Bloody dreams of you

@ katahdin
Zane nodded as she declared herself not letting them take the baby but if it came to his bond or the baby he knew what he would choose. "We don't know what will happen Rose. They might just be coming as a precautionary." he tried to sooth though he knew likely they would take the baby and depending on who they got to look over everything they might just wait to see if it dies and if it doesn't then kill it. He was hoping for someone that actually did the work and waited to see how the baby was when it lived. He kissed Rosemarie's head. "Let's just wait to see what happens." he said and caressed her hair back. "The council are just afraid of exposure the baby could cause while it is a live and growing. Thirst can be a very dangerous thing. But let's just wait to see who shows up and how they act okay love?" he asked her hoping that she could hope and believe with him. They all would do what they could to protect Rosemarie and the baby.

---

Cassia chuckled softly. "I'll try to sleep but I am so excited." she said her eyes sparkling in the nightlights. They got to the plane and she sat down. She listened to Thibault tell her what he was hoping her help with and she nodded as she thought about it. "The bond mate I can defiantly help you with but witches have a code. I haven't known many witches but I do know that they stick together. Not meaning that they don't fight each other but they don't throw each other to the wolves so to speak." she said and smiled. "I am sure that they have a reason and if asked will tell you. I will go and see if I can soften the introduction first though at least." she said happy to try and help Thibault in whatever way she could. Before she knew it it was time to take off and Thibault to leave her.

@ Jinx...

"It's just a baby, Zane.. She wouldn't hurt anyone." Rosemarie sniffled, wiping at her eyes. She blushed after a moment, looking up at him worriedly as she realized she'd accidentally revealed that she knew the gender of their baby. "I-I know we were going to keep it a secret, but Harriet accidentally told me a week or so ago, but I knew you still wanted to wait and have it be a surprise, a-and I know you'd prefer it be a boy, so I wasn't sure how to tell you.." She admitted softly, tucking her face into his chest as he held her.

---

Thibault nodded a little in understanding, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I know witches have codes, and I'm not asking you to betray them, but I think it would go a long way to help if you could befriend both the bond and the witch, since as far as I know they're quite close friends, and she may be involved with another vampire, but I'm not sure." He explained, nodding when it was announced that the plane would be taking off soon and it was time to take their seats. "Alright, I have to get in my box now, but it'll be a quick flight. There's a bedroom and bathroom in the back if you want to sleep, and the hostess will get you anything to eat or drink if you need it." He explained, giving her one last kiss before getting set into his box.

@ katahdin
Zane nodded and then froze as she said that she wouldn't hurt anyone and he smiled softly. He loved the flush on Rosemarie's cheeks. He ran his hand into her hair smiling softly. He could feel the panic welling inside of him. He had an alogical need to protect women. He didn't know what it was but if his baby was a girl he knew he would be unreasonable in his pursuit to protect her. "It's okay love." he said and grinned as she buried her face in his chest. "The reason I wanted a boy was because girls cause me to panic. I need to protect them and I'm not logical when doing so. I have done this with you so you know this." he said. "I know she is a baby but she is also part vampire." he said and rubbed her back. "Now we're going to have to just be strong and show them that she will not be a danger and we are capable of handling this." He grinned. "We also need to come up with some girl names." he said grinning down at her.

---

Cassia didn't think she was going to stray too far from his box through the flight. They took off without a hitch Cassia jumping in her seat watching as they got into the air and she squealed a little. Once they were in cruising altitude she got some apple juice from the stewardess. She finished her drink and spent some time pacing around the plane going over spells in her head. She finally curled into the seat nearest Thibault and leaned the chair back cuddling under a blanket strapped in. She slept hard and even through the plane landing. She only woke when Thibault awoke her.

@ Jinx...

Rosemarie blushed as he explained why he'd wanted a boy, nodding a little in understanding. "I know.. But I'm glad that you'll want to protect her, though... I-Is it wrong that I was worried that you wouldn't want to protect the baby?" She asked softly, resting her head on his chest as he stroked her hair and rubbed her back. That was her biggest fear, that he'd willingly give the baby away and not keep her safe. "I know.. I'll try to be strong, I promise.." She murmured, smiling a little when he said they'd have to think of names now. "I know.. I'm not sure what to name her though."

---

Thibault slept through the flight, waking once the stewardess let him out of his box, taking a few minutes to stretch and drink a little bit of blood to pick himself up before he moved over to Cassia, pressing a kiss to her forehead as he tucked her hair out of her face. "Cassia, time to wake up, my love. We've arrived, it's time to get off the plane and go to the vampire's home."

@ katahdin
Zane nodded softly. "It's understandable. You are my first priority after all. I have been hesitant from the beginning." he said validating her fears but now he knew the moment she was born he was going to be smitten with her. He grinned looking around the room. "What about... Josephine, or Lucille?" he smiled at her. He wanted to pick out a name so they could stop calling her the baby. He didn't want to share the name with anyone but Rosemarie until after she was born but he wasn't sure Rose could really keep that a secrete. She wasn't a secretive person after all.

---

Cassia woke with a smile as she felt Thibault wake her so sweetly. She blinked looking up at him and smiled sweetly. "Okay." she murmured and leaned over catching his lips with hers. She kissed him then suddenly pulled away with a wicked grin. She smiled before slipping from the plane. She wanted to change before meeting this new vampire and freshen up. She knew how vampires where more and more and how particular things impressed on them. "Can we stop somewhere to freshen up on the way?" she asked Thibault as they slipped into the awaiting car with him.

@ Jinx...

"But now she has to be your first priority.. I know it's a lot to ask, and it doesn't make sense because of the way vampires are, but that's what being a parent means." She explained softly, looking up at him as he began to suggest names, smiling a bit as his suggestions. "I dunno.. What about Phoebe?" She suggested softly, trying to think of other possibilities too.

---

Thibault smiled, returning her kiss before helping her up and to the car. "Of course. There's a building here at the airport we can stop at for you to freshen up, that would be the easiest, or you could use the plane again if you'd prefer." He explained, giving her hand a squeeze.

@ katahdin
Zane shook his head. "I can't promise that right now dear." he said honestly. He would never lie to her. He felt she was still his first and their daughter would have to wait till she was born to take over that spot if she could. He didn't know how vampires reacted to their own kin. He shook his head at the name she suggested. "Katherine?" he rocked in the chair with Rosemarie in his arms. Zane sighed softly. "How are you feeling?" he asked her. He didn't want her to over exert herself. He was going to insist she stay bedridden while he greeted their new guests and got a feel for them.

---

Cassia smiled. "No the airport is fine. I need to get my cloths from my case anyways." she said and leaned into him as the driver took them over to the place she could go to get cleaned up. Cassia kissed Thibault again before she slipped from the car pulling out what she needed before going into the airport to freshen up. Once she was finished she came out looking like the witch that was bonded to a powerful vampire. Cassia slipped into the car and smoothed her dress down. She looked up at Thibault smiling. "I have impressions I want to make." She explained as he looked at her. she chuckled. "How are you feeling anyways. Do you need anything?" she asked him and caressed his cheek.

@ Jinx...

"I know you can't.. I just hope you will be able to soon." Rosemarie murmured as she curled into his arms, smiling a bit as he suggested another name. "I like Katherine.. I also think we shouldn't settle on a name before we meet her. What if we choose a name and decide after she's born that it doesn't suit her?" She settled into his arms as he rocked them in the chair, rubbing at her eyes as he asked how she was feeling. "I'm alright.. Tired, scared, nervous... Hungry. I didn't eat much this morning for breakfast, and only had that sandwich one of the maids brought while we were setting up the nursery at lunch." She wanted nothing more than to eat an early dinner and curl up in bed with him for the rest of the night, but she doubted that that was possible.

---

Thibault nodded as she said the airport was fine, returning her kiss before she got out. While she was freshening up he sent a text to Zane, whose number he'd been given, informing him that they'd arrived at the airport and would be at his home shortly. Others probably would have just shown up unannounced, but he knew that the other vampire would be on edge letting strangers into his home with a pregnant bond, and he wanted to show that he respected Zane and his budding family. He grinned as Cassia returned, pressing a kiss to her cheek. "You look lovely, but you might be overdressed. I'm not sure that this will be anything like meeting Bernadette was." He explained, shaking his head as he leaned her head into his touch. "I'm fine. I had a bit of blood before I woke you up, so I'll be fine until tomorrow."

@ katahdin
Zane grinned as she suggested they not settle on a name. "Okay well we should at least have a few that we like. We can try them all out once she is born but I would like to call her a name even now even if it's just a trial name." he smiled. He listened to her feelings and smiled standing with her in his arms and carried her to their room. He set her down and then heard his phone go off. He opened the phone and frowned. He sent a text to Celtin and Harriet then back to Thibault telling him that he would be expecting him shortly then. Zane called to the kitchen to have them send up dinner for Rosemarie. "Well the council member will be with us shortly. So I need you to eat, rest, and stay up here. I need to determine for myself how I feel about them before I want to let them near you." he said and kissed her head.

---

Cassia chuckled. "I know I am over dressed. I usually am. I do that on purpose." she offered and relaxed into his touch. "Alright then let's get going." she said. The driver started them off. She crossed her legs and relaxed back with Thibault. She was glad he was feeling ready for tonight. "So you don't think this vampire will let us see his bond tonight?" Cassia asked. What was he going to want to know from them before he would let them see her. After all she and the baby were the reason that they were here. If nothing else Cassia would head out the next morning to see the witches. She was looking forward to meeting new witches. She knew they where midwives so they shouldn't be to disagreeable once they learned she was there to help. Thibault and her just wanted to help and keep everyone safe. The council would have to deal with whatever they decided in the end. The other vampires would come and see the baby once it was born then the three council members would have a meeting to decide what to do but of course Thibault would have the most say since he would be there the most.

@ Jinx...

Rosemarie smiled, nodding a little at his suggestions. "That seems reasonable.. Maybe Eleanor? We could call her Ellie for short?" She suggested, her grip on his shirt tightening as he lifted her up and carries her to their room, helping him adjust the blankets and pillows once she was set down in bed so she could be comfortable. She waited patiently while Zane called the kitchen to have them prepare dinner, frowning a bit as he said that the council member would be here soon, and that he'd be leaving her alone while he spoke to them. "What about you..? I don't want you to be alone.. what if something happens?" She asked worriedly, squeezing his hands.

Harriet had just settled down on the couch in her apartment above the clinic when she received the text from Zane letting her know that the council member would be at his house soon, groaning tiredly. She'd had to work a double shift at the clinic, and had been very much ready for a nap, but knew she ought to go, just in case. "Celtin? Are you still here?" She called as she sat up and folded the blanket she'd spread over her lap. She was used to him being in her apartment whenever he felt like, and when she was tired and had been working long shifts often didn't know whether she'd find him there or not when she came back.

---

Thibault was happy to have her relaxing in his arms, a bit nervous about the meeting. He shook his head when she asked about Zane allowing them to meet his bond, giving her a little squeeze. "No, at least not tonight. From what I know he's very protective of her, and it might be a day or two before we're allowed to meet her, especially since she's been on bed rest for the past few months because of the pregnancy. He doesn't know us, and won't just allow us to see her until he feels comfortable and not threatened by our presence." He explained softly, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

@ katahdin
Zane smiled and nodded. "I like Eleanor as well." He was glad to get her settled before everything began. He looked at his phone seeing Celtin text him back that he and Harriet were coming down there. He knew Rosemarie was worried for him. "I wont be Celtin and Harriet are coming. I would feel better if Harriet stayed with you. I am sure they are investigating her as well so I want her out of sight." he said texting Celtin back to tell Harriet to come in through the garden. He kissed Rosemarie's head and went to the door getting her food as it had been brought up to them. He brought the food over to her setting it down in front of her. "I'll sit with you for a while." he said and waited until she started to eat before sitting and trying to relax. He was pleased that the vampire had texted him at least. That was a hopeful sign and he knew Celtin would think the same.

---

Celtin came out of the shower his pants hung low on his hips. He rubbed his head with a towel looking at his phone. Harriet's apartment was closer to the ocean so he would often come to clean up after a swim. "Yeah... did you get Zane's text?" he asked and looked up at her grinning. She looked tired. "You don't have to go. I am sure he..." he looked at his phone grinning. "Yeah he just wants you there to help Rose stay calm is all and I am sure she will understand if you need sleep first." he said and moved over to her and kissed her cheek. "I'm going to head over there. Zane wants you to go in through the garden so that they don't try to question you just yet. He wants to get a feel for who they sent." Celtin knew she would come and they both knew that Zane was over protective of those he cared for and now that included Harriet as Rosemarie's friend. He was quick to hurry over wanting to get there before the council member.

---

Cassia nodded. "Well it might take longer for him to allow you to see her." she teased and kissed his cheek. "Don't worry." she said snuggling into him. She relaxed and nodded. The fact that she was a witch might really help them here. They drove and she held onto Thiabult. She knew he didn't like his role in the council but he didn't really have a say because he was the eldest. When the car stopped at the manor she looked up at it. "It has a good energy to it. A lot of light and affection. I think his bond has a strong influence on that." She said noticing the current air of the place and how the emotions ran high. She got out and looked over as a beach boy stepped out of his old car the surfboard on top. She grinned realizing he was a vampire. "Strange." she whispered to Thibault drawing his attention. She watched him slip into the house slamming the door behind him. She chuckled. "Protective. It's unusual for more than one vampire to be protective of the same human is it not?" she asked as they slowly moved to the door and knocked.

@ Jinx...

Rosemarie smiled as he agreed to the name she'd suggested, taking his hand to rest it against her stomach. "Eleanor.." She smiled, eyes widening a bit in surprise when the baby kicked, her smile widening. "I think she likes it. Or she likes you." She teased softly, hoping to calm her nerves a bit. She nodded a bit as he said that Harriet and Celtin were coming over, a bit relieved to know that they weren't here alone, although she didn't want to put either of them in harms way. "Maybe Harriet should spend the night? I know that she worked a long shift today, and probably only just got home, I'd hate to make her stay up for the rest of the day with me and then send her home completely exhausted.." She knew that Harriet had also cut back on her other patients to be able to tend to her more often, and she'd mentioned that the closer they got to her due date the more time they'd spend together, so it only made sense if she were given a room to stay in. She thanked Zane as he brought her her meal, helping him get it set up before she dug in, humming as she ate, nudging him with her foot after a few minutes. "Will you rub my feet? They hurt again.." She pouted a bit.

---

Harriet sighed as Celtin confirmed that he too had to go over to Zane's, brushing her fingers through her hair before braiding it quickly as she stood, listening as he explained why she had to go. "It's fine. I'll bring her a sleeping potion since I know she hasn't been sleeping well anyway, and hopefully she'll just be able to sleep through the day normally." She explained as she moved over to her shelf, looking over the vials and their contents before grabbing a couple she thought would be useful and sticking them in her bag. She blushed a bit as he kissed her cheek, shooing him away as she tugged on her jacket. "Go on, the sooner you get there to help Zane talk to this stranger, the sooner I get to come home and sleep." She pointed out, grabbing her broom and following him out of her apartment, although as he got into his car she flew off.

---

Thibault nodded a bit as Cassia told him about what she felt from the house, already glad to have her there with him for her insight. He looked over at Celtin when Cassia pointed him out, watching him get out of his car and head into the house, also noticing the witch that landed on the rooftop garden, although he didn't see any need to point that out now, seeing as she was likely just the midwife. "That vampire must be Celtin. He's an old friend of Zane's, and from the reports I have seen has grown quite close to Rosemarie, as well as the midwife, although he is not bonded to either of them. He's a loner, so he will likely move on after Rosemarie gives birth to the baby." He explained, giving her a little squeeze before leading her up to the front door, waiting for a moment to make sure that she was alright before knocking.

@ katahdin
Celtin came into the room as Zane was rubbing Rosemarie's feet. He looked over and frowned. "They are here." he said and Celtin nodded. "Harriet just got here too." Celtin said and then smiled at Rosemarie. "She brought you a potion." he said and kissed her cheek. "How's the baby today?" he asked his hand on the belly feeling the little one bouncing around in there. He grinned and then went to the door opening it for Harriet. He smiled at her his heart soaring at the sight of her.

Zane looked up as Harriet came in. "Hey." He noticed she did look tired so it would be a good idea to get her a room. He was thinking something near the nursery. "Harriet you are welcome to stay here. We were also hoping that as we get closer to the due date you might stay here so you are close. We'll have a room set up for you." he said hopefully. He looked at Celtin as the knock came from down stairs. He stood and kissed Rosemarie softly. "Stay here." he said in warning not wanting her to get any brave ideas. He moved towards the door stopping to squeeze Harriet's arm in thanks. He stepped out with Celtin and then shut the door. He sighed and sent a servant to be there in case they had need of anything. Zane moved down stairs Celtin behind him and opened the door. He blinked in confusion at the woman standing pressed partially to the vampire. She was exquisitely dressed though her counterpart looked more relaxed with just a button up and some slacks. It defiantly set an air about her. He stepped back. "Come in." he said and the woman's face brightened with a smile. "Thank you." she spoke with a light voice that was very pleasant before she slipped in her eyes calculating and observing. she was a distraction from the council member she was with and was very effective. Zane nodded to Celtin who nodded back walking up beside the woman engaging her in conversation.

Cassia smiled as Zane checked in with her and she nodded. They waited for the door to open and when it did she looked over the two men standing in the doorway. She watched them size her up then Thibault. She smiled as Zane spoke and slipped in when invited leaving Thibault's side but not too far from him. She grinned as Celtin came up beside her. He introduced himself and she took the offered hand. "Cassia." she said back her bond ring shinning as she placed her hand in his. "A pleasure." Celtin said and then let her hand go feeling the eyes of the other vampire on him. Cassia smiled as she followed them all into the sitting room. She introduced herself to Zane her introductions filling the quiet tension. When she shook Zane's hand he looked down at her and she smiled as he took an extra moment before letting her hand go. She liked that he was calculating. He did not go into this lightly. She liked him already. Cassia moved sitting beside Thibault and pressing into him. Celtin sat and Zane stood beside him not able to sit down. He was untrusting so much he didn't want to take an ounce of comfort and rather be on guard. Cassia looked at Thibault crossing her legs and placing her hand on his thigh. Now that introductions and the niceties where over they where to get to business. The help of the house where setting Thibault's and her own bags in a room that must have been picked out earlier. Cassia looked over at Zane catching his eyes before they darted back to Thibault. Cassia got the feeling Celtin was more than just a loner now. She got the sense that he was tied to another maybe even two. She could feel the strength of Zane's bond and she even felt the strength of the witch upstairs. The baby and mother where hidden in the witches energy and it was a curiosity to her.

@ Jinx...

Rosemarie had finished her supper rather quickly and had settled back against the pillows as Zane rubbed her feet, smiling as Celtin came in and kissed her cheek, her smile brightening as the baby kicked when he put his hand on her stomach. "Hello, Celtin. The baby says hello, too." She pointed out, taking his hand and giving it a squeeze. "The baby's fine. Probably nervous because I'm nervous, but nothing seems wrong... You'll take care of him, right?" She asked softly when Zane was distracted by the knock at the door downstairs, hoping he would. She smiled when Harriet was let in, noticing her blush and the little look she gave Celtin, glad that they were getting along with one another, although she wished the witch would tell her more about their relationship. Bernadette frowned as Zane told her to stay, giving his hand a kiss and a squeeze before he got up and left, settling back down against the bed with a sigh.

Harriet was surprised when Celtin opened the door before she even had the chance to knock, a faint blush on her cheeks as she gave him a look and stepped in, setting her bag and broom down in the corner out of the way. She nodded as Zane suggested that she stay here for the night, nodding in agreement when he suggested that as they get closer to the due date she remain as well. "Of course, Zane. As we get closer to the due date I'll have to have some stuff sent over, which can be stored in whatever room you choose for me, which can also double as a delivery and exam room." She said, not wanting to clutter his house too much with supplies. She nodded at his instructions to remain there with Rosemarie, offering them both a little smile and silently wishing them good luck as they left before turning back to Rosemaire. "Alright.. How about we get you a bath and then settle in for bed? I'll do magic tricks for you again."

---

Thibault kept his arm wrapped around Cassia's waist as they waited to be let in, nodding in greeting as they were invited in, although his eyes remained on Cassia as she so carelessly pulled away from him to enter the house, feeling himself go on edge. He could tell Zane was protective of his bond, so at least he'd understand that he was the same with Cassia. Once they were seated he wrapped his arm around her tightly once more, giving her a little warning squeeze and a look telling her to not wander off again before he turned his attention back to the two vampires. "Thank you for letting us stay here, I know that this isn't ideal for anyone, especially on such short notice. I am Thibault, this is my bond, Cassia. The council has sent me here to investigate your bond's pregnancy, the midwife associated with the case, and eventually make a recommendation to the council about what should be done." He explained simply, although he knew they all knew that already. "I understand if you're not ready for us to meet your bond quite yet, and I respect that, but I ask that perhaps you consider letting Cassia at least meet her and the midwife before I do, it might help the meeting go smoother if they meet before I have to ask her the serious questions." He explained, hoping that they'd be agreeable to it.

@ katahdin
Cassia smiled up at Thibault and his worried expression rubbing his thigh. She had only pulled away for a couple reasons. She needed to see what they would do and to get a feel for the space. She had distracted the men long enough for Thibault to have his own evaluation if he had taken the time to do it and trusted her. She relaxed into him knowing it gave him more comfort to know she wouldn't do it again and she would do her best to not make him worry here. She watched Zane as he seemed to root himself to the spot though his energy told her he wanted to pace. She smiled softly at Zane as he looked at her again. She knew he couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to her than what met the eyes and she was glad that he had that perception. "We'll get there." she soothed her bond. "We have time. How far a long is your bond?" she asked sweetly and Zane's face scrunched. Celtin responded. "The birth is not far from now but the date is not something we can pinpoint because of how long she has been pregnant." he said and Cassia nodded. "Yes I understand. And the baby's development is normal?" Celtin nodded. "Yes." Cassia smiled and looked at Zane. "And your bond is healthy?" she asked her eyes concerned and he softened a little. "Yes our midwife has been very skilled in keeping them both healthy." Cassia smiled again. "I am pleased to hear it." she said. They had gotten all this information already of course but she was showing her care for the family by asking.

Zane hardly responded to Thibault more than a nod here or there. He did his best to school his expression and control his emotions when Thibault claimed why they where here. Zane knew it already but it wasn't right. This was none of their business. He was thankful at least that Thibault didn't just demand to see Rosemarie right now. He suggested Cassia speak with them first and looked at her trying to figure her out. Sure she was the vampire's bond and that in itself could be why she was here but he doubted it. He believed there was something more to her. He would ask Harriet if perhaps Cassia was a witch. That would make the most sense though it was unusual for witches and vampires to bond. She seemed very sure of herself so she wasn't just human otherwise strange vampires would make her feel vulnerable. Cassia started to ask some questions and he was trying to see any double meanings and in his hesitation Celtin answered. But when Cassia about their health he answered because the truth was the baby was not killing Rosemarie and the baby was also strong. It was a hopeful sign for the baby's ability to not loose itself to the thirst. "Have you eaten?" he asked. He did not think he could eat much but he needed to do something other than answer a hundred questions. Cassia smiled. "I would be grateful for some food." She said and Zane nodded leaving Celtin with them a moment to talk with the chief before coming back seeing Celtin telling Cassia about the surf. It seems she had asked about the surfboard on his car. "It is very odd for me to see you on the ocean like that." she said and chuckled. He nodded. "Yeah but once you get out there you would understand. It's a peace only the water can bring. She smiled warmly and then they went quiet again as Zane moved back to his spot looking at Thibault. "What questions do you have?" he asked straight to the point.

@ Jinx...

Thibault nodded as Celtin and Zane answered Cassia's questions, even if it was all information they already knew about. At least they both seemed to have relaxed a bit around them. Thibault looked to Zane when he asked what questions he has, letting out a sigh. "I understand you don't want us here. We don't want to be here either. If it were up to me, I'd leave you and your bond alone to have a long happy life with your baby. But the council has decided that it's my job to conduct the investigation, and I know that you understand that there is little use in trying to go against them." He explained, looking between him and Celtin. "The biggest question that I've been sent to find the answer to is whether or not your child will be a threat to the council. Half-breeds and younglings often experience uncontrollable thirst, and the council needs to be sure that this baby won't expose their existance. There's also the question of how you were able to conceive, given vampires are considered sterile. Some think you used magic, others think it was just an accident, others want to run tests on you, your bond and the baby to figure out how it happened, but it's only a small group and nearly everyone disagrees with that." He assured them both upon seeing their reactions, not wanting to agitate them. "Neither question can be answered in one day, and likely won't be known until the child has been delivered. I'm also here to make sure you two are fit and prepared to raise this child in the event that it does not succumb to the thirst... Do you know the gender yet?" He asked, knowing male vampires were more likely to experience the thirst and have violent tendencies when young, although females could be just the same.

@ katahdin
Zane frowned as he asked about the gender and Cassia could see the choices he was trying to make. "It's a surprise." he said. "The midwife can tell you once you speak with her." he said not wanting to have that conversation at the moment. He looked at Celtin knowing he didn't know yet either. He thought of his little Eleanor and was all the more hoping to get this over will and have them convinced before she was even born. "Dinner is ready." he said and then lead them to the dinning room. He had made sure food was sent up for Harriet as well just in case. Zane sat at the head of the table and watched as Thibault and his bond moved in harmony her bright smiles making the vampire seem lighter around her.

Cassia could tell what he said wasn't the whole truth. she was guessing that he knew but that he wanted it to stay a surprise even still. She stood moving into the dinning room staying close to her bond knowing it would sooth him. She grinned as she sat at the table with him looking up as he pushed her chair in. She could feel the other vampires watching them and knew that Thibault would have had a hell of a time getting these people to trust him even now but without her it would have been so much worse. Dinner was served and she hummed digging in.

@ Jinx...

Thibault could tell that Zane was hiding the truth, and that only worried him. Zane would know that the child being a boy was more problematic, but understood if he'd rather speak about that privately or have the midwife explain it when he talked to her, especially since it seemed like such a sensitive topic to him. "I understand. When will I be able to speak to the midwife?" He didn't have any plans to speak to her tonight, but wanted an idea of when he first night be able to meet her. He stood when it was announced that dinner was ready, pressing a kiss to Cassia's forehead as they walked, pulling her seat out for her and giving her a little smile as she dug in, glad she was eating. "Thank you again for hosting us. After this it might be best if me and my bond retire for the night, since it's nearly dawn, and I'm sure you'll want to see your bond before you have to go to sleep." He said, knowing that's how he would feel if their positions were reversed.

@ katahdin
Zane frowned thinking about when they might meet Harriet. "As soon as I am sure that this is going to go smoothly." he said wanting to say again not tonight but he believed Thibault understood that. Zane relaxed a little as he suggested they all retire after dinner and he nodded in agreement. He was sure that his bond had a lot to tell him. She was observant and though small he would not trifle with her. Zane knew how he felt for his bond and seeing Thibault with Cassia was no different so the only reason she was here was because she was capable and needed. They ate in pretty much silence but when Celtin would make some small talk about the area and gave Cassia some advice with the staff which made her laugh at his stories of how Klaus was not the most reliable fellow but he always brought the best eventually. Once dinner was over Zane stood. "I will have a servant show you to your room." he said and then said a simple goodnight before excusing himself. Zane bounded up the stairs and slipped into his room where he knew Rose was waiting on him and he moved to the bed with a sigh seeing her there.

---

Cassia was glad when the stiff dinner was over. She said goodnight to both vampires as they disappeared up the stairs. She leaned into Thibault as the servant lead them to their room. She moved into the room and over to her suitcase pulling out her night gown. She looked up as Thibault closed and locked the door. "Well what are your first impressions?" she asked him as she sat pulling off her shoes. She pulled her hair down then turned to Thibault. "Help me with the zipper?" she asked and smiled back at him. Her mind was spinning with all the new information but she was surprised that she didn't get the normal energy that vampires had from this group. Zane was aloof but not abrasive. She might even call him kind but didn't know him enough yet. The one thing she knew for certain was that Zane loved his bond.

@ Jinx...

Rosemarie had been in the middle of arguing with Harriet about whether or not she should take the sleeping potion that the witch had brought her when Zane entered the room, her attention immediately moving to her bond when she saw him, eyes quickly scanning to make sure that he was alright as she sat up from where she was sitting against the pillows much like how he'd left her, although Harriet had helped her to bathe while he was gone and had brushed and braided her hair quite nicely. "Is everything alright? Everything went well?" She asked, reaching for her bond's hands and giving them a nervous squeeze.

Harriet smiled at Zane, seeing that he very clearly needed time alone with his mate, setting the potion down on the nightstand before moving to grab her broom, bag and coat to leave. "She says she doesn't need to take the potion, but I know she hasn't been sleeping well, and she needs her rest, so if you could please get her to take it I'd really appreciate it. I'll head home now, and can be back at dusk if you need me." She said, wishing them both a good night before slipping out of the room and heading down the hall toward the rooftop garden.

---

Thibault was relived to be alone with Cassia after a very tense and awkward meeting and dinner, moving over to her with a little smile as she asked for help with her zipper, sliding it down before moving over to his own suitcase to pull out his pajamas to change. "He's clearly very much in love with his bond, and extremely protective of her. I don't blame him, though. He's been bonded just about as long as we have, if not less, so he's right to still be a bit antsy about leaving her alone. Not that it ever really goes away." He explained as he tugged his pajama pants on after taking off his other clothes, climbing into bed with a tired sigh, holding open his arms for her once she was done changing.