Valentina

        Once upon a time I lived in a big castle up on a hill. Every night I would put on my cloak then walk to the stable and take my beautiful black stallion named Tempest out for a ride in the forest. Every time while we were out taking our night ride there was a little black bat that would follow us. I did not think to much about it because bats have never bothered me like they do some people.Tonight's ride was quite brisk and cold with lots of snow on the ground but it was the end of January so it was to be expected. I continued my nightly rides no matter the weather.

        One afternoon at the beginning of February just before dusk (it was slightly warmer in February here than it is in January and the snow had melted off), there was a knock at my door. I went to the door and there was a servant boy. He handed me an envelope and a package. I thanked him so he got on his horse and rode off. I was totally perplexed - I had no idea what this was or even who it was from.The envelope was addressed to me: Madame Valentina St. Armonde and it was sealed with a wax emblem and had the initials LvC on it. The letter inside was written in blood red ink on light parchment paper. The letter inside said:

Dear Valentina,

        You are cordially invited to attend a Valentine's Night Masquerade Ball on February 14th. A driver with a horse and carriage will pick you up promptly at your castle at 9 PM sharp. I have also included a lovely bespoke crimson ruby red ball gown, matching slippers, masquerade masque and a crimson ruby red velvet hooded cloak. Also please note the small velvet pouch in the package, ruby's will be most beautiful with your raven hair.

Yours truly,

Count Lucien von Croix

        I of course went immediately to the velvet pouch, inside was the most beautiful diamond and ruby necklace with a matching hair pin and earrings! Then I tried on the entire outfit which was absolutely stunning. The most amazing thing was that everything fit perfectly. I could not wait for the big night and I was very curious now about the mysterious Count von Croix.The big night came and I was all ready to go right at 9 PM. There was a knock at the door which meant that my driver was here. I got into the carriage and he took me into town. We stopped off in front of a very old but elegant building, there was a store front sign that said: von Croix. The driver opened my door then pointed to a doorway and told me to go down the stairs.

        I got out and started heading down the very long stone spiraling staircase. The walls were blood red and felt like velvet. I finally made it to the bottom, there was a barkeeper behind a bar and people sitting around the bar. The whole place was lit entirely by candlelight/firelight (there were candelabras and chandeliers) and there was also a big stone fire place in the corner.

        Out of no where came an incredibly handsome man, tall with long black hair and the most incredible gold eyes. He came to me and said I am your host: Count Lucien von Croix (he was also the only one without a masque). I started to say I am Valentina but he finished saying my name - Saint Armonde, I know I have been a fan of yours for a while. I started to say oh really and to question him about this but at that moment he picks up my hand, brings it up to his lips and kisses it very softly. He says I am so pleased you could make it, you look absolutely stunning this evening.I told him thank you so much, thank you for everything.Then he says let me take you on a tour and he takes my arm in his. 

        We were standing in the main area in front of the bar and on the floor was a zebra skin rug. There were a few tables and chairs with people sitting at them. In a corner was a musical ensemble which consisted of a piano, violin and cello. No singer just music and the music was very nice. We kept on walking and I realized that this place was a lot bigger then I originally thought - it just seemed to sprawl on forever. After leaving the main area the rest of the basement was broken up into alcoves, the alcoves were surrounded by semi sheer fabric so there was a hint of privacy. One of the alcoves was larger and had pillows on the floor set around in a circle with several people sitting on the pillows all taking turns smoking a hookah. The other alcoves were smaller and more intimate with couples sitting on settees kissing. All of the alcoves either had oriental rugs or animal hides from many different types of animals on the floors.

        The Count led me to an empty alcove, then he left for a moment and came back with a couple of drinks. He then kisses me passionately, next he sweeps up all of my long dark hair off of my neck and he tells me he wants to be mine forever. At that moment I had a flash of the little black bat from the forest in my mind so I got up fast with both my mind and my heart racing. I ran to the back of the building, the Count says Valentina wait - I said no, I don't want to be immortal! Then I ran out the door and ended up in a hedge maze. I just kept going through it hoping i would find a way out but I ended up at a dead end with a large stone fountain in the middle and a stone bench surrounding it.

        Out of no where again there was the Count he says there is no sense in fighting it, so he proceeds to sweep my hair up and I just started to feel his fangs brush against my neck... at that moment I woke up with a start. I sat up and realized I was safe and sound in my large four poster canopy bed. I lit a candle on my bed side and thought to myself what a nightmare! Thank God that was just a dream, boy it sure seemed real. Hmmmm weird...all of a sudden I have this strange craving for a raw steak of all things and at this hour. The corner of my mouth felt damp so I opened up my night stand drawer and pulled out a handkerchief. I dabbed at the edge of my mouth and on my handkerchief was a small spot of fresh blood. I heard a little noise outside my window and my curtains were parted just a bit. I saw the out line of a small black bat and two golden glowing eyes!

Happy Valentines Day Everybody!