By Blood Bound
Pale moonlight reflects white off of the headstones dotting the graveyard. A quiet hush is all around. The only sound heard- their shallow breath; their heartbeats echoing in their ears.

Suddenly a laugh interrupts the stillness and her eyes flicker to her companion. A smile springs to her lips. He takes her hand and they walk on. Twigs snap underfoot; a startled cry comes from her as a rabbit darts out from a nearby bush.

She recomposes herself and heads to "the" grave. Black candles lay out in a circle around the stone. A ritual dagger gleams from the top of the engraved tombstone. A chalice rests to the side of the dagger.

Together they light each candle then meet in the center of the circle and kneel down facing each other. They clasp each other’s left hand. She reaches for the dagger; he reaches for the chalice.

Their eyes lock and they smile. They loosen their hands just enough to slide the blade between them. In one quick motion she slices both wrists. He holds the chalice underneath their dripping hands.

They press their hands together, their blood flowing together, their vitae draining into the chalice. After a long moment they lower their hands. He takes up the chalice and drinks from it. She does the same.

Their lips lock in an eternal symbol of their love. Together forever. Bound in blood.

by Raven Pederson, 10/23/03