(Past) She was born in Remoriah as a noble, in a nice big house. Yet it was cozier and smaller than the mansions most nobles lived in. She heard tales about when her father lost his nobility and how he and her mother joined a group of mercenaries. How they were the ones responsible for a revolution, which lead them to marry; since his mother was a commoner and so, forbidden to marry her father, him being a noble and cross-class marriage was illegal at the time. For those reasons Rebecca greatly respects and enjoys her parents company, so she grew up in their happy little home. Never knowing they had once owned a castle or fought using magic, nor were able to transform into Demi-Gods to protect their world and it's dimensions...
It was safe to say, however, that her parents made the right choice in raising her simply. Had she known, she might've gotten into worse danger at a young age... So she spent most of her early childhood indoors, with her father. Her mother had ownership of a lot of market districts from cities near and far, so she was always doing business even when she was at home. On the other hand, her father had never worked much aside his writing and music, which were self-employed jobs. Plus he was always somewhat sickly and disliked being alone, so he found his daughter to be the perfect companion aside their family pets. This caused them to grow close and although her mother loved her very much as well, her father always enjoyed spoiling her.
(Present) Rebecca grew up into a fine young lady, though still a child at the age of eleven.. she preferred to play outside than indoors. Still, she knew her father needed her, so she stayed with him most of the time. Her mother would be around whenever there wasn't much business to be taken care of. Her job required a bit of traveling at times, usually during the week; then mostly calculating, lists and charts of stock and that sort of thing. Of course, she still found time to be with the family, even when the kitchen table was cluttered with her work papers.
Rebecca's daily life often included school, church, her chores, homework and studying, playing with their pets (her father and sometimes her mother, shared the responsibility of taking care of them), then looking after her father when he was ill and taking care of him when her mother was away. (Katrina would usually be the one to do it, so she taught Rebecca to, in her stead.) Any free time she had was usually playing outside when the weather was nice. With the boys and girls from their city. Common, noble or what have you; that didn't matter as long as they were having fun. On days with bad weather, or when she didn't feel like going out, she'd spend time with her parents or learning new hobbies like crafts or cooking.
One day when Rebecca was eleven years old, while she was still in school, she stumbled upon a secret... It had been a gloomy morning, but she was hoping sincerely it wouldn't rain or storm. It was an important day after all, it was her parents' ?th (undecided) anniversary. Plus recently, things had been hard for them. Her father had been very sick and her mother was having trouble with her job. Not much money had come in and they both knew that they couldn't afford presents. So instead they planned to go somewhere nice together after Katrina came home from work. Rebecca promised to watch the house for them, since she would have homework to do. That morning Rebecca got up early and fixed things up for them, all the while, the grey clouds began casting over the sun.
Soon her parents got up and were surprised by how nice everything looked. Rebecca even wanted to help make breakfast, but she couldn't have made it by herself.. so her mother helped. By noon Rebecca could see from outside the school house's window that the clouds were even darker. She started to worry. Always having relied on them to have such a nice life, even being born into nobility, she wanted them to have a good anniversary. It was the first anniversary they had had that she ever knew about or had been born to see, anyway. As Edward and Katrina were getting ready to go out, a light rain came.. then some thunder. Apparently a hail storm was well on it's way, as the weather in the paper stated. They hadn't told Rebecca about the forecast, because they hoped it was a mistake and they knew how hard she was trying to make it better for them. So they figured they could spend the day together and perhaps make homemade gifts of some sort. Rebecca, however, was furious. All of this time she had seen the trouble they went through, and yet all she could do was study in hopes of someday getting a good job.. If they didn't have money, then they barely had food, and then they didn't have medicine when her father needed it either.
On her way home, Rebecca was in a rotten mood. Even if she had an umbrella, she thought... "Where are mom and dad?", "Are they having a good time?", "What if they left the house already and got caught in the rain?", "They'll get sick if they went too far and things are already so rough right now..."; she didn't know what to do, so she started to run home. As she crossed the streets, running to avoid the carriages which were having trouble steering in the rain, she slipped on the wet cobblestone and fell. She scraped her knee and tore her stocking. She knew they wouldn't be happy to see that.. Meanwhile, she didn't realize her backpack had fallen off, leaving most of it's contents discarded and wet. Not to mention, a bratty kid ran by and snatched it, thinking it had food or something good in it.. Rebecca got up, disheartened, she almost felt like crying.. and continued the walk home. All the way she remembered those things, the fact she counted on her schooling to make things better and now... she didn't even have her homework.
When she had gotten half way home, the rain was fully pouring and the wind was blowing much harder. It blew so hard that her umbrella flew into an alleyway. Figuring she had nothing else to lose, she ran after it. Then she slid down a staircase, the kind that are built down below the street level.. and fell to her knees again. This time, ripping both knees. She was starting to get frustrated, out of all the dumb luck! So she went back up the stairs, just to see that her umbrella had landed in someone's yard... Huffy, she went after it. Then just as she had hoisted herself over the fence and got in, she heard the sound of a chain.. and a dog whimpering. She froze for a second, before spotting the umbrella. A big, nasty looking black dog looked up at her, and it was holding her umbrella like a chew toy! Though she figured he was held by a chain, it was obvious she needed to get by him in order to rescue her umbrella... Still, her father had bought it for her and there was no way she was letting it get trashed by some dog!
Upset, but still knowing the danger, she rushed at it to grab the umbrella. As the dog barked in response, she was able to pull the handle from it's mouth; but as she pulled back the dog jumped toward her. Her first instinct was to run, so she turned around. Just as she started to run off, she also realized, the chain she heard from before.. wasn't attached to anything... Rebecca spun around and the dog was directly behind her! Wasn't this great, not only were her parents having as bad a time as she was, but now their daughter might become mauled as well! She looked angry but a tear formed in her eye, "If only it hadn't rained today!!", she thought. Panicking, she made a sharp turn around the dog and ran behind the tree. That didn't seem to stop it though, as it could see the big umbrella sticking out from the side of the tree - it's previous chew toy. When she heard it coming after her again, she did the only thing she could think of and... climbed the tree. Generally it was hard, holding an umbrella and all, but she used her nimbleness and fear of being chewed to death, to scale it.
She used this chance to catch her breath. It had been a long way up and a frustrating day, which also had seemed longer just because of that! She sighed, looking out to the rainy, thundering skies.. at least now she was protected by the leaves; when she remembered - lightning hits objects the higher up they are. This included giant trees that happened to be in people's backyards... Rebecca gulped and looking down, and then, as if by instinct, with the strangest, most accurate timing - lightning struck. She cringed in fear of electrocution.. but suddenly felt energized, and.. her x (undecided) stung. "What.. is this?", she thought, looking down her x was glowing. A strange pattern had formed there, she had seen the scar before.. ever since she was born, but... it never glowed like this. Then, she heard the dog bark again and she looked down. Disoriented and off-guard, she got upset, "Lousy mutt..!", she thought. Just then a small bolt of lightening flickered off the ground in front of it, causing the dog to whimper and run off. "Did I make that happen?!", she thought. Shaking her head from the delusion, she counted herself lucky to not have died and carefully climbed down the tree.
As she looked off towards the kennel, she noticed the dog was hiding it's face with it's paws. She tilted her head in confusion, "What a funny dog..", she muttered. Looking down, she wondered what happened back in the tree; then remembered her parents. She worried if they were struck by lightning as well. "This.. this rain needs to stop. I was lucky!", she gasped, "If they're not so lucky, then... then, they might be..", she shook off the fear of the chance that might happen; and just as she did, she noticed her x glowing once again.. a funny feeling came over her, then the rain slowed to a stop. She looked up.. bemused, "..I.. I did that?", she paused, taking in the glowing, sensation and the changes, "I did that!!", she cheered. "Woohoo!!", she threw her arms up in the air, as the sun began shining more, casting the clouds away. However, her cheering was short lived by the dog's bark, which caused her to jump over the fence as quickly as possible! When she got home, all was well. They had never gone out and still managed to have a nice day so far. Rebecca was relieved, but then.. she had to explain her skinned knees, ripped stockings and the loss of her backpack. Surprisingly they took things well, minus the knees which called for band-aids.. - Then came the time when they had to explain her "scar".
Apparently both of her parents had used magic as well, like she now did. They each had scars, as well as many of their allies in the past. These were not scars, but "bearings". It proved they bore mana in their veins, the physical manifestation of the will to use magic. From that day on she had the power to control elements! Well, elements of the weather and terrain anyway. She researched this at school the next day and discovered it was called "Geomancy". Of course, the weather wasn't affected all around the world... just in small area, like a town or a city. Still, it was an amazing feat. She was sure losing her homework was nothing compared to this! That night her parents decided to spend their anniversary at home together, telling Rebecca all of the stories about their magical past and reminiscing about the journeys that lead them through it.
She wondered if one day, she would go on a journey too...
Showing posts with label Stories. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stories. Show all posts
Background Summary : Edward
Friday, November 19, 2010
See related posts: Edward Langley's Profile.
Ch.1 Edward's Birth
Ch.2 Early Childhood
Ch.3 Childhood
Ch. 4 Youth
Ch. 5 Adolescence
Ch. 6 Prologue
Ch.1 Edward's Birth
Years: 995 (Age: 1)
Edward's birth was a planned pregnancy, to be the Duke's heir. He was meant to be the future ruler of Remoriah and owner of the Langley estate, wealth and family name. Sadly, his mother Lady Elizabeth Langley passed away shortly after giving birth; due to her illness and the fact that they had no skilled practitioners and could not arrive to the clinic on time. Doctors also determined that Edward inherited her chronic illness. This caused his father to see him as useless in becoming the next Duke. A good heir was thought to be strong and confident so they could rule over the city. They should also be healthy to live long and have many children.
Though Elizabeth had been bedridden most of her life, her generous contributions to the city were not forgotten and she remained beloved by her people even after death. She'd even helped build the cathedral and private school, St. Lumina, among other charities. Edward was somewhat shunned for causing her death; and so, he was born into a dark age in Remoriah. An age where the Duke drank away his depression and lost his ambition. This lead to a loss of the city's wealth. The peoples' morale had dwindled. Fortunately, Duke Mathias was still wealthy enough to maintain servants to take care of his son.
Ch.2 Early Childhood
Years: 996-1000 (Age: 2-5)
Since the death of his wife, the Duke would not speak of her; nor let anyone else. However, Edward did gain one thing with his father's disregard to his mother's death; he was able to keep his mother's brooch as an heirloom. When he was old enough to walk and talk, he'd noticed it lying around the house one day and asked if he could have it. It had long been abandoned, which was odd, since she wore it every day and yet it was not buried with her. His father carelessly accepted, never telling him who it belonged to. He wasn't sure why, but it had a special feel to it; a sense of love and security which came from his mother, who had worn it every day while she was alive. So unknowingly, he began wearing it every day as well.
Eventually, because of his father's irresponsibility he hired a caretaker named Rachel to look after his son while he was away. He may have considered her to be a replacement for a mother, but it was unheard of for such a relationship; so his father ignored any such advances she made. This fact depressed Rachel as well, since she had fallen in love with Mathias and she would often disregard Edward carelessly. During this time he wasn't allowed to go outside alone and he was sheltered, being looked after by his servants. In fact, due to the constant service, Edward became selfish and helpless. He also had a horrible sweet tooth and since he could ask his servants for anything he wanted and his father wasn't there most of the time, he stunted his growth by not getting a good nutrition. Still, he wasn't able to go overboard with this, due to the fact his father set strict limits for him. Also because his father considered his looks as his only bragging right, he became vain; seeing his looks as the only praiseworthy trait his father mentioned, he'd spend more time on grooming than most boys his age.
The rest of his time he spent playing with his cousins, singing and finding other musings. They would visit him on weekends and because they disliked playing roughly, they enjoyed Edward's company even if he was unable to get out of bed. Edward would spend weekends at their place in the next city. He'd also attend church and sing in the choir with them, since their family traveled to Remoriah to attend mass at St. Lumina. It was thanks to them for giving him his first social outlet. This kept him from becoming cold hearted even though he was quiet and gloomy most of the time. Soon they would be going to school though and would not see each other often other than during the holidays.
Ch.3 Childhood
Years: 1001-1006 (Age: 6-12)
The only present he ever received from his father was a golden pocket watch, it was handed down to him on his sixth birthday. His father didn't care for worrying about time anymore, and he suggested Edward did; so as not to be late for classes and meetings, among other things. Though they had issues with each other, he came to treasure the watch as a sole memory of his father and his home.
When Edward became old enough to attend public school, he befriended a girl named Diana. She had just moved in and took her cat Percy with her everywhere she went. She was even holding the cat on the day that they met. Diana was noble as well, but not as proper as the others. This influenced Edward's speech because he respected her the most. She was a bit older than him and acted as an older sister or a concerned girlfriend, though they were too young to understand what love was at the time. She would follow him wherever he went to make sure he'd be safe, and well understood the situation his family placed him in, as well as his health conditions. She would encourage him to try coming outside more often.
During his days out he had with Diana, Edward had a few run-ins with a local street gang; a boy named Bruce and three younger girls who were siblings. They were homeless and bitter towards nobility, since the Duke's drinking habits had caused their parents to lose their jobs. Also because of Edward's timid nature he was one of the few nobles who was easiest to pick on; he wasn't mean or arrogant, nor had he anyone to call on for protection. This made them target him specifically whenever they saw him, but Diana would do her best to get help when she could.
Later on it was decided that Edward would be home schooled when his illness began causing him frequent blackouts. For that reason, he has little recollection of his childhood. Luckily Diana had been there most of the time to carry him somewhere safe, but one unfortunate time he fainted on a business trip with his father. Of course his father hadn't noticed his son collapse inside of the bank, and went on to do his business. A shady passerby, a possible bank robber grabbed and ran off with Edward for ransom. During this time the Duke was unaware of where his son had gone and went home to send a search party.
At first when he hadn't attended school for a few days, most of the children assumed he was just sick. It was common he would take a few days off; but when Diana heard about his disappearance, she immediately went to go look for him. Her family was concerned when she went missing to investigate for a few days, and the Duke soon received the ransom note. He was confronted with her parents as well, as to where their daughter went; since his son was already missing. Thanks to Diana's values and cunning outweighing her noble blood, she was able to find him locked up in a closet of a shabby house in the slums. She was smart and had asked around and found that the man was seen running out of the bank with the boy a few days ago. From then on, she found out the man's whereabouts.. and snuck into the house. After freeing him, she took Edward home. Yet another conflict awaited them...
Apparently during this time a murder had occurred in the city. The search party who had been looking for the Duke's son had already returned and had been lied to by the street urchins, along with the criminal investigators of the murder, being told that Edward had been involved because of his disappearance. Diana was furious, but the kids were smart enough to make a plan to spread the rumor throughout the city. So Diana took off with Edward for his safety; had they stayed, her parents as well as his father would scold them and possibly send Edward to jail. So Diana decided she wouldn't go home, nor would he, until they proved him innocent. So they traveled through town, hid out in the woods and avoided their families while trying to find the murderer. During their time together Diana also learned of Edward's ability to use light magic; he'd used it on instinct when they encountered trouble in the woods. This became their secret.
Eventually they caught the murderer and returned home. Though Diana was scolded because of Edward's "bad influence" on her, and her family decided to move to another city. Diana didn't regret helping her friend, she made the decision. However she wasn't old enough to stop her parents from moving. Before leaving, she gave her cat Percy to him to take care of, she thought it would be better to keep him company.
Edward became somewhat depressed without Diana and began to find hobbies to distract himself with. He learnt to play and write music, some instruments including the violin and piano by the age of 12. Having focused on his studies and hobbies over everything else, he was able to accomplish this in a little more than a year.
Ch. 4 Youth
Years: 1007-1010 (Age: 13-16)
Since he had learned to sing in the choir with his cousins; he started singing to drive away depression when he was alone, which was quite often. Though this behavior would be considered childish for a boy his age, he hadn't had the chance to mature much in the first place.. He also continued practicing playing instruments around the house, since the place was so big the sound wouldn't bother anyone. The only other hobby he really had was to read and write, which being home schooled gave him a lot of opportunities for. Edward decided that he wanted to become a famous novelist or composer around the age of 13.
Frequently he fought with his father over various things, including his career; which also caused him to be locked out of his own home on occasion. He started to act more on his own and became less passive around this age. Despite his father's and servants' disapproval, he would take walks through the city more often. His health seemed to have improved and he wasn't blacking out anymore. He was thankful that Diana had encouraged him to go outside and not to let his illness take over his life.
On the other hand, now with Diana gone, his loneliness had caused him anxiety at times when he was left alone for too long. This was later diagnosed as monophobia and was relative to abandonment issues during early childhood. Rachel, feeling responsible, bought him a custom hand mirror for his 14th birthday. It was gold with a rose embellishing on the back. She knew he'd like it because of his vanity and that he preferred gold jewelry and would always ask for roses to be planted in the garden. Though her love for his father had caused her to forget him occasionally, being his guardian she wanted him to at least feel at ease if she couldn't be there for him. Surprisingly this trick worked, as long as he had eye contact with a living being the anxiety was gone. So he began carrying it with him when he went out.
Around the time he was 15 he met a stray dog which he adopted, naming it Pietro. His father insisted it couldn't live indoors because of the cat that he already owned. Though his father held resentment for him, he didn't have the heart to take the cat away. It was the only memento of his bestfriend. So Edward decided to keep Pietro outdoors, still it became loyal and would guard him from bullies whenever he went out as well as always follow him and stay close by even when he went inside. Having been a stray, it already knew it's way around; though it was very young, it was fiesty and playful with a nasty bite. Percy on the other hand was domestic entirely, it wasn't a fighter and needed to live indoors. Percy and Pietro kept Edward content among a few other less close friends, but his studies and meetings took up most of his time.
On Edward's 16th birthday, his father held a ball in his honor. Edward found this to be very out of the ordinary... His father had never celebrated his birth before. Rachel too was setting up the festivities, so at first he thought maybe they felt bad for him now that Diana was gone. But then he overheard this was merely a chance to find a future bride for him. When the council had a meeting with his father about his will, it was decided he would marry Edward off and find a new son to become his heir. This ensured that Edward would become a key to greater wealth and connections, rather than useless.
During the ball, Edward was forced to sit in a chair somewhat resembling a throne near the back of the ballroom. He sat there, depressed and missing Diana as the boys and girls danced across the ballroom floor; and of course his father would not give him the choice to choose any girl to dance with.. instead, it was arranged that he'd dance with a girl named Franceska; a young noblewoman who would be attending fashionably late. This sort of pompous behavior didn't interest Edward at all.. nor did most of the noblewomen. He found their pale, fragile faces, just as depressing as his own; not to mention the fact that they faked fainting and acting distressed, when he had already dealt with such, on a realistic level. When they met, the girl was picky and selfish. She hardly noticed Edward other than whether she looked good with him or not, and asked him about the things he owned or would own, while forcing him to cater to her. After the ball, it was decided that Edward and Franceska would marry when they were 18 years old.
Ch. 5 Adolescence
Years: 1011 (Age: 16)
Looking for any distractions from his loneliness, he continued to hone his usual hobbies of writing and music. He had proved his disinterest in becoming the next Duke through previous council meetings. He hadn't seen Franceska since the day of the ball either and was now fearing his 18th birthday...
On a nice day in Autumn, when he took a walk to get away from problems at home, he happened to walk past the orchard in the middleclass part of the city; there he saw the most beautiful girl he thought he'd ever seen. The orchard owner's daughter was a commoner though, so he had no chance of meeting her. He knew that if he did, he would only cause more trouble. So instead, he'd continue to take walks just to see her. Stopping by the orchard almost daily, but resorting to hiding in barrels or behind crates to avoid the street gang, or to avoid being seen by his crush.
One day he decided to send her a valentine, but knowing he couldn't trust any of his servants to deliver it without someone finding out.. he decided to bring it himself. When he came to his usual spot, he wondered where he could put it for her to find. At first he thought the mailbox, but then thought.. what if her father found it instead? So he ended up climbing over the orchard fence, where he usually saw her working. He looked for a place to put the valentine, but wasn't fast enough; the girl was already opening the back door. Impulsively he dropped the valentine and jumped inside a barrel to hide. When the girl found the letter, she opened it and leaned on the barrel to read it. But her weight was more than his, causing the barrel to topple over. Luckily she had finished reading the valentine by the time he'd fallen out. Knowing he was the one who left it for her, she was more amused than frightened or angry. Her name was Katrina and luckily for him, she preferred gentlemen over the usual guys who asked her out. From then on they became friends and would try to see eachother often.
Of course Edward's caretaker caught onto his frequent trips outside and knowing he was now alone, without Diana; she sent someone to keep an eye on him. When Rachel found out that Edward was seeing a commoner, she locked him up in his room and said she would tell his father when he returned; he was on a trip to another city and would be home in a few days. Edward became so distraught in his room that he somehow was able to escape. Having become closer with Katrina than he had even been with Diana, over these short few visits, he knew he'd feel safer to be with her. So he went straight to the orchard.
Once his father had returned and heard of his meetings with a common woman, he was angry but at the same time.. happy. Rachel didn't understand this, that is until he told her his reason for the trip in the first place. Apparently he was furthering connections with Franceska's family. It was also arranged that Edward would have dinner at their house the coming weekend. Overjoyed for the Duke's increased chance at wealth, Rachel quickly opened Edward's door so that he could hear the news. Finding no one, the Duke became furious again, and sent some men to go and find him. He did not want to lose this chance at marrying him off... Rachel did her best to comfort him, but the Duke, as rules were closer to him than his own heart, pushed her away and began drinking.
All of this time Edward had spent telling Katrina what happened. She comforted him as usual, until he wasn't worried anymore. Now, having warmed up to her new fiancée, she was brave enough to walk him home; even if it meant walking straight up to his door. She was sure she could find a way to reason with his father, and despite nervousness, Edward trusted her. On the way home, the men his father had sent found them. At the time the Duke had been so mad at his son's disobedience he had ordered them to detain him in any way possible, so long as he was alive. So the men roughed him into submission and began carrying him off, while Katrina did her best to chase after them. She eventually lost them on the way, and even though she was determined to stop them.. she realized they were only taking him home; though she hated their methods. She went as far as she could, but in the end she had no choice but to return home when they refused to let her through the gates.
Lucky for Mathias she hadn't been allowed in, or she would have killed him for beating Edward senseless in a drunken rage when he got home. After that he had the men put him back in his room and increase security. It was obvious at this point the Duke as well as Rachel had become corrupt out of their sorrows. Edward was desperate to leave out of fear of what would happen next, but was too badly injured and well-guarded to leave.. So he stayed in his room, looking out the window and playing sad songs until he fell asleep.
The next morning Rachel had some servants come in and clean Edward up for his banquet with Franceska tonight. Franceska arrived late as usual with the same, if not worse, snobby attitude. She picked on every little imperfection of their household and when she saw Edward, complained of how tired and sick he looked. She insisted she could not possibly be seen with him in public. His father scolded him for this, though it was a helpless cause; even if he said he would do his best to improve appearances, he simply could not because he was unhappy. Needless, the Duke arranged for them a carridge to drive in the night. Franceska accepted, rolling her eyes.
On the way to her house, Franceska tried to get to know him better. Even though she was still the same selfish person, she now seemed somewhat interested in her fiancée more than what he owned. However, Edward didn't care to tell her anything and was quiet most of the way. He was too sick and depressed to talk with her. She was a bit angry that he ignored her advances and yelled for the driver to go faster. When they got home she took him up to her room to tried to put some make up on his face before her parents arrived. She didn't understand why he didn't seem to care at all. Dinner was terribly quiet and when Edward was asked anything, he replied lying that he was fine and the food was good; nothing enthusiastic, but nothing bad. Her parents assumed the boy was just boring, but they didn't seem to care. He was the Duke's son afterall, so they thought they were getting a good deal of wealth as well; though it was the other way around.
The next few days Franceska would stop by Edward's house to see him, or to bring him over to stay the night. Out of offense she was persistent to get to know him.
"Why would he not want to marry me?", she thought.
Eventually out of loneliness, Edward opened up to Franceska to why he was depressed and what had happened. Since his father had made it so there was no way he could see Katrina again. As they continued spending time together Franceska realized she was falling in love with him. She also learned many things about nobles and commoners, that nobles were not perfect nor destined for happiness; as Edward revealed what a rough life he'd had. She also learned that commoners like Katrina could be kind people as well.. but knowing how he loved Katrina and loving him herself, she struggled and was able to lose her selfishness.. She told him that he didn't have to marry her if he didn't want to. Edward was surprised, but suddenly a little happier. She even agreed to lead him to Katrina so that they could be together.
That night Franceska told her parents that Edward was staying over, so they could have a night out. They left happily and Franceska told the servants to keep an eye out for their return, while she took Edward to Katrina. They promised not to tell where they were headed. In the middle of the night they ran to the orchard. The previous day Edward had sent a carrier sparrow from his balcony, with a letter for Katrina; (Edward seemed to be able to train sparrows easily ever since he'd delivered that first letter to Katrina himself.) The letter had a poem and it told her to wait outside in the orchard tomorrow night so she could see Edward again. However, when they got there, Katrina was gone. Edward thought that maybe she didn't want to see him again.. Franceska started to take him home, when Bruce approached them in the streets, saying that he knew where Katrina was. Edward believed him in desperation, though should not have been so naive as to believe him of all people. When Bruce lead them to the docks they saw Katrina step onboard a ship with many bags of luggage and a young nobleman. Edward watched in disbelief as the ship sailed away... Bruce said that she was going to marry that man.
Hopeless and disheartened, Edward returned to his father's estate after seeing Franceska home. Franceska vowed she would be a good wife to him, but even though he appreciated her kindness, he didn't seem happy. Yet a new trouble had brewed, the Duke had heard from Franceska's parents where they went that night. Apparently one of her servants hadn't kept their promise.. Edward was scolded, but luckily not beaten. In his current state he knew he couldn't handle that.. However, new terms were made... it became apparent that Franceska's parents no longer trusted Edward, nor were they impressed. The marriage was off. Edward didn't care, but he did when he heard what came next. His father had already found a new heir during the past days he spent with Franceska; his Nephew. Not wanting to pursue another noble daughter's hand in marriage for his son, he decided Edward was unfit to be married and banished him to the streets. Edward carried what little he could and was forced out of his home.
Edward spent the next few months living on the streets, the urchins would make trouble for him whenever possible. He lamented the loss of Katrina, his home, his name and even his violin. He was too depressed to sing, nevertheless it would be considered queer to be singing in the streets in the first place; especially in his situation. He had to resort to chasing chickens and stealing food, though that ended up getting him jailed for a short time. Luckily at that time jailing was so common because of the poverty, he was quickly released for a more urgent crime. Through struggles and depression his health eventually worsened as Winter approached. He became certain he'd die on the streets, falling into a deep sleep.
Ch. 6 Prologue
Years: 1011 (Age: 16-17)
Just as Edward was giving up, after much struggling through the coldness of Winter on the streets; Katrina returned to the city. After she heard he'd been banished, she searched the city, assuming he would not have gone far. When she found him collapsed in the snow, Katrina woke him up and took him in so that he could recover. Katrina explained how she had been on a trip overseas as a representative of her father's business. It was important and she hadn't had time nor had been able to contact him previously, since his father had locked him up.
After resting up in their guest room, Edward told Katrina to check the windowsill. She was confused, but did so. Upon opening the window she found a dead carrier sparrow with the letter from Edward. It became apparent that he'd been thinking of her all of this time and the fact that this was a sparrow he had owned, it must have meant a lot for him to send it... Also for the fact that it had loyally waited until death for this important delivery to be made, reminded Katrina that if she had returned much later, he too, could have perished. These were all things that caused her to continue to stay by his side, besides of course, the fact that she loved him. She even followed him on a trip to the neighboring city to see some relatives when he was well again. Though they had some mishaps along the way, cousins were eventually able to assist them financially until they could better get on their feet.
So Edward spent the rest of the Winter staying with Katrina and her father Abel. Their home was connected behind the produce shop that her father ran, where Katrina worked part time. There he learned to help with chores and housework, while continuing to develop a career in writing. Katrina was happy just to have him around, though her father was less enthusiastic. His stoic personality and seriousness about traditions caused conflict with their relationship. He often complained that Edward was not manly enough to be her husband, nor did he have any way to take care of her, not to mention his sheltered upbringing. Needless to say the two didn't get along, though Edward showed more attempt to.
(WiP notes: Edward gets a new violin/gets his old one? as a 17th birthday present? Spring comes, story progresses w/ mercenaries.)
Story : Epitaph
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Title: Epitaph
Author: Edward (Me, though the character portrayed here with the same name is not myself.)
Type: Story, Romance.
POV: First person (Edward).
OCs: Edward, Katrina.
Status: On-going...
"I'm so sick and tired...
I've got no will to go on, but somehow I keep going.."
Limping through the snow-covered back streets of a great city that I used to rule, I couldn't bare to step any further. It's not like I had someplace to go. So I laid down under one of my final possessions; the blanket too, was soon covered in snow. I figured I would soon be covered under a blanket of white; sleep, then fade into a peaceful death... My only hope was that it would come soon.
As I lie there, I could only wonder how I had gotten so low. I used to have it all; a nice home, a family, servants, the love of my life.. All because of her, I had lost everything I'd had. Then she too.. moved on, I suppose. I wouldn't know, she's far gone by now; whisked away by some nobleman on a ship. I felt just awful, I was no longer a noble myself, since my father knew I was in love with her.. a common woman. Then when trying to marry me off to another noble didn't work, I was sentenced to banishment; for my uselessness alone.
The duke's own son, who would have ruled over this city.. reduced to this. I know why, though.. He hadn't cared for me since I was born. No one had. I caused my mother's death afterall. That, among other things. No one wants to deal with me; I'm no leader...
Like a fool I followed my heart and ended up risking everything for her; then when I finally came back for her, it was too late. Father would never forgive me either. Somehow, some way, no matter what I do, women always seem to make trouble for me.
In my heart it was worth it; but in my mind, I was the one who had lost.
"Katrina.. I hope you're out there somewhere, and you're happy."
I wasn't bitter, I forced myself to accept this. Sure, I felt like a fool lying in the streets.. but by this time I'd gotten used to it. My life was over, as I saw it. I couldn't fend for myself, I was too weak to do any work like a commoner would have been able to; especially at this point.
Nobility, it's useless.. or rather, it can render one so.
Yet.. I was so much happier then;
being taken care of, without a care in the world.
Now.. I'm not prepared to suffer for it.
I couldn't remember how much time had passed, but I was utterly certain it was time to face the music and meet my final end.
Just then, I heard a voice from far away...
It must have been the voice of an angel coming to take me, I thought..
"Ed.. !!-ward..!!"
Such a faint, distant echo... I smiled, keeping my eyes closed.
Maybe I'll finally be at peace now.
Suddenly, I heard footsteps. The shouting grew louder.
"Edward!!!"
My eyes flew open in unison.
"Edward! What are you doing here?! Get up!
That's no place for you to be sleeping, you idiot..!"
That was no angel... I turned my head.
It was Katrina.
"Katrina..?", I murmured, half awake.
I felt groggy and stiff from the cold.
"I said get up!", she squatted and pulled me up by my arm.
The feeling of her strong arms melted the numbness in mine.
Seeing her here was confusing, but nonetheless a life saver.
"I heard what your father did. Those damn brats. They gave you trouble, didn't they?", she asked, referring to the local street gang.
They hated the nobility and specifically me.
My father was the one who caused their parents to lose their jobs afterall.
"They did, but that was some time ago.. Where were you?", I paused, trying to remember, "I heard you'd left. I saw you at the docks and.."
"You saw me? Then why didn't you come ask me for help??", she seemed mad, but I could tell she was only very concerned.
"What? Did you just decide to give up after your father dumped you on the streets?!", The tears showed through her speech rather than her eyes. I realized I didn't have to explain anything that I'd gone through now, that she didn't already assume out of worry..
I had just gotten back on my feet and she already began assessing my situation. She always acted like this when I was in trouble.. as if she could undo what happened or stop who did this to me; though, someone who didn't know her would think she was only scolding me.
I noticed a few people stop and stare at us in the streets.
I paused out of the discomfort, as well to think things through.
"...Bruce.", was the first image I could recall. Though, to my disgust..
He and his friends were homeless too and so they always bothered me when I was out. That tall boy who always seemed smug when he wasn't getting angry for some reason. He always competed for Katrina's love, and was jealous of my heritage.
"He told me that you were getting married.", I said, remembering back to the time when he had lead me to the docks, "Then he showed me. You were with some nobleman at the docks.. heading away somewhere on a ship. I didn't want to.."
"Interfere? Well then maybe you shouldn't have assumed! I wasn't with that man! He was a client for my father!!", she shouted.
"When I see that Bruce guy, he is gonna pay for this!", she looked around as if searching for him.
"...So you're not getting married?", I asked quietly.
She paused a moment and then turned her head slowly.
"Of course not. Not unless you're about to propose..", she smiled, tilting her head and lightening her anger into sarcasm. She could tell that yelling wasn't going to help at all at this point. Katrina seemed to calm gradually as we stood there for a few moments, not sure what to do.
Then I stepped towards her, smiling, and we held hands in the snow. Both realizing that, for the first time, aside from what had already happened.. we were together again. The blanket dropped from my back, though it was nearly frozen against it before. I wasn't cold anymore either.
"Let's get you back inside where it's warm, okay? I don't want you catching a cold.", she said as she lead me by the hand.
The rest of the way she was too embarrassed to look back at me;
but I could tell she was smiling all the way.
Though I felt like looking down at the ground as usual, for my deficiency;
I couldn't take my eyes off of her.
Even the back of her head was a relief; a familiar reminder of one of my few happy memories.
As she continued leading me to her house, the feeling that a fiery soul with boundless will had saved me, when mine was gone; it was enough to help me forget that which I had faced these past several months. It was a long way there, but we didn't need words to show how much we cared. Her warm brown hair and red dress had set my heart aflame, just like when I first saw her.
When we got in front she ran up the steps as fast as she could and unlocked the door while I waited. Even then, just the creak of the rickety door hinge made me feel at ease. When I entered, the sound of the fireplace crackling and the distant warmth of it's embers were even more of a relief. When we were both inside she turned to me, and without saying a word, started undoing my scarf's knot and unbuttoning my coat. She was looking down, smiling calmly and taking her time. I watched her nervously, even though we'd known eachother all of this time.. it felt like we were a couple, and that we could finally be together for real. Somehow, I knew.. that all of this trouble had been worth it.
She went to put my things up by the fire, and as hard as I tried, I wouldn't have been able to wipe the smile off of my face.
"Are you hungry or anything?", she called from across the room, attempting to busy herself from being embarrassed by our sentiments.
"Yes..", and for the first time I looked down, for some reason other than feeling worthless. I felt at peace, I felt fine.. I walked into the den to be near her.
"Can I sit here?", I asked, pointing to an armchair.
She nodded as she walked off towards the kitchen, "Of course. You just sit there and I'll get dinner started, okay?"
"But.. I promise I'll do things around the house, or um, isn't there-
She shook her head, "It's fine. After what you've been through you shouldn't worry right now.", she assured me, "Just sit down and we'll discuss it later, when you're feeling better."
I nodded, took a seat.. and then... I must have dozed off.
I had a dream, of when we first met. Well.. actually, when I first saw her.
I would have never had the guts to approach her myself. I couldn't hear a sound or see any color, but I could see those kids from before.. taunting me from the streets. I knew I wasn't allowed to leave back then, but the house only held resentment for me from my father.
My care taker, I knew she loved my father.. but wasn't able to replace mother, I saw her sad eyes in my sleep. Rachel could never marry the duke because she was only a servant. It made me realize how my father's loneliness had hurt us all.
When my father and Rachel had faded from my memory, then I saw...
the most beautiful thing I'd ever laid eyes on.
It was a nice day in Autumn, which now.. the season always cheers me up;
Autumn has a nostalgic place in my heart.
It has a certain feeling to it that I can't describe, yet I can't ever replace. Even the clear skies of summer or the flowers of spring, cannot change the emotions I feel in the Autumn. She was picking apples in her father's orchard, placing them into her apron.. Somehow I'd gotten away from the street urchins, and though she was a commoner, I had never seen a more beautiful woman.
From then on, I saw the days..
The days went by as I was watching her, waiting for something.
Oh, I don't know.. that she would want to meet me; but I knew it would only cause trouble, as a noble would never be permitted to share a commoner's love.
Then one day I did the most foolish, yet best thing I had ever done...
I felt the need to be close to her, so I made up a valentine for her as well.
Then I went to deliver it. I knew she would see it if I could place it in the orchard where she worked. If it was in the mailbox, her father might have found it first..
So that morning I climbed over the fence and found a spot to wedge it, underneath the barrel where she would put the apples in. Then I heard the door open, and I quickly jumped and hid inside the barrel. There was no faster, nor easier way I could hide.
I heard her coming and peered through a hole where the cork would have been.. She'd found my valentine and had started reading it. I anticipated something.. such as a sigh, or laughter.. or the sound of her leaving. Anything... I sat anxiously as I felt it getting warmer and warmer inside of the barrel. Suddenly, the barrel began to tilt, I felt myself fall forward.
Katrina had been leaning her elbow on the front end of the barrel. Unfortunately, I wasn't heavy enough to pull it back.. and toppled out.
That day I was so warm, I was certain I'd been some shade of red...
She laughed at me, and probably knew it was me who had sent the valentine. Though, rather than being rude or disgruntled, she seemed to be awfully amused. I looked hopeful, but embarrassed. We talked for awhile, but I knew I would have to go eventually. That was the last I saw of her, though we felt so close.. Weeks after that, the street gang leader Bruce told me that Katrina was getting married and leaving;
though it seems that was a lie.
By the end of my dream, when each memory had faded..
Katrina still remained.
She remained in my vision until she blurred into a crimson flame, which lingered in the distance.
Her smile.
She will always remain there, I thought.
As the days went by, I spent time recovering and Katrina went on with her usual life.
One day she told me, "It's a lot easier not having to worry about you all the time.";
yet I knew she really meant, "It's more pleasant having you around.".
That was her way of going about things. Though she admitted there were even times when she was mad at me, out of said frustration.. Still, she hadn't known what befell me all of that time.
Not having much to do one day, Katrina brought me a quil pen, ink and papers. She knew I was good at writing. Perhaps she thought I could turn it into a career or a hobby. Being taken care of again, it reminded me of my childhood...
Growing up, my father had neglected me most often. While I'm glad he had servants to tend to me, there was no affection to it most of the time. We had the most beautiful house, I loved the look of that place, down to the very last frill and gold lining.. but I know I couldn't live there anymore, even if I wanted to; that, and the bad memories which were associated with it. The few fond memories were when I was able to rest, or when I was being tutored and when my cousins would come to visit; they were easily the only friends I could have made back then. I was too sick to attend school, and so I looked up to my personal tutor Johan. He was a very nice man but he was foreign and father disliked him.. I never knew if he pronounced his name wrong on purpose or not.
On Sundays I would go to the choir at the church, St. Lumina; with my cousins, and then be taken to spend the rest of the afternoon at their house. I remember playing in their garden. It was maze-like and magical.. well, at least at that age it was. I'm still fond of flowers and architecture though, so it would probably be even better to see it now that it's reminiscent.
One morning at breakfast I asked, as I was talking about my cousins, "I wonder if I ever returned there someday, if they are all grown up with children by now..?"
"Would I be able to come too, or are commoners forbidden on the noble side, even in that city?", Katrina asked.
I shrugged, "I was only there a few times, I don't know.. I would take you with me anyway. I'm sure they wouldn't mind.. they're not as cold-hearted as most nobles are these days."
"You shouldn't be too sure.. people can change you know.", she warned me, pointing with a spoon.
I sighed, "That's the last thing I need. My past is full of people I can no longer associate with.."
She put her hand on my shoulder, "Hey, don't worry. I know being a commoner is not as fun and all that.. but at least you can trust me. Right? I'd never abandon you."
"I've still got that..", I smirked, turning my eyes away. I knew she cared too much to turn me away, so to lighten the mood I figured I would bother her a bit..
"What's that for?", she asked, stern at first.
"What's what for?", I replied, nonchalantly flipping an upward palm.
"That look! What's that look for?", now she was a bit aggravated.
"..Nothing."
"Are you sure about that?"
"Positively..", I smiled a little.
"Come on... you should be more grateful!"
"Well.. you are the reason I had to leave my father's place."
"What?? No way! How did I do that?", Katrina slammed the kitchen table, more in disbelief than anger.
"..I had to break off a marriage just for you.", I smiled sheepishly. She could tell I didn't care.
"An arranged marriage? Well, you didn't like her, now did you?", she sat back down, eying me.
"Of course not."
"Then...?", she was getting impatient..
"It's okay, I guess. Besides, father was never right..
Now I'm just worried who will rule Remoriah when he's gone."
"You shouldn't worry, it gives you wrinkles.", she said, turning her head and flipping her wrist. She seemed somewhat annoyed.
"What??", my frown was flipped in an instant.
She put her hands up playfully, "Ahaha! It's nothing~ It's just something my dad used to say when I was a kid! I know how you are about your appearance..", she grinned.
"...", I sighed, "So did you want to come along or not?"
"You're really going to see your cousins?"
"Yes, why not? I'm in a time of need.. and I'm sure they're all well to do."
"I hope so. Maybe you should go alone though, just in case.."
"You... want me to go alone?", I asked, as if pleading not to.
"Well, no! But-"
"What if Bruce finds me...?", I pouted, feigning concern. Honestly, it sounded like more of a trick.
"You chicken..! Y-you're kidding, right?"
I closed my eyes and straightened my expression.
"Hm. I don't like chickens... In fact, I really hate them. I had to chase too many of them. It's lousy being poor like them, no wonder those kids are so unhappy.", I started mumbling.
"So.. is that why you get sick when I fry eggs?"
"I guess so..", I said with false thoughtfulness.
"Oh, open your eyes! You're still like a little boy, do you know that?", I could tell by her voice she was still smiling..
Somehow I knew just the right amount of nuisance to make of myself, so as not to really offend her. So I sat silently, waiting for her to make a decision. Afterall, I knew what it would be..
"Listen, I'm grabbing my jacket. You can leave the plates for now, I'll deal with it when I get back. Come on, let's go see them."
"This early?", I asked, opening up one eye.
"Why not? Aren't they up?"
"I don't know.. we'll see. Though I thought I should send a letter first."
"How polite.. Is that what all nobles do before they visit?", Katrina muttered, walking into the den to get her jacket.
"No, it's just been so long. I wonder if they'll even remember me.", I said, more to myself than into the den where she'd have heard me better.
Needless to say, a few moments later I stood up and went along with her. Katrina put on her hood and jacket and I my coat and scarf; we called on a passing coach and she didn't even mind paying for the ride. Though it was a bit pricey going all the way to the next city.. she sat contently, all the way.
"So... your cousins, what are they like?", she asked.
"Um, they're sisters. April, May and June.."
"Hm, is that some sort of pun?"
"No, they're just.. well, maybe it is. They are triplets. I don't know their parents that well. Still, it shouldn't be a problem. I just hope they didn't move."
"Nobles with a nice house like that, well.. as nice as you say it is; I don't think they move away unless they get married. Even so, I've seen a lot of them bringing up their kids at their manors. You know.. for the family heritage."
There was a short pause as the coach bumped over a small rock or something. After coming down from the jump, I thought to ask her.. about becoming noble. If my family's relatives would allow me to live amongst them again, would she too enjoy that kind of lifestyle? Would she prefer to stay with her father? I was almost afraid to ask..
"Katrina.."
"What?"
"Um, would you ever...", then I thought.. given her previous statements about nobility, that I should change subjects.
"Ah, nevermind. Look..! We've almost arrived."
"Hey, wait! What were you saying?"
"It's not important right now.. Let's go, shall we?", I gestured her towards the door.
We exited the coach and I found myself in the once familiar city.. Katrina probably had never seen the place, by the way she gawked around. I laughed quietly as she hunched her shoulders like a stray animal adapting to a new home.
She turned and shoved my shoulder lightly, "Knock it off Edward. What's so funny?"
"Hm, now you seem an awful lot like a sister to me..", I said, still smiling.
We continued walking as I lead the way. Though it felt like more of a stroll.
"What? Don't give me that.. Is that how you feel?"
"Not really. Just how you reacted. It's nothing personal!"
"So much for an honest relationship, I don't remember you being so silly back when we first met.. So now, why are you acting so strange?", she asked. Neither one of us seemed serious at this point.
"It's honest..", I muttered, "I don't know why, you make me feel like teasing you sometimes."
"Oh, so now it's something I'm doing?", she asked, but I could tell from her voice she was smiling again. She was glad that I was able to make a joke or two, even at the expense of my gratitude; it showed what a good mood I was in at least, plus she knew I was only kidding.
"You've got a bad temper.", I smirked, "Nothing like me~", I beamed.
"Ooh, do you wanna see a bad temper??", she laughed, tugging my arm so that I was pulled closely. She wrapped her arms around me tightly so that I couldn't move.
"Now where do you think you're going, huh? That's not the right way! Here, let your big sister show you which direction to go!", she made her voice sound as ridiculous as she was acting, tugging me around in her arms.
I couldn't help but laugh, but it felt fine because it wasn't as rough as it looked. Though.. more people in town stared and some almost stepped in to stop one of us, until they realized we were laughing. I actually felt, that even though we were in love, that she had made up for my lack of family. She was as fun to be with as a sibling, as nurturing and soothing as a mother and as strong and wily as a father; and... I would have let her hold onto me forever in that moment, if my legs hadn't gave out.
Then I was reminded of why I was always so gloomy and quiet, the fact that my body couldn't handle such high energy as when I was happy or loud for too long. Just as she let go of me for a moment, I lost control and my vision faded.
"Edward?!"
I heard her shout my name again, and so I thought, "I'm going to get used to hearing this...".
By the next morning, sunlight-bathed fields swayed in the wind, and blades of grass sifted through the sky. We stood behind the wooden fence watching airships go by. As I pointed to the airship I heard her voice; but it was muffled, so I turned to her. She was speaking clearly by the way she looked, but I couldn't understand a word of it..
She didn't notice my puzzled expression, so I tried to speak;
"....."
Nothing came out.
Then I realized something, Where are we?
She didn't seem to notice how strange it was, and smiled at me warmly.
I shook my head, looking around. Suddenly the blue sky, all of the clouds, the grass... it all vanished. We stood in total darkness.
What? No, what's.. what's happening?, I turned to her in fear and grabbed onto her shoulders. Even her face began to grow blurred in my vision.. so I stepped back in confusion.
Then I felt myself falling...
"Hey wake up! Stop that!! You're going to--"
*THUD*
"Wh-..", I opened my eyes and saw a white ceiling.
The sound of a ceiling fan revolving calmed me to my senses.
Katrina's worried face looked down at me from above, "Edward.. are you okay?"
"Huh? Where did the airships go?"
She smiled, as if she was holding back laughter, "...You idiot, you were dreaming. There's no airships at the hospital!", she paused for a moment, helping me up from the floor.
"Now, relax. You should rest a little more, the doctor said you fainted this morning when we came to the city. Something about overexertion because of excitement or something.."
"Oh..", I looked away in embarrassment.
"Well? Aren't you going to get in bed and stop standing around? I hope you don't have anymore weird dreams about airships, the way you were tossing and turning just scared the heck out of me!"
"Oh right!", I smiled nervously and then climbed back into bed.
Author: Edward (Me, though the character portrayed here with the same name is not myself.)
Type: Story, Romance.
POV: First person (Edward).
OCs: Edward, Katrina.
Status: On-going...
My Epitaph
"I'm so sick and tired...
I've got no will to go on, but somehow I keep going.."
Limping through the snow-covered back streets of a great city that I used to rule, I couldn't bare to step any further. It's not like I had someplace to go. So I laid down under one of my final possessions; the blanket too, was soon covered in snow. I figured I would soon be covered under a blanket of white; sleep, then fade into a peaceful death... My only hope was that it would come soon.
As I lie there, I could only wonder how I had gotten so low. I used to have it all; a nice home, a family, servants, the love of my life.. All because of her, I had lost everything I'd had. Then she too.. moved on, I suppose. I wouldn't know, she's far gone by now; whisked away by some nobleman on a ship. I felt just awful, I was no longer a noble myself, since my father knew I was in love with her.. a common woman. Then when trying to marry me off to another noble didn't work, I was sentenced to banishment; for my uselessness alone.
The duke's own son, who would have ruled over this city.. reduced to this. I know why, though.. He hadn't cared for me since I was born. No one had. I caused my mother's death afterall. That, among other things. No one wants to deal with me; I'm no leader...
Like a fool I followed my heart and ended up risking everything for her; then when I finally came back for her, it was too late. Father would never forgive me either. Somehow, some way, no matter what I do, women always seem to make trouble for me.
In my heart it was worth it; but in my mind, I was the one who had lost.
"Katrina.. I hope you're out there somewhere, and you're happy."
I wasn't bitter, I forced myself to accept this. Sure, I felt like a fool lying in the streets.. but by this time I'd gotten used to it. My life was over, as I saw it. I couldn't fend for myself, I was too weak to do any work like a commoner would have been able to; especially at this point.
Nobility, it's useless.. or rather, it can render one so.
Yet.. I was so much happier then;
being taken care of, without a care in the world.
Now.. I'm not prepared to suffer for it.
I couldn't remember how much time had passed, but I was utterly certain it was time to face the music and meet my final end.
Just then, I heard a voice from far away...
It must have been the voice of an angel coming to take me, I thought..
"Ed.. !!-ward..!!"
Such a faint, distant echo... I smiled, keeping my eyes closed.
Maybe I'll finally be at peace now.
Suddenly, I heard footsteps. The shouting grew louder.
"Edward!!!"
My eyes flew open in unison.
"Edward! What are you doing here?! Get up!
That's no place for you to be sleeping, you idiot..!"
That was no angel... I turned my head.
It was Katrina.
"Katrina..?", I murmured, half awake.
I felt groggy and stiff from the cold.
"I said get up!", she squatted and pulled me up by my arm.
The feeling of her strong arms melted the numbness in mine.
Seeing her here was confusing, but nonetheless a life saver.
"I heard what your father did. Those damn brats. They gave you trouble, didn't they?", she asked, referring to the local street gang.
They hated the nobility and specifically me.
My father was the one who caused their parents to lose their jobs afterall.
"They did, but that was some time ago.. Where were you?", I paused, trying to remember, "I heard you'd left. I saw you at the docks and.."
"You saw me? Then why didn't you come ask me for help??", she seemed mad, but I could tell she was only very concerned.
"What? Did you just decide to give up after your father dumped you on the streets?!", The tears showed through her speech rather than her eyes. I realized I didn't have to explain anything that I'd gone through now, that she didn't already assume out of worry..
I had just gotten back on my feet and she already began assessing my situation. She always acted like this when I was in trouble.. as if she could undo what happened or stop who did this to me; though, someone who didn't know her would think she was only scolding me.
I noticed a few people stop and stare at us in the streets.
I paused out of the discomfort, as well to think things through.
"...Bruce.", was the first image I could recall. Though, to my disgust..
He and his friends were homeless too and so they always bothered me when I was out. That tall boy who always seemed smug when he wasn't getting angry for some reason. He always competed for Katrina's love, and was jealous of my heritage.
"He told me that you were getting married.", I said, remembering back to the time when he had lead me to the docks, "Then he showed me. You were with some nobleman at the docks.. heading away somewhere on a ship. I didn't want to.."
"Interfere? Well then maybe you shouldn't have assumed! I wasn't with that man! He was a client for my father!!", she shouted.
"When I see that Bruce guy, he is gonna pay for this!", she looked around as if searching for him.
"...So you're not getting married?", I asked quietly.
She paused a moment and then turned her head slowly.
"Of course not. Not unless you're about to propose..", she smiled, tilting her head and lightening her anger into sarcasm. She could tell that yelling wasn't going to help at all at this point. Katrina seemed to calm gradually as we stood there for a few moments, not sure what to do.
Then I stepped towards her, smiling, and we held hands in the snow. Both realizing that, for the first time, aside from what had already happened.. we were together again. The blanket dropped from my back, though it was nearly frozen against it before. I wasn't cold anymore either.
"Let's get you back inside where it's warm, okay? I don't want you catching a cold.", she said as she lead me by the hand.
The rest of the way she was too embarrassed to look back at me;
but I could tell she was smiling all the way.
Her Home is Where my Heart is
Though I felt like looking down at the ground as usual, for my deficiency;
I couldn't take my eyes off of her.
Even the back of her head was a relief; a familiar reminder of one of my few happy memories.
As she continued leading me to her house, the feeling that a fiery soul with boundless will had saved me, when mine was gone; it was enough to help me forget that which I had faced these past several months. It was a long way there, but we didn't need words to show how much we cared. Her warm brown hair and red dress had set my heart aflame, just like when I first saw her.
When we got in front she ran up the steps as fast as she could and unlocked the door while I waited. Even then, just the creak of the rickety door hinge made me feel at ease. When I entered, the sound of the fireplace crackling and the distant warmth of it's embers were even more of a relief. When we were both inside she turned to me, and without saying a word, started undoing my scarf's knot and unbuttoning my coat. She was looking down, smiling calmly and taking her time. I watched her nervously, even though we'd known eachother all of this time.. it felt like we were a couple, and that we could finally be together for real. Somehow, I knew.. that all of this trouble had been worth it.
She went to put my things up by the fire, and as hard as I tried, I wouldn't have been able to wipe the smile off of my face.
"Are you hungry or anything?", she called from across the room, attempting to busy herself from being embarrassed by our sentiments.
"Yes..", and for the first time I looked down, for some reason other than feeling worthless. I felt at peace, I felt fine.. I walked into the den to be near her.
"Can I sit here?", I asked, pointing to an armchair.
She nodded as she walked off towards the kitchen, "Of course. You just sit there and I'll get dinner started, okay?"
"But.. I promise I'll do things around the house, or um, isn't there-
She shook her head, "It's fine. After what you've been through you shouldn't worry right now.", she assured me, "Just sit down and we'll discuss it later, when you're feeling better."
I nodded, took a seat.. and then... I must have dozed off.
I had a dream, of when we first met. Well.. actually, when I first saw her.
I would have never had the guts to approach her myself. I couldn't hear a sound or see any color, but I could see those kids from before.. taunting me from the streets. I knew I wasn't allowed to leave back then, but the house only held resentment for me from my father.
My care taker, I knew she loved my father.. but wasn't able to replace mother, I saw her sad eyes in my sleep. Rachel could never marry the duke because she was only a servant. It made me realize how my father's loneliness had hurt us all.
When my father and Rachel had faded from my memory, then I saw...
the most beautiful thing I'd ever laid eyes on.
It was a nice day in Autumn, which now.. the season always cheers me up;
Autumn has a nostalgic place in my heart.
It has a certain feeling to it that I can't describe, yet I can't ever replace. Even the clear skies of summer or the flowers of spring, cannot change the emotions I feel in the Autumn. She was picking apples in her father's orchard, placing them into her apron.. Somehow I'd gotten away from the street urchins, and though she was a commoner, I had never seen a more beautiful woman.
From then on, I saw the days..
The days went by as I was watching her, waiting for something.
Oh, I don't know.. that she would want to meet me; but I knew it would only cause trouble, as a noble would never be permitted to share a commoner's love.
Then one day I did the most foolish, yet best thing I had ever done...
I felt the need to be close to her, so I made up a valentine for her as well.
Then I went to deliver it. I knew she would see it if I could place it in the orchard where she worked. If it was in the mailbox, her father might have found it first..
So that morning I climbed over the fence and found a spot to wedge it, underneath the barrel where she would put the apples in. Then I heard the door open, and I quickly jumped and hid inside the barrel. There was no faster, nor easier way I could hide.
I heard her coming and peered through a hole where the cork would have been.. She'd found my valentine and had started reading it. I anticipated something.. such as a sigh, or laughter.. or the sound of her leaving. Anything... I sat anxiously as I felt it getting warmer and warmer inside of the barrel. Suddenly, the barrel began to tilt, I felt myself fall forward.
Katrina had been leaning her elbow on the front end of the barrel. Unfortunately, I wasn't heavy enough to pull it back.. and toppled out.
That day I was so warm, I was certain I'd been some shade of red...
She laughed at me, and probably knew it was me who had sent the valentine. Though, rather than being rude or disgruntled, she seemed to be awfully amused. I looked hopeful, but embarrassed. We talked for awhile, but I knew I would have to go eventually. That was the last I saw of her, though we felt so close.. Weeks after that, the street gang leader Bruce told me that Katrina was getting married and leaving;
though it seems that was a lie.
By the end of my dream, when each memory had faded..
Katrina still remained.
She remained in my vision until she blurred into a crimson flame, which lingered in the distance.
Her smile.
She will always remain there, I thought.
As the days went by, I spent time recovering and Katrina went on with her usual life.
One day she told me, "It's a lot easier not having to worry about you all the time.";
yet I knew she really meant, "It's more pleasant having you around.".
That was her way of going about things. Though she admitted there were even times when she was mad at me, out of said frustration.. Still, she hadn't known what befell me all of that time.
Not having much to do one day, Katrina brought me a quil pen, ink and papers. She knew I was good at writing. Perhaps she thought I could turn it into a career or a hobby. Being taken care of again, it reminded me of my childhood...
Growing up, my father had neglected me most often. While I'm glad he had servants to tend to me, there was no affection to it most of the time. We had the most beautiful house, I loved the look of that place, down to the very last frill and gold lining.. but I know I couldn't live there anymore, even if I wanted to; that, and the bad memories which were associated with it. The few fond memories were when I was able to rest, or when I was being tutored and when my cousins would come to visit; they were easily the only friends I could have made back then. I was too sick to attend school, and so I looked up to my personal tutor Johan. He was a very nice man but he was foreign and father disliked him.. I never knew if he pronounced his name wrong on purpose or not.
On Sundays I would go to the choir at the church, St. Lumina; with my cousins, and then be taken to spend the rest of the afternoon at their house. I remember playing in their garden. It was maze-like and magical.. well, at least at that age it was. I'm still fond of flowers and architecture though, so it would probably be even better to see it now that it's reminiscent.
You are my Everything
One morning at breakfast I asked, as I was talking about my cousins, "I wonder if I ever returned there someday, if they are all grown up with children by now..?"
"Would I be able to come too, or are commoners forbidden on the noble side, even in that city?", Katrina asked.
I shrugged, "I was only there a few times, I don't know.. I would take you with me anyway. I'm sure they wouldn't mind.. they're not as cold-hearted as most nobles are these days."
"You shouldn't be too sure.. people can change you know.", she warned me, pointing with a spoon.
I sighed, "That's the last thing I need. My past is full of people I can no longer associate with.."
She put her hand on my shoulder, "Hey, don't worry. I know being a commoner is not as fun and all that.. but at least you can trust me. Right? I'd never abandon you."
"I've still got that..", I smirked, turning my eyes away. I knew she cared too much to turn me away, so to lighten the mood I figured I would bother her a bit..
"What's that for?", she asked, stern at first.
"What's what for?", I replied, nonchalantly flipping an upward palm.
"That look! What's that look for?", now she was a bit aggravated.
"..Nothing."
"Are you sure about that?"
"Positively..", I smiled a little.
"Come on... you should be more grateful!"
"Well.. you are the reason I had to leave my father's place."
"What?? No way! How did I do that?", Katrina slammed the kitchen table, more in disbelief than anger.
"..I had to break off a marriage just for you.", I smiled sheepishly. She could tell I didn't care.
"An arranged marriage? Well, you didn't like her, now did you?", she sat back down, eying me.
"Of course not."
"Then...?", she was getting impatient..
"It's okay, I guess. Besides, father was never right..
Now I'm just worried who will rule Remoriah when he's gone."
"You shouldn't worry, it gives you wrinkles.", she said, turning her head and flipping her wrist. She seemed somewhat annoyed.
"What??", my frown was flipped in an instant.
She put her hands up playfully, "Ahaha! It's nothing~ It's just something my dad used to say when I was a kid! I know how you are about your appearance..", she grinned.
"...", I sighed, "So did you want to come along or not?"
"You're really going to see your cousins?"
"Yes, why not? I'm in a time of need.. and I'm sure they're all well to do."
"I hope so. Maybe you should go alone though, just in case.."
"You... want me to go alone?", I asked, as if pleading not to.
"Well, no! But-"
"What if Bruce finds me...?", I pouted, feigning concern. Honestly, it sounded like more of a trick.
"You chicken..! Y-you're kidding, right?"
I closed my eyes and straightened my expression.
"Hm. I don't like chickens... In fact, I really hate them. I had to chase too many of them. It's lousy being poor like them, no wonder those kids are so unhappy.", I started mumbling.
"So.. is that why you get sick when I fry eggs?"
"I guess so..", I said with false thoughtfulness.
"Oh, open your eyes! You're still like a little boy, do you know that?", I could tell by her voice she was still smiling..
Somehow I knew just the right amount of nuisance to make of myself, so as not to really offend her. So I sat silently, waiting for her to make a decision. Afterall, I knew what it would be..
"Listen, I'm grabbing my jacket. You can leave the plates for now, I'll deal with it when I get back. Come on, let's go see them."
"This early?", I asked, opening up one eye.
"Why not? Aren't they up?"
"I don't know.. we'll see. Though I thought I should send a letter first."
"How polite.. Is that what all nobles do before they visit?", Katrina muttered, walking into the den to get her jacket.
"No, it's just been so long. I wonder if they'll even remember me.", I said, more to myself than into the den where she'd have heard me better.
Needless to say, a few moments later I stood up and went along with her. Katrina put on her hood and jacket and I my coat and scarf; we called on a passing coach and she didn't even mind paying for the ride. Though it was a bit pricey going all the way to the next city.. she sat contently, all the way.
"So... your cousins, what are they like?", she asked.
"Um, they're sisters. April, May and June.."
"Hm, is that some sort of pun?"
"No, they're just.. well, maybe it is. They are triplets. I don't know their parents that well. Still, it shouldn't be a problem. I just hope they didn't move."
"Nobles with a nice house like that, well.. as nice as you say it is; I don't think they move away unless they get married. Even so, I've seen a lot of them bringing up their kids at their manors. You know.. for the family heritage."
There was a short pause as the coach bumped over a small rock or something. After coming down from the jump, I thought to ask her.. about becoming noble. If my family's relatives would allow me to live amongst them again, would she too enjoy that kind of lifestyle? Would she prefer to stay with her father? I was almost afraid to ask..
"Katrina.."
"What?"
"Um, would you ever...", then I thought.. given her previous statements about nobility, that I should change subjects.
"Ah, nevermind. Look..! We've almost arrived."
"Hey, wait! What were you saying?"
"It's not important right now.. Let's go, shall we?", I gestured her towards the door.
We exited the coach and I found myself in the once familiar city.. Katrina probably had never seen the place, by the way she gawked around. I laughed quietly as she hunched her shoulders like a stray animal adapting to a new home.
She turned and shoved my shoulder lightly, "Knock it off Edward. What's so funny?"
"Hm, now you seem an awful lot like a sister to me..", I said, still smiling.
We continued walking as I lead the way. Though it felt like more of a stroll.
"What? Don't give me that.. Is that how you feel?"
"Not really. Just how you reacted. It's nothing personal!"
"So much for an honest relationship, I don't remember you being so silly back when we first met.. So now, why are you acting so strange?", she asked. Neither one of us seemed serious at this point.
"It's honest..", I muttered, "I don't know why, you make me feel like teasing you sometimes."
"Oh, so now it's something I'm doing?", she asked, but I could tell from her voice she was smiling again. She was glad that I was able to make a joke or two, even at the expense of my gratitude; it showed what a good mood I was in at least, plus she knew I was only kidding.
"You've got a bad temper.", I smirked, "Nothing like me~", I beamed.
"Ooh, do you wanna see a bad temper??", she laughed, tugging my arm so that I was pulled closely. She wrapped her arms around me tightly so that I couldn't move.
"Now where do you think you're going, huh? That's not the right way! Here, let your big sister show you which direction to go!", she made her voice sound as ridiculous as she was acting, tugging me around in her arms.
I couldn't help but laugh, but it felt fine because it wasn't as rough as it looked. Though.. more people in town stared and some almost stepped in to stop one of us, until they realized we were laughing. I actually felt, that even though we were in love, that she had made up for my lack of family. She was as fun to be with as a sibling, as nurturing and soothing as a mother and as strong and wily as a father; and... I would have let her hold onto me forever in that moment, if my legs hadn't gave out.
Then I was reminded of why I was always so gloomy and quiet, the fact that my body couldn't handle such high energy as when I was happy or loud for too long. Just as she let go of me for a moment, I lost control and my vision faded.
"Edward?!"
I heard her shout my name again, and so I thought, "I'm going to get used to hearing this...".
By the next morning, sunlight-bathed fields swayed in the wind, and blades of grass sifted through the sky. We stood behind the wooden fence watching airships go by. As I pointed to the airship I heard her voice; but it was muffled, so I turned to her. She was speaking clearly by the way she looked, but I couldn't understand a word of it..
She didn't notice my puzzled expression, so I tried to speak;
"....."
Nothing came out.
Then I realized something, Where are we?
She didn't seem to notice how strange it was, and smiled at me warmly.
I shook my head, looking around. Suddenly the blue sky, all of the clouds, the grass... it all vanished. We stood in total darkness.
What? No, what's.. what's happening?, I turned to her in fear and grabbed onto her shoulders. Even her face began to grow blurred in my vision.. so I stepped back in confusion.
Then I felt myself falling...
"Hey wake up! Stop that!! You're going to--"
*THUD*
"Wh-..", I opened my eyes and saw a white ceiling.
The sound of a ceiling fan revolving calmed me to my senses.
Katrina's worried face looked down at me from above, "Edward.. are you okay?"
"Huh? Where did the airships go?"
She smiled, as if she was holding back laughter, "...You idiot, you were dreaming. There's no airships at the hospital!", she paused for a moment, helping me up from the floor.
"Now, relax. You should rest a little more, the doctor said you fainted this morning when we came to the city. Something about overexertion because of excitement or something.."
"Oh..", I looked away in embarrassment.
"Well? Aren't you going to get in bed and stop standing around? I hope you don't have anymore weird dreams about airships, the way you were tossing and turning just scared the heck out of me!"
"Oh right!", I smiled nervously and then climbed back into bed.
Story and Event Development
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Theme: "Halloween? Party"
Deadline: Oct 31st
To Do
- The holiday name should be changed to something more original.
- Place/Time/Date/Activities should be decided.
- Costumes must be decided for characters who'll wear them.
Development
- Most likely held in the Civil Nation.
- Event held by the ??? Guild/Edward (If he has the castle at this time.), Damien and Isabell at his family's mansion? in Culdecia, Dorian and/or Saluna in Lecross (if it's Kingdom has recovered by this time) or another ruler of someplace.
- Characters can come in costumes.
- There should be some sort of games/contests/activities/events to participate in.
Theme: "Harvest Festival"
Deadline:Nov 25th
To Do
- Decide where the festival is held, by whom.
- Choose what types of food are traditional, if not use the ones I know from Thanksgiving.
- Decide who made the contest; the eating contests entrants, winner(s) and prize(s).
Development
- Before the feast there's an eating contest.
- {Eating Contest MiniGame} For use in-game, not the story.
• Meters:
Time - When it's full, the contest ends.
Fullness - When it's full, they'll stop eating until it drops again.
Score - Increased by eating.
• Stats:
Speed - Eats faster.
Endurance - Fullness increases slower.
• Players:
Edward (Speed)
Speed ★★★★
Endurance ★★☆☆
Koh (Endurance)
Speed ★★☆☆
Endurance ★★★★
Raef (Balanced)
Speed ★★★☆
Endurance ★★★☆
Short Story : Sewer Crawl by xisney
Katrina woke up. She took a deep breath and then remembered where she was. The thick, smelly sewer air drifted into their tent. She turned her head to see Edward sleeping soundly next to her. She crawled out of the tent, standing up and stretching.
But she heard something. She paused and grabbed her axe, hearing Edward stir in the tent. It was hard in the sewers. They’d hear something tunnels away and think it was a breath away, but it didn’t hurt to be cautious.
Katrina waited a few more moments before going through her routine. She dressed quickly, using a small amount of their water under her arms and then through her reddish brown hair. They couldn’t start a fire without endangering themselves, and she couldn’t exactly use the sewer water to wash up. Edward struggled with the lack of cleanliness, but he’d get used to it. Well, Katrina hoped he’d get used to it.
Edward stirred and got up a few hours later. As he stepped out of the tent, Katrina automatically started packing it up. He followed Katrina’s routine, a bit more extensively. He mixed a sliver of soap in with the water, and eventually he combed the water through his hair.
“Can we sit down and eat?” Edward asked.
“I think it’s a walk and dine situation,” Katrina replied, smiling. “We should keep going.”
Edward said, “At least the tent kept it out but I can't stand this scent! I want to get out soon.”
She laughed. “That sounds great,” she said, handing Edward some carefully covered bread. “And here’s something to keep you going. Try not to breathe in while you eat.”
“I'll try,” Edward replied, offering a smile of his own. “When do you suppose we could leave the sewers?”
“Soon,” Katrina replied. “I really hope soon. I’m not sleeping here again, that’s for sure.”
“I wish we were in a forest or something, then at least maybe I'd have a nice warm lake to bathe in,” Edward said, taking a bite out of his bread. “And I think the air here is making the food taste worse.”
Katrina shushed him. She heard the noise again and raised her axe. Something was coming, and she wondered if it was the smell of the bread that attracted the noise. “Put your bread away,” Katrina ordered. “And stand by the wall, close to me. I don’t know if they’re coming from behind or if they’re heading straight towards us.”
So they waited.
She heard claws on stone.
And they waited.
Edward felt his body tense as he saw the yellow eyes in the distance. He put a hand on Katrina’s arm, motioning towards the eyes. Katrina took a stance, and Edward slunk behind her. He considered pulling out his guitar to play some sort of energizing ballad, but the giant sewer rats scrambling towards them froze him in place.
Katrina took a swing towards them, keeping the rats back. Edward could see her brown eyes calculating if it was worth the fight, or if they should back out of the sewers.
She sliced one in the back, knocking it into the running, murky water beside them.
Apparently she wanted to fight.
Edward stepped back as she hit two more with one blow of her large axe. She kept two hands on it to keep herself steady, but he’d seen her use it with one hand and a shield before. One of the rats started hissing at her, and Edward saw its yellow eyes watching him. He backed up again, feeling the slick sewer ground beneath his feet.
He watched as the rats began to swarm her, and she hit one clawing his way up her leg with the butt-end of her axe to keep them off. But they began to charge past her towards him. And Edward wished he had pulled out his guitar. He felt the pain as it sunk its crooked teeth into his arm. Katrina ripped the rat off by its tail, leaving a trail of teeth marks across Edward’s forearm.
She didn’t have the time to give him an apologetic look. She tossed the rat in the sewer water and hit another one off her chest. Edward stayed close behind her as the rats began to scatter. Apparently their failure with Edward frightened them off.
He noticed Katrina catching her breath, watching them run away the way they came. Edward held his arm carefully, wondering about infection. He made eye contact with Katrina. “Thank you,” he said.
“Don’t mention it,” she replied.
“No, I truly appreciate it. I froze. I don't know what came over me.”
Katrina smiled and affectionately messed up his hair with her hand. “Come on,” she said, “Let’s get out of here.”
But she heard something. She paused and grabbed her axe, hearing Edward stir in the tent. It was hard in the sewers. They’d hear something tunnels away and think it was a breath away, but it didn’t hurt to be cautious.
Katrina waited a few more moments before going through her routine. She dressed quickly, using a small amount of their water under her arms and then through her reddish brown hair. They couldn’t start a fire without endangering themselves, and she couldn’t exactly use the sewer water to wash up. Edward struggled with the lack of cleanliness, but he’d get used to it. Well, Katrina hoped he’d get used to it.
Edward stirred and got up a few hours later. As he stepped out of the tent, Katrina automatically started packing it up. He followed Katrina’s routine, a bit more extensively. He mixed a sliver of soap in with the water, and eventually he combed the water through his hair.
“Can we sit down and eat?” Edward asked.
“I think it’s a walk and dine situation,” Katrina replied, smiling. “We should keep going.”
Edward said, “At least the tent kept it out but I can't stand this scent! I want to get out soon.”
She laughed. “That sounds great,” she said, handing Edward some carefully covered bread. “And here’s something to keep you going. Try not to breathe in while you eat.”
“I'll try,” Edward replied, offering a smile of his own. “When do you suppose we could leave the sewers?”
“Soon,” Katrina replied. “I really hope soon. I’m not sleeping here again, that’s for sure.”
“I wish we were in a forest or something, then at least maybe I'd have a nice warm lake to bathe in,” Edward said, taking a bite out of his bread. “And I think the air here is making the food taste worse.”
Katrina shushed him. She heard the noise again and raised her axe. Something was coming, and she wondered if it was the smell of the bread that attracted the noise. “Put your bread away,” Katrina ordered. “And stand by the wall, close to me. I don’t know if they’re coming from behind or if they’re heading straight towards us.”
So they waited.
She heard claws on stone.
And they waited.
Edward felt his body tense as he saw the yellow eyes in the distance. He put a hand on Katrina’s arm, motioning towards the eyes. Katrina took a stance, and Edward slunk behind her. He considered pulling out his guitar to play some sort of energizing ballad, but the giant sewer rats scrambling towards them froze him in place.
Katrina took a swing towards them, keeping the rats back. Edward could see her brown eyes calculating if it was worth the fight, or if they should back out of the sewers.
She sliced one in the back, knocking it into the running, murky water beside them.
Apparently she wanted to fight.
Edward stepped back as she hit two more with one blow of her large axe. She kept two hands on it to keep herself steady, but he’d seen her use it with one hand and a shield before. One of the rats started hissing at her, and Edward saw its yellow eyes watching him. He backed up again, feeling the slick sewer ground beneath his feet.
He watched as the rats began to swarm her, and she hit one clawing his way up her leg with the butt-end of her axe to keep them off. But they began to charge past her towards him. And Edward wished he had pulled out his guitar. He felt the pain as it sunk its crooked teeth into his arm. Katrina ripped the rat off by its tail, leaving a trail of teeth marks across Edward’s forearm.
She didn’t have the time to give him an apologetic look. She tossed the rat in the sewer water and hit another one off her chest. Edward stayed close behind her as the rats began to scatter. Apparently their failure with Edward frightened them off.
He noticed Katrina catching her breath, watching them run away the way they came. Edward held his arm carefully, wondering about infection. He made eye contact with Katrina. “Thank you,” he said.
“Don’t mention it,” she replied.
“No, I truly appreciate it. I froze. I don't know what came over me.”
Katrina smiled and affectionately messed up his hair with her hand. “Come on,” she said, “Let’s get out of here.”
Story Collective
Monday, October 11, 2010
Story Collective
(Collection Total: 5)
(Collection Total: 5)
Title: Sewer Crawl (Mirror)
Author: Xisney
Type: Commission.
Length: Short Story. (1 Chapter)
Genre: Action.
Canonicality: Non-Canon.
POV: Third Person.
OCs: Edward, Katrina.
Status: Complete.
Title: Epitaph
Author: Edward Blankenship
Type: Non-Commission.
Length: Story. (3 Chapter)
Genre: Drama, Romance.
Canonicality: Canon.
POV: First Person (Edward).
OCs: Edward, Katrina.
Status: Incomplete.
Title: Edward meets Rhylee
Author: Edward Blankenship
Type: Non-Commission.
Length: Story Fragment. (1 Chapter)
Genre: Comedy.
Canonicality: Non-Canon. (Uncertain)
POV: Third Person.
OCs: Edward, Rhylee.
Status: Complete. (Uncertain)
Title: Unlocking Edward's Potential
Author: Edward Blankenship
Type: Non-Commission.
Length: Story Fragment. (1 Chapter)
Genre: Action, Drama.
Canonicality: Canon.
POV: Third Person.
OCs: Edward, Katrina.
Status: Complete.
Title: The Emperor's Bride
Author: Edward Blankenship
Type: Non-Commission.
Length: Story Fragment. (1 Chapter)
Genre: Action.
Canonicality: Non-Canon. (Uncertain)
POV: Third Person.
OCs: Nijeru, Katrina.
Status: Incomplete. (Uncertain)
Story Fragment : Edward Meets Rhylee
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Edward walked through the forest, determined to find his way back to Katrina. The sun was shining brightly; Even beneath the trees's leaves, beams of sunlight still passed through. He enjoyed it for awhile, absorbing the light's mana through lumos. Until he needed it no more and the heat began to beat down. After awhile he found a shady path, and began to slow down. Determination was one thing, but heat and endurance was another..
Then suddenly he heard a loud rustling through the trees.
Grass flew up and he saw a flash of red which crashed into him.
"Heey~ Oww! Who do you-", the squeaky-voiced girl stopped, when she noticed Edward sitting a few inches away. He was rubbing the back of his head from the painful collision.
"Oh woow!", she jumped up clasping her hands, "A real prince!! You must have come to rescue me!"
"P-prince..?", Edward asked confusedly, looking up with one eye squinted.
"Mhmm!", she beamed, "How lucky I am! I don't know how much further I could've ran."
Though she was ecstatic, you could tell she was out of breath from running.
She smiled, wiping the sweat from her brow.
"..Wait, why were you-", but before he could finish, she cut him off.
"Hey where's your white horse? It should be right here.", the girl stared intently and pointed at a spot near Edward.
He looked at the spot and then blinked in disbelief.
"Huh? It's not even here!", she ducked and scouted the area, "It's gotta be around here... somewhere!"
"Umm...?", Edward gave her a puzzled look.
"Oh I know! He's back at the castle isn't he? Is he sick? Or maybe he's hurt?", she feigned concern.
"No..."
"It's gotta be this then! Is he back with your guards, waiting? Since you ran ahead to come find me because you're so dashing and gallant and all that??"
"It's not that either...", his voice was weak, but he smiled sheepishly.
"What..? No?"
"I don't have a horse. Not a white one anyway..", Edward stood up looking upset. He started to walk down the path.
"Hey where are you going without me? Wait up!", the girl ran after him.
Her pink pigtails flew as wildly as her imagination did...
He turned to face her, "Look I don't have time to play, this is really important that I-"
She grabbed his arm, "Ooh don't worry silly, we can wait! Orrrr, we can kiss right here~"
"What?! No, I don't want to!", he looked back at her as he struggled to pull his arm away.
"Don't you wanna know the name of your one true love~?", she batted her eyes, closing in on him.
"You're not my love and I don't..! But you're way stronger than you look!!", he said breathlessly, as he gave up trying to pull his arm out of her grip and let it fall limply.
"C'mon, stop being so silly. I know why you came here, you handsome prince you~"
"I am not a prince!! Aagh..!", he pulled as hard as he could.
"What?!", her eyes widened as she let go of his arm. He fell to the ground with a thud.
"Uh.. no, I'm not."
She was quiet for a moment and suddenly became furious.
"What?! You liar, how dare you!! Apologize right now!"
"Wh-what are talking about..?", he inched back, "I never even said anything of the sort."
"It's a prince's honor to be kind to his lady, now APOLOGIZE!!", she squeaked, squinting her eyes as she shouted.
Edward looked shocked as he withdrew, but smiled nervously as he took his chance to escape.
Rhylee stomped when she'd noticed him fleeing, "Uuwaaah!! Why do guys always make me chase them?!", with that she became a red blur.
Then suddenly he heard a loud rustling through the trees.
Grass flew up and he saw a flash of red which crashed into him.
"Heey~ Oww! Who do you-", the squeaky-voiced girl stopped, when she noticed Edward sitting a few inches away. He was rubbing the back of his head from the painful collision.
"Oh woow!", she jumped up clasping her hands, "A real prince!! You must have come to rescue me!"
"P-prince..?", Edward asked confusedly, looking up with one eye squinted.
"Mhmm!", she beamed, "How lucky I am! I don't know how much further I could've ran."
Though she was ecstatic, you could tell she was out of breath from running.
She smiled, wiping the sweat from her brow.
"..Wait, why were you-", but before he could finish, she cut him off.
"Hey where's your white horse? It should be right here.", the girl stared intently and pointed at a spot near Edward.
He looked at the spot and then blinked in disbelief.
"Huh? It's not even here!", she ducked and scouted the area, "It's gotta be around here... somewhere!"
"Umm...?", Edward gave her a puzzled look.
"Oh I know! He's back at the castle isn't he? Is he sick? Or maybe he's hurt?", she feigned concern.
"No..."
"It's gotta be this then! Is he back with your guards, waiting? Since you ran ahead to come find me because you're so dashing and gallant and all that??"
"It's not that either...", his voice was weak, but he smiled sheepishly.
"What..? No?"
"I don't have a horse. Not a white one anyway..", Edward stood up looking upset. He started to walk down the path.
"Hey where are you going without me? Wait up!", the girl ran after him.
Her pink pigtails flew as wildly as her imagination did...
He turned to face her, "Look I don't have time to play, this is really important that I-"
She grabbed his arm, "Ooh don't worry silly, we can wait! Orrrr, we can kiss right here~"
"What?! No, I don't want to!", he looked back at her as he struggled to pull his arm away.
"Don't you wanna know the name of your one true love~?", she batted her eyes, closing in on him.
"You're not my love and I don't..! But you're way stronger than you look!!", he said breathlessly, as he gave up trying to pull his arm out of her grip and let it fall limply.
"C'mon, stop being so silly. I know why you came here, you handsome prince you~"
"I am not a prince!! Aagh..!", he pulled as hard as he could.
"What?!", her eyes widened as she let go of his arm. He fell to the ground with a thud.
"Uh.. no, I'm not."
She was quiet for a moment and suddenly became furious.
"What?! You liar, how dare you!! Apologize right now!"
"Wh-what are talking about..?", he inched back, "I never even said anything of the sort."
"It's a prince's honor to be kind to his lady, now APOLOGIZE!!", she squeaked, squinting her eyes as she shouted.
Edward looked shocked as he withdrew, but smiled nervously as he took his chance to escape.
Rhylee stomped when she'd noticed him fleeing, "Uuwaaah!! Why do guys always make me chase them?!", with that she became a red blur.
Story Fragment : Unlocking Edward's Potential
The sky had turned so dark it seemed almost black, as it rained over the muddy battlefield;
Katrina faced off against a large knight. Gritting her teeth, she held her stance as strongly as she could. Blocking swings from the broadsword with the flat edge of her axe, ducking and swinging.
Her war cries had died down since the recent battles, there were just too many to keep it up.
Edward stood in the distance worriedly, with his hand over his heart;
Wishing he could do something to help her.
But in the darkness of the night, he'd lost all hope.
They were in silence, in darkness... nothing but the sound of rain and steel.
The battle didn't look good.. and even before then they had struggled to make it through.
How many more nights could they possibly last? Getting through seemed impossible.
He stood anxiously, unable to move or speak.
Afraid to throw off her concentration;
Afraid to become the next target;
Suddenly a final clash was made..
With a clang of steel, Katrina dropped to the ground.
A mixture of blood and mud splashed against the knight's armor;
Edward's eyes widened as he stepped towards her.
"No..", he uttered breathlessly.
The knight's eyes could not be seen under his helmet, but he was clearly stomping in Edward's direction... Suddenly the knight, the battlefield, the rain, blood... it all became invisible. Memories of Katrina flooded his mind.
Gone...
All of the time we spent together.
All of the things we accomplished.
He tried to step forward again, but fell to his knees.
His eyes never left Katrina for a moment.
His open mouth trembled.
He couldn't hear the knight's distant grunt, "Heh.. what an easy kill. Stupid woman, didn't know what she was up against."
"...."
The pounding of the knight's greaves echoed closer, but Edward failed to notice..
The pounding of his own heartbeat and heavy breathing blocked out every other sound.
She's not...
She meant..
Everything...
She meant everything to me...
Tears welled up in the boy's eyes.
"Hey, boy! Can't you do anything for yourself, now that your partner's gone?", laughed the knight's voice.
Edward hadn't heard him, but somehow the thoughts and feelings fluctuated through his mind...
I... I can't..
I can't do anything without her..
I can't be without her!
His mouth shut, but his eyes stayed the same.
Unable to break the gaze, tears streamed down his face.
"Hey!! I'm talking to YOU! Can't you speak up, boy?!", the knight stomped angrily, insulted by the silence.
"....", Edward shuddered, closing his eyes.
"Hah! Speechless. Did I scare the voice right out of ya?! Huh?!", the knight tried to intimidate him with an upward jousting of his spear.
Clang clang, clang clang...
The knight now stood right in front of Edward. It would have been pointless to kill him, if he hadn't had immense power from the symbol on his throat; A danger to their army. The knights had been warned of these people, those who bore mana in their blood. The symbols on their bodies glowed when they tapped into these magical powers used for battle and destruction; Yet that wasn't even the deadliest of their abilities.
"Well! At least you won't make a wretched scream like that dumb girl, when I tear you apart! In fact, I'm surprised you're one of them mana bearers..! You don't seem tough at all!"
"Y-you... you killed her. H..", Edward trembled. He raised a hand slowly.
Even though he was shaking, he raised his palms; His fingers bent upwards like claws in outrage.
"YOU KILLED HER! HOW COULD YOU?!", as his gaze pierced the knight, a bolt of lightening struck near them.
The lightning's flash glared off of Katrina's body, which still lay collapsed in the distance.
Suddenly a power had come over Edward's voice, something no one had ever heard before. A light emanated from his throat. The symbol, Lumos.
"What the!?", the knight stood back in shock, surprised by the sudden outburst.
Edward stood up, gripping his palms into fists, then lowering them to his sides.
Energy swirled around him, creating a strong wind; Bred from his anger and hate.
It pushed the knight even further back as he attempted to flee.
The knight looked around in panic, lightening was striking everywhere... escape was impossible.
"Guaah!! You freak!! I'll KILL YOU!!!", the knight attempted to rush him at this point.
Edward gritted his teeth slightly, sweat falling down his cheek.
The light coming from his throat increased in brightness.
As the knight came closer, the light grew brighter and brighter...
"YOU KILLED THE WOMAN I LOVE! I'LL NEVER FORGIVE YOU!!!"
"GYAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!", the knight cried out as he disintegrated into pure light.
Shards of darkness and steel flew from where he stood...
The ray of piercing light shined straight across the continent.
It lit up the skies and disintegrated the dark clouds.
When the beam of light had faded, no trace of a knight, nor scrap of armor could be found..
Edward's eyes closed and he collapsed a few feet away from Katrina.
Hours later the sun shined brightly.. over Katrina's bloody face.
"Err... ah...", her eyes batted slowly, then opened. The clear blue sky came into her focus.
"....What? But how? The sky... it's..", her eyes opened widely all of a sudden, when she remembered the battles. The dark sky, the rain... it'd vanished.
"Edward?!", she sat up quickly in a panic. Not noticing the blood all across her body.
"Gah...!", she grabbed her stomach in pain, where the wound was.
Through blurry, squinted eyes she stared across the battlefield.. and saw him lying there.
Holding her wounds, she stood up without too much of a struggle;
She didn't seem to feel pain, but her expression was sheer fear.
The only time she would ever give a look like that was when he was in danger.
Gasping, she rushed to him, and then shook him roughly as she fell down to her knees.
When that didn't work, she looked him over and examined him as quickly as possible.
But there were no sign of injuries.. no wounds.... he was completely unharmed.
She smiled, her eyes sparkling in the sunlight. She clasped his hand to her heart, closing her eyes with relief. Katrina lowered her head and raised him up against her with her other arm, holding him close.
"I think it's finally over... and even if it wasn't, I'd still be sitting here, holding onto you..", she laughed softly, almost crying with joy.
"I must be getting soft.", she thought, staring at him lovingly.
"What if a soldier were to come right at this moment? My back completely exposed.."
"But those things... they don't matter. Not now.. and.. I have a feeling. That.. something wonderful happened."
Katrina faced off against a large knight. Gritting her teeth, she held her stance as strongly as she could. Blocking swings from the broadsword with the flat edge of her axe, ducking and swinging.
Her war cries had died down since the recent battles, there were just too many to keep it up.
Edward stood in the distance worriedly, with his hand over his heart;
Wishing he could do something to help her.
But in the darkness of the night, he'd lost all hope.
They were in silence, in darkness... nothing but the sound of rain and steel.
The battle didn't look good.. and even before then they had struggled to make it through.
How many more nights could they possibly last? Getting through seemed impossible.
He stood anxiously, unable to move or speak.
Afraid to throw off her concentration;
Afraid to become the next target;
Suddenly a final clash was made..
With a clang of steel, Katrina dropped to the ground.
A mixture of blood and mud splashed against the knight's armor;
Edward's eyes widened as he stepped towards her.
"No..", he uttered breathlessly.
The knight's eyes could not be seen under his helmet, but he was clearly stomping in Edward's direction... Suddenly the knight, the battlefield, the rain, blood... it all became invisible. Memories of Katrina flooded his mind.
Gone...
All of the time we spent together.
All of the things we accomplished.
He tried to step forward again, but fell to his knees.
His eyes never left Katrina for a moment.
His open mouth trembled.
He couldn't hear the knight's distant grunt, "Heh.. what an easy kill. Stupid woman, didn't know what she was up against."
"...."
The pounding of the knight's greaves echoed closer, but Edward failed to notice..
The pounding of his own heartbeat and heavy breathing blocked out every other sound.
She's not...
She meant..
Everything...
She meant everything to me...
Tears welled up in the boy's eyes.
"Hey, boy! Can't you do anything for yourself, now that your partner's gone?", laughed the knight's voice.
Edward hadn't heard him, but somehow the thoughts and feelings fluctuated through his mind...
I... I can't..
I can't do anything without her..
I can't be without her!
His mouth shut, but his eyes stayed the same.
Unable to break the gaze, tears streamed down his face.
"Hey!! I'm talking to YOU! Can't you speak up, boy?!", the knight stomped angrily, insulted by the silence.
"....", Edward shuddered, closing his eyes.
"Hah! Speechless. Did I scare the voice right out of ya?! Huh?!", the knight tried to intimidate him with an upward jousting of his spear.
Clang clang, clang clang...
The knight now stood right in front of Edward. It would have been pointless to kill him, if he hadn't had immense power from the symbol on his throat; A danger to their army. The knights had been warned of these people, those who bore mana in their blood. The symbols on their bodies glowed when they tapped into these magical powers used for battle and destruction; Yet that wasn't even the deadliest of their abilities.
"Well! At least you won't make a wretched scream like that dumb girl, when I tear you apart! In fact, I'm surprised you're one of them mana bearers..! You don't seem tough at all!"
"Y-you... you killed her. H..", Edward trembled. He raised a hand slowly.
Even though he was shaking, he raised his palms; His fingers bent upwards like claws in outrage.
"YOU KILLED HER! HOW COULD YOU?!", as his gaze pierced the knight, a bolt of lightening struck near them.
The lightning's flash glared off of Katrina's body, which still lay collapsed in the distance.
Suddenly a power had come over Edward's voice, something no one had ever heard before. A light emanated from his throat. The symbol, Lumos.
"What the!?", the knight stood back in shock, surprised by the sudden outburst.
Edward stood up, gripping his palms into fists, then lowering them to his sides.
Energy swirled around him, creating a strong wind; Bred from his anger and hate.
It pushed the knight even further back as he attempted to flee.
The knight looked around in panic, lightening was striking everywhere... escape was impossible.
"Guaah!! You freak!! I'll KILL YOU!!!", the knight attempted to rush him at this point.
Edward gritted his teeth slightly, sweat falling down his cheek.
The light coming from his throat increased in brightness.
As the knight came closer, the light grew brighter and brighter...
"YOU KILLED THE WOMAN I LOVE! I'LL NEVER FORGIVE YOU!!!"
"GYAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!", the knight cried out as he disintegrated into pure light.
Shards of darkness and steel flew from where he stood...
The ray of piercing light shined straight across the continent.
It lit up the skies and disintegrated the dark clouds.
When the beam of light had faded, no trace of a knight, nor scrap of armor could be found..
Edward's eyes closed and he collapsed a few feet away from Katrina.
Hours later the sun shined brightly.. over Katrina's bloody face.
"Err... ah...", her eyes batted slowly, then opened. The clear blue sky came into her focus.
"....What? But how? The sky... it's..", her eyes opened widely all of a sudden, when she remembered the battles. The dark sky, the rain... it'd vanished.
"Edward?!", she sat up quickly in a panic. Not noticing the blood all across her body.
"Gah...!", she grabbed her stomach in pain, where the wound was.
Through blurry, squinted eyes she stared across the battlefield.. and saw him lying there.
Holding her wounds, she stood up without too much of a struggle;
She didn't seem to feel pain, but her expression was sheer fear.
The only time she would ever give a look like that was when he was in danger.
Gasping, she rushed to him, and then shook him roughly as she fell down to her knees.
When that didn't work, she looked him over and examined him as quickly as possible.
But there were no sign of injuries.. no wounds.... he was completely unharmed.
She smiled, her eyes sparkling in the sunlight. She clasped his hand to her heart, closing her eyes with relief. Katrina lowered her head and raised him up against her with her other arm, holding him close.
"I think it's finally over... and even if it wasn't, I'd still be sitting here, holding onto you..", she laughed softly, almost crying with joy.
"I must be getting soft.", she thought, staring at him lovingly.
"What if a soldier were to come right at this moment? My back completely exposed.."
"But those things... they don't matter. Not now.. and.. I have a feeling. That.. something wonderful happened."
Story Fragment : The Emperor's Bride
Nijeru, now seeking to create a dynasty of war and power, searched for the most powerful woman to wed and bear his child... Unfortunately for him, his men found Katrina.. and after much struggle was able to seperate her from her allies and detain her. Unwillingly she sat, tied in rope and giving a death glare to the emperor who now stood only feet away.
He thought it safe to come closer, as they were surrounded by his guards.
He bent down, holding her chin in his hands.
"So... my bride, you must be the most powerful woman in the world. Am I correct?"
With that, she chomped on his finger and he flinched away;
"I'm NOT your bride, you big flashy idiot!! I have a husband, you know!"
She turned her head from him and closed her eyes. He smiled, a bit caught off guard.
"Well you seem strong... Don't worry, you'll soon forget all about that.. It's not like impressions matter afterall, and you won't have a choice."
Her eyes widened, "What?!"
Nijeru turned towards the door, to leave her in the dimly lit room, "I'll see you on our wedding day.. until then, enjoy the evaluation and training sessions brought to you by my men; But with you, I'm sure it won't be long until then though."
She jumped, causing the chair to hop, "Hey!! Wait! Where do you think you're going!? You can't just--
But it was too late, he'd slammed the door, and with pleasure.
"..leave me here.", she paused as many shadows surrounded her.
"DAMN IT!! I'll never marry that guy!", a loud banging was heard from outside.
Moments later...
Katrina opened a door, as the sun shone in on the fallen men of the Fushigata empire;
They weren't dead, but most were unconscious, unable to move or moaning as they tried.
Katrina grinned cynically, "Now where is that bastard who set me up? It's time to make him pay."
A young soldier flinched and nearly ran when he saw her, but she caught up and grabbed him by the collar.
"You! Do you know where that emperor guy is?!"
"N-no!! I don't-- I..! Please, let me go!"
"Not until you talk! Now talk!", she shook his collar lightly.
"Please, I'm just a trainee solider! I'm not here to fight you. The emperor said..! He said his bride would be the strongest woman and... and.. to be locked away in that-- ah! You're her, aren't you?! Please, don't hurt me!!"
"Stop babbling and tell me where that emperor is! I'm going to give him a piece of my mind."
"B-but!! I don't know where he is!"
"Well you're not going anywhere, now are you?"
"Huh..?"
"If I let you go, you'll just go tell everyone I've escaped; So... until I say so, you're staying with ME! Got that?!"
"Y-yes ma'am!! Oh my god... the emperor is going to kill me.."
"Hey, what's the problem!? You've got the strongest woman in the world protecting you, so stop whining!"
"Ah.. r-right! Thank you.."
"Haha, well looks like we're probably no match for his whole army yet.. So, are any other prisoners being held here?"
"Um... that's--"
"If it's classified I don't wanna hear it, just show me alright? You're not under an oath or something anymore, are you?"
"R-right! This way!!", the soldier lead her to the prison chambers. She followed him lavishly.
He thought it safe to come closer, as they were surrounded by his guards.
He bent down, holding her chin in his hands.
"So... my bride, you must be the most powerful woman in the world. Am I correct?"
With that, she chomped on his finger and he flinched away;
"I'm NOT your bride, you big flashy idiot!! I have a husband, you know!"
She turned her head from him and closed her eyes. He smiled, a bit caught off guard.
"Well you seem strong... Don't worry, you'll soon forget all about that.. It's not like impressions matter afterall, and you won't have a choice."
Her eyes widened, "What?!"
Nijeru turned towards the door, to leave her in the dimly lit room, "I'll see you on our wedding day.. until then, enjoy the evaluation and training sessions brought to you by my men; But with you, I'm sure it won't be long until then though."
She jumped, causing the chair to hop, "Hey!! Wait! Where do you think you're going!? You can't just--
But it was too late, he'd slammed the door, and with pleasure.
"..leave me here.", she paused as many shadows surrounded her.
"DAMN IT!! I'll never marry that guy!", a loud banging was heard from outside.
Moments later...
Katrina opened a door, as the sun shone in on the fallen men of the Fushigata empire;
They weren't dead, but most were unconscious, unable to move or moaning as they tried.
Katrina grinned cynically, "Now where is that bastard who set me up? It's time to make him pay."
A young soldier flinched and nearly ran when he saw her, but she caught up and grabbed him by the collar.
"You! Do you know where that emperor guy is?!"
"N-no!! I don't-- I..! Please, let me go!"
"Not until you talk! Now talk!", she shook his collar lightly.
"Please, I'm just a trainee solider! I'm not here to fight you. The emperor said..! He said his bride would be the strongest woman and... and.. to be locked away in that-- ah! You're her, aren't you?! Please, don't hurt me!!"
"Stop babbling and tell me where that emperor is! I'm going to give him a piece of my mind."
"B-but!! I don't know where he is!"
"Well you're not going anywhere, now are you?"
"Huh..?"
"If I let you go, you'll just go tell everyone I've escaped; So... until I say so, you're staying with ME! Got that?!"
"Y-yes ma'am!! Oh my god... the emperor is going to kill me.."
"Hey, what's the problem!? You've got the strongest woman in the world protecting you, so stop whining!"
"Ah.. r-right! Thank you.."
"Haha, well looks like we're probably no match for his whole army yet.. So, are any other prisoners being held here?"
"Um... that's--"
"If it's classified I don't wanna hear it, just show me alright? You're not under an oath or something anymore, are you?"
"R-right! This way!!", the soldier lead her to the prison chambers. She followed him lavishly.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
