tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5992505559514550142024-02-07T00:20:21.211-08:00Heart MageTales from the Fantastic world of Mandra and the great city Annalow.Grimwithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00091526695062339656noreply@blogger.comBlogger125125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-599250555951455014.post-40448816233111321442012-12-23T06:24:00.001-08:002012-12-23T06:24:23.653-08:00Idea Sketch: Technology Timeline
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
We can get an idea of what kind of
technology exist by examining our own time line of inovation and
adjusting from there. Each race's tech will be based on this
standard we set, plus a little in their own fields (Dryads are better
at medicine, Marfs better at architecture, Mume's better at culture,
etc...). We'll set the standard technology to about 5th Century BC.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Following time line taken from
Wikipedia
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_historic_inventions) with a
little from other sites about Agriculture.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
--Crynt were the first peoples</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
--Borc Came next</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
--Then Ixxar</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
1.8 Million Years ago: Fire, Cooking</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
500 Thousand Years Ago: Shelter</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
--Dryads entered the world here</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
--Moblin soon afterwards</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
400 ka: Pigments (paints), Spears</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
200 ka: Glue</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
160-40 ka: Burial (religious rites?)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
--Marf enter around here</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
110 ka: beads</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
60 ka: Bows</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
36 ka: Cloth</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
--Felf entered the world here</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
35 ka: Flutes</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
28 ka: Rope (weaves?)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
16 ka: Pottery</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
7000 BC: General Agriculture, Animal
Husbandry</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
6000 BC: Kiln, Granaries,
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
5000 - 4500 BC: Lacquer (Local
discovery?)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
4000 BC: Bread, Yeast, Ploughs,
Domestication of crops</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
3630 BC: Sericulture (Very Local
Discovery)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
3500 BC: Irrigation, Leather</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
3000 BC: Cuneiform (Writing?), Bronze,
Papyrus, Fermentation (Beer Etc.) Spices (Local), Sugar (Local)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
---At this point, Reliable history can
be placed. We have Writing and Papyrus.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
2600 BC: Large Scale Timbering</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
--Effees lead the Mumes in the world by
about 50 years.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
--Zero Day. Mumes enter the world.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
2400 BC: Abacus (Real spread of
Mathematics?)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
1700 BC: Wind Powered Machines (Felf)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
1300 BC: Large Scale Canals</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
700 BC: Two Masted Ship (Let Sea Trade
Begin)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
530 BC: Underground Aqueducts</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
515 BC: Crane</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
500 BC: Cast Iron, Crossbows, Cupola
Furnace (Metal Foundry, Iron Smelting/Resmelting),
Catapult/Trebuchet, Spiral Stairs, Wheelbarrows, Row Cultivation
(Farming)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Alright, Let's stop and take a look at
what we got.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Of course, some technologies, like
Sericulture, will be local only and some will be universal so
perpetuate trade.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The year when everything happens and
new ideas and innovations was predicted 2,000 years after Z-Day, so
we'll set our mark at about 500 BC and work backwards. That means to
determine the rough year an invention above was made, we subtract the
BC year from, let's say 2550, so that things like Cast Iron have been
around for at least 50 years.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
That means the the Abacus was invented
by the Ixxar in 400 BZD (Before Zero Day) on the Mume Calendar. We
do not yet have Steal, and different irons will be rated depending on
where they're from. The two things left out for our own time line
will be the Effee and the Mume. They are both roughly 2,000 years
old so came into the world before iron or sea trade.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Borc: Having affinity with Fire, they
would be the best metal workers and have the best iron.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Crynt: Not sure about technology, sine
their culture and Magic is spirit based.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Dryads: Almost a complete focus on
Medicine and health. They would dominate herbalism and such.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Felf: With a smooth understanding of
time, they would have a better grasp of things that flow. Time,
Water, Wind, History?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Ixxar: Having better grasp of maths,
engendering and mechanical creations would be thier forte. They
invented Catapults.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Marf: Architecture and building focus.
Also they would bypass metelergy, making stone weapons as hard as
iron.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Moblin: No way, man. Moblins are the
racial equivalent of the god Loki. Any technology they have would be
a hodge-podge of stolen ideas combined in ways that defy reality, but
still work.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Effee: Wild Effee, outside of Annalow,
would major in working with animals. They are, for the most part,
the native Americans of the northern Americas, focusing on farming
and animal husbandry. Most are Nomads, which mean Most are traders.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Mume: Once Mume's enter the picture,
we start to see a burst of trade and exchange of ideas, as well as a
focus on culture, plays, history, and philosophy.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Annalow exists today as a hub of trade
and cultural exchange. They are Alexandria and Rome combined, yet
we're still in age where Empires rule to the north and the southern
lands are built of city states. Nationalization hasn't occurred yet.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Next up, we'll look at Geography and
locations of important cities.</div>
Grimwithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00091526695062339656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-599250555951455014.post-62628896835103389122012-11-28T10:08:00.001-08:002012-11-28T10:08:32.209-08:00NaNoWriMo 2012 Wrap Up
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
If you're just tuning in, I must warn
you that I've spent the last month digging a 50,000 word novel out of
me in the National Novel Writing Month Challenge (or NaNoWriMo). The
previous 26 entries cover my decent into a kind of madness; Fun but
almost nonsense.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The idea was simple, just type and
don't stop typing for hours at a time. I wrote for about 2 hours a
day just getting the story of Lily Ripper out and I could barely
think of anything else. I may one day go back to edit it, perhaps at
least the spell checking, however my attention is required elsewhere.
For now I'll just leave this here as an unformed husk of a story.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
If, Mandra only known why, you decide
to brave the dangerous terrain of Lily Ripper, I recommend eye
moisturizer to help with the bleeding and a small supply of Happy
Pills(tm). The same had to be done the first time I did this
challenge which, it is noteworthy, was the beginning of Heart Mage
anyway.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I'm certainly glad I did write Lily
Ripper. Because of the book, I've fallen madly in love with the
Cemetery Girls and their queen Nara Nakki. Their like a bunch of
sadomasochistic spies. Delicious.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anywhy, from here on, at least until
next year, I will probably remain silent. Lily Ripper has taught me
to handle one project at a time and currently I wish to give a little
more love to my Natch Evil webcomic.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Until then, friends and family.</div>
Grimwithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00091526695062339656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-599250555951455014.post-13190301308629366172012-11-27T14:25:00.004-08:002012-11-27T14:25:54.354-08:00Lily Ripper Final
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Good Night at Alexture</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Smoke dances from the smoldering embers
of Master's fire place. His own pipe filled with flavored tobacco,
and not the purple plant Anna poked in her own long stem. I poured
hot Leaf juice into three cups and served each, keeping one for
myself. Music of ticking clocks came from the walls in all
directions, but my keen ears could hear the bubbling of dinner in the
next room.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
When I returned, Anna and Master were
talking about the health of an indevidual and its effects on their
minds. A reason, Master Drate said, to keep in shape if we require
focus.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Sleep, for example, must be kept
to six hours, no more or less else it should muddle the mind. Also,
I think something for the digestion, but you may have this covered
with your diet of fruit and leaf-juice." He held his cup up,
twitching a long, fur-tipped, ear. Felves have a thing about ears,
I've noticed.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I'm not certain I could convince
the city guard to eat nothing but fruit and Leaf, Drate." Anna
drew on her pipe. "It will be hard enough to teach them
patience of thought."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Then you must be discerning on
who you wish to teach. It is not an easy path, this process of
deduction, for the little minded to wander down willy-nilly. We've
not even nailed down a logical process other than our two rules."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"It would be so much easier if you
came back with me."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"No, I'm quite done with that
city. I've collected from Annalow only bad memories."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Only that?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Master Drate smiled, "And good
friends."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Quill, you look strange in Felf
clothes."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I curtsied. My dress leads all the way
to the floor, as is the way for felf wear. "I find I like it,
Mistress."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Just Anna, please."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Bah," Master puffed "I've
tried for years and failed to break her of that habbit. Just let
Quill act as she wants." I bowed to my Master. "See that?
She knows she's not a slave anymore, but she won't stop that."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"That reminds me," Anna said,
"The family of Felves in Annalow..."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"It's quite as you imagine. We've
sent word to the other hidden towns of Felf kin. As of now we value
both industry and knowledge. You've seen the great library."
He motioned toward the tower out of his window. "That's a
collection not just of history, but science, philosophy, the whole
bun and butter. You're library,I've heard has a draconian method of
collecting knowledge, but efficient, none the less."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I looked at Anna inquisitively. She
answered me, "They kidnap books from ships. There's a sect of
city guards who help. If a book or scroll exists in port, the
Library takes it, copies it, and returns it." She turned back
to Master, "and I notice, it's the same here."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"We don't take without permission,
Anna. That's barbaric."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Our city, our rules."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Oh, well. To that I have
nothing. You mumes are already known for being insane precocious
slavers. You're words only encourage the stereotype." Anna
laughed. "But this is your plan? How will you gather your
students under wing without proper credentials."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"It will be as you say, I supose."
Anna took a sip of Leaf before returning to her pipe. "First
I'll win them with my magnificient brain, then split the wheat from
chaff and teach the rest. I think five will do for starters, and
we'll move on from there."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Pardon me for interrupting,
Mistress," I said, "but are you not consultant, rather than
teacher?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"This is unofficial, Quill. I
need ears and eyes in the city, and the City Guard may yeild to my
influenced. If I move the right pieces, I can start my own
department of City Guards and claim them as part of my research
team." She waved it away, "But that's long term. For now,
I'll be happy if I find Borcs, Mumes, or the like subjectable to the
art of deduction."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Science." Master said.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"It's so clearly an art, Mister
Felfkin. Look at the nessessary choices involved. What do you look
at first? Where do you check? What's more or less likely to leave
such a trace and why?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"But that's it exactly. You
cannot express a feeling in deduction, Anna. Science is a method of
understanding. This is what we do!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Hmmm...I know from experience
that you CAN express in logic."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Mmm." Master took a few
puffs. "We're at a stalemate, then."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Quite."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Dinner was served shortly after their
debate and conversation turned toward more amiable things such as the
beauty of the surrounding forest of Alexture and the contrast of
fasions between the Felf communities love of thick or encompassing
wear and Annalow's love for bare skin and warm winds. This turned
toward how weather and environment can effect fashion and I lost
track after that.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Master Drate's routine has always been
to take hot bean juice in front of the fire place after dinner, but
Anna after her travels could not be made to join him that night.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"That's for the best. Tomorrow
I'll show you around our town. It's small but you may have noticed
our love for gears and such. It's good excersize for the mind, Anna.
Quill, our guest room is ready?" I nodded. Master stood and
bowed. "Then I bid you good night, Miss Goldeyes."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Helping Anna with her bags, I led her
upstairs to the small room we've prepared. I would have done it
myself if not for personal touches Master wished to place in the
room. Anna thanked me and pulled me inside with her.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Quill, I'm curious."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Yes, Mistress?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Just Anna. I'm a friend, not a
ruler." I think I blinked at her. "Quill, you've read all
my letters and compiled the story in your own way. I read it on the
way south from home, but I noticed no where do you have your thoughts
on the whole event."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I have none, on the whole,
Mistress."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"How can that be? I know you
still love Annalow."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Pulling my ears back, I thought about
it before speaking. "Have you seen many plays at the coloseum?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Not many. No."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"It's sort of like that. I'm
happy enough to view the events without taking part. To ask what
Lily Ripper means to me is to ask how Murrian and his fighters mean.
The only difference is this is not a fiction. I do understand this
killer may go down in legend. I'm even surprised the Captain let him
go without a fight."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I think Nara Nakki showed the
Captain what they had in mind, but returning to the subject, you said
'on the whole.' Does that mean there's something specific?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
An Effee smiling can throw most off,
because we show more of our buck teeth than people are used to. Anna
handled it like an old handler, tho, and smiled back. "Oh,
Mistress, I was most pleased to discover I wasn't the only
practitioner of Magic. I've spoken with Wellgrace, your High
Preistess' effee about it. He was most kind."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Uh...How far can you see, Quill?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I've not been idle, Mistress. In
these last couple of years, I've trained myself to see to the other
side of the world. Did you know it was round like a ball?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"And..uh...everywhere you can
see..."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I can touch. Yes. That has it's
own quirks you wouldn't believe. Even as it's night here, on the
other side of Mash'ta it is just becoming morning. Wellgrace and I
whisper to each other about it from time to time. He's old and
lovely and as smart as Master Drate. Amazing."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Any...uh...other part of the
story you wonder about or feel something for?" I shook my head.
"Just that there are others like you? I assumed you already
knew that."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"When you look at a complex
tapestry, Mistress, do you register every tiny detail all at once or
does your eyes follow the patterns and explore a small amount at a
time."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I think I understand." I
bowed. "Is there anything else?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"No. Thank you, Quill." As
I left I heard her say "I mean it. Thank you."</div>
Grimwithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00091526695062339656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-599250555951455014.post-15213618432016681122012-11-27T14:25:00.001-08:002012-11-27T14:25:23.864-08:00Lily Ripper 25
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Epilogue 2</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
One could only imagine the amount of
effort a mume requires to fight one of their most basic urges, that
of curiosity. When faced with the choice between saftey and the
closure that may certainly lead to one's end, for a mume it is no
choice at all. Master Drte summed it up most elequently as Anna told
us this last part in person.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"You would read the last page in a
burning house!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It was not a complement.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
===</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"How long have you been watching
me, Gravedust?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna was leading the way, this time, a
torch in hand to light the yellow-orange walls of the catacombs.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"You gathered my attention twenty
or so seasons prior, Playth- I mean Anna."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna smirked. The black thing was in
her territory, now, lost in a maze of tunnels and passageways.
Occasionally, they would pass a Marf working on the internal
structures of the Plateau or outlining plans for future architecture.
Gravedust shuddered when they passed. "Their visage disturbs
me so."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I gather that Gringill visited
you lot as part of her studies to become Red Guard." Gravedust
nodded unconsciously. "And that, no doubt, is where you
expressed interest in me. No Nara Nakki."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"My Queen had a passing wonder of
you. She did not truly fall in love until you visited. Her words,
'Such a keen brain sits atop that frame would explode every secret of
Annalow into view.' I was ecstatic at the thought of your
recruitment."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Why?" Anna stopped. She
realized that the girl was no longer following her. "It's a
simple Ques-" She stopped because Gravedust wasn't thinking,
she was staring at Anna with the district expression of disbelief.
Anna looked around. There was nothing special in view. "What
is it?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Little playgirl, have you never
given thought to your own value?" Anna flashed a look of
confusion, then turned to continue down the passages.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"It's not something I think about,
no. I have rather more important things to process."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"You've heard it before. You are
not just intelligent, but remarkably lovely."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Not enough to warrant obsession,
Gravedust." Anna rolled it around in her head. "And just
for the record, I prefer the company of males. Not that Cherry
hasn't tried."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The black think sighed. "It's
just as well. You would make a poor Cemetery Girl, Plaything."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Finally, you've found how to
flatter me."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It was an hour still before Anna lead
them to an exit. The doorway left out into the Docks at the east
end, perhaps two blocks from the entrence to the garden. There was a
10 foot drop to a nearby building.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"This is no pathway."
Gravedust commented.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"It's as close to the grave yard
as I know, now help me down, then I'll catch you."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
===</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"As silent as the grave" is
an excelant description for the Docks Cemetery. The muffled sounds
of moans and screams were not present as then entered the gates. No
black clothed nightmare to greet them or slither from the coffins of
rock played or whispered. The graves were asleep.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Gravedust gripped Anna's fingers as she
led the way into the furthest crypt from the gate, on the opposite
side of Red Sleep's mound. When she spoke, she did so under her
breath. "The Queen waits for only you. Drips of pain fall onto
her guest below the filth of the dead, Anna Goldeyes, where no one
can hear him protest."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Drips of...What does that mean?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Shhh. Keep your voice low."
Gravedust pulled at an iron gate to the crypt. She winced at every
creep and rusty squeek. "It means there needs to be at least
three dozen more words for agony, my sweet one." Anna was
guided in first, the gate closed behind her. "Do not worry,
Plaything. The was out is for you to take anytime you choose, but we
part here." She smiled. "For now. Watch for my eyes in
darkness." She kissed the bars and slid away, presumably under
a grave of her own.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna jabbed her torch at the dark,
clearing a path to explore. At the center of the crypt was a simple
stair well that decended deeper than Anna could know. There was a
sense of inverted vertigo. Anna spent more than an hour climbing
downward, and still there was no bottom to reach. The pathway
presented to her did not split or detour, but turned left and right,
back and forth. A disgn to hide sound, Anna guessed, because at each
turn, there was a noise distant that was being unmuted. The rythem
was that of a baby's cry, but as she grew closer to its source, it
sounded more primal, perhaps animal.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Finally, at the end of a long hallway,
there was a light. Anna extiguished her torch and tucked it under
her belt. She made an effort to avoid the few rocks in the soft dirt
floor and sneaked closer. The brighter the light became down the
hallway, the louder voices could be heard under the cries of the
dying animal.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"He's my son." Nara Nakki
sobbed to someone. There was a murmur, then "...no one could
have known."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The other voice was calm and pleasant.
Like a voice Anna heard in a dream she forgotten about. "Things
must balance. Anything else and I would lay it bare before you."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna braved an eye around the corner.
Inside was a simple antichamber with torches of its own. Nara Nakki
in her gold robe sat crying against a wall while a womume in white
cradled her head. The unknown womume was so pale her skin could be
marble, as was her hair. She turned her head to see their voyeur,
but Anna pulled away, back against the corner.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I must go, precious Queen. Be
well."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And then silence. The music of
cracling torches spun their tale of stillness. Even Nara Nakki had
stopped sobbing, opening a case filed with something. "It's
alright, Anna. You can come now."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
When Anna leaned around the corner, it
was hesitantly. She had felt like the first time she witnessed her
parents making love in the living room. As if she had interrupted
something personal. The chamber had no other exit than the heavy
stone door behind Nara Nakki and the way Anna came. "Who...what
was that?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Unlike Gravedust, we offer
nothing for free, Anna Goldeyes." Nara Nakki hadn't moved and
her eyes were still red from tears, but she had two long stemmed
pipes. She stuffed petal into one of them and offered it to Anna.
"Shall we pick up where you left off? It's alright, we're quite
alone."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Have you been told that your
voice sounds like you've eaten too much honey?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Nara Nakki smirked. "Sit."
Anna obeyed. "I've only been told that my screams were
beautiful and I shouldn't leave the world poor of them." Nara
Nakki stuffed the second pipe. "I am new to this, so be on
guard."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I don't think I'de ever want to
understand you lot." Anna said, pulling a bundle of tendertwigs
from her jacket. She struck one and lit her pipe, pulling on the
petal slowly before lighting Nara Nakki's. The Queen choked and
coughed, unable to hold the smoke in. Anna chuckled. "Yeah,
you're new, alright."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Nara Nakki regained composure before
trying again. "We do not strangle each other, Anna Goldeyes.
It's too dangerous, and I'll not lose my girls if I have to."
The second breath ended with another cough.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"You're trying to hard. Pull the
smoke into your mouth, but don't inhale, yet." The Queen tried
it. "Now pull away the pipe, open your mouth and breath in.
Good, do that a few times before you start really breathing the
petal."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So it was for the next few minutes.
Anna taught the Queen of the dead how to smoke the purple flower.
Eventually, Nara Nakki got the hang of it. "This is quite
nice."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Draw it in slowly and hold it as
long as you can. Madeline showed me that." The two womumes
leaned agains the wall. A quite scene if not for the animal noises
behind the door. "You may want to stop at one pipe tonight,
Nara Nakki. You'll feel sick later on."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Is it night? We have no concept
of it here in the Docks." the Queen sudelly jerked toward Anna.
No, that wasn't right, she was jumping away from something. Anna
saw it and giggled. "You can see it? What is it?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"It's just a ribbon of smoke.
They gather around you as the fog sets in." Anna shove the
Queen back over. "You're very strange when you're not being
strong for the troops."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Nara Nakki tightened her skeletal grip
on her pipe and stuck the stem back in. "We've not had a good
day, Anna Goldeyes." She sighed a purple wisp from her lips.
"But we are doing our best to keep things even. You're Mister
Felfkin that you speak with, he said something that stuck with me."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Stop reading my letters."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Nara Nakki ignored her. "He said
'For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Things must balance." Anna
quoted the strange womume.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Yes. Things must balance. And
for us, the coins and trade must be equal."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"And since you value pain."
Anna looked behind them at the door. "I think I understand, but
there's more, isn't there?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Nara Nakki's smile was weak. "We
have birthed perhaps 100 children, Anna Goldeyes. Most of them
girls."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"And yet you've never had the
petal!" Anna laughed.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The Queen rolled her eyes. "Technology
is getting out of hand these last fifty years. Alchemy is no
exception." She looked at her pipe. "Who thought it would
be a good idea to inhale a smoke that stangles you when you try it?"
Back into her mouth the pipe went. "We can count ever boy
we've sired. Welton Nakki, Mortemer Nakki, Achlen Nakki, all
beautiful creatures and all understood the value of pain, giving and
receiving." She took a moment to draw long on the pipe. As she
spoke, tendrils of purple left her. "Never have I had a child
so determined to resist this idea that pain is for trade. That when
you hurt another, there needs to be a trade of something equal."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"You're insane, Nara Nakki. You
think you can equalize this by torturing your son?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Oh," Nara Nakki shrugged,
"that's an easy chapter to write. He lessens his suffering by
offering us something in return. You have such a thing on you now."
Anna subconsciously fiddled with the needle in her jacket. "But
lives were lost, and that's harder to replace."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"And hearts broken."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Yes, there's a lot of debt. So
much to be put into balance. And he is not strong enough to replace
all he's stolen."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"So you're...what? Going to have
him sire twenty or so little girls?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Yes."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"What?!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"For starters. And this,"
Nara Nakki waved at the screams, "will never end. We have ways
to keep him alive for many many years. We, personally, have ways to
make him immortal, tho that won't be necessary." She rubbed the
door softly. "When he's allowed to die, his debt will be paid.
By then, I expect, he will be quite mad. Insane with years of
unending agony. We've seen what that can do to someone. It changes
them in horrible ways and twists their minds with spite," She
shrugged sadly, "but things will be equal. And we will continue
to replace the sprinkler over his body with his own blue paint."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Why are..." Anna almost
didn't want to know, "Why tell me this? I thought you gave
nothing away from free."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna's head was pulled to the Queens
breast. They weren't as clammy as she expected. They were warm and
natural, contrasted against the burned boney hands that held. Was
Nara Nakki crying?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"You gave mercy to my son. You're
retrieved him in such a way that would heal a wound on the city he
afflicted with this savage outcry that was the last girl's body."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I...uh..."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Idiot womume," Nara Nakki
sobbed. "Still ignorant of the waved you make in this pond. If
he was simply captured, Annalow would be in chaos and the debt he'd
have to pay would last forty life times. Now, at least, he will be
allowed to die."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna shook off the queen. Her tears
confused her and her praise was strange. "You make no sense,
Nara Nakki. I didn't do this for him!" Anna stomped, trying to
regain control of her anger. "I don't care if he burns in
electric fire until the Gods claim back all of Mash'ta! I did it for
the souls who suffer still, haunting that broke ally ways of MY
CITY!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"And yet, it doesn't matter, Anna
Goldeyes. When you see justice done, you do everyone a goodness."
Anna grunted in frustration. "Even the thieves of lives."
Angrily, Anna ploped down in the dirt, opposite the Queen. She bit
hard down on her pipe and pulled in the smoke, trying not to look at
the pale womume. "It doesn't please you that Peter Nakki
suffers so much like this victims?"<br /><br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"No." She mumbled. "It
doesn't bring back the children."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"And do you think it pleases
them?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"No. They don't care, either.
Mandra save their spirits that curse the allyways."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"She shall." Nara Nakki drew
again on the pipe. "Do you think that we don't already know his
burning pain satisfies no one?" Anna stared hard at the Queen,
giving no answer. "Because we do. So the question stands, Anna
Goldeyes, Why do we torture him so?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Because," Anna pointed the
pipe at her, "you Cemetery Girls are the twisted inmates that
assume it matters. Because you think everyone else values pain, just
like you."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Please. Tomorrow, go into a
tavern and mention that you know what happened to Lily Rpper. Say
that he suffers perhaps for eternity at the hands of his brethren for
the crimes he's committed. Ask them if that's justice."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna said nothing for a long time.
They say and smoked and entered the fog together. Eventually, the
pipe ran dry and Nara Nakki put her's down. "It seems that's
all we should try for today. Thank you, Anna Goldeyes, for helping
me understand this new thing with Petals. Is there anything I can
give in return?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Yeah, tell Gravedust to stop
stalking me."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Nara Nakki opened her red eyes wide,
her look of insanity. "Oh no, Anna Goldeyes. She's more fond
of you than I am. But I will say she's spoken of watching you bath
at night. You may want to do that during the daylight from now on."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Thank you." Anna stood up
and emptied the pipe on the ground. "That does actually help."
Stretching her mussels, Anna tried to clear some of the purple fog.
"Are we equal, now?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Nara Nakki didn't move. She took the
pipe from Anna and put both away in a rumorwood box. "I feel
you hold the upper hand, still."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Then I have one other question,
which has bugged me since I left the farm. You must have traced me
there with effee magic that seemed to have come from Madeline. Even
she seems aware that the Effees have magic, but she didn't seem to
know what you were talking about when you mensioned my friend's
delivery methods. How did you get Maddy's help with the alchemy when
she herself didn't know how to use the effee flower?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"She told you not to call her
that." Anna shrugged. Of course Nara Nakki would have
overheard. "And to answer your question, she didn't, I used it.
We made a trade for the flower, not for her help. We used to be
High Priestess, after all." Anna coughed and sputtered. "Of
course we would know how Effee Magic works."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Are you..." Anna slapped
her forehead. "You couldn't be...Needessa?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The pale womume smiled and closed her
eyes. "We believe that settled our trade, Anna Goldeyes. Leave
in peace. The next time you come, we would like to do things to you.
Gravedust especially."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna lit her torch and did just that.
She left first at a study pace. Upon hearing Nara Nakki's laughter
she walked a bit faster. The echo left behind spured her to climb
the stairwell quickly, and when the silence was behind, she decided
that she was done with the Cemetery for life. She left through the
gates of the grave yard in a dead run.</div>
Grimwithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00091526695062339656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-599250555951455014.post-9977242763907572472012-11-26T09:17:00.003-08:002012-11-26T09:17:58.306-08:00Lily Ripper 24
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Epilogue 1</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"So NOW, if your caught with the
Flash Blossom, you're arrested on the spot! Can you believe it?"
Cherry tried to juggle two apples and failed again. "I mean,
sure you were before, but they had to go and tell us again or
something."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna shrugged. She looked out between
the pillars and held up the school roof. It was sunny today with not
a cloud in the sky. Almost like summer was already here. "I
guess the City Guard wanted to make it look as if they were in
control again."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Well, they weren't, this time,
but I guess it's okay. Like, just look out there, Goldy. We have
kids again!" The panic had subsided in the last hand of days.
The trickle of children that came to the church for teachings turned
slowly back into its healthy river like flow. "I saw a felf
child yesterday!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Really?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Cutest thing ever! I ran up to
her and rubbed her ears! Someone told me it was good luck, but he
hated it, so I won't be doing that any more."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Felf Children means a family
moved into the city. I'll have to check with the Library."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Sure, that makes sense." To
Cherry it didn't.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"The Annalow and Alexture
Libraries are trading more books, Cherry. I'm guessing someone moved
to help with the trade." Anna thought about it. "Maybe
we'll see an Embassy. That would be interesting." The two
stopped in front of a curtained doorway. Cherry's class. "You
know, I'm able to add non-Red Guard to my team. You could join me."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Wow... Gee..." Cherry Humed
and Hawed. "Thanks...I don't know what to say... You're the
best...Goldy..."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"It's alright, Cherry. You don't
have to."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Whew. Thank the Living Goddess.
i don't think I could take another crying mothing. 'Sides, I got the
best job in the world now!" She gave Anna one of the apples.
"Check this out!" Cherry dove under the curtain. Anna
heard the slap of her bare feet on the marble floor. "Hit it,
guys!" The music started and so did the dancing.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
===</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna watched a little White Maiden pat
one of the Dire Emus on the beak. Its handler was chatting with
Madeline, making some sort of deal. "Look, I'm offering a good
price at 3 horns a bundle!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Keep your voice down!" The
riding yelled.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Madeline saw Anna and patted the
handler on the shoulder. "We'll talk later. But trust me,
you're not going to find a better use for this stupid thing."
The handler roller her eyes and offered a ride to the Maiden still
petting the Emu. "Anna, excellent."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"It's going to be harder getting
your precious flowers, Madeline."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The alchemist waved it away. "Please.
That wasn't about Flash, that was about Emu feathers."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"And smuggeling, no doubt."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Not that it's any of your
business." Madeline sat down next to her friend. "So, now
what?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Now I sit."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"No, I mean about your research.
Are you going to interview Peter or something?" Anna shrugged.
"Okay, what about the Guards? Maybe talk to them about what
happened?" Anna shrugged again. "Well SOMETHING ought to
happen!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I've already written up a report
and submitted it to Gringill. The last week has been me helping her
sort her ridiculous mess of scrolls and books. Do you know why she
has that line down her body?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Probably something to do with
knitting or such. Don't change the subject. What about Lily
Ripper?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna sighed. "Nothing. My part
is done and the scroll is sealed." She stretched. "I'm
thinking about gathering up some petal and heading south to visit
Drate once summer comes. Maybe talk about patterns of borc behavior.
Maybe I'll visit Grush."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"And you'll...what, just give up
your research?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Hardly!" Goldeyes laughed.
"No no no. Just a month to cool off. When I come back, I've
been charged by Gringill to act as consultant to the City Guard."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"That...doesn't seem right."
Madeline rubbed her chin. "I don't know how that will go down."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"The idea, Madeline, was a method
of thinking that anyone could do, not just Red Guard. I have room in
my field for non-mumes. And I think I'll gather Duffworm on that
team." Madeline sneered at the thought. "Oh, he's not so
bad. Just a little bit dark."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"No thank you." After
Madeline stood, she offered a hand to Anna. "I will say our
little adventure was the most fun I've had since I was on the battle
field."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"You never said you were in a war,
Maddy."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Don't call me that. But yes. I
was on loan to the Northern Empire, oh, maybe 90 seasons back.
That's where I stumbled over Alchemy. Those borc may act brash, but
they're leaps of miles ahead of us in Alchemy. I never forgot it,
even as I gathered ranks in the church."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"And how did THEY cultivate Flash
Blossoms?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"They way I do. Trade with the
evil people who live under the world."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
===</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Luna shone bright in the sky that
night, wearing wisps of clouds as halos. Anna sat in Brishah's
pleasure house and slowly drew on her pipe. She just got started,
but this time was determined to savor every draw of breath. The
world slowly settled back into it's groove. Cherry was back to
dancing. Madeline was making undercover deals to gather reagents,
and Anna was smoking on a bed of pillows looking for faces in the
sky.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
A flicker of candle later and the
lights went out, but Anna didn't care. She was busy trying to free
her mind from the horrors that plagued them still. The burn of
Peter's twisted mind disturbed her still and the screaming was not
easily erased. It wasn't a matter of determination, for Anna.
Training taught her to ease such memories away, not fight them.
Eventually, because they were not hers, they were fade.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The smoke from the candles drifted
toward the window. A thin trail of grey wrapped around itself in a
tunnle of dark. Just a moment. Smoke wouldn't drift toward the wind
which means...</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Hello, Plaything."
Gravedust whispered so quietly and closely to Anna's ear she could
feel the black thing's lips quiver against her skin, but she felt
miles away. Anna jerked, but was pulled back down to the pillows.
"Shhhh...Plaything. Be at ease."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna softly poked the womumes forehead
with her pipe. "Have a draw." She said, half lidded eyes
barely able to see the purple fog.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Gravedust pushed the pipe aside,
"Perhaps another time, Plaything."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Say what you've got to say,
Gravedust. I wish to be done with you and your queen."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"A pity." Gravedust
stretched her legs and hopped next to Anna on the pillows. "We
all have hoped to know you more, my sweet. I, personally, wished to
gather you as one of us, but even the Queen has marked you as
untouchable." She leaned too close to Anna's ear again to
whisper, "I think she loves you." And pulled away again.
"Or she's afraid of you." As the black thing rolled her
neck it made a noise like breaking tendons and grinding bones. "It
is the latter that interests me so, but I'll not ask what you did to
our Queen. That it between you and her."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Then why are you here?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"To show you this, for one."
She held a sleaved needle by her fingertips and dropped it in Anna's
lap. "And to smell you again." The moon light did little
to make Gravedust's yellow smile any prettier.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna picked up the sheath. It was thin
and leather, about a hand-span in length. The needles she had seen
before had metal hilts to grip while stabbing, but this one had a
leather grip. When Anna touched the metal with her gloved hands, she
heard a familiar crackle. She drew the needle, watching the faint
sparks as it pulled free. "How in Mash'ta..?" She twisted
the leather hilt and pulled it away. Inside the hilt was a cage
holding a crushed Flash Blossom. "This is the most evil thing
I've ever held in my hands."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Gravedust genitally smoothed Anna's ear
before speaking into it. "A gift from my Queen for services
rendered. Use it sparingly, Plaything. We've found a single flower
wears out quickly after much use, and finding a new blossom is
difficult in this city." The Black thing giggled with her
gravely laugh.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"It's grotesque, Gravedust."
Anna sheathed the needle. "Please say it was not the twisted
mind of your Queen who invented this device. She struck me as more
sensable."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"You already know him as Peter, I
think."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"What?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Did you think we would not have
him?" Anna stared in disbelief. The Cemetery Girl's yellow
teeth mocked her. "I wonder. If Queen Nara Nakki offered you a
chance to see him one last time, with promise of your safety, would
you come?" Anna said nothing. Her teeth clicked on the stem of
her pipe and she twisted the leather on her needle back into place.
"Personally, my sweet, I would gather you into a sarcophagus
with me and have the rest cover us with a stone lid. We would spend
countless hours playing with each other with words and needles and
crawling things that bite. The girls would gather around our tomb to
dream in the mists of our agony and extacy." Anna knocked
Gravedusts hands away. "To say we had planed to keep you is a
redundancy, Madam Goldeyes. I was the one who told the Queen about
you."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I have no idea what you're on
about."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna was surprised to feel a kiss on
her temple. "It doesn't matter. Nara Nakki has made this offer
despite my word against it. I told her you would not be interested
in the fate of Lily Ripper or his final chapter."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"You've kidnapped him and Nara
Nakki had her way regardless of the law. Mume's don't kill."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"He's not dead."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Then what is he?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Gravedust waggled her finger. "We
say nothing for free. My Queen's offer is fair. Come and find out
for yourself."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna drew the needle again. Running
her fingers up and down the thing and watching the blue crackling as
she did. "This ripper... Does he have a coffin like you wanted
for us?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Come," Gravedust repeated
slowly, "and find out. For yourself."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Wind whistled in between the cutains,
blowing soft purple ribbons of smoke backwards toward Anna. She
calmly returned the needle to it's sleave and put it away in her
jacket. "Alright."</div>
Grimwithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00091526695062339656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-599250555951455014.post-78800550495207481952012-11-25T16:39:00.003-08:002012-11-25T16:39:45.953-08:00Lily Ripper 23
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Not So Rogue After All</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Talk about timing!" Cherry
yelled, pulling Anna away from the enraged crowd.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"N-no. Had to b-b-be timed this-s
way." Anna was dead weight. Madeline grabbed her feet and the
two carried her away from the mob. What happened with the Captain
wasn't their business anymore.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"No one could have timed it THIS
good! I told you half a day! That's pretty vague!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"F-felt it coming earlier.
S-s-signaled the Captain when I knew it w-w-would hit."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The three found themselves ducked into
someone's house. The owners weren't at home and Madeline didn't
care. She laid Anna on a couch. "Maddy, is she gonna be okay?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The alchemist pointed to the kitchen in
back. "Get a pitcher of water. She's going to be talking for a
while and might choke."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"C-came... C-cane up with the
idea...when I was working at a- a farm south of here. Th-the
Cemetery g-girls found me. Of-fered to talk. Nara Nakki wanted to
talk on my terms, not hers. P-put herself out of the city t-to talk.
M-meant my suspicion was right."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"What suspicion?" Madeline
put a cloth on Anna's head.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"She thinks she's a thousand years
old, Madeline. Who would she risk dying for to protect?"
Madeline shook her head. "Her s-s- Her son." Madeline
thought about it. "She couldn't l-let the rest of the girls
know her son was k-killing. They're not killers, they're torturers.
They're worshipers of Mandra, not d-d-death."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Yeah. That makes sense."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"B-b-broke my heart. Something
you s-said at the g-g-garden, Madeline. Why wouldn't the mume down
the ally come to help? Applebone was in the hands of a killer and
they acted like this w-was normal? Why? Because...Because she was a
vagrant being pulled away by a city guard.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"A Mume City Guard carrying off a
dirty mume girl. Seemed normal. S-s-so then I thought of what
P-Peter t-t-told me outside of Merick's Mug. He s-said Lily HAD to
be a Borc because he saw a borc in a blue hooded cloak. Either Peter
was lying or he was paranoid. S-s-suspected he was lying. He was
there when I found Beatrix' body and he used his weakness as a
strength. His passive attitude threw me off."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Cherry helped put a cup to Anna's lips.
"Shhh. Drink a little first."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna sputtered and gulped, but started
talking again. "It's alright," Madeline pulled the cup
away. "She can't help it. The drug keeps her talking. Keep
going, Anna."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"S-s-sundely, it fell into place,
b-b-but I had no proof. I needed proof and I was l-l-lost. The
torture..th-the artistry. B-b-becuase Mumes must try and bring
something beautiful to this world. And in his mind, these girls were
beautiful. Their screams were music and their bodies were canvuses.
It's how he thought. I know." Anna shuddered. "I s-saw
it when we made love."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Cherry spit water. "What?!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Of course." Madeline
laughed. "You had to keep him from heading home while they were
searching!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"M-made sure he was the- ugh. The
right one. Wasn't going to send them in without being sure p-p-Peter
was Lily."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"You searched first?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Di-d-didn't have to.
Council-Effee Pindrop was in trouble. It was his word that lead the
City Guard into a wild Ibis chase. He volunteered when I t-told him
my plan. We worked on the letter's together and sent them to
Eleanor, Crateshift, and you two. S-s-spent that last two days
living with him in the church." Madeline fell on her rump
holding her head. The timing of Anna's choreography astounded her.
"T-t-told the Captain exactly what would happen and t-to keep
tabs on p-Peter's location, b-but not to let anyone know else Peter
find out. T-t-old him to search Peter's house for the paints and
dyes."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Yeah, where DID he get tho's
dyes."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Stole 'em from supplies
c-confiscated by the Guard. b-but I can't prove that." Anna
shrugged. "Told the Major to fetch Duffworm's books. They
w-would match the paintings of the girls Peter made."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"But you didn't tell Nara Nakki
all this!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna smiled for the first time since
the drug took effect. "N-no. no. Told her to keep to herself
and let the play go on or I'd reveal who her son was. Told her there
w-was to be a scroll to deliver to the Captain in haste. That was
her part. The Captain wouldn't trust a seal from the Church or the
council. Had to be someone third party."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Cherry shook her head at the play. "I
don't get it. Why do anything like this? Why Lily Ripper? Why
Lilies at all?!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"B-because, Cherry. Peter was
taught that p-p-pain is beautiful. But he was beat down. Nara Nakki
could not teach him to love feeling pain, j-j-just the value of it.
A y-y-year ago he found a shipment of Flash Blossoms in the city
Guard Storage."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"My big fat mistake."
Madeline rolled her eyes.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"He touched them and realized he
w-w-was onto a new kind of torture. He heard of them, b-but never
encounter them. The first girl, she w-w-w-was a test. He didn't
know she would die. B-but it was so beautiful to him. C-couldn't
let the body rot without making it something pretty to show the
world. And the blue shroud was a funeral cape."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"He was Burying them?!"
Cherry's jaw dropped.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Respecting them. Th-Thanking
them for suffering. He l-l-loved them for what they were. N-not who
they were, b-but. But as hurt little girls." Anna winced. "He
loves little girls." She spat out, disgusted. "They
scream in his head. A quire of victims, painted with Flash Blossoms.
It was both a pleasence and a guard to keep others from his mind."
Anna looked to Madeline. "You saw it, too."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Madeline nodded.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Couldn't figure you out,
Madeline. Y-you read my mind without touching me. Th-thought it was
your alchemy."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I was touching you, Anna. My
soul was on you while I was smoking the petal."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"W-wondered if it was something
like that. Nara Nakki knew about the garden, too. D-didn't want to
interfer. She's d-dangerous, Madeline. Dangerous, but not stupid.
She'll leave me alone, now that I have blackmail on her, but-but I
couldn't use it and live anyway. W-well she probably wouldn't kill
me. Not on purpose."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I think that about wraps
everything up, Goldy." Cherry put a cloth to Anna's head.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Ch-Cherry, you remember Hilmire?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"My first Boyfriend? Gosh, that
was a long time ago."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I slept with him."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Who didn't?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"On the night he was suposed to
show up to your birthday."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"What?!"<br /><br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Madeline covered her face. "I
told you, should can't help herself. She'll do this until the drug
wares off."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Martin Berrymill, too. After he
left your place."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Cherry pulled her veil off. "Okay...No
biggy. Stay calm."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"And Randy Flailmume."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"This was after I dumped them,
right?"<br /><br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Cherry," Madeline leaned
toward her. "Don't ask for-"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"No" Anna answered.
Madeline found herself as the defense line between Cherry, who was
sanctimoniously pulling her own hair and scratching at Anna, while on
the other side Anna could not shut up.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This lasted for about an hour.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
===</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna woke up in Cherry's corner of the
tower. At first, she couldn't figure out what the deal was with all
the pillows. She sat up and took in her surroundings. She didn't
know how she got here or how the bed-gown got on her or who was
pulling her back to the pillows. Last thing she remembered was
telling Madeline she could stand to lose some weight.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Cherry's soft fingers stroked her hair.
Anna figured she had been forgiven. It was bright. Was it morning?
They must be near a window, but there was no rain. Anna's arms
instinctively wrapped around a pillow in the shape of an Ibis. She
looked up to Cherry. "What day is it?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"You've been out, like, maybe all
night or something. That whole mess with Lily happened yesterday. I
been hiding you here, Goldy. Figured the Red Guard wouldn't look for
you in the Maiden's quarters."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Ugh." Anna covered her eyes
with the stuffed Ibis. So, she was still rogue.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Yeah, Gringills, for some reason,
REALLY wants you, so Maddy and I dragged you up here. Were you awake
when that family returned home and argued with Maddy?" Anna
shook her head under the pillow. "Well, we got the whole story,
then were kicked out in the rain. Can you believe that? Some
people, huh? Anyway, Yeah, Peter totally spouted how he did it and
stuff. Hid the girls in a burlap sack. No Cloak, no nothing. Since
he was a guard, no one questioned him when he walked off with the
girls. Crazy! Just like you said. When the stones started flying,
the Red and City Guard had to step between them all to protect him.
Heard it was quite a speech by Captain Crateshift, or something."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I'll bet. Blah Blah Blah, mumes
don't kill, blah." Anna rolled away from the window. "Where
is he now?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"No one knows. I think the City
Guard have him chained and locked up in one of the guard's house
until they can figure out what to do with him. They're afraid of
letting him escape, cuz you know, people might kill him. I guess
even evil people count."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Bravo to the Captain for at least
not being a hypocrite." Anna sat up and scratched her head.
"Breakfast."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Oh, I gotta go bring you
something."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"No. I'm no rogue. I'll eat at
the mess hall."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Anna, that sounds really dumb."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Nah, just... I'm not a rogue, I
just... I don't know, Cherry. Gimme my clothes. Gloves included."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
===</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna saw them come into the hall and
point her way. "Here they come." She stuffed as much of
her bread and egg down her throat as she could before they aproached,
washing it down with a full pitcher of Leaf.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"You'll have to take your fruit."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"You can have the orange. It's
something to peel."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Cherry shrugged. "Peeling fruit
is SO last year."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Two tall womumes in full uniform cast a
shadow over Cherry and Anna. "Anna Goldeyes, you're company has
been requested."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna sucked a date down and talked with
her mouth full. "You're supposed to tell me by whom." She
felt their hands on her shoulders. She said "Cherry finish
this." and then as she was being pulled away, "But save me
those dates!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It didn't take them long to escort her
to the office level. A sign hung crooked on the door. "Wait to
be called on" The three waited in front of the purple curtain.
On the other side, Anna could hear a debate...</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I don't see how the nature of
understanding could lead us to discover itself." Said one
voice.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Another said "But by discovering
it, we could find a better connections between the Tha and the Keb.
Think of the possibilities."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"However, just as the eye cannot
see itself, your asking 'reason' to examine 'reason.' Either change
the nature of your research or give me an example of how the soul can
understand without logic or reason. Be off." Another Red
Guard, half in uniform, grumbled as she passed through the curtain.
Anna hadn't recognized her. "Anna, come in." Anna was
perplexed as to how this womume knew it was her, but obeyed. "It's
alright, girls. I can handle her."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The office wasn't like any other office
Anna had seen on this level of the tower. Most are organized, but
this one was jumbled by stacks of scrolls and books, all out of
order, on either side of the room and covering a desk that Sarah
Gringill could barely be seen over. She was standing, but her cyan
eyes were all Anna could see.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Let's see, philosophy of the mind
and it's effects on the soul should be..." Major Gringill
searched around for a stack of scrolls. "I'll be with you in a
moment. Kneel and be at ease for now." Eventually the Major
found was she was looking for and filed the papyrus, picking up
another under a stack and forcing it to tumble over. "Here we
are, the philosophy to detection and use for tracking events."
She knelt in front of Anna, reading over the scroll. Anna knew what
it said. She had writen it herself. "But this is out of date
by several years."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Looking at the Major was strange
feeling. She was so unlike other Red Guards with her rd-line tattoo
and her straight blonde hair let flow over her shoulders. Not short
and not pulled back. "Anna," Oh, Gringill was talking to
her. "Eyes on mine. Why is your research out of date?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"This doesn't feel like a
disciplinary trial, Major." Anna looked behind her. The guards
were gone, as far as she could tell. "And I haven't been told
what this was about." She turned back to Gringill. "So,
I'm afraid I'll have to refer you to my superior, Major Harri
Eleanor."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Ah," Gringill crumpled up
the scroll and tossed it into a pile of crumpled scrolls. "I
had imagined Madeline had already told you. I suppose not. Bean
Juice?" She poured a cup for herself first.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"No. I preffer it hot, Ma'am."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Anna, over the last two months,
I've been catching up with all research groups in both the Red Guard
and the White Maidens. I've also been pushing myself to try and keep
up with our fighting styles and the principals of the Red Guard.
Why, would you observe, would I do that?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna gave it some thought. Finally she
said "My best guess is you've seen some similar thread of
through between all forms of research, or found a more efficient
method for discovery and were assigned by the High Priestess to keep
us in line. Perhaps to police us in some way?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Gringill nodded, her smile growing.
"You are very close." She took a sip. "Durring the
winter, I was privileged to encounter the High Priestess and spoke
with her about her research teams. There were 41 teams consisting of
1 to 5 mumes, male and female, under 35 different majors and treated
as simple unthinking soldiers in the military. I told her the best
way to dicover and explore was with the cross pollination of
different studies and this was how we did it at the schools. Every
child learns caligraphy, Rhetoric, History, art, and so on in order
to mix the disciplines together. I told her it would be to the Red
Guard's benefit to have a similar system for her research, to keep
them under one rule, not 35, and have them talk with one another. Do
you know what she suggested?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna tipped her head forward. "She
suggested you do it, and now all researchers are your troops."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Excellent. You're faster than
the others," Gringill took another sip, "as I expected.
What I found was of the 41 teams, 18 of them had been working on
similar or identical subjects. So far only 5 have been worthless
endeavors that I've deemed frankly lazy in their methods and shut
them down. We now have 26 teams...and you."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"You're now my superior?"
Anna had to laugh. "Eleanor probably didn't like that."
the Major nodded. "Did she tell you I quit the Red Guard?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"She did, but I didn't believe it
and you don't act like it. You may have faked your death, but it was
your movements that eventually lead to the capture of Lily Ripper,
a.k.a. Peter Leftgood, and even though you left the city, you have
returned and even still eat in the mess hall."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna nodded. "You are oddly well
informed, Major Gringill."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Although the Cemetery Girls could
be considered a third branch to the Church, they are classified as a
research group for the Red Guard. How are your fingers, by the by?"
Anna unconsciously rubbed her finger tips. "I'm told they
should heal fully in a few weeks. Now that you're up to speed, why
is your research out of date?"</div>
Grimwithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00091526695062339656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-599250555951455014.post-90635764529773474642012-11-23T09:21:00.003-08:002012-11-23T09:21:53.715-08:00Lily Ripper 22
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Peter Leftgood, Who are you?</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Peter sunk down the wall, landing
somewhere at Anna's feet. The memory of her tongue in his mouth. He
wasn't used to that. Where those bread crumbs he could feel?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna sunk down with him, lips on his
forehead, nose, and mouth again. "Peter, I may not get this
chance after tomorrow."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"What do you mean? I mean, I'm
no...I..."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Shut up and kiss me, you moron."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
At first he didn't argue, but then he
pushed her away. "No. Sorry, it's not right, Miss Goldeyes."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"What's not right?" Peter
didn't answer. He hid his face, like always, turned away from Anna
as if afraid to show himself. "Peter, when I was out there, out
of the city, I finally got this murderer off my mind and all I could
think of was you."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I'm...nothing, Miss Goldeyes.
Don't you think about me."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
She turned his face to her's. "You
don't get to decide that." He couldn't meet her eyes. Their
blue hue turned red with tears. She backed away, putting her hands
up. "Okay. Okay, I don't know you. But I want to. I really
do. Every since you picked me up when I was falling over from the
Petal." Her hand seemed drawn to his. "You saw me as
someone who needed help and didn't pass by. That means something,
Peter."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I don't...know."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Even when it was out of your way,
you took me to the library. Not a word. No ask for praise. How
could I not love that?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"You...Don't wanna know me, Anna.
I'm...wimpy. I mean...not as strong as you. I mean-" Her
fingers covered his mouth gentaly. Taking the time to kneel to
eye-level, Anna took a deep breath.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Tell me about Peter Leftgood."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The rain turned heavy and rose as mist
off the sandstone cobble between them. A white sound playing it's
music and cutting off the outside world. Anna could feel that, even
tho they were out in the open, there was no city around them.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Peter's face twisted and shook with
tears. "Don't..." He turned away, unable to stand her
eyes anymore. "Don't ask me that. I'm not...anything. I'm
just a guard! Just a stupid guard."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"No one is forced to become a city
guard. You must have joined for a reason."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"No. I just... I needed
something to do. And. And I thought this was... I mean... No."
He got on his feet. "Stop this! Stop caring! I don't want
it!" He turned around, his back to Anna. She didn't take her
eyes away, even as she got up to be close to him. "I never
wanted it. I just want to be that mume in the background. I mean,
the one that no one notices. Why can't I just be that guard?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
He flet her hands on both his
shoulders. "Because no one is no one. You're more than just
any guard. You've proved that again and again. You helped us with
catching Lily. You helped me when I needed it earlier this month.
You-"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"That was such a mistake. I
should'a stayed clear." He yelled over his shoulder, "You
hear that?! I was OFF duty and should'a just let you alone!"
Peter began to bang his head against the wall. "WHY,"
Bang, "couldn't I JUST" bang, "leave it ALL"
bang, "alone?!" Bang.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna spun him around and pulled him
into her arms. Her shakes told him she was crying too and he fought
to get away. Anna wouldn't let him go, her arms like chains around
him. "No! Don't care about me!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Shut up, Peter Leftgood!"
She tightened her grip around him, shoving his head over her
shoulder. "You shut up or I will MAKE you shut up!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sob and whimpers were lost in the sound
of the rain. No one knew where they were or who they are. How many
times had this scene played before and no one in the world noticed?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
===</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The next morning, Anna heard the rain
through the window. Her hand instinctively reached out, but all she
felt was the warm spot where Peter was on the fur bedding. Still
warm. She sat up. Peter was afixing part of his leather armor onto
the chest plate. Her tongue tasted like his skin.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
She wiped the morning from her eyes.
"It time, isn't it?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Yeah. It's time. I just had a
summons by Captain Erick. I mean..." Peter finished strapping
on his helmet and looked Anna, "Is this going to work?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna smiled. It was one of the few
times Peter met her eyes. "I've made my best guess from the
knowledge I had, Peter. Just stick near the Captain when you're at
City hall. I'm sure Lily will be there and try to shut the process
down." Anna reached for the blanket to wrap around her.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"How... I mean, when did you send
word. You must have told them where I would be."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Ha. This place belongs to my
friend, Brishah. She takes care of her guests. Say...Peter,"
He made a noise, looking outside the door/curtain, "you said you
made something beautiful on your time off. At your house."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Peter smiled, perhaps for the first
time in his life, thought Anna. "Yeah, my designs. I paint and
such. I guess...I mean, you know, it's a mume inclination. I guess
we can't help it."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I'd like to see them. Maybe if
this all goes as planned."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Yeah. Maybe. Uh...Anna."
He was halfway through the curtain. "Good luck." And he
was gone, off to guard the Captain.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna fell back into bed. He body shook
uncontrolably. That had been the hardest thing she had ever done.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
===</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The crowd was thick, made mostly of
those protesting the city guard, but also of those who received word
that Lily had already been caught. Word had spread like lightning a
few days ago that Lily was already in prison or exhiled. Some even
told that Lily was executed, tho the church denies that it would
happen.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The people of Annalow, Borc, Mume, and
even Ixxar and Marf were loud enough to hear over the rain. At the
front doors of City Hall, a stage was quickly erected for the Captain
and company. He lead a small troop, including Peter, onto the stage.
Some of them carried things under a tarp. On the otherside,
however, to the crowds surprise entered Major Eleanor and three other
Red Guards. By the time she stood beside Captain Erick Crateshift,
the noise died down, as did, it seemed, the rain.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Madeline, Cherry, and Anna stood at the
back of the crowd. Anna and Madeline were tall enough to see over
the people, but Cherry hopped up and down. "What's going on?
Why is everyone quiet?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"People of Annalow!" The
Captain yelled, "Why can now say for certain that the rumors
were true! We HAVE Lily Ripper in our custody!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"We've heard that before!"
Someone in the crown yelled.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"How can you be sure?!"
another yelled.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The Captain ignored them. "This
took a joint effort between both Red Guard and City Guard!"
Erick held up his and the Major's hands. "Because Lily Ripper
was so crafty and so evil I think we can say the City had never seen
his like before!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I thought she was a girl!"
Someone yelled.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Please, people of Annalow, let us
finish!" The major yelled, removing her hand. "We have
proof that Lily Ripper was not who he appeared to be! The stories
you heard and the rumors told was part of his disguise!" A Red
guard handed a bundle to the Major. "Over the last year, our
agents have kept track of Lily and the designs he's carved on the
Children of Annalow!" She held up Duffworm's book for the
people to see. Another Red Guard held her cloak over the Major to
protect both from the rain. "As you can see, this show the
wounds and pictures Lily Ripper had cut mercilessly into our
children!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Mandra save us!" Someone
whispered near Anna. "I recognize that...that thing."
Other murmers washed over the crowd. "They had been watching
for Lily all this time?" "Great Bear! Is that Lily's
work?"<br /><br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna's legs began to go weak.
"Madeline. Help me." Madeline looked confused.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Cherry had found a purch haning onto
the awning of a building. "What's wrong, Goldy?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"You idiot!" Anna fell into
Madeline's arms. "You took it yourself?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Had to." Anna's eyes rolled
back in her head. "It's starting."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Madeline cradled Anna on the ground.
To everyone else, it looked like a womume in a red cloak fainting.
Cherry knew better and hovered over in alarm. "What's wrong?
What happened to Goldy?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Don't worry." Madeline
checked the under of Anna's eyes. "In a moment she'll be
telling us everything."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"What?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"She took a truth drug."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"p-p-p-" Anna stuttered on.
"Peter. I-"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Holy Living Goddess!"
Cherry "She's gonna spill the beans?!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Peter- I...Wanted to love you."
Anna's eyes became red with tears. "S-s-so much."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Madeline stood up to see the stage.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"We worked out WHO Lily was!"
The Captain said aloud, "But we wanted to prove to EVERYONE
this person could ONLY have been the killer! And we found Just
that!" A City Guard handed a bundle of papyrus to the Captain
who unrolled it to show to the crowd. Another guard held his cloak
over to protect both from the rain. The scrolls had the same designs
that were in the book Major Eleanor was showing the world.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Peter stared in shocked surprise. It
didn't last long, because his eyes rolled, his knees shook, and he
fell to the ground, stuttering.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Another guard went to help peter up.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"K-k-kissed...him." Anna
stuttered. "I kissed him with it on my t-t-tongue."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"And who's house did we find these
scrolls?" The captain asked. "THIS MUME!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The captain pointed at Peter's limp
body. His mouth stuttering. "C-c-cut them...m-make them
pretty...mother..."</div>
Grimwithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00091526695062339656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-599250555951455014.post-65746323874151886262012-11-22T06:59:00.003-08:002012-11-22T06:59:22.683-08:00Lily Ripper 21
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>In Motion</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Nara Nakki was careful when she stepped
out into the fields near the ocean's roar. It was the first time out
of the city in perhaps a century. She was Queenly, but unconfedent
of the outside. The air was different now than then. Strange.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Surrounding her were four of her finest
fighters, just to be sure. She didn't fear Anna Goldeyes, but there
was fear of other elements and, although the sisters spoke to calm
her, the distance she placed between herself and the outside worry
was enough to highten her axiety. Anxiety. A lost feeling.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The wait was pleasantly not long. The
Red Guard had been waiting for her, it seemed, in full uniform.
Brave, but there was something different about her. She was the same
only her hair. Perhaps her skin. Nara Nakki noticed burn marks that
didn't use to be there as the Red Guard approached.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Madeline wore a huge grin. "Hello,
Nara Nakki."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Something wasn't right. How could
Madeline be here? Agonycrust had only arrived home this very day.
If Anna sent her, Madeline must have been waiting for her, but the
information couldn't move that fast.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Madeline laughed. "Your
expression. I love it. You really have no idea what's going on?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Perhaps you could explain. I
didn't put myself to this disadvantage for you, Priestess."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Madeline laughed again. She was loving
this. She pulled out a scroll from inside her jacket and said "Calm
yourself, I'm here as an agent for a trade. I was ordered to bring
you this and have no one else see it." She handed the scroll to
a Sister who handed it to the Queen.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"How did you know we would be
here?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Oh no, Nara Nakki. I only trade
information with you. I've learned my lesson. However,"
Madeline put her fingers to her chin in thought, "I guess this
time I'm trading the lack of information, huh?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Nara Nakki didn't respond. She
unfurrowed the scroll and read. As she did, her eyes grew wide and
her smile grew broad. "This is amazing." She said,
reading on. "Oh, this is delicious." Rolling the scroll
back up, she knelt on the grass. "I'm at her mercy. I've never
been so undone." The words were genuine, but Nara Nakki's smile
was still present. "I can only assume she used Effee Magic.
Is..." She looked up at Madeline, "Is she here? In the
city? I must speak with her!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"All things I'm not willing to
devulge, Nara Nakki. You should know, as I do, that Anna Goldeyes is
a rogue, now. Hunted by the Red Guard. If I were to see her, why it
would be my duty to arrest her in the name of the church."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Nara Nakki giggled insanely as she rose
to unstudy feet. "Such a mind. Such a mind as her's, Madeline.
How in the face of Mash'ta did such a mind come to be?" She
held her head high. "Girls, we return." The sisters
followed.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
===</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Miss, uh. Miss Eleanor?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Harri Eleanor hadn't left her office in
a day. Her eyes were red, but her chin was firm. She turned away
from the window to see some White Maiden she didn't recognize. She
was spry looking with red hair bright enough to show under her vale
and she was carring more towels than she could handle. "What do
you want? Speak clearly." Even in the depths of her guilt, she
knew she needed control.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Well, I was just walking around
when my old friend had this delivered to me and things, but I think I
was meant for you. Anyway, Here's this scroll, right? It's got your
name on it and I was asking around," Cherry rambled. Major
Eleanor couldn't stand rambling.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Yes yes. What is it?" She
took Cherry's scroll and read it out loud. "You are invited to
a public speaking tomorrow, an event that shall end in the arrest of
Lily Ripper. Bring enough guards to stave off a riot...something
something." The further instructions was strange. She looked
at the seal. It was the Effee council seat. "Who was your
friend?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I don't think you know her, but I
call her Goldy." The major shot Cherry a look. "Anyway, I
was just told to give that to you. I have to go. They need towels
in the lower levels."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
===</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Captain Erick laid in bed, staring at
the ceiling that night. There was a crack in the stone he focused on
when lost in thought. The last hand of days were aweful and he
honestly couldn't tell if this was an orcestration by the church or
the council, but he was certain his downfall had been planned by
someone in charge. It occured to him that the information might have
been true and even the church couldn't predict Lily Ripper's action,
but that made it all the worse. And then the murder at the Carr'dine
statue? This seemed an orchestra of events meant to drive him out of
the office. The council decides who would succeed him, but they had
also seemed to be taring themselves apart.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
These are the thoughts plaguing his
mind when he felt a cold clammy touch on his arm. Erick sat up and
checked the room. There was a hissing noise. An asp? It was coming
from under him. He looked over the side of the bed and jumped.
"GAH!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The hiss laughed, as a pale arm snaked
out of the bed and held to him a scroll. Hesitantly, Erick took it.
"Thank you for your fear." the hiss said and snaked down
under the bed again.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"What are you?" Erick
shuddered.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Such things as the Ripper is made
of." The hiss replied.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It startled Erick into hopping off the
bed and toward his club hanging by the door. "Guards!" He
yelled, ducking down to see the under of the bed. Two borc rushed in
to see the captain searching the floor. "Someone was just here.
She gone now! She was pale, like bird skin. Search the parameter!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Sir!" They saluted and
left.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Eirck found a new hole under his bed in
the wall. He traced the edges of it before determining there would
be no escape for the intruder. Up he stood and he checked the scroll
he was given. The seal was in black wax and unknown to him. He read
it, sitting down on the bed as the words hit him one punch at a time.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
When he was finished, one of the guard
came back. "Sir, we found no one, sir." The guard slowed
his enterence. "Uh...Sir, are you alright?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"This..." Erick waved the
scroll at the borc. "This is very good, Bish. I want you to
fetch 3 others and draw your cloaks. It's raining hard tonight."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
===</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Council-Effee Pindrop was kneeling in
the middle of the room. His rabbit eyes looked further than the
walls. Behind him, Anna hid in the doorway covered in a hooded red
cloak. "It's done, Madam Goldeyes."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Everyone has their letters?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Yes. Captain Crateshift just
received his. I see Major Eleanor, as well. She's calling together
many Red Guard."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Can your ears hear them?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Pindrop smiled, but it's hard to tell
with Effees. "Oh yes. Mine are the best ears." He closed
his eyes and listened. "She's telling them to arange a
meeting...something about tomorrow."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Pindrop felt the former Red Guard's
hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry, Council-Effee. This will
end tomorrow."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"If you know who Lily Ripper is,
why not just deal with him yourself? You owe this City nothing."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna smiled. "I owe Mandra
everything and would protect Annalow, Mister Pindrop. The only thing
that will heal the city's wound is everyone knowing who Lily Ripper
really is. They must all see the proof." She turned. "I
have to do the rest alone. My friends are waiting for me."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I know. They're at your pub, I
think."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Before she left the Effee's home she
turned at the door. "Do you mind if I ask you something?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"For this gift you have, I am at
your service."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"How many are there of you?"
Pindrop turned his head in confusion. "Effee's that can do
magic, I mean."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"We all know each other, Madam
Goldeyes. Myself, My Apprentice, The High Preistess' companion, the
Stasis is training a new one, and Quill the free makes five."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"There should be more of you,
Council-Effee."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
His shoulders shook with laughter.
"Lord Rabbit and your Living Goddess has designed it this way
for a reason, Madam Goldeyes. Trust in her."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna said nothing. She nodded and
left.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
===</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Peter, Cherry and Madeline talked about
the weather, the new Dire Emus, and the movements of the moons.
Anything to get their mind off of the oncoming excitement. Their
drinks flowed slowly as they chattered and, as sure as they were
warned, a red-cloaked womume entered the pub and asked Merick
something. He pointed at their table. The red cloak walked up and
sat down.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Hello, friends. My name is
Bliss."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Hi, Goldy. Oof!" Madeline
knocked Cherry in the ribs.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Why look at that, Cherry."
She said through gritted teeth. "It's the emesary from the
farmlands we were told about. Bliss, was it?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"What? But that's Gold- Oof!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"How was your trip, Bliss?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Cherry Frowned and rubbed her ribs.
"Yeah, Bliss. We did just as you said. At least I did. I
don't know about the rest."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Peter scratched his head. "Well,
I mean. I didn't. I mean I didn't have anything to do."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Don't worry," Anna had her
gloves on. She reached over and gave peter's a squeeze. "You'll
be helping the Captain tomorrow."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Whatever you wrote to the good
Queen," Madeline chuckled, "it was brilliant. She knelt.
She actually knelt!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Queen who?" Cherry switched
looking between Anna and Madeline.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna waved them all to calm down.
"Don't worry. You all have your own piece of the puzzle for a
reason. Madeline, did you get the powder I asked for?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Sure, but it's so slow acting, it
would be useless." Madeline handed over a small pouch.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Doesn't matter, I need it anyway.
Cherry, what about my former Major?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Oh god, the Major."
Madeline slapped her forehead.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Oh, she was fine. Confused, but
fine. Poor thing looked in pretty bad shape, I don't mind telling
you, Goldy...Uh...Bliss."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Bliss, have you heard what's
going on with our superiors?" Bliss shook her head at Madeline.
"It's insane! Even if you hadnt' left, and I'm not saying you
were ever a Red Guard, you wouldn't have been under Eleanor's
command."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"It doesn't matter now, Madeline."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"No, but see, it does, because the
Red Guard are still looking for you."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"It can wait. Time is still a
factor for me tonight." The red cloak stood up. "I'll see
you two at the show tomorrow. Peter, would you come with me? I need
to explain about tomorrow."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Uh, sure. I guess."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna bowed to the table and bid a
farewell before leading Peter out of the pub and around the back in
the rain.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"What..uh...What's this about?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"This." The red cloak pinned
Peter against the wall and kissed him.</div>
Grimwithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00091526695062339656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-599250555951455014.post-85998837151211471102012-11-21T09:48:00.000-08:002012-11-21T09:48:04.508-08:00Lily Ripper 20
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Agonycrust</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Agonycrust, or 'Crust' to her sisters,
was faster than any of the bandits had ever seen. Tho barefoot, she
ran through the fields and over rocks without a thought or care to
the rough terain. She was also hard to see, wearing her blue hooded
cloak with black veil and gown underneith. Very hard to spot in an
overcast night.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
She jumped bounced off a tree and dove
on top of one of their boys. He rose his hand to protect himself,
but a long cruel needle jammed through it and staked him to rush's
home. Two other boys surrounded the black thing, now that she was
against a wall. "Get 'er! She's only a girl!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Crust turned to smile at the bandits.
Her grin made them ill. It was sick with sadism and madness.
"Er...you first, Bill." Bill didn't hesitate. He swung
his sword hard at the black thing who ducked effortlessly under and
came up between his arms. She grabbed his skull and sent horror
after horror into his borc brain. He stopped screaming the morning
after next.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The bandit leader stepped forward with
another two boys. "I don't know what she is, but I think we
need ta' kill her just to keep her from killing us!" He yelled
over Bill's screaming.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Yesss." The girl hissed.
"I like this idea. Let's play some-" She was interupted.
The house had a front door to the side of their fight, and that door
was kicked open from inside by a heavy leather boot.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"What's going on here?!" It
was Bliss. She was wearing a night gown and a sleepy grump's face.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Ah shit," The Bandit leader
snapped a couple of times and everyone scattered. Everyone except
for the boy pinned and Bill who was busy wrestling with demons.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Crust smile gleefully. "Something
new to play with?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Shut up, black thing." The
womume stepped up to the boy and pulled the needle out of his hand
and Grush's wall. "You, take you friend to a doctor or
something."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Was it those boys again?"
Grush leaned out of the house. His hairy head was barely covered by
a night cap.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Go back inside, Grush. They've
run away." Most of them, in any case. The boy was trying his
best to drag a screaming friend away. "You," Bliss looked
Crust over. You look alright. Did they hurt you?" Crust
smiled and turned her head. It was hard to see, but it might have
been what she was looking for. So hard to see in the retched light
of Grush's torch light. "You better come inside. I'll patch
you up, don't you worry."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"You. You're..."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Yeah yeah." Bliss got
behind the girl and pushed her. "Inside, Cemetery Girl. We all
know what's going on."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Fields of Silver Wheat waved in the
nights wind when Agonycrust was pushed in. "Grush, turn down
the lantern. Owr guest doesn't like too much light."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Grush obeyed. "Looks like they
got 'er good, they did. Nasty cut there. What...er... What exactly
is she, Bliss?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Bliss shrugged. "She's a thing
from the city." She sat Crust down at the table and uncovered a
pitcher of Leaf-juice. "Get the bandages, Grush."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Oh..uh...I think they're out in
the shed, Bliss. You know, for the effees in the field and that
lot."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Right right. The bandits won't
return tonight, I think. Take the lamp with you. We won't need it
yet."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Right, then." Grush picked
up the Lantern and left, leaving the moon's faint glow to light the
room.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Bliss sat down across the table and
pointed. "They cut you, black thing."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"This wound..." Crust
reached to her side. There was a cut bleeding badly. "I
cherish it."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I'm impressed. I've only been
gone for two hands of days and Nara Nakki already tracked me down.
Red Guard couldn't do that."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"This name you have."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Bliss. It's what I felt when I
saw this farm."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"It's stupid, Plaything."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Did your Queen tell you to call
me that?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The blackened girl frowned. "Why?
Don't you like it?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Bliss scratched the back of her head.
"You people. I'll never understand you. How did you do it?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Crust smiled again. "Oh, we only
trade information for pain, Plaything." She winced as Grush
came back with a basket of bandages, salves, and the like.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Bliss took it from him. "What's
your name?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Agonycrust." She covered
her eyes, still unused to the light. "Crust to my sisters."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Take off your top, Agonycrust."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Grust blushed. "Oop. Don't think
I'm meant to see this."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"We'll be fine, Grush. Go back to
sleep. I'll see you in the morning before I get back to finishing
the fence."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Right-o." Grush couldn't
leave fast enough. The Cemetary girl was doing as told and
stripping, leaving just her skirt and belt on. The wound was thin,
but went all the way to the ribs. The rest of her body seemed
already covered in healed gashes and cuts.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Now, Agonycrust," Bliss
starting working on the girl's wound, applying herbs and wrapping it
with bandage, "if it were I looking for me, I would try and
track down the post. You were told that my friend, Felfkin, has
unusual ways for delivering the mail, but I don't. Somehow, I have a
guess to how, Nara Nakki followed the post from me to Drate, back to
me, then you just started searching the general neighborhood. How am
I doing?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Crust frowned again. She had hoped ths
Mume would call her "crust." "How would we have
followed your friend's letter? There is Magic we don't know..."
She hissed.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I used to have an alchemist as a
friend who once told me that a flower exists for every race's magic.
Magic was used to deliver me my post, so alchemy is used to trace it.
Which probably means you have a letter from my alchemist friend, as
the Cemetery girls have little interest in alchemy. Interesting
because I don't think my friend knows about Effee Magic. Perhaps a
hand of people in Mash'ta do."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"A letter, no." Bliss made a
noise. "A message. Yes. She just says 'Please come home.'"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Madeline doesn't know the word
'please.'"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I was given the message directly,
Plaything." Bliss was silent. She finished tying the bandage
and began to put away all the healing items. "I see why my
Queen craves you so." Bliss didn't respond. She put the basket
away and poured herself a drink. "She sends her regards and
requests your presence with...different terms." Bliss laughed.
"Different terms. Not in her realm. She wishes to meet you
outside the city, at the plateau's edge."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Why would I do that? I've
severed all ties with Annalow, Agonycrust."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Well, how about..." But
Bliss knew what she was going to say and held up her hand. "Ah,
good."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I sent a question to Nara Nakki
before. This was just before I left. Did she send an answer?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Crust turned her head on it's side. "I
have no knowledge of it." The two sat there. Bliss in her
night gown, Crust in her veil. Both said nothing for a long time.
Crust, after studying the womume for a while, broke the silence.
"May I ask you a question?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I'll trade if you will."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Oh, I would gladly suffer for
you."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"No." Bliss poured another
drink. "Information for information. I don't care if you hurt,
Agonycrust."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Crust thought about it and nodded.
"Fine." Bliss waved on. "How are you alive?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"When a mommy mume and a daddy
mume find each other atractive-"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I mean with the edge of the city,
Plaything. How did you live through the fall?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"It wasn't hard. The walls of the
Plateau aren't straight up and down, they're just steep. Very Steep.
I ruined my cloths, and got a scrape here and there, but otherwise
just took care when sliding down. It took about an hour to drop. A
traveling merchant thought I was an escaped slave. Pretty funny, now
that I think about it."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Why did you leave like that?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Hold on. One deal at a time.
How did you become a Cemetery girl?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Crust smiled her crooked teeth. "I
was sold as a child."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"A slave then?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"It isn't always the way,
Plaything. All my sisters are different and come by different means.
I was sold when I was 20 seasons old. I was first trained to love
our currency, then I was trained to read minds. Then I was trained
to control my body. Then I was training others."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Of course they trained you to
love your currency."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Crusts smile broadened. "Pain is
an acquired taste."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I disagree, but go on with your
question."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Why?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Why did I leave the City?"
Bliss shrugged. "Figured you would know. I was demoted from
nothing to nothing in the Red Gaurd."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"No, that is why you left the Red
Guard. Why did you leave the city?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I told you."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Crust crossed her arms. "That's
not a popper answer, Plaything. You left your town, your friends,
your office, and everything. Why?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Bliss stared down into the moonlit
tumbler of leaf. "Well, I," It was still there. It had
only been two hands of days and Crusts coming meant nothing had been
resolved. Lily hadn't been caught, her friends hadn't forgiven her,
all that research probably still slept in her office. "I don't
know."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"That's not an answer, either."
Crust shimmied back into her top and her cloak.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Who was Applebone?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I'll not give an answer for
nothing." Crust walked to the door.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Look at me." When she did,
Crust smiled wide. Bliss was wincing as she drove the needle in and
under her finger-nail. She spat out the words like bad bread. "Who
was Applebone?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Crust returned to the table and sat
gently down. "We each have different ways we enter the
Queendom, Plaything. Applebone was one of the rare ones who were
born into it."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Was she your daughter?"
Bliss pulled the needle out.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Can I get another figner?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"No. It's part of the same
question."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Crust sighed. "She was Agetha's,
the gate keeper. But we all raised her. Queen Nara Nakki is our
protector and ruler, but we are all sisters and daughters of each
other, Anna Goldeyes." She stood up again. "She was the
daughter of us all. Look, I was going to put this a place you could
find it, but..." From out of her cloak, Crust pulled loose a
set of black gloves with the eye of Mandra on them. She placed them
on the table and walked away. "If you wish to speak with Nara
Nakki, come to the east edge of the Plateau three days from now,
where the cliffs meet the sea. Come at night. And," She opened
the door, "You're friend truly misses you."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Cherry?"<br /><br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Fallbringer. Her message was to
me and not through my Queen. We trade in information..." She
looked at Bliss. "And pain." And she was gone.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna sat in the dark for a long time,
focusing on the gloves. She had wondered if Madeline hurt herself
for that message or if it was another trick. Agony crust never
explicitly said how she was paid, but Anna believed she wasn't lying.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The light brightened. Grush was there,
turning up the flame in the lamp a bit. He hung it on a metal hook
that jutted out of the stone wall in an awkward way. "Well,
that clears up a bit, I think. Makes sense, it does."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Seems my life was laid bare,
Grush."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"S'aright, Bliss. We all 'ave are
worries and problems and such."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"You know," Anna laughed,
"she probably started that fight outside to see what I would do.
I've no doubt she was testing to see if she found the right house."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Did us a service, then. If they
got this close then they were threatening ta' start somethin' else.
So," Grush sat down, "anything else you been lying about?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna motioned him to calm. "Just
the name, Grush. Just the name."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Anna, is it?" He nodded.
"I sort of like that better than Bliss. Thought you Mumes were
creative types. Bliss. My word." He held his hands out.
"Welp. You gonna meet this queen person or no?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Meet the...Ha." It wa a
genuine laugh. "No, Grush. No. There's no way I would meet
Queen Nara Nakki on her own terms. She's so dangerous you wouldn't
believe."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I think after tonight you could
convince me of anything, you could. But it ain't right what your
do'n here, Miss Anna."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Just Anna is fine."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Still ain't right. You got a
task 'ere that needs tending to, sounds like. And a friend that need
ya'."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"And a fence that needs mending."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The Borc laughed it off. "Fence.
My word. I can have the slaves tend to the fence." He pointed.
"But you're no slave, Anna, Bliss, or whatever. You're a Red
Guard, you is. Someone told me they were elite."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna smiled and stirred her Leaf. "You
have no idea what that means."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Maybe not. But I know how ta'
farm like a Borc, I do. And I like to think I know when somethin'
that needs do'n is done. But Bah, Miss Anna-Bliss-person. You
should know all this. Ya' started somethin' and, like it or not, you
know you ought ta' finish it. 'Specially if it involves friendship
and all that muck." There was silence again in the room. "Also
there's that bit you said about the City fall'n apart, you did."
Again, nothing. "Well, I figure I can't make you mind up for
ya'. I'll either see you in the morning, Bliss, or I won't. Either
way, if'n you work an keep them bandits away, I'll still give ya'
room and board."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
He left for the night.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
He didn't see her in the morning.</div>
Grimwithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00091526695062339656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-599250555951455014.post-48256843146737830102012-11-21T09:47:00.003-08:002012-11-21T09:47:27.081-08:00Lily Ripper 19
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Bliss</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The lasting effects of Lily Ripper on
Annalow are clear in retrospec. One has only to ask the parents of
the city or listen to the bonfire stories of children. Lily moves
on, a ghost of fear told under the breath of the mume capital to
frighten or impress. Dares will be made to visit the torture garden
or the rubble that once was the killer's home, soon to be replaced by
the familiar statue of children in memorial of those lost.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Also, the Red Guard would put strong
faith in the research of deduction that Master Drate and Anna
Goldeyes created. Because after Anna quit the city, true pandemonium
began. A chaotic dance of fear and Mob mentality started with the
orders from Captain Erick Crateshift.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
A speach was made in front of City Hall
that the Captain, thanks to the efforts of guards at the Docks, had
found the location of the Lily Ripper killings. Though the
perpatrator was unknown, he was certain it would not be long before
the killer was caught. This, of course, didn't work for two reasons.
One, from the account of Madeline Fallbringer, Lily had already been
scared off, and two, from the account of Miss Goldeyes herself, this
move by the captain was "Comically and poorly thought out."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Why in the world would you warn
your prey you're waiting for them?" She once told me on a visit
here in Alexture. "He wasn't thinking about catching Lily, and
so missed the point of the hunt. I wasn't the only one to see this,
Quill. You heard about the riots."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The riots started a hand of days after
the announcement. It was true that the guards had found the torture
garden (as it was designated), but of course they failed. Day after
day, the guards kept watch over the entrance to the legendary
balcony, and each day nothing happened. At the same time, Madeline,
Cherry, and Peter would hold meetings to try and figure a new way to
track down Lily. Madeline created potions of deviation in order to
find clues her own way, Cherry kept the entire academy on watch and
account for all children upon entering or leaving the schools, and
Peter woke earlier int he morning and spread word with the morning
guard as to what they were looking for topside. And then Lily left a
message for the whole city.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It had been the first killing with
blood since the first killing was found four seasons prior. The girl
was hung by the neck from a statue of Carr'dine near the schools.
Many children whole left their homes to meet with teachers saw the
poor dead creature and screamed. A memory they would never forget.
She was naked except for the rope used to hold her and her bleeding
body held a single Borc rune carved deep. It translated into Ixxar
as "Mothers." The busing and battering shown on the rest
of the girl's body was so severe that the strongest of Guards, Red
and City, retched at the sight.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Citezens stormed City Hall demanding
justice, swift and sure. The fuel of fear ignited and the Captain of
the Guards was brought to question as his men fended off Mume, Borc,
and Marf alike from bursting through the gates of the building.
Politics, as well, were thrown out the window as the Council also
held the Church, and therefore Coincil-Effee Pindrop the church
represenative, responcible for the false information. Only the Ixxar
remained silent durring the proceedings, an oddity given the fiasco's
nature.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In essence, mid-spring of 2005ADZ was
teh month Annalow went mad.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The traders and merchants were thrown
from the city and the borders closed up. A quarentine put in place
more by the citezens than the guards. The docks were sealed entirely
off from the city. Word was now that Lily Ripper was an outsider
sent to test the mettle of the city. Word was that Lily Ripper was
the demon sent by the Dread Lord Ipskin as revenge for his fall
hundreds of year ago. Word was that Lily Ripper was a group of mad
cultists worshiping with the Dread Wolves from the south.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Mumes put to their faith would trust
the church over the state and gathered into the safty of the Ebony
tower. Red Guards would only allow Mumes and their children. No
other race. They locked off the outside world.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Upstairs, in the organized hallways of
the Red Guard Offices, Harri Eleanor held her head at her desk next
to a bottle of starshine liquor, a kind of gold-wheat ale with the
ale removed. Her blured gaze never moved from the jacket she hung
next to her own. She couldn't understand why she held such thoughts
in her head. It doesn't matter, she thought. The city is lost.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
===</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
To my dear friend, Anna Goldeyes,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Quill and I have thought long about
your plight and, if you would have us, would welcome you to our
household. Quill, as you know, is annoyingly disposed to serve me,
still, despite being free from the confines of her slavery. I think
you'll find she's an excellent assistant when it comes to filing or
finding certain information. When not in the service of my
household, she volunteers at the Library of Alexture and I feel may
have fully absorbed every book in existance. How much can one Effee
hold in her head, I wonder. It would surprise me if she quoted the
world, now.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
But I do worry about your status as a
rogue Heart Mage. This may follow you far beyond the cliffs of
Annalow, my friend. You should return and face your foes head on.
If not in physical combat, I know you are more than a match mentally,
and politics is little more than a fanciful game of chess. If you
should ever tire, you have a place here in Alexture.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Your friend and colleague,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Drate Felfkin</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
===</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"That's absolute madness."
Bliss said, wrapping wire around heavy wooden post. The fence was
made to keep wolves away, so had to be narrow. Bliss finished her
work and wiped her brown. "Alright, Wheatsoil, that'll do, I
think."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The tall womume smile at her new
friend, Crystal. "They wouldn't even let Mister Bonish in when
he showed personally! Can you believe it?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"The city's a crazy place, girl."
Bliss said, patting Wheatsoil, a short but strong Effee, on the
shoulder. "Wheatsoil, go fetch Crystal and I a glass of Leaf,
would you?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Yes, Miss Bliss."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Take a break after that. I'll
need you for later when I fetch the wire." The Effee nodded and
hopped off. He passed a large Borc dressed in heavy green cloth
walking toward the two womume. "Hey, Grush! What do you
think?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Looks fine. Fine, I think.
Who's yer' friend, Bliss?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The other womume nodded her head. "Hi
there. I'm Crystal, from the city."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Pleased ta' meet'cher aquainting,
Miss Crystal fromt he city."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Crystal threw her gold curls back and
laughed. "Just Crystal, Mister Grush. I'm sort of kicked out,
right now, from Annalow. I was helping this fellow next door.
Mister Bonish."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Bliss elbowed her in the ribs. "Don't
say the 'B' name, Crystal." Grush frowned at the neighboring
farm, just in veiw from the top of the hill. "B and Grush don't
get along."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Well, that don't matter much
none." Grush tried to shrug it off. "As long as he didn't
send you here."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Crystal threw up her hands. "Oh
no! No, sir. Uh...Sorry, i didn't realize there were rivals out
here in the fields."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Bliss took her turn to laugh. It was
harty and friendly, like a Borcs. "Don't worry about it. Grush
here is as sweet and honey. That's Grush." Bliss put her hands
on both of her friend's shoulders. "Grush I can vouch for her.
Besides, I'm interested in the city."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Well, if she's sure about you,
Miss Crystal, I supposed that's fine with me. Oh, Wheatsoil, that's
mighty fine of you." Grush took the glasses from Leaf from the
Effee and gave one to Crystal.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"But...uh..." Wheatsoil
started, but Bliss motions he should drop it.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Crystal took a long draw from the
glass. "So, are you a work hand here, Bliss? Or..."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"HA!" Grush nearly spit out
his drink. "She's my security, she is! We been have'n bandit
trouble lately and they're afraid of her, they is."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Crystal shock a look at Bliss who was
knotting her dress to her side. Bliss waved it away. "I have a
knack for fighting. Men are men, Crystal, and this lot are barely
boys."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Crystal finished her drink and asked,
"Then why are you-"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Oh, the fence. I gotta keep in
shape, you know?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Well, I have my own work to do.
This gloomy weather has to greak some time, yeah?" She handed
the cup back to the Effee. "Thank you for the drink. Miss
Bliss, Mister Grush, I hope I'll see you again."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
After sending the Effee off to rest
Grush and Bliss walked back to the house. It wasn't just a house,
sitting next to a grove, it was a home. Borc Design, meant to keep
out the cold, but did just as well keeping it in. Bliss shook her
head the first time she saw it. Borc home in the tropics of the
Annalow country-side. Imagine.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"You're from the city too,
Ain'cha? Might nice know'n someone from the same place." Grush
stretched his thick hairy arms. "I knew a guy from Cavefall,
once. He was the son of a friend of mine. See I used ta' live up
north before. He said it was Borc Cross territory, now. Rebellion
took it over."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Sounds like something like that
might happen at Annalow."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Nah." Grush waved it away.
"That city has seen worse than this, you'll see. She'll pop
right out the other side o' this storm and be all the better for it."</div>
Grimwithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00091526695062339656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-599250555951455014.post-15217260615825255222012-11-20T08:44:00.001-08:002012-11-20T08:44:09.412-08:00Lily Ripper 18
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Giant Bird Racing</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The next bits of story were pieced
together roughly afterwards, so my apologies to Miss Fallbringer and
Miss Wondermume if I wrote this down incorrectly.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
During the eastern light, Lily's garden
fades and quiets. The wind calms as it shifts from landward to
seaward, but the rain had just started. Madeline took it all in as
she focued on breath sitting just to the side of the cave. First
fallen drops of rain water nearly shook her awake, but control was
one of her better features.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
She was listening.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Patience paid off. It first sounded
like cracks of stone pepples falling from above, but only one of her
ears burned with sound. Someone was coming. Quietly, she rose and
flattened against the wall. Her gloves pulled away. She would shock
the killer into unconsciousness and burn his mind away right then and
there. Problem solved. No more killing.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The steps grew louder. Focus. Focus.
There was no way she knew Madeline found this place. It was too
secret. Focus. A bare hand came out and grabbed the side of the
opening.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"All too easy." Madeline
grabbed Lily, bare hand to bare hand. Shock and fire burned. The
screams of child after child lined up in their own garden with
different designs of blue lines. Needles grew from the ground and
drilled through feet and legs and hips. Madeline was on fire with
pain.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
She stumbled back, completely dazed by
the visions. Something horrible fell backwards as well. Back into
the darkness of the passage. It got up and ran. NO!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Stop! Get back here!" The
Red Guard stumbled on her feet, still shaken, but in control. One
foot in front of the other turned into a full force run. Who ever
the damn beast was, she was faster. Madeline found herself putting
her boots on the walls to push herself around corners. Leaping out
into the back allies, she tackled for Lily's feet. Blast and blazes,
she cursed her failure.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
A heavy boot struck hard into her face,
breaking her nose and sending electric shock of pain into her face.
He Scrambled...He? Madeline scrambled as well, onto her feet, she
wiped the blood spattered into her eyes and stumbled forward. Lucky
Lucky Lily, she thought. you're going nowhere.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And he wasn't. She blinked her eyes
open long enough to see a thick clay pot break her skull. The cobble
ground rose to meet her and she crashed hard. The distant sound of
boot steps running away was accompanied only by the sound of her last
words before oblivion claimed her senses.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Disgusting black thing."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
===</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Not all research is done underground in
the dungeons. For the longest time, the Mume's have been trying to
find a good mount creature that could run faster than themselves.
Mumes rely almost entirly on Ox for cart pulling or tilling the land
or the like. But Ox are not fast creatures, just strong, so a joint
effort was made between the Red Guard researchers, lead by Major
Melony, and the Annalow Territorial Army. Together they bred a new
kind of beast and, on that particular day, was showing off over 4
generations of work at the schools.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
===</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"GOLDY!" Cherry couldn't
believe it! She watched in terror as her friend slid, stumbled, and
rolled down the side of the city. Before she knew it, Anna was a
black spec, nothing more than an ant rolling down the side of the
plateau. She could climb down to get her friend, but she'd be too
late. What to do! What to do!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Cherry realized she had been watching
and pulling her red hairs out. Down. She needed to get down.
Trying to straighten her eyes, she took in all the land marks she
could. It was be hours before she would get there and who knows what
state her friend might be in.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
She ran. Ran harder than she ever had
before, back to the church and ducked into a little room where the
white maidens keep sandles. Someone said something to her passing
by. She turned to see another maiden and a red guard talking to each
other. "Sorry. I have to go! Anna jumped the cliff!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"What?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Cherry didn't stick around. She rushed
into another room where there were three baskets of healing salves
and ointments and rags. By habbit she started playing Eenie Meenie,
but slapped herself out of it and just grabbed one.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
When she burst out of the medicine
room, one fo the white maidens grabbed her and pulled her out.
"Blast you, Cherry! You don't have time to play in there!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I know that!" Cherry
outpaced the other girl and they both jumped out of the window to the
Rain soaked streets outside. There was this...thing that the Red
Guard she saw was mounted on. "What is...?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The red guard reached out and grabbed
Cherry, pulling her up behind the guard onto the two legged giant
bird-thing. "Shut up! Get on!" She said annoyingly.
"Alice, fetch my platoon and tell them where we've gone. Uh."
She turned to Cherry, "Where are we going?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"East side of the Plateau!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The guard nodded at Alice. "Do
it!" And they were off. Cherry leaned close to the womume,
gripping her hard in one hand with the basket in the other. The ride
was not nearly as smooth as running, but the bird-thing was fast and
nimble, dodging street-dwellers and hopping over carts and ox.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"What is this," Cherry shook
up and down, vibrating her voice, "giant bird-thing?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Dire Emu!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Those aren't even words!"<br /><br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"His name is Marti. Duck!"
Cherry did, along with Marti, the Red Guard, and most of the citizens
in the tunnelway that lead to the bizzar. Rain stung Cherry's eyes
as they dove back out in the open.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Can he fly?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Oh, Goddess no," the Red
Guard laughed, "but he's smart as an Ibis and faster than Ox!
That's for sure!" The Guard grinned, tightening her grip on the
saddle hitch. "I'm Brandy, By the way!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Cherry! Uh...Pleased to meet
you!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Cherry, Hang on! When Marti here
hits the great ramp, you're gonna see some serious shit!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It was like a mad play and the Ramp was
the stage. When they got there, the morning crowd of merchants and
visitors ducked and jumped out of the way, and they who didn't make
it got a free emu foot print. Cherry heard one man behind them cry
about his cabbages after Marti jumped on top of it and turned it
over.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
When they hit the bottom of the ramp,
Marti took a sharp turn left toward the east and slid over sideways,
panting. "Off!" Brandy cried, jumping and pulling Cherry
with her. She leaned down and pet the poor beast. "He's not
used to so much weight. You'll have to go ahead."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Cherry leaned down and pet Marti on the
head. "Thank you, Marti. You did great." And Cherry was
off.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Don't worry!" Brandy yelled
behind her. "They're coming!" Cherry hadn't the slightest
idea what that meant, but she was grateful to the Red Guard because
what should have taken an hour of running only took half as long.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Plateaus are not straight at the base.
They slope at the bottom, makinging is hard to deturmin where Cherry
should run. Too close and she would ware herself out, but too far
and she would lose time. She poundered this, still running and
trying to ignor the fatigue when she heard a rumbling behind her.
When she looked behind, there were five more mumes, Army, it looked
like, riding five more Dire Birdy-Thingies. "Oh, THAT'S what
she meant."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It was an hour still before they got to
the location Cherry recognized. The thin grass and wild wheat was
green with rainfall, which you would think would make Anna's red
trousers easier to spot, but they saw nothing and no one. The troops
spread out, later joined by Brandy, and searched with Cherry for an
hour more.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Cherry took it on herself to climb
perhaps a hundred feet up the rock face. The most she got was a
scrap of cloth that she couldn't be sure of. Bit of her gown tore as
she half slid, half fell down the side. Anna was nowhere.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
She planted herself aside the rock face
and drew her knees in close. Her friend was gone. Anna was gone.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"There's no body, Miss." One
of the soldiers rode up, sheilding his eyes from the rain. It looked
like a salute. "There's every chance she's still alive."
Cherry didn't answer.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
They never found her.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
===</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Madeline sat at the corner table of
Merick's Mug, nursing a lunch beer. It was think with gold-wheat and
bitter, but a it helped numb the pain. Her nose was full of cotton
and caked with blood. The church doctor and been rough with her,
upset with the "Bar Fight" wounds Madeline collected from
the Docks. Cherry soon showed up and waved down Glassneck for a pint
herself. She sat with Madeline and neither of them said a thing.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Rough day." Cherry said,
leaning on her elbows. She was wet from head to toe, thin linen
glown so soaked there was nothing left to imagine behind it. She
rung her veil dry and put it aside the beer before drinking.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Oh, you have no idea."
Madeline touched her nose. Still tender.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Peter walked up and sat down. "Hi."
He said, meekly. He looked at Cherry. He looked at Madeline and
winced. Then he looked down at the table. "Where's Anna?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"She hopped off a cliff."
Cherry sunk lower in her hands, now hunched over her mug. Madeline
chuckled behind her brew. "I mean it, Maddy."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Madeline's face froze. She shook her
head. "You're strange, Wondermume. I'm sure she's in some dark
crowded dungeons hovering over the traces of Lily Ripper right now.
Maybe she went back to the Docks."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"She just hopped and slid down the
side of the city." Cherry could feel the tears burbling up her
nose and into her eye holes. "And left me... And you... And
you... And the rest of..." The tears poured forth. Sobs of a
lost friend, a sister even, tumbled forth into Cherry's hands.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Not possible." Madline
stood up. "I don't believe it!" She looked at Peter who
was turned away, hiding his face toward the ground. "No. No no
no. Show me a body." Her gloved fist pounded on the table like
a roll of thunder. "Show me a body and I'll think twice."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Shut up, Maddy. She's dead,
okay? I saw her jump myself." Cherry's angry face looked
unnatural.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Madeline shut her eyes. "Stay in
control, Cherry." She sat down quietly. "Let's all
control ourselves. Now, what happened?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"She said she went rogue and..."
Cherry snotted over her beer. "And then she said she was done
and..." Snotty beer, she thought. That's gross. "And
then she tumbled off the side of Annalow. And that was it."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I... I mean. Sorry."
Peter bowed over the table. "I was... I mean, I didn't know. I
was going to ask her about something and thought she'd be here."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Well she's not!" Cherry put
her head on the table and cried. "She's not."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Madeline folded her arms. "Alright.
Let's go down there and look-"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"We already did."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"We?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Me and some army guys on birds."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Oh yeah. The bird troop. Stupid
idea." Madeline muttered under her breath about the idiocy of
chicken-riding. "Did you find her?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"No. There was nothing there
but...stuff. Dumb stuff." She grabbed her hair and pulled.
"Stupid Goldy! Stupid stupid Goldy!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Cherry, you moron."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"What?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"She's not dead. There's no body,
remember? Anyway, she left us with a task."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Peter looked up. "What do you
mean?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Madeline smiled. "Idiot. We're
going to catch us a murderer."</div>
Grimwithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00091526695062339656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-599250555951455014.post-43689694308624116952012-11-19T14:36:00.003-08:002012-11-19T14:36:42.990-08:00Lily Ripper 17
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>When Red Guards Argue</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Uneasy slumber tormented Anna. She
dreamed of black clouds. Not dark gray as with rain, but black as
pitch and raining glowing blue paint. She ducked under the awning to
avoid the crackling of raindrops spark behind her. When she turned
around, to her horror, everyone in Annalow was writhing in agony.
Nara Nakki stood in the window across the street, smiling that sick
mad smile, unable to break eyesight with Anna.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna jerked up in bed to scream, but a
dry cold hand covered her mouth. "Shhh...Plaything. Be at
ease." It was Gravedust... in her bedroom?! "Shhh... I
deliver a message from her holy majesty."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna knocked the pale hand away from
her face. "Leave, black thing. It'll be morning, soon."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"More that I need to speak
quickly." Her voice, low and scratchy from screaming annoyed
Anna. It reminded her of what she'd done yesterday. "Queen
Nara Nakki sends me to warn you of machinations against you. Subtle,
but evil." That yellow smile shown in even in the dark. "She
wishes you know that there is a place for you with us, when you wish
it."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"That will never happen,
Gravedust."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"She did not say 'If,' pleasant
Goldeyes. She said 'When.' Her words to the syllable."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Leave with my reply, then. Ask
her if she knows Lily Ripper and HOW to catch him, why not have you
lot do it? After all, Lily is her creation."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Believe what you will, Anna
Goldeyes."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Gravedust turned to leave, but Anna
grabbed her hand. "You don't think so?" Gravedust turned
back around and knelt to eye level. "I'm exhausted, Cemetery
Girl, but I've a mind that still wonders. What is Nara Nakki's
motives? She's seen the same memories as me. She knows the same if
not more than I do. Why send me away to catch Lily Ripper and bring
him to your queen?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"We do not question such things.
We suffer in safty. Nara Nakki looks after her own and guards us
closely so we've no reason to second guess her."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"But that's it exactly, Gravedust.
You trade in information, so I'll give you this for free. You
already know why she wants me..."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Your mind is beautiful. Even I
see how you would be an asset to us. Yes."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Has it ever occurred to you that
she wants to protect Lily Ripper, but not let you know?"
Gravedust turned her head awkwardly to the side, as if trying to look
at Anna differently. "You said it yourself. You lot fight and
fuck and birth and eat." The dark girl drew away, pulling
backwards into the shadows. "And Nara Nakki protects her own.
And doesn't kill." Gravedust hissed at Anna. "And never
lies." Morning light placed it's sliver of sunshine on the
barracks floor. The black thing was gone.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
===</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
A letter was taped to the outside
window that Madeline meditates under. It read "No one would
believe us. Went to guard the garden." Anna folded the papyrus
and stuck it in her jacket. She wouldn't want to be Lily this
morning. Soon, word would come of his capture, and then the real
trouble would begin.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Unbeknownst to Anna, it already had. A
Red Guard in full uniform stood behind her. "Anna Goldeyes,
please attend." Anna spun to see the womume. They saluted each
other. "You've been summoned by Major Eleanor. You're to
report immediately."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Ma'am, Yes Ma'am." They
saluted again and Anna followed the Guard upstairs into the tower.
It was quite a climb, because the Reguard hold their offices and high
ranking quarters above the White Maiden's shared quarters. Up stairs
was clean and organized. There was some decor, such as well kept
candles and vases on pillars next to the windows. Red Banners and
tapestries stood out on the white marble. And Eleanor's "office"
was a small library of scrolls and tombs, all in order, with a table
and chair pushed against the walls.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The Major was doing morning katas. She
followed complex routines of movements for fighting. Eleanor had
been a dance fighter in her youth and she kept in shape, both in mind
and body, in case she ever had to proove it again. Her mind was like
her office, smooth and clean, but no decoration. The escort saluted
Major Eleanor, turned in place and left.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Privet Goldeyes. Kind visit."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Ma'am. You wish to reprimand
me?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Eleanor didn't stop her motions. she
continued her slow movements, retracing techniques in dance. "Well
guessed. You've never failed me before, Goldeyes. Why now?"
Anna had no words. She looked down and thought of how to explain to
her superior. "Let's be sure. What are you confesing to,
exactly?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"You..." Be careful. Don't
reveal too much, she thought. "I assume you mean the
investigation."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"It was inevitable, wasn't it?"
Eleanor stopped and turned to her soldier. "You found the body
of Beatrix Mellowond, after all." Ealeanor didn't have normal
eyes. Mume eyes can be any color in the full spectrum of light, but
Eleanor's were piercing silver. When she looked at a person, she
looked through that one's head into their brain. She never smiles
and rarely frowns. It's unnerving. "MY guess is you want to
prove your research is more than philosophy, but you were given
orders, Goldeyes."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I...No, it wasn't for that."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Orders I specificaly laid down
for you." She reached at her desk and read dirrectly from a
scroll. "Privet Anna Goldeyes of the Annalow Red Guard, you are
not in anyway to investigate the murders of the so called 'Lily
Ripper' or give any means of support to the City Guard of Annalow
beyond consultation if help is sought through either your superior,"
Eleanor turned to Anna for enfasis, "ME," and back to the
scroll, "or yourself directly. Signed Major Harri Eleanor, 2nd
of first summer LAST YEAR!" She slammed the scroll back down on
the table. Her anger was clear, but controlled.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna could do little more than look at
the floor. Angry herself, her face glowed red and she could feel the
heat in her ears. "It's...not just a city problem."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Do not second guess my motives,
Privet Goldeyes. You were given a simple order which you disobeyed.
Shall I tell you the storm you've started?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"It's for the city's good!"
Anna burst out. "This isn't just a city guard problem, this is
an attack on the city. As a military force, isn't it our job to
protect the city AND it's citezens?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"No, Goldeyes, it ISN'T! You will
remain in control, girl, because you have VERY few options before
you. Right now, word has begun to spread that the Red Guard is
hunting for this Lily Ripper and the city council is getting nervous!
They think we're returning to a marshal state and have already sent
such concerns to my generals! If this gets to the High Priestess, it
could start a power struggle between the church and the state."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"That's stupid. This isn't an
everyday criminal, this is a terrorist. That's military consern! If
anything, the council should worry why we've never offered help
before!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Eleanor walked quickly to Anna's face,
poking her with a strong and stout index finger. "You don't get
to decide what they think, Goldeyes. They do." She pointed to
the ground. "Kneel." Anna did as she was told. Eleanor
paced for a bit, trying to calm down, then knelt five feet in front
of Anna. "Alright, the damage is done. Let's see how this can
be fixed. Report."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"About what?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Everything. Bring me up to speed
from when you found the body. And Goldeyes," Eleanor crossed
her arms and shut her eyes. "I already know about you and the
Petal, so don't leave that out."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So Anna talked. She told about her
visit to the morgue and Cherry's help with the grieving mother. She
talked about Madeline and her guilty conscience. At that point
Eleanor put her hand up to stop Anna. "Who is Fallbringer's
superior? Do you know?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I thought it was you, Ma'am."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Eleanor waved it by. "Don't
matter. I can' find out. Continue."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And Anna continued. She got to the
point with Sarah and stopped. Eleanor made a noise and rolled her
eyes. "Ugh. Gringill. Go on." Anna finished the story
right up to the previous day when Madeline and her found the garden.
She left out Nara Nakki's direct help and the Madeline had left this
morning to guard the balcony garden at the docks.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Questions, Goldeyes. One, what
is your opinion of these Cemetery girl? Can they be trusted?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I don't know, Ma'am. They are
not unknown to us, I feel. Gringill seemed to know about them and
Madeline claims all Priestesses in the Red Guard have met them."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I'll have to check with Martri."
Martri was Eleanor's superior Priestess, but she's not important to
the story. "Could they have tricked you? How are you sure you
actually read a dead mume's mind?" Anna held up her fingers.
She had been unconsciously picking at them this morning, but they
were still burned dry and dark on the tips. "I see. Do not
tell anyone else about that. Not even your friend, Cherry. Explain
to Madeline, too, if she doesn't already know. Hmmm..."
Eleanor shut her eyes. Her lips pushed out and pulled back in over
and over as her mind started working.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"We can catch this Lily Ripper,
Ma'am." She wasn't listening. Her lips went in and out,
working working working.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Finally her eyes shot open. "Alright,
do not repeat this story to anyone else, do you understand? We'll
leave it to the City Guard and take no credit. The council should
like that." She got up. "Goldeyes, you are no longer
Research class. As of now you are on soldier detail."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"WHAT?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"It's too dangerous to keep you in
research, but for the Red Guard and for you. I'll give you three
days to clear out your office and donate it's contents to the Library
of Annalow."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna shot up on her feet. "That's
not fair, Major! This research has lead us to two, count them, TWO
killers that would have vastly damaged the city!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"It does not matter, Goldeyes.
You're dismissed."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"The City Guard could not handle
this kind of criminal! If my research is abondoned, there could
ealisty be OTHER council impostors! Or Lily Rippers!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Goldeyes! Dismissed!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"This is wrong, Eleanor! Just
because of your polotics-!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Eleanor screamed "MAKE SILENCE!"
And Anna obeyed. "Privet Goldeyes, I will make you understand.
You're research is remarkable in apprehending two unique cases, and
more of such cases may occur, but both Church and State are not ready
for the free theft of information as you're able to precieve it. The
world is a map, to you, and you can read just fine the traces of
lives. That is remarkable. Do not, however, think that it is not
also extremely dangerous. Twice you've succeeded and both times has
put this city in political peril, threatening to rip apart a delicate
balance of power between the Church, the State, and worse, the
Ixxar." She took her time drawing in two breaths before
continuing. "I know you need, yes NEED, to find justice and
reason in these things, but we are not ready for it. For all I know,
i may lose my position just from knowing these 'Cemetery Girls'
exist. Children may die, the city might be run by importers, but
power will remain balanced and the city will endure as it has for two
melenium."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna was so angry she could feel sweat
burn down her forhead.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Privet Anna Goldeyes, remain in
control. The is unjust, perhaps, but it will ensure our race doesn't
plummit into another war. What's more imprtant, a few deaths or an
all out slaughter?" Anna took off her jacket and threw it on
the floor. "What are you doing?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Quitting."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Eleanor narrowed her eyes. "You
can't. Now pick that up."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna stepped over Eleanor and leaned
over. She had just realized she was taller than her former Major.
"No."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Eleanor didn't even blink. "I'll
grant you your tantrum, Goldeyes, but think on what it means to leave
this place."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Without my research, Harri
Eleanor, you won't even be able to find me." She turned and
left. Ears still burning, she heard Eleanor say something but didn't
want to make it out. How long was she walking? She didn't know.
The idea of letting more Lily Ripper's go, more killers getting away
with it. More children dying, it made her float on hot coals.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Cherry said something. Anna didn't
make it out. She kept walking. All the pain she had endured.
Seeing all the dead and mutilated children, seeing one of them die
from the inside. Her hands hurt. She didn't know why. Her face
burned. She didn't care.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
When she finally noticed where she was,
she had been sitting on the edge of Annalow looking down at the
country below. It was a patch quilt of roads and farmlands. Even on
the outside, live went on. Annalow wasn't just the city atop or the
Docks below. It spread out. Anna looked beside her. Cherry was
there. They were holding hands and she hadn't noticed.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna pulled away. "It's over now.
I'm done with this."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"What happened?" Cherry
leaned over and wiped the tears from Anna's eyes. Was she crying?
For how long?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I guess I'm a rogue Heart Mage.
I'm done with the Red Guard. I'm done with this city. Cherry?"
Anna grabbed her hands. Both of them. "I'm leaving Annalow."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Then she straightened her legs and
slide down the side of the city.</div>
Grimwithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00091526695062339656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-599250555951455014.post-39607626984117513412012-11-19T14:35:00.003-08:002012-11-19T14:35:50.838-08:00Lily Ripper 16
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>A Garden of Pain</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I..." Anna felt her insdies
pull apart. She covered her face. "I can't go there."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"You can and will, soldier."
Madeline finished her beer and put 1 bit on the table. The pub had
stopped taking notice of the two womumes, which is how Madeline
preferred it. Pulling Anna behind, she left, patting the Marf doctor
on the shoulder as she went past. Once outside, out of the crowd,
Madeline pushed Anna against the wall. Her eyes were gold on red.
Aching from crying and snotting. "Privet Goldeyes, attend to
me, now!" Anna stood up straight. Still snivalling, much to
MAdelines disgust. "Eyes forward, Soldier! Head up!"
Madeline paced in front of the wounded Red Guard. "Where are
your gloves?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Uh..."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Answer clearly, Privet!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Back at the Cemetery, Ma'am!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"My GODDESS! You've lost them!
Is this the way a Red Guard presents herself? Don't you look away
from me! Eyes forward!" Anna felt like she was back in basic.
"I've been told that the Red Guard repelled the armies of Fargo
Ipskin! Is this true, soldier?!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna clicked her boots together.
"Ma'am! Yes Ma'am!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Someone told me the City Guard
were equal to the church Military Branch! Is THAT True, soldier?!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Ma'am! No Ma'am!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"And why not?!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Ma'am! Cuz' Red Guard are elite,
Ma'am!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"What was that word?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Elite, Ma'am! Best of the best!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"What are the three principals of
the Red Guard, soldier?!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Control, Tactics, Action!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Tactics, Action, and WHAT?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Ma'am! Control, Ma'am!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Madeline slapped her. Hard and firm,
she slapped her. "Then CONTROL yourself!" She stepped
back from Goldeyes and yelled, "Who's in control of you?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna stood straight. Eyes forward. "I
am."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I asked WHO is in control of you,
soldier?!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Ma'am! I am, Ma'am!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"At ease." Anna relaxed and
fell against the wall. "Now, Anna. This is your research
into...whatever it is your suposed to research."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I'm learning about a method of
thinking, Ma'am."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I'm not your superior, Goldeyes.
At ease." Anna felt herself focus again. Her head was
clearing, like coming out of the purple fog. "Now, soldier,"
Madeline held her hands forward. "What's to be done?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
===</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The Docks is a strange place. It's not
like Annalow Above where everything is in sunlight. The city above
thrives on showing itself to the sky. In the morning, curtains pull
back from windows and doors open to let the breeze in. In the Docks,
especially in the back caves, there's no night or day, just high and
low tide. The dark there is soft and blue and made of syrup. It's
cold and moist, but not wet. And the docks thrive on hiding
themselves from the darkness. The only reason to have windows is for
pubs and shops to show their wares. Homes have no such privilege.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I mension this so you can picture what
the back allyways and inbetweens of the Docks is like in the back
caves. There are no windows, just smooth walls and doors with trash
bins around them. It was in such a place that Anna picked up the
scent of memories not her own.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"She was stealing from this
place." Anna knelt down and searched behind a bin. Madeline
sneered at the stick of rotten vegtables near by. When Anna stood
again, she held a thin book in her hand. "Here."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"What is it?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"The girl's name was Applebone, I
think. She was stealing this book, but...I don't know why."
Anna leafed through it. "It's a diary. Borc writing."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"She was learning to spy, then."
Madeline crossed her arms. "That's what the Cemetery Girls are
for. They're the spies of the church."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Makes sense." Said Anna,
tapping her chin with the volume. "Someone came from behind
her..." She mimics the movements of Applebone. "Someone
who scared her...but I can't see who."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"This girl didn't see them?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Yes, she saw...but... I can't
explain it, Madeline. There were missing chunks the further back I
saw in the Memories."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Assuming the whole thing wasn't a
fabrication by Nara Nakki. As far as I'm conserned, SHE'S Lily
Ripper."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Until we know better, we'll
assume the vission was true." Anna truned slowly, looking
behind her. "Applebone was scared, but not the kind of fear for
her life. I don't think she was afraid to die..." The Redguard
burst into a run down the street. "She bolted this way, looking
for somewhere thin to squeeze into." Madeline followed Anna.
"But she didn't know this area. She looked." Anna twisted
her left arm in the air in a kind of dance move. "He caught her
by the wrist and twisted it. She was mad at herself. Mad at him.
In that order. Mommy's going to be angry. Something something
punishment. That doesn't make sense." Goldeyes fell to the
ground, face first, then twisted her wrists behind her, as if being
tied. "Ow. That was dumb."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Oh, it looked dumb."
Madeline quipped.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"She's frustrated. She feels
stupid for not casing the area first. Something cold and metal on
her wrists."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Past tense, Anna. It's not a
good idea to..."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"She's being dragged." Anna
got up and snuck down the ally. "She sees a place she remembers
as home..."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Past tense."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Here." Anna pointed down a
small opening in the stone wall. "This was escape. If only I
could have made it."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"'She,' Anna. You're not
Applebone. Also, remember, past tense."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Someone sees us...someone down
this ally. A bandit? He's waving. The one who has me. No, that
doesn't make sense." Anna turned to Madeline. "Why
wouldn't the mume down the ally come to help. Applebone was an
urchin, yes, but still a child."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"How would I know that? When you
say dragged, you mean the girl was scrapping agains the cobble?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"No, it was more like she was
being ushered. 'Dragged' was her word. Then..." Anna winced.
"Sorry."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"What's wrong?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"The ideas and memories are all
fragmented. I have to keep working backwards from..." Anna
teared up again, but wiped her eyes, determined to keep in control.
"It's nothing. She's being pulled this way." Anna lead
down another Ally, turned down another, then another, and so on. A
long stretch of street put them beside raw rock at the edge of the
cave. "She doesn't know what's going on. This isn't where she
thought she'd be."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Where did she think she was?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I don't know. It doesn't make
sense. But he's no borc. And he's wearing..." Anna stood up
straight. "Oh." She slapped her forhead. "Oh, of
course."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"What is it?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Nothing. Something someone said
earlier. I..." Anna shook her head. "No. Nothing i can
do about it now. I have no evidence and I'm not even sure if I'm
right." She put her hand on the rock wall. "Besides, this
comes first. If the memories were right, then..." Her hand
seemed to sink into the stone. Madeline did a double take to make
sure what she saw was real. "Here. It's an illusion."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
When Madeline got closer, she could see
from another angle that the stone actually opened up into a
passageway, but from the other angle it looked like solid rock.
"Clever. Marf trick, no doubt."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"At this point, Applebone knows
something is wrong. She was taught different ways to get to the City
above, but this isn't one of them."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"What about you? You used to play
in these tunnels as a child."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna smiled. "You make a lot of
Marf Friends in the tunnels. Ask Cherry about it, sometime. Anyway,
no, I don't recognize this, either." She went in deeper, trying
to force her eyes to adapt to the new deeper dark of the cave
passage. "I can smell it, Madeline. Not Applebone, me. We
both smell it."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Smelled. Past tanse. I keep
saying. Look, get out of my way." Anna was pulled backwards.
Madeline pulled a small wooden stick from her jacket and hit it
against the wall. A blue spark later and the stick caught fire.
"Larger version of a tender stick. My own invention."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna complemented her companion and the
two search into the caves. It wasn't long before the flame of the
stick drew forward. "That means air." Said Madeline.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I know what it means. Keep
going."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
There were not twists or turns or
splits in the pathway. The cave slowly curved northward until a dull
light could be seen up ahead. Eventually, the two Red Guards were
forced to cover their eyes. The sky was bright gray, overcast but
still so much brighter than the Docks.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Oh...Oh god, Maddy." Anna
could not take her eyes from in front. She left the cave, then
backed up against the wall. Covering her mouth, she whimpered "This
is it."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It was a small cliff, perhaps ten by
fifteen feet. A balcony looking over a drop of 100 feet of grass
below. On the balcony was a small garden of sparkling blue Flash
Blossoms and dark blue lilies, all lined around it were yellow stones
from the rock wall.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Wow. i can see some of the farms
from here." Madeline found herself impressed by the view.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Maddy..." Anna whispered
and pointed at the garden.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Don't ever call me that in front
of people."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Are those chains?" A flood
of horror filled Anna. Fragmented memories of waiting under the
raining sky, but the pain was there. Constant and cruel. And then
he showed up to cover her with the blue paint.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Madeline tugged at a cuff and chain.
"Pretty small. I guess they've have to be. Here's another."
She pulled a new chain from the opposite corner. "Oh, I see,
to hold the girls in the flowers."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"How can you be so calm?!"
Anna was getting fed up with this. The dead memories, Madeline's
apathy. The killers. This place.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Why? You idiot, because I'm
happy." Madeline's smile was uncharacteristic. "There's
no child here, Goldeyes. That means Lily is bound to return."
She dropped the chains and cracker her knuckles.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
===</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
A long time passed. The two sitting
under a natural awning and listening to the rain fall. No Lily. No
Child. And it was starting to get dark.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"You said," Madeline
wondered, "that the electricity didn't kill them."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"You would ask." Anna had
calmed down significantly, but she would rather not remember anything
else. "You see that wooden box over there?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I figured it was gardening
stuff."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Open it."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Madeline did as she was told. Inside
was a covered pot that crackled slightly when she opened it. Blue
glowing paint. Beside that were different paint brushed, a small
sack of fertilizer, and seeds and bulbs of different types. "I've
never dared to test how much flash blossom it was take to kill
someone." The alchemist picked up the pot and smelled its
contence. "This is potent, tho."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"She was chained there, in the
flash blossoms where they could brush against her." It's not
your memories, Anna. Read them like a book. You are separate. "She
was naked and he would come and paint her with that."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Did you see his face?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"No. After a while, she didn't
see anything when he was there. It was always too bright for her."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Madeline shrugged. "Cave people."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna wiped something off her forehead.
Was that sweat? "The flowers tormented her. Kept her awake. I
guess even Cemetery Girls sleep. Durring the mornings, when it was
brightest, he'd come and paint her. That's when the pain really sets
in." Anna squeezed the bridge of her nose. Need to focus, she
thought. "The flower's can't kill you. The pain does it. It
was so great that her mind couldn't escape." Yes, that was
sweat. There's more of it. Come on, Anna, pull it together. "You
know how, when something is bad enough, the soul pulls away from the
body and runs away?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Soul sickness. I know it."
The Alchemist put everything away. "We all know a little of
it."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"She couldn't. Something about
this place attracts the soul back. She came from a place where they
hurt each other for fun, but this was more than her soul could take.
The pain was so bad, the Keb snapped loose and she just died."
Anna waved at the garden. "The body just gave up. Everything
stopped." She pulled her knees in close. "And then he
drained her into the garden."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Madeline knelt over the garden and
checked the earth. "Yup." She showed wet red on her
gloves to Anna. "There's your evidence."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I want to be gone from this
place, Madeline."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Then lets." Madeline stood
up and dusted herself off. From her jacket, she pulled a small glass
vial, took a sample from the pot in the wooden box, and capped it.
"I think we should have someone wait here tomorrow morning."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna agreed and the two took a long
trek back to the barracks. It took about two hours of walking.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna had bad dreams that night.</div>
Grimwithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00091526695062339656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-599250555951455014.post-54534603061269124112012-11-19T14:34:00.004-08:002012-11-19T14:34:56.609-08:00Lily Ripper 15<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Where Memory Lies</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
**Note: When writing this, my internet
was down, so I was unable to do the research I usually do. The five
parts of the soul, specifically the 'Keb" and the "Tha"
are not the correct names. I may return and fix this later.**</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"That's not..." Anna fumbled
her words. She had heard this question before. Where? She barely
noticed Nara Nakki's burnt and skeletal hands smooth the sides of her
face. "You can't read the minds of the dead. There's no soul
there."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Can't?" Nara Nakki felt
Anna's hands. "Or shouldn't?" Anna realized the Queen was
pulling her gloves off. She jerked away and jumped backwards once
she realized both gloves lay on the floor. <br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Stop that! There's nothing to
read! It would be like trying to talk to a leg of lamb! No soul no
mind!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"And what is the soul?" The
Queen drew back her robe and knelt in front of the dead girl's body.
Lifeless, yes. Soulless? "What does the heartbeat of the mind
look like? You're a Heart Mage, Anna Goldeyes. You should know."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"It's...five parts. Akh, Ib, and
Ka wrapped in the Tha and held with the Keb." Anna realized she
was explaining the basics. "But I assume you already know this.
Having so much experience with the Heart Magi yourself."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Did Madeline Fallbringer not tell
you?" Nara Nakki shrugged. "She will, I supose. After
you escape."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"What?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Now," the Queen said,
ignoring outburst, "What are the three things a soul does?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Again, you already know."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Remind me."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"It sees outward. That is
consiousness. It chooses. That is will. And it remembers things
backward in time. That is memory."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Of course, my plaything. Now,
where do those qualities lie?" Anna furrowed her brow. "Come
now, you've been trained in this. Where are the soul's eyes? It's
strength? It's knowledge?" Again, Anna could not give an
answer. "I see. You're merely a pawn after all. Fine, I shall
educate you, only because I plan on keeping you."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"You'll do no such thing, Nara
Nakki."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The queen waved it aside. "We'll
discuss it later. The eyes of the soul are in the Tha. The Will IS
the Ka, Ib, and Akh and their struggle with each other. That
leaves..."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"...The Keb. The umbilical that
connects our hearts to our soul."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Nara Nakki smiled. "Our brains,
Plaything. The soul connects to our brains."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"No it doesn't. I've seen it. It
connects to the heart."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Nara Nakki waved it away, then stopped
in mid wave. Her eyes went wide and her insane smile returned. "You
say you've SEEN it?" Her eyes rolled back in her head. "Oh,
this is delicious."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Look, none of this matters."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"It does to us, Anna Goldeyes. We
would keep you. OH, we would keep you. Such a brain, fine and
beautiful. Sharp as a blade. One we would have you cut yourself
with." She shook her head and returned to the now. "To
busyness. When the life leaves, so does the soul, but the soul lives
longer than our breath. It severs from the brain by the Keb. That
is what death truly is."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"And then what."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Even we do not know. We have
asked Mandra many times, but this secret should would not reveal.
Reguardless, the Keb doesn't sever cleanly, Anna Goldeyes. There is
something left." Queen Nara Nakki motioned to the child's
forehead. "Have a look."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"This..." Anna frowned, then
knelt before the child. "This won't do anything. It's just a
body. There's nothing left to see." Nara Nakki pulled Anna's
hands to the girls' head. "There's nothing there." Anna
probed and poked with her mind. Trying to imagine if the girl was
still alive. "Nothing is..."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Shhh... Concentrate. Look deep,
as if at the back of a cave."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna did so. She tried to imagine the
girl was still alive, just asleep and cold. Cold. That was the
right word for this mind. Cold like a cavern deep in the earth.
Somewhere there was just something...</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna screamed and pulled away. She
shuffled backward again the closed iron doors of the Throne room.
Eyes wild with pain, she found she was hyperventilating. Control?
She lost control. How long she was like this, she didn't know. It
was worse than the room full of dead children. Worse than looking
through Duffworm's tombs of horror. It was worse than the first time
she saw Beatrix for the first and second time. So much worse.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Queen Nara Nakki was laughing. "What
did you see?" Her voice tumbled and mocked. "What did you
see?!" She crawled closer to Anna. Tears of joy streamed down
her face. "Tell your queen."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"You...You keep away from me!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Oh, Anna Goldeyes, I would keep
you and teach you suck things like this."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"KEEP AWAY!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Because I have lived and lived
longer than the world has ached, and I have never seen a mind like
yours! Never anyone who's looked at what you've looked at!"
Anna swung her chained hands hard, striking the Queen on the temple
and throwing her across the room. She was laughing. Laughing still
while her blood drizzled tot he dirt.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Must get away. Must get out of here.
Anna fumbled with the chains, pulling at them and twisting her hands
to get to the old latch that held them in place. "This is a
trick. A reality of your will and I deny it." The latch broke
away and one manicle came loose. "I DENY IT!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"You've already taken the first
step, my plaything." The Queen hadn't moved. She smiled
playfully, chest heaving with mirth and giggles. "And we made a
deal."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I'll not deal with these LIES,
Nara Nakki!" The last cuff came off. Anna threw the set at the
Queen. "And I am not your plaything." While Nara Nakki
picked up the chains, Anna was well on her way out, pulling the doors
open wide.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
As she twisted the heave wheel that
pulled the crypt gate upward and open, she heard Nara Nakki in the
back room. "I do not lie, Anna Goldeyes, and we made a deal!"
Nara Nakki was in the doorway, holding the chains. The gate was
open behind her. "Your submission for your safety."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I'm a Red Guard, Nara Nakki."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Look at your hands."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"What?" Anna did so. Her
finger tips were burnt. Just like Gringill's. She looked up and
Nara Nakki was holding her burned hands up. "What do you think
I was before all this?" She waved outside. "What do you
think any of us were?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Right." It was a sound of
determination.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna planted a firm boot into Nara
Nakki's skull, slamming her out of the doorway and into the wall
behind. She gave the Queen a salute before bolting out of the crypt
and taking in the surrounding. There were about 40 to 50 surprised
looking Cemetery Girls. All dressed like Gravedust, pale in black
with black veils worn in mockery of the White Maidens.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"GIRLS!" Cried Nara Nakki
behind Anna. "NEEDLES!" The crown smiled and chuckled and
squeeled. They all had long thin sheethes, as if for daggers, but
drawn out was not a blade, but a thin and sharp looking needle. 40
to 50 needles. Anna wished she kept the chains, now.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The girls rushed forward and Anna heard
Nara Nakki rush from behind. As the crowd lunged with there painful
weapons, Anna turned, grabbed Nara Nakki by the rope, spun, and flung
the Queen into the needles in front. Nara Nakki screamed as Anna
ducked below eye level, and came back up, uppercutting on of the
girls at the edge of the crowd, knocking her into the arms of another
behind her. Anna sidestepped the group and tried to run around. Not
far ahead was the gates out.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Passing a crypt, Anna saw the girl too
late. She was hiding around the corner and stepped out just at the
right time to plan her needle just below Anna's right shoulder. Anna
turned with the movement and, doing her best to ignor the pain,
pulled the girl forward on her way past and used that momentum to
pick her up and throw her head first against the wall. All in all,
the girl had done little to slow Anna down.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
She pulled the needle out of her
shoulder with a yell and stepped up to the Cemetery gates. They were
locked. Of course they were locked. Nara Nakki didn't give the
order to keep Madeline out, it was to keep Anna in. "Anna!
Behind you!" It was Madeline, pointing.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna turned and saw the on coming
crowd. One girl stepped in, aiming her needle at Anna's gut. Anna
was out of the way too soon and pulled her needle back and into the
girl's wrist. "Anyway you can help with the gate?" She
asked Madeline. The crowd was nearly upon her.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Idiot!" Madeline put her
hands through the bars and grabed each other. "You don't go
through, you go over!" Anna took the hint, put one boot on
Madeline's hands, and was flung over the gate. The top was covered
in blunt arrowheads that hurt as Anna strattled the edge. She leaned
forward and rolled her body over to the otherside where Madeline
caught her. The two quickly rolled back and away from the gate as
pale hands and needled reached out to stab and grab the two.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Nara Nakki walked slowly behind the
crowd of black things. "You cannot change what you saw, Anna
Goldeyes!" Blood poured down Nara Nakki's nude body. She had
been stabbed in the breast and one needle pierces her side through to
her back. No mortal wound, but she looked like death, especially
with her mad smile. "Now go and find us a Ripper! We want him
next!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Let's get away before those
things remember they have a key to that gate." Madeline was the
first up. She pulled Anna along with her toward the docks, and into
the light of day again.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
===</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
A Marf doctor was wrapping Anna's
Shoulder. "Don't know what got'cha, Lady, but it ain't that
deep. Stop yer cry'n already." Marf made bad conversation, but
great doctors.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Anna." Madeline had found
them a ship's doctor at one of the pubs. He was willing to help, but
his crew crouded around them. Anna could barely hear Madeline over
the murmur of the crew or the waves of the ocean. Once she sat down
next to a window and felt the3 sun again, she took the time to
collaps into sobs.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Did ya' here?" the sailors
told each other. "Says they came from the old cemetery."
"Old Gods! Is she still sane?" "Ghosts must'a got to
'er. My mate Philben once went there and went mad." "What's
that? The Docks Cemetery? HA! Ain't nutt'n there!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The patch job was finished and the
crowd of sailors disperse. Madeline ordered two heavy stouts and sat
next to Anna, putting an arm around her. Anna leaned in and let it
all out. The pain, the fear, and the visions. It wasn't just hers.
She told Madeline of the last moments of that child's life. A child
that was already used to pain, and more piled on. "She died
like none of them, Maddy." Anna felt the beer in her hands, but
couldn't stop talking long enough to drink. "It was crawling
over her! The paint was cruel like nothing else! I thought it was
the electricity of the flowers, but Maddy, it was..." Anna
broke down again.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Madeline wasn't used to comforting
people. She patted Anna on the shoulder and said "uh...there
there. It'll be okay." In a flat voice. She wished a White
Maiden, even Cherry, was around, but they tended to avoid the docks.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The head on Anna's beer Shrank by half
by the time Anna was able to compose herself again. Little wimpers
snuck through her as she tried to gather her mind in one peice.
There was pain and there was fear and then there was what Nara Nakki
had shown her. She drank the beer and wiped her mouth, eyes red and
purple, puffed up from sea water pouring out. "That damn bitch,
Nara Nakki."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"What ever it was, you can't trust
it."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"That's just it, Madeline."
Anna swallowed hard. "Nara Nakki doesn't lie. I saw it in
that...That souless thing. That corpse."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"What are you talking about?"
Madeline shook Anna by the shoulders. "Snap outta it! That's
impossible and you know it."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna shrugged off the grip. "Shut
up. I know where the murders took place, now." She looked hard
at Madeline. "It's important you know that Nara Nakki knew what
was going to happen. Her motives weren't clear, but she knew what I
would see, she knew what I was going to do, and she planed for it."
Anna wiped more snot from her nose. It still ran from the sobs.
"And if she knows it or not, she's going to help me with a
little problem I've been wrestling with."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"You're saying you saw...what?
Into the mind of that little girl she brought you?" Madeline's
next words were carefully pronounced so there could be no mistake as
to their meaning. "Ibis shit."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Madeline, is there a third branch
to the church?" Madeline didn't answer. "One where the
Magi go mad? One where they experiment with things we're told not to
go through." Madeline looked into her empty mug. "Maybe
they found a way to do something impossible. Andyway, it doesn't
matter. I can't use the vissions dirrectly."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Did you see who Lily Ripper was?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"No, but Nara Nakki had."
Anna held up her finger tips. "It burned this much just to get
a glimpse. The womume must have looked over and over again into dead
minds. You saw her hands?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I had wondered about that."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"But I can't use it, you see. I
know where the killing happened, I know mostly how the killing is
done, but I can't use any of it!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Madeline waved down a beer. "Meh.
Use it to find Lily Ripper and burn out his mind. That's what I'd
do. Not sure why you're worried about it."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"That not how Drate and I do
things. You see, we decided that if there must be proof, it must be
something everyone can see. Physical. Simple. Enough that I could
explain it to a child borc."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Madeline shrugged. "Burn his mind
away, Justice is done. No problem."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Is it justice if no one else
knows? To be clean, there must be understanding by anyone. And
evidence. This is how my research works. It's not like Heart Magic,
Madeline. Everyone must agree to what they see as proof. Something,
by the way, that could be presented to the City Council."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Madeline drank half her beer.
"Alright." she said after wiping her lips. "Let's
go."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Where?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"The Red Guard pulled the other
out of her seat. "You said you saw where the murders happen.
Let's go."</div>
Grimwithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00091526695062339656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-599250555951455014.post-57132057465592313132012-11-16T13:07:00.001-08:002012-11-16T13:07:21.842-08:00Lily Ripper 14<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Nara Nakki</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
As stated before, the Ebony Tower
doesn't just build upwards, it also spirals down into the Plateau
spinning through the center as a twisted network of dungeons and dark
passageways of marble and black-stone. At the bottom, the maze
empties out at the back of the cave called "Lower Annalow."
A thousand years ago, when the Red and White branches went mad, the
dungeons were empoyled to the fullest sense of the word and fear of
torture shuddered through the town and beyond. The tyrannical rule
of Needessa, the High Priestess, deemed all that didn't follow the
Living Goddess must be a sin under her eyes to be punished and
punishment was cruel beyond words.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It was a dark dark time that all
Annalow tries to forget, even the Ixxar who hold an eternal grudge
against the Mume race are embarrassed by their deeds that century.
So many died that a new cemetery was needed and was designated at the
back of the docks where the exit ran out. Dead from torture and
starvation were shipped to the lower levels and tossed out into a
mass grave, and covered with earth. This mound was called Red Sleep.
As time spun on, Red Sleep became surrounded with grave after
headstone after crypt, until a small necropolis was developed in the
docks.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Then the whispers started.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It was after the fall of Needessa, a
civil rebellion that sparked the friendship between the Borc and the
Mume (A tale for another time). Ships were encouraged in and trade
began with the world. Lower Annalow was turned to "The Docks"
and a harbor was built up and inwards by merchants and ship masters.
The Annalow Interworld Ship Yard was founded and a free but uneasy
peace developed with Annalow once more.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And the Whispers.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It was the merchants who noticed it
first. Then the Shipmasters, then the ships. Whispers and moans and
screams. A haunt that frightened all in the Docks. On quiet nights,
they would carry from the back of the cove out of the Maw of the
plateau. A breath of ghosts.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
There were dares, of course. Sailors
of Mash'ta are hardy and brave folk. Wagers were spent and traded on
the quest of exploring the cemetery and they who left their mark on
the Red Sleep won much gold. Some came back to report a huge crypt
was built up on the evil mound of earth. Some came back mad,
jibbering of black specters that wailed and tormented and writhed.
Some didn't come back. Few know their name, these specters. The
Cemetery Girls.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
===</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna was blissfully unaware of these
stories. Her companion in this mad pursute, Madeline, was beside
her, also in chains and grumbling of the stupidity of their endeavor.
Leading them through the dark stairwells and passageways was
Gravedust who smiled at the moans and sobs still echoing in the
halls. It was no halucination, Anna realized. The Dungeons were
still in use. Occasionally, Gravedust would peek through a door or
into a cage, giggle and clap, then wave the two Red Guards on down
the pits.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"It isn't far now." She
said, picking up a rat and playing with it. It screamed as she
ripped it's belly open and drained it's blood down her throat.
Wiping her mouth she waved on. "Keep up." Anna and
Madeline exhaged glances. Madeline giving her best "I told you
so" look.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Gravedust's bare feet squished into
something black and evil smelling. "Good," she whispered
to the others. "Bottom floor."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"About time!" Madeline spit.
"We've been walking for hours!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Good fear comes to those who must
wait." The black things yellow smile was wet below her veil.
"Keep with me, playthings."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna looked around. She didn't feel
anxious like she was in the Morgue, even as her boots suck into the
mire-like floor. "So, you live in the dungeons?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"You." The thing pointed at
Madeline. "Help me open these doors." Madeline groaned,
but obeyed, each womume grasping the knocker of a two large iron
gates. They must have been well oiled as the only sound made was of
the goop underfoot slogging out of the way. Regaurdless, both
womumes strained to move the heavy doors. "Good. Now help me
close them from the other side." This, too, was a strain, but
when the task was done, they all saw the under of the Docks cave.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
If you've never seen the docks, it
feels like eternal night. They were so far back that the sunlight
shining into the maw of the thing didn't reach them, but the ceiling
is covered in high hanging Marf buildings, and marfs use candles like
anyone else. The effect is a constellation of square stars in the
sky, dimly glowing on yellow and orange stone. A quiet reverb of the
Gold Ocean lapping against the harbor and the smell of moist earth
saturated the air. It was strangly sweet smelling. Nothing like
Anna had expected from worshipers of the dead.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
From the dungeon gate bowed an iron
fence encircling a plot of soft land speckled in gravestones and
small crypts. At the center, on the mound, was a huge two story
crypt in light blue-stone. The crypt had two tall and barred windows
on either side of a spiked porticulous. It looked eerily like a
fearful or pained face. Closer still and Anna began to hear the
whispers. They were all female and came from the stone and iron all
around. Occasionally she would catch a glisp of pale white fingers
withdrawing from around a crypt corner or the bars of a window.
Once, she saw the smile in black slip behind a head stone just at the
graveyard gates closed behind her.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"These gates are much lighter."
Gravedust said, her words followed by a whimper somewhere. She
ignored it. "Stay on the coble, playthings. The I cannot
protect you on the grounds." And she motioned them to follow.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Red Gaurds." Something
whispered.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Red Guards. Pet Red Guards."
Another something said.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Not in a long while." Still
another said.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna felt something brush across her
boots, but saw nothing when she looked. At the gate, Gravedust
picked up a rock and clanged it agains the bars. "Agatha, you
forgotten flesh pile, open or I'll hang you till you pass out!
Rotten skin nugget!" She turned to her guests and smiled her
rotted teeth again. "We are politely cruel, here."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
A sound of turning chains and the gate
rose efortlessly. A bloated, but strong looking black maiden barked
horsely from the side room. "Gravedust, you whore. I'll slit
you from the back of your neck to your heels and pour salt in you."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Agatha, flirt later. The Queen
has guests."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Agatha's purple lips sneered. "So
that's why I haven't seen you around." She pointed a thumb
inwards. "She's waiting for ya, you pig-gulleted blood-slut.
She made me go get..." She shuddered, "Chairs."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna noticed a soothing if disturbing
music waft out of the double doors beyond. It sounded like echoing
lutes and a flute, but the compasision was hard to describe. It felt
like looking at a picture of a family, but their limbs were stratched
and twisted, not horribly so, just enough to feel uncanny. It grew
louder when Gravedust pulled the doors open and they entered.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The huge crypt had few inside walls.
It was lit with heavy iron torches on either side, and flickery
flame-light licked the stone coffin in the center as well as three
Cemetery Girls playing beside it. On top was a throne of clean crow
ivory and bone, and in that, the queen sat one leg over the other.
No black veil or tattered dyed gown. Queen Nara Nakki wore only a
clean black and gold robe that shimmered as if hung loosely from her.
It was open revealing most of her pale and black skin. Black
because her hands and bare feet looked as if they had been burned to
a crisp. Her short black hair held no crown, as Anna might have
expected, but her eye, which were also golden, smiled like royalty at
her guests.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"My Queen! This is Anna Goldeyes
and her companion,"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Madeline Fallbringer."
Finished the queen. Her voice was like a loud honey whisper. "We
are so pleased and surprised by your presence."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna raised her eyebrows. "You've
met?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Madeline didn't take her eyes away from
Nara Nakki. She spoke through gritted teeth. "All priestesses
have to visit her at least once."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Nara Nakki smile. Her teeth were white
and clean, small and beautiful. "We have a treaty with the Red
Guard, you see Anna Goldeyes. And you're never told because they're
embarrassed. But we trade well-"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"You tortured my soldiers!"
Madeline ran forward, but was kicked back by the Queen.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"We traded, Madeline Fallbringer."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Pain for information." Anna
finished. "But we made a trade, Madeline and I. Our submision
for safty. Is kicking my companion safe, Queen Nara Nakki?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The Queen leaned forward, eyes wide and
grining like a mad womume. "YOUR safty, Anna Goldeyes. YOUR
safty. I made no promise that I wouldn't hurt your companion."
She leaned back, calm again. "And if you wish her no ill done,
you should control her better. Isn't that one of your principals?
Control?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna helped Madeline up. "Why am
I here, your highness?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Nara Nakki clapped her hands and the
musicians stopped. "Everyone leave. Take the Priestess. And
bring in the victim."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
When Gravedust reached for Madeline,
Anna stepped in the way. "She stays."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"That's not what I want. She
leaves our deal is over." Nara Nakki shoed Madeline away, but
Anna grabbed her by the shains and pulled her toward the throne.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"She stays, or we leave."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I would not have anyone hear
this. And you don't want her to know what we shall both know. No
deal."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna smiled. "Negotiate, then.
As you said, I would not have ill done to her." Nara Nakki
throught for a while and tapped her toe. "Not used to changing
deals?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"We are very used to compromises,
Anna Goldeyes. Gravedust, take the preistess out of the cemetery and
remove her chains. Then lock the gate." She smile again.
"Acceptable?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna checked with Madeline. Madeline
nodded. "That's fine." She said, "I'll wait one
hour, Nara Nakki, and then I'm coming inside for her. I'll bring an
army if I have to." She squeezed Anna's hands. "Be safe
and be warey of her. She's so dangerous you won't believe it."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
They all left, shortly followed with
Agatha pulling in a small wrapped body. "We thank you."
The queen said. "Now shut the doors and leave the Crypt."
Agatha must have obeyed because Anna heard the clinking of chains and
the gate outside fall with a thud. She was trapped in there, alone
with the queen.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"You've gone to great lengths,
Nara Nakki."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The queen didn't get off her throne or
answer. She just sat, a curious expression wore on her face. "Open
it."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna hovered over the body and began to
unwind the tight shroud. "You've tracked me down, learned you
needed as bait to chain me up and draw me into your realm." She
looked up at the queen. "Why?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Tracking you down wasn't hard,
Anna Goldeyes. We are very good friends with the morticieans above."
That made sense, Anna thought. Duffworm must have SOME friends,
after all. "The 'bait' you claim in the reason I want you
here."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The shroud began to loosen and Anna was
able to uncover the face. It was a girl. A dead mume girl, pale
with hair dyed black, like the rest. Anna continued, but she knew
what she would find.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Do you think of life or death,
Anna Goldeyes? I've thought about death for the last thousand or so
years."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"You expect me to believe you're
half as old as the Goddess?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I expect you to deduce what you
will. That's your tallent, isn't it." Anna spun around and
glared at Nara Nakki. "Oops, I've said too much." Deduce
was Drate Felfkin's word. "You weren't supposed to know we've
read your letters."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"You leave Drate and Quill out of
this." Anna continued unwrapping the rest of the shroud, her
suspicions were confirmed. The girl's body was mutilated to form
art. This was a delicate pattern made to look like Queen Nara
Nakki's face. A tribute in gore and like the rest, there was no
blood or bruising. "One of your children was killed by Lily
Ripper."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"All these girls are my children,
Anna Goldeyes. This girl was no less."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"You want revenge, then."
Nara Nakki laughed. She threw her head back and laughed as if over
thirty pints of borc brewed beer. "And I'm to be your sword, I
guess."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The Queen wiped genuin tears from her
face. She could barely calm down enough to speak. "Revenge?
Ha Ha Ha HA! Is that deduction? Oh, Anna Goldeyes!" The
giggles poured on. "We've not laughed like this in a decade!
Revenge! HA!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna began gleening what she could from
the body. Dirty hands, grint under the finger nails, think pale
fingertips. A digger? Scars all over, probably not from Lily. They
were mostly healed. Do these creatures cut their children for fun?
On the back there was blue paint. More than normal, the Flash
Blossom paint had stained the girl's skin. Anna had not known that
was possible.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"More paint than usual?" the
queen asked.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Much more." Anna felt the
stain. There was a tingle of electricity still running through.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Lily Ripper wasn't used to a
child that bathed in pain. Look in her mouth." Anna obeyed.
There was a bit of flesh loose inside. "It looks like a finger
tip. Wouldn't you agree?" She was right. Seems that reminded
Anna of something, but what?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"When did you lot find her?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Oh, not long, now. Perhaps a
week ago."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"You people still dig graves
here?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Oh yes. We still honor and add
to the dead."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna stood up and brushed her pants
off, as well as she could with the manacles still worn. "If
Madeline were to test this paint, she would find traces of Flash
Blossom. That's how he kills. The victims are shocked to death,
slowly. Like a time swollen lightning bolt."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"We know this already."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Then you what? Wish to hire me
as your assassin?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"No. We'd not ask you to kill."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"You're highness, why am I here?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Nara Nakki stepped down from her
throne. Her thin legs moved slowly and powerfully, making every
footstep deliberate. "You are here because We want to make a
deal and to entertain me. Why is anyone else brought to me. To deal
or to entertain."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"What are the terms?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Simple. We want you to find Lily
Ripper in exchange that you search. We want you to know why he kills
in exchange that you find out."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"What does that even mean?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Nara Nakki craddled Anna's face and
drew it near to her lips. "Have you ever though you could read
the minds of the dead?"</div>
Grimwithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00091526695062339656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-599250555951455014.post-14784673098936140562012-11-15T12:01:00.001-08:002012-11-15T12:01:28.492-08:00Lily Ripper 13
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Gringill's Pet Black Thing</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The White Maidens did not store
themselves in apartments and barracks as the Red Guard does.
Preferring more communal accommodations, their home spread across the
second story of the Ebony tower, taking shape in one giant
bedroom/Kitchen/Dinning Room combination with small curtained off
areas for privacy. The base of the Ebony tower is huge, for the
readers that have never seen it, and the inside is made of marble.
The effect of being in the Burrow, a name given to their home by the
White Maidens, is staggering. It spills out in a mess of pillows and
rugs laid in between a maze of marble pillars as thick as buildings
and as high, as well. Despite the lack of walls, new comers have
complained of becoming lost.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Madeline and Anna were not new comers,
but were equally uncomfertable. Red Guard barracks are tidy and
organized. It was all the two Reds could do to suppress their deeps
seeded need to clean. Regaurdless, both walked on into the melstrom
of madness. At least the smell was perfumed and the White Maidens
bathed.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
A few directions later and the two
found Sarah Gringill wrapped up in bedding with a glass of hot
bean-juice precariously balanced on a stack of papyrus. She wore an
entire white sheet as her veil and used both her hands, one to hold
and read a scroll, the other was petting something black beside her.
"Red Guard material." Madeline muttered.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I can hear you, Madeline
Fallbringer." Said Sarah. "Please, pull up a pillow."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
When Anna knelt before the Maiden, she
nodded inwardly to herself. It was no surprise to see Gringill has a
red linie tatooed from her scalp down her body, bisecting her. The
White Maidens, also unlike their Red sisters, did not have ranks.
Everyone was on the same level of power. Some, however, would be
such a remarkable creature that they would honored with the red
tatoo, signafying that this particular White Maiden was something
truly unique among the church.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Miss Gringill," Madeline
started, but Sarah held up her hand. A motion from a supirior to be
silent until they were finished with their current task. Madeline
shot Anna a look that clearly asked "Can you believe the nerve?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna flexed her awareness and tried to
read Sarah as she finished reading the Scroll. A scroll, she
noticed, with the Red eye of Mandra on the seal. Rules, most likely,
and the basic principals of the Red Guard. Fingers next. The were
well manacured, but with tiny burns on the tips. Anna couldn't say
what they were from. Odd. The stack of papyrus under her cup looked
like treaties and ixxar documents, as well as a symbol Anna didn't
recognize. All together, Gringill spoke of someone who collected
knowledge and had a strange hobby she did without her gloves. Ah
yes.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"She preparing for the transfer to
Major." Anna whispered. "Perhaps liaison with the Ixxar
or the council."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Very good, Anna." Sarah
said, smiling. "Now ponder the burns on my hands in silence
while I finish this." Anna blushed, but turned her mind to work
on the burns. Sarah helped, still reading, by holding up her petting
hand to show off the burns. They were dark and dry, not like fire.
More like she grabbed an ember with all five fingers. It was the
same on her other hand. Black and brown dry burns.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Finally Sarah finished and sighed. She
put down the scroll and gave her full attention to Anna. "There.
Any ideas?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I can only guess that you picked
up something ashen with both hands. I'm rather at a loss."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"At the risk of sounding too
mysterious, I can only say you may find out yourself before the day
is old. Have either of you had breakfast?" The two nodded.
Madeline could not un-narrow her eyes. "It's quite alright,
Miss Fallbringer. I won't destroy 2,000 years of political
structure."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Just from curiousity, ARE you
just to be a liaison between the Red and White branch of the church?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Gringill giggled. "Oh no. No,
I've already worked it out with the High Priestess. I shall be
inducted tomorrow, I think. In about a week, I think, all the
arrangements I have with your branch shall be fulfilled. Then we'll
see the start of something interesting, Miss Fallbringer. Something
very interesting." She waved it away. "But I'm not in the
habit of giving away surprises." She pulled the sheet off her
head and laughed. Her cyan eyes gleemed, especially as they were
surrounded by dark dark tan skin. "I must admit, Anna, you're
amazing. You're research regarding the council eight seasons ago was
beautiful! Somewhere in this mess, I have your report to Major
Eleanor. Incredible!" She reached over and put her hands in
Anna's lap. "Personally, I didn't have to meet you, I could
have sent Gravedust your way, but I'm something of a fan."
Gravedust, a name? "Please tell me you still keep in touch with
Drate Felfkin."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Uh...oh yes." Anna wasn't
used to praise like this. "He lives south as a clock-smith."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I noticed your report left out a
certain Effee. That was wise."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"What's she talking about?"
Madeline asked.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"It doesn't matter, I'm just
gushing." Sarah fanned herself. "I've a meeting with the
Council-Ixxar at noon, and I must get ready. You see, Anna, I'm just
a stepping stone in this conversation. I'll let you two get
aquainted." She shook the black thing at her side. "Gravedust,
wakey wakey."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"How did you know Cherry would
fetch me?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Please, Anna. It's Cherry.
She's quite the chatterer."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The black thing uncurled, revealing a
slump of a womume, at least Anna thought she was a womume. She was
pale as the marble around her, much of her skin covered in blue
veins. Her clothes could have been White Maiden, but they had been
dyed black. Her purple lips uncovered yellow crooked teeth in a
grimace. "Too bright." She said in a low gravely tone.
"Where's the dark?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sarah Gringill took a sip of her
bean-juice and handed the rest to Gravedust. "Drink, it'll
help." The thing threw a blanket over her head and pulled the
cup under with her. "And with that, ladies, I bid you fairwell.
They haven't fitted me for a uniform yet." She drew a thick
white veil from under her pillows and threw it over her head. On her
way past, she put an ungloved hand on Anna's shoulder. "When
you're done, no matter what happens, come back to Annalow." And
she disappeared between the pillars.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
===</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I would peel away the flesh from
my arm before setting eyes on that dread fire again." Gravedust
was in a foul mood. The few times Anna and Madeline were able to see
the flash of yellow teeth under the blanket they had been gnashing
and biting. "Which one of you is Anna Goldeyes...No, nevermind.
It's the one with Gold Eyes, right? Ugh."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Sorry," Anna started, "but
what are you?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Madeline leaned over to Anna to speak
under her breath, "I think she's a Cemetery Girl."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"A what?" Anna didn't get an
answer because a set of Manicles flew out from under the blanket.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I don't need both of you. Just
that one." Gravedust pointed a pale finger from underneath.
"Goldeyes."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"No you're not." Madeline
stood up. "I know you creatures, and she either stays or I come
with." Another set of manacles landed at Madeline's feet.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Before anyting, Gravedust, I need
to know what's going on. I wasn't made aware of a summons or plan."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Gravedust gowned. "Typical."
She sighed. "Queen Nara Nakki requests you, Anna Goldeyes.
For your submission she trades safety in her queendom."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"What's that mean?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"It means we promise not to
torture or kill you." The blanket shook with laughter. "For
the other, no promises."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"But...you're a Mume. Surely you
don't kill-"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Oh please. Oh please." The
yellow teeth clicked "Spare me your ideology, Red Guard. We
won't hurt you."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna found herself being pulled
upwards. Madeline had had enough. "Don't trust her OR Nara
Nakki."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Queen Nara Nakki never lies!"
Burst the dark girl.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"No," Madeline said "But
she deceives. You didn't say Anna wouldn't be hurt or killed, just
that YOU wuoldn't do it."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"We make no promises what the
womume does to herself." Gravedust showed her cruel yellow
smile from under. "How could we make such a pact?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Come on, Anna." She pulled
the Red Guard away and they started walking and stepping around
pillows. "These mumes are abominations of Mandra. They ONLY
value and trade death and pain. I don't care what they're offering
you, if you caught Nara Nakki's eye, something's wrong."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Miss Goldeyes?" Gravedust
could still be heard from behind the pillars and curtains. "Nara
Nakki knows Lily Ripper!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Madeline's fingers slipped away. She
turned to see Anna walk right back to the black thing. "Ugh,
Mandra grant me strength." Madeline followed.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"How would this Queen even know
about my search?" Anna crossed her arms. "And what are
the terms?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"What? No 'Lies and Deciet?' I'm disappointed."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I thought Nara Nakki never lied?"
Anna pulled the blanket from off the girl. She squeeled and shrunk
into a ball, protecting her eyes. "You have my attention,
Cemetery Girl. Now convince me to follow you in chains."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"We trade in pain, Anna Goldeyes,
but only with each other. With everyone else, we trade in
information, and only Queen Nara Nakki knows who your ripper is. She
wants to help."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Madeline wasn't impressed. "Why?
What for?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The thing rose to show her face,
grinning under her black veil. "Perhaps she's tired of Lily
Ripper."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna squatted in front of Gravedust,
then pulled the veil off, forcing another squeel from the thing. "Do
you Cemetery Girls have children?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Gravedust put both her hands over her
eyes. "Ugh. So bright."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Do you?!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Of course we do!" The thing
grimaced in pain. "We fight and fuck and birth and eat.
Sometimes all at once."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"And you worship death!"
Yelled Madeline.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"But we DO NOT KILL!" The
thing yelled back. Then she shrugged and grinned. "At least,
not on purpose." She struggled to pull her hands from her eyes
and squinted to see Anna. Her eyes were cyan, like Sarahs. "And
even Queen Nara Nakki, who I have witnessed bathe in the rotted blood
of fresh dead, would not kill her own children."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Madeline crossed her arms. She gave
the thing a good long look and opened her mouth to speak. She was
cut off, however, by the clink of Anna's manacles.
</div>
Grimwithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00091526695062339656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-599250555951455014.post-41504166640078445402012-11-14T08:40:00.001-08:002012-11-14T08:40:21.559-08:00Lily Ripper 12
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>And They All Got Drunk</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Of course! Brilliant!"
Cherry was nearly standing on top of the table at the pub. "Now
all we need to do is check every garden in Annalow! There's only
hundreds and hundreds!" She wasn't being ironic. Cherry really
meant to systematically search the city.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Any other pub would have stopped all
chatter due to the noise, but Cherry and Anna visited Merick's Mug
was used to her. It was the hang out of Anna and Cherry most nights.
That night, they were joined by a dehydrated and hunger Madeline
Fallbringer. She mostly ignored Cherry, too, choosing to focus on
the heavy meal of bread and mutton. Merick was a Borc. Bread, meat,
and beer was all he had.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Please, Cherry. We're not just
looking for every garden." Anna was calm behind her pint.
We're looking for a specific garden that no one can hear what's going
on inside."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"You assume too much."
Madeline mumbled. "There's no reason to think Lily doesn't do
her deeds in a separate building. All you're guessing is the blood
is 'drained' in a garden."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"It's true, I'll grant you, but
there's still the matter of discretion. If the bodies are bleed
there, Lily wouldn't want anyone to see."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Cherry Jumped up again, "Alright!
So now all we have to do is find a Garden next to a building in a
city! Let's Go!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Gently, Cherry. Gently."
Cherry sat back down, vibrating with excitement. "Let's assume
Lily has a sound proof building with an enclosed garden so no one
would hear or see the goings on of a murderer like this. Even so, we
have the problem not just of tracking down its location, but the
owner. Lily's greatest power is that of anonymity."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Cherry cocked her head. "What's
that mean, Goldy?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"It means there are too many
suspects and too many buildings. We need to search for-"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"No, I mean 'Anminininity.'"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Madeline took another swallow of beer.
"Means no one knows who they are."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Oh." Cherry cocked her head
at Anna again. "Anna? What are you doing?" She was
straining her neck to see over Cherry, was what she was doing.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Uh..." Anna saw Peter swish
aside the curtains that led into the pub. He was rain soaked and
motioning to a servant. "I'll be right back."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Peter Leftgood ordered an ale before
Anna got to him. "I knew I'd find you here." He ruffled
his hair. "I...wanted to talk to you. About the killings, I
mean."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Oh good. We're just talking
about it. Glassneck," Anna adressed the serving Effee, "bring
his drinks to my table, would you?" Anna pulled petter along
into the back corner where Sherry was trying to convince Madeline to
drink her beer in one gulp. "No." Was the only answer she
could get out of the Red Guard between chewing.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Sit." Anna comanded to
Peter. He did as he was told, rather intimidated by two red guard
and a white maiden. Anna did the proper introductions and said "The
bodies are left all over Annalow, but were all the girls abducted
from the same area?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Nah, can't be." Answered
Cherry. "Mrs. Mellowond was deeply surprised that it could have
been her own child. So were the servants! No one expected Lily to
strike in the high end."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"It makes sense." Madeline
had almost finished her mutton. "Sticking to one area of the
city risks notice, even if you're disguised. I'd bet my stores Lily
was dressed like a White Maiden. Even that would be out of place if
it were the same womume ever time."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Uh." Peter looked away.
"Lily can't be a mume. The...the cuts would need a lot of
strength."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna put her hand out to Peter,
reassuring him. "Strong or not, Peter, Lily could be nothing
other than a mume. Not that it make much difference. This is the
Mume capital of Mash'ta." She turned to Madeline. "But
don't assume Lily is a womume. Male or female, we don't know, yet."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Cherry shook her fists. "Oooo!
It makes me mad to think of Lily dressed like a...a...an impostor
Maiden!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Just imagine Lily's a boy."
Madeline said.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Oh. That helps, actually."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna looked down at her drink. "Boy
or girl, I promised that girl I would catch her killer."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"WHAT?" Peter pulled away.
Anna didn't take notice. She looked longer into the bubbled at the
bottom of her mug.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"And then what?" Madeline
asked. It was a good question, and the whole table thought it over.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Well," answered Peter, "you
would turn her over to the city guard, of course."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Sure," Madeline finished her
beer. "you believe everyone else's accusations. Why not
believe our's too?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Well, I mean..." Peter
rolled it around in his head. "Well, it would be different.
You're Red Guard. The cheif would listen, surely."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Sure he'd listen." Madeline
laid the venom on think in her voice.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Madeline, make silence."
Anna waved her away. "The thing is," she told Peter, "we're
not supposed to be looking for Lily." Peter looked away from
Anna. "Even if we had proof, the Red Guard would punish us for
disobeying orders."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Cherry giggled. "Then you could
both become White Maidens and we'd see each other ALL THE TIME!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Oh stop blathering."
Madeline waved down Glassneck for another beer. "When you're
reaise Red or White, you stay red or white. You can't just change,
moron."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Why not? That's what Gringill is
doing."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna waved for another beer. "What?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"What?" Madeline's jaw
dropped.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Sure." Cherry hovered over
a new beer like a hawk. "Gringill's a teacher's teacher! She's
been working with us at the school since just after I started. Gave
her fairwells today to us and the kids. I'm gonna miss her, I am."
Glug glug glug.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"You can't do that!"
Madeline yelled over the noise of Cherry choking.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Not in one gulp." She
sputtered. "Maybe two. I'll try again."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"No, you can't switch! She
doesn't even understand the pricipals of Red! I'll wager she won't
last a day as a privet!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Cherry finished her second gulp and
slammed the mug down. "I think," she panted, "she's
joining as a major or something." Madeline's jaw dropped again,
this time accompanied by the widest eyes Anna had ever seen. "And
she want's to meet you, Anna. Like, tomorrow morning or something."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Peter tapped Anna on the shoulder.
"Anna...uh...Miss Goldeyes." Anna looked over and up.
Peter was standing to leave. "I really do need to talk to you
about something." Anna dropped two bits on the table quietly
and followed Peter, leaving Cherry and Madeline to bicker behind her.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Once they were outside, Peter turned
his face away again. A habit Anna found adorable and anoying at the
same time. "It just that... Lily can't be a mume, is all. I
mean,"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"What is it?" Gently, Anna
turned Peter toward her and lifted his chin. "It's okay. You
can tell me."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I..." He couldn't turn his
head, but his eyes went down, away from her face. "I think I
saw Lily. That night, I mean. I'm sure I saw her...or him."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"What happened?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"When we saw the body, I
was...scared. I had to g-g-get away. I'm not like you lot. I-I
can't stay..."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"It's alright. Take is slow,
Peter. We have time."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Well...I mean. When I left you
and b-blew my whistle, I..." He grimaced. "I saw her.
She was just like everyone said. Huge, but quiet and wearing a cloak
with a hood. But huge. Like a Borc, only bigger."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Where? Where did you see her?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Where? It was the other way, I
think." Peter looked into Anna's eye for the first time. "If
I had chased her, I could'a caught her! I mean, Yeah! But...But I
c-can't." He looked away again. "I'm not like you lot."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna's arms instinctively wrapped
around him. She could feel his shoulders shake, and it all came
pouring out. "Shhh...It's alright, Peter." He didn't cry,
so much as cry out. Anguish or frustrasion, Anna couldn't be sure.
If you like, Cherry's a maiden. She can-"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"No!" Peter pulled away, but
Anna pulled him back into her arms. "No, I can...I mean. I'll
be alright."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Alright, Peter. If you change
your mind, I'm be around."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I have to go. I have something
at home. It's something I do to relax. I mean, you know. To..."
Anna loosened her hug. "If you want to come see. I mean.
It's quite beautiful."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Maybe later, Peter."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Alright. I mean. Later. Yeah.
I'll go." Peter looked into her eyes again. The second time
she could remember. "Thank you, Miss Goldeyes." He kissed
her hand, turned, and left.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna watched him disapear into the
street shadows. Savor, she thought to herself. Sav- She was
interrupted by an elbow in the ribs. "Goldy, you sucker! You
could'a had SEX!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I...what?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Cherry bounced out of the pub and
wrapped around and behind Anna, speaking in her ear. "Peter and
Anna, touching in naughty ways. Naughty naughty."*</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Madeline patted Anna onthe shoulder as
she passed by. "Goldeyes, See me before you see that White
Maiden tomorrow. I want to talk to her."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Uh...sure." Anna tried to
shake off Cherry. Tried and failed.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Don't worry," Madeline
waved as she left. "You'll fuck him next time."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Why do you two assume I want
anything to do with him?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Because," Cherry answered,
"the last time I saw you blush like that I was the one fucking
you."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I don't even... We never...
Cherry, Shut up."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
*footnote: Mume's have no sense of
'Naughty' or 'taboo' when it comes to sex. Cherry is making a Borc
reference. Also, she's drunk.</div>
Grimwithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00091526695062339656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-599250555951455014.post-66950627795963696562012-11-13T08:47:00.002-08:002012-11-13T08:47:51.341-08:00Lily Ripper 11<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>That Evening with Madeline</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Before we begin, understand that
memories work backwards. From Anna's descriptions, the flow of
memory starts from the end and follows into yesterdays where the
images get foggier and foggier. I say this because Madeline began
with...</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The deal with the pleasure house would
benifit her without flaw. A simple trade of some of the freshest and
best Cocoon Petals for wanderroot in equal portions. It was perfect
since Madeline had a surplus anyway in her stores. It reminded her
of...</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The deal with Anna couldn't be true.
Cocoon petal was hard enough to get in the city. It wasn't illeagal,
but taboo items are few in number and Mumes and Borcs look so lowly
on the petal. What a strange trade, the flash blossom. She must need
to itimidate. No, that makes no sense. Anna Goldeyes was already
known as a hard womume to deal with, especially if you had something
she wanted. She couldn't be Lily Ripper. Or maybe she was. After
all, she loved children and perhaps that love drove her mad.
Madeline will have to keep an eye on her. Now that she knew Lily
uses Flash Blossom to kill from...</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Madeline hated this place. It was
gross and creepy. Her own dungeon had been cleaner than the morgue.
Down here, there was a Borc that Madeline was told about. There he
was. The disgusting beast, hanging over the dead like a spectre.
Get the questioning over with. She wanted away from this evil place.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Are you Duffworm?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Duffworm looked up and ran his filty
hands through his hair. "Oh, pardon, Ma'am. Didn't realize I
had company, I didn't. Er...Don't get visitors m-"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I'll take that as a yes. Tell me
if you've seen this before." Madeline held out a flash blossom.
Its blue glow crackled across the twists in its petals.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Er...Can't say as I have...
Weird sort of thing, that. What is it?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Take a closer look." Her
gloved hand held out the flower. If he was dumb enough to grab it-
He was. The disgusting borc yelped in pain and pulled back.
"Careful." Madeline smiled. "It's a little
dangerous."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Ooo, that smarts."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Have you come across it before?
Perhaps on one of the bodies you've been across?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Oh yeah. I don't forget some'n
like that, Ma'am. Nope. Don't forget."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
There was a pause. "Well?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Oh. Right. Well, see, it was on
one of them child murders you hear about. Only it weren't no flower,
Ma'am. It were a kind of resedue." Madeline could feel the
blood drain from her face. This had been her fault, and she couldn't
stand it. She had to get out of here.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Thank you." The walls
disappeared. It was too dark in this place. The stick of death hurt
her nose. The borc said something, but she couldn't hear over the
rush of blood in her ears. It was as she thought...</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
There was a murder in this ally way
last night. The city guard had already cleared the scene. Madeline
was passing by after visiting a fellow alchemist. She looked into
the crime scnene and shuddered. No mume should have such a thing
happen to them, especially not a child.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
What was that? A slight glint on the
stone of one of the buildings. What this where the body was found?
Madeline leaned in for a closer look. Perhaps some of the blue dye
had scrapped off onto the wall, but that was strange. Rumor had told
of a dark blue shroud, not a light blue. With her gloved finger,
Madeline scrapped at the wall. The blue mark gave a familiar
crackle.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Oh no. No no no. This was flash
blossom. If this was here, that might mean that Lily Ripper was
using alchemy to... She was torturing the children! Madeline's
imagination ran wild with the idea. The blossom could be crushed and
mixed with a thickener to make sure it stuck like paint. Then,
applied to the flesh... The pain would be inconceivable! It would
kill!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
She vomited into the corner. This was
her fault! She kept close tabs on Flash Blossom. She had to!
But...But last year, before the killings started...</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It was spring rain again. A month
after the bloom of Flash Blossom. Good. Her shipment should come
in. Madeline made a good purchase early that year with a vendor on
Jerrow. Madeline made lots of deals these days. She had to in order
to keep her stores full of alchemical goods. To think, she had once
11 troops of Red Guard under her comand and two of the finest majors.
Ah, but the sacrafice of power was worth the pursuit of knowledge.
Only now, she had to run a business to keep the goods flowing.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Tonight, she stoof on top a yellow
brick building in the rain to make sure the shipment went without a
hitch. Flash Blossom was on the menu today. Flash blossom and gold.
Below, her agent, a borc named Mortok Meanwillow was buying her
suply fresh from the docks. He looked up and waved, causing her to
duck. Mortok, you dunderhead. Don't call attention.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
New rain like this was perfect because
the Marf came out of the ground to celebrate the falling of the
water. It's sight was disturbing to most Mume and Borc. As dumb as
Mortok was, he was always willing to do anything for a bit of gold
here and there. They met after a previous deal involving moss-hair
and cocoon petals.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The squeek of cart wheels could be
heard aproching from afar. Her stores would be full after this.
Full of so many mysteries Madelines head spun. The possibilities.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Wait. What was that? Was that the
other side of the building? Madeline leaned over the opposite side
and saw 5 fully equipped city guards. No. It was an ambush! She
tripped over herself to Mortok's side and waved. The idiot! He was
waving back! No! No! Guards over there! Mortok looked confused,
then frightened. Without another look, he bolted down an ally and
into the back door of someone's home.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Whew. At least he'd be safe. As the
back door shut, Madeline saw the guard wirl around the corner to meet
the cart. She heard conversation and accusations. One of the guards
pulled up the cart's tarp letting a blue glow shower him. This was a
huge blow to her business. Finding another to farm Flash blossom
wouldn't be easy. Worse, they would confiscate it and put it all in
less secure stores. Anyone could snag a bit of that...</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Maybe she could. Just a little...</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
But it's all her fault. She ordered
such a large amount of Flash Blossom, and someone could easily steal
a bit of it. Someone like Lily Ripper.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
=====</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna pulled away. "You blame
yourself?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Madeline shrugged. "As much as
anyone. I provided the weapon."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Brishah." Anna held out her
dagger to the house mother. "I'm sorry. Please, take it."
Brishah took the knife hesitantly. Unsure of what just happened.
"We'll be okay, now. I promise." The mother looked at the
two knives in her hands. She nodded and left. "So, how do you
think Lily got the Flash Blossom?"<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Madeline took a slow draw from her pipe
and held it. She didn't talk for a long while. "It's easy."
She say finally, letting the purple smoke out. "The stores of
contraban in held at the city gate. During a rainy night, when the
Marfs come out of the ground, someone can sneak on top of a certain
abandoned house and into the window of the stores. To be honest, it
looks like the guards set up such an access. Nothing to do with my
influence, I assure you."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"A criminal, you said. Instead of
a priestess."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Of course. I deal in hard to get
things, now. I have to. I need money for supplies, else my research
ends." Madeline looked at Anna, really looked, for the first
time that night. Her eyes softened into someone with a soul. "But
if it weren't for my blunder, thoughs little girls would not have to
suffer so much. I'm to blame, Anna."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The two sat in silence. A dull pluck
of the sitar snuck in from the main room. "For what it's worth,
Madeline, you're no more at fault than a brewer for alcohol
poisoning." Madeline returned her gaze to the flower patern.
"And your memories have tied up a loose end I wondered about.
Duffworm told me I was the second mume to see him. No wonder he
thought the Red Guard are investigating Lily Ripper."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Be you careful, Anna Goldeyes.
The question has already arisen, 'Which Red Guard found the last
body?'"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I know." Anna stood up. "I
need to see Duffworm again anyway."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"We're not done here." Anna
gave Madeline a look of confusion. Madeline could not have seen it,
but spoke "Don't give me that face, child. You're invasion of
my dreams has nothing to do with the meeting I must host. Sit.
Smoke. Draw in the petal slowly, Anna."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna did as she was told. It didn't
take long for her to pull free of herself again. The world was
purple and she twirled her fingers around the chain of smoke linking
her to her heart. Madeline made shape with her spirit, like a flake
of ash drawing grace in the winds of a fire. "The world,"
she said to Anna, "has so many perspectives and layers and
shifts. If we think of it like an apple, then our senses can only
see one paper thin slice of it through the middle. But the Crynt,
Anna. The Crynt can change the angle of that slice. You
understand?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"No."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"It doesn't matter. Even if you
don't see the machenery for the gears, you'll understand the outcome
just the same. Now, touch me."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna found she could. Her soul touched
Madelines and was gripped. She felt her heart beat as if she were
back in Madeline's memories. This must have been how Madeline read
her mind without touching her. Madeline pulled her in an unpointable
direction and the world fell away. A thin line of the room remained,
but the rest of the world seemed like a mass of dark blue outlines in
all directions. Anna could see and trace the catacombs under her and
the alleyways outside.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"This is wrong." She said,
both calm and alarmed. "Madeline, this is wrong."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Madeline hushed and held Anna. "You
will find your way back. I'll not let you be lost. Now come with
me. We have a child to find."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The world bent in ways it shouldn't.
Anna held nothing in her heart but virtigo. Panick was bearly held
back by Madeline's spirit wrapped around her, the way her mother held
her hand at the edge of the world when Anna was just a girl. They
moved, or the world moved, until Anna recognized the outlines of the
allyway she had first seen the body.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"No." She repeated to
herself, crawling toward the body as that first night. "Don't
make me." Her words exactly, but she was compelled. Not by her
training as she had first thought, but by...</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"What's happening?" Anna
asked, her smoke quivering.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"You were meant to see, Anna
Goldeyes. Anna who's eyes flash at the sight of children."
Madeline turned the world and the body returned in the corner. The
little mume girl lay in the shadows, a carved flower on her check,
spread out like a sun. Only, her eyes were open and following Anna.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Please, show me no more,
Madeline. I beg mercy."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"This has nothing to do with me,
Anna. She drew you close to begin with."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The child's head twisted at an impossible angle. Her features limp, but in pain. Eyes open and
folowing. Were her lips moving? Anna crawled closer. Closer to the
horrible image of cuts and bloodless gore. Art made of pain. She
could feel the girls lips touch her ears now. A whisper. "it
hurts so much."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I know." Anna whimpered.
"I know, and I'll make them pay."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"flowers." the child said.
"blood into flowers."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna stood up from the pillows. It was
involuntary, like a jerk away from a fire. "Flowers. Lily
likes flowers."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Madeline blinked away the purple,
trying to come to terms with the world again. "Huh? We
were..."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Madeline! Don't you get it?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Uh...The...the ally..."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Lily uses flowers for everything.
Flowers to kill, Flowers to morn. What's blue dye made from?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The alchemist rubbed her head.
"Er...Flowers?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"All this time, I've been looking
for a slaughter house! But what I should have been looking for was a
garden! You know about growing things. Blood can be used as
fertilizer, especially for certain alchemical herbs."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Sure. Yes." Madeline
pulled her sheets closer, trying to shake off the effects of the
petal. "Yes, that makes sense. And, if you're right, then the
reason Lily kills in the spring is..." It fit together in
Madeline's head. Her eyes widened. "Oh."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Flash Blossoms bloom in the first
month of Spring. Lily grows her own weapons."</div>
Grimwithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00091526695062339656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-599250555951455014.post-91647384538718997552012-11-12T09:32:00.003-08:002012-11-12T09:32:31.041-08:00Lily Ripper 10
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>My Wolf?</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The next morning, Madeline wasn't
meditating in her normal spot. Anna guessed she was either still as
Brishah's pleasure house or at an inn somewhere. It didn't matter,
now. The only loose thread to tug was back at the morgue, but that
would have to wait until night when Duffworm returned. Cherry was no
where to be found that morning either. She was likely picking up her
roll as teacher in dance. There was simply nothing to do yet.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna found herself at a Leaf Shop
across Brishah's to sit and think. Juice in hand, she half closed
her eyes and began to meditate. A thin line of blue sound hummed in
her head, making the rest of her mind calm and clear, like the way
that night sky gave way to stars after the storm clouds parted. Now
she could gather what she new of UnSub and paint the picture she
needed.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The access to blue dye and flash petal
meant UnSub had resources to buy both. UnSub was artistic and needed
to risk discovery while making cuts on the body of the victims at
night in the rain. Why Spring? Why not all year round? UnSub also
had access to a place where they could drain blood. Who would know
where slaughter houses would be in Annalow?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"The Library." Anna said out
loud.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"What about it?" Anna pulled
out of herself to find a city guard hovering over her. It was the
guard who had helped her that night she found Beatrix.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Peter. Hello." Anna
fumbled with her cup and kept from spilling it in time. She took a
drink, hoping to hide her blush. Damn he was good looking.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I was passing by on patrol and
recognized you. What's at the library?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Nothing much." Anna thought
she should keep the investigation tight for now. If word got back to
Major Eleanor... "Just research. I'm a researcher for the Red
Guard, you see. Will you have some Leaf?" She motioned to the
seat across from her.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Oh no. I'm just starting my
shift. I was just checking on you." Anna felt like she was
floating. It wasn't a natural feeling for her, but she liked it.
Something about those sea-green eyes in Peter's head. She smiled.
"Well, I have to go. There's something of a panic in this area
and the city guard had to step up their petroling." Waved and
left.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I'll come with you." Anna
put a bit on the table and hopped on after him.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Well, I'm not headed to the
Library building, Miss. That's closer to the bizzar."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"No no, it's fine. I'm sort of
wasting time until nightfall anyway." Anna found she liked
prancing next to peter. Anna was tall for a mume and was pleased
that Peter met her hight. His yellow locks spilled from under a
leather helmet. The armor, White, black, and red, the colors of
Annalow, fitted over him nicely, making him look stronger than he
probably was. "Besides, we best enjoy the morning before the
spring rains return."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I guess so." Peter laughed.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It wasn't long before the two passed by
the allyway they met at. Anna's mind returned to that night. The
shadows gone, now, replaced by a few straggling citezens curious as
to the scene of the crime. "Peter...Did anyone see anything
that night?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"You mean did someone see Lily
Ripper?" He shrugged. "Who knows? We always get
sightings after the new girls are found."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Does the city guard keep track of
them?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I don't think so, Miss. I mean,
Lily is suposed to be tall and short. She's Borc, Mume, and even
felven. No two descriptions alike, but nothing too helpful."
Anna made a noise. "Sorry. Between you and me, Miss, I don't
think we'll ever catch her."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"What do people THINK she looks
like?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Well," Peter put some
thought into it. "The people who claim to have seen her all
agree she wears a blue hooded cloak and carries a bag over her
shoulder. They all say she moves fast, like a cat or beast, but
leaves a trail of the blood she's stolen. Can't say us guards have
seen anything like that, however. I wouldn't know where you could
even buy a blue cloak with all the talk of murder."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna had her finger-tip to her lips.
She wondered if Lily Ripper had claimed to see herself and spent time
fabricating what she looked like just to throw people off the trail.
"I don't know if Lily is a she or not, Peter."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Huh?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"But I think you're best bet is to
listen for a description of someone who isn't carrying a blue sack at
all. Someone in disguise. Someone who's trying to look like anyone
other than Lily Ripper."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Peter stopped walking and looked down
at the ground away from Anna. She leaned in to see his face but he
turned away more. "I don't get it." Was he angry? "Is
the Red Guard helping to catch Lily or not?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Well, I'm not." Anna lied.
"Officially, the Red Guard has no jurisdiction with Lily.
There's no sign she uses Heart Magic and she doesn't appear to want
to overthrow the mume race. But," Anna put a hand on his
shoulder. "that doesn't mean we don't care."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Peter turned to see Anna. "How
would you know what Lily looks like, then?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"She's not stupid, Peter."
He stepped away. "She wouldn't want to look like what everyone
thinks she looks like and get caught in the act. Think about it."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I have to get back to
petrolling."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
She ignored him. "The City Guard
will have to out think Lily to catch her."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Be safe, Miss." He turned
and left her. She looked up at the building they stopped in front of
and she realized it was the Library. He had escorted her off his
route.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Stupid Anna." She smack
herself in the head. "Stupid Stupid."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
===</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The records wing of the Library of
Annalow was not what any sane person could call organized. It took
Anna all day to work out the last slaughterhouse to be built in the
city was 400 years ago and had long since been torn down and rebuilt
as housing. The next best thing might have been a tannery, but no
tanners kept their workshops on city grounds either due to the smell.
They had all migrated to the south west, in the shadow of the Ramp.
No one wanted to work with blood or dead animals inside the city,
according to registered market.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna felt she had wasted her time when
she left the Library. Puddles had formed on the streets of Annalow
again and sprinkling reclaimed the sky. Anna walked back to
Brishah's trying to think where the blood could go and not be
noticed. It must be dropped into the sewers, which meant it would be
nigh impossible to track, but something didn't feel right about that.
It would be the smartest thing to drain into, especially on a rainy
night. In fact, there was no reason not to use the waste sewers,
but... Something about it nagged at Anna. Something unceromonious
about it felt like Lily couldn't choose that on principal.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
These weren't just little girls corpses
to be discarded. They were works of art to be displayed.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Brishah waved Anna to enter. "How
are you, Goldeyes? Come for the pipe?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Not tonight. I need to focus.
What ever happened to the Red Guard I brought here last night?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"See for yourself." Brishah
glided around the edge of the main room. An Effee plucked at a sitar
in the center, humming calming music at its center while her audience
drank and listened silently. Tonight there was a morose and dark
mood on the house. Brishah motioned toward one of the privete rooms
Anna often used. Inside was Madeline, smoothly drawing from a long
stemed pipe, naked eccept for a silk sheet losely wraped about her.
"She's made a trade agreement with me." Brishah said
behind Anna. "A place to stay for access to certain other
herbs."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Come in." Madeline hadn't
turned her eyes or face toward Anna, but clearly meant for her to
enter. As Anna did, she wondered if Madeline had been smoking all
day. "Not all day." Madeline blew out a tendril of purple
ribbons that reached across the room and curled around Brishah. Anna
gaped. Madeline had read her mind without touching her.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"She's good, Goldeyes. She hasn't
eaten or drank all day."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"How many pipes has she had?"
Anna asked.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"That is her thrid."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"What?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Madeline reached out without looking
and tugged Anna's hand, pulling her down into the pillows. "Brishah,
a pipe for my friend."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Of course." Brishah left.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Madeline had been staring the entire
time at a flower pattern on the opposite wall. She never turned to
Anna or Brishah and never opened her eyes more than half. "Anna
Goldeyes. Take off your gloves and Jacket. You'll want to see
this." Anna did as she was told, but couldn't understand why.
"Did you know I used to be a Priestess?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I didn't."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I'm not now, of course. Now I'm
a criminal." Brishah returned with a rumor-wood box holding a
pipe and petal. "This won't take long, Anna. It would be
faster if you removed your clothes, but you would be unwise to do
so."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Is it safe for you to do this to
yourself?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"To live is to risk. Now smoke
and come with me." Anna didn't pretend to understand, but she
knew the pipe well enough. "And on your way I will explain
Alchemy." The purple fog drew in behind Anna's mind. A
familiar mist of tugs and turns and purple wisps. "Slowly,
Anna. Slowly. My problem was I hadn't had excess to such good
petal. Your problem is you do not savor it." Anna took her
neft draft as slowly as she dared. "Good. Smooth and slow and
the haze will give way to the true nature of the petal."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna sunk lower into the pillows,
letting Madeline's words tumble from her lips like dice, rolling into
maths, summing up the universe. "Now, Anna, tell me about
alchemy."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"There are 7 flowers that hold the
powers of the gods. One of them is flash blossom."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"And another," said
Madeline, "is Cocoon Flowers."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna turned to her host. "That's
not one of them."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Madeline smiled, but didn't look at
her. "That's because there are 9 flowers, Anna, not 7. The
ninth flower was planted two thousand years ago just before the mume
invaded Annalow. It was created by the Moblin, directed by their god
Mouse. All Alchemy is created by the Moblin. Do you know why?"
Anna shook her head, even though Madeline couldn't see her.
"Because the Moblin like to play tricks, and they created herbs
and flowers and plants of all kinds so that the nine races of Mash'ta
could mimic each other. The nine flowers, for example, each hold the
essance of each of the nine magics."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"And Flash Blossom? They're one
of them?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Oh yes. Flash Blossom, with
their beautiful blue glow, hold the power of the Bear. And Cocoon
flowers, with their lovely purple petals, hold the power of the
Crynt." Anna felt pulled loose from her body. Something tugged
her like the first time her fingers lead her into that ally. There
was a misty form beckoning her. "Come with me, Anna."
Anna's body went almost limp. Another slow draw on her pipe and she
was pulled out of her body completely.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Where are we?" She asked.
A ribbon of purple lead from her heart to the heart of her body. It
was her chain or Keb. She'd never seen it before. When Anna moved,
she didn't turn or float or walk, she just was as far as she could
tell. As new as the feeling was to her, she felt calm. Attached to
her hand was Madeline.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Locations are such silly things
here, Anna. Call this the petal, if you want. Anna, what are you?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I could ask you the same thing."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Madeline smiled. "I'm an
explorer. I find new pathways into truth. I seek the rules of the
universe and beyond by blindly bumping into the walls of a maze."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I'm a huntress." Anna said.
"I use your walls to track down my prey. I hunt the wolves
that eat my flock."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Madeline's presence wrapped around Anna
like a hug or a smothering. "The wolf you face is a Dread Wolf,
evil and beautiful. It dresses in the bloody skins of another and
hides its sent with the same skin's blood."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Are you my wolf, Madeline?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"You're not even supposed to be
hunting this wolf, Anna. It isn't your flock the wolf eats from."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Madeline, you have access to the
Flash Blossom." Anna's calm had left. "You know how to
get a hold of the right dyes for the shrouds. You receive daily
deliveries from the church green house. You could be getting blue
lilies for all I know."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"You risk your right to learn to
catch this wolf, even. Such a huntress is you, Anna."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Are you my wolf?" Anna was
back in her body. Her fingers instictively drew her knife and she
pounced on top of Madeline. "Are you my wolf?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Anna!" Brishah had been
watching and drew her own knife.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna wasn't listening. "The
possibility is there, Madeline. You could have dressed as a White
Maiden to lure the child mumes away, used the flash blossom in one of
your sick rituals, and hidden the body in shrouds dye with your blue
dyes. Did you kill those children?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Madeline's eyes still never left the
spot on the wall. "Read me and find out."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna dove into Madeline's eyes.</div>
Grimwithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00091526695062339656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-599250555951455014.post-88621018097918024932012-11-10T14:46:00.000-08:002012-11-10T14:46:01.562-08:00Lily Ripper 09
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
---</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The rest of the day was mostly
uneventful. Anna spent some time at the Analow Library which, she
learned with interest, was taking up the business of copying and
trading books with a Felf Library to the south. Likely it was the
same town Drate lives, she thought. Later she met Cherry again at a
diner where they serve really good Leaf Juice by the pitcher. Cherry
had nothing new to report, but did say that Mrs. Mellowond was
getting better and Cherry gave the name of a heart healer that could
help. The two spent the rest of the day venturing out into back
allies looking for trouble, but only found a half drunk marf and a
flock of Ibises that stole food from the market.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The overcast broke that evening,
letting the sun paint the horizon on its way down. Cherry was
sitting in the grass and flexing her almost prehensil toes while Anna
brushed Ibis feathers off her uniform. "Why are we here,
Goldy?" Cherry could pull apearently pull both her knees to her
chest and not fall over. Anna never seen her do that before.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I'm here to meet a friend,
Cherry. You should go and climb a building or whatever it is you
do."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"But Gooooldy," Cherry Wined,
"I'm bored and stuff always happens when you're around."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"No, you'll spook my friend."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Who? Madeline?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna narrowed her eyes and glanced at
Cherry, then toward where Cherry was looking. Madeline half hide
herself behind a white tree, assessing the setup. "Cherry,
Madeline Fallbringer. Miss Fallbringer, this is Cherry Wondermume."
Madeline was cautious, but Anna saw she had a cylinder shaped pouch
in hand. "Good. If you don't mind me asking, where do you keep
it?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I do mind." The alchemist
gave Cherry and Anna equal staring time. "As an achemist, I
tell no one where my stores are. Components are hard enough to come
by without threat of theft."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Fair enough. Follow me. Cherry,
you stay here."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Aw, come on!" Cherry kicked
like a brat.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"No. You're not old enough to
know these things." A lie. Cherry was older than Anna by 5
seasons.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Fine, MOM!" Her arms
crossed, Cherry moped until Anna and Madeline had been gone for a
good while. By the time Anna return with the pouch, the sun had
fully set and Cherry was on the roof of the mess hall.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"By the Nine Gods, how did you end
up there?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Donno. I got bored so I climbed
something. I don't think it was the tree, cuz I don't remember
jumping. What's that?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna held up the pouch. "A secret
for a secret."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Cherry pounced down to the ground and
tackled Anna. "That's petal, isn't it!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"What? No!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Yes it is!" Cherry pulled
the pouch loose and opened it to reach inside.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Cherry, DON'T!" Cherry
yalped loudly and pulled her hand out quickly. She dropped the pouch
and busied herself shaking her hand and hopping up and down in pain.
"Aw, you spilled it."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
On the ground as a glowing blue
orchid-like flower. No stems, just the flower itself. As the grass
brushed it there was a small crackle of energy. Anna tightened her
gloves before handling the flower carefully and placing it back in
the pouch which, in fact, had a glass container holding more of the
stuff inside. "You're wearing linen gloves, Cherry. They won't
protect you from this."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Tear of pain and surprise still hung at
the corner of Cherry's eyes. "What is that?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"None of your nevermind."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Well my never mind hurts like a
beast. I haven't felt that kind of sting since I threw that nest of
bees in a pub of sailors." Cherry stopped to giggle at the
thought. "Good times."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"This," Anna held up the
pouch, "is flash blossom."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"What blossom?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
On the way to another pub, Anna
explained. "In alchemy, from what I understand of it, there are
only about seven or eight flowers holding very unusual properties.
The least subtle of these is the flash blossom, which holds a tiny
bit of lightning. Many seasons ago, it was deemed contraband by the
City Council since, at the time, the only use that could be found for
it was to cause pain on another. Many of the apothacaries protested
its ban, claiming the uses were many and untapped, but the council
held firm. So, now, all stores, except the most heavily guarded, are
purged of flash blossom, making it impossible to find."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"But Madeline had some?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Of course. The church is its own
state. City Laws do not apply, so she keeps as much as she needs for
her experiments. It certainly wouldn't do for her to go telling the
city she keeps a store of it, but it's not illeagal for her to own.
It IS illeagal for us to have where we are, because we're off church
grounds."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Cherry cocked her head to one side.
"What do you need it for, Goldy? You're not gonna punish
someone with it, are you?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna shrugged. "I don't."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Huh?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I don't need it. I'll put it
aside in case I do, but I'm a Red Guard. If it came to it, I could
hurt anyone I choose in the name of the church and make them like it
to boot. This," she swung the pounch in front of Cherry again,
"is only so I could prove a point. That the stuff can be
purchased, tho not for gold this time. That brings a bigger question
to mind, of course. Why didn't Madeline need gold?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Cherry Guzzed a full glass of tea and
wiped her lips. "Yeah, that's right. You researchers hardly
get any allouance. You're...what do you Red Guard call it?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Bottom tier, Cherry. We're
privets in the eyes of the High Priestess. Just soldiers."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Yeah." Cherry put her hands
on her hips. "So Maddy didn't take gold, huh? She'd need gold
more than anyone just to get crazy alchemy stuff. You should ask her
about it or something."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Not yet. Don't you bring it up
either, Cherry. I've no kind of leverage to confront her, but I
will."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"At least your not thinking of
Lily anymore."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Oh yes I am. Lily Ripper uses
flash blossom, too." Cherry spit her drink out. "Oh yes."
Cherry could only stare at her friend. "The beast I'm hunting
is clever, but its weakness is the exotic nature of its killings.
Lily Ripper isn't just a murderer, but the most fiendish of torturers
as well. If I'm right, and I hope I'm not, this pouch contains the
murder weapon before the cuts are even made to the body."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Cherry swollowed hard. "Is...Madeline
Lily Ripper?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna looked down. "I don't know."
Her eyes focused on the pouch. "I know that remains of flash
blossom were left on a few of the victims, but that doesn't mean
Madeline put it there."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"What's the problem. You think
this flower killed the girls; She's got this flower; Let's go club
her over the head with a tree branch."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna reached out for her friend's hand.
"Stop, Cherry, and think. If you find a mume stabbed with a
knife, would you arrest everyone who owned a knife? The blossom is
rare in Annalow, it's true, but that doesn't mean anything. For
example, a Red Guard skulking around the Stone and Gold district one
morning would certainly attract attention. Madeline is also battle
scared from alchemy fires. No child would go with her without a
question or notice." Anna placed her face in her hands, running
the variables through her head. "The only thing I know for sure
about Lily is they are, without question, a Mume. One who delights
in the suffering of children. Such a monster is this thing I hunt.
Such a monster that is leave behind a miasma of black."</div>
Grimwithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00091526695062339656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-599250555951455014.post-31250582880611331062012-11-10T14:45:00.000-08:002012-11-10T14:45:04.970-08:00Lily Ripper 08
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Miasma</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna wiped her face clean, leaving only
her gold eyes red. "It's nothing." She lied. She felt
like one of Lily's victims, studdering in her head while trying to
explain. "I'll be fine." After placing the book back on
her desk, Anna reached under and pulled open a small draw hidden in
the desk. Inside was a pipe with a long stem and a pounch and
tenderstick. "I'll be fine." She said again, more to
herself this time.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Cherry was unconvinced. Her friend was
clearly shuttered for some reason. This would have to be remedied
now. "Come with me, Goldy."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"No. report first, then what
ever." Anna poked a flowery ground into the pipe and lit up.
"Did you find Beatrix?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Yeah." Cherry frowned at
the pipe, but tried to shrug it off. "It was heart breaking,
Goldy! That poor womume lost her daughter. She was a mess! Good
thing I was there with the Mango, too!" Anna Choked on a puff,
but motioned for Cherry to go on. "So, first I had to find the
poor girl, right? And that wasn't hard cuz' I know all the mentors
in the church, what with me being mentor, and ran into Queensby, this
Maiden that teaches calender and rhetoric, right?" Anna thanked
the pipe for helping her focus. Cherry's words tumbled out faster
and faster like a run away cart going down the great ramp. "Then
I was like 'Hey, do you know a Beatrix or something?' and she's like
'Beatrix! I LOVE Beatrix! But, like, she's not been in class for
ages and ages and that's not good 'cuz she like rhetoric, but oh
well.' Right? And..." So Cherry chattered on...</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The Jist of her story was this:
Beatrix' teachers sent Cherry to her mother who was still distraught
over the loss of her daughter. In fact, the house slaves, seeing
Cherry was a White Maiden, quickly welcomed her in and brought her to
the mother's bed chamber where the the womume ranted and sweat and
screamed. After calming her down, Cherry was able to get something
of the story from her. Beatrix had disappeared one morning while
playing at the neighborhood fountain.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Wait, Cherry." Anna
interrupted. "What district was this?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Northwest. Um...The Stone and
Gold district, I think."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"The rich district? Huh."
Someone would have noticed a dark clad fellow intent on murder in the
morning there. "Continue."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Well..." Cherry told about
how she consoled the poor grieving womume and how she obsessed over
finding her daughter. Eventually the mother stationed herself at the
morgue office and refused to be moved. The borc who ran the office,
Duffworm's employer, brought food and water for the mother. The very
night of the murder, when Beatrix' body was found, the Mother
recognized the child and fainted. Since then her house slaves had
been taking care of her. Cherry used her own training to help ease
the pain of loss and gave the peeled mango to the mother. "It
was the first thing she'd eaten since finding her daughter, Goldy!
Imagine!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"The very night of the murder?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Yeah! She was like 'Lily has
her! I know it!' and on and on. I haven't entered a mind in a long
time, Goldy, but that poor womume was all tangled up in her head! I
was tempted in spending the night, but I wanted to tell you this
stuff first, you know?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna leaned back and took a long draw
from the pipe to ponder this new loose end. It might had been
nothing, but it was still worth investigating. "Good."
Anna said, half lidded. She felt the purple haze behind her. Not
quiet in a cloud, yet, but enough to think. "You did good,
Cherry."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Goldy, come with me."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Hmm?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Just come with me."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Why? What's wrong?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Cherry yelped in agravation, tore off
her veil, and pulled her red hair. "Mandra blast this miasma of
black! Lily is wrong, Goldy!" Cherry's eyes were light brown
and angry. She used them to pin Anna against her chair before she
talked. "This Lily Ripper is black stuff. It's like the bottom
of a well or the Jails of Gore below. It's black stuff, Goldy, and
it's wrecking you! Look at yourself! You're on the petal again!
And you've been crying! You don't DO these things anymore!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Don't I?" Anna looked at
the end of her pipe. Anna had not told her friend about her trips to
the Pleasure house.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"No." Cherry was firm. "You
don't. Now put that pipe down and come with me." Anna
hesitated. The pipe was still half full. "UGH!" Like a
flash, Cherry was pulling Anna out of her chair and put her arms in a
wrestling lock. The two womumes were back to back so that Cherry
could haul her friend like a back of sand out of the office.
Cherry's bare heel dented the door, as she tried to kick it open over
Anna's protests.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Cherry! stop! My door swings
inwards!" Another grunt of protest and Anna was thrown on the
floor. Cherry pulled open the door and draged Anna out by her boots.
"Ow! Cherry! Wait. I at least have to talk to Madeline!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"It can wait!" Anna's bed
bounced off the steps of the stairs. Cherry was a full head shorter
than Anna, but she had the strength of a bull Borc.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Ow Ow Ow Ow Ow Ow! CHERRY!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
-=-=-</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In the evenings, all church womume
wandered into the baths. I'm not sure of the specifics, but the
waters are heated up very hot and let steam while everyone, after
washing of course, gets in and soaks. Baths are nothing new to
Annalow. Anna tells me, however, that the church baths are quiet
large and quiet beautiful.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
At one corner of the baths, on the Red
Guard's side and near a statue of the hero Car'dine, Anna and Cherry
sat, letting the steam unbend their brain. Anna was reclined and
thinking, the purple slipping back to be repleaced by warm mist.
Cherry sunk in the waters, just her eyes and bright red hair showing.
"I'm hunting." she explained.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"So am I." Anna told her.
"But the city hunting is different than in the wilderness,
Cherry." Cherry wasn't listening. She was planing and plotting
to grab one of the other Red Guard's ankles and pull her under. "The
traces in the dirt are easy to discern, and it you put your
imagination to work, you can see how the animal moved across the
floor. What were they doing? Which direction? Why did they turn
that way? And so on. You can even track the beast's thoughts if you
know it well en-" Anna was interupted. Cherry had settled on
her friend's ankles and puller her under.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
They fought, but not for long.
Eventually, even Cherry succumbed to the relaxing powers of the steam
and fanned herself under Car'dine's shadow. Anna spoke on. "The
traces in the city are not in the dirt, Cherry. They're in the eyes
and ears of the citizens and in the actions left behind. When a real
beast enters Annalow, one that can hide among its people, no average
hunter can bring the beast down."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"So leave it to the city guard.
That's what they're for, Goldy."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna laughed. "Oh fine job of
that, Cherry. Fine job. Look at all the lives they've saved!"
Cherry frowned. "Remember last year? When everyone was scared
and went on the Lily hunt? We were all blaming each other. Everyone
swore they found the REAL Lily this time, and the City Guard exiled a
score of Borcs, Marf, Mumes, and even a few Effee! Dispite their
efforts, Lily went on killing, and the guard looked like the pack of
fools they were."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna felt Cherry's hand on her
shoulder. A soft squeeze. "You don't have to hunt this beast,
friend."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna covered Cherry's hand with her
own. "Cherry, I was the one who discovered Beatrix."
Cherry's hand puled quickly away. "Not only that, I've seen the
Morgue reports about Lily. Seen what Lily has done. I..."
Anna swallowed hard. "I think I understand this beast I'm
hunting." Even in the hot baths, the chill shuddered through
Anna. She sunk in deeper. "I understand why Lily does these
horrible things. Lily will never stop and the city guard will never
catch them."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
--==--</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna woke up in her own bed the next
morning. The rain gave way to simple overcast, there was the distict
sound of morning chatter down stairs, and someone had left a folded
paperus over Anna's face. She sat up and read it. "G, I'm
spending the night over at the Mellowond house to help that womume.
Lighten up. -C"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna followed her morning routine,
excersize first, then breakfast, but before meditation she stopped.
There was no rain, so most would be meditating outside. Normally,
Anna found a nice spot no one knew about in the window on the second
floor, but today she had an idea. She hunted for and found Madeline
Fallbringer, researcher in Alchemy.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Madeline had Anna's thick gold locks
and pointy noise, but she was much older and chemicals had burned
some of her skin. Such a mark covered her left cheek bone. Her arms
had spots of red welted skin long healed. She knelt in meditation
next to a peach tree beside the windows of the mess hall.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna knelt in front of her and waited.
After ten or so minutes, Madeline spoke. "Yes, Miss Goldeyes?"
Neither red guard moved.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I had heard somewhere that I
could get an herb from you. As a favor, I mean."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Who had told you that?"
Madeline's face remained neutral. Was she testing Anna?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"You know how it is, Miss
Fallbringer. Someone tells someone tells someone. It doesn't
matter. I have a... Shall I say, delicate need?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Madeline finally broke into a smile.
"The Petal, Miss Goldeyes?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna's eyes widened. "Who told
you that?" She was not as cool about her question.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Someone told someone told
someone." Madeline shrugged and returned neutral. "As it
happens, we have none in stores."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"It doesn't matter much. No, what
I need is..." Anna's voice dropped to a whisper. "flash
blossom." Madeline's mouth slowly opened. Her expression was
one of slow disbelief. "Enough to make maybe a tumbler of
paint. Maybe less."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The alchemist stood up and brushed
herself off. "We have none of that either, Miss Goldeyes.
Besides, you should already know it's contraband in Annalow."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"But not the church."
Madeline was not impressed. "I can make trade, Miss
Fallbringer. Not just my services, but gold as well."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Maseline squatted in front of Anna, eye
to eye, now. Her eyes were green and serious. Was that a fleck of
purple in them? "If you want it, I'll wager you already know
WHY it isn't allowed in Annalow. What would you use it for?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Research."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The two looked hard into each other's
eyes. That was diffinately a fleck of purple. It meant that
Madeline was also smoking the petal and it wasn't laced with
something. Something not good for her. Madeline pulled away from
the stare-down. "Mandra save us, you're serious. Just what
kind of research are you doing?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I may tell you when I'm done."
Anna stood up and held her hand out. "Well?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Madeline tried to read her. Looking at
Anna's gloved hand, then back to her golden eyes. She said "Someone
told someone that you can also read minds without touching them. I
don't need gold, but I wouldn't mind knowing how you do that."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna laughed. It was a full on
surprise of joy, lacking all malevolence that Madeline had expected.
"Oh Maddy. I needed that. No no. I can't read minds like
that." She waved away the idea. "How about this."
Anna moved in closer and lowered her voice. "Someone told
someone about a place where you can find smooth petal and they take
care of you if things go bad. Would that information be of worth?"
Madeline narrowed her flawed eyes. "Petal that won't kill you
like the smoke you're already inhaling."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
There was a pause. Madeline took
Anna's hand. "Meet me here at twilight. We'll make the trade."</div>
Grimwithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00091526695062339656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-599250555951455014.post-16691577604478332972012-11-07T15:58:00.001-08:002012-11-07T15:58:02.514-08:00Lily Ripper 07
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Appendix B: Ellections</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The Foundation of Annalow, what the
church calls "The Devine Treaty" covered many things.
Perhaps in her wisdom, the Living Goddess is told to have writen the
treaty between Mume and Ixxar to stabalize the city of Annalow after
it's inisial invasion 2000 years ago. You can enter the Ixxar Grand
Hall and find an old old stone carving of the treaty to one side.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
One of the major things covered in the
treaty was the manor in which the city would be governed. It says
that governing outside of the church** for the maintenance and peace
of the City of Annalow shall be decided by a council which a
significant populous of race shall be represented. That means each
race, as long as enough of them inhabbit Annalow, will have a council
Member to represent them. In the begining, there were only five
chairs; One for Mume, One for Effee, One for Marf, and two for Ixxar
as each set of twins act as one unit and claim only one vote.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
(Margins: **The claim of the Church of
the Living Goddess is all space encapsoled by any church in any
location starting from the top of the sky to the bottom of the world.
Now that we know the world is round, that means somewhere in the
Charletine Ocean there's a bit of water the Living Goddess owns.)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Later, after the friendship between the
Mume and Borc grew, perhaps 900 years ago, enough Borc had moved into
the city to be counted as a significant number, and so we have the 5
races we know now.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The interesting part is that each races
was aloud to decide how chairs of the city council would be filled.
All five races how their own methods that are very different from one
another. Every five years, the elections are held in the winter
months so that on the first of First Spring, the new council may
enter the City Hall in a ceremony preceding a festival. I've been
privy to each race's unique method.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Borc: Most entertaining to watch.
Indeed, any Annalow citezen can pay to watch the turnaments. Borcs
get in free and much gold is exchanged in consesion stands for meat
and ale.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Each attendant places his or her name
into a couldron, and they are randomly pulled out to decide who
fights who.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
At the colosium, Borc will wrestle one
on one in elimination until there is one winner at the end. After
each battle, they're alowed 1 full days rest before they must wrestle
again. The battle continues until a. The loser taps for submition,
b. the losers bone breaks, c. The loser's knees or elbows bend in the
wrong dirrection. In rare cases of death, both combatant lose.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
After the fight, the wining attendant
get's their name back to be put back in after they've rested. The
entire turnament takes about three weeks and never more than the last
winter month.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I've seen exactly 3 matches. They're
quite fun.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Effee: Effees, though slave races, are
not exempt from the treaty, but are still a slave race. They are
picked, suposedly by Mandra herself, to be places on the council.
Speaking as an woeffee, I can say we've never had a problem for this
for two reasons. 1. We understand the Church wishes to be
represented on the city council, being that they're such a large draw
of business and culture of the city. 2. More importantly, even if
the council-effee is a plant by the church, they have still always
ruled in favor of Effee safty and lessened the abuse to all slaves
over the centuries.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Council seats held by Effees are for
life. They begin as aprentice of the council-effee, of which are
choosen by the council effee from the stock of slaves the church
holds. Then, the legend is, after 10 years of working for the
council-effee, they aproach Mandra and one of the slaves is taken as
successor. When the council-effee names that successor, the council
recognizes that in the event of the current Effee's death, the
successor will take over.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
One would think there would be a year
when the council Effee would die with no successor over the last 2000
years, but it has never happened. In fact, every council-effee in
the written history of Annalow has worked under the council-effee
before they die between 20 and 25 years.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Marf: They are mysterious to me, the
Marf. Their political system is a strange mess of written word and
printings. From what I understand, there are 7 guilds under the city
that produce 1 Canidate each who hold 7 rallies in a great hall
explaining their goals for the future of building under Annalow and
how the Marf are protected by laws. Then there's one day and night
as all canidates gather and debate. During this time only Marf and
honored guests may join the debates.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I must say, I could not keep up with
the complexities of every subject they talk about, but the bulk of it
was use of rescources and something about further excavations. The
rest just seemed like random bableing, but everyone except myself and
other visitors apparently knew what was going on.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
After that, the Marf are given 1 day to
produce a list of their favorite canidates in order from first to
seventh. Ballots are tallied...then...something happens...and a
winner emerges. In the begining, I'm told, there were only 3 guilds,
but now there are seven and all of them have had equal time on the
city council.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Mume: Of all the short lived
traditions the Mumes have held, thrown away, reclaimed, and altered,
this is the one that has maintained it's shape religiously over the
last 2000 years. It's a kind of popularity contest, I think, but it
has some benifits and even my Ixxar masters have uttered some
apraisal to it's simplicity.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
First, one stone bead is made for every
mume by the Marfs funded by the city itself. The beads aren't
anything special, except that they all weigh the exact same amount
and are engraved with a eye of Mandra at the top. Then they are
offered at the begining of the winter months. Anyone may show up and
claim 1 bead from City hall during the first week of First Winter.
Five White Maidens watch over the beads to make sure no one takes
more than one. Even child Mumes are allowed a bead, but must come
themselves to claim it, and without the help of any others. "Old
enough to walk? Old enough to vote." As the saying goes.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
For the next three months, it is up to
each candidate to convince the Mumes in anyway they can to donate
their beads at the end of winter. Some spread the word of how
awesome they are. Some go and buy drinks for whole pubs. Some go
door to door. Some get their families to vote for them. It goes on
and on.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
One hand of days from the start of
spring is voting day for the Mumes. Exactly five days. On that day,
from sun rise to sun set, the canidates (that is anyone who wishes to
become elected before voting day) may stand in City hall and collect
beads. White Maidens, again, are stationed to make sure Mumes only
drop one bead. At the end, the beads are weighed and the winner is
held. If there is a tie, the remaining candidates have to drink lots
and lots of wine. The last one to pass out wins***.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
(Margins: I want to stipulate that
this is a written rule that's 2000 years old! The founders of the
city decided this!)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
After that, all mumes get together and
have a huge party to celebrate the new (or same) council member,
usually also drinking until they pass out.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
On the ties, there is a legend from
long ago that speaks of a tie breaker lasting until sunset the next
hand of days. At the end, the winner died of too much drink so all
Mumes decided that the loser won anyway. She turned out to be one of
the best council-,u,es the city had ever seen and was reelected four
more times.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Ixxar: Everyone in Annalow knows the
Ixxar have a semi-secret society called "The Stasis." My
former masters had no problem with me revealing it's existence.
Everyone also knows that the Stasis decides what pair of Ixxar twins
get the seats on city council. What they don't know is I'm not sure
the Ixxar even know who's going to be elected for the Council chair.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
At the beginning of the year, on First
Spring, The Ixxar write a carefully worded letter signed with their
full name and title and submit it to the Statis for analysis. Then
members chossen by the Stasis run word for word, letter for letter,
through a system of algorithms that process via elaborate arythmatic
fifteen scores for each letter. The scores are compared by the
stasis and, without knowledge of who's score is who's, they gather
and debate the meanings of the scores and decide on 1 letter.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The entire process take exactly 11
Months. 10 of that is the arithmetic processed on the letters. On
Third Winter, the candidate for council prepares to take office, is
given the details of the seat as well as any remarkable plots and
such, and until a few yers ago, inherited myself as servant and body
guard.</div>
Grimwithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00091526695062339656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-599250555951455014.post-33269579629011728062012-11-07T15:56:00.001-08:002012-11-07T15:56:59.316-08:00Lilly Rippser 06
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Appendix A: Annalow Fashion</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Such a strange question was asked by
one of the Felf children here. The wondered what kind of cloths
people wore in Annalow. With what I know of it's history and, of
course, what I've seen, I've come to realize that Annalow is a salad
of different styles and material grown from it's place as a trade
centric city.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The primary fashion of wear seems to
stem from the tropical atmosphere and radiate like sunlight from
there. Elder Mumes will remember that tight linen, light and strong,
was the cloth of choice, and in most cases, still is. As before, a
well kept white set of trousers or dress is a sign of wealth in the
city. It's so hard to keep good cloths brightly colored and white is
the hardest. The wealthy, today, keep this tradition of tight white
cloth. The womumes I've met had said the white helps show off their
best jewlery, and oh what a love of jewels all Mume have. The poorer
mumes dye their clothes and they hang looser, some like shaws, made
to blow in the wind. This style has moved in from Jerrow island in
the north and is cheap to maintain. There's still braclets, rings,
and necklaces, but not quite as shiny. Both rich and poor womumes
like dresses that split on either or both sides of the skirt and
rejoin at the bottom to help the garment breath. It's hot and humid
in Annalow much of the time. Fresh air is the friend of all
citezens.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Mume's aside, the Ixxar tend to ware
well kept robes that fold rather than ruffle or fluff. I've taken
care of many a robe and they like each line in their garments
straight and clean. All male Ixxar wear trousers underneith and
almost no females do. Int he past, it was tradision for each set of
twin Ixxar to keep identical robes when they left their homes, but
one fashion bug or other had bitten them in the last few decades.
They now prefer the robe styles to be exact duplicates except for the
dye used, which should be off "Exactly 7 degrees off from one
another, and no more." How fortunate that thier Effee slaves
have good eye sight to detect the difference.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Speaking of Effee, they wear no
jewelery other than their slave-rings, of course. It use to be that
Effee, as slaves, had no choice in their attire, but lately they've
been given some small element of choice. Effees, being the only race
in Annalow to have true fur, prefer almost no cloths at all. Just a
simple skirt or trousers of loose and dark color to help hide the
dirt gathered from work. The woeffees do still wear dresses, but
prefer just aprons and skirts.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
A few people in Annalow dye their hair,
and the Mume are notorious for this. Mume have thick strands of
yellow blond hair that can bleach white if they spend enough time in
the sun. The farmers and sports-mume that play at the beaches away
from Annalow and return often come in wearing bright white sandy
hair. In this state, Mumes come to realize that their hair will soak
up almost every color they put into it. Any color will do, tho I've
mostly seen Green and Red. I once saw a beautiful and wealthy womume
taunt a meeting by walking in with dark blue hair. It was a taunt to
the Ixxar people because blue is a funeral color* for Annalow, but
the dye is also very expensive.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
(Margins: *It's been noticed that many
buildings in Annalow are made with bluestone. I think this is more a
nod to the Ixxar's blue skin than the funeral angle.)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Finally the Borc, who treasure might,
still like to show off their skill by wearing skins and leather made
from the animals they hunt. I'm not sure if all Borc hunt, but they
all seems to like leather and skins. Under that they enjoy Annalow
linen trousers and shirts that reach their knees and elbows. The
woborc where sleeveless dresses that split like the womume's, but
they also wear a kind of short cloak which seems to be traditional to
the borc up north.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Those being the three main kinds of
fashion, everything then starts to blur together the longer you stay,
because the Mume so love to change and express and art their way
through fashion. The Mume especially alter their cloths and you see
long sleeves slipt to help air in, or one wear a bikini top, but
thick borc pants, or a modified robe from the ixxar, or something
completely different entirely. No rules and little tradition keep
Mume fashion in place given their chaotic nature.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
You may have noticed that I've left out
the Marf from under the city. They rarely come to the surface except
on business and, tho I've seen them and met only a couple, their
attire tend to mimic the borc. They like thick cloth, but everything
else is a match, even their purchase of leather. One day I may visit
them in the catacombs of Annalow, if the master would accompany me,
and learn more of them, but I actually know very little.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The only time I've seen the Marf
celebrate was during the rain storms. We from Annalow don't talk
about it. Or try to remember it. And we try to forget that it
happens. Ever.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
Grimwithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00091526695062339656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-599250555951455014.post-78381633975653511632012-11-06T10:27:00.000-08:002012-11-06T10:27:43.276-08:00Lilly Ripper 05<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Cherry Bomb</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The way the ebony tower is build and
lived in by the Church of the Living Goddess is like a large communal
apartment. The bottom floor is a complex mixtures of teaching areas
and wellness centers where the White Maidens have taken over. Below
that and deep into the catacombs of the plateau are dungeons
reassigns to varius tasks, but the deeper level serve their original
purpose of imprisonment and occasional torture. Above and into the
trunk of the tower, the White Maidens give way for the Red Gaurd,
then a mix, then...who knows? The results of this mixture is that,
although the Red and White Heart Magi seperate themselves in task and
organization, they mingle socially.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
One of the teaching rooms that Anna
approached had much music drumming through it. Strings were plucked
and skins were beat. When Anna opened the door, she wasn't surprised
to see children dancing is semi-unison to the music. Music also
created by children. On the stage with the young band was a White
maiden who had a wide smile and white hair dyed dark red. Anna
leaned on the inside of the doorway and watched.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Right, now Jump! Really Jump!
Who can touch the ceiling? Ooo! Ooo! I can!" The Maiden
hopped higher than all but one of the children. Effee kids were good
jumpers.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The class was primarily Mume kids with
a few Borc and a few more Effee. The borcs were not graceful, but
everyone was into the rythem and having fun. That's what Cherry did
best. Teach people to have fun.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Tandy, twirl your wrist when you
spin. Bum Bum Bum Boom!" When the first kind fell Cherry
followed, and then the rest of the class, probably thinking it was
part of the dance. "Okay, guys! I think we've had enough."
Giggle Cherry, cutting off the band with a gloved movement. "Take
a second to catch your breath and it's totally good today. Hey, how
about you guys try this move with each other? I'll see you all next
week. Ooo, lights." Chery fell on the floor looking at the
candles on the desk. They wern't lit. It was still morning. Anna
had no idea what lights Cherry meant.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The kids passed by Anna after a good
rest. Some stared at Anna's uniform, and a mume boy stopped. "Is
Maiden Cherry in trouble?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna held back a laugh. "Yeah.
She's exceeded her fun quota today. We're planing on exiling her."
The boy looked shocked and ran off.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Goldy! I would recognize that
voice under water!" Cherry didn't get up. "Quick, throw
me a banana! I need to peel something and soon!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"There are no fruit here, Cherry."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"An orange then!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"There's no fruit, Cherry."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"A lime?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Cherry, there's no fruit.
There's no fruit here, Cherry."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Cherry sprang up, reinvigorated by the
half minute rest. She pounced Anna gracefully until they collided
and then not so gracefully. She hovered over a surprised Anna and
declared, "I need to peel something! You have to help me peel
something! Let's go!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I've heard a few stories about Cherry
and what she was like. Anna met Cherry a long time ago when she was
still training to be a Red Gaurd. Anna had a difficult time that
after noon and was crying in the locker room, nursing her bruises
next to a window.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Why are you crying?" word
from the window. Anna was so astonished she stumbled off the benches
and back up against the wall. Peeking her head over the seal was
Cherry, small and wirey. A little Mume girl in a white gown. She
didn't have her veil, yet.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Wha- Bu- What?" Anna
stammered, too surprised to wipe the blur from her eyes.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Stop that crying." Cherry
climbed into the window and purched like a cat on the edge. "It's
an awesome day! You gotta save your tears for rainy days, you know?
Well I know, anyway. Hold still." Cherry pounced on Anna and
used a tare from her dress to blot her eyes. "Stop strugling.
Hey, do you know one of the Priestesses? I'm looking for a
Priestess."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"How are you here!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Cherry stuck her tongue out. "I
climbed through the window. That one." She pointed to her
point of entry. "It's used to look at the sky. See?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"But...We're 6 stories high!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I know! You Red'ies have to keep
your priestesses on the lower levels." I was told that no one
except Cherry reffers to Red Guard as "Red'ies."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
From that point on, Anna and Cherry
were friends, and good thing, too. Cherry would'a had a hard time
explaining to the Red Gaurd why she decided to climb straight up the
Ebony Tower if Anna hadn't help sneak her back down.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And now, Cherry was grown up,
Red-headed, and juggling apples. "I can't peel these apples!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Please, Ma'am!" The
merchant outside the church was struggling to grab his fruit back.
"Don't touch without buying!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Oh, don't be a sticky stuck stick
thing, Harrad!" Oh, thought Anna. This wasn't a first offense.
"I'll buy your lousy non-peelable apples, but I want something
I can peel."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I don't have something you can
peel! Uh...Uh...What about Grapes! People peel grapes! You!
You're Red Guard! You can help!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna Shrugged and put up her hands.
"Leave me out of this."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Grapes Grapes Grapes. I don't
have finger nails to peel grapes. Is that a Mango? Where did you
get a mango?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"No no. That's my lunch.
Uh...Very bad Mango. You don't want that." Cherry wasn't
listening. She was reaching in and adding the Mango to the swirl of
juggled fruit. "No. No, come on, Maiden. It's my lunch!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I'll give your a full gold piece
for these apples and that mango. Goldy, pay the good merchant."
Anna dug five bits out of her purse and planted them on the
merchant. Under that white veil, Anna could swear she saw her
friend's eyes flash. "Thank you, Miss Red Guard Person.
Catch!" That left two apples and a Mango which Cherry held with
her gown. "Goldy, you don't come see me anymore." Cherry
walked away with direction.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"You're not mad, are you?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Darn toot'n, I'm mad. Hey you!
Catch!" Cherry threw an apple fast at the head of a City Gaurd.
He caught it with ease and started eating.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Thanks, Cherry."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Cherry walked in a new direction
chattering. "You go off in one of your mopey fits and leave me
behind, Goldy. Or worse, your little research runs and I'm thinking
'I'll wager two weeks allowance she's swinging from a vine from the
ceilings of the docks!' Well I wanna swing from the ceiling too,
Goldy! Why not me?!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I'm not swinging from anything,
Cherry."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Ooo! Are you swashbuckling? I
don't even know what that means, but I'll bet it's fun! I heard it
from a librarian! CATCH!" The last apple arched toward a
hapless Effee, tossing wash water out someone's back door. It
thudded on his chest and fell into the wash bin.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Thank you, Mistress Cherry!"
The effee yelled as Cherry turned a new direction.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Eat you're apple, Goldy. Looks
like they can be dangerous today." Cherry gnawed on the mango,
tearing a grip in the skin.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"You're supposed to cut them in
half first, Cherry."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"No knife. So what'cha do'n here,
Goldy? We gonna party?! I love parties! Except your smoke parties.
Those are dull. How about a contest! Who can guzzle the most Borc
wiskey without throwing up!" Gnaw gnaw gnaw.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna passed her a knife from her hip.
"No, I'm working on something. Something important, but secret.
If you could, I might need your help. Can I trust you to keep your
lips shut?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Huh?" Cherry was half
gnawing on the skin, hanf poking, not stabbing, the mango with Anna's
knife. "Yeah, sure." She turned attention from the Mango.
Her eyes opening wider than before. "Are we going on an
Adventure, Goldy?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The spring mist returned. It was the
monsoon trying to drive the ocean onto the plateau again, but failing
as rain. Soon enough, another storm would come. Anna sat in her
office, Duffworm's books in her lap and a hot cup of Bean Juice, a
gift from Drate, on the table.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The first book was titled "Anatomy
of the Dead, Volume 14, Spring of 2003ADZ by Arrat Duffworm,
Mortician." And the second was labled "Victims of Lily
Ripper, Spring of 2003 -" with nothing else.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna sighed and closed her eyes,
opening Volume 14 first. The thick paperus bound in leather showed
detailed and gruesome images of body after body. Race, Gender, and
age followed no patern and each sketch was accompanied by notes, most
in Ixxar, common tongue to Annalow, some in Borc'ish. Diagrams and
notations pointed out depth of certain wounds or discoloration of the
skin, some with notes like "probably an accident" or
"Illness of the liver? Check with library." A few were
clearly marked with "Murder. Tell City Guard."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Then the little girl showed up. Her
name was "Unidentified." and she died in Mid-Spring, found
in a back alley. Notes point to certain figures a through d.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"The child was drained nearly of
all blood before her entrails were removed. Unusual. Point a shows
her throat cut to remove the blood, but not all. Some had spilled on
the cloth under her. Point b shows where the first cut was made.
Knife used was probably dull. hole cut crudely around the belly to
pull out organs from point c to point d. Why? Point f shows the
girl had something in her fingers. Imprint of the knife? Note, Ask
Felfkin his opinion. Never seen anything equal to this."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna turned the pages past a few dead
men, then found another of Lily's girls. Her name was "Tanyay
Dropkin."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Same blue cloth. Same flower in
her mouth. Less blood this time. All cuts were made after blood was
drained. Blood loss cause of death? Liver pulled out of hole in
belly at point a. Carved and spred into a star shape with stars cut
into points b, c, d, e, f, h, and i. Some cut in throat at point j
where blood was drained. Knife used was much sharper this time.
Must be same as Unidentified on page 15. Holy Bear, what could do
this kind of work?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Only a few pages until the end of the
book. No more children.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna put down the Bean Juice and
shuddered. Looking through the history was like the first time she
saw the body of poor Beatrix. These girls weren't mume children to
UnSub, but canvuses. In UnSub's twisted mind, these girls were
things to carv into art. Anna wiped her eyes and moved on to the
next book. The opening paged read,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Check volume 14 of the Anatomy of
the Dead for other bodied like these. It is clear to me, Arrat
Duffworm, that this is all done by the same murderer." An arrow
points in from the margins. "Lily Ripper." It continues,
"On suggestion of my frined, Drte Felfkin, I've begun keeping
these notes seperate from the other bodies for ease of reference. In
the Holy Bear's name, I prey these pages will be few."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
They weren't few. There were 18 to 19
pages, each like the girls in the other volume. As the pages turned,
there was less blood and more elaborate carvings and use of organs as
decoration. The canvus focused on the torso, with few exceptions
where vine work of plants or texturing bleed figuratively down the
arms and legs of the victims. In an early case, there was a strange
note "Weird blue stuff under finger nails at point e. It stings
to touch it, but it washes off easy." And another "Traces
of blue stuff again at point a. What is this? Library has no
knowledge. Stings to touch with bare hands. Glowing?" Anna
closed the book slowly. Blue stuff that stings when touched and may
glow in the dark. She knew what that was and shook at it's
implications.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
A knock on the door sent a jolt through
Anna who dropped the book on the floor. "Enter!" Anna
stumbled to grab Duffworm's notes. Cherry peeked in. "Oh dear
Mandra, that was SOO sad. Goldy? Are you okay?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"What? Sure, why wouldn't I be?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Because you're crying."</div>
Grimwithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00091526695062339656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-599250555951455014.post-56950537738456048312012-11-05T10:26:00.006-08:002012-11-05T10:26:43.813-08:00Lily Riper 04
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Blue and Green</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Annalow is a laid back city, dispite
how chaotic it can be. This is due to the unusually healthy
weather, most of the year, and a strong Mume love of life that
penitrates the attitudes of citizens and visitors alike. Traders,
tho warey of the womumes (what with the females being the only magi
allowed) find their wares generally apreciated and always feel safe,
even in the seedier parts of town. It's this literal love of life,
the energy of life and souls, that fills that atracts so much
business and gold from all over Mash'ta.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So it is little wonder why the dead and
dying are hidden away from even the Mumes. Everyone knows the dead
are buries outside of city walls. Wakes last for hours as the body,
wraped tight in a shroud and hidden from the mourners, is carried by
the Mume's best friends and family down one side of the great ramp
that leads south from the impossible plateau. Many traders set camps
at the base of the ramp, but they know to part ways for the dead.
The only other cemetery in Annalow was in the Docks. No one goes
that anymore.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Where are the bodies kept until then,
or cared for, or wrapped in shroud? The single and only morgue of
Annalow, located in a disused dungeon at the south-east edge. It's
walls are slick with humidity and the stone is a sickly blue and
green that flickers with the lamp or candle used to light the way.
No source of light hangs from the walls, an anomaly Anna notice when
she visited. She had to suply her own lantern as she steps downward
into the slick sick place.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna was no stranger to the complex
catacombs and tunnles that wound like roots into the plateau. It had
saved her life once or twice knowing how to get from the top to the
docks without taking the normal side ramp. Still, this area of the
dungeons she had not entered, nor did she want to now. This place
smelled dead. It felt like something rotting.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Arrat Duffworm was not unknown to Anna.
A pale Borc who stood a couple heads taller than herself and covered
in more hair that she'de like to remember. She had met him after my
rescue during the last murder investigation my master had conducted.
Some may say the First investigation Annalow had ever seen. Anna
remember Duffworm being a bit unkeped, and seeing him around the
corner, he hadn't changed a bit in twelve seasons. His think fingers
carefully worked a quill in an unpublishable book. He was making
notes, it seemed, about the body now on the slab next to him.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
His unnaturally large er twitched as
Anna entered the dread room. He turned and smiled with big yellow
teeth. "My word. Another one, eh? Well, I don't got a but one
chair." He droped the quill, hastely messed with his hair, and
pushed a chair toward Anna. "Er...Hope ya' don't mind the mess.
I don't get but two visitor's a year an' now it' seems I filled my
quota! Kind'a disapoint'n, you know? Noth'n to look forward to
until next winter, I guess." Anna carefully examined the chair
before sitting down. No telling what gore could be found there.
"Well, I says to Betrum, here. That's this fellow. I says
'Wonder what that last one wanted?' She was 'bout your height, too.
You got a sister?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"No." Anna lowered the flame
in her lantern before placing on the floor.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Oh, where are me manners?"
The pale borc wiped ink and...something onto his leather apron and
held his hand out to shake. "Arrat Duffworm, Ma'am. At yer'
service, I am." Anna thanked Mandra she was forced to wear
leather gloves as she accepted the hand. "My word, a Red Guard?
Seems like yer' in the wrong place 'ere, Ma'am. All these fellows is
dead. No souls to read. Er..." Anna gave him a look of
discomfert. "...well, you know your business, Ma'am."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I'm Anna Goldeyes, Mr. Duffworm.
We met a few years ago." Duffworm pulled his beard, looking at
the cieling for the memory. "You knew Drate Felfkin?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Ah, well why didn't you says so.
Me an' Drate are still trading letters! Mind you, I have no ideer'
how he replies so fast. You'd think he still lived in Annalow, but I
know that couldn't be." Anna knew, but she was sworn to
secrecy. Red Guard's discretion.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna looked at the body on the slab,
forcing herself not to look away. This wasn't just to take in the
details, but like with the dead child, Heart Magi forced themselves
not to run from horrible things. Looking at the dead stung, like a
bee in her brain, but it was a sensation and another word for Heart
Mage is 'Sensate.' "Who was he?" The words quivered a
little as she spoke.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
'Who, this fellow? See for yourself,
you should." Duffworm motioned to Betrum. He was a naked and
pale dead borc, almost as big as Duffworm, with purple at the bottom
of the slab, veining upword a quarter way to his front side. "See
them spots?" Duffworm pointed at his face. "I seen them
spots before. It's a type of poison, see? No need to cut'em open
this time. He were workin' with somethin' ta' help tan hides, is
what I think. They use some nasty stuff to cure leather and I think
he were just exposed to too much too quick. He's not the first."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"What's this purple under him?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"It's blood, Ma'am."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Please, just Anna will be fine."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Anna then." Duffworm
flashed a yellow smile again. "See, when a bloke dies, the
heart stops, it do. An all that blood ain't got nowhere to go but
down. Well, see, it pools at the bottom of the body, unless it been
drained out properly. Normally, once I get'em, I make a point to
make a cut here." He pointed at the back of Betrum's knees,
"Sometimes other places, and I drain 'em first."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Why?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Well, er...to slow down the
rotting, you see? I know you mumes don't like thinking 'bout it, but
you die and you rot. The blood rots first, 'cuz it's moist-like.
Flies and the like enjoy moisture. I think their's something else to
it 'cuz bodies rot even without the blood, but I'm still work'n on
it, you see? Anyway, Betrum, here, died and stayed dead a while as
no one noticed he were gone, so now his underside's all brused, see,
an' that's the purple coloring."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Did you get the body of a little
girl in the other day?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Duffworm looked away. "Oh.
You're here for her, are you?" He homed and hawed for a bit.
"I seen all the girls Lily Ripper gives me, I do."
Something dawned on Duffworm. Something big and he smiled just as
big, turning to Anna. "Why of course. You're a Red Guard, you
are. You're here to catch Ol' Lily!"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Um..." Anna stood up.
"Don't...tell anyone, will you? Technically, I'm not here."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Oh right." the borc raised
an eyebrow. "I suppose you's someone else, you is. Well, no one
talks to me anyhow. Still," He shown his yellow teeth again.
"It'd be nice to see fewer children in here. Help me get Betrum
onto the cart and I'll show you the young missy."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
A messy affair, moving a dead body.
Anna had never touched one before and disliked the feeling. She and
Duffworm maneuvered the cart through some of the darker hallways into
a room who's walls were lined with death shrouds folded on shelves.
"The Shroud room, obviously." Said Duffworm before
motioning Anna onward.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
A few twists and turns and Duffworm was
leading her into cooler and dryer dungeons. That same sickly blue
and green colored the walls. "You lot can read minds, eh?"
Anna nodded, afraid speaking would force her to suck in more dead
air. "I don't think it'd work, but you ever try read'n the
minds of the dead?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"There's no soul there anymore,
Mr. Duffworm. Nothing to read."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Aw well, just ask'n."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The shine of the walls disapeard
completely when they were done climbing downwards. Duffworm lead her
to a large room filled with shelves and dead bodies. All of them
children. Anna's reaction was one of unutterable horror. She spun
around in the doorway and ran down the hall.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So much death. It was hard enough to
look at the one girl, but all of them were children. Borc, Mume,
Ixxar, Effee, all races, it seemed. All dead and all small. Gastly
images. Some in shrouds so with just sheets. All dead. All dead.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The spit of vomit bleed between Anna's
fingers. She just realized she almost threw up into her hands. The
Borc was leaning over her, seeing if she was okay. How long had he
been there? There was something over her shoulders. A sheet? Was it
a shroud? Thank Mandra, it was only a coat.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna looked up. The borc had enough
time to go and get some leaf-juice brewed. He was offering her a
cup. She had just realized she'd been sitting up against a wall.
"Ma'am? It ain't get'n any hotter." Her fingers were
shaking. Anna took off her gloves and grasped the cup. "S'aright.
I thought you lot were all soildures and the like. I should'a
warned you. It can get a might grim in there."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"How many?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Not many, this year. Mostly
Lily's do'n with the kid's room. Here." Duffworm held out a
hankercheif. Anna looked at him confused. "For your eyes,
Ma'am." Her fingertips told her she'de been crying. For how
long? It would be a bigger blow to her ego, but she thought even
Major Eleanor would have collapsed at that sight. "Sorry, Miss
Anna. Folks die. Young folk die, too. You...uh...sure you wanna
see the girl's body?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna shut her eyes and reaffirmed her
focus. Cup down, gloves on, wipe the tears away, Anna. You're a Red
Guard, for Mandras sake. "Yes. I have to."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I'll just fetch the poor thing,
then..."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"No. I'll go in with you."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Duffworm sized her up. Meeting her
deturmined look with a nod he said "Right."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The morgue was lit just with Anna's and
Duffworms two lanterns. Anna pushed herself to look. First with
just one, then the other. It was a kind of mental atricioun. She
kept reminding herself that these wern't just lumps of meat, they
used to be children. They were the reason people like Lily had to be
stopped. The reason she developed her art. The disgust she had
before turned to anger and she was ready.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Over here, Ma'am." Duffworm
was in the corner of the room back a ways. All the shelves held
little mume girls mostly bound in a shroud. "My boss and I
tried to tell people to claim their dead, but with Lily Ripper's
girls...er...well few get claimed."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"The mother's don't come to bury
their children?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I think it's mostly they don't
know about this place, Ma'am. Or they're afraid. You're the first
to be in this room, but I thought you should see the other girls,
what with your hunting Lily an' all." Anna nodded. "This
here is the most reacent." Duffworm slowly lifted the sheet
from one of the girls. It was the body Anna had already seen, a sun
flower carved in flesh still on her chest, but...</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Where's the flower stem?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"You meant he gut-rope? Oh, I
tucked that back in. Not right it hang'n out like that."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"And the other girls?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Right." Duffworm uncovered
two other girls. "These is the one's that weren't claimed, Miss
Anna. Tomorrow, I'll wrap em up to be buried, too. Pity we don't
know their names. Er...You should know that this recent one, she's
already been seen by her mother."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"And what's her name?'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Beatrix Mellowond. Mrs.
Mellowond told us that yesterday." Duffworm sighed away a
frown. "At least she'll get a proper send off."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna took a closer look at the other
two girls. Designs on the skin were clear and geometric. "Look,"
she said, pointing at one of the girls, "the skill to do this pattern. This is a ship on it's side."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Er...Yeah. Lily usually goes for
flowers, like on Miss Mellowond, here."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"And this. I've seen painters
work with less precision. The cuts are perfect."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Imagine she got a lot of practice
with the knife."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Not just any knife, Arrat. A
very very sharp knife. The movements are fast and sure, like
caligrafy, and the depth of the cut. I don't see any purple around
them, but there must have been blood pooling, like you said."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Er...no. None of these girls
came with a drop of blood. Only the first one, Ma'am."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anna spun to face Duffworm. "How
do you remember that?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Well, I keep notes, don't you
know?" Of course. He was writing when she entered. "An
after the first couple of bodies, I started a book just on Lily
Ripper. Her work does stand out a bit."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I wonder...Do you..." Anna
hesitated. She would be too lucky if, "Do you keep diagrams of
the cuts?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Oh yes, Ma'am. Ever since I
begun studying anatomy and what not." Yellow teethy smile
again. "An if'n you can stomp down this Lily person, you can
keep the book."</div>
Grimwithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00091526695062339656noreply@blogger.com0