It wasn't that she was against parties; it was just... She was shy, reserved —everything her housemate Summer was not.

Summer. She looked just like her name. Warm strawberry blonde hair, soft golden-brown eyes and a cute sprinkle of freckles across the bridge of her nose. She lit up the room with her musical laugh and confident flirtatious manner.

Rosemonde shadowed her for a while and then went to find a quiet corner where she could sit and observe the comings and goings of the guests. Who was hitting on whom? Who was getting drunk? Who was causing trouble? She liked to watch people. She found it as entertaining as talking to them and certainly more comfortable. She was a keen observer. She took in everything — well almost everything. Unknown to Rosemonde at this very moment, it was she who was being observed and by more than one person. Lost in her thoughts, she jumped when a ginger-haired man sat down, next to her.

"Hey what are you doing here all by yourself? You okay?"

"Huh? Oh, yeah fine, um...thanks." She felt that she should at least try to make an effort, but what should she say? She blinked at him stupidly and then stared at her feet.

"The name's Jasper." He held out his hand. She shook it, but he didn't let go. She decided his grin was more of a leer, but she was too polite to just get up and walk away.

"Rosemonde," she said. "Um, can I-er-may I have my hand back?"

"On one condition, have a drink with me."

It felt like an order rather than a request. Rosemonde hadn't intended to drink anything. She was practically a teetotaller. She wanted to remain in control, always. Alcohol made her lose control — something that frightened her.

"I uh, don't really drink." She shuffled uncomfortably.

"Oh, come on it's New Year's Eve! Just one drink with me, okay?"

"Well, I suppose one won't hurt," she said, meekly. He smiled his creepy smile and with his hand on her elbow guided her towards the bar. Two other men had been watching the exchange.

"The girl that Jasper is trying to chat up, who is she?" At six foot four inches Myrddin towered over his best friend Max who was hosting the New Year's Eve party. They had been friends since high school and Max considered Myrddin his brother, which is why he could be very blunt.

"That's Summer's housemate, she's not for you mate. She's a good girl, leave her alone. In fact, I think we need to keep an eye on Jas'." He frowned.

"So that's Rosemonde? She'd be rather beautiful if she didn't dress like a nun."

"She is beautiful, inside and out." An elegant brunette with a subtle German accent joined the conversation while holding a platter of hors d'oeuvres awkwardly.

"Oh, hi, mum. Thanks again, for letting us have the party here. That looks heavy, let me take it for a while." Max took the platter from her and began working the room.

"He's a good boy." She smiled fondly at her son's retreating back before turning back to Myrddin. "So, you are interested in Rosemonde?

"You know Rosemonde too, Greta?"

"Ja." Greta laughed. "She and Maxwell went out a few times."

"Oh? He never mentioned that!"

"Friend zoned after the second date."

Myrddin snorted into his beer. "Well, that's probably good. It might have been a little awkward otherwise."

Greta folded her arms and gave him the determined look that he had come to love and respect. "Myrddin, I do love you, but Rosemonde is not for you. That girl has the sweetest soul. She has become another sister to Max, now. It was she who introduced Ursula to him. I will not allow you to use and discard her like one of your playthings."

"I-"

"I am neither blind nor deaf Myrddin. I know your reputation. Please, not this girl, not Rosemonde."

"I uh," he cleared his throat. "I'm not as bad as you've heard, Greta. Maybe meeting a nice girl for a change will help me learn to commit."

"So, you are open to a long-term relationship?"

"I really am. I just haven't met the one, you know?"

She smiled and looked at him, thoughtfully. "Hmm, okay I will trust you, but please be gentle with her heart."

Greta was surprised when Myrddin looked angry. "Now I have offended you."

"Not at all, Greta. Jasper just put something in her drink."

"Are you sure? Sheisse! You had better hurry then. I will get my husband and Max. I want that man to leave my house, right now!"

"I'll take care of it." Myrddin walked menacingly toward Jasper. Keeping his eyes on him the whole time, he knocked the drink out of his hand before he could give it to Rosemonde and then punched him full in the face.

"What the hell! Are you nuts?" Rosemonde might be shy, but she did speak up when she perceived an injustice.

"Leave. Now!" Myrddin picked Jasper up by the scruff of the neck and once he was on his feet planted his boot into his backside for good measure.

Jasper didn't need to be told twice. Straightening up he shot Myrddin a dirty look before leaving, without even glancing in Rosemonde's direction.

"Care to explain yourself?" Hands on hips she rounded on Myrddin. Someone had turned off the music. Everyone was staring. Rosemonde didn't back down. "Well?"

"He put something in your drink. I saw him do it."

A/N
Chapter Header: The Life Elixir. Photo of decorative vial - public domain.