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Chapter 1
The bells chimed as the air around felt so heavy. The monks chant was lingering in the background as I watched the priest’s lantern swing back and forth leaving a trail of smoke wading in his presence and the people around him. “Gods protect us.” The priests sang their beloved prayer as they slowly walked past. I held the charm of her necklace in my hand as I watched them bring in her body dressed in the clothes for the dead. The gorgeous white dress draped over her newly pale skin so perfectly, but gave no help to her forever lost color. I couldn’t stop the tears as I felt them rapidly break past my attempts. They fell from my closed eyes and streamed down my cheeks as I finally opened them again. She was upon the stone table of our beloved gods, and to me it almost looked like a sacrifice. No it was. She gave her life to the mission we had and now she had paid the ultimate price; one that wasn’t hers to pay. I felt the anger start to build up inside me and knew I couldn’t take it any more as I took a step and turned my back to the horrid scene. I could hear them starting the ceremony of the death of my beloved friend “We are here today…in honor and memory of this young and brave child…” I felt someone grab at my arm to stop me as I turned around to face the poor soul. That’s when I met his eyes; my father’s eyes. “Paige.” He whispered. I snatched my arm away and stared past him to the body of my best friend. “Goodbye Jaslein. May you find your way to the world of after. In peace may you rest sweetly.” I said and quickly, without hesitation, walked out of the church. Once the air hit against my bare skin I screamed, letting out everything. All the pain, the anger and frustration, letting it bring me to my knees. After moments had past I took a deep breath and stood up looking around at the world I was helplessly stuck in.
I didn’t wipe the tears away, but invited them to stay. It was the winds job to dry them, not mine. Time called to continue on so I let my feet guide me. I walked slowly on the path towards my house which led into the town. The world seemed so timeless now because of my thoughts and my feeling of emptiness. I passed through the gates that lead into town as I took a deep breath. Even though I thought this would last forever, I couldn’t help but to have my thoughts broken as something caught my attention. In the summer evening air I could hear a commotion in the town square. It played upon my curiosity a little as I decided to take that way to my blessed so called home. I heard the soft distance of thunder as the rain began to fall. The scene was too brilliant for the emotions that held me. With each step the rain got harder and finally I ran into the huge crowd that was gathered. They were talking and shhing, and gathering in close. Something was here that attracted them to the middle. “Sir, what is going on?” I asked tapping an older man’s shoulder to grab his attention as he looked at me. He gave a slight smile “Ah Paige it’s you.” He said in an almost delighted style. I shook my head and return a smile as much as I could. “Mr. Oslin, why is everyone all here?” I asked pointing to the people. He gave a laugh. “Well my dear girl, some people from the undertowns are here. They come here to sell us some things from their town, and exchange some things from ours.” He explained as all of a sudden a deep and powerful voice called to the crowd hushing them all. In an instant silence fell and no one moved. “People, people, people. We will be selling to you momentarily, but first we must showcase some new merchandise that has been added for your…pleasures.” He spoke convincingly. It was almost hypnotizing. “Thank you Mr. Oslin.” I said as I pushed through the crowded people, repeating “sorry” to everyone I moved. It was a fight to the front but I finally made it, and saw our new visitors. The cart they had held all the things that they brought with them on their journey.
Our world, quite some decades ago…some say ages, some say more, while others say less…was something that was a place all its own. Ever since the fall of the new world, it became a mixture of everything. The new world fell because everyone couldn’t handle the new technology and war broke out. Once peace started to settle some people built new things and continued on with the traditions of new. Some people stayed close to the present, while some went back to the lives of past. The world we lived in was a mixture of both reality and fantasy. At least so I have heard in many stories during my life. I have never been to the undertowns, but I heard that it was a part of the present. They were major cities that fell underground. Most of the world today was either stuck within the ways of the past, or moved on to the futuristic side. Anything that was left from the present moved underground. Anything present day, had become abandoned towns; at least those cities that had remained above ground.
I didn’t realize that I had missed half of what they said while remembering the stories and myths that I have heard. They must have showed everything because they were starting to selling things now. “To you sir, Give it to your daughter and she will get better. It is a mixture from the witch Renee herself.” The taller one said handing the older gentlemen a glass bottle. “What is in it?” He asked innocently as I watched the tall one’s eyes. They were dark, and the feeling that overcame me felt so wrong. “Sir, there is honey, crushed white flower petals, oils, and tonics of wellness. Everything is all natural and pure, I assure you.” He said as I saw him look out to the crowd again. Quickly I looked to the ground so he wouldn’t see me analyzing him. Both of the strangers were running the inner circle of people listening to the questions and granting request. I watched intently, but as time slowly continued on I felt the strangest sensation. The feeling was creeping up my body and out of the crowd I could feel someone’s eyes watching me. I lifted my eye to crowd and scanned, knowing that it would take a life time to find the person out of such a crowd. Yet, I found myself so wrong. I instantly looked at the cloaked guy who stood leaning against the cart. He stood so still, his aura seemed so solemn and serious. I don’t remember him being there to be honest; then again he didn’t speak either. From under his cloak all you could see was his darkened eyes. Our eyes met and didn’t break as I stared back at him. ‘Why is he staring at me?’ I questioned to myself but all my thoughts melted away as I continued to look into his eyes. Dark was the color, they were deep green with a tent of blue. It gave his eyes an almost aqua look, but the texture looked that of a marble. Never had I seen such color before, but his eyes captivated me. They were beautiful.
No matter the distance between us, the world disappeared all around me. Everything fell into the background of us, as all of a sudden I could hear a sound. It was faint at first but began to grow as did my breathing, as well as his. The beat was constant, deep and lulling as I started to figure out what it was. It was the sound of a heartbeat. That’s when I could feel my heartbeat…beating fast yet steady at the same time. It deepened with each moment I stayed lost in this state. Another feeling started to emerge and out of fear I came to. I gasped for breath as I quickly moved my way back through the crowd, without looking back. This time there was not going to be any distractions. I was going home. I saw the cottage style house come into view as I made a run for it. I felt the necklace beat against my chest in the rhythm of my feet as I reached the door and ripped it open. I ran in and shut the door, slamming my back against it as if I expected something to force its self in. “Paige is that you?” I heard the voice I didn’t want to hear, for a long time. I stopped breathing and stayed as quite as I could. That’s when I saw my father come from around the corner. “You beat me home.” I said emotionlessly. “Where have you been?” he asked with a hint of worry as I gave a laugh. “That is none of your concern. It’s not like you care.” I said as I started to go up the steps to my room. “Wait a minute. It’s not like I care?” he said as I could hear the frustration there. I turned and looked at him. “Yeah, that’s right.” I said as I could feel the anger coming. “Hold on Paige, what’s with the attitude? I know you just lost Jaslein but you need to a bit more considerate about what you say.” He said almost demandingly which got to me. I came down the first step, and I felt my body go completely numb. I felt no emotion what so ever as I came at him. “Because of you, the blood of my friend is spilt on the forest floor. Her life was taken yesterday because you’re to ******** scared to risk your own damn life.” I yelled at him as I pointed at the table where the jewel of blood laid. “Paige you don’t understand…” I heard him start as he was looking for an excuse. “Oh I understand my life isn’t as important as yours. I want nothing to do with that stone you made me steal. This is the last time I’m doing another one of your damn missions. Her death is your damn fault and since you won’t pay with your life, then you should pay with your honor.” I said cutting him off as I started to go back up the steps. I stopped and looked at him on last time and said impassively “At least what you have left.” I could see in his eyes that he knew I was right, but he was also like a little confused boy. I turned quickly and ran up the stairs slamming the door to my room behind me. I threw myself on the bed and did the only thing my body allowed me to do. I cried till I had no tears left to cry, then eventually fell into a deep sleep.
Within the darkness that I had unwillingly fallen into I could hear the whole scene all over again. The constant beat of horse’s hooves, the distant yell of commands…her cry of pain, my begging sobs for her life, then my screaming of her name…The scene became torturous. In the obscurity of this nightmare, I fell to my knees in pain as I begged for it to be my life that was taken, not hers. That’s when the darkness started to fade and all of a sudden in was in the town square. My shirt was drenched in her blood as I felt that feeling once again. How is it could such a feeling strike fear into someone’s heart with such ease? That’s when I met them again…those strangers eyes as I couldn’t break our gaze. No matter how hard I fought. “Paige.” I heard someone whisper my name when all of a sudden he appeared right behind me. My heart raced as I watched his hand slowly reach out to me when I heard a loud bang. My whole body jolted out of the dream as I sat up and gasped for breath. I grabbed at my chest and looked to the door. “What?” I yelled as all of a sudden I heard that sweet voice. “May…I come in?” She asked politely as I all of a sudden felt the tearstains upon my face. I was even crying in my sleep. “One moment.” I said as I got up and went to my vanity that held the wash bowl. I looked at myself in the mirror. My pale skin glowed in the lighting that I had in my room. Yet I couldn’t help but notice that the color only brought out my dark silver eyes even more. I took my brush and ran it through my hair. I watched the long and straight ebony black strands fall neatly in place. The sliver highlights that were trapped in my hair gave me a marking of my very personality. It almost looked as if silver light streams from the moon became trapped in my hair.
I took one more look at myself and walked to the door. I opened it slowly “Good evening Kenya.” I said silently inviting her in as with such grace she accepted. “Good evening.” She said with a small smile. Kenya, gods bless her soul, was the betrothed to my horrid father. She was a small woman with short brunette hair and green eyes. Her smooth pearl colored skin reminded me of a forest elf. She was gorgeous with a kindhearted nature. “I was hoping that you wouldn’t mind talking to me.” She said sitting down. I noticed she had a bag in her hand that was a considerable size as I sat on the window seal. In the back of my mind I knew why she was here. “I’m not going. I told him that I did not want to be a part of this anymore.” I said angrily. “But Paige your father is throwing this celebration in honor of you and her as well as in memory of her.” Kenya said softly as I looked out the window. Never had I felt such resentment before. “I’m not going and that’s final.” I said sternly. The room fell completely quite as I started to feel bad for snapping at her. After a few minutes I broke the silence. “Kenya…sometimes it feels as if…he’s not even my father. I feel like…I don’t belong here. This isn’t home to me…” I said turning my eyes to her. I could read the sadness in her eyes but it did not stop me from speaking my heart. “…I wish it was me that died. I wish it was my heart that got stabbed with that arrow…not hers.” I said holding the charm of her necklace in my hand. It was a black angel wing outlined in sliver. She use to wear it all the time. She gave it to me as she died in my arms. Her final wish was for me to take it. I took a deep breath and let the it fall back against my chest.
Kenya came and sat next to me so she could look me in the eyes. “Paige I know this may seem a bit harsh when you hear this…but you have to start looking forward. You can’t keep doing this to yourself.” She said as she touched my face to try and calm my nerves. “Your right…that’s why I have decided that after tonight…I’m leaving.” I said without any remorse. I looked at Kenya and knew she wanted to say something as I watched her lips part to let the words be spoken. I lifted my hand to stop her. I knew what she was going to do. “Don’t try it. Its too late I have already made up my mind. I even started packing. I’m sorry, but I have to find where I belong. I have to find out who I really am. There is nothing left for me here.” I said as I could see that she knew that was it. “Well I don’t care what you say you are coming tonight…if you won’t do it for your father then do it for me…Please.” She said begging me as I knew that if it was for her…her last request…then I could not refuse. “Only for you.” I said sadly as I watched the smile grow on her face. She took me into her arms in happiness and then handed me the bag she had been carrying. “I just bought this dress today. Its quite new and came from the undertowns…I thought you would like it. I want you to wear it tonight.” She said giving it to me as if it were my birthday. Her emerald eyes lit up as I took the long corset style dress out of the bag. In the stitching you could see a faint color of red. With it was a pair of kick a** boots and lace gloves. I knew I was most defiantly going to stand out of the crowd, but that didn’t matter. I did so already why stop now? I couldn’t help but to return the smile. “Thank you Kenya…For everything.” I said as we gave each other a stare and then she stood me up. “Well go get dressed then. I will see you in a little bit” she said as she pushed my behind the screen. I watched her shadow and listened for the door as I heard it shut. I took a deep breath as I stared at the beautiful piece of art work before me.
The night was still young, but darkness had fallen over the land as we had all started to gather in the main hall for my father’s banquet. We sat at a long table at the very front set up on the stage like area of the building. It was as if he and his betrothed were the king and queen while we were his court, having a banquet for his subjects. I glanced over at him in disgust. His ragged dirty blond hair laid in any direction. He had a stern look about him and behind those bright blue eyes was a coward. Nevertheless, he was not to be my main focus. Instead I drew my attention to other things. You could hear the voices of everyone carry throughout the room. if you listened hard enough, you could pick up on certain conversations. Alas, I sat quietly, not even touching my food. Yet, I took the time to scan my surrounds. Then suddenly ‘Tap tap tap tap’ I head someone tap their wine glass, as from the corner of my eye I saw my father stand up. “If I can have everyone’s attention…..” silence then fell completely over everyone like a heavy blanket. “Thank you. I would like to make a toast to everyone here. May you all be in good health. I would also like to make a toast to my daughter Paige; for her heroic deeds, fearlessness, and determination.” He spoke proudly as he lifted his glass to me. I started at him evilly and lifted my glass just as everyone else had done. “And may we all remember our honor, but keep in mind our beloved jaslein, for death came upon her unfairly, for her time was written by the hands of a thief...” I said finishing off the toast as I brought the glass up to my lips. I closed my eyes and drank the wine as everyone else followed…all except my father.
Conversation began again as the entertainment started to play waltz like music. Yes we lived in the past time but we did have a few luxuries. A few people walked to floor to dance with their partner. The scene was quiet sickening which granted me permission to escape. As I walked my eyes caught the strangers from the undertowns gathered against the wall by the door. They were not hard to miss…yet it seemed I wasn’t the only darker one here. Quickly I walked passed them and allowed myself into the open night air. ‘Freedom’ I thought as I walked towards the woodland. I approached the edge of the jagged woods, and stared into the darkness as I felt it calling to me…for I could not refuse…there was something about the night that captivated me…it was my heart, my sense of escape. I have had a connection to the night since I could remember. It was almost as if I and night had something in common. I pushed the brush aside and forced myself through as my feet found the hidden pebble path. Few knew of this place…very few. Not many like to venture out like I do. As I walked the sound of the pebbles echoed in the quiet silence of the night. The breeze blew through ever so gently. It was the best feeling that I have felt in a long time. Finally the road lead me to a small dirt path where the trees hid my secret place. Like a maze I worked my way through the limbs as I fought past entering a whole new world. A stream ran through the grassy meadow that was laid out as weeping willows were scattered around giving this meadow the look closest to heaven. At least so I thought. The water made the most beautiful sound as it rushed past, glistening in the moonlight that could shine through the tall thick trees.
I took my first steps into the meadow as I could hear the soft sound of the grass beneath my feet. I began to walk towards the very tree in which I always sat under. My steps were suddenly stopped when my eye caught slight movement in the moonless shadow under the hanging vines of the main weeping willow. I held my breath as I started to turn around hoping that I could walk away without causing any conflict. If, whatever it was, approached me then I was forced to take action. Before I could even take a step I heard a voice which sounded faintly familiar. A familiarity that was distant to my mind but I knew that I have heard it somewhere before. “You don’t have to go…really…I don’t mind company.” He spoke tenderly. I felt his whole voice just washed over me as it was something like soft velvet that was warm, inviting, and sensual. The power his voice held over me, took the option of running out of my mind as I slowly turned around to see who was speaking to me. I saw his figure start to appear more visually as he stepped closer to the edge. I saw him stop for a moment. I was taking a guess that he was examining me….either as friend, foe or worse… prey. Moonbeams rained down through the holes that where embedded in the trees making the shadows glow. Where he stopped a small moonbeam shined across the left side of his face but what caught my attention caused my heart to instantly stopped. The moonlight reviled that in which was hidden, yet for such a small stream of light it brought out the most cause and affect between us both…for it was those beautiful marble like green eyes that was staring back into mine…yet again.
DarkCrimsnAngel · Fri Mar 11, 2011 @ 07:55pm · 0 Comments |
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