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Chapter Ten
Dante was staring at me in a way that made me sure he already knew. I narrowed my eyes, careful not to suspiciously glance away from him for that would give away my guilt. I coughed into my hand, breaking the silence and giving me an excuse to look away. “So, did I wake you up?” I asked, taking a subtle step away from him.
He smiled, obviously side-tracked. “Of course. You didn't think you could sneak into my room and not be noticed, did you?” He ran a hand through his hair, making an attempt to tame it. He yawned, raising his fingers to his mouth politely.
I returned his smile. “Still tired?” I asked with a small laugh. “You can go back to sleep... I'll be staying up a bit longer. I'm not tired anymore.” I waved him off dismissively, brushing past him and towards the center of the garden where there was a small clearing of silver grass.
I honestly didn't expect him to go back into the castle to sleep so I wasn't shocked when he came up behind me. I probably wouldn't have known he was there if he hadn't laid a hand on my shoulder, causing me to look over at him. “Any idea who tried to grab me?” I asked idly, turning away from him.
I could nearly fear the instant anger seep off of him at my question. I blinked, waiting for a response. I knew he would answer eventually, for I didn't believe he could deny me much other than the lack of his presence. He was strangely infatuated with me, even after I had left for all that time and come back entirely different...
“We can't get much out of him...” He finally began, his voice too close for my liking. I took a step forward and away from him. “We found out, though, that he was a spy from a group of foreign rebels...” I could hear the frown in his tone, but I said nothing and let him continue. “He was sent to confirm you reappearance... And to retrieve you as a bargaining tool.”
I frowned and turned around to face him, a scowl firmly planted on my face. “He didn't really think he could make it out of the city with me?” I asked skeptically. With the way people had been reacting to my presence I didn't think they would be overly pleased with me leaving again.
Dante smirked down at me, one hand still resting on my shoulder. “'Specially not with the way you were screaming!” He laughed at me and I scowled, brushing his hand from me. I turned around in a huff, crossing my arms over my chest.
“It got someone's attention, now, didn't it?” I scowled, turning my eyes towards the grass. “Why is the grass here silver?” A change of subject seemed appropriate at the moment, and I had been wondering about the strange plant-life here. I didn't look at him while he answered.
“This is the royal garden. We had it all changed to silver 'cause it's the city's colors. Mostly because your mother liked it, though...” He rubbed the back of his neck, underneath his dark hair. “You can imagine the look on the mages faces when we asked them to change the colors of the plants...”
I raised an eyebrow. “Mages?” I asked skeptically. Well, that was certainly a new idea! The notion of magic had all but died out in my previous realm, and it was comical to hear the words spoken so casually. I laughed, thinking of what the nerds of my old home would say when faced with the new information.
Dante looked genuinely surprised at my question, raising his eyebrows at me. “There is not magic in that realm?” He frowned, as though it was a strange concept for him to understand. Was it common knowledge here, this so-called 'magic'? I shook my head in confusion, not knowing what to think.
Had I suddenly grown an extra two heads? The way he was staring at me was utterly uncalled for! I had merely asked a simple question and I expected a simple answer. I scowled at him, obviously displeased with his current expression, “What?”
He finally got himself under control, forcing his expression into that of indifference. “Oh, nothing. It's just that you had a lot of potential as a child and your parents are some of the most powerful magic-users in the nation...” He waved it off, coughing suspiciously into his hand before trying to move onto a new subject. “Sooo... Would you like to go visit your would-be kidnapper...?” A sudden smirk crossed his features. “Don't be scared, I'll protect you!”
I rolled my eyes at him, playfully throwing a punch at his arm. My fist made contact and he laughed, whining out in 'pain'. I walked past him and back into the castle, knowing he would follow. “I need to get changed first... A bath would be nice, too.” I told him, hearing his footsteps on the floor behind me.
He made a grunt of acknowledgment, grabbed my hand, and led me through one of the various doors and into another hallway.
***
If I hadn't been from a royal family, living here would have sucked. The water in the bathhouse was heated by wood fires, but that was only because it was the castle. Most people bathed in the cold streams and ponds. My eye twitched angrily. I missed my showers, but at least it was warm. The only problem was that Dante had to keep feeding the fire, which meant he got to sit below a small, tall window near my bath.
Now, I knew he couldn't see in, so I wasn't worried about that. The problem was that he wouldn't shut up. I was trying to relax and he was making that entirely impossible. I sighed, stepping out of the tub and grabbing the nearby towel.
I was glad, momentarily, that the tubs had been sectioned off by walls for privacy. There was a main entrance at the front, which had fresh towels and a laundry bin, then multiple 'stalls' with the baths in them. I had sent Dante off to gather me fresh clothing and told him to leave them in front for me.
I wrapped the towel around myself and moved through the door and into the main area.
Dante was leaning against the door frame, my clothes hanging from one of his hands. He barely glanced at me before politely turning his eyes to the side again. I snatched my clothing away from him and moved into a curtain that acted as a changing room.
“I didn't know what you'd rather wear so I brought you two pairs of clothing...” He called from the other side. I looked down at the pile of cloth he had handed me and realized that there were two different outfits.
One was a shimmering silver dress, the surface rippling in the orange light the torches cast all around me. I scowled at it, realizing how tight fitting it was and just how short. There was no way in hell, as beautiful as the dress was, that I was going to wear it.
The other outfit was much more my style. An loose opalescent silver shirt and dull black, tight pants. I could deal with that, even if I felt slightly uncomfortable in such pants. Oh well, I would live.
I changed quickly and moved from behind the curtain, ringing my hair out with one hand and holding the dress carefully out of the water with the other. I tossed the garment to Dante, who caught it one-handed.
Finally tiring of drying my hair, I flung it over my shoulder and pulled on the black boots that he had brought me, slipping them over the pants. I shuffled around on a shelf for a moment before finally locating a hairbrush, the bristles clean as if they had never been used. I wouldn't have been touching it for much longer if it had foreign hairs clinging to it.
“Come on, let's go.” I called, opening the door he had been previously leaning on and moving into the hall. I was still brushing my hair as we walked, the only sound coming from the water dripping from its tips. “So...” I began quietly, almost unwilling to break the quiet. “What were they hoping to gain by taking me? They didn't think to start a new war just over me?”
I looked at me strangely for a moment before answering, “You're the only heir to the throne, Valya.” His tone was slow, as if he was talking to a child. “Of course it would start a war if you were taken.” He frowned at me. “You don't have a very strong sense of self-worth, do you?” He was obviously joking but I stiffened and paused in my hair-brushing. His eyes narrowed in suspicion.
I quickly averted his attention, “How did you find me again? I saw you run past...”
His smile was quick to reappear, “Well, I noticed that you weren't ahead of me anymore... So I backtracked and saw a bunch of people milling about an ally-way. I saw some of my guards gambling...” He scowled at that, “So I pulled them along after me.”
I nodded in understanding, “That makes sense I guess. I did notice that it wasn't just you who came.” I offhandedly handed him my brush and he took it without quarrel, shoving it into his pocket. He must have changed at some point between feeding the fire because he had new clothes on.
He turned abruptly, dragging me with him. I had absolutely no idea where we currently were in the castle, so I was glad he was there, for once. He had opened a door and was currently dragging me down a dark stairway. There were no torches lining the walls and I couldn't see a thing so I had to cling to Dante's back as we descended.
I stumbled into him as we came off of the last step and onto flat stone. I still couldn't see a thing and I scowled into the darkness. I heard a chuckle before a torch was lit, illuminating the dungeon. I blinked for a moment, getting used to the unexpected brilliance.
“Hello, Princess. Feeling better so soon?” A sneering voice called from across the room from me. I turned to face it and scowled in disgust at the man who stood in the cell before me. Dante strode across the room and banged a fist on the bars of the cell, growling something out.
I smiled viciously at him, moving to stand next to Dante, directly in front of the cell. “Oh, I'm fine, but you might not be...” I let the sentence hang in the air.
The mans wild eyes narrowed slightly, clearly locked on me. “What could someone like you do to me?” He smiled, revealing grimy teeth.
I waved my hand dismissively. “Well...” I locked eyes with him and smiled widely, revealing sparkling teeth. “I could always order to have you slowly skinned while you writhe and scream in pain... Or maybe I could have you tied up and disemboweled while you gurgle on your own blood? I could hang you up in the courtyard to bleed out afterwards and spread the pieces of your rotting carcass to the animals....” I shrugged indecisively, aware that Dante was gawking at me. “So you tell me? What could someone like me do to you?”
The man was silent, staring at me with obvious horror on his features. I was careful to keep that insane glint to my eyes. Oh, I would enjoy it if he refused to speak...
“Fine, fine... What do you want to know?” His voice quavered ever so slightly.
I gestured offhandedly to Dante, who was still staring at me with a horrified expression on his face. I just blinked innocently up at him.
“I'll send down and interrogator soon... Come on, Valya, the dungeons are no place for a princess.” The tone of his voice made it clear that he wanted to talk to me. I smirked and allowed him to take my hand.
Going up the stairs was easier with the torchlight and I was able to climb them without clinging to his shirt. We popped out at the top an he placed the torch in a holder that had been dug into the wall. He turned on me almost at once, his eyes searching mine for something.
“What?” I asked guardedly, turning my eyes away. He was plainly not amused, for his lips were set in a thin line and his eyes were blazing with a repressed anger.
“Where did you learn to be so vicious...? So... So... Cruel?” He stuttered over his own words, as if having trouble coming up with the appropriate vocabulary. He grabbed both of my shoulders and shook me gently.
I shook my head to clear it, bringing his face back into focus after he had finished shaking me. “I already told you. Do you need to hear it again?” My tone was cold and unapproachable and he looked at me in shock.
I had been nicer to him lately, I noticed, and it must have been strange for me to revert so spontaneously back to me old self. I scowled at myself as he suddenly dropped his hands from me and turned away. “Come on, Valya. I need to get one of my guards and you can come with me.”
I was glad he had dropped the subject so quickly. I didn't like revealing even as much as I already had.
 Tsutsuya · Mon Feb 26, 2007 @ 12:57am · 0 Comments |
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Chapter Nine
I yelped, clamping my teeth down over the hand that held me. I could hear a hiss of pain and the grasp on my face loosened drastically. My own fingers pried at it, ripping it from over my mouth. I sucked in a breath just before letting loose a scream, my own voice nearly deafening me. I felt a hard blow to the side of my head and the world began to spin, making me dizzy.
I groaned, pitching forward from my lack of balance. I was too disoriented to form another scream, but I made a valiant attempt to move towards the blindingly bright entrance to the ally. There was a dull ache at the side of my head. I couldn't worry about that now though, because whoever had hit me in the first place was gripping the back of my shirt.
I sucked in a breath, nearly choking on it. I could see the blurry shapes of people just a few feet away but they were too busy talking amongst themselves to notice me. I tried to scream again, only to feel another sharp pain at the back of my head, like someone was pulling my hair.
Where was Dante when I really needed him?
I had to do something. I couldn't just allow whoever this was to kill me. After all I had been through it was gonna take a lot more than some freak in a dark alleyway to take away my new life. I kicked back violently, ignoring the pounding headache that was forming within my skull. I lashed out with my nails, gouging at whatever I could reach.
Finally, my screams and the sounds on my struggles must have reached someone for the hand that was gripping my shirt was suddenly and violently removed. A gentle grip held me up off the dirty ground. Words were exchanged, or rather shouts, but I was unable to comprehend them through my daze.
More voices erupted around us, and I squeezed my eyes shut against the headache that had taken up residence inside my brain. I groaned, slumping against the hands that held me. They were just too loud for my current state and I felt literally sick. I probably had a concussion, which would make sense judging on my symptoms. I couldn't think it through well enough to be sure.
“Valya? Valya, are you alright?” A much quieter voice whispered next to me. I barely recognized it, my head too foggy to really understand much. However, his voice was far too distinct to miss.
“I'm find, Dante. Really.” My voice sounded tired, even to me. I pressed a hand to my temple, wincing when I felt a warm wetness on it. Oh, I was bleeding? That made a bit more sense, I suppose. I wondered briefly what I had been hit with.
Dante muttered something under his breath before calling to the whoever was with him, “Don't kill him yet.” There were a few muffled protests and a heavy 'thump' as whoever had grabbed me was thrown to the ground.
I slumped against him, resting my head on his shoulder. I was too tired and in too much pain to really care about maintaining my normally icy demeanor, so I would allow him to touch me just this once. I grumbled out a few incoherent words before slipping into the blissfully pain-free darkness of sleep.
***
I woke up to a pounding headache. Actually, it felt more like my brain was leaking out the side of my head. That seemed more plausible than in normally would have because I was still half asleep and groggy. I could feel the softness of my bed beneath me though, so I knew that I had made it back to the castle in one piece.
“Finally, Valya, you're awake.” His voice shocked me, and I sat up so quickly that I nearly rolled off the bed. He chuckled, seeming far too amused by my temporary lack of grace than he should have been
I normally would have glared at him, but I was far too concerned with holding my head between my hands to be as cold as usual. For future reference, never sit up quickly when recovering from a concussion. It hurt so much that I couldn't raise my head or open my eyes. Instead, I stayed perfectly still, hands clamped down tightly over my temples. “Oooowww...” I groaned, hoping that my brain would just implode and get it over with.
His laughter immediately stopped and I could feel his hand on my back, rubbing supposedly soothing circles on my shirt. I was hoping it had been Alice who had changed me into my nightwear. I scowled but was unable to keep the thought for too long without it hurting.
“Valya?” He was talking quietly, and I was grateful for that. Even his whisper, though, sounded too loud in my head. “You doing okay?” His worry was charming, but I didn't think I would be able to talk.
“No, no... I'll be fine. Just a minor concussion I think...” I answered slowly, my voice shaking slightly. “What did he hit me with, anyway?” Judging by the slit through the skin at my temple it must have been something hard and heavy. They must not have cleaned me up because I had blood crusted in my hair. I frowned at that, not liking being unclean.
“With the hilt of a knife.” His voice sounded uncharacteristically grim. One of his hands reached out to cover mine, moving it away from my injured temple. His cooler fingers brushed a little too hard over the split in the skin and I hissed. He frowned before pulling his hand back into his lap.
“I need a bath.” I grumbled, holding up a lock of my hair as an example. It was crusted with dried blood, the strands stuck together. I frowned at it, obviously displeased. My head still hurt like hell, but my need for hygiene was overpowering the pain.
He smiled, but place a hand over my collarbone and pushed me back down onto the bed. “Sleep. Once your head stops hurting then you can go bathe. We don't want you hurting yourself, now do we?” I frowned and stuck my tongue out at him, but with my head back on the soft pillow as it was I couldn't help but be tired. My eyelids drooped and the last thing I heard before drifting off once more was a soft chuckle.
***
When I woke up again my head didn't hurt so badly. There was only a slight ache, like what might be associated with a bruise, at my temple. My stomach was churning so badly either, so I knew that I was feeling better. I let out a breath before sitting up on my bed. My hair was probably a mess from sleeping so long.
A glance out the window told me it was nighttime. The stars glittered in the sky, still nothing compared to the brilliant moon. The celestial body was still almost full, only a sliver having disappeared. I smiled at it before trailing my eyes down to the city below.
The strange stone glittered silver, illuminating the entire city in soft light. I smiled slightly at the sight, the peacefulness of the sight leaking into me. I pressed my hands against the cool stone of the window pane before gently pushing the glass open.
Cool air whipped gently at my face, sending my hair flying around me in a flurry. It was chilly but not too col for me, and I decided to leave the window open. The fresh air smelled really good after sleeping all day. I felt slightly overheated anyway from being under a blanket all day.
I glanced down at my clothing, trying to judge if it was decent enough for me to walk about the castle in. The long silver gown was slightly too sheer and tight for my taste but decent enough for a stroll. I frowned down at my body, unhappy with the way it looked under the fabric. No point in being self-conscious, though. I still wanted to find out who it was that had tried to capture me.
Turning on my heel, I crossed the marble floor in a few quick steps, not bothering to stop and put on a pair of slippers. My bare feet made less sound on the hard floor than if I were wearing some sort of shoe. I opened the door and glanced into the room full of pillows, noticing that it was a lot dimmer without the torches lit on the walls. However, the window let in enough light to allow me to see.
My parents, as strange as it felt to think that word, were probably asleep by now. Dante was most likely sleeping too, so that meant I was free to explore on my own. Since it was my castle I figured I could move around it at my own free will. Going out into the city at night probably wasn't such a good idea considering the fact that I had been nearly kidnapped last time I was on my own.
I moved quietly past the pillows, listening for the sounds of Gabrielle and Alice's breathing through their bedroom door. Their deep breaths assured me they were asleep and I smiled. This was one of the first times I had been alone in awhile and I relished it. Dante wasn't even with me this time!
I moved through the door and into the great hall, ignoring the cold on my feet. It was much darker out here, the moon unable to provide the light needed. I didn't need too much light to see though, and I could move through the hall easily without my eyes, anyway.
The carpet was much warmer and softer than the marble and felt good under my feet. I tried various doors, peeking in only slightly. Most of them just led to other halls, a few of them closets, and some of the others were servant quarters. Nothing new there, but I wanted to test all the doors in this hallway before moving onto another.
At the end of the hallway was another door, which I opened quietly. I blinked in surprise, seeing Dante sleeping on a bed that was by far smaller than mine. I guess that was the point of being royalty, huh? His face was by far less annoying when he was sleeping, and I couldn't help but chuckle at the slight trail of drool that hung from his mouth. He was on his side, dark hair falling over his face. I carefully closed that door and moved on down the hallway.
I recognized one of the doors as the one that led out into the garden and I smiled, raising a hand to the doorknob and pushing it open. The sight that greeted me was just pretty as it was the first time I had seen it. The strange, silver leaves glittered like the stone bench that sat just around the clearing, and the strangely colored flowers sparkled like crystals.
The ground was rough beneath my feet, but I was used to walking bare foot in the dirt. One plant in particular caught my attention and I bent closer to it.
It's black petals shimmered like liquid in the moonlight, too shiny for any flower in my realm. The leaves around it were a blinding silver, the stem wrapped around another plant in a strangely intricate design. I reached out a finger and touched it, only to abruptly pull it back. I looked at my fingertip, only to see a tiny spot of blood.
Well, that was strange, considering I had touched the flower petal.
“You planted that one, you know.”
I screeched and jumped up, whipping around to face him. Dante was smiling at me, his hair and clothing dishelved from sleeping. I glared at him and stuck out my tongue childishly, angry at him for sneaking up on me. “I did?” I asked, deciding the let that one slide.
He nodded, walking closer to me to bend over and look at the flower with me. “We were wondering why it turned black and wouldn't let anyone touch it. It has a connection to you, you know. I guess I see why now.” His voice was still roughly grim and he glared at the flower.
He grabbed my hand to examine my fingertip. “Normally it does much more damage than that to anyone that touches it... Though, it is your flower, so I wonder why it hurt you at all?” He questioned, looking at me carefully, as if to pull the answer from my gaze.
I looked away, keeping my expression blank. There was no point in telling him that I knew the likely cause of the pinprick of blood. I was self-mutilating in a way. I was always too hard on myself, which was probably one of the reasons I was so self-conscious and paranoid. I was always negative which couldn't be too good for my mental state either.
The flower was just reflecting my inner thoughts, but so long as Dante couldn't figure it out then I was fine.
Tsutsuya · Sun Feb 18, 2007 @ 11:57pm · 0 Comments |
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Chapter Eight
I could feel tears developing in the corners of my eyes and it was foreign to me. I hadn't cried in so long that it was nearly painful to have the salty water run down my cheeks. I choked on a sob and stared at my hands in disgust. I could sympathize with the suicidal kids who had been at my orphanage now. I knew what it was like to feel completely and utterly unworthy of life.
I glanced over at the mirror that I could see myself in and the image reflecting back was the most repulsive I had ever seen. I wanted to smash it so I didn't have to look at myself anymore but I couldn't find the strength to get up. It felt as though I had been glued to the floor. The teardrops fell to the marble floor, creating only the tiniest of dark spots. I took a deep shuddering breath and tried to tell myself that this was utterly ridiculous.
I heard my door open slightly but I didn't look up; I didn't want them to see what I had become as I sat sobbing almost quietly on the floor of a castle I knew I didn't belong it. Alice's dress came into view past my bangs before she too sank to the ground, her hands gently on my shoulders. “I shouldn't be here.” I breathed out so quietly that I wondered if she heard it.
She pulled me into a hug I didn't deserve and I just couldn't get my muscles to respond enough to return it. “It's alright, Valya. You've been through the worst of all of us.” She whispered, rocking me gently back and forth. I felt pathetic. What had I become? I only shook my head against her shoulder.
“I'll go get Dante. You stay here.” She whispered and I wanted so badly to tell her not to, to tell her that I couldn't face him now. Not after what I had said to him. I couldn't find my voice though and she left the room, leaving the door open slightly. I dropped my head into my hands. Why was I having so many problems here? I was almost wishing to be back in the other realm, where I was hated and I could hate without feeling guilty about it.
I didn't have time to finish thinking that through because quiet footsteps were coming towards me again. I stiffened and barely breath, knowing that this time it wasn't Alice who came to comfort me. Right now, I would really rather him go away but I couldn't tell him that. Not again.
His voice was worried, not angry when he finally spoke, “Valya?” He knelt down in front of me but I didn't look up. I didn't want to see him again. He was the most annoying person I had ever met but that was no reason to be so nasty to him. What I had been through was no excuse for it. I should have dealt with my emotional pain on my own, without dragging them into it. Now I felt like a fool.
He placed a hand on my shoulder and despite my paranoia, I remained as still as a statue. That must have tipped him off, because his hand suddenly appeared under my chin and he lifted my head to look at my face. I averted my eyes, not wanting to look at him. He gave a sad smile before letting me hide my face again. “Alice told me you were having a breakdown but I didn't expect this.”
I didn't say a word and nor did I move an inch. I pretended as though I hadn't heard him and I hoped, though I knew it would never happen, that he would go away and leave me to wallow in my own guilt. Maybe I should leave from here too? After all, I was plain enough to blend in with the townspeople here and if I was careful they would never find me. I couldn't very well leave; I didn't even know where I was on the globe. For all I knew this could be somewhere outside of Earth. Come to think of it, there might not even be an Earth... I shrugged the thought off, for a paradox was the least important thing on my mind now.
“Valya.” His voice was commanding but still I managed to ignore him, instead tracing the perfectly smooth stone with my fingertip. He let out a frustrated sigh before grabbing my face between his hands and rather forcefully tilting it up. “No one here wanted you to go through what you did.” His words sounded clipped and I winced away. “But I think it was safer there than it was here. They were invading.” Yeah, he was still angry, and now he was rubbing it into my face how immature and selfish I was being. I looked away, trying to yank my face away.
“But...” He continued, “I think your mental state may have suffered.” He chuckled and I glared at him, though I was sure I couldn't look too menacing with these damn traitor tears. I grumbled out a few unintelligible words of self-defense but he just smiled and wiped off my cheeks. I frowned but said nothing.
I finally found my voice, “My mental state is just fine. I just...” I furrowed my brow in agitation. My mental state wasn't fine, actually. I probably should be committed in my realm, but I was sure that here it would just result in him never leaving me alone. I frowned at the thought. Sure, I felt bad and all but I was sure that his constant presence would drive me even more insane. He'd already made a point of messing with my paranoia.
He smirked and I frowned. “You're just paranoid. I can tell that much.” He poked my side and I jumped up nearly a foot into the air. He laughed at me and I scooted away from him until my back was pressed against the bed. I rested my head on the soft mattress. I ignored him when he scooted up next to me, mimicking my position. I just closed my eyes.
He took my hand in his and I didn't respond. Perhaps I had been going about this the wrong way; Maybe he continued to pursue me because he knew it freaked me out. Maybe if I just ignored him--
I should have known better, though. He seemed to take encouragement in the fact that I didn't try to pull away. Instead, he squeezed my hand and I was sorely tempted to smack him. I went from crying because I felt guilty over yelling at him and now I wanted to smack him. Wow, I'd never had so many mood swings. My emotions were normally pretty stable.
Dante only laughed at me and I opened one eye to glare at him. “I may feel bad about yelling at you but that doesn't mean I won't knock your teeth out.” I hissed in a low, agitated voice. His laughter only served to increase my ire. “Stupid boy.” I grumbled, looking away.
A few minutes passed and he didn't try to annoy me again, only sat next to me holding my hand. I pushed down all thoughts that I knew were brought about by my paranoid nature and merely stared at the perfect, stone ceiling. It was utterly silent, even out breathing wasn't loud enough to break it.
He shifted. “Are you still intent on that nap?” He asked, peering over at me. I shrugged my shoulders indecisively. I had wanted to just be away from everyone to think but now I didn't feel that need. I wasn't tired either. He smiled. “Okay then, come with me.” He stood, pulling me up with him.
I didn't say anything but instead let out an agitated groan as he forced me from my comfortable spot. I allowed him to hold my hand; It stopped him from annoying me for now. I was sure he would have to give up eventually...
“Where are we going now?” I let frustration color my tone, hoping in vain that it would somehow convince him not to bring me wherever he was leading me. I frowned when he just smiled blindingly at me, tugging me from the room. With a sigh, I resigned myself to whatever torture he had planned for me.
Alice looked shocked as we past, obviously pleased with out clasped hands. I wanted to snarl at her and deny the obvious accusations in her eyes. I contained my anger, saving it for a later time when it could be worked out in a less harmful manner. I wondered briefly what he would say to a wrestling match later.
I eyed the muscles that were almost hidden beneath his clothing, bitterly admitting that I probably wouldn't have a chance against him. I'd have to use more strategy then, instead of brute strength. I continued speculating my chances of defeating him, watching the way he moved to determine his speed in a fight. Years on the street had taught me how to read people easily.
I hadn't noticed when he paused and looked over his shoulder, quirking an eyebrow as I quite obviously stared at him. His laugh brought me from my scrutiny, causing me to turn my glare to his face. “What?” I snapped out viciously, still in a understandably bad mood.
He bit the inside of his mouth to prevent more laughter and took a deep breath. The words he said next were enough to make me want to kill him again. “Like what you see?”
I snarled and launched myself at him, ramming a shoulder into his chest. He definitely wasn't expecting such a rash move and he stumbled backwards. I toppled him over with a final shove, keeping my feet firmly planted into the ground. He landed on the marble with a rush of air, a bewildered gaze focused on me.
I stuck out my tongue at him like a three year old, prancing away merrily. I felt his amused anger radiating off him. He wasn't too happy about being overcome by a girl. I laughed at him, twirling in a circle as she planted his feet and stood, regaining his balance quickly. He had that mischievous look again and my eyes narrowed suspiciously.
He crouched, ready to take off. He wasn't fast enough though, for I had figured him out not a second before he launched himself forward. I squealed and took off through the palace again, my voice echoing off the large inner hall. I could see the door just ahead, a mere glow of sunlight ahead of me. I dashed towards it, knowing that if I could get outside I could evade him.
Just a few more feet and I would have been free...
I felt a weight hit me from behind, tackling me to the ground. I growled, throwing my arms in front of me to stop my head from hitting the hard, marble floor. I winced slightly, knowing I would have a bruise in the morning. However, that didn't worry as much as the maniacal laughter coming from Dante, who was seated on my back. I turned my head to glare at him. “Get the hell off of me!” I hissed, rolling to fling him onto the ground.
He looked shocked, sitting there on the ground. I leapt to my feet, watching him warily. His shock gave way to amusement and he was once again laughing at something. I scowled at him, crossing my arms a refusing to help him stand. He moved to get to his feet and I shot, once again, towards the huge doors at the end of the hall.
I heard him curse behind me, his footsteps quickly following mine.
One of the guards who was standing nearby laughed and called out, “Be careful with the 'lil Princess, ya hear?” He waved as we passed, still chuckling.
Dante laughed too, waving calling out his affirmation, “Yes'sir!”
I grumbled, pounding over the bridge towards the more populated market. It would be easier to lose him in a huge crowd of people. I veered to the right, cutting through a large group of market-goers. They cursed as I moved through and I could hear them shouting louder as Dante passed through them too.
An arm came out from one of the ally-ways between the various stalls and grabbed me around the middle. I was yanked harshly to the side, my balance thrown off. The air was knocked from my lungs, leaving me unable to breath. A hand clamped over my mouth, silencing any sounds I might have made.
I turned my head to the side just in time to see Dante pass by.
Tsutsuya · Sat Feb 10, 2007 @ 10:35pm · 0 Comments |
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Chapter Seven
Dante carried me all the way through the castle, earning suspicious stares from the servants. I glared at them with such anger that they instantly turned away, going back to whatever it was they had been doing. I was certain now; I was going to kill him. I was going to find a nice, suitable, rusty butter knife, and kill him in his sleep!
He attempted to make conversation, politely asking what was on my mind, what I wanted for dinner... I ignored all his questions, answering only a few of them with a hating glare. He pretended not to notice and continued on with his one-sided conversation. I grit my teeth, resisting the urge to give him a nice, bloody lip.
Finally, he shouldered his way through the partially open door behind the thrones and entered the room with all the pillows. He smiled at Alice who was sitting, still reading her book. Didn't she have more important things to do? I didn't notice him loosening his grip; I was too busy glaring at her to notice.
I was shocked when he dropped me onto the pillows. I sucked in a breath of air before landing painfully on the ground. Pillows weren't so soft when you were dropped onto them from five feet up! I let out a gasp of pain, waiting until the stinging in my tail bone receded to glare at him with more hatred than before. I picked up the nearest stuffed fabric and hurled it at his head.
I was just about ready to shoot him when he caught it mere inches from his face and tossed it to the ground. He sat down next to me, the same infuriating laugh echoing from his lips. I chewed my bottom lip in an attempt to control my ire. I was going to hurt him. As soon as I could walk again. I was relatively sure he had broken my tail bone with his stupid antics.
I glared at him and scooted away, only to have him follow me. I seethed, clamping my sharp teeth down on my lip in an attempt to not hit him. Alice only laughed, as though she didn't quite understand that I was going to kill this boy who was so insistent about irritating me to death. I curled my hands into fists and shoved them into my pocket. Don't hit, don't hit, don't...
His finger gently tugged my lip from between my teeth and I yanked away as though he had slapped me. My eyes were wide in both fear and anger. People weren't supposed to touch me. I stared at him warily, my eyes the untrusting ones of a beaten dog.
He looked shocked her about a half a second before giving me a crooked smile. “You've developed a nasty habit of chewing your lip.” He explained, reaching for me again. I shifted away but didn't recoil like the first time. He took my hand and held it carefully, examining my palm with scrutiny. My palms were rough and scraped from where I had been thrown down onto the ground repeatedly or where I had crawled along the ground to avoid detection after stealing food from a store...
He frowned at the scrapes that were barely beginning to heal. “A princess should not have such rough hands.” He commented, turning my hand over. The pale skin of the back of my hand was smooth but still marred by various scratches. His frown deepened and he looked at me, his eyes questioning. “How?” Was all he asked.
I yanked my hand away and hid it in my pocket before he could detect the various scars that were under the scratches. I looked at him, keeping my expression carefully blank. “Thieves aren't appreciated.” I hissed nearly silently.
His eyes widened before narrowing in true anger, this time directed towards me. “You're a thief?” His voice held a strangled kind of calm, as though he was controlling an awful temper. He irritation only grew as I stared at my lap and was obviously ignoring him. “How did you go from a energetic, happy little girl to a criminal?” Oh yeah, I had finally made him angry.
I smirked ever so slightly, my eyes shadowed by my long bangs. Still though, I was sure he could see the malice on my face. “You think I wanted that? To become a criminal?” I snapped, lifting my head to glare at him. “I was barely seven when I was sent to my foster parents.” I decided it was finally time to tell them the entire truth. They wouldn't be happy about it, that was for sure. “They didn't really want me though. They lived in one of the worst parts of the city in a rundown apartment. Unfortunately, the orphanage I was at wasn't much better.” I grimaced at the thought. “So they sent me with them.” I spat out angrily.
Dante looked like he was about to interrupt, the anger evident on his face. I held up a hand and he quieted. Alice had put down her book and was leaning towards me. What story could be better than that of your lost daughters miserable childhood?
“They already had a son, and they spoiled him like some kind of a god, buying him everything his hideous, fat little heart wanted.” I grit my teeth together at the memory of that repulsive child. “So, they wasted their money on him and what was there for me? Nothing. They barely fed me anything. Most of the time they didn't even notice when I left for days on end to run about the streets of New York City.” I continued. I was sure they would have questions afterwards, but they were a good audience and held their tongues until the end. I couldn't bring myself to smile at that small courtesy, not while I was dredging up horrid memories.
“They probably wouldn't have noticed if I had been hit by a car and never came home. They would have just adopted another little brat and gotten the bribe from them...” I sighed and averted my eyes. “Yes, the orphanage was underhandedly paying them to keep me. I was intentionally awful; I didn't want to get adopted.” I heard Dante's sharp exhale but he let me continue. “So as long as they said I was alive they got a check for a few hundred dollars. The orphanage was supposed to send somebody every month to make sure I was okay, but they were so cheap.” The last time I had seen the woman who was supposed to come was nine years ago when I had left the foster home.
“They barely fed me; It didn't matter to them whether or not I died. I was just one in many. I had no money so I had to become very good at stealing... I ended up in the police station a lot but my sob story normally had them giving me fifty dollars, a donut, and a good luck wish.” They blinked at me and I sighed. Another thing from that realm to explain.
“It wasn't until I as old enough to do heavy labor that they decided I needed to stay home. Of course, they gave the excuse of, 'We're so worried! A young, beautiful lady like you wandering the streets of New York!' Like they gave a damn!” Actually, my foster-family had ground into my head since day one that I was hideous and would never get anywhere in the world. When I looked in the mirror I saw each imperfection on my. My hair was too straight, my nose not quiet perfect enough, my left front tooth so slightly farther forward than the right, my body not thin enough, my figure not curvy enough, and my eyes were too blue. I glared at the pillow.
“I tried running away multiple times... This is the only time that succeeded. I intended on going across the country and finding a job in Washington or something...” I shrugged before looking back up to meet their eyes. Dante looked absolutely furious and Alice had a brooding kind of anger on her normally carefree features. I pressed my tongue against my teeth to stop myself from telling them the insults that they had hurled at me and how true I found them to be when I looked at myself.
“I take it New York is a large city, then?” Alice asked, apparently trying to take her mind off of the things I had said. I nodded in response.
“And cars and steel machines that move under the power of a gas powered engine. Police are the law enforcement of that realm.” I explained fully, anticipating their questions. It was their turn to nod in understanding. I sighed before standing up. I winced when my tail bone cracked back into place. I glared at Dante, knowing full well he could hear the loud popping sound that echoed from my back. He seemed in no mood to apologize though, because he merely glared broodingly at me.
I proceeded to walk towards my room, prepared to take the nap I had intending on taking earlier. A hand on my wrist stopped me though and I half turned to look at Dante's face.
“Just where do you think you're going?” He asked outraged. His fingers held my wrist tightly. I glared at him, already irked by my recollection of events.
“To take a nap.” I yanked my hand away in irritation and stalked off again. I recognized his footsteps behind me and I ignored him. I could hear him let out a groan of frustration as he reached out and grabbed my shoulder. I whirled on him, my eyes set in an angry glare as I looked into his eyes. “Look, Dante, I'm tired. I do not want to deal with your stupid, irrational antics right now, after dredging up something like that. I just barely escaped from those people and now I have to deal with you. Go away.” I yanked my shoulder away and stormed into my room, ignoring his shocked, hurt expression as I slammed the door shut.
I could hear Alice trying to comfort him through the wooden door and I listened with malice tainting my thoughts. I didn't really want to hurt him per say, despite how annoying he was, but I was tired and dealing with someone like him all day would wear on anyone's nerves.
“She'll come around soon, Dante. She just needs time to pull together all her memories and get over what she went through.” Alice said in a motherly fashion, her voice muffled by the door. “Really Dante, you just need to give her time.”
His voice sounded gruff and a sharp pang of guilt went through me at his words. “No, Alice, she's made herself quite clear. She doesn't want me near her anymore.” I could hear his footsteps moving away. I grit my teeth together to stop my bleeding heart from forcing me out there to apologize.
“Wait, Dante! You're the only other person here she knows. You can't leave her by herself. Her father and I have things that need to get done and we can't always be with her... You wouldn't let her fend for herself again, would you?” Ah, the guilt trip. I found a small part of me hoping he would turn around and agree and I was angry with it, but I couldn't help the dread that welled up at the thought of being utterly alone in this realm too.
His steps paused. “I just need a moment. Call me back when she wakes up.” His voice sounded farther away but I still let out a breath of relief. I felt terrible for saying that to him; After all, he hasn't seen me in ten years, and then I finally come back completely different. It must be hard for everyone else too. I grit my teeth together and cursed myself for not thinking of what they went through too.
Dante fought in a war and my parents sent away their only child to protect her while they stayed to rule over a country at war. Here I was complaining over starving? I felt like a horrible person and I sank to the floor, staring blankly at my closed door. What had I done, this time?
Tsutsuya · Sat Dec 30, 2006 @ 07:39am · 0 Comments |
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Chapter Six
I was certain I had been here before, looking up at the leaves from the exact same angle. My eyes narrowed, confused as a memory that I was sure didn't belong to me popped into my head. How could a part of my life just disappear from memory? And, come to think of it, why didn't I notice before that I had no idea what had happened to me ten years ago?
A young girl, no older than six, sat beneath a huge tree, staring up into the large leaves. Her face reflected the pale red light that shimmered down from the sky above, filtering through the foliage. She smiled gently, enjoying the warmth on her skin, and closed her eyes. Her small hands supported her weight and her legs were spread out before her, ankles barely showing from underneath her long, silver dress.
A boy of the same age sat in front of her, staring at her unblinkingly. His legs were crossed and his hands on either side of his knees. His black hair fell down into his eyes, but he didn't seem to notice as he continued to stare at her, as though in confused wonder.
She opened her eyes and looked at him, gracing him with a smile. “It's nice out here, isn't it?” She asked, her grin widening. He smiled back, before standing and looking down at her.
“Come here.” He sounded excited as he held out a hand for her. She reached up to take it and he pulled her to her feet; He seemed strong for his age. She brushed grass and dirt from the back of her dress before following him to the base of the tree.
“What is it?” She asked, tilting her head to the side slightly in wonder. He just smiled in response, his hand disappearing into his pocket. He pulled it out again, a flash of silver showing. He flicked open the small pocket knife and held it to the trees bark.
“They said you're going away soon, right?” He asked solemnly, his eyes averted. He apparently didn't need an answer, because he turned back to her. “So, lets leave something here, so when you come back you can remember, huh?” He asked, forcing a smile. She smiled back at his effort, but she still looked sad.
“I don't want to go away.” She said, reaching out a finger to touch the tree. “I don't want to leave all of this behind. I don't want to leave mother and father... Or you. You're my only friend, Dante!” She whispered, gritting her teeth together against the tears that shimmered in the corner of her eyes.
“Don't worry. I'll still be here when you come back. And I'll have kicked those stupid barbarians all the way back to their desert!” He stomped a foot, holding his knife out skillfully and attacking invisible foes. She laughed and he joined in before they both turned back to the tree. “Here.” He quickly carved something into the tree with the point of the knife, peeling away multiple layers of bark. What was left was a cleared area that looked like a 'D' and a 'V' next to each other.
She laughed quietly, her fingers tracing the letters. “Now I'll have to remember when I come back, huh?”
I frowned and turned to look at the tree more carefully. My eyes scanned the bark, searching for the letters I had seen. Dante was looking at me hopefully, but I ignored him. I tilted my head up slightly and saw a slight deformation in the bark. I looked closer and saw a very faint 'D' and 'V' embedded in the wood. My eyes widened and looked at him, confused.
He smiled slightly and followed my eyes to where the letters were. His smile only widened. “You remember that, then?” He asked, reaching out to touch the indent.
“So...” I started quietly, my voice barely able to be heard over the gentle whisper of the wind. “Did you 'kick the barbarians back to the desert'?” I didn't look at him, a trait I had learned from my foster parents. I rarely looked people in the eye anymore, for fear of what I would see there.
I could see his eyes harden slightly but his smile held. “I fought in the war, if that's what you mean.” He said, his voice sounding outrageously loud compared to mine. I winced internally at the volume, but showed no external signs of discomfort. “See, we completely destroyed their army. They had no choice but to surrender. Now, we have units down their controlling them so they can't form another military.”
I stared at him silently again, having nothing more to say. There was nothing he could say that would help bring my memories back. I chewed my bottom lip slightly, staring out into space. It was weird; I had gone from running away from a family I hadn't wanted to a princess in another realm. I frowned very subtly and wondered what they would do when they couldn't find me. I bet they wouldn't even bother to call the police.
“Valya?” Dante asked, leaning towards me. I looked up at him, my eyes finally focusing. “What are you thinking about? You look distracted.” He stared at me and I stared back, my ice blue eyes and stark contrast to his gray ones. I glared, turning my head slightly, my eyes turned to the side to watch him. He sighed. “You're so much different now.”
I could hear the hurt in his voice and I surprised myself by feeling guilty. I never felt guilty. I could never afford to have emotions of kindness or repent.
But now I could and it felt foreign. I pushed against it, very nearly yearning to be back to the way I was before, when I could just be and no one would so much as notice that I existed. It was easy to go through life when other people didn't complicate it.
“I've just been through a lot.” I answered, looking at him. I tried and failed to hide the pain that I knew radiated from me, but still, I held his eyes. “It's hard to act comfortable around people when you see what I've seen.” I continued and looked up at the tree, enjoying the warmth on me. My smile was so slight that I hoped he wouldn't notice. How could I not feel at ease under this giant tree, in a place I knew no one would hurt me?
I knew he was still staring at me, so I glanced back at him. He was obviously deep in thought, and I wondered if he was actually looking at me or just kind of staring at the air between us. I raised and eyebrow and his eyes flickered to mine. “I guess being locked up with unpleasant people could make a person anti-social.” He mused, still watching me. At least he was keeping his distance this time.
I nodded in affirmation. My usual silence seemed to be irking him, but I couldn't help it. It was so ingrained in my mind that it was hard to break free of. I blinked at him, wondering what else he had planned for the rest of the day. I became worried when his lips twitched up into a mischievous smirk. I gulped.
“Don't worry, Val, I won't leave you alone until you're all better.” His smile widened at the sudden horror on my face. He laughed, leaning away from me.
I groaned, making quite possible the loudest sound in nine years. I didn't notice though, for I was already coming up with ways to evade him. Like right now, while he was busy laughing...
I stood up slowly and silently, my feet not shifting in the grass as I stood. I smirked slightly, watching as he finally noticed I had moved. Without warning I took off in the direction we had come from. I remembered that he had fought in the war, which most likely meant he was in good shape and could run... Good thing I was fast, too.
My legs carried swiftly around the perimeter of the wall, and I smiled the whole way, taking in deep, even breaths to supply oxygen to my muscles. I could hear his footsteps behind me, so I stepped up the easy pace. It felt like I was gliding now, my boots barely making a sound as I flew over the soft grass. I chanced a glance behind me, and found that he was closer than I first thought. He was running barely five feet behind me!
I glowered at him, fighting against a smile and turned around, forcing myself to go faster. I could hear him upping the pace behind me. I huffed as I ran around the final bend of the circular wall. I could hear guards laughing from the rampart above, some of them cheering as we raced by. I smiled, moving on the tips of my feet through the open gate.
I could hear him panting after. Hah! So much for a soldiers endurance! I was barely winded as I ran through the city streets, weaving my way through people without so much as rubbing against them. I glanced back and saw him pushing through with more difficulty; People were much less likely to move aside for the princess's friend than for the princess herself. I smirked, putting distance between us.
After another few minutes I turned a corner and looked behind me again. My eyes widened in confusion; He wasn't behind me anymore! I only slowed down slightly, confused as I continued to search behind me for him. Had I finally outrun him? I smiled at the thought. Stupid, arrogant--
I let out a muffled scream as two arms wrapped around me and picked me up off the ground. My head whipped around so fast I was sure I would get whiplash. I was completely prepared to lash out and beat the crap out of whoever had dared to grab me so rudely...
Instead, I came face to face with Dante, who was laughing his stupid, maniacal head off. I glared at him and kicked my legs in an attempt to make him let me go. He only laughed harder, bending suddenly to catch my legs in one arm and swinging me around to carry me bridal style.
I let out a sound of frustration and punched him, my fist colliding with his chest and making a solid 'thump'. It didn't seem to bother him and he only raised an eyebrow, still amused. I growled and tried once more to kick him in vain. He merely ignored me and continued walking the way I had been running, his smirk still in place.
I finally gave up and crossed my arms in a huff, turning away from him as far as I could. Stupid, annoying boy.
Tsutsuya · Sat Dec 30, 2006 @ 05:39am · 0 Comments |
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Chapter Five
I tried to listen attentively as Alice showed me around the castle, but I was too distracted by my now constant shadow, Dante. He seemed to be wherever I was, tailing so closely behind I was sure he would run into me. My eyebrow twitched in irritation but I kept my eyes trained on the historical tapestries Alice was showing me.
I could practically feel his breath on my neck and his stare on my back. I stood rigidly straight and I was sure he could tell. Damn him for playing around with my paranoia! I clenched my teeth together and focused on Alice's voice. She was showing me a tapestry of myself now. This was the one where I was sent away to another realm. I was the focus of the picture, my young face deeply worried and my mother in the background crying. My father held me, a finger to my forehead and the whole thing was a deep blue in color. I sighed.
As we had explored the castle she had explained my former life to me. From my birth in this realm to where I disappeared. Then, she went into the war and how long it had taken them to win against the barbaric civilization that had attacked them. The city of Iilaru had summoned warlocks, wizards, witches, demons, and other legendary creatures to come and fight for them. They had formed so many alliances that they were finally able to overpower the much larger enemy force.
Then they had to rebuild the city and castle before bringing me back. It had taken them seven years just to bring the city back to it's grandeur and another two just to get the farms in production and the civilians fed.
Dante listened intently as well, as though he had not been told this story either. I didn't mention it, unwilling to talk to him at all. Who know how weird he would get if I gave him to pleasure of talking to me? For now it would be better just to completely ignore him and hope he would give up eventually. Then maybe I would have time to get accustomed to this strange place before Alice threw another boy at me.
The queen was leading me down another hall now and I followed behind silently, aware that Dante was still barely an inch behind me. I tapped my finger against my leg, my hand still inside my pocket. I bit my tongue nearly hard enough to make it bleed, my eyes set in a glare that was focused on nothing. I could hear Alice chuckle from in front of me, her eyes watching us. I scowled at her and she looked away innocently.
“Ready to see the city now? Dante will serve as our escort.” She asked, heading through another door. Suddenly, we were standing in the main hall again, barely five feet away from the open drawbridge. I blinked, surprised at the amount of sunlight that was illuminating the area. I nearly groaned as I heard who our 'escort' would be. Could she be any less subtle?
Dante smiled though, and led the way out, bowing as we passed by him. I sighed and grumbled as I followed after Alice. Dante came up behind me again, his feet shuffling directly behind mine. I took a deep breath, resisting the urge to 'accidentally' slam my arm back into his stomach. Stupid, annoying, clingy boy.
We walked across the bridge, and I looked around. I had only seen the city at night, but it was just as beautiful during the day. The strange stone gleamed all the same in the brilliant sunlight and I had to avert my eyes for a moment. I smiled slightly, seeing the same horse I had ridden yesterday being led up to us, followed by two other white ones. The soldiers bowed and handed the reigns over.
I was thankful that we were riding because Dante couldn't come so near me while on horseback. I rode slightly behind them, my head bowed to stop me from looking at the inhabitants who were staring that same, mystified, stare that had me so freaked out last night.
Alice showed me around the various sections and led us through the marketplace. We didn't feel the need to shop, but it was nice to hear all the cheerful calls and see the children running around playing various games. Even I had to smile slightly at the serene scene that gave no hint of a war that had taken place nearly nine years earlier.
Dante always rode next to me; That guy was really starting to freak me out to tell you the truth. Never before had I been creeped out by someone. Scared, maybe, but never as freaked out as this guy was making me feel. He was certainly an oddity and I was hoping to be rid of him as quickly as possible.
He was staring at me too. Not just glancing at me from the corner of his eye; Noooo... He was blatantly staring at me, barely watching where he was riding. I was certain he was doing it on purpose, too. There was no other way he could be so annoying.
It went on like that for most of the early morning; Him staring at me and trying to get my attention and me carefully ignoring him with as much self-control as I could muster. Alice wasn't any help at all, riding all by herself behind us and leaving me to deal with this annoying boy all on my own. Stupid queen.
Eventually, as the sun rose directly overhead, Alice suggested that we stop back at the castle for lunch. I was all for that, hoping that I could possibly eat alone. I really should have known better by now.
***
I was forced into sitting in the room with all the cushions with Dante sitting so close his arm brushed against mine. I scowled the whole time but ate the sandwiches I was offered. I had to say, I was doing an awesome job of ignoring him so far, despite the fact that he was constantly within an inch of me. He'd get bored eventually. At least, that's what I had to keep telling myself.
I finished first and stood, not surprised when he followed me. I mentally groaned and rolled my eyes, glaring at him. He just looked around innocently before his eyes flickered down to look at me. I stretched out my muscles, especially my legs which were sore from riding all day.
“Dante, why don't you show Valya the other half of town and tell her the history as you remember it?” Alice suggested, leaning back on the pillows. “I have things I need to do and alliances to keep in tact... I'll be here if you need me though.”
I forced a smile. “Actually, I was just going to go take a nap...” I trailed off, turning to head into my room. I stopped however, coming face-to-face with a smirking Dante. I sighed, knowing I wouldn't get out of it that easily. I wondered if he had practiced being annoying in the ten years I'd been missing.
“Come on now, it'll be fun!” He encouraged smiling. Yeah, fun for him. I glared at him but he ignored it and grabbed my elbow before leading me away. I groaned and looked pleadingly at Alice who only smiled and waved in return. Stupid, scheming royalty. I wondered briefly if Gabriel was in on it too.
He led me out into the city on foot, not bothering to stop and wait for our horses. Not that I minded; My legs were still cramped from being in the saddle all day. Though I was sure than after awhile I would be wishing for the horses to put distance between us. Why was this guy so utterly strange?
He didn't look back at me, but he held my hand firmly as he led me through the streets and I scowled unhappily. He didn't seem to notice or care about my ire however and he just continued on. I followed behind, trying in vain to pry my hand from his but he was having none of that; He just squeezed harder.
At the brisk pace he had set it took an all of five minutes to reach the outskirts of the city. He led me through the gates and across the bridge before making a sharp turn and pulling me along the edge of the massive, glittering walls. I sighed and frowned but kept up the pace; Not like I had much of a choice anyway. He probably would have just continued to drag me along anyway.
We were circling around the city, following the protective walls closely. I could hear various guards shuffling along the top, a hundred feet above us. I could hear some of them calling out in greeting but I was too frustrated to respond and instead I just kept my head down and continued walking along.
Finally we slowed down before turning around another bend. He smiled and tugged me forward, ignoring my groan of protest. I rounded the corner and blinked, staring at the scene ahead of me.
A singly tree grew near the wall, it's height and thickness dwarfing even the largest tree in the realm I had grown up in. I gaped, staring up into it's huge branches which fanned out to shadow a huge area of emerald green grass that circled it. It looked ancient, the old bark slightly withered in some places but appearing perfectly new in others. The leave, I noticed in wonder, were deep red, like nothing I had ever seen before. At least not in the middle of summer.
Dante smiled at my expression and tugged me forward. “We don't have many trees here.” He informed me, sitting down at the base of the giant trunk, “That's why most of the stuff here is made out of stone or metal.” He gently tugged me down with him and leaned back, finally releasing my hand. I scooted away from him.
“You can't remember anything?” He asked, though it sounded more like a plea to me. I wondered why briefly before shaking my head. He frowned at that and I stared at him blankly.
“You don't talk much anymore, do you?” He asked incredulously, his eyebrows knitting together in confused frustration. I shook my head again in a negative, still staring at him in confusion. Was I supposed to talk a lot?
He let out a sigh and closed his eyes for a moment before opening them again and staring at me. “You used to talk nonstop! Now you won't say a single word to me?” He asked, obviously angry. “What the hell did those people do to you?” His voice was quieter now, almost a whisper as he waited for some kind of answer.
I wasn't sure if I could use my voice, after having barely spoken since I got here. I cleared my throat quietly before taking a deep breath and starting. “They weren't exactly nice parents to have and they rubbed it in my face every day that I had been abandoned. Not only was I not allowed to talk, for fear of polluting their precious boys mind, but I didn't want to talk. Who would? They hated me and I hated them.” I whispered, my voice almost too quiet to hear. I picked at the grass with my fingers, ripping up the fragile stems.
He frowned, his eyes covering up anger than I knew was there anyway. “I'm sorry.” He said quietly, his eyes averted. “I told them it wouldn't be right to send you.” He crossed his legs and leaned his elbows on them, staring blankly at the thin plants I was tearing to shreds.
I looked up at the tree, watching the branches sway so gently in the wind, the red leaves rustling slightly. From this angle it seemed as though I had been here before...
Tsutsuya · Mon Dec 25, 2006 @ 08:05am · 0 Comments |
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Chapter Four
The flowers were all different colors, gleaming and glittering in the silver moonlit night. The leaves, which I knew were supposed to be green, appeared to be white. I wondered at this, taking a few steps forward into the extravagant garden. I could hear Alice chuckling behind me but I was too enthralled to care.
I entered the small clearing and looked around carefully, feeling as though I had seen it all before. I ran my fingers over the cool stone of the bench before sitting down on it, wondering at the familiarity of the place. Each tree, each flower, seemed to be in the exact same place as the odd dream I had seen while drifting in the liquid fire.
I glanced back at Gabriel and Alice, my eyes wide. She was the woman in the dream! I tilted my head to the side, utterly lost. I barely noticed when Alice sat down next to me. I only turned my head slightly in her direction in acknowledgment. “I only remember parts of this... How can it be possible, though?” I asked, my voice nearly silent.
“The realm you were in... Doesn't believe in the magics and powers that we hold, so we can't blame you for being skeptical.” Gabriel's strong voice cut it, seemingly too loud in the quiet garden. He laid a hand on my shoulder, standing behind us.
Alice nodded in agreement before standing and holding out a hand to me. “Come on, I'll bring you to your room. We can bring you on the tour tomorrow, but it's getting late.” She smiled at me and helped me to my feet. I smiled back and I had to admit I was pretty tired.
I was led back down the hall, through the door, and past all the pillows. They led me to another room, which was a bedroom, and left me there with a pile of clothes I assumed to be pajamas. Alice showed me that the clothes in the dresser now belonged to me and told me that she would be in bright and early to show me around.
Most of that didn't register as I changed my clothes and fell onto the bed.
***
A knock at my door made me groan and bury my face into the soft pillow I was laying on. I was tired and my whole body seemed too heavy to move so I merely lay there as the door opened. I heard soft footsteps as they crossed my floor but I ignored them and tried to get back to sleep.
“Valya, I was sent in here by your mother to wake you up.” An unfamiliar voice grumbled. I ignored them, pretending to still be sleeping. “Ugh, wake up, damn you!” I felt a hand on my shoulder shake me. Alright, that was just annoying.
“Alright, alright, I'm up alright, damn it!” I hissed, sitting up and rubbing the sleep from my eyes. I yawned once before look over to glare at whoever it was that had so rudely woken me up.
A boy who appeared to be about my age stood near my bed, his arms crossed over his chest and a scowl on his face. His black hair was shorter than shoulder length and shaggy across his face in a manner that looked anything but feminine. His mouth was curled into a frown and a his gray eyes were narrowed slightly as he watched me stand up. I had to admit he was one handsome boy. I scowled at my own thoughts.
I was shocked by the sudden change of expression that crossed his face. It went from frustrated annoyance to almost pure relief as he appeared in front of me and wrapped me in a powerful hug. I swallowed a scream and pushed him away with as much strength as a could, still tamping down my paranoia. “Who the heck are you!?!”
He looked confused for a second, but he did reluctantly pull away. “I guess it's true then? None of your memories have returned?” He seemed slightly saddened by that but he quickly covered it up with a grin. “Well then, Princess Valya, you may call me Dante.” He made a sweeping bow and I couldn't help but smile slightly at his oddity.
He stood back up, smile still in place. “Now, I must bring you to the Queen. She's expecting you.” He motioned for the door but I frowned.
“I have to get dressed first. Go wait outside.” He shooed him off with a wave of the hand and turned to the dresser, opening the drawers and gazing at the sparkling colors. I heard him mutter about 'women' and then he left, closing the door on his way out. I smirked; Maybe living here wouldn't be so bad?
I quickly got changed into a pair of black pants and a billowy silver shirt that seemed to glow in the light of the day. I brushed my hair out and slipped on a pair of boots before opening the door and quietly heading out. I smiled, seeing that Dante was still there, leaning against the wall casually, his eyes half closed and staring straight forward.
“Finally ready to go? Took you long enough.” He complained, eying my clothes carefully. “You do look good though. Lets go.” He grabbed my arm, ignoring my scowl, and led me down the hallway. His steps were quick and I found that my slightly shorter legs had a hard time keeping up; I thought I was tall!
He led me out into the garden before finally releasing his grip on my elbow. I frowned at him and rubbed the sore spot where his hand had caused my shirt to pinch my skin. I glared at him before whipping my head around to look around the garden, only to find Alice already walking towards us. She smiled, a peculiar gleam to her eye as she glanced mischievously between he both of us. “Good morning, Valya. I take it you've met Dante already?”
my eyes narrowed slightly and my fingers fell from my elbow. She patted my shoulder before turning me around and leading me back the way we had come. She motioned to Dante with her other hand, her clear voice cutting through the crisp morning air, “You coming?”
He shrugged before following after, walking at my left side. I noticed how close he was and frowned, subtly shifting away from him so that our arms were no longer touching. What was wrong with this guy? He was good-looking and all, but he was too clingy.
I barely heard Alice chuckle and I glared at her, not finding this as amusing as she did. I assumed that no one here knew that I suffered my paranoia; I knew I did but it wasn't exactly some I could control. After all, it wasn't my fault I saw the worst intentions in everyone's actions. Living the way I had for the past eight years would mess with anyones head.
Dante raised his eyebrows as I subconsciously moved farther and farther away from him until I was walking at least three feet away. I, however, was too lost in thought to notice that he was creeping closer and was eventually able to grab my hand. I tugged away, but he held firm and I sighed.
He seemed cheered when I allowed him to hold my hand but it only served to confuse me more. I'd have to ask Alice about it later; She would surely know why he was so obsessed with being near me. I'd barely known him ten minutes and he was already holding my hand? I snorted in contempt, earning a few odd stares from Alice and Dante. I glared back.
Alice decided to intervene then, before I had the chance to get too worked up, and ended up grabbing Dante's wrist and gently tugging it away from me. He frowned but released his grip and moved a few feet away, a scowl on his face.
The queen sighed and took up his position next to me. “Don't hold it against him.” She whispered, a sad tone to her voice, “He just hasn't seen you in such a long time. He's really missed you, you know.” She explained and I kept my featured carefully blank and serene. No need to let her know that I was completely confused.
She must have seen something in my expression that gave me away because she smiled sadly. “He was your best friend as a child. You two grew up together and you always said you were going to get married.” She laughed at that and I raised my eyebrows, controlling the blood flow to my cheeks to stop any form of embarrassment from showing. “Anyway, he was devastated when we sent you away during the war. He was never quite himself again after that and surprisingly enough, he never forgot about you...”
I bit my tongue and my eyes flickered over to where Dante stood. He was still staring at me and when he noticed me looking over at him he smiled, his gray eyes sparkling in the bright sunlight that filtered down through the gigantic glass windows. I frowned and looked away, staring straight ahead. I refused to lose my carefully crafted self-control over some foolish boy.
Alice bit her lip, obviously watching the two of us interact. She apparently wanted the two of us to get along, probably more out of worry for my sanity than anything else. She must have noticed how odd I acted around people; And I thought I hid that little bit of my mental instability well.
“Give it time. I'm sure you'll learn to like him again!” She stated all too happily. I scowled at her, but I knew she would be shoving the two of us together as often as possible. I saw her throw him a glance before she slowed down again and walked behind me. Dante shifted to be near me and I subtly stuck my hands in my pockets. He frowned and raised his eyebrows.
I could hear Alice sigh behind me but she didn't make another move to intervene. I was glad for that, though. Anymore help from her would end up with me actually blushing. I never blush. Those types of things were reserved for people who weren't insane and didn't grow up under such horrible circumstances. I'd long given up on normal emotions.
I knew the queen wouldn't be deterred so easily and I would have to at least put up a clever act to make it seem like I was getting along just fine. I had finally found a family and I had no intention of ruining things with them over something as minor as mental instability.
Tsutsuya · Sun Dec 24, 2006 @ 09:40pm · 0 Comments |
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Chapter Three
If I thought the outside walls were beautiful I didn't know what to call the city itself. My mouth gaped open, my eyes wide as I stared at the glittering silver houses and streets. Everything seemed to be made out of the same, glistening stone. Things like doorknobs and window panes were made of pure silver.
He was already riding across the bridge, so I hit my heels gently into my horses side and gripped the reigns tightly. He moved forward gracefully, his hooves clicking against the wood of the bridge. I reached down the pat his neck and he nickered in response quietly. I smiled ever so slightly despite the situation. I've always had a soft spot for animals.
He led me through the towering gates and into the city itself. I blinked, my mouth gaping open as my head swiveled on my neck to look around, scrutinizing everything. I could see fires flickering to life inside the small houses at the sound of hoof beats and faces appearing in windows. They gaped, staring at me as I passed by.
Many of them ventured out into the streets, gathering around us in a crowd, only parting when absolutely necessary to let us pass. I could hear a low murmur whispering along through the otherwise silent night, the voices speaking of past cover-ups and rumors. I sat straight and awkwardly in the saddle, keeping my eyes trained perfectly forward.
We'd been riding slowly through the crowd for about ten minutes but the whispers and stares were no longer satiating the citizens curiosity and they were now reaching out to gently brush their fingers against my boots or my pants, all of them mumbling about my 'odd clothing'. I looked around, noticing for the first time the attire of this city.
Most of the women were either wearing beautiful dresses or decorative trousers with billowy blouses; A complete polar opposite to my outfit of baggy black pants and a too-big black shirt. I felt self-conscious with so many people staring at me and I allowed my dark mahogany hair to fall around my shoulders and hide my face. I could see the red highlights glowing faintly like fire in the moonlight.
Finally, after much pushing and shoving by the soldiers who met up to escort us, we left the center of the city. Another moat of liquid fire, which seemed more decorative than protective, circled the inner keep. A bridge was lowered, its dark wood sinking into the dirt beneath and the heavy chains that supported it looking slightly saggy, as though they hadn't been used in years.
The escort left us here, standing guard against the crowd that was following behind at a respective distance. I glanced behind us and sighed, glad to no longer be the center of attention. I frowned at my 'fathers' back, irritated at how coolly he could handle huge crowds.
There was another thin, glistening road around the castle and we unmounted, leaving out horses to a few men who ran out. They wore lighter armor than the soldiers had but it still glistened silver just the same. They led them away to rest for the night, their stupefied stares annoying me.
He led me along silently, a smile still plastered onto his middle-aged, handsome face. He didn't look at me, which I was glad for; I'd had enough of being the center of attention for a life time. Instead, he stared straight ahead, apparently trying his hardest not to say a word to me. I followed at his side silently.
We were walking down a great hall, the silver carpet below us glistening in the torch light. I looked all around, awe-struck by the monstrous size of the place. The high-arched ceiling rose at least forty feet into the air, the very top shrouded in darkness. Our footsteps echoed loudly in the otherwise silent hall.
On the walls, between the large glass windows, were large tapestries carrying the insignia of the city. The black fabric was tattered and torn but the distinct shape of the silver wolf stood out blatantly, glowing in the light. It's mouth was open in attack, claws extended forward in a vicious example of fury. My eyes widened; Such a beautiful city could not possibly be so violent as to have that as an insignia?
We walked for what seemed like forever, passing various guards who stared at me with open-mouthed disbelief and servants that walked into each other in confusion at the sight of me. I raised my eyebrows at them, confused. I brushed it off as me being an oddity here, with my strange clothes.
Finally we came to the end, where two thrones sat, raised on a slight step. They were made out of the same glistening stone, the cushions a soft looking black cloth. It appeared as though everything in the city was black and silver. I frowned but mentally shrugged, following as he moved around the slight platform and to a large black door that loomed behind the thrones.
He pushed them open with little effort, the silver hinges groaning. The room beyond was much brighter than the dreary hall and it took my eyes a moment to adjust.
It was what appeared to be the royal chambers, the floor covered almost completely by plush throw pillows. Only a slight path led to another door, which I assumed to be a bedroom, and another less thick area of pillows that came to a large table, it's deep black surface glimmering in the light.
A woman dressed in a fine silver robe sat against one of the largest pillows, her small feet propped up on another one and a book held in her hands. She was so enthralled that she didn't even notice when we walked in. Her finger tapped ever so slightly against the cover of the book, creating the only sound in the small room.
He cleared his throat and her head snapped up, the book closing in one movement. Her eyes roamed over me and it seemed as though she had stopped breathing for a moment. Suddenly, and to my great surprise, tears fell down her face and she jumped up. Pillows flew out of her way as she ran up to hug me, her arms nearly crushing me. I coughed, my hands holding her away in a futile attempt to loosen her grip enough to breath.
He came up behind her, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Alice, dear, you really should let her breath.” He tugged gently on her and she reluctantly released me. I took a deep breath, glancing at them both incredulously, my eyes narrowed into a glare. I knew I looked cold, like the kind of person you would avoid so much as bumping into...
She stared at me as though she had been physically struck. “What's happened to you?” She asked quietly, reaching out one hand to place it on my shoulder. She looked so sad I decided to let her leave it there. She pulled on me gently, tugging me down to sit on a cushion. “You used to be so nice and carefree! How can you look upon me, your own mother, with such hostility?”
I stared at Alice, my eyes searching hers for any sign of deception. I saw none and I sighed, averting my eyes to the ground. I felt the cloth I sat on shift as my 'father' sat as well.
“She hasn't gotten her memory back.” He stated grimly and frowned.
She looked at him, an expression of utter confusion covering her face. “B-but... Gabriel! You said she would...” Alice trailed off, as if unable to completely formulate a sentence in her state of shock. I frowned at the both of them, my eyebrows raised.
“Excuse me,” I stated calmly, waiting until I caught their attention, “What memories did I supposedly lose?” My tone was carefully formal, for despite what they said I did not truly know these people. I assumed they were some sort of royalty, if not the King and Queen themselves. Their own private quarters was right behind the thrones after all...
They stared at me for a second before Alice made a move to answer. “You are our daughter, Valya...” She started, her voice cracking nearly imperceptibly. I frowned at this but let her continue. “There was a war and we had to send you away. To protect you.” She paused, looking down.
Gabriel took over, his voice sounding much more powerful than hers in the large room. “We sent you to an entirely different realm. We had to take away your memories so you could be taken in by another family... They were supposed to come back to you though.” He stopped there to look at me.
I stared back, my eyebrows raised in disbelief. “Um, okay then.” I stated, my voice sarcastic. “So what, I'm some kind of princess?” All eloquence was lost in my confused denial and my voice sounded coldly mocking as I watched the both of them.
Alice bit her lip and looked as though she was going to cry, so I let it go. I didn't have to believe them but I should probably be nicer about it, if they were so crazy to believe it. No need to make them upset or angry. “So, what was the war over?”
Gabriel sighed and looked at me. “Well... It was mostly because we were in the way of their invasion... They wanted lands north of here but there's no way around us. We're completely surrounded by the ocean, so they had to come through us first...” He frowned, recalling the war put him in a sour mood, obviously.
“So you sent me away? To protect me?” Let's play along with this insane fantasy for now, shall we?
They both nodded slowly and I sighed. “How can I believe you? You do realize how insane that sounds, from my point of view?” I asked politely, my hands folded in my lap and my voice quiet. Surely they didn't expect me to believe them so easily.
Alice looked up, a smile on her face. “As we walk you through the castle you should recognize some of it.” She stated brightly, standing up in a graceful, swift motion. She held out a hand for me to take and I sighed but allowed her to help me up anyway. She was surprisingly strong for such a small woman.
She led me gently by the hand out the door and down the hall again. I could hear Gabriel's light footsteps directly behind us, so I knew he was following. She made a sudden turn and I nearly fell over, my normal grace forgotten as I stumbled to follow.
She opened a door that I hadn't noticed before and led me out.
My mouth hung slightly open as I stared, astonished, at the garden that I clearly remembered from my dream. The same stone bench sat situated just along the edge of a clearing in the flowers. I blinked, trying to comprehend it. So, instead of thinking about what I thought couldn't be, I took in the beauty of the garden.
Tsutsuya · Sun Dec 24, 2006 @ 06:08pm · 0 Comments |
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Chapter Two
I knew the water should be much colder than it was when I was dragged down into the depths. Surprisingly, it was warm, like a freshly run bath. I held my breath instinctively, even as I began to lose my consciousness. I had no idea what was going on but I wasn't coherent enough to be afraid and instead I watched as I sank, or was rather pulled, through half closed eyes.
Finally, all thoughts slipped away like sand and I was left to a light sleep. Images flashed before my eyes along the dream and I had no idea what any of them meant. So I just watched silently as it was all relayed.
A young girl ran around a beautiful garden, her quiet laughter echoing through the plants. Her mother sat close by on a small stone bench, the happy smile on her face never fading as she watched her daughter chase a butterfly. A man came up behind her, laying a strong hand on her shoulder. She turned to smile up at him before he walked around to take a seat next to her.
I frowned in my sleep. I knew because I could feel the muscles in my cheeks working to pull my mouth down. I tried to pull up into consciousness but it felt like something was pushing me back ever so gently. I grumbled and pushed harder, feeling the need to open my eyes.
I gasped awake, taking in huge gulps of air; It felt as though I had just been drowned! My breathing regulated as I crawled from the dark water and onto the glimmering sand.
Wait... Sand? When had that gotten there?
I looked around, my eyes still blurry from sleep. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, except for the lake I was now half resting in. It glimmered black, gentle silver streaks wreathing and roiling beneath the surface. I frowned at it, utterly confused at the appearance. I looked closer, peering past the mirror reflection.
The way the light was cast gave the illusion of fire beneath a pane of glass. I reached out a finger to gently run it over the surface, forgetting for a few moments that it was water and not glass that reflected my face almost perfectly.
The ripples across the surface jostled me from my odd reverie. My entire arm dipped down beneath the surface, and I could feel no heat to prove that there was fire there. Just a clever optical illusion, obviously. Actually, this whole thing must have been some kind of hoax.
I placed my hands on the sand and dragged myself up from the water, my clothes dripping dark water. I grumbled, cursing the heavy fabric that made it so hard to walk. I finally managed to stand on the bank and ring out my hair and remove my jacket. It was chilly and my soaking clothes did little against the breeze that blew over the open plains I now stood on.
My teeth chattered and I wrapped my arms around myself, holding in what little heat I still had in my body. My icy eyes looked around hopefully, only to be disappointed when I saw there was no one nearby. Actually, it seemed like the open grassland just went on and on and on....
My ears strained to hear anything but it seemed completely silent. The tension in the air was high, as if something big was about to happen. I held my breath, the loud intakes of air disturbing the quiet. I listened, knowing that something was coming. The world was silent, just for that moment.
My eyes narrowed, my ears picking up the faintest sounds on the wind. It was so quiet I almost wasn't sure I heard it, but then it sounded again. My face scrunched in confusion, my eyes peering out over the horizon for some indication as to what was going on.
The crunching sound of wood on gravel sounded again, closer this time. A black speck appeared on the horizon, my eyes just barely able to decipher it from the rest of the night. The dark spot grew larger and larger until I was finally able to recognize it. Still, even as I watched it approach, I wondered why a horse and carriage would be out in the middle of nowhere.
This had to be some kind of sick, twisted reality show.
Still though, I waited for it to approach. I was shivering, wet, and must have looked absolutely pathetic. I tilted my head to the side, watching as the men who held the horse reigns pulled back on them silently and the whole mess came to a graceful stop.
The carriage was extravagant. It's wooden sides were polished to a gleaming finish, the white reflecting the silver light of the moon. The door was trimmed in silver metal, along with the roof and the wheels. The horses that pulled it were just as amazing, both of them brilliant white with silver reigns that seemed to shimmer like liquid.
I stared incredulously, my eyes narrowed into a glare. I didn't trust this; I had no idea what was going on and was angry as hell about it. I jumped backwards ever so slightly when the gleaming door pushed open, and a man stepped down. He stared at me a moment before a huge smile broke out across his face.
I nearly had a heart attack when he scooped me up into his strong arms, crushing me to him in one swift movement. I coughed and my eyes bugged out. I had no idea who this man was and he was hugging me. I was horrified and I tried to pull away, sputtering out random curses as he finally set me back on my feet. “Who the heck are you?” I hissed angrily through clenched teeth.
His smile didn't fade and he merely stood there. “Valya, you're finally able to come back to us.” He stated, his voice nearly deafeningly loud in the silence of the plains. The moon glistened over his handsome, mature face and a flash of recognition ran through me.
I frowned, my eyebrows scrunching together as I tried to remember him. “Was I ever here before?” I asked acidly, still unsure about the entire situation. My sarcasm went ignored, the smile on his face never wavering. Actually, he looked really close to happy tears.
“This is your home, Princess Valya.” He answered, motioning around the open space.
I had to laugh at the. The mere thought sent me into hysterics, my arms wrapping around my stomach as I broke down into giggles. Me, a princess? The thought made me break down all over again. “A p-princess...” I wheezed, trying to gain control of my breathing.
His smile gentles. “You don't remember do you? I guess I did a better job on that spell than I thought...” He trailed off , still smiling. “Come on. You're mother will want to meet you.”
I raised m eyebrows at that, my laughter immediately stopping. “My mother?” I asked quietly, my hair covering my eyes. “I don't have a mother.”
He frowned at that, his look of confusion going unnoticed by me. “Valya, she's here... You're real mother.... You don't remember any of it?” He asked me, his voice slightly saddened. “Come along, then. We need to get you cleaned up.” He looked thoughtful for a moment before shaking his head and taking my hand.
I gave little resistance as he tugged me towards the carriage. He allowed me to head up the steps first and take a seat. He sat across from me. The carriage lurched forward and turned around, headed back from where they had come from.
***
The ride was quiet. He didn't talk and neither did I. I was being paranoid about this whole thing, despite the reassurances he gave me. My own odd false memories tried to comfort me, but I was scared of what would happen. He had told me that he was my father and we were going to meet my mother...
Not that I believed a word of that. Really, how stupid did this guy think I was?
He was still staring at me though, and I only glared back. His smile never wavered, however, and it was starting to creep me out. Stupid, over happy people.
Suddenly, our ride lurched to a halt, and the door once again opened. The large man was already standing to get out, quickly heading down the steps. I followed after, slightly hesitant, to meet my 'mother'. Yeah, what I thought before, about the reality show? Scratch that. I'm being dragged into a psychopath's nightmare.
He motioned for me to follow him, and I did so. We were still on the open plains and fields but there was no lake in sight and we were slowly climbing a small hill. I couldn't see over it yet and I assumed that wherever we were going was out of my range of sight.
We crested the top of the hill and I nearly choked on the air I inhaled.
Before us lay a beautiful lake, of the same liquid fire that the first had been made of. Rising from the center, taking up th entire central island, was a gleaming castle. It's marble walls reflected the silver moon light and glowed almost angelically, looking like a place from some whimsical faerie tale.
He must have noticed my gaping for he patted me on the back. “Welcome to your home. Welcome to Iilaru.” He gently but firmly pushed on my back, motioning for me to go forwards. I stumbled along stupidly, still mystified by the beauty of this place? What hadn't I ever heard of it before, and why did he call it my 'home'? So many questions with no one to answer for me.
It took us a long time to make it to the bridge that crossed into the city. I frowned, still staring as I walked across the firm ground gracefully. His pace was slower, which annoyed me, but I was sure not to stray too far away; I had no idea where I was and I didn't intend on getting lost out here.
Finally the bridge loomed before me, not as magnificent as the huge marble pillars that stood on the opposite side. I gulped, waiting for the man to come up behind me. It was much larger close up, the huge walls glittering dangerously in the light. I could see tiny slits in their walls, where archers would stick out the tip of the bow and send and arrow down into an approaching enemies eye...
A high pitched whistle pulled me away from that train of thought and my head whipped around to look at the man. He was still smiling, his eyes trained on a small building on this side of the lake. I followed his gaze, wondering what could be so interesting in a small structure.
The wooden door opened wide, revealing nothing but a dark inside. My eyebrows scrunched together in confusion as I stared. Nothing moved for awhile before finally a slight glimmer of silver appeared through the doorway. I frowned at it, not sure what was happening.
Finally, a man clad in gleaming armor stepped out into the moonlight. At his side was a giant warhorse, black in color and beautiful in the light. It's hair was long and shaggy around it's feet, feathering out along the ground as it took graceful steps. It was silent as it moved on the dirt, the metal horse shoes having nothing to clash against.
The man's armor gleamed brilliant silver in the moonlight, obviously polished with great care. Around the insides of his arms and legs was black cloth, showing through from behind the metal. My frown increased ever so slightly at the sight of the old style war gear.
Another man in the exact same armor followed behind, another white horses reigns held tightly within his gloved grasp. They stopped just in front of us. I noticed the odd looks they were giving me. Was that aw on their features? I scowled at them and they immediately looked away.
“I hope your human parents have taught you to ride?” My 'father' asked, reaching out to take the reigns of the white horse. I stared as he jumped into the saddle in one, swift movement. He motioned to the other horse with his hand. “He's grown up fine since you left.”
My foster parents hadn't taught me how to ride but I had taught myself. One of my few friends from back home owned a horse and taught me. I nodded at him, deciding not to fill him in just yet as to how horrid those people who had adopted me really were. Without a second glance and nimbly jumped into the saddle, despite how long it had been since I had ridden.
He smiled approvingly, turning his horse around to head across the bridge. I followed closely behind, unnerved by the unblinking stares I was receiving from the other men.
As we crossed the gate on the other side opened to reveal the glittering city of Iilaru.
Tsutsuya · Sat Dec 23, 2006 @ 01:51am · 0 Comments |
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