An Owl's Cry
By Tonia(Wicca)(Toniamcm@aol.com)

Standard Disclaimer: This is a work of noprofit amiture fiction and not
intended to infringe on the copy rights of Anne or anyone related to her
or those who work with/for her. So enjoy!

Spoilers:Mild spoilers for QOtD

This spec was written for Elaine(ELava) on aol who thinks that she can
have Armand all for herself.(little does she relise that he's taken) =)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


	The wind blew threw the open window, giving life to the desolate
curtains that hung from weak rods. The room was empty, as it had been for
centuries, only dust and rotted carpet remained. This room they had shared
and loved in but now it was nothing but an empty void like his heart. 
	Daniel slowly closed his eyes and tried to bring back the memory
of  those times. He tried to imagine that cold pale skin, those brown
eyes, his auburn hair. It all seemed so far away, like a distant memory.
As hard as he tried Daniel always failed to forget that fateful night when
Armand had left. All over a stupid diary. Daniel thought. If only he
hadnÕt seen it. 
	The memory of that day came flooding back to him. The sweet night
air, the plush white carpet. All the details he had struggled to forget
came rushing back with such force that Daniel had trouble standing. Armand
had looked so elegant that night, dressed in a simple wool suit, his hair
spilling over his shoulders. Clinging to the window sill Daniel fought
back tears of pain and rage as the memory over took him. All he could see
was ArmandÕs eyes, hurt and full of tears, the betrayal dominate.
	How he had tried to explain away the mistake but Armand wouldnÕt
listen. Daniel had read that old diary, he had read every word and because
of that Armand had left hurt and straight into the arms of Louis who had
comforted him and listened. Daniel could still hear the heart break in
LestatÕs voice as he told Daniel that Louis was with Armand and how Louis
wouldnÕt even speak to him. Oh the guilt that Daniel had felt then,
knowing that Louis would still be with Lestat if he hadnÕt read that damn
diary. Daniel had hurt Armand, invading his privacy and reading his most
treasured secrets from centuries past and now centuries later those
thoughts still haunted him. They had been a curse Daniel should have never
read, and like Pandora and her box Daniel had set things in motion and
hurt not only Armand but Lestat as well.
	Sighing Daniel turned from the open window, his heart still filled
with regret. Suddenly an owl let out itÕs mournful cry and a figure
emerged into the moon light. The figure wore a simple black suit, his
jacket long and flowing. His pale skin shone in the moon light with a
ghostly aura to it. Auburn hair spilled down over the slender shoulders
and for a moment Daniel thought he was seeing things. Only when the figure
moved towards him and put itÕs hand on his shoulder did Daniel know that
this was no dream. Tears swelled in DanielÕs eyes as he looked at Armand.
He was so beautiful. DanielÕs memories could never do him justice. Taking
a deep breath Daniel spoke.
	ÒWhereÕs Louis?Ó
	ÒWith Lestat, where he belongs.Ó Came ArmandÕs simple answer.
	ÒWhy are...Ó
	ÒShhhh.....You donÕt have to say anything.Ó Armand said putting
one finger on DanielÕs lips. His tears flowed freely now as he wrapped his
arms around his maker. Holding him tight Daniel tried to breath in
everything that was Armand. 
	Pulling away Armand looked up into his fledglingÕs violet eyes. He
had missed those eyes. Smiling Armand leaned forward and kissed Daniel
softly on the lips. A moan escaped Daniel, as he yield to his makerÕs
touch. How long had he waited for this moment Daniel did not know.
	ÒArmand..IÕm....Ó Daniel tried to speak but Armand stopped him
with another kiss.
	ÒHush.....WeÕll have none of that.Ó Armand said as he deepened the
kiss, forcing his tongue into DanielÕs eager mouth. Their kiss deepened
but could not satisfy their passion. DanielÕs hands roamed over the small
form in front of him as ArmandÕs own hands tried to free Daniel of his
clothes. In frustration they both gave up and ripped the clothes from each
other tumbling into a smoldering huddle on the floor.
	Over and over again Daniel tried to meld their bodies but when
that didnÕt work he lifted his head and gently sank his fangs into the
soft flesh of ArmandÕs neck. A gasp excepted the older vampire and Daniel
licked and sucked on the wound he had made. Soon Armand couldnÕt take it
anymore and in an almost brutal fashion sank his fangs into DanielÕs neck.
Daniel almost lost his hold on Armand as the pleasure ripped through him.
They were now joined body and soul as they promised each other that they
would separate never again.
	Hours later they still laid motionless on the dingy old carpet,
holding each other. The moon had gradually made itÕs way out of the
nightÕs sky as dawn approached. Both knew theyÕd have to find shelter
soon. Raising his head Daniel looked at his lover. Armand seemed content
and peaceful.
	ÒArmand?Ó
	ÒUmm?Ó
	ÒWhy did you come back after all this time?Ó Daniel asked propping
himself up on his elbow.
	ÒWhy? Why not?Ó
	ÒWell I thought that after what I had...Ó
	ÒDonÕt, it was my fault. I over reacted. I should have told you
everything, I shouldnÕt have kept it from you.Ó
	ÒBut...Ó
	ÒNo buts Daniel. I was wrong to hurt you like that and to hurt
Lestat. I should have talked things over with you but I did what IÕve
always done, I ran from the pain instead of facing it and in turn hurt a
lot of people.Ó Armand sighed.
	ÒArmand, can I ask you something?Ó
	ÒSure Daniel what is it?Ó
	ÒI donÕt want you to ever leave me again, and the only way to
really calm you as mine and for you to claim me as yours is for us 
too.....Ó Daniel started.
	ÒFor us to what my love?Ó
	ÒArmand, will you marry me?Ó
	ÒWhat??Ó
	ÒI know I shouldnÕt have brought it up, IÕm sorry.Ó Daniel said
regretfully.
	ÒYes.Ó
	ÒWhat?Ó
	ÒYes beloved. IÕll marry you.Ó Armand said as a smile creeped
across his face.
	ÒYou mean it?Ó 
	ÒYes.Ó
	Just then an owl let out another cry. This time, it seemed joyful
and full of peace. Looking into each otherÕs eyes Daniel gestured for
Armand to look out the window. Lifting his head Armand let out a small
gasp. Two owls sat perched on the widow sill, the morning Sun just
spilling over the horizon eliminating the two birds. They sat close to
each other nuzzled together in a loving embrace. Smiling at Armand, Daniel
slipped his ring on ArmandÕs finger and before they went to their day time
resting place they wed each other with the owls as witnesses.

The End