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Post by Alisiea on Nov 14, 2012 13:17:03 GMT -5
There was a rushing sound. Like the wind. Like water over a falls. Like the sound of a young girl screaming. He had returned; and she ran. Terrified of what he would think. Months without word and then, suddenly, he was there. She ran and hid. He had filled every empty space in her life, even those she never realized she had. His words comforted her and his touch thrilled her. She had never felt so safe then when she was with him. And then; he was gone again. Her friends attempted to fill in the gaps but she still felt lost, alone. She wandered from place to place, tried to fill her time with lessons, but even learning her letters gave her no comfort. She could not drink her ale and the child demanded she eat only the most vile and repulsive foods. Her precious cookies were revolting and smelled like rotting carrion. Raw meat, bloody and untouched by fire was all her body could consume. The sickness had passed replaced by a seemingly endless craving for fresh meat. No one could explain what was happening. The mid-wife said these cravings too would pass, in time. But it only got worse. No one seemed to notice. No one except Renthar. He noticed. He found her and told her things about Paine that sounded impossible. But then she had seen Renthar do the impossible when he cured the Countess and Jolicia of their immortal affliction. He had knowledge and power. But he was a murder and valued little else save the gathering of more knowledge, power and control over others. And he hated Paine. So he told her a story about dark times, heroes and villains and she listened. And then; he was there. Their time apart vanished like smoke as they sat together. He was weak but still commanded a certain strength that she found uplifting. She prattled on about her lessons and clung to him trying to make up for their time apart. She wanted to breathe him in, become a part of him. She wanted to die in his arms and have his face be the last thing she ever saw. They laughed. He teased her about getting fat and they kissed. Their time apart was stripped away as she lay in his arms. His strong hands holding her as they reaffirmed their love. He was dying and she was helpless to prevent it. But there was one spark of hope. His salvation lay in the hands of a man people hated. Hated even when he saved them, for his price was greater than most were willing to pay, but they paid him nonetheless. And they hated him for it. But Alisiea didn’t care. She was willing to pay whatever price Renthar asked to save the man she loved the most. And she was proud to carry within her the seed of his continuance; the balance of his life and the legacy of his times. These were the things she would cherish and value above all others, even above her own self. They stood together, the friends of Ashencrosse, as the ritual commenced. Paine must die to live again and, just as before, Renthar conducted the ritual exactly the same. Alisiea prayed the Magick would work as it had before and it did. Paine was renewed and her heart soared and her eyes wept with relief, but it was not to last. Something had gone wrong, Paine suddenly aged before their eyes, and then, before anyone could react; he died. This time, however, there would be no renewal, no reprieve from the embrace of darkness. First, there was terror, then disbelief, then anger, then vengeance. Alisiea felt the heat rise within her. She could feel her eyes change from green and gray to golden. She could feel the muscles and sinew of her body begin to stretch and snap. She wanted nothing more that to kill Renthar, rend him piece by piece until there was nothing left. But Quinn spoke and Alisiea calmed herself. Then Renthar said something about her unborn child and she heard the rustling of mighty trees in a gust of wind. The wind grew in strength and she heard the thunder of a thousand horses bearing down upon her. Then without warning, her world went black. “Nine times nine, the nursery rhyme Ten times ten until the end Five times five and we’re alive. Mark my words, the Child will thrive”
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Post by Alisiea on Nov 15, 2012 10:08:05 GMT -5
When Alisiea opened her eyes it took her several minutes to realize where she was. The covers had been pulled up over her and her clothing removed. She touched her head where the bandage had staunched the bleeding. She lay there, unthinking as one realization bled into another until the final realization that Paine was dead visited her like a dark angel sitting at the foot of her bed.
Her wails of anguish could be heard beyond the doors and windows of the house. She tore her hair and scratched her face until it bled. She screamed, wept, and bit her lip until; at last, she lay spent and sobbing. Hours passed as the sun crept from window to ceiling while the heart of her fierce emotion bled into the damp sheets and pillows of her bed.
Night threw itself over the city of Ashencrosse before Alisiea rose and, clutching the damp and bloody sheets around her, climbed the stairs to the upper floors. Hunger clawed at her but she ignored it. She sat on the couch and stared into the orange- red flames of the fireplace. Perhaps there was an answer in the flames, but they only danced across the logs and spit their angry sparks heavenward. They could not speak. They could not give her what she needed most...
Revenge.
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Post by Alisiea on Nov 16, 2012 10:36:36 GMT -5
“What is wrong with me?”
You hit your head child.
“My head?”
Aye, don’t you remember? When you fell.
“Aye, I remember … I fell because …”
Because your love had died.
“Aye, Paine is dead.”
Aye child. Paine is dead.
“And he is not coming back?”
No child. Now, let me see your head. Ahhh, yes, easily remedied. There now, how does that feel?
“My head does not hurt anymore. What did you do?”
Only what was necessary, nothing more.
“You are very kind.”
Think nothing of it. Now, it falls to you to live and grow strong so your child will thrive. Do you understand this?
“And the nightmares?”
Ended.
“And the cravings?”
Ended.
“Who are you?”
A fiend.
“What must I do?”
Dance.
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Post by Alisiea on Nov 18, 2012 9:47:06 GMT -5
The hot dry sands of Nujel’m swirled into miniature dust devils that the hot breeze sent racing across the sun-baked stones of the graveyard. Alisiea scooped out a small depression in front of the gravestone that Judas had told her read, “Here Lies Paine Drakul.”
As the sides of the sand depression fell back upon themselves, Alisiea shoved a freshly potted arrangement of Snowdrop flowers she purchased in Luna, into the depression. Packing sand around the pot she poured an entire pitcher of water over them and knelt back. She stared at the flowers for a long moment then brushed some sand off the stone as she spoke.
“I do not know what you did in your past. Whether it was for bad or ill, important or unimportant, I do not know and I do not care. All I know is how you were with me. In the time we were together you showed me such tenderness and love that I could live to be a thousand and never be touched by another’s hands the way yours touched me. You gave me a part of you that will live on well past my own death.”
She paused and laid her hand on the slight bulge of her belly.
“I promise by all that is holy, she will do great things with her life. And when they speak of her they will forget the bad things they say you did and remember only that she was Paine Drakul’s daughter and that she did good. And that will be my gift to you, my love. And she will dance like the wind and she will bring joy into people’s lives and she will eat cookies … no, she will bake cookies and they will be sweet and wonderful and she will sing and dance and …”
Alisiea knelt forward and place the palm of her hand against the stone.
… And she will be ours. And she will be wondrous.”
Alisiea smiled as she fussed with the fresh blooms of potted flowers and sighed.
“I do not, however, know exactly what I am to do with a bodyguard. The Drow who owes you a debt has sworn to protect me against all harm, even if it goes against his very nature to serve a human in a manner not akin to dinner, but, he seems brave enough if slightly rude and a bit aggressive. However, I will soon be unable to go on hunts or do much of anything except waddle so he will not have a difficult job of it. Once the child is born his debt will be fulfilled and he will be free, which probably could not come soon enough for him. In the meantime I will pretend he is a shadow and not vex him too much with orders or commands and will endeavor to treat him kindly.
Alisiea stood and shielded her eyes against the glare of the late afternoon sun.
“Rest well my love. I will return on the marrow with fresh blooms and dance naked for you in the cool of the morning just the way you always liked me to. Rest well.”
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Post by Alisiea on Nov 19, 2012 7:00:59 GMT -5
Alisiea woke screaming in the dead of night. Her bedclothes soaked in clammy sweat. Her auburn hair matted to her face and neck in damp sticky strands.
“A dream, child?” The Woman in White, sitting at the foot of the bed, asked in a kindly, motherly way.
“I cannot remember all of it, save for the fire and pain.”
“A nightmare then?”
“Aye, perhaps a nightmare.” Alisiea settled back against the headboard and laid her hands gently on the growing bulge that was her belly.
“You are eating well?” The Woman in White asked.
Alisiea nodded.
“Your friends, they are caring for you, yes?” Her accent sounded odd and out of place.
“Aye, they are good to me.”
“Ahhh … this is good. This is very good,” the Woman in White whispered. She turned and faced Alisiea. Her shining blue eyes locked on the girls own. A moment passed and then another. The woman smiled.
“May I lay my hand upon you?” She asked warmly.
Alisiea hesitated a moment before nodding her permission.
The Woman in White reached out and laid her hand upon the Alisiea’s womb. Closing her eyes she turned her head as if listening for something. A moment passed. Then another before the woman spoke.
“She will be strong this one. This pleases me. But I think perhaps she requires a different type of nourishment then what I have allowed you to eat these past weeks. We must balance your strength with hers. I think, perhaps, she will need to return to her own cravings for a time. Then we will see about yours.”
Spreading her black gossamer wings over the Gypsy girl’s bed the Woman in White rose, her naked feet hovering only inches from the floor. She smiled and waved her hand in an arc. Instantly Alisiea fell into a deep and dreamless sleep.
The Woman in White lingered a moment longer, then spun and vanished in the night.
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Post by Alisiea on Nov 21, 2012 12:19:23 GMT -5
“You spoke of me child?”
The Lady in White sat at the foot of Alisiea’s bed watching her sleep. Her words roused the girl. Bleary eyed, Alisiea pulled herself up to a sitting position. The house was silent.
“I … I may have. I cannot recall.”
“And the woman in blue?”
“Aye,” Alisiea answered. “I told her exactly what you said I should say.”
“And how did she react?”
“She seemed confused. You said she would understand, but she only seemed confused.”
“It is of little concern now.” The Woman in White responded. “She is of no interest to us any longer. We have other, more important items at hand.”
“I … I do not understand.” Alisiea stammered.
The Lady in White smiled.
“No, I suppose you do not. Do my words confuse you child?” She asked quietly.
“Sometimes,” was the reply.
The Woman in White focused her forest green eyes on the girl as she struggled to stay awake.
“Yes, I can see where that might cause you some difficulty, but rest assured; I know what is best for you.”
Alisiea’s vision cleared.
“My friends are growing angry and impatient with me. I do not understand why I must eat the things I do. Why do you make me act this way?”
The Woman in White smiled.
“My dear child, I cannot make you do anything. The impulse must first exist within you. I, and those like me, can only draw it out. Bring it to the fore. Besides, your so called friends do not care a lick if you live or die. All they are interested in is the child. She will be a powerful Sorceress one day and this frightens them. Already they fear her and, in fearing her, fear you as well and this is why they grow angry and impatient. They are trying to drive you away.”
Alisiea rubbed her eyes.
“But they are my friends. They are teaching me to read and write. The have given me a room and warm clothes and they look after me when danger is near.”
The Woman in White laughed and her laughter filled the young girl’s heart with dread.
“Danger?” The woman chuckled. “Forgive me child, but your friends know but one kind of danger. That which they can see and touch. But there are other dangers. The kind that haunts ones soul and changes their very nature. These kinds of dangers none of your friends can protect you from. But I can.”
Alisiea pulled the covers up to her chin and slid down into the protective confines of the bed.
“How do you know all this?” She asked. “Who are you? What do you want from me? Why are you doing this to me?”
The Woman in White smiled down upon the gypsy girl, her black eyes removing all fear from the girl’s heart. Alisiea sat up and smiled. The Woman in White reached out and rested her hand on the girl’s cheek. Her blood-red gossamer wings opened wide, filling the tiny room
“Worry not my child. All your questions will be answered. All your fears allayed, but trust no one, not even your closest friends for they fear and despise the one thing you love the most; Your child. But I have been charged with your protection. Yours and the child’s. I will be watching. I will always be nearby and when the time comes, I will see to it that you and the child are safely hidden from harm. Now rest my child and awake refreshed and free of doubt.”
**********
Daylight crept through the window like a cat returning from its midnight wanderings. Alisiea awoke refreshed and rested. She dressed and went upstairs where the cook made her eggs and ham. When she had eaten she helped with the dishes then sat at the table and practiced her letters. She had new ones … N, O, P, Q, R … she practiced carefully, writing each on its own page in her book. She practiced for an hour then paused and tilted her head trying to remember … something someone said last night … something important … something about …
A wedding?
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Post by Alisiea on Nov 22, 2012 10:48:36 GMT -5
Alisiea lay in her bed listening to the sounds of the night. The voices of Aingeal and the Drow talking quietly outside drifted in and out of her hearing. Crickets chirped in a steady rhythm and somewhere off in the forest surrounding the town a Hunters Owl called for its mate. She closed her eyes and gently rubbed her belly feeling the changes happening within her. The very fiber of her being linked to a tiny heartbeat as the blood of her ancestors and the life that had been Paine’s flowed together to create something entirely new. She smiled and for the first time since Paine’s return, felt the pangs of happiness.
Suddenly, a violent gust of wind rattled the windows sending dust falling from the rafters. The crickets ceased their serenade and the owl screeched its discontent. A deathly silence settled over the house and for a long moment it seemed Alisiea was alone in the world. Then, building slowly at first, then rising to drown out all other sounds or thoughts came the mournful howling of a wolf. At fist it seemed to come from the south but then, as the cry lingered, it seemed to be everywhere at once as if an entire army of wolves had surrounded the town of Ashencrosse. Alisiea pressed her hands against her ears but the howling only grew in strength. She could feel her blood warm to the call of her brethren. A call that bade her to come join them in their dance of freedom. Come run in the wild places and hunt the boar, bear, and elk.
She writhed and cried out, but the howl drowned out even her own voice. Then, just as suddenly as it began; the howling ceased. Slowly the normal sounds of the night returned to their striking rhythm. Alisiea lay tensed and fretful until she once again heard the voices of quiet conversation. Rolling onto her side she pulled the pillow close and hugged it tight. She buried her face in its softness and tried, with all her might to remember, his touch, his kiss; his scent. She wept from the lack of memory and prayed she would never forget his face. She wept until at last she drifted into sleep.
**********
The Lady in White lifted herself on silver, moon-lit gossamer wings and hovered just outside the palisades of Ashencrosse. Her fire-red eyes glared at the house in question. New Magicks had been laid. Runes, petals, and other items of power surrounded the house blocking her entrance. Two individuals stood in the yard talking quietly. A Drow and a human. The Lady in White floated in the night, buoyed by her hatred at being kept from her charge. She set the great beast to howling for, if she could not enter, then the call would bring the child to her and, when that did not work; she raged against the darkness and vanished in a wisp of silver smoke.
Time … there would be plenty of time.
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Post by Alisiea on Nov 24, 2012 17:04:26 GMT -5
Her feet were numb. The ankle deep snow bit and clung to the hem of her skirt slowing her progress. There was pursuit.
“How much further mother?” The young girl-child asked.
“I do not know my love. Not far I think”
“I can make it warm, mother, if you like. Or melt a path through the snow.”
Alisiea stopped and knelt. Taking the child by the shoulder she tugged the girl’s hood forward to better cover her flowing auburn hair. Smiling she drew her close.
“You are truly a gem my daughter, but you must not use the Power here. To do so will show them exactly where we are.”
Looking back over the snow-covered hillsides and low meadows, their trail could be clearly seen cutting a dark path across the landscape. Perhaps a bit of wind to blow the snow over their tracks. But they dare not chance it.
“Is the world coming to an end mother?” The young girl asked looking back at the gathering darkness on the far horizon.
Alisiea wrapped her arms around the girl and held her tight.
“No, no my child. The world will never end so long as we are together. Now come, we must keep going. I know for a fact there will be a warm fire, soft beds and lots of Oatmeal Raisin cookies waiting for us when we arrive.”
Alisiea urged the girl-child forward then turned and looked back across the land they had crossed. She could smell them on the wind. The dark servants of the unholy. Drawing her cloak tighter around her shoulders she breathed a curse under her breath, then turned and pushed on.
**********
“Have you named her yet?” The Lady in White asked as she flexed her green gossamer wings over the sleeping girl’s bed. Sliding closer she leaned over and whispered in her ear.
“No ward lasts forever, my child. No matter where they send you, I will find you. Now sleep my Gypsy child and be comforted that I am close, for I am the only one who can protect you; the only one who can keep you safe.”
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Post by Alisiea on Nov 25, 2012 11:37:23 GMT -5
A low heavy fog crept across the lawn in front of the Bramblerose Theater. It snaked its way between the buildings as if searching for a place to settle. Soon it had embraced the southern half of Ashencrosse and was spreading northward like a plague.
Alisiea stood at the southern gate. Her clothes torn and muddy. She held in her hand the broken half of a poisoned Kris; its grip slick with blood.
Behind her stood the Lady in White. One great black wing draped over the Gypsy’s slender shoulder. They were staring at the ground where, half hidden by fog, lay the body of a mighty warrior. The deadly half of Alisiea’s Kris protruding from his chest rose above the fog like the shaft of a mighty spear. His face, hidden by the creeping fog, was undistinguishable, but there was a familiarity about him that brought discomfort to the young Gypsy’s heart. The Lady in White smiled and drew Alisiea closer to her side.
“You have done well, my child. In years to come many such warriors with lie at your feet and the feet of your daughter. Men will ache to hear her words and weep with joy upon seeing her face. This man was the first, but he was the most important one of all.”
“Who … who … was he?” Alisiea asked, her voice trembling.
The Lady in White leaned forward and flexed her wings so as to blow the fog away from the body. Alisiea cried out, dropped the Kris and slumped to the ground, her face contorted in abject horror. Before her lay the body of Paine Drakul, his face pale and lifeless. His lips cold and blue. Alisiea wailed as if the entire earth could not contain her sorrow. Behind her, The Lady in White laughed aloud then lifted herself into the night and vanished in a trail of laughter.
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Post by Alisiea on Nov 27, 2012 10:10:24 GMT -5
Alisiea lingered in the warm bathwater, her thoughts wandering from point to point, her hands gently caressing her growing belly. She smiled as thin threads of silvery water dribbled off her smooth skin to unite with the scented universe of droplets in which she lay.
“Two weeks,” she whispered to the unborn child within her. “Two weeks without a nightmare. Two weeks of blessed sleep. Two weeks without the Lady in White hovering over my bed … our bed. Oh, my child, if only your father were here to see how we have blossomed. How we have come to this place as yet unharmed. But alas, he is not here to see us. Nor will he be here to see you born. Yet I know in my heart you will grow in strength and wisdom and bring honor to his name and his legacy.”
She lay back resting her head against the back of the tub.
“Is Gaius’s house not beautiful?” she whispered, her hands absently rubbing her belly. “He is very wealthy you know. Mostly from his adventures. He reminds me little of your father; gentle in word yet fierce in battle. It is good to have friends like ours. Aingeal, Gaius, Jolicia, Judas and the Dark Elf and Quinn of course.”
She frowned.
“I wonder how she is doing at the Lyceum? We should go visit her soon, I miss her.”
She swooshed the water back and forth with her knees.
“The mid-wife said we must stop dancing and riding horses after the autumnal equinox. She said doing either might bring you harm and we cannot have that happen can we?”
Alisiea took a deep breath and let it out slowly.
“It is good we are here. You will be born in a safe and friendly place and grow up happy and healthy and free of worry. I will learn to read and write and one day become a proper lady and maybe even live in a fine house just like this one. You would like that would you not?”
She laughed and splashed water over her belly.
“We must find a proper good name for you my daughter. Aye, a proper good name. I wonder if they will have cookies at the trial this evening? Ginger snaps or lemon sugar cookies for sure. I am positive it would be too much to hope for to see oatmeal-raisin there. Aye, that would be asking a lot. But we shall see, we shall see.”
**********
In the lower depths of the Great Abyss, the Lady in White knelt before her master. Her gossamer wings now turned to leather spread six meters out. Her eyeless sockets staring at the steaming ground. Her blood-red horns bowed in adulation. The great Daemon of the lower Abyss studied his captain with a discerning eye.
“How is it they sent you back to me? You, a captain of the Dark Moon Legion? Is the task before you too difficult? Must I demote you and send you to the lower depths where the lesser of your breed can torment you for all eternity?”
Lamashtu bowed her head lower.
“Nay my Prince. They came in numbers bent on challenging me. And, as of yet, I am not at my full strength. My powers are somewhat diminished in their realm.”
The Dark Prince leaned back upon his throne. The chains that bound him glowed with a radioactive blue light. He shook them and the sound echoed off the walls and ceiling of the vast cavern.
“Yours is a simple task. You are to use your gifts of dream and nightmare to torment the girl. Drive her from her friends and protectors, bring her worry and cause her to doubt; force her into our arms, for the unborn child she carries holds the key to my freedom.”
He leaned forward. A crown of flames hovering just above his upswept horns.
“I will send another to you. He shall act as your lieutenant. Use him wisely. He will recruit others to our cause. And what of the woman whose house you now occupy?”
“She is safely imprisoned, my Prince.”
“Good. See she is kept that way. I may have use of her later. Hide her well. See she is not harmed. Now go, return to the upper realms and fulfill your task.”
A nod of his head and the Dark Wolf opened a howling red portal. Lamashtu, daemon of the lower reaches, folded her wings, stepped through the vortex and returned to the world of men.
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