Valassarera

By: Scarlette-Rayne

Author's Notes: This piece has been on my mind for a while now. It's been bouncing around and refused to leave me alone until I at least started it. Don't worry my other stories are being worked on as well in particular Diary. But I decided to go ahead and post this one to get some feedback on it. Its like nothing I've ever written before without help. There is a made up language as well that's used sometimes. Some chapters of this will have more and some will have less. I've posted the words and their meanings at the bottom of the chapter along with an explanation of what each term means. If you have any questions, feel free to drop me a private message. There are mention of SleepingSwan in the prologue but the main pairing is Swan Queen with other pairings making appearances throughout. If you feel so inclined, please let me know what you think! ~Scarlette

Emma gasped as she sat up. Beside her, the woman that shared her bed sat up as well. "Emma, are you all right?" Aurora asked.

"I'm fine," She lied, gulping in air she didn't need.

"You don't seem all right." She kept her voice quiet, soft knowing Emma's hearing was sharp when she first woke up.

Emma's green/gold eyes looked over at girl. She could hear her heart beating steadily below the thin surface of skin. Thump, thump, thump. Her fangs elongated in her mouth. Thump, thump, thump.

"Emma," Aurora said softly. She wrapped her slender arms around her neck and pressed a tender kiss to her cheek. "Come back to me?"

Emma swallowed and squeezed her eyes shut. It always hurt to force her nature back into its hole inside of her mind but she always managed. What an iron will she had to be able to do it; Aurora always said. The blonde shook her head, trying to clear the buzzing.

"I'm sorry Aurora. I don't know what came over me."

"Was it…those dreams again?"

Emma hesitated, before nodding.

Aurora bit her lower lip, looking away. "Do you need to drink from me to help make it clear?"

"No, but thank you for the offer."

Aurora nodded, "I don't mind you know? I know you have to have blood in order to survive."

"I don't like taking from you unless I have to."

"That was part of our agreement. If you helped me, I would provide blood for you. It's yours to take." The brown haired girl pointed out.

Emma shook her head, "I won't take from you unless I have to."

"Emma, if you're dreaming again it means you aren't taking enough from me. I can handle it; I promise."

"No," The blonde snapped. "I won't take from you again so soon. You'll die Aurora."

"You wouldn't let me die." She said confidently.

"I would if I couldn't stop myself. I'm not in control; I need to hunt and then I will take from you once I've sated the worst of my hunger."

Aurora frowned, "Take from those that deserve it; the blood of the evildoer. You've always followed that code."

"I do what I have to do to ease the burden of my suffering." She slid from the bed, from the brunette's soft embrace and walked towards the window. Below, cars and people bustled by none the wiser to what awaited them. The sun was beginning to set but it was still up quite a bit.

"It's strange to me," She could hear movements behind her. She knew the girl was rising from their shared bed and dressing. "Your kind isn't supposed to be able to stand sunlight and yet you seem to enjoy it. Why is that?"

"I've always been able to endure the light. I enjoy it to some extent." Emma confessed as she heard fabric rustle. She knew Aurora was snapping on her bra without turning around.

"Why is that?" She asked again, not seemingly satisfied with the answer.

The blonde turned to look at the girl. She studied her pretty face, her large crystal blue eyes, and her pale skin. She was so different from others and yet she was very much the same.

"You're more to me then just a meal. You know that right?"

Aurora laughed, "Of course I know. Why wouldn't I?"

"I wasn't sure."

Her smile faded to a frown. "Are you sure I can't convince you to eat now?"

Emma shook her head, 'I'll only be gone for a bit tonight."

"Don't get yourself in trouble. Keep your head down please? For me?"

"I will." The blonde nodded though it was unnecessary. Really the only danger she faced was her own kind and even then she was faster and a bit more than both.

It was strange to contemplate; the way things were. Aurora pressed a kiss to her mouth and walked out of their apartment. The blonde watched her go; listening as the thump, thump, thump of her heartbeat disappearing with every step she took.

Hunting was easy; hunting was required to be what she was. The hunt was the thrill. Emma's boots didn't make a sound as she walked around the warehouse building's roof. She looked below; watching as the homeless woman stumbled along, mumbling to herself. She would've felt sorry for her if she had much of a heart for that kind of thing. She cocked her head as the wind picked up carrying the scent of garbage, unwashed hair and body odor…and the underlying metallic scent of blood mixed with leather. She took a deep breath and released it slowly on the wind. She watched as a man walked slowly a few paces behind his next victim. She'd been watching him for two weeks now; making sure that he was the right one. She waited patiently as she heard the knife slide from its sheath with a snick. She waited as he grabbed his victim, pinning her to the wall and slitting her throat. She breathed deeply, enjoying the smell before she dropped off the building on silent feet. She stood to her full height and moved forward. It didn't take much really. A broken wrist and pinning him against the wall of the building she'd been standing on. She fisted her hand in his dirty blonde hair and shoved his head to the side before digging her fangs into his neck. The warm blood flowed into her mouth and she closed her eyes a small pleasurable sound escaping her. Hunting, feeding, killing were all things that brought up memories. Memories she'd forgotten on her own or by the hands of.

"Emma," She heard the soft voice.

"Regina," She breathed out. "Regina," She said the other's name again.

"Emma," She answered in her low smoky voice.

The heart was beginning to slow with every mouthful, with every pump of the beating heart. The heart was beginning to strain. The steady thump, thump was slowing. It would end shortly; it would give out and that would be the end of it. Another lifeless body, another dead heart, another someone no one would miss. It was easier this way. It was the only way she could go home to Aurora.

"Emma," She heard the voice again.

"Leave me alone Regina." She said aloud as though the woman were actually there.

"Em…"

"I said NO!" She snapped.

The body was sitting beside the crumbled mess of the homeless woman. She grabbed her victim's head and pulled him towards her. She bit her tongue, allowing a few drops of her blood to flow over the small wounds. They sealed immediately and she lifted the knife he'd sliced his victim's throat with. She set it back in his hand from where it had clattered and fell in the struggle before she'd broken his wrist. Setting it back in his good hand, she moved along. Even if they did realize it wasn't a struggle or anything else, no one would think anything of it. They'd match the knife and his prints to their other victims and that would be that. It was rare that she killed when she fed but she hadn't eaten in a while and when the pull towards Aurora was too much she'd have to kill in order to ensure the girl's survival. She wouldn't put her life on the line.

She sighed as she stepped from the alley and out into the street. She could go to the club. Aurora would be behind the bar slinging drinks in her short shorts and cropped top. She made good money despite her family problems. They had met by accident when the girl's stepfather had decided it was a good idea to take a swing at her. The man had blood all over his hands and Emma had been interested in drinking from him. She'd witnessed the whole thing but when he'd started to tear Aurora's jeans off, she'd stepped in. She'd always been a sucker for a beautiful face and Aurora was quite lovely. She'd witnessed Emma feed and though she was scared, she hadn't backed away or run. She'd stayed and when Emma was done, she offered herself.

"I don't have anything to live for," She'd said honestly as she pushed her hair away from the left side of her neck.

Emma could hear her heart beating, the steady thump, thump, thump. It was intoxicating even then but she'd refused. She wouldn't drink innocent blood; not again.

"What if I help you?" Aurora had asked when she turned to walk away. "What if you drink from me, just a little; enough to satisfy you."

"I don't need a blood doll. I've done fine without one."

"But wouldn't it make it easier? To have that…so you don't have to kill?"

Emma cocked her head, "Why do you want that?"

"Because I have nothing left to live for."

"You do; don't put yourself in the grave before your time."

"It doesn't matter."

"It does."

"You wouldn't understand."

"Try me."

That had been the moment they'd truly seen each other and Aurora had become more than just food or something to tie her further to humanity. Aurora had become…something more and she felt a strange kinship to the girl that she hadn't felt since…her.

She shook her head as she continued to walk. Thoughts of Regina wouldn't help and yet they always seemed to bubble to the surface like blood when she sank her teeth into anything…even blinked as she continued, her feet barely making a sound as they usually did. They carried her easy enough to the docks. There were many in Boston but this one was special to her. It reminded her of…home and…

She shook her head. No, she wouldn't allow herself to get caught up again. She hadn't seen the woman in so long and yet she was never far from her thoughts. She stared out at the dark water the streetlights flickered. She could smell the salt of the water and hear the foghorns of the boats as they came into port. She took another breath and she smelled it, apples…and night blooming jasmine.

"Regina," She said softly. She turned and the woman was standing right behind her. She was beautiful…warm honeyed skin and soft doe colored eyes. Her dark hair was twisted and pulled up in a beautiful twist. She hadn't cut it; she'd known how much Emma had loved running her fingers through it when they were in bed. She was wearing a long red velvet dress with beaded embellishments all along her breasts, the tops of which were pushed up by the boning of the dress. She wasn't wearing much make-up; only her lovely eyes were done in a smoky fashion. She'd always had kissable red lips. She took another step towards Emma and the blonde opened her arms. Regina's smile widened as she stepped towards her.

"Emma," She breathed and the blonde shook her head.

"No, Regina. No more."

"Emma,"

"You're not real. You're not here."

"Emma,"

"Not again Regina. Never again."

"Emma,"

"I said No!" She shook her head and closed her eyes. When she opened them again, the brunette was gone. She'd never been there.

Emma made her way quietly to the bar Aurora worked at. From two blocks away, she could hear the loud pumping music. It's steady beat reminded her of a heartbeat. The closer she got to the club, the louder the music got. A woman's voice, with heavy dub-step beats flowed over her sensitive ears. A line had formed outside the club but she bypassed it, barely looking up at the large bouncer holding a clipboard. He didn't even blink as she continued down the stairs through the smoky haze and flashing lights to the main dance floor. Writhing bodies of all shapes and sizes enjoyed the music and the half clothed boys and girls that were serving shots out of test tube like glasses. She moved slowly through the crowd, cutting her eyes at people that tried to draw her into dancing.

Finally, she made her way through the crowd and over to the bar. She noted the man and woman on either side of her eyeing her but she only had eyes for the bartender.

"Hey, I didn't think you'd come by tonight." Aurora was in front of her with a small twist and flick of her wrist. She smiled knowing Emma would be able to hear her despite the loud music and the large group of men and women now talking near her.

"I didn't intend to but I thought I'd come walk you home when you get off."

"You're sweet. I won't be done until 4 or so. Are you sure you don't have things you need to get done."

Emma shook her head; her blonde curls bouncing, "No, I'll wait on you."

"Do you want a drink?"

Emma shook her head with a small smile. "I'm okay."

"Okay." Aurora agreed as moved on. Emma cocked her head, studying her back that was exposed thanks to the white halter-top she wore. She settled back knowing she was in for a long wait. It was barely one AM.

"Well, well…what brings the lass to my club?"

"Go away Hook." Emma muttered as she continued to watch Aurora closely. The cute brunette was flirting and laughing as she moved along the bar.

"Can't do that; your girl is fine but you and I need to have a chat."

"Since when do we have chats?" Emma asked twisting to face the roguish man with a hook for one hand. White teeth flashed and for a moment she knew she saw fangs but they were gone too quickly for non-preternatural eyes to see. She saw them though and she felt her upper lip draw up at what she perceived as a threat.

"We don't but there's something you should know and I would rather tell you in private than where anyone can hear us and get it back to someone we both don't want to see."

Emma eyed the man and he offered her another smile before turning. The crowd parted for him and the blonde followed at a sedate pace. She glanced back over her shoulder seeing Aurora's frown. She offered her a small smile before she climbed the stairs following the leather pants clad man upstairs.

The music was less loud as they moved up the stairs but the bass was still thumping when they entered a small room with a small desk. She arched a brow.

"This isn't your office." Hook's office was lavish and full of comforts.

"I don't trust it. This is better for us to talk."

"Why?"

He remained quiet for a moment before he spoke. "Your Ataya is here."

"What?" Emma wouldn't correct him on his use of the familiar term.

"The Lantayu told me that our coven was to play host to an old ally. Your Lantayu."

"Regina is here?"

"Not yet but she will be shortly."

Emma frowned, "Why is she coming?"

"Why else Lass? She's looking for you. She's been looking for you since you ran from her."

"I had no choice Hook."

"It's none of my concern but keeping my throat in tact is. If she finds you here, she'll declare war and we all know our coven wouldn't win against hers."

Emma nodded, "You're right; she'd rip you all apart." The blonde reached up tugging a few of her curls. They bounced back into place easily. "So I've got to run again."

"It's safer that way." Hook agreed as he leaned back on the little ragged desk.

"It's not a problem for me to run but Aurora…"

"She can't come with you."

Emma narrowed her eyes, "I'm not apart of your coven, your Lantayu has no right to tell me what I can and cannot do."

"It's by his grace that you've been allowed to stay here Emma."

"And I've more than repaid my debts to him and you." She carded a hand through her hair. "Aurora comes with me."

"The Lantayu's childe thinks she's found a mate in your Aurora. She told the Lantayu that she felt as though their souls connected. You know what kind of bond that is; it's one that shouldn't be broken."

Emma snarled but didn't say anything in return. Vampires were much like animals in many ways. They hunted, took thrill in their kills, and mated for eternity. If one's mate died, another could be found of course, but it was time consuming and most chose to stay alone.

"You have time to tell her goodbye and get everything arranged but then you must go. You know she'd declare war on my coven if she found out you'd been allowed to stay…and she'd win."

Emma shook her head, "I know. I know better than anyone what she's capable of. She's old and she's strong. She's driven by her emotion but it doesn't overpower her. It makes her tactical mind that much more deadly."

Hook nodded, "We cannot take the chance of having you here. Get your things and get out now while you still have the chance."

Emma nodded, "Thank you, for warning me."

"Just think you owe me one Swan."

Emma nodded, her curls bouncing as she twisted and left the small water closet of an office, heading back to the stairs and the dark, pulsing abyss below.

"You're leaving?"

"I don't have a choice Aurora. I'm sorry." Emma sat down on their shared bed, looking the brunette girl over.

Aurora was still dressed in her clothes from the night before. The sun was peaking up over the buildings. Soon it would be time to sleep but not yet. For now Emma wanted to enjoy her last sunrise over the Boston skyline. She'd likely never see it again. Her eyes soaked in every ray, every dance of light across metal and Aurora's soft shoulders and brown hair. For a moment, it looked like it was on fire but then she blinked and it was gone. The girl's arms were folded across her chest even as it rose and fell with each breath she took.

Her heart kept its steady life rhythm in her chest. Thump, thump, thump. The sound was intoxicating even though she'd eaten a full meal not even twenty-four hours before.

"So this is it? You don't even ask my opinion, you just up and leave."

Emma sat forward, her elbows resting on her knees. "I don't have a choice Aurora."

"You do, you just refuse to see that."

"I don't." The blonde rose to her feet. "If I don't leave, you'll die. Everyone will die. Regina won't stop until she's gotten what she wants; me."

"Why can't I go with you then? Wouldn't I be safer with you?"

"No, you'll be safe here. Regina won't know we were involved unless she were to discover us together. It's better for you to stay here, work at the club and try to get back to a normal life. Or as normal a one as you can get."

Aurora frowned, "I don't like this Emma. How will I know you're safe?"

"You won't but it's better that way. Regina won't hurt me; she'll just hurt those that she believes are keeping her from bringing me back to where she thinks I belong."

"Which is where?"

"I won't tell you that Aurora." Emma smiled at the girl's cleverness. "It's best you don't know."

She took a step forward and then another until she was in front of the blonde. Emma looked up at her, waiting for the brunette to make whatever move she wanted. Hands settled on her hunched shoulders and pushed gently. If Emma hadn't wanted to move, Aurora couldn't force her but she allowed the girl to push her back and straddle her.

"One last time?"

Emma smiled sadly and nodded, "One last time."

Melluma – in the ancient language means heart, or heart's mate. It's a term typically given to the submissive partner of a mated pair. Though not mentioned, Emma uses the term for Regina in private.

Ataya – in the ancient language means my heart's mate. It's a term typically given to the dominant partner of a mated pair. Hook mentions that Regina is Emma's Ataya.

Lantayu – in the ancient language means head of the coven. The structure of the coven is made up of various different "families", the families' heads answer to the Lantayu who controls everything. There are various covens scattered and sometimes they go to war, ally themselves with one another etc. like an old fashioned Kingdom.