's hips began jerking as suddenly her head reared back. A roar seemed to come from Cosmina as her body shuddered.
Joan looked to Cosmina's face, seeing her eyes squeezed shut, her mouth gaping open. And there, two long fangs protruded from the top.
Cosmina recovered quickly, pulling Joan tighter to her. Both feeling the touch of their breasts as they came together.
"Your cold my love, do you need a cover?"
No sweetness. I have not fed since Patrice. I have found something more important then my need to feed. Having you with me has satisfied my urge these last few days.
Joan looked at her, then quietly said, "feed from me my love."
Cosmina pushed back, alarm in her face. No, I could not! I will not harm you! I could never harm you!"
Joan placed both hands on Cosmina's face. Looking into her eyes and seeing the fear there.
"I trust you and love you Cosmina. I know you would never harm me. Take from me enough to curb your hunger. I know that our love is strong enough that you will have the strength to do this. I love you."
Cosmina stared into Joan's eyes. Again awed at the love she saw there. She gently laid Joan upon the rug, then helped to remove her skirt, leaving Joan naked before her.
Cosmina curbed the pang of desire she felt at seeing such beauty before her. She lowered herself between Joan's legs, lightly kissing her way from Joan's knee and up the inside of her thigh.
Joan's body shuddered at the feelings Cosmina was causing her body. Over and over, she could only say "please."
Cosmina could smell the desire and see Joan's wetness seeping from her. She could also hear her blood as it coursed through her.
She moved her mouth to Joan's wet opening. Her tongue licking from the bottom to the top as Joan writhed and moaned. Her mouth found that kernel of pleasure at the top of Joan's wetness. She suckled and tongued the nub as Joan's passion gathered. As she felt Joan's pleasure crest, she buried her fangs gently into the vein she could hear running within Joan's thigh.
Joan erupted at the pleasure she felt from the bite. Her body arching as the purest pleasure ran through her. Her orgasm continued as Cosmina sucked from her vein, finally beginning to abate as Cosmina pulled her mouth away. With a lick of her tongue, the dual marks on Joan's leg healed, no sign to be seen.
Joan collapsed in a heap as Cosmina moved up and lay atop her. When Joan was finally able to open her eyes, she was greeted with the sweetest of smiles. Joan could only smile back as her hands ran up and down the now warm skin of Cosmina.
No words were needed as they both felt the loving connection between them. Joan could see a drop of her blood on the side of Cosmina's lips. She moved her head up and licked away the spot before kissing her softly. Joan fought to stay awake, but exhaustion soon claimed her.
Cosmina looked down upon her, happy and surprised that she could find someone to love her and that she loved in return.
Cosmina knew that what she had taken from Joan would not be enough. She gathered her cloak and covered Joan's sleeping form before quickly slipping away.
Joan awoke and knew it was still dark out. Cosmina sat near her facing the fire. Joan moved to her, taking her into her arms as Cosmina's head came to rest against her shoulder.
"Are you alright my love?"
Cosmina turned to her, a smile upon her face. "Yes sweetness. I am happier then I can ever recall being." "Sadly, I can feel the sun coming and know I must leave you."
"Will you show me where you lay? I want to be there when your eyes open with the next sun set."
Cosmina smiled as she took Joan's hand. "I have never allowed anyone to see where I slumber, for that is when I am at my weakest. But you I can deny nothing."
Cosmina kissed Joan as she rose and helped Joan to her feet. Cosmina lead Joan deeper within the castle, down a stone stairway until coming to a room with straw pushed together for a bed.
"I don't know why I bother with making a bed. I would be gone where ever I was when the sun rises. This though lets me remember that I was once a real person and not some animal who hunts others."
"You are no animal Cosmina. You are the love of my life and mean more to me then anything else or anyone I have ever met."
Cosmina smiled at Joan, but new the time was upon her. Having no time for a kiss, she laid herself upon the straw, and was gone to this world.
Joan looked down upon Cosmina's naked form. She felt a moment of fear as Cosmina looked dead to her, no rise of her chest, no movement what so ever. Joan quickly shook off her fear and again felt only the love she had for this woman.
Joan laid down next to Cosmina's still body. Wrapping an arm around her still form, Joan drifted off to sleep.
Cosmina awoke as she had always. Gone one moment and back the next. This time she did not suddenly arise as was her habit. She felt the warm body against her and the arm that was over her, a hand cupping her naked breast.
Cosmina turned to look upon Joan's sleeping form. She was not sure how she would survive when Joan finally must leave, for she knew Joan would.
Joan had told her of her visions and her desire to help her country push back the invading English. She knew of Joan's desire to fight the enemy and feared the dangers she would face. A part of her yearned to keep Joan with her always, but knew that could not be.
Cosmina was still looking upon her as Joan's eyes slowly opened. A smile lit her face upon seeing Cosmina. Cosmina bent and placed a gentle kiss upon her soft lips.
Joan wished for nothing more then to lay beside her love. A loud grumbling of her stomach brought a blush to her face.
"You're hungry. I'm sorry, I've neglected your needs."
"That's alright, my greater need is to be here beside you."
Cosmina smiled down at her before standing, bringing a groan from Joan from missing their contact.
"There is some clean water from a spring that runs through the next room. Go and freshen yourself while I find you something to eat."
Joan groaned again, but felt the sharp pangs of hunger in her stomach. Before she could say a word, Cosmina was gone.
Joan could only shake her head at the speed with which Cosmina could move. It was as if she disappeared before her eyes.
Joan found the room with water and splashed some upon her face before taking some to drink.
Joan suddenly realized that she was still naked. Something the friars would preach was a sin. She found she instead felt no guilt. She enjoyed the way Cosmina's eyes would darken with what she now recognized as lust and desire when she looked upon her.
Joan heard Cosmina call to her, and then she was there, standing next to her.
Joan wrapped her in her arms, pulling them tightly together. Cosmina tilted her head back and Joan found herself again lost in Cosmina's kiss.
Cosmina moved from her kiss and stood looking at her. "I will never tire of the feel of your kisses."
"Nor I of yours my love."
"Come, lets get you fed. I need you to have your strength if you are to be any type of decent lover." Cosmina said with a smile.
"What? Have I not been good?"
Cosmina could see the tears forming in the innocent child's eyes and immediately regretted teasing her so.
Cosmina pulled Joan to her as she whispered into her ear. "You have been the greatest love I have ever known. You are perfection and you are my love."
Joan gripped Cosmina tightly, the sudden fear she had felt abating.
She pulled back and made a stern face and smacked Cosmina's arm.
"I should hope so. For should ever another have thoughts of another being in your arms, then they shall meet my beast!"
Cosmina laughed and Joan's own smile erupted upon her face. She could not resist the sound of joy from Cosmina's laugh.
"There will never be another but you my love. You have my promise of that." "Now come, I have a rabbit cooking in the fireplace. I doubt you would like your meal a blackened char."
Joan laughed with her as she was led back up the stairs to the room with the fireplace and that wonderful rug.
Joan felt her mouth water from the scent of the cooking rabbit. Cosmina cut the back legs from the cooked rabbit and placed it before Joan. Joan was ravenous and quickly finished the legs, finally feeling her hunger pangs quiet.
She had completely forgot Cosmina who was sitting beside her as she ate.
"Do you never eat?" Joan asked.
"I have no need for the food you require. My sustenance must come from a different source."
Joan could see that sadness again come to Cosmina's eyes.
"We all must eat my love. Birds do not eat each other nor do plants, yet both are here and thrive. Who are we to guess God's purpose for our being. You do not eat as I, but you love, you laugh, and you hurt. You are no less a person than am I."
Cosmina felt tears come to her eyes, but quickly wiped them away, knowing the red they would be.
Cosmina moved to Joan, the soft kiss she had thought to give becoming harder as her need and lust built.
Cosmina laid atop Joan again, their lips locked together as their tongues dueled in their mouths. Cosmina felt Joan's wetness pressing against her own. Joan' hips rose up pushing their centers harder together.
Cosmina began moving her hips. Their nether lips rubbing together, their pinnacles of joy rubbing against each other with each push of their hips. Joan's thrusting became harder as she began to pant under Cosmina. Cosmina could feel her own desire building as the friction between them built. Cosmina could see Joan's approaching climax as her head bent back, her chest heaving with her pants.
Cosmina ground down one last time as Joan stiffened in her arms, a scream of pleasure coming from her lips. Cosmina erupted with her, her hips grinding down as their wetness mingled.
Cosmina was surprised to see Joan's eyes upon her, surprised that she had been able to recover first. Cosmina again laid atop her as they held each other tightly.
"Cosmina? I'd like to give you the pleasure you give me."
"You do give me pleasure my love, please don't ever doubt that."
"I don't, but I want to pleasure you the way you did last night."
Cosmina rose up to see Joan blushing below her.
"I want to pleasure you there, with my mouth. I want to know the taste of you."
Cosmina looked into Joan's eyes. Seeing the sincerity and affection that Joan felt towards her. Cosmina rose up pulling Joan with her. She then laid her back upon the rug with Joan seated between her legs.
Joan could only stare, the first time she had seen the place a woman held so dear. The place she knew children came from. And as she had so recently learned, a place of incredible pleasure.
Joan adjusted herself so she was lying upon her stomach. She could see the way Cosmina's lips opened for her, moisture present upon them.
Joan moved her head down, nuzzling her cheek in the thick hair above. So soft.
Joan kissed those lips as she had so often the ones upon Cosmina's face. She recalled what Cosmina had done to her and ran her tongue through Cosmina's center. She felt Cosmina's body shiver with the touch, bringing a smile to her own face.
Joan began circling her opening, tasting her essence before pushing her tongue deeper within.
"Oh Joan." Cosmina groaned out.
Joan felt the hardened nub atop Cosmina's flowing opening. She recalled her body's reaction when Cosmina had touched it. Joan wrapped her lips around the protrusion, whipping it with her tongue until she was thrown off Cosmina's body by an eruption of force.
Joan found herself lying several feet away from Cosmina's. Cosmina was arched rigidly, legs splayed out, but most amazing of all was that her body was not touching the ground. Joan crawled back too Cosmina, watching as her body continued to jerk, her hips thrusting as animal growls came from her lips.
Joan moved her hand to Cosmina's stomach, fearful that she had possibly harmed her love.
Stroking Cosmina's thigh and stomach as she spoke softly to her. "Cosmina? My Mina, please, your scaring me. Please, come back to me."
Cosmina's body descended back to the rug. Joan gasped as Cosmina's eyes flashed open. Joan attempted to crawl backwards when she was knocked onto her back, Cosmina above her.
Tears ran from Joan's face to see long fangs gaping from Cosmina's mouth. Her eyes, blood red, staring down upon Joan as if she were prey.
In a guttural voice, Cosmina spoke. "My beast wants you!"
Joan was too frightened to move. All she could do was stare into those red empty eyes, fearing that the beast that now ruled her love, would instead end her life.
Cosmina remained motionless before a shiver ran through her body. Joan could see Cosmina fighting within herself for control.
Cosmina suddenly raised her arm to her mouth, using her fang to tear a gash in her own flesh. Before Joan had the time to gasp, the bleeding gash was forced into her mouth.
"Drink. I will mark you as mine for eternity. Call to me, and I will be there."
Joan's mouth was flooded with the blood oozing from Cosmina's wound. Her mouth filled with blood and with no other option, swallowed.
Joan's body flushed hotly as the blood entered her body. See found herself looking down at her own frightened face, seeing what Cosmina saw.
After several mouthfuls, Cosmina removed her arm and stood instantly.
"Leave here. Do not return." And then she was gone.
Joan lay where she was, sobbing as she felt her heart break. The love of her life was gone.
Joan remained where she was for a time. As the sun began to rise, she found her way to Cosmina's sleeping lair. Cosmina was not there.
With a broken heart, Joan left the ruins and made her way back to the Royal court. After saying she had defeated the monster she was sent to kill, Joan was allowed to participate in the battles to free France.
Joan gained victory after victory. She felt no fear as she moved along the frontlines of the battle, carrying her banner high, encouraging the soldiers surrounding her to fight on against greater odds.
Joan felt a jolt to her body as she was sitting upon her horse. Looking down, she saw an enemy arrow protruding from below her collarbone. Joan could see the battle teetered on the edge, either side could be the possible victor... Spurring her horse forwards, she encouraged her men onwards. Her soldiers, seeing how she remained though obviously injured, gathered their courage for a great rush. The rapidly approaching armies quickly broke the defenses of the English, causing them to break and flee. As her men helped Joan from her horse and placed her in her tent. A medical person with knowledge of herbs and potions, cut the arrow and removed it from Joan, as it had traveled through her body. The medic placed a poultice upon Joan's wounds, and left her lying in her cot.
Joan's thoughts returned to the love she had lost, her Mina. She felt a sudden burning to her wounds, that quickly dissipated. Curious, Joan removed the poultice to see what had occurred. When she looked, she saw that her wound was completely closed, no sign of the injury she had received.
Joan rose and left her tent. The medic, seeing her outside the tent, rushed to her side.
"My Lady, please, you must rest for your wound to heal."
Joan pulled her blouse to the side, showing the medic she was completely healed. The medic and some soldiers standing by dropped to their knees believing Joan truly was directed by God and that she had been miraculously healed.
Word spread quickly through the camp of Joan's healing. Those who had doubted her before, dropped to their knees, quickly pledging their lives to her leadership.
Joan was sent to Compiègne to help lift a siege being carried out by English and Burgundian armies. While enroute, her army was attacked. Greatly outnumbered, Joan remained with the rear forces to assist in helping the escape of her men. Her group was surrounded and Joan found herself captive.
Joan was handed over to the English, who hated her for the battles she had won against them.
English Bishop Cauchon accused Joan of heresy and witchcraft. They believed no woman could have led an army to defeat the English.
An inquisitional court was formed, filled with members of English and Burgundy clerics.
Joan was refused her own council or witnesses and was quickly found guilty and sentenced to burn.
As the sun set, Joan was lead from her cell. Bishop Cauchon and a dozen other clerics were present in an enclosed court. Joan was lashed to a pole before wood was piled around her.
"You will burn for your sins witch. Your death will be at night, so that you may not see God's glory one last time in daylight."
At a nod of his head, several soldiers moved forwards with torches and began setting the dry wood aflame.
Joan remained silent as the flames and heat licked at her body. She would not give her enemy the satisfaction of pleading or screaming.
As her body was burning, pain wracked her body. Her only thought being that she would never see her Mina again.
With her last breath, Joan yelled out for her lover, "Mina!"
At last her head dropped to her chest and her breath left her body.
The clerics watched as Joan burned. Suddenly with a great crash, the doors to the courtyard burst opened.
The group standing in the courtyard were stunned to see a dark form standing before them. A woman in a dark cowl, her eyes a blazing red stood in the doorway. Her hair floated about her head as if blown by a breeze, yet no wind was felt.
"WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!" A voice that shook the building asked.
The clerics and soldiers dropped too their knees, Their crosses held before them in the hope their god would save them from this demon in their midst.
With a motion of her hand, the flames extinguished themselves on and around Joan's body.
Bishop Cauchon moved towards the figure, holding his cross before him. "Be gone demon" he yelled.
The woman looked upon the bishop, then seemed to appear directly in front of him. The bishop had but several seconds to see into the dark depths of the demons eyes before he was picked up. His throat was ripped open and his body flung across the room.
The woman raised her arms and the clerics and the soldiers fell to the ground, gasping as they tried to breath, but no air surrounded them.
When the bodies stopped moving, the woman walked to the pyre and Joan's burned, still, body. With the greatest of delicacy, she removed the body from the burned embers as bloody tears fell from her face.
A great moan was heard by soldiers outside the courtyard, but none had the courage to enter.
The woman ripped a wound into her arm, and forced the bleeding gash into Joan's still mouth. After several minutes, the woman and Joan's body were gone.
Patricia knew she should not have worked late, but knew she had to get some company proposals emailed off before the next day.
Patricia said good-bye to the night guard manning the reception desk in the lobby of her building. New York was cold in December and the streets all but empty in this part of town.
Patricia thought of the man who had been stalking her. She had reported him to the police when his notes against her became more violent. They had told her there was nothing they could do but that she should be careful. Now she was out late and alone.
As Patricia walked past a dark alleyway, she was grabbed from behind and drug into the alley before she could scream. Patricia was knocked to the ground and then trapped as the man fell upon her.
"You should have come to me when I first told you to bitch!" As he held a knife to her throat.
Patricia was sobbing as she felt the man attempting to open her pants with his other hand. Patricia knew that this was her stalker. His last letter had stated that she would be his for ever. She knew he would kill her after he raped her.
Patricia's eyes were closed as she felt powerless to stop her attacker. She suddenly felt the weight of the man lifted from her.
Patricia was afraid to open her eyes, but all she heard was a gasp of pain near her.
Slowly opening her eyes, she saw a figure in a dark cowl holding her attacker closely. The cowled figures head appeared pushed against the man's neck. She could her what sounded like sucking noise coming from the couple.
The mans body dropped to the ground, no movement visible.
Patricia was lifted from the ground effortlessly by the cowled figure. The hood was pushed back and Patricia found herself face to face to a lovely woman with brown hair and blue eyes, who looked to be no older then nineteen.
"Are you injured?" The woman asked.
I don't believe so. Thank you, thank you so much for saving me. But how did you do this?"
"That is of no concern. Patricia, look at me."
"You have French ancestry, don't you?"
"Why yes, but how did you know that?"
"I believe I happened upon one of your relatives, but it was a long time ago."
Patricia looked into the woman's eyes, seeing they were now red.
"You will recall nothing of what happened here Patricia. You will remember only slipping and falling, thus dirtying your close. You no longer have a stalker and this brings you peace of mind. Do you understand?"
"Yes."
"Then go Patricia."
Patricia walked away from the alley. As she began walking down the sidewalk, she chuckled recalling her foolish slip on a patch of ice.
The woman looked down upon the body of Patricia's attacker. Effortlessly picking up the body, she carried the carcass to a garbage scowl that was headed to the ocean to dump it's load. She pushed the remains into the large pile before disappearing.
Joan walked through the sliding doors of the penthouse balcony. Before her was a naked woman sitting with facing the fire.
"You could use the elevator you know?"
"Yes, but this is so much more fun Mina." She said with a smile.
Mina turned to her with a matching smile. "So, have you done your good deed for the night Joan?"
Joan moved to the now standing Mina hugging her closely to her. "Yes, I believe one person will live a more peaceful life now. And one vermin has been removed."
Joan kissed Mina deeply, their tongues rubbing together as their passions grew.
"I never grow tired of your kisses Mina."
"No my sweetness? It has been over six hundred years. You're sure your not ready for a younger woman? Mina said with a smirk.
"No my love, you are, and always will be my only true love." Mina opened Joan's cloak, revealing her naked unblemished body beneath. Rubbing her hand down Joan's body, she looked into Joan's eyes with a questioning look.
I could have sworn there was hair down there the last time I looked" Mina said with a raised eyebrow.
Joan chuckled, "Well, I have seen some interesting things on the Internet while you've been out some evenings."
"Ooh? Do I need to be watching what you are viewing while I'm gone?" Mina laughed.
"Well, I do like to see if there have been any new ideas we could perhaps try."
"Really. Then why don't we adjourn to the bedroom, and you can show me these new ideas."
Joan wrapped her hand in Mina's, allowing herself to be pulled to the bedroom as she laughed.
The end.