Joah sits quietly in her small room at the top of the stairs, contemplating the moon, as she so often does. Tonight, the moon is full, two weeks ‘til the new moon, two weeks ‘til GrrBrool shifts to his near-human form. She wants badly to bring him back to her before then, to heal the broken creature that walks like a ghost through her days. Her sense of guilt overwhelms her, knowing that it was her own vulnerability and longing for the void that opened the door within her to Pestilence. Had it not been for Lorne…for the bit of the Garden…
So long ago, the Garden, she thinks.
But while she’d been a vessel of conflict and longing, Omega had been seduced by Her own desires for power and had opened Herself willingly. Joah’s earlier quiet accusation had hung in the air; Omega had failed to protect Her House, had, in fact, been the breaking stone that had shattered Grrbrool’s will and crushed his spirit.
“I thought…I could best it, Joah....” Omega had said quietly, the memory of War still tracing a shadow on her smooth face. “I thought...the power…I thought I could use it, to advantage. There were factors…I did not consider.”
Factors like the twist in Denenthorn, like Severus’s injuries, the problem of Del, the Harbinger…and a crew of loyal but inexperienced Omegans: Rhaven, Zoe, Wire, Blake. Still in all, Faye’Li had remained constant, seeking help of the Coven, leading the Institute to safety in a time of turmoil when its leaders had fallen.
Joah shifts as she gazes, wrapping her quilt around her and looking to the moon as if it could answer the questions in her heart. In the end, she remembers Lorne kneeling beside her as blood soaked through her stockings and her dress, pooling on the floor. Though a bitter frown clouded His face, He still gave His hand to Denenthorn, His strength to Rhaven, while Meng Po had joined in, whispering, “Pestilence has nearly stolen everything from her.” Joah had opened herself to their healing, the bright, warm touch of Denenthorn’s hand on her forehead, the feeling of rushing back into herself as energy from the four poured into her. So much life…so much loss.
“What is past... is past,” Omega had said. “We must not mire ourselves in regret. This experience has taught us…much about ourselves. Let it be worth the price we have paid for such knowledge.”
Joah looks at the moon.
I and the public know
What all schoolchildren learn,
Those to whom evil is done
Do evil in return.
September 1, 1939
W.H. Auden
Showing posts with label Faye'Li. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Faye'Li. Show all posts
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Friday, October 31, 2008
What Lorne Took
I sat on the sofa of KTOX, listening to Starwalker spin tales as I took in the music. I’d brought along someone new to the city, Bella Demina. She’d come following a voice, a voice that had drawn her to many places and many cities, ‘til finally this one. She lay exhausted on the sofa beside me, drifting toward sleep. GrrBrool stood at the decks, thumbing the scratched iPod he’d taken off a dead man.
“It’s been quieter than yesterday, though I don't expect it to be too quiet for much longer,” Star said. I nodded; I didn’t expect it to stay quiet either. I tried unsuccessfully to catch Grr’s gaze, but he still refused to look at me. I gave up and stared at a spot on the floor.
“Anybody wanna hear anythin?” Grr asked.
“Anything by Twisted Sister,” Starwalker said with is usual incongruent cheer. “Or KISS.” Bellaa nodded to the last request, then shifted on the couch, turning onto her side and gazing out the windows.
“Twisted Sister I can do, or…maaaybe some KISS,” Grr replied.
Starwalker sighed, changing the subject. “Hell of a fight here yesterday, three or four deaders attacking residents….”
“Who won?” Grr asked while he continued to queue up songs.
“Well, the fighting isn't still going on…so I guess we did for now.” Starwalker stared out the window. “With all the gun fire, I was up on the fire escape casting my healing magicks on those below that fought. Took them a while to figure out that they were shooting each other up in cross fire as much as they were getting hurt by the risen dead.”
I listened as Starwalker spoke, then finally glanced up and said quietly to Grr, “I'd like to hear The Wolf Sky.” He looked sharply across at me, mixed emotions flashing across his face: anger, fear, deep sadness. I stared at the floor again. I didn’t understand why he either wouldn’t look at me or why he had looked at me the way he’d just done, but I wasn’t quite sure what to say. I reached over to brush Bellaa's hair back. She jumped slightly, the touch on her head waking her from the daydream that she had slipped into as she was staring out the window.
“I should probably get some rest,” Bella murmured. “It’s been a huge day for me. Joah, where did you say I could…or should sleep?” As she looked up at me, Starwalker said something about checking the Library. He unfurled his wings and stepped out of the second story window.
“You can rest in the Shelter, Bellaa,” I replied. “But if you feel comfortable there, you may also rest in the Library. We have cots upstairs, although you are welcome to rest on my bed. It’s in the small room next to the Lady's office.”
Bellaa stood and stretched. “Thanks Joah. I think I will head back that way and see if I can get some form of rest, at least for a little while...” She turned toward Grr, “Nice meeting you.”
Grr nodded. “And you, dont get killed.”
Bella laughed nervously. “Umm...one last question...which way do I go to not get killed?”
“North, head north.” Grr pointed behind him, over his left shoulder. “That way, one block over, three blocks up.”
Bellaa nodded. “Gotcha, and thanks.” She waved a goodbye, trying to smile bravely as she headed out.
And then we were alone. I looked up again at Grr, worry clouding my face. He continued working as if I weren’t there. The minutes ticked on. Finally, I closed my eyes and listened quietly to the music. I didn’t even try to dance.
“Where do tha coins come from?” Grr’s voice interrupted my scattered thoughts. “Spirit Gal? where do yer coins come from?” The question was abrupt.
I sighed. “It…depends. Do you mean the coins I gave the waitress?”
Grr nodded, then spoke brusquely. “That too. Legion eats memories. You gave Lorne a coin. Ya arrived here with lots of memories gone, and pockets full of old coins.”
I slipped one hand in my pocket, holding up an ancient looking copper coin. “The coins in my pocket…I'm not sure where they came from, to be honest. What I gave Lorne was not one of those. As for Legion…Legion has taken none of what memories I do have.” I slipped the coin back into my pocket.
“Fine.” One word. That was all he said. I winced at his tone of voice.
“Grr,” I began, not knowing quite what to say. “I sacrificed something to Lorne…the coin…was just a representation of it. It was small and cold and misshapen…but it was a representation, nonetheless.”
Grr turned swiftly toward me. “Ya could have asked,” he said, his words coming out in a rush. “I'd have left ya alone.”
I was confused. “Left me alone? But…but I don't want you to leave me alone.”
“Well, I'll be sure ta avoid humpin yer leg,” Grr said in a cold mimicry of Lorne’s words.
My eyes widened with understanding. “Oh, Grr…He didn't mean…I mean…when He took what He took….” I trailed off.
“Yeah,” Grr said, voice full of pain. “And when “it” rubs on yer leg, ya wont have ta feel a thing.”
“No…no, Grr.” I shook my head. “Lorne wasn't speaking about you.”
“Huh?” A puzzled expression crossed his face. “Then who?”
I took a deep breath. “Do you remember, I asked Him how to fight the powers of an Incubus? He was taunting Severus.”
“Yeah…lust,” Grr nodded. “When? What? Tha Maker?” Grr’s expression of puzzlement had turned to surprise.
I nodded. “What Lorne said to me was…well, he suggested that if I did not want Severus' body, I should sacrifice any taste I had for it to Him. And…I agreed.” Breathe, I kept telling myself. Breathe. “The coin…was something he pulled from within me. Not from my pockets.”
“Tha Maker?” Grr asked again.
“No,” I replied. “Lorne pulled it from me.”
Once more Grr asked, “About tha Maker?”
“Yes, Grr. My desire for the Maker…to free me from the effects of the Incubus.”
“Not me?” he asked, a strange look washing over his face.
“Severus…only. Not you, beloved. Not ever you,” I sighed.
“I…” Grr began. “Not me? Not me!”
“No, never, you, Grr.”
Suddenly, there was a streak of fur and paws as he ran over. He scooped me up and began swinging me about, laughing. “Rah seh nacs sherrr rash grrrah charrrkk,” he said between laughs. I smiled and tried to wrap my arms around his neck as he began dancing to the song that was playing, carrying me effortlessly.
“You are…you have all my desire,” I whispered. He gently plopped me down and pressed his muzzle against my face.
“I don’t need it all, Spirit Gal, just any.” I could feel the softness of his fur against my skin.
“Well,” I began blushing. “Denenthorn has all my desire, too.” I kissed Grr's muzzle affectionately, breathing in the scent of his fur.
Grr opened a single golden eye, in line with mine. He swiveled and looked into me. “Any, all I need.”
I nodded, smiling, “All you need.”
“Ahoy!” Faye'Li shouted, grinning as she walked up the stairs.
Grr looked up, “Err, yer a pirate now, Messenger? Oop! Song!”
“Yes…back to work, you,” I said before smiling warmly at Faye’Li, all traces of worry gone from my face.
Faye’li looked from me to Grr and back. “Glad you're both ok.”
“Am now,” Grr beamed. “Had a worry there fer a bit.”
“Oh? problem?” Faye’Li asked, as she moved toward the arm chair and settled herself comfortably in it.
“We had a magickal misunderstandin, Messenger,” Grr explained, “Tha Spirit Gal and me.”
“Oh, hope is alright now,” Fay’Li said politely.
“Yup! All bloody good!” Grr beamed.
I smiled as I felt a warm flush creep up my cheeks. “Yes…all good.”
Faye'Li chuckled. “I…see,” she giggled, and then the talk turned to other things.
“It’s been quieter than yesterday, though I don't expect it to be too quiet for much longer,” Star said. I nodded; I didn’t expect it to stay quiet either. I tried unsuccessfully to catch Grr’s gaze, but he still refused to look at me. I gave up and stared at a spot on the floor.
“Anybody wanna hear anythin?” Grr asked.
“Anything by Twisted Sister,” Starwalker said with is usual incongruent cheer. “Or KISS.” Bellaa nodded to the last request, then shifted on the couch, turning onto her side and gazing out the windows.
“Twisted Sister I can do, or…maaaybe some KISS,” Grr replied.
Starwalker sighed, changing the subject. “Hell of a fight here yesterday, three or four deaders attacking residents….”
“Who won?” Grr asked while he continued to queue up songs.
“Well, the fighting isn't still going on…so I guess we did for now.” Starwalker stared out the window. “With all the gun fire, I was up on the fire escape casting my healing magicks on those below that fought. Took them a while to figure out that they were shooting each other up in cross fire as much as they were getting hurt by the risen dead.”
I listened as Starwalker spoke, then finally glanced up and said quietly to Grr, “I'd like to hear The Wolf Sky.” He looked sharply across at me, mixed emotions flashing across his face: anger, fear, deep sadness. I stared at the floor again. I didn’t understand why he either wouldn’t look at me or why he had looked at me the way he’d just done, but I wasn’t quite sure what to say. I reached over to brush Bellaa's hair back. She jumped slightly, the touch on her head waking her from the daydream that she had slipped into as she was staring out the window.
“I should probably get some rest,” Bella murmured. “It’s been a huge day for me. Joah, where did you say I could…or should sleep?” As she looked up at me, Starwalker said something about checking the Library. He unfurled his wings and stepped out of the second story window.
“You can rest in the Shelter, Bellaa,” I replied. “But if you feel comfortable there, you may also rest in the Library. We have cots upstairs, although you are welcome to rest on my bed. It’s in the small room next to the Lady's office.”
Bellaa stood and stretched. “Thanks Joah. I think I will head back that way and see if I can get some form of rest, at least for a little while...” She turned toward Grr, “Nice meeting you.”
Grr nodded. “And you, dont get killed.”
Bella laughed nervously. “Umm...one last question...which way do I go to not get killed?”
“North, head north.” Grr pointed behind him, over his left shoulder. “That way, one block over, three blocks up.”
Bellaa nodded. “Gotcha, and thanks.” She waved a goodbye, trying to smile bravely as she headed out.
And then we were alone. I looked up again at Grr, worry clouding my face. He continued working as if I weren’t there. The minutes ticked on. Finally, I closed my eyes and listened quietly to the music. I didn’t even try to dance.
“Where do tha coins come from?” Grr’s voice interrupted my scattered thoughts. “Spirit Gal? where do yer coins come from?” The question was abrupt.
I sighed. “It…depends. Do you mean the coins I gave the waitress?”
Grr nodded, then spoke brusquely. “That too. Legion eats memories. You gave Lorne a coin. Ya arrived here with lots of memories gone, and pockets full of old coins.”
I slipped one hand in my pocket, holding up an ancient looking copper coin. “The coins in my pocket…I'm not sure where they came from, to be honest. What I gave Lorne was not one of those. As for Legion…Legion has taken none of what memories I do have.” I slipped the coin back into my pocket.
“Fine.” One word. That was all he said. I winced at his tone of voice.
“Grr,” I began, not knowing quite what to say. “I sacrificed something to Lorne…the coin…was just a representation of it. It was small and cold and misshapen…but it was a representation, nonetheless.”
Grr turned swiftly toward me. “Ya could have asked,” he said, his words coming out in a rush. “I'd have left ya alone.”
I was confused. “Left me alone? But…but I don't want you to leave me alone.”
“Well, I'll be sure ta avoid humpin yer leg,” Grr said in a cold mimicry of Lorne’s words.
My eyes widened with understanding. “Oh, Grr…He didn't mean…I mean…when He took what He took….” I trailed off.
“Yeah,” Grr said, voice full of pain. “And when “it” rubs on yer leg, ya wont have ta feel a thing.”
“No…no, Grr.” I shook my head. “Lorne wasn't speaking about you.”
“Huh?” A puzzled expression crossed his face. “Then who?”
I took a deep breath. “Do you remember, I asked Him how to fight the powers of an Incubus? He was taunting Severus.”
“Yeah…lust,” Grr nodded. “When? What? Tha Maker?” Grr’s expression of puzzlement had turned to surprise.
I nodded. “What Lorne said to me was…well, he suggested that if I did not want Severus' body, I should sacrifice any taste I had for it to Him. And…I agreed.” Breathe, I kept telling myself. Breathe. “The coin…was something he pulled from within me. Not from my pockets.”
“Tha Maker?” Grr asked again.
“No,” I replied. “Lorne pulled it from me.”
Once more Grr asked, “About tha Maker?”
“Yes, Grr. My desire for the Maker…to free me from the effects of the Incubus.”
“Not me?” he asked, a strange look washing over his face.
“Severus…only. Not you, beloved. Not ever you,” I sighed.
“I…” Grr began. “Not me? Not me!”
“No, never, you, Grr.”
Suddenly, there was a streak of fur and paws as he ran over. He scooped me up and began swinging me about, laughing. “Rah seh nacs sherrr rash grrrah charrrkk,” he said between laughs. I smiled and tried to wrap my arms around his neck as he began dancing to the song that was playing, carrying me effortlessly.
“You are…you have all my desire,” I whispered. He gently plopped me down and pressed his muzzle against my face.
“I don’t need it all, Spirit Gal, just any.” I could feel the softness of his fur against my skin.
“Well,” I began blushing. “Denenthorn has all my desire, too.” I kissed Grr's muzzle affectionately, breathing in the scent of his fur.
Grr opened a single golden eye, in line with mine. He swiveled and looked into me. “Any, all I need.”
I nodded, smiling, “All you need.”
“Ahoy!” Faye'Li shouted, grinning as she walked up the stairs.
Grr looked up, “Err, yer a pirate now, Messenger? Oop! Song!”
“Yes…back to work, you,” I said before smiling warmly at Faye’Li, all traces of worry gone from my face.
Faye’li looked from me to Grr and back. “Glad you're both ok.”
“Am now,” Grr beamed. “Had a worry there fer a bit.”
“Oh? problem?” Faye’Li asked, as she moved toward the arm chair and settled herself comfortably in it.
“We had a magickal misunderstandin, Messenger,” Grr explained, “Tha Spirit Gal and me.”
“Oh, hope is alright now,” Fay’Li said politely.
“Yup! All bloody good!” Grr beamed.
I smiled as I felt a warm flush creep up my cheeks. “Yes…all good.”
Faye'Li chuckled. “I…see,” she giggled, and then the talk turned to other things.
Monday, October 13, 2008
He Walks in Dreams
Severus stepped out of a shadow-shrouded portal into the Library, a seeping, bone-numbing coldness following him. He glowered, and then slammed the portal behind him with a vacuum-like sucking. As he turned to glance outside at the pouring rain and the rising floodwaters, he sighed heavily. Faye’Li and I were watching the rain-swollen streets, too, but she was pacing up and down the stairs, looking out every window, while I stood still in front of the hearth, close to GrrBrool and a sleeping Brit.
“I dun tink I'll be able to sleep if I see fish or bodies swimming by da windows,” Faye’Li sighed.
“Feel better fer tha little walk?” Grrbrool asked, referring to Faye’Li’s constant pacing. “Ya'll be awright, Messenger, we got…contingency plans. Heh.”
Faye'Li frowned. “I'm going to learn 'ow to swim when dis is over, Grr.”
“It doesn't matter, Faye’Li,” I replied. “In a flood, it isn't safe to swim.
Debris, toxins…bloated, decomposing bodies…the current….” I could hear Brit begin to breathe in slower, easier breaths. She snuggled under the cape she was wearing, using Grr like a pillow. Only her red hair could really be seen. I tried to catch Faye’Li’s eye. “It will be fine. The Institute is always prepared. And the Library protects its own.”
Faye'Li bit her lip, “I’m sorry. Just 'aven't been in a flood before.” Severus slowly arched a brow at her words, pale eyes shifting about.
Grr wrapped an arm around Brit as he shifted slightly toward Severus. “G'day Maker, heard tha news? Damp outside, and tha locks are off tha weapons lockers.” Upstairs, Blake and his companion had grown silent. His nose was buried in a book although I knew he was carefully listening.
Severus inclined his head slightly. “So I saw...yet another flood,” he muttered, his deep tone bitter. “Don’t have anything to lose this time.” I turned from gazing out the window to watch Severus, studying his appearance. He seemed himself. Not like I saw him last, pale as bone, his eyes lifeless, a scythe in hand.
Faye'Li Vidae looked over. "Ah welcome back monsieur." For a moment, she seemed somewhat relieved before thoughts of the water outside came back to her.
Severus shrugged his broad shoulders slightly, not really acknowledging the welcome. For Severus, the Omega Institute is not family. His own was lost to him in the Great Flood: his wife, his children, and his freedom. He had been like an angel; now he was of the damned. Yet…he stayed with us. He aided us, although there was always a price to be paid for his efforts.
Grr snuggled with Brit, leaning close to let her feel his radiant body heat, almost hot to the touch himself. Brit continued to sleep peacefully, hugging Grr as if he were a giant teddy bear. Severus’s intense pale eyes shifted over, meeting mine.
“Severus,” I began as I walked toward him, “Why….” I bit my lip, thought better of asking, and stopped.
Severus slowly arched a brow. “Why what?” he muttered tersely.
“Why…why did you leave me, Severus…leave me there in the Dreaming?”
Severus scowled blackly. “I didn’t. You...left me...I merely released you to sleep for a time. I never abandoned you. I'm contracted.”
“But I was…lost.” I pressed on. “Where did you go? You weren't there when Faye'Li and Grr came for me.” Grr nodded quietly.
“I was a few feet away from you on the path, Joah.” Severus narrowed his eyes. “You merely drifted in sleep.”
I lowered my eyes to the floor to hide my anger at having been left behind, struggling to speak without emotion. “We didn't see you. None of us did.”
Severus shrugged slightly. “You don’t know the laws of the path to the Dreaming. They weren’t brought or guided by me. Of course they wouldn’t see.” Faye’Li stood looking between the two of us, watching.
I raised my eyes, meeting Severus's, exasperated by his obstinacy. "She's still there."
“Larissa you mean?” he said nonchalantly.
“No,” I replied. “Abi.”
Severus nodded slowly. “Yes, yes she is...my contract remains incomplete.”
“And will you . . . complete it?” I asked.
“I can’t until you join Larissa again,” Severus shrugged. “You are in my contract. However, Grr offered another option…perhaps if my methods are so unfavorable, you should take it.” I glanced at Grr. His golden eyes met mine, but he didn’t speak. He knew this battle was between the incubus and me.
I drew closer to Severus…not touching him…never touching his skin, but closer. “I rode with you,” I said quietly, my anger rising.
“You what?” Severus uttered flatly.
“You were Death,” I whispered. “On a pale green horse, Severus. You pulled me up behind you…and I rode with you.”
“Death?” asked Faye'Li in a puzzled voice.
“Not exactly my kind of dream....” Severus muttered dryly. “Are you certain you don’t have any strange riding fetishes?”
And that was it. My temper exploded as I lunged across the space between us, grasping one of the spikes in Severus’ wrist. “You pulled me up behind you,” I spat. “Where were you going? Where were you taking me?”
Severus hissed through clenched teeth, pale eyes blazing as he wrenched his wrist from my grasp, the spike grinding against bone as his black blood began to seep through the open wound. I don’t know, damn you! They are your blasted dreams,” he snapped acidly through clenched fangs.
“You were in them,” Joah I said tightly.
Faye'Li looked at Severus and back to me, “What…does it mean?”
I whirled around. “Ask him. He's the one who walks the planes. Not I.”
“I don’t know what it means, Joah.” Severus growled low as he clutched his spike-pierced wrist to his chest, his black blood seeping down his arm sluggishly. “I simply don’t have the control I once did...I must be drifting through dreams,” he muttered, his deep tone terse.
“Yet you still do not feed…” I said, chagrined.
Severus shook his white-maned head slightly. “And I will not,” he said bitterly, continuing to rub his-spike impaled forearm.
I could only turn and walk away.
See Abi, lost in the Dream World.
Read about Blue's visit to Abi.
Read about Grr and Faye'Li rescuing Joah.
“I dun tink I'll be able to sleep if I see fish or bodies swimming by da windows,” Faye’Li sighed.
“Feel better fer tha little walk?” Grrbrool asked, referring to Faye’Li’s constant pacing. “Ya'll be awright, Messenger, we got…contingency plans. Heh.”
Faye'Li frowned. “I'm going to learn 'ow to swim when dis is over, Grr.”
“It doesn't matter, Faye’Li,” I replied. “In a flood, it isn't safe to swim.
Debris, toxins…bloated, decomposing bodies…the current….” I could hear Brit begin to breathe in slower, easier breaths. She snuggled under the cape she was wearing, using Grr like a pillow. Only her red hair could really be seen. I tried to catch Faye’Li’s eye. “It will be fine. The Institute is always prepared. And the Library protects its own.”
Faye'Li bit her lip, “I’m sorry. Just 'aven't been in a flood before.” Severus slowly arched a brow at her words, pale eyes shifting about.
Grr wrapped an arm around Brit as he shifted slightly toward Severus. “G'day Maker, heard tha news? Damp outside, and tha locks are off tha weapons lockers.” Upstairs, Blake and his companion had grown silent. His nose was buried in a book although I knew he was carefully listening.
Severus inclined his head slightly. “So I saw...yet another flood,” he muttered, his deep tone bitter. “Don’t have anything to lose this time.” I turned from gazing out the window to watch Severus, studying his appearance. He seemed himself. Not like I saw him last, pale as bone, his eyes lifeless, a scythe in hand.
Faye'Li Vidae looked over. "Ah welcome back monsieur." For a moment, she seemed somewhat relieved before thoughts of the water outside came back to her.
Severus shrugged his broad shoulders slightly, not really acknowledging the welcome. For Severus, the Omega Institute is not family. His own was lost to him in the Great Flood: his wife, his children, and his freedom. He had been like an angel; now he was of the damned. Yet…he stayed with us. He aided us, although there was always a price to be paid for his efforts.
Grr snuggled with Brit, leaning close to let her feel his radiant body heat, almost hot to the touch himself. Brit continued to sleep peacefully, hugging Grr as if he were a giant teddy bear. Severus’s intense pale eyes shifted over, meeting mine.
“Severus,” I began as I walked toward him, “Why….” I bit my lip, thought better of asking, and stopped.
Severus slowly arched a brow. “Why what?” he muttered tersely.
“Why…why did you leave me, Severus…leave me there in the Dreaming?”
Severus scowled blackly. “I didn’t. You...left me...I merely released you to sleep for a time. I never abandoned you. I'm contracted.”
“But I was…lost.” I pressed on. “Where did you go? You weren't there when Faye'Li and Grr came for me.” Grr nodded quietly.
“I was a few feet away from you on the path, Joah.” Severus narrowed his eyes. “You merely drifted in sleep.”
I lowered my eyes to the floor to hide my anger at having been left behind, struggling to speak without emotion. “We didn't see you. None of us did.”
Severus shrugged slightly. “You don’t know the laws of the path to the Dreaming. They weren’t brought or guided by me. Of course they wouldn’t see.” Faye’Li stood looking between the two of us, watching.
I raised my eyes, meeting Severus's, exasperated by his obstinacy. "She's still there."
“Larissa you mean?” he said nonchalantly.
“No,” I replied. “Abi.”
Severus nodded slowly. “Yes, yes she is...my contract remains incomplete.”
“And will you . . . complete it?” I asked.
“I can’t until you join Larissa again,” Severus shrugged. “You are in my contract. However, Grr offered another option…perhaps if my methods are so unfavorable, you should take it.” I glanced at Grr. His golden eyes met mine, but he didn’t speak. He knew this battle was between the incubus and me.
I drew closer to Severus…not touching him…never touching his skin, but closer. “I rode with you,” I said quietly, my anger rising.
“You what?” Severus uttered flatly.
“You were Death,” I whispered. “On a pale green horse, Severus. You pulled me up behind you…and I rode with you.”
“Death?” asked Faye'Li in a puzzled voice.
“Not exactly my kind of dream....” Severus muttered dryly. “Are you certain you don’t have any strange riding fetishes?”
And that was it. My temper exploded as I lunged across the space between us, grasping one of the spikes in Severus’ wrist. “You pulled me up behind you,” I spat. “Where were you going? Where were you taking me?”
Severus hissed through clenched teeth, pale eyes blazing as he wrenched his wrist from my grasp, the spike grinding against bone as his black blood began to seep through the open wound. I don’t know, damn you! They are your blasted dreams,” he snapped acidly through clenched fangs.
“You were in them,” Joah I said tightly.
Faye'Li looked at Severus and back to me, “What…does it mean?”
I whirled around. “Ask him. He's the one who walks the planes. Not I.”
“I don’t know what it means, Joah.” Severus growled low as he clutched his spike-pierced wrist to his chest, his black blood seeping down his arm sluggishly. “I simply don’t have the control I once did...I must be drifting through dreams,” he muttered, his deep tone terse.
“Yet you still do not feed…” I said, chagrined.
Severus shook his white-maned head slightly. “And I will not,” he said bitterly, continuing to rub his-spike impaled forearm.
I could only turn and walk away.
See Abi, lost in the Dream World.
Read about Blue's visit to Abi.
Read about Grr and Faye'Li rescuing Joah.
Monday, September 29, 2008
The Messenger
“Whatever I've been sensing…is nearby,” she said as she danced slowly to the music. Grrbrool Lykin looked thoughtful, peering under the screens in the KTOX DJ booth, watching her. Faye’Li Vidae continued to dance, her hair twinned back and drifting over her shoulders as she began to speak rhythmically.
“Nice definition,” came a low man’s voice from the stairwell. “It's not as bad as people may think, though.”
I danced in time with Faye’Li, turning toward the direction of the voice where a dark-haired demon stood. “Hell,” I murmured, “Where all one’s desires are fulfilled without a thought and nothing satisfies.”
Faye’Li’s eyes closed slightly.
“Always has been, I think, Messenger. It’s what is so very wrong with this place,” Grr said, one paw adjusting controls at the booth. Blaze Wiles stood next to Grr, sorting through music, making requests and listening. She nodded her head as Grr spoke.
The dark haired stranger stepped into the room, looking directly at Grr. “Is it?” he murmured.
“I mean, shit,” Grr said, “We're 300 meters from an active volcano, right fuckin now.” I stopped dancing, thinking of the Pit, and walked around behind the DJ booth, wrapping my arms around Grr’s waist but not saying a word. He reached back and embraced me, holding me to his back, swishing his tail on my knees.
Blaze said dryly, “I bet a geologist could give you quite an exhaustive list of ‘bad’ things just regarding that little fact."
Faye’Li seemed to nod, but began speaking in the singsong voice again.
She rubbed her head and sat down.
“Yes? Go on…..” the stranger said quietly.
“She's a Seer, mate, sometimes there's more, sometimes that’s it,” Grr said watching Faye’Li through the glass.
I looked around Grr’s shoulders to see Fay’Li’s puzzled look. “It ’appened again?” she asked.
Grr sighed. “Yup… clear as a bell, and just as ringin.”
“She's not aware when that happens?” the stranger asked.
“Ya not so far,” Grr replied. “Messenger’s just dispencin wisdom we can’t quite understand yet.” The stranger nodded, looking at Faye’Li closely.
“You saw the devourer, Faye’Li,” I said after a moment.
Faye’Li looked at me with a question then said softly, “I see a darkness dat wants to eat everyting if dats what you mean. Is like da atmosphere is angry.”
“Well,” the dark-haired demon smirked, “That sounds normal around here.”
I turned to him. “The devourer . . . has no desire but to consume. The soul. The spirit. The mind. The heart. Leaving nothing. It is . . . insatiable.”
Blaze frowned, “That sounds disturbingly familiar.”
The stranger glanced at Blaze, “Yes, it does.”
“I see…teeth without mouths, blackness enveloping every bit of the air around that gets under the skin, the gnashing…and in a hallow dream state…fire, pain. Not only eaten, devoured as they bear witness to the darkest dreams while they wake. Torture...and every torment of the mind...that is hell….”
“Nice definition,” came a low man’s voice from the stairwell. “It's not as bad as people may think, though.”
I danced in time with Faye’Li, turning toward the direction of the voice where a dark-haired demon stood. “Hell,” I murmured, “Where all one’s desires are fulfilled without a thought and nothing satisfies.”
Faye’Li’s eyes closed slightly.
“It is mind…illusion…and reality. And it's on the doorstep of this City.”
“Always has been, I think, Messenger. It’s what is so very wrong with this place,” Grr said, one paw adjusting controls at the booth. Blaze Wiles stood next to Grr, sorting through music, making requests and listening. She nodded her head as Grr spoke.
The dark haired stranger stepped into the room, looking directly at Grr. “Is it?” he murmured.
“I mean, shit,” Grr said, “We're 300 meters from an active volcano, right fuckin now.” I stopped dancing, thinking of the Pit, and walked around behind the DJ booth, wrapping my arms around Grr’s waist but not saying a word. He reached back and embraced me, holding me to his back, swishing his tail on my knees.
Blaze said dryly, “I bet a geologist could give you quite an exhaustive list of ‘bad’ things just regarding that little fact."
Faye’Li seemed to nod, but began speaking in the singsong voice again.
“They seek not the righteous nor the damned, they come for all…and when the gate grows wide enough….”
She rubbed her head and sat down.
“Yes? Go on…..” the stranger said quietly.
“She's a Seer, mate, sometimes there's more, sometimes that’s it,” Grr said watching Faye’Li through the glass.
I looked around Grr’s shoulders to see Fay’Li’s puzzled look. “It ’appened again?” she asked.
Grr sighed. “Yup… clear as a bell, and just as ringin.”
“She's not aware when that happens?” the stranger asked.
“Ya not so far,” Grr replied. “Messenger’s just dispencin wisdom we can’t quite understand yet.” The stranger nodded, looking at Faye’Li closely.
“You saw the devourer, Faye’Li,” I said after a moment.
Faye’Li looked at me with a question then said softly, “I see a darkness dat wants to eat everyting if dats what you mean. Is like da atmosphere is angry.”
“Well,” the dark-haired demon smirked, “That sounds normal around here.”
I turned to him. “The devourer . . . has no desire but to consume. The soul. The spirit. The mind. The heart. Leaving nothing. It is . . . insatiable.”
Blaze frowned, “That sounds disturbingly familiar.”
The stranger glanced at Blaze, “Yes, it does.”
Friday, September 19, 2008
Chasing NicoleA
She came slyly to Omega, offering supposed information of an Omegan traitor, a leak. But her parting words? “Tell Lyra I know where she can find her tail, if she wants it.” The murdering bitch.
NicoleA. I swore I’d find her. I took the Messenger, Faye’Li, with me and headed to Kindred headquarters. A tall, red-haired vampire woman watched as we entered. “May we help you ladies?”
“We're looking for one of your sisters, NicoleA,” I replied. “She has something that belongs to a friend of mine.”
The woman nodded solemnly. “She is no longer of this family. I am afraid to disappoint you, but if I may inquire, what does she have of yours that you seek at this moment?”
Faye'Li glanced between us and the vampires with an unreadable expression. “She took something…very personal…belonging to an Omegan under my charge,” I began.
“I have seen her in the Haven as of late, but I am afraid I can not be of further assistance,” the vampire shrugged.
“If I may ask, how is it that she came to leave your family?”
The vampire shook her head calmly. "That is not something I am privileged to reveal.”
“I see.” I could feel my temper rising. “It seems we both have information we're . . . not privileged to reveal, then. I will tell you this: NicoleA did not act alone.”
“I don’t believe you would have revealed any information in any case...or is this an offer for an exchange perhaps?” the vampire chuckled.
I spoke softly. “The only exchange I'm interested is NicoleA’s and her sisters' heads on a plate. My name is Joah. I will keep looking.”
The vampire nodded. “I am Cordelia...to my left is my brother Rees and behind me is my brother Gage...wait...please. You mention another sister...of whom do you speak?”
Gage met my eyes. “Do you mean a member of our family…or a blood relation?”
“At present...I don't know,” I frowned. “But I will find out.”
Cordelia furrowed her brows. “And...these two have done your family wrong you say?”
“Three,” I said plainly.
A small gasp escaped Cordelia, then a look of remembrance crossed her face, quickly replaced by an expression of false concern. “Oh, I see...and this object you seek...it was important to your family. Well, I certainly hope you find what you seek ladies, but we can offer you no further assistance here I'm afraid.”
Rees spoke up. He behaved as if we’d never met. “A few weeks ago I promised the Lady Omega my full support. I would be happy to help in this instance.”
“And yes, NicoleA is no longer a member of this family. I assure you,” Gage said in an even voice.
Cordelia Cuttita nodded toward Rees. “We have no ill feelings toward your family, as far as we are aware.”
“Nor, I am sure, does the Lady Omega have any toward yours,” I replied. “She is most gracious. More so than I.”
A slow grin crossed Cordelia’s face. “Perhaps, then, your information is incorrect.”
“I think not. But…since NicoleA is…no longer of your family, perhaps I should search elsewhere.” Faye’Li and I turned to head for the door.
Cordelia said politely, “Yes...I am afraid we can not assist you in that respect.”
I turned. “Cannot. Not will not, I suppose. Well, thank you for your time. Please excuse me and my companion, Faye'Li.”
Rees raised a brow then looked across to his brother and sister, as his sister said, “We bid you both well.”
“Yes...be well,” Gage murmured.
“Hmm,” Faye’Li whispered as we walked away. “Definitely 'iding someting.”
NicoleA. I swore I’d find her. I took the Messenger, Faye’Li, with me and headed to Kindred headquarters. A tall, red-haired vampire woman watched as we entered. “May we help you ladies?”
“We're looking for one of your sisters, NicoleA,” I replied. “She has something that belongs to a friend of mine.”
The woman nodded solemnly. “She is no longer of this family. I am afraid to disappoint you, but if I may inquire, what does she have of yours that you seek at this moment?”
Faye'Li glanced between us and the vampires with an unreadable expression. “She took something…very personal…belonging to an Omegan under my charge,” I began.
“I have seen her in the Haven as of late, but I am afraid I can not be of further assistance,” the vampire shrugged.
“If I may ask, how is it that she came to leave your family?”
The vampire shook her head calmly. "That is not something I am privileged to reveal.”
“I see.” I could feel my temper rising. “It seems we both have information we're . . . not privileged to reveal, then. I will tell you this: NicoleA did not act alone.”
“I don’t believe you would have revealed any information in any case...or is this an offer for an exchange perhaps?” the vampire chuckled.
I spoke softly. “The only exchange I'm interested is NicoleA’s and her sisters' heads on a plate. My name is Joah. I will keep looking.”
The vampire nodded. “I am Cordelia...to my left is my brother Rees and behind me is my brother Gage...wait...please. You mention another sister...of whom do you speak?”
Gage met my eyes. “Do you mean a member of our family…or a blood relation?”
“At present...I don't know,” I frowned. “But I will find out.”
Cordelia furrowed her brows. “And...these two have done your family wrong you say?”
“Three,” I said plainly.
A small gasp escaped Cordelia, then a look of remembrance crossed her face, quickly replaced by an expression of false concern. “Oh, I see...and this object you seek...it was important to your family. Well, I certainly hope you find what you seek ladies, but we can offer you no further assistance here I'm afraid.”
Rees spoke up. He behaved as if we’d never met. “A few weeks ago I promised the Lady Omega my full support. I would be happy to help in this instance.”
“And yes, NicoleA is no longer a member of this family. I assure you,” Gage said in an even voice.
Cordelia Cuttita nodded toward Rees. “We have no ill feelings toward your family, as far as we are aware.”
“Nor, I am sure, does the Lady Omega have any toward yours,” I replied. “She is most gracious. More so than I.”
A slow grin crossed Cordelia’s face. “Perhaps, then, your information is incorrect.”
“I think not. But…since NicoleA is…no longer of your family, perhaps I should search elsewhere.” Faye’Li and I turned to head for the door.
Cordelia said politely, “Yes...I am afraid we can not assist you in that respect.”
I turned. “Cannot. Not will not, I suppose. Well, thank you for your time. Please excuse me and my companion, Faye'Li.”
Rees raised a brow then looked across to his brother and sister, as his sister said, “We bid you both well.”
“Yes...be well,” Gage murmured.
“Hmm,” Faye’Li whispered as we walked away. “Definitely 'iding someting.”
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