Ice

[Asparuh Zhefarovich III]

Asparuh glanced toward the entrance of the door, seeing a small elf enter in the room carrying two tall glasses of crystal clear water. Asparuh gave a subtle nod toward the elf, for it to hurry. The elf set the glasses at the tables of each chair’s end table. Ever since that one faithful incident that resulted in a son recently, Asparuh had been rather careful about beverages. No one would dare drug him in his own home. Not only would he know about it, but he would also kill that person in his own home. They would go missing, and even forgotten about in the world. That way, he would have nothing more to worry about. Asparuh hated it that he had a weakness to such potions.

It was not really his fault. Never would Asparuh had expected someone to do that to him. He had told no one of him and Thorine, and he let people assume the child was Arnost’s. They were twins anyhow. Identical no less. Asparuh admired the name that Thorine had picked out though. It was a strong name. His thoughts were rather in the back of his mind, as he gave Ruth more of his attention to hear her speak. “Only the ones deemed worthy of respecting, Ruth Adler. Not all women will receive the same respect out of me. Most generally die at my hands if they have not proven themselves worthy.”

Asparuh nodded slowly. Indeed, he was simply one of a kind. Asparuh’s eyes slowly left Ruth’s and went to the family tree. Well, he may be one of a kind, but there was another who looked exactly like him, was just a fraction shorter than he, and did not know Legilimency. Arnost. Asparuh spoke once more, “Typically, I am unique. But as in appearance, I am afraid I am not.” That was all that passed through Asparuh’s lips for the time people. He only spoke as much as he needed to. Asparuh’s narrowed eyes focused on Ruth once more. Her expression, or something about her, had changed. Asparuh inquired softly, his voice as soft as a whisper, but with power enough to cut through ice, “What is it you are seeking from this meeting?”

 

[Ruth Adler-Roux]

Ruth noticed the arrival of clear water. Perhaps he was not a much of a drinker? There were many possible reasons as to why they had this water. The most logical having already passed through Ruth's mind. She dwelled on the matter no longer, time was precious. She couldn't help but smile a little at his words. Of course she had no doubt that could live up to such things and perhaps it was that thrill which sent a chill up her spine. Never had she felt so refreshed.

Her mind drifted briefly to the Adler mansion, to her mother. With any luck, she would be gone soon. It wasn't that Ruth detested her mother or even disliked her but she was fed up with her mother being in charge- so peaceful about muggles, having such faith in humanity and worst of all, she was weak. Ruth had lost faith in humanity a long time ago. There were few who she would even give 'the honor' of her attention. Of course, muggles were stupid creatures, not seeing past their own noses to the world beyond. Around them, Ruth was stripped of all title she held. This was incredibly frustrating and she longed to take her rightful place in the Adler mansion, to sit upon her throne and laugh as she took charge of the family name.

Ruth looked directly into Asparuh's eyes, attention pouring into him. He was, to her, truly fascinating and an inspiration. If Ruth ever were to chance a partner, this was the man she felt an almost instantaneous loyalty towards. A cruel smile was upon her face and the firelight danced, causing her to appear deadly. "You are a man- a powerful one, at that," Ruth began, not dancing around the point. Why not be direct? There was no point playing a guessing game. "Most men would have seen what I am seeking.." Her arms were rested lightly on her crossed legs, her right index finger snaking along one. She watched it for a moment, appearing captivated by its dance. She looked up once more, directly at Asparuh. Her intentions were blatantly obvious, now.

 

[Asparuh Zhefarovich III]

Asparuh took a small drink of the clear water, free of any potions or anything of the sort. He never drank alcohol. The stuff was too vile for him. Asparuh would never drink so long as he lived. Even while he was in his younger days, it was a sin to him to drink alcohol, even just a butterbeer. Asparuh hated it when someone’s mind was not to the full capability as the next person’s when it came to having a pleasant time and a chat. It got on Asparuh’s nerves to say the least, enough to where he could take a man’s life and leave the body for the buzzards.

The fire danced and the sounds of the manor grow faint as certain spirits settled down momentarily. The night had proceeded to take its toll, as the hours had passed. This was the most peaceful hour anyone would ever receive in the Zhefarovich Manor, a Manor where many have died, and others will lose their lives here as well even in the distant future. It was a strange night, where his newborn son slept heavenly, and all the people living in the manor slept for the night, unless they held a title. Raisa and Rayna could be doing Merlin knew what and Asparuh could careless as long as he was not disturbed. Asparuh hated to be interrupted into almost pleasant company before him. Asparuh had yet to make his final decision.

The intentions this woman had were clear. She knew of his age; she did not care. She knew of his children, grandchildren, and beyond; yet she did not pay them mind. Asparuh found all this intriguing, and did not see a downside to the situation. What would become of tonight, there was no telling. Asparuh however did need to release some stress, and Liyla, who aided him before, was dead. She could no longer fulfill the position. It was a sad event, her death. Yet, Asparuh covered it well with an emotionless face and walls of steel behind his blackened eyes. “Indeed, I have power, from my name to my abilities. I am not most men, driven by lust. However,” Asparuh paused, “I see no harm into divulging into an act of sin if that is what you wish.” Asparuh would have to take this elsewhere if she wanted to continue.

 

[Ruth Adler-Roux]

Sin. That was what he had called it. The sound of it made Ruth's eyes dark in excitement- something Ruth rarely felt, nowadays. Long gone were the days when she would travel alone to the darkest forest, the highest mountains and the deadliest seas. She missed the thrill of coming across a sleeping giant or a large water beast. So much had these brown eyes seen, so many possibilities and chances. But the fire burning within had just one day stopped. It had been years since she had journeyed to a land far away and now the dreams had died.

Ruth had never had a family of her own, never raised a child. She had wasted her time on meaningless adventures. The closest she had come was occasionally taking care of her brother and that was not often. Ruth still had her beauty, her astounding looks, that wonderful, soft red hair. She intended to have a child before she was too old to do so. She intended to have some form of family of her own. She wanted a pure child, one that would be raised properly. Ruth knew exactly what she wanted and she was ready to sacrifice many things to get it. No matter how long she would have to wait.

Ruth needed no words to reply to Asparuh. She didn't need to speak for him to know that divulging in sin was exactly what she wanted, what she had intended to do. Still, Ruth nodded slightly. The back of her neck tingled and a chill of excitement shot down her spine. Her skin seemed to feel more sensitive and suddenly she was aware of how the dress she wore felt against her body. It was a fine, handmade dress. One especially tailored to Ruth's standards and the lining was a soft silk. Ruth could feel that the fire had warmed one side of her face and the contrast in heat between either side of her face was somewhat satisfying.

 

[Asparuh Zhefarovich III]

Asparuh honestly did not understand why women enjoyed this type of sin so much; especially with him. Normally, he did not bow to what a woman wanted, and only did as he wished. Though once more, he saw no downsides. Who knew, if she did end up pregnant, then there would be another fabulous pure-blood addition to the family. Asparuh glanced over at the fire, and he did not say a word. He did need to make sure that this was what he was in the mood for. It was awfully hard to get Asparuh to divulge himself into that act if he did not want to.

It wasn't that he didn't want to, or that he wanted to, he just did not care to. Asparuh had no other plans for the night, and it was better than being bored. Asparuh left his glass of water on the table next to him. Without a word still, he stood in silence. He had nothing to lose, nor did he have anything to gain. It just took up some time, and Asparuh had as much time as he could give right now. All of his business was taken care of anyhow. Asparuh narrowed his eyes into the fire, and he thought long and hard. He still could not go against it now that he said that he would do the task at hand. Asparuh did his best not to be a hypocrite. Asparuh finally turned his eyes from the fire.

Now looking at Ruth, he silently gave her a look that appeared to say, Follow. Actions like this was best if taken elsewhere. He would not taint this room; unless he were with someone he was actually somewhat bonded with. Now that Liyla was dead, he had no one. That was better than having someone, in his opinion. Liyla was the only woman that managed to sink a deep enough hold into him without growing up with him or knowing that much about him. The only woman that would ever gain any respect from Asparuh was one that had grown up with him. Asparuh respected that one woman, when he met her at the age of ten. Asparuh began to walk out of the room, expecting Ruth to follow him, but would not care if she didn't. The night was young, and Asparuh did not care where this left him after the dawn rears its ugly head.