Vampire Series Part 3: The Festival

It had taken centuries to build the self-control necessary to walk away from that kind of desire and thirst. Though the hunger burned inside her, her mind was already in another time and place. The memories were from long ago, before she met her maker. Something about this time of year always brought her back there...

It was the night of the fall festival. A night of celebration. Feasting. Drinking. Of blessings to the gods and goddesses for the good harvest.

The breeze blew in off the Mediterranean, making the unseasonable chill in the air that much cooler. She wrapped herself tightly in a blanket and moved closer to the fire. As she stared into the flames, a tear rolled down her cheek.

This was normally her favorite festival. She had loved it ever since she was a child. And since she met her love dancing under the moonlight, the day held even more significance. But he would be leaving her tonight. His career demanded it. Fortunate enough to secure an apprenticeship under a master craftsman in Marseilles, he had to leave their Tuscan cottage for 9 months.

She had yet to tell him that his child grew in her womb. She tried, so many times. But she could never bring herself to say the words. She knew he would never leave them. This apprenticeship was too important - to all of their futures - so she suffered in silence as he packed his bags.

Too soon, it was time for him to go. Musicians played jovial music outside in the streets as the townspeople danced and sang and drank in celebration. She went to him, still unable to say the words, and grabbed his hands. Pressing one to her cheek, she ran her fingers over his knuckles. His hands were rough and worn, the sign of someone who spent all day toiling with mortar and stone.

He kissed her gently, promising that when he returned, they would finally wed. "Wait for me," he whispered as he set out on his long journey.

She sat by the window and watched him go, vision obscured by the flow of tears. She would wait. But he had no idea how much 9 months time would change things and exactly what he would be coming home to.

Check out more Theme Thursday festivals here. Click for Parts 1 and 2 of the Vampire Series.