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 Posted: Mon Dec 16, 2013 9:11 am
Inside the home, there were signs of someone having been here. The electricity was still on, the lights worked and the inside was warm enough not to need a coat. The walls were covered with dainty flowery wallpaper that had faded with age. The floor was a dark, rich hardwood. The main door opened to a straight hallway that ran the length of the house, with arches on either side to let people into the sitting room, living room, dining room and kitchen, though there were hardly any pieces of furniture in any of the rooms. On the left side of the hallway was the narrow staircase leading up to the second floor, its lustrous wood bannister curling at the end. On the floor, leading from the entrance, was a trail of lovely rose petals. It trickled to the stairs, then led the way UP those stairs.
On the second floor, the landing was a perfect square with one door on each wall. The petals led to one of those doors, and once opened, it revealed the only room that looked lived-in: the bathroom.
The tub was an old ceramic stand-alone tub on little coiled copper feet. Its elegant sweeping form was surrounded by various pedestals, nighttables and coffee tables, on which rested a paraphenalia of things. Candles surrounded the bath. The tables a little further out held bubble bath oils, shampoos and conditioners of a few varying fragrances, bath bombs, body soap in different scents. The table furthest from the bath held a small radio for music to be played, and a digital picture frame complete with speakers, one of those new models that allowed you to play sound with your moving image.
Once turned on, the digital picture frame revealed Rivener, of course. He sat in what looked to be this very house, downstairs, on a chair that was still there in one of the sitting rooms. He smiled fondly and spoke, the frame playing the short movieclip clearly and crisply.
Hey Melisande. I know this has been a really long day for you so far, so I thought this would be a perfect time for you to relax. You deserve to be pampered, and yes, I remember your other threat about the bubble baths. He laughed affectionately. Take your time, soak, use any of the fragrances you like. And when you're ready, there's a gift hanging behind the bathroom door for you. That's where you'll find your clue to the next lock's location. But don't rush: enjoy your time here. I didn't know which scents you liked, so I got a bunch of different ones. Have a great, relaxing time. There's music in the player for you. He grinned, and the video went dark.
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Posted: Mon Dec 16, 2013 7:46 pm
She'd locked the door behind her and followed the rose petals faithfully, trusting that she didn't need to so much as call out. There was something so heartfelt, so extravagant about them, she couldn't help but bend and pick a few delicately from the ground. The Muse smoothed them between her thumb and fingers as she drifted up the stairs. Her eyes settled on the door at the end of the flowered path and she paused, heart hammering.
Pasha's hand settled over the curling end of the bannister for support, petals spiraling down from her fingers forgotten. Her wings fluffed as though she were cold, but in her imagination a dozen different scenes were playing out. Was Rivener behind the door? Or Rivener...and Zul? Would it be another box, or another guardian with a knowing smile?
She crossed the distance slowly, and pushed open the door with one hand. What she saw was the last thing she'd expected, and it took her breath away. The array of bottles and baubles looked like treasure, enticingly lit by the multitude of candles that flickered in greeting as the door closed behind her. Was this...for her?
The warmth of the candles and the sweet smells lifted her spirits. Only the dark frame seemed out of place. Melisande approached it curiously, and brushed her finger across a small button.
"Rivener! This is amazing!" Her voice was joyous, and she leaned forward to beam at the Scorpion. It wasn't until he started speaking at she realized it was a recording, not a video chat like Vi had shown her.
Blushing, glad she was alone, Melisande pressed her lips together and listened. As he revealed that yes, in fact, the bath was for her, Pasha lit up all over again. She watched the screen for a few moments even after it went black, still smiling.
Melisande didn't check to see if the door was locked before slipping out of her messenger bag and unwinding her scarf. She trusted that Rivener hadn't led her somewhere dangerous. She was still a little bashful about undressing in an unknown place, however. Twisting the antique handles, Melisande coaxed hot water to top off the tub. While it ran, she released the frog clasp on her vest and folded it carefully, adding it to the pile.
She hadn't yet turned on the radio. Perhaps stalling as she drummed up the courage to slip out of her shirt, Melisande clicked it on and adjusted the volume till it was just loud enough to be heard over the water. The music brought a small smile to her face, and though she wasn't even in the bath yet, the Muse could feel the contentment sinking in to her. Finally, she tugged her long sleeved shirt off over her head and dropped it carefully on the vest before she could reconsider.
Pasha's curls cascaded free, long enough to brush the top of her ribbon when pulled out straight. As it was, the ends of her curls swung in the hollow curve of her lower back, brushing her slender waist as she moved. She was still wearing her delicate lavender bra, the lingerie edged in simple lace. Pasha crossed one arm over her chest modestly and liberated her phone. She placed it carefully on one of the tables, not too close to the water, and leaned forward to take a closer look at the bottles.
Rivener had done something truly thoughtful. There were scents in the mix she didn't care for at all...bracing mint and heavy gardenia. Some of them, though, were enchanting. She twisted the lid off of something marked Shangri La and inhaled, making a happy noise before pouring a small amount under the running tap. The clean scent of mountain air, tiny flowers and sweet sun lifted with the steam. It smelled like the end of winter, and the beginning of spring. Bubbles rose rapidly as the hot water rushed into the basin, and Pasha raised her arms long enough to twist her curls into knot atop her head.
She waited until she had slipped into the bath to twist her arm around and deftly unclasp her bra. Pasha covered her chest again modestly with one arm as she dropped it over the side, finally sinking back into the bubbles with a sigh. It really was just what she needed, after the chill and the travel and the excitement. The handle squeaked as she shut off the water, and the Muse leaned her head back against the edge of the bath as she relaxed. Her wings stretched up and back in the cupid pose, keeping mostly clear of the water even as she sank further in.
"Where ever you are, thank you." She murmured, closing her eyes over a smile.
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Posted: Tue Dec 17, 2013 6:32 pm
There seemed to be no reason to hurry here. The water ran hot whenever Melisande wished it to, the bubbles wafted delicate scent through the air, the music filled the candle-lit room with peaceful bliss. She could stay as long as she wanted, soak all her cares away until everything felt noodly and right. Once she was ready, her next gift and next clue awaited hung behind the bathroom's door.
Behind the door, hanging from the hook and covered in the thin plastic of a dry-cleaner's service, was a new outfit! A beautiful icy-blue chiffon dress with an asymmetrical neckline that swooped from over the left shoulder to under the right one, providing only one long and draping sleeve. The waistband was decorated with a flourish of sparkles, white and blue and with just a few delicately placed dots of purple. The fabric looked flowy and airy, the skirt playful and pretty. In the back, it opened low enough to allow room for wings. Overtop the lovely dress was a new coat, very much like Pasha's favorite flared-bottom winter jacket. This one was a crisp blue-purple, with lush, thick white fur lining the inside and fluffing out of the sleeves and collar, lining the warm hood. Rivener had even bought her new accessories: a pair of blue gloves were pinned to each sleeve, with a trio of gold bangles attached to one of them. A thin chain with a shimmery cluster of blue and white false jewels hung from the hanger's neck.
Attached to the plastic covering was Rivener's note.
Melisande,
I hope my fashion sense will match up to your standards. You always have impeccable taste, and I really am scared my choices won't please you, but I did my very best. You always look drop-dead gorgeous, and i just wanted to have a little part in that this time. After a bath that made you feel beautiful and relaxed, I wanted to offer you something to wear that could make that feeling continue.
Your next key belongs to a lock in Barton Mall. Almost done! Love you!
-Rivener
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Posted: Tue Dec 17, 2013 9:12 pm
Melisande started awake as the song changed, lifting her head from where she'd rested it on her crossed arms along the side of the tub. Both cheeks were warm from the steam, and her eyes were still half lidded from the nap. For a moment, she was disoriented. The bubbles had receded, and the water was disorienting with the glow of her rune from below and the shimmering reflection of the candles above. Pasha closed her eyes as she yawned, wings and one arm stretching wide. It wasn't until she'd blinked a few times that she realized she was still nude.
Water splashed over the side as Meilsande crossed both arms over her chest. There was no one else here...and it took several frozen moments of listening to the water drip onto the floor until she smiled sheepishly.
Rivener. The keys. The notes. Melisande's eyes closed lazily, and she sank down until the water covered her smile.
***
The Sigel turned slowly, looking down one arm and then the other. She'd never worn anything with just one sleeve before, though she'd seen such shirts in Vi's shop. They'd always seemed a little too...sexy for her to pull off.
The sparkles glimmered back up at her from her waist as she settled one hand over the little necklace. It was lovely, like a kiss of winter against her pale skin. Alain had bought her an outfit once...something pink and sheer and so low cut that the Muse had blushed the entire evening. It was just business, she understood that, but this was different. It had been chosen with care. The color set off her eyes and complimented her ribbon. The back fit her wings perfectly, and the jacket made up for the fact that Rivener...in all his man-dom...hadn't remembered a strapless bra. His second confession of love, written this time, steeled her and she slid the coat from the hanger bravely.
She buttoned the jacket deftly, bangles jingling, and snuggled down into the fur lined collar. On a whim, she pulled out her phone...but instead of texting Rivener, she tentatively clicked Zul's name.
This is turning out to be an amazing Christmas. I'm looking forward to New Years.
The phone fit perfectly in the inner pocket. Pasha hesitated, wondering if she should unsend it, but took a deep breath instead. It didn't take long to pack her bag...there was enough room for her clothes, and after a moments hesitation she packed the bottle of Shangri La. Her smile was suddenly brilliant, and Melisande darted out the door, stirring the petals in her wake.
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Posted: Wed Dec 18, 2013 8:50 am
Barton Mall was a mecca of holiday cheer. Supper time neared and with the end of the workday, the large establishment was full to the brim with bustling business as people hurried in for a few purchases before returning home. There were decorations twinkling in the parking lot, in the shopping mall's halls, and the scent of pine boughs drowned out the smell of the crowd. Christmas music jingled and jangled from the PA system throughout the Mall, and everywhere one might look there were two expressions on people's faces: joy or anxiousness, depending on how hurried they were to get through the throng.
Melisande turned heads wherever she went, as she always did. A few taste-testers wandering the corridors between shops accosted her to offer her samples. A beauty shop hawker invited her in for a free makeover. A perfume counter attendant called her to try some fragrances, a jeweler tried to catch her attention with sparkling accessories... All through the mall people were calling out their wares, and as Pasha drew the eye she found herself called out to by almost every such person she passed.
But eventually the key must find its lock. Where could Rivener possibly have meant this key to fit? It was small, plastic-headed as the one for the bus stop personal locker had been. There was a number etched into the back, "003". Was this, then, for another personal locker? And how would Pasha find the lockers? There were maps posted on tall pillars throughout the large mall, and there were information desks every so often in cross-halls... Or she could wander and take in the atmosphere until she came upon them?
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Posted: Wed Dec 18, 2013 4:04 pm
The Mall was like a Christmas playground. Melisande found herself paused in the middle, where a huge holiday tree took advantage of the opening in the mezzanine. Fake gifts crowded the base of the tree, and families posed for pictures with squirming children that reached eagerly for the boxes. She had never been to the Mall before, and didn't know where to start...so she turned in a slow circle until she found a likely looking direction.
Offers of perfume and products echoed over the voices of the crowd. Melisande never lost her smile, shaking her head in polite refusal. She steered especially clear of the scent testers. Her skin still smelled of the amazing fragrance Rivener had picked out for her, and she enjoyed clinging to the memory of her bath.
Despite the crowd, the entire experience was charming, and Pasha could feel herself succumbing to the lure of shopping. There was a fudge shop that Vi would have loved, and a scarf that would look amazing on Cesc! A store that smelled like Rivener tempted her with a leather bound journal for Wasa, and there was a belly chain that would look adorable on Lulu. She even found an expensive hardwood comb that made her think of Lucia, and soon enough, there were several mismatched bags over each of the Sigels arms. A gold envelope poked out of one of the bags, and Melisande tucked it in deeper so it wouldn't get lost.
She'd been shopping for an hour, and was no closer to figuring out where the key went. Shifting the weight of her bags, Pasha stared curiously up at one of the mall maps. Perhaps there was a visitor's center? There was! Her face lit with a smile and she turned, doubly glad the counter wasn't far.
There was a little bit of a line, but the Muse didn't mind. She was filled with something warm and light, something that wouldn't let her stop smiling. "Hello! Do you know..." She switched all the bags temporarily to one arm, and fished the keys from her pocket. "...where this can be used? It was a gift!" Pasha hurried to explain, in case they thought she was turning it in as a found item.
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Posted: Thu Dec 19, 2013 9:33 am
The visitor's center was indeed busy, but the people working there seemed afflicted with the most infectious holiday cheer that could be found in Barton. A widely-smiling lady with silver in her hair welcomed Pasha. "Hello! Happy Holidays! You're looking for-... Ah!" She nodded as she peered closer at the key, grinning. "That's a key to one of the lockers on the west wing. Go that way," she pointed to the left, "down the hall. When you get to the hall across from the Chapters bookstore, go down that hall. At the very end you'll find the rental lockers! They'll be in an alcove on the right side of the hall. Good luck, and happy shopping!"
It seemed Rivener had guessed there would be some shopping happening. The lockers, once Pasha found them, were clearly large enough to store armloads of bags and boxes so someone could keep shopping. The alcove was relatively private, with a half-wall separating it from the main hallway. Near the very far wall began the numbers. 001, 002, and then the one that matched the key: 003.
When the Muse put in the key and turned, there was a soft muted pop! from above, and a clever contraption hidden above the locker shot out its payload: silvery confetti and a shower of white and pink flower petals tumbled lightly through the air above Melisande's head. Inside the large locker were only a few things: a single white rose, and a folded note.
Melisande,
I'm sure you've guessed, I picked this numbered locker for a reason. 3. And I'm sure you can guess what that number means. I know this isn't the very usual way for relationships to work, but it feels right for Zul and I. We love each other deeply, but there a space in our hearts that seems to be waiting for the last piece of the puzzle. We'd really be proud, flattered, appreciative, and so very much overjoyed if you were willing to be our third. You would complete our circle. I do love Zul, but I want to make sure you know that I love you as much. This took me a while to understand when Zul first suggested that we could be more than two: our love won't be split. It won't be me and you, you and Zul, Zul and I. Not three relationships. It would be ONE relationship. Me, you, and Zul. I don't want to rush you into accepting it, that's not why I'm explaining it. I just want you to know exactly what we're dreaming of. So that you can think it over, and come to your own decision about whether you're ready for this kind of thing. We will abide by your decision and would never pressure you.
...I love you, Melisande. I'm ready to wait for you until you're ready. And if you decide this isn't for you, I will be sad, but I will understand. Take all the time you need to think it through.
-Rivener.
PS: there's only one Key left! Go to the outside skating rink in Barton Park, at 7pm tonight. Stand at the top of the stairs that descend to it, where you can have a perfect view of the giant christmas tree. The last lock will come to you.
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Posted: Fri Dec 20, 2013 6:37 pm
The last thing Pasha expected was confetti. She squinched her eyes shut in surprise, and opened them in time to see the last bit of the petals and silver cut-outs twirl to the ground. Her laugh filled the little alcove, and she picked at the pieces tangled in her hair for a few moments before she gave up and grabbed her phone. Melisande faced it towards herself, as Vi had taught her, and snapped a quick picture. She had a sweet mischievous smile, silver confetti caught in her curls and a large petal stuck roguishly to her cheek. When she looked at the picture, she didn't even notice her expression. The necklace Rivener had gotten her caught her attention, shining like an arctic jewel through the haze of the fur collar. Pasha took a slow breath, tilting her head to brush the fur against her cheek, and hit send.
Once the surprise had settled, she noticed the rose in the locker, and withdrew it and the note carefully with one hand. Both were held gently as she coaxed her shopping bags into the space with the other arm, and she made sure to remove the gold envelope and stash it in her pocket before she closed the locker with a click.
Melisande held the rose to her face, eyes closing as she took a breath of its sweet fragrance, and then unfolded the note.
The words were as powerful as his words about their past. Pasha read it only once before lowering the note, and turning to leave the locker area. She needed somewhere she could rest...somewhere she could read it again, comfortably, without people passing by and staring at her curiously.
She drifted back to the main hall, momentarily taken aback by the bustle. If anything, it had gotten busier. Pasha tucked the note into her pocket, next to the gold envelope she'd acquired while shopping, and starting scouting for a good place. The cafe court was too noisy, and smelled of food...the benches were next to the plaza, where families posed with the giant tree. The beanbags in the bookstore were all taken up...
It wasn't until she saw curtains part through the huge windows of a very pink themed lingerie store that Melisande spotted the perfect place. She made her way inside, holding her wings tight against her back, and selected the first item she saw.
"May I try this on?"
The sales girl stared at her for a moment, looking between Melisande and the garment.
"Are...you sure that's the one you want?"
The Muse blushed, holding the garment at arms length to take a closer look at it. To be honest, it was pretty similar to her favorite corset, except in black instead of pale colors. "Why not?"
"It has garter clips..."
Melisande furrowed her brows, watching the woman's face.
"And...you don't have legs for stockings? No offense, miss. How about this one?"
Blushing furiously, Pasha accepted the exchange without even glancing at it, and darted into the dressing room. The moment she pulled the curtain, the Muse relaxed, though she could still see how pink her cheeks were in the trifold mirror. Settling down on the little striped stool, resting her back against the pink wall, Melisande removed Rivener's note once again.
We'd really be proud, flattered, appreciative, and so very much overjoyed if you were willing to be our third. You would complete our circle.
Their third. Her heart was racing, and Pasha's lips parted as she read the line again. Not three relationships. It would be ONE relationship. Melisande squeezed her eyes shut, trying to sort out the images flashing through her mind. Three people, holding hands on the street? Three chairs at a romantic dinner? Her eyes opened again as something occurred to her, and she read the note again, searching for any clues.
What if she was meant to be...a secret?
Suddenly, she was acutely aware of her rune. Melisande fluttered away from the stool, floating in the center of the little dressing room. Nothing in her objected to sharing someone's love. Perhaps she would have objected once, when she was younger and idealistic, but now...anyone in her future would have to share her heart with Zavier. But being kept a secret?
Melisande shook her hair back, dismissing the thought. There was no reason to make assumptions at this point, much less get caught up in them. She caught sight of herself in the mirror and smiled slowly. Never, in a million years, did she think she would find herself in a lingerie dressing room, reading over a very serious proposal from Rivener and Zul. She ducked back to the letter, cheeks once again signature pink.
Everything she'd discussed with Zul was going through her mind as well. He'd made it clear it wasn't just Rivener's will, something that both scared and excited her. She still had a hard time imagining herself beside the Demon when she could barely look into his eyes. There was something dark, something dangerous, beyond what she already knew, but she no longer held that against him.
I love you, Melisande. I'm ready to wait for you until you're ready.
This is the line she read twice, three times. It was comforting, amid the chaos of their courtship. She was busy trying to memorize the next meeting place when a female voice hailed her from beyond the curtain.
"Miss? Do you need me to lace you up?"
Pasha jumped, almost flicking the curtain with her wing, and tucked the note into her pocket. "Um, n-no! It's...not my color." Not technically a lie, but she felt guilty for taking up the dressing room for so long. She poked the garment, still on the hanger, back through the fabric 'doors.'
"No problem! I think I have just the thing. Hang tight!"
Melisande winced as the corset was snatched away, and yanked her hand back. Did she really have to try something else on? Biting her lip, the Muse hesitated only for a moment before slipping out of her messenger bag and coat, hanging both on one of the curling metal hooks. She'd barely taken off her gloves when a hand shoved back through the curtains.
"Try these, sweetie! If they're not the right size, we can always give you a fitting."
***
After a rather embarrassing half an hour, Melisande found herself with a pink bag full of tissue wrapped lingerie, and her measurements written in neat script on a little embossed card. She wasted no time heading back to the locker, actually rising above the crowd and sailing over other shoppers when the crowd got too thick. Grateful it was one of the larger lockers, she tucked her new bag inside and shut the door firmly by pressing her back against the cool metal door.
What a strange and wonderful day.
With just her messenger bag, trusting her possessions would be safe as long as she had the key, Melisande made her way back out into the holiday crowds. She had plenty of time to make it to the park...perhaps she'd even be a little early! The anticipation made her fluff her wings, and Melisande smiled to herself with one hand over the pocket containing her precious notes.
What other possible surprise could Rivener have for her?
***
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