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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jul 9, 2007 5:39:10 GMT -5
The hoofs my steed had been quick, taking me to Mont-Nuit - and instinctively I had avoided the Generous Patron, unready to be again in the room where I'd first seen her.
The Cockeral was open, showing a lit window, and I clattered in, making my way to the bar intently.
I was drinking, this morning, more so than one would have expected of one such as me.
"Whiskey, twice," I ordered the innkeep.
With a raised eyebrow he served my order, and I downed the first drink in one fell swoop. The burn settled me, and I toyed a little with the second, looking about the nigh empty inn. Bored, I shoved it down my throat. It was still disgusting, but I ordered another.
It was my third drink. The Cockeral was about as dead as it could be. Drinking, early in the morning was unbecoming, and the inn keep had given me a look of disdainful surprise when I ordered it. After ten, I lost count.
I was holding my liquor, but my vision was blurry. Nonetheless, I drank some more, the burning, mushroom-tasting liquor falling heavily at the bottom of my loins.
“The most beautiful thing you’ll ever see,” I slurred. “Hair like golden hay, skin soft like a summer morning, and eyes… eyes that see through you and reach deep inside your soul,” I was telling the inn keep.
The liquor was disgusting. What in the world prompted Mirielle for it? Mirielle… her touch, her smell were still on me, and I was unable to decide whether I would bathe or not, what would be the most painful, to lose her scent, or be tantalized by it. No matter, more shots were coming, and soon, soon, I would loose conscience.
I looked at the innkeep – and he understood. Years of enduring wayward patrons, I assumed. Before I knew it, his powerful biceps were lifting me and hauling me off to the latrines.
I’d eaten well at the fete, and as delightful as the food had been, it was horrendous on the way out, my own sense of self-disgust augmented by the retching sounds I made as my belly emptied itself. The sound was so terrible, it prompted more awful movements from my uncontrolled esophagus, and before I knew it, my mouth was filled with the sour taste of bile, and my stomach dry and empty. If despair had a taste, it had to be that of bile and vomit.
I staggered out of the latrines, barely able to hold myself. I gave the innkeep a dumbfounded look. Why did he look at me so? What was wrong with me? Somehow, a chair found me, and I slumped.
There was no light, no hope, only the oblivion of ethylene skies.
Someone was slapping me. Slapping me, pounding me, and I opened an eye to a cocky smile and 3 missing teeth. “Elua, that is one ugly face,” I mumbled.
Another blow found me, sending my mind to another plane, and I heard a voice stopping them all. To-Biko? I had no idea – it could have been the Queen herself, or her royal consort, for all I knew. “You’re my best friend,” I heard myself mumble to the stranger, though whether he heard me, or understood me – that was another mystery.
My feet were off the ground. Somehow, I was in a carriage, a name given. I must have told someone who I was, but had no memory of it. The rambling sounds of the carriage woke up the nausea, and I gagged, grateful that there was nothing left for me to vomit. Black out.
Someone is pulling me. The coach man. My stallion. Where is my stallion? My silken jacket? It all falls in oblivion again. The steps of the town home are cold and soothing. Why was I drinking again?
I loose touch. Nothing happened, I am in Aragonia, and Stephano Calderon and I are drinking ale at a road side in. Laughter. To-Biko, with a Kritian dancer on his lap, his loud and hearty laugh explodes out of his chest. Laughter. Cascata is giggling, I tickle her until she pees herself, the pretty 5 year-old that she is. Laughter. My mother in my father’s arms at the family gathering, happy giggles and pleasant grins. Laughter. In the city of Elua, a man and a woman are dancing a tuneless dance. Mirielle. Mirielle…..
The cry must have left my lungs. People are turning around. Giovanna opens the door, gasps, I must have been beaten, my eye is swollen, but my body is too numb to feel the pain. I crash in her arms, sending her staggering. “Leave me,” I roar. “Leave me, I am cursed,” I roar in the household. The house is full of light; it must be well past noon. I hit something; I stagger myself, porcelain clickety-clings to the floor. Black out.
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Cascata Stregazza
Aristocrat
Future Marquise d?Iz-Entre-Mer; House Stregazza
Posts: 507
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Post by Cascata Stregazza on Jul 9, 2007 18:21:27 GMT -5
I was scribbling something unimportant in my journal when I heard a clatter come from the front of the house. I got up and ran to the front of the house. There was my poor brother passed out on the floor, a broken vase next to him. He won't be happy about the vase, I thought, but chances are he was even less happier about whatever had put him in this state. I instantly thought of the sunny Miri and I hoped that it wasn't she. I had liked her.
I exchanged glances with To-Biko who looked worried. I then got a good look at my brother's face, I took a deep breath of exclamation a small sound escaping as I did. I bent over, "gil, are you ok?" He was of course unresponsive so I directed To-Biko and some of the servants to drag him to his bed.
We laid him out and I fetched cold rags and some water. I washed his face as best I could and tried to drip some water down his throat without choking him. To-Biko stood to the side, watching in earnest but letting me play nurse.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jul 10, 2007 6:37:12 GMT -5
Cold, ice cold on my face - someone is making me drink, drop by drop. I cough.
Slowly, slowly, my eyes open. The right one isn't obeying me, by the other does, and I have to turn see concerned and caring faces. One thousand Menekhetan dancers are jumping on my cranium.
Vision blurry comes into focus. "Cascata," I lift my hand to touch my sister's face.
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Cascata Stregazza
Aristocrat
Future Marquise d?Iz-Entre-Mer; House Stregazza
Posts: 507
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Post by Cascata Stregazza on Jul 10, 2007 18:13:37 GMT -5
I smiled a little to see my brother wake and with enough strength to reach for my face, though I was still concerned about his well being. "How are you brother?" I asked, though it was obvious he wouldn't feel like jumping up and having a foot race.
I continued to wipe the cold water on his face, though I'd stop trying to force the water down his throat since he was awake."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jul 10, 2007 18:20:15 GMT -5
"In hell, sister," I replied, my voice breaking. "In hell."
It all hit me back. Mirielle. Her home, and our lovemaking, so sweet it hurt. How the demon had resurfaced, and how I had jagged it off with her help, her kiss. My confession, and her concern, her questions, her fear. How I had attempted to soothe her, to reassure her - and how I had failed, the unwitting revelation of my love for her the ultimate source of her fear. Our silent goodbyes, her admissions, her dismissal.
I turned away - a tear was mounting, and I could not let her see it. It trickled on the pillow softly, and the pain of the headache, the nausea took over. I gagged - but nothing happened, other than painful thrusts in my abdomen.
Hell.
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Cascata Stregazza
Aristocrat
Future Marquise d?Iz-Entre-Mer; House Stregazza
Posts: 507
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Post by Cascata Stregazza on Jul 10, 2007 23:52:12 GMT -5
My brother sounded even worse than he had looked, and I wondered what had happened. I would not ask him right now, I knew he would tell me when he was ready. Like as much To-Biko already knew and he had a confidant to share his aches with.
He turned his face and then I heard him gag, though he did not throw up. I felt bad for him and I laid my head on his shoulder somewhat hugging him with one arm. "I'm sorry brother, for whatever it is. Just know that things will get better."
Gil was the only relative that I cared for and a close one in that he was my brother. Even if I acted like I didn't care much at times, in truth I cared about him more than anyone else I knew. My father was dead and he was all I had left.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jul 11, 2007 6:19:26 GMT -5
Cascata comforting me was.... strange. I was used to protecting her, not the other way around - but such was our relationship, that I had known instinctively, that she would care and try to help. I brought my hand to her hair and caressed it. "I will survive, Cas, I will survive. Now, I need sleep, but I'll send for you when I wake, and we will talk."
As I spoke, the world spun around me. Oblivion took me, and my eyes closed.
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Cascata Stregazza
Aristocrat
Future Marquise d?Iz-Entre-Mer; House Stregazza
Posts: 507
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Post by Cascata Stregazza on Jul 11, 2007 18:36:22 GMT -5
I stayed for a moment after he fell asleep, but in truth there was not much I could do. I sat up and looked over at To-Biko. "I will watch him, don't worry," he told me. I nodded and took my leave, looking back for a moment at To-Biko's strong frame standing by my brother, probably mainly for my benifit.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jul 11, 2007 18:56:08 GMT -5
The dreams were awful. Later in my life, probably, I would look back on them and think that the horror of them was the uncertainty - were they real, or not ?
Something black was taking over, it grew on me like a plague, something full of hate and hunger, its appetite for destruction a terrifying thing. It grew, and grew, and the only source of light, something blond and fleeting, vanished in the distance. Gods ! Asherat, Isis, Elua, help me.
The beast took over, and suddenly, someone spoke in Habiru, said some words I understood but could not repeat. Strong arms held me - and suddenly, I was in my room, standing, brandishing something - what was it ? And the arms were brown, and I looked around.
To-Biko.
"Gil, it took over. I've never seen or lived this before, but it took over," he said quietly, releasing his hold.
I staggered to the bed, suddenly sickened by what was there, my demon exposed and angry, and I dropped the broken chair leg. Lying on the bed again, I told him.
"I told her, she knows."
To-Biko gave me a quizzical look - then he understood. "Mirielle?"
I nodded faintly.
"Gillermo, it is unacceptable," To-Biko's gruff voice sounded odd in my room - and my head throbbed. I winced. "Do you even realize? This woman is related to a Prince, suffice it to say she is almost royalty !"
I reclined even deeper in my bed. It was absurd of me, I was fully aware, although hearing it from my best friend was helping it settle in. I sighed.
"I know To-Biko, I know. It nearly got the best of me, last night, I swear it did," I said, looking at my hand with disgust. "To think of what this hand can do, it horrifies me. It is against all that I stand for, all that my Father taught me, Brother. My self loathing has never been more powerful."
To-Biko strode over, and leaned against my desk. "You need to address this. Take it out. Go to Valerian."
A shudder went through me. But he was right. I gave a simple nod in ascent.
"I think it's time I told my sister, will you get her?"
To-Biko left, abandoning me to thoughts untold.
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Cascata Stregazza
Aristocrat
Future Marquise d?Iz-Entre-Mer; House Stregazza
Posts: 507
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Post by Cascata Stregazza on Jul 11, 2007 19:04:43 GMT -5
I had gone to my room and had somehow drifted into a light sleep. I heard steps in my half dream and I opened my eyes halfway to see To-Biko standing in the middle of my room. The look on his face told me something was serious, and I remembered my brother's drunken slumber. I stood up quickly asking if everything was alright. To-Biko shook his head in a small yes, but I could tell there was something more to it.
He turned and walked out and I followed him, I already knew were he was going to lead me. His face had told me that much. I followed him into my brother's room seeing him still laying in bed, but awake. I couldn't begin to read the look on his face, but I could tell it was one bearing good news.
"I hope you slept well," I told him, walking over to the bed, noticing that the chair I had placed there earlier had been moved. I simply stood next to his bed, my body relaxed though my mind had 1,000 questions.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jul 11, 2007 19:09:40 GMT -5
"Sister-dear," I said, "I'm sorry to wake you, but I didn't want to wait."
I took a breath, and looked at her affectionately. "I must have driven you out of your wits, and I owe you an explanation. Seeing as it's going to be long, grab a seat, please. And ask away. This is the night where the mantle of discretion will be shed."
I winced. "And would someone get me some water? I have a monstrous headache and a throat filled with Menekhetan sand."
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Cascata Stregazza
Aristocrat
Future Marquise d?Iz-Entre-Mer; House Stregazza
Posts: 507
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Post by Cascata Stregazza on Jul 11, 2007 22:39:54 GMT -5
I looked at my brother curiously as I went to grab the chair I had sat in earlier. While I did not know every single aspect of my brother's life I had never seen him as being discret. I was most curious a to what he would say.
I saw To-Biko go for some water so I sat. "First, I would like to know what happened to you tonight. I don't think I have ever seen you in such a state." I paused for a moment then added in a less demanding voice, "though if its something that's still pains you to much you can tell me later."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jul 12, 2007 2:27:33 GMT -5
"No, it's only fair that you know. Besides, to a certain degree, it concerns you," I told her.
The only thing I could do, was warn Cascata, even more so now that the horror had become more powerful - more uncontrollable.
"Well, you'll have to forgive me if I'm not very structured, Cascata," I said with a large measure of seriousness. "It's... jumbled in my head right now. My thoughts are discombobulated."
To-Biko came back in, setting a glass of water by me. I smiled in gratitude, and resumed the tale. "Tonight... Sister, tonight, I got drunk," I told her. "Or, more specifically, this morning. I went to the Cockeral, ordered some atrocious Eiran liquor, and downed shots uncounted. I'm not sure how I got it, but in the process, someone saw fit to use me as a punching bag."
I paused, waiting for her to react. She would doubtless want to know why I had done such a thing to myself.
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Cascata Stregazza
Aristocrat
Future Marquise d?Iz-Entre-Mer; House Stregazza
Posts: 507
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Post by Cascata Stregazza on Jul 12, 2007 22:05:10 GMT -5
That Gil had gotten drunk and been in a fight was no mystery, the effects were still written all over him. It was a little out of character for him, however, and I wanted to know why.
"I can see that, to some extent, but why did you go to the Cockeral early in the morning to drink so much Eiran liquor" Part of me wanted to ask him why Eiran Liquor since he hadn't spoke highly of it, but I didn't think he wanted me lightening up the conversation. He had things to get off his chest and I would not make it harder for him.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jul 13, 2007 9:51:13 GMT -5
I sighed. That was the heart of the matter, wasn't it?
"It's... complicated, and I don't quite understand myself, Sister. All I know, is that Mirielle had me eating in the palm of her hand, and she crushed me, telling me things that were so contradictory, they were infuriating. As things are, I took my leave, and am to wait until she calls for me. She needs time, and I have given it all to her." Truth was, I would have given Mirielle anything she would have asked of me.
I had given her all that I was, all that I had. And now, I was filled with a disturbing mixture of self-loathing, love, hurt, and fury.
I had drunk to forget, and hadn't. It was only making me sick - and more aware of my own shortcomings.
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Cascata Stregazza
Aristocrat
Future Marquise d?Iz-Entre-Mer; House Stregazza
Posts: 507
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Post by Cascata Stregazza on Jul 13, 2007 13:39:41 GMT -5
I frowned as I heard Gil tell me his problems with Mirielle. I hated to hear that he was feeling such pain. It was in his voice and his face. I reached out and squeezed his hand, partially because there was little else to do. I had just meet Mirielle the day before and did not know enough about her or their relationship to offer true words of advice.
"Hopefully all she needs is time and she calls for you. You did seem quite happy with her. If you want to tell me more of the story I am here to listen. With what I know I can not give very helpful advice." I was honest, though it pained me that I could not help more.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jul 14, 2007 10:31:39 GMT -5
"Cascata, I beleive to be beyond any salvation at the moment," I replied quietly.
"The only thing I can tell you, is this... I have been cursed, with something demoniac, dark and evil. It takes me over in ways that are terrifying, and it endangers the women I desire." I gave her a reassuring look, "I doubt that it would target you, but you need to know this is a real threat."
I stuggled to sit up, and confessed. "What I tell you, you are to accept to keep to yourself. This is a dark secret, and it cannot be told.
I'd just met To-Biko in Meroe, and we had journeyed on to Nubia, threading through the savannah until it turned to something else, a land dry as a desert, and hard as stone. The red, cracked soil smelled of death, and we were grateful the Ras had ordered incredible reserved of water to be carried. Kwame, our Nubian guide, knew the region like the back of his hand, and found the rare streams for us to bivouac.
Time carried on, and we found the Dogon hills, the town of Djenne, and we were introduced to the Moroh Nahba, a man of power and influence, or so he thought. The interview went awry, and it was never clear what had transpired, for it was all spoken in proverbs and subtle metaphors, that it was best we leave.
I never quite accepted that fact - that I had missed my Nubian embassy, and it was rather annoyed and fatigued that I had traced back to Meroe.
It was halfway on the trip, that we encountered the Bantu tribes. They were in the middle of a war, and a group of women and children were stuck in the middle of it all, their lives, the first on the line. Such a thing was inacceptable, and our small party had fought for them, angering the Bantu emperor Shaka-shaka and his shaman Nxumalo.
The inner workings, I never quite fathomed, but my Jebean friend had explained that a lock of my hair, and his, had been taken in our sleep, an evident move by the visible missing patches on both he and I.
It came together more and more - as we coupled with females, we found ourselves prone to actions that would make a Mandrake bow in shame, and that made my skin crawl. He and I both exercised control, much of it, but we had found our time to be running out, and lapses to be increasingly frequent. It was frightening."
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Cascata Stregazza
Aristocrat
Future Marquise d?Iz-Entre-Mer; House Stregazza
Posts: 507
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Post by Cascata Stregazza on Jul 14, 2007 20:51:53 GMT -5
When Gil mentioned his curse I sat back up and looked at him, surprise written in my eyes. I listened as he told me what happened to him in Nubia. When he mentioned To-Biko an image of him thrusting in me aggressively flashed through my mind. I was probably lucky then that nothing bad had happened since he had been drinking prior to my seduction. I also wondered if it was that curse that made him take me and I didn't like that thought. Though I did not like To-Biko in a way to want a serious relationship, I did like the thought of him finding me appealing on his own accord.
When my brother finished I had even less words of comfort than I had before. "Perhaps there is someone in Terre d'Ange who can break the curse. I have heard tale of strange but wonderful things happening within this country."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jul 15, 2007 12:00:35 GMT -5
"Perhaps, Sister," I replied wearily, "Upon my return home, I went to the temple of Asherat, and failed to get the assistance I needed, although I was told there that the answer may be found here, in the City of Elua. I have not been blessed enough so far to find it, although...."
I took in a breath. Mirielle's kiss was suddenly fresh on my lips. She had warded him off, I was almost certain.
"I thought mayhap Gentian would be of interest," I said under my breath. "A seeer, perhaps, would point me in a direction or another."
I gave To-Biko and Cascata a look of concern. "She knows."
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Cascata Stregazza
Aristocrat
Future Marquise d?Iz-Entre-Mer; House Stregazza
Posts: 507
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Post by Cascata Stregazza on Jul 15, 2007 16:04:41 GMT -5
By 'she' I assumed that Gil meant Miri, which explained the drunken scene that had presented itself in the house earlier.
"A Gentian would probably help," I told Gil, "if anything they may know who could help. Just be careful in making sure that you are assigned the right Gentian. You do not want to cause a scene in one of the thirteen houses."
I thought back to our dinner and the spark that had been there between my brother and Miri. She did not come across to me as a unreasonable woman. I put a hand on his, hoping to comfort him some. "Even if she is unsure about you because of the curse, I believe you can repair things later. Espcially if you are able to beat it. I will help you brother, in any way I can to find a cure."
I then turned briefly and looked at To-Biko. He may not be a Stregazza by blood, but he was family of sorts. "and you as well To-Biko, it would not due to have the two men I care about the most haunted by past demons."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jul 16, 2007 10:15:02 GMT -5
I patted Cascata's hand gently. "Thank you, darling little sister. But I doubt this has anything to do with her rebuttal. She is afraid of something else, something I likely cannot be cured of," I said with a wan smile.
"I am afraid your womanizing brother has met his match, Cascata," I added as my mind drifted.
Obscurity surrounded me, and I heard To-Biko's gruff voice rise. He grumbled something in Jebean about my intelligence to alienate a woman who was almost a royal, whose friends could hurt me.
Then, in Caerdicci, he said, "I am sorry, My Lady Cascata, I should have told you."
And my mind closed on thoughts of what I should have done, or not, and on a tender voice calling me her Fox.
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Cascata Stregazza
Aristocrat
Future Marquise d?Iz-Entre-Mer; House Stregazza
Posts: 507
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Post by Cascata Stregazza on Jul 16, 2007 18:04:09 GMT -5
I could see Gil's thoughts going toward Miri again, a look coming to his eyes I had not seen in him before. "Though it might sound hard, if she really is the one for you than she will come back. This is a land in which it is taught that you should love as you will."
I turned toward To-Biko when I heard him address me. He appologized and it struck up the curiosity in me again. I did not want to talk about it in front of Gil though. It was his day for confessions and not mine. Even though me and To-Biko didn't have a relationship so to speak, I still didn't want to put anything more on his mind.
"Do not worry, To-Biko, its not exactly something that has come up on conversation." In truth he hadn't, since I had not given him much chance to speak. I was a little torn between the two men, questions aplenty I had for both. Since Gil was my brother and I had his attentions at the moment, or at least what part of them Miri hadn't stole, I turned toward him.
"Miri did offer to take me to Balm House for a massage. I could always send her a note and see if she will still honor her offer and then inquire for you. She may be more comfortable talking to me since she doesn't feel as emotionally affected by my presence."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jul 17, 2007 11:54:46 GMT -5
I had been about to slumber back - but Cascata said things, about Love as thou willt and destiny, about Balm house and Miri.
I forced my eyes open. "Cascata-dear, this is one thing of many complications," I mumbled, sleep a forceful foe on me. "Mirielle Bellamont is to be your liege one day, and she is related to the Trevalions, your future Sovereign Duc," I told her. "You would be best advised not to get involved, yet not to refuse her invitation should she pursue it. I am sorry that love and politics are making things so complex, but such is Terre d'Ange. Compartimentalization was never a D'Angeline concept."
I sighed, and sat up, taking another gulp of water to keep my mind on her. "Thankfully, we are related to a powerful monarch, and I beleive the Queen to have friendly intentions. Whatever may transpire of all this will hopefully be quenched by the friendships we have."
Giving her a contrite look, I concluded. "Mirielle will come to me on her time, if she wishes it. No need to push for it - I want her free and happy... and if she refuses me, then Asherat be my guide," I concluded.
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Cascata Stregazza
Aristocrat
Future Marquise d?Iz-Entre-Mer; House Stregazza
Posts: 507
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Post by Cascata Stregazza on Jul 17, 2007 13:36:11 GMT -5
I listened to Gil's speech, it was his relationship and I would follow what he wanted. When he was done I nodded, understanding it for the most part though it did seem that life would grow more complicated instead of less as I gained my title.
"Whatever you wish brother, it is you that I care about most. I just hope that things do work out for you in the end. I will let Miri make all the first moves if she does want a friendship. I do like her somewhat, but I will wait and see how she feels."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jul 17, 2007 14:00:48 GMT -5
"Sweet sister, you are lovely," I told her, opening my arms to give her a brotherly embrace. "I love her dearly, but I love you more, and would hate to be the cause of any strife for you," I said, my arms folding around her as she obliged. "Now, I think I should let us all sleep, and see in the morning," I added quietly, my eyes closing on their own.
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Cascata Stregazza
Aristocrat
Future Marquise d?Iz-Entre-Mer; House Stregazza
Posts: 507
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Post by Cascata Stregazza on Jul 17, 2007 17:59:04 GMT -5
I returned my brother's hug and kissed him on the forhead as he fell asleep. I wasn't feeling quite as drowsy as Gil was. I stood up to leave but I gave To-Biko a look that said, "follow me," and then walked out hoping that he would.
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