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Writer
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 27
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Blood of the Faustus
Just a story I've been working on. Warning: May be offensive. Hopefully nothing too strong, though, but just in case...
Copyright © Collin McGuire
Prologue
A winged figure passes over the city of Wildcard. Only the flash of neon lights in the distance cast aside the shadows of the ever-restless night. The ebony wings of a raven are carried by the wind, as it touches down upon the roof of Kashtar’s Inn and drags its talons scraping along. Thick mists roll through cobblestone streets, muffling the pounding of hooves and the rolling of carriages that resound from beyond. Scarlet eyes gaze back at the stars for only a moment as if lost in deep contemplation.
The raven peers into the lighted windows. Its gaze lingers longingly upon an emerald-haired young dancer as she sways in rhythm to unheard music. Not a single sway or pivot of her hips goes unnoticed. And all the while, its heart is weighed down by an inexplicable sorrow. Not even the whistling gales can keep the creature’s curiosity at bay. Beady eyes watch her without relent, as if to undress the gymnast’s flawless form.
It had played this role in secret for years. And now all that time spent in isolation was about to payoff. But this would be different from all its other tasks. This time, it would be personal. Its breast swelled with pride. All the clues it had left behind for her had been leading up to this. All she had to do was grasp the answers, and her destiny would be one step closer to completion. Every trinket she uncovered brought on another flash of a life long forgotten. It would help her piece together her memories bit-by-bit if necessary. The raven grinned up at the full moon as black clouds swirled past the glowing surface. And then, its gaze inevitably fell back to her.
My love…soon, very soon, all shall change. For you, for me, and for the entire world of Cindera. Even I cannot foretell what the future holds. But I can cling to hope, however fragile. If everything indeed happens for a reason, am I wrong to conclude all mortals are but victims of fate? If so, then I shall be the one to sever these bonds. I know it's painful, but this shall be for the best, in the long run. Under my guidance, you cannot hope to grow. I must leave you to walk your own path.
Farewell, my love. One day, our destinies will once again intertwine. I can only pray that it shall be soon.
Even death is powerless before true love.
* * *
Valerie exited the stage and cast a towel over her shoulder as beads of perspiration glistened on her skin. The large crowds of sweaty men had gathered to clap and cheer, entranced by her peerless features. The leotard clung to her skin as moisture seeped through the rose designs and the thin layer of snowy-white material that cloaked her curvaceous form. She undid the cap to a bottle of water and drank deep, before splashing it over herself without thought. Though it cooled her down instantaneously, it also drenched the fabric. Only those splotches of lacy roses hid her delicates, as the rest of the saturated fabric left her exposed to a perceptive eye. Milky skin shone through and gleamed under the lights above.
And even worse was when the leotard crawled into her unmentionables from hours of weaving about. She flushed and picked the fabric free. The emptied plastic bottle clanged into the wastebasket. But the crowd never turned away from her even for a moment. Each step she took was like a feather in the wind; so graceful it could cut through the ocean without so much as a ripple. But to Valerie, it was just another lonely night. Another meaningless excursion that failed to elevate her towards her greatest dream.
Oh, she couldn’t deny she enjoyed the work. The blissful stares that made her feel needed were mixed with the cries of adoration from her endless streams of fans. But in the end, like all she’d ever done since she’d come to the inn, it left her hollow. A part of her remained missing and refused to reveal itself. Relics from a former existence continued to appear unexpectedly all over the inn. When she touched them, tantalizing scraps of those long suppressed memories resurfaced. But they held far more questions than answers. All those relics did was taunt her, especially the cross at her breast.
She breathed a sigh of relief, eager to free herself of the white leotard that clung to her skin. Stepping from the stage, she headed towards the common room. A private table was set for her each night. The crowd followed her every movement without relenting. There were plenty of seedy joints in Wildcard. She knew that she was the only one who kept them coming back, even if her dancing was rather tame compared to what the rest of the city had to offer. But then, she wouldn’t even consider taking up work in either one of the casinos or the gentlemen clubs.
Valerie cast her fans a weary smile, despite the disconcerting feeling that washed over her. Like parasites, they clung to her every word and movement, always demanding more. She’d given it her all every time she’d walked onto that stage, but it had never been enough. Her muscles ached and her heart pounded against her ribcage, yet they continued to demand more, to push her past her limits.
I love the people of this city. But I never expected I’d be so well received. What is it that brings them such hope in these dark times? What sets me apart from any other woman? There are plenty of beautiful women in Wildcard. I hate to reject my fans, but I’ve always been a solitary person. If I couldn’t disassociate myself from the crowds every time I stepped onto that stage I’d never have lasted. But then, my body has a habit of moving on its on. It’s instinct. It’s what I was born to do.
For some reason, crowds have always made me uncomfortable. It’s like being trapped in a garden and surrounded by countless beasts. Vile creatures that would want to tear me apart, or worse. No, how could I even think of my fans like that? I should be ashamed, making such an awful comparison. So, why won’t it go away? I feel like I’m being swallowed up here, like my soul’s being oppressed…
Valerie edged away as the mob formed rings around her. A noxious cloud of sweat, and the rank odor of watered-down beer threatened to overwhelm her nostrils. She swayed as the common room swirled about her. Her head swam with dizziness. A vein throbbed at her temple as milky skin flushed pink. Hands curled at her sides as she stiffened and bit her lip. The taste of her lime-green lipstick soured the tip of her tongue.
Luckily, her fears of being swallowed by the growing crowd were soon put to rest. She breathed a sigh of relief as her close friend Umaynos intervened by coming to stand in front of her. The young waitress took Valerie by the arm and dragged her to the table furthest from the rowdy pack of lecherous men. They reluctantly parted but their eyes never left her.
"Back off, all of you! I don't want any trouble here." Kashtar said, the old keeper of the inn standing defiantly before the crowd with nothing more than a battered cane in hand. His rust-colored robes were marked by dust and caked in dirt. A thick jet of white hair cascaded behind the hunched figure and vanished beneath a thick hood. He raised the cane and lifted himself to his full height as he pointed at every individual.
First came the cries of disappointment, echoing through the chambers of the rustic old inn. Their demands for more fell on deaf ears, for the innkeeper refused to be intimidated. Nor was he above whacking one of them with a quick snap of his cane when they got out of line. After several minutes of empty threats, the crowd gradually dispersed with groans beneath their rank breath as they retired to their own tables for the night.
“Thank you, Kashtar.” Valerie said.
“It was nothing. I have to watch out for my family. Get some rest, okay?”
Kashtar shook his head in disgust, plopping down at one of the hardwood tables and casting his rustic hood over his wrinkled face. At first he intended to only rest his eyes, which gazed down at the crinkled newspaper before him. But slowly he began to doze off, with only his beaten walking cane to keep him company. Even the low lights and chatter of the patrons couldn't keep him awake. Another hard day of teaching the Branford children had taken its toll.
Umaynos helped Valerie to a chair, grabbing the towel from her shoulder and wiping the sweat from Valerie's brow. She watched while Valerie gasped for breath. And in a way, she couldn’t help but envy her. While Valerie spent the night dancing away, Umaynos was working the rounds to bring food and drinks to all who’d gathered and chasing away countless wandering hands. Normally, she’d relish the attention, but not when so many eyes were upon Valerie and she was nothing more than a compensation prize.
Valerie’s chest heaved as her lungs threatened to collapse. She was winded from hours of relentless dancing with only small breaks in-between. Her head pounded while heat swirled through her breast. She fiddled with the cross that hung from her neck. Even when dancing or bathing, she refused to remove it. She even wore it to sleep. It was the one thing that bound her to her former life.
"I'm impressed, Valerie. I can only dream of matching your grace."
Valerie shook her head. "You're far more graceful than I am. I'm just spry, like a cat. It takes real class to be like you. If I didn’t know better, I’d say you really were a princess. You certainly act like one. That diner attire really suits you."
"Flatterer. But it won't get you any free meals, I'm afraid." Umaynos grinned as she laid the towel back on Valerie's shoulders. "Just wait here, and I'll bring you a nice hot bowl of soup. And something to drink, too. You look rather beat, I'll admit."
"You needn't..." Valerie began.
But Umaynos had already taken off towards the kitchen. Her long red hair bobbed behind her. Each section was tied in silken ribbons. The pink and white waitress attire only served to enhance her slender figure. Tiny breasts and a thin waist swayed in answer to her proud strut. But the forced grin and the glitter of her green eyes never faded.
Valerie sighed, slouching back in her chair as she tried to relax. She felt naked under the countless eyes of the bar patrons, their stares seeming to bypass her white tights to take in the full figure underneath. Her muscles tensed. She’d honed her body to perfection from the dances she gave each night. But her appearance belied her true strength. Though she hated to resort to violence, she’d bloodied quite a few noses when her friends were threatened.
The dull brown wooden walls of the inn were covered in nicks, just like the circular table beneath her. The tiny holes peeked at her, and often, she swore she could catch an eye gazing back through the tiny crevices. But she shook the unsettling feeling from her thoughts even as her skin crawled and beads of sweat dripped down her spine.
I should be used to this, by now. But even after years of staying here, little has changed. I still feel this inexplicable longing, like shreds of my soul have been torn apart. What is it that leaves me so unfulfilled? Is it love I seek? Or something else...?
I have no reason to complain. The Branford family was kind enough to take me in and give me a job and a roof over my head. The pay may not be great, but having a free room and meals for cheap can't be beaten.
My life needs more, though. I can't stay here forever. Sometimes, I wonder if I even have a purpose. Would anyone miss me if I were gone?
No, of course they would. Umaynos, Glaze, Kashtar, Odessa, Tina, Dezmorrah, Dezmeerah, Noel...heck, I bet even Cyrus would care, if only a little. It won't do to brood. I have to make the most of what I'm given. I could be much worse off. Thank you, goddess Hallanniss.
Valerie's thoughts were interrupted by a slight flutter. Her glance fell to a raven perched upon a far away windowsill. Rain had begun to beat against the inn. The ebony creature had come to rest under the roof overhead, shivering and puffing up in the relentless wind. Their eyes met. A cold chill rushed through the interior of the common room and caused her to shake involuntarily. But before Valerie could even begin to gather her senses, the regal figure had fluttered off into the mists of night.
Why is that raven so familiar? As soon as I laid eyes on him, it's like a dormant memory started to surface. But now, it's gone. The more I struggle to find it, the deeper it seems to want to recede. It’s just like when I touch the cross. I feel something hauntingly familiar. But then it’s gone.
Damn...I guess it wasn't important. Still, I wish it’d stuck around. It's rather lonely around here.
Umaynos returned with a tray in hand, casting Valerie a cheerful, exaggerated smile while she took her seat across from the gymnast. "Hot soup and gryzzma juice, coming right up." She said, setting the meal before Valerie.
"Thank you. That’s a very generous offer. Um…Umaynos?"
"Yes?"
"Did you...see anything outside, by chance? Like a bird or something?"
Umaynos shook her head. "Afraid not. I doubt anyone's foolish enough to be caught out in that storm. And it's only going to get worse, I'll bet."
"Oh. Thanks, anyway. I suppose it was nothing." Valerie lied.
I guess I shouldn't trouble myself further over things I can't control. It was just a bird...wasn't it? I must be going mad, obsessing over such trivial matters.
Umaynos gripped Valerie's hand, as her fingers forced Valerie's lips to part into a smile. "Come on, cheer up! Don't think I'm going to let you carry on with this overbearing gloominess, just because of the weather outside. Have a drink of your gryzzma juice. That always perks you up."
"You're right. Thanks, Umaynos." Valerie sighed as she took a swig of the purple liquid. The syrupy, crushed berries made her taste buds dance in anticipation for more. But then, gryzzma berries were pretty much a staple of the continent of Galaysha. They were the treasure of the common man.
Her gaze wandered over the low-lit and age-beaten walls and floors. The wood was filled with holes from years of disrepair, as if worms had burrowed through it, devouring everything in their path. The floorboards creaked every time a step was taken. And then there was the horrid echo that resounded like a ghostly wail when a sudden noise jarred the silence.
Sometimes, I wonder how Kashtar manages to keep this place afloat. He certainly doesn't pull in a lot of money, to hear Glaze speak of it. I wish I could help him out more. But dancing and cleaning are about all I can do here.
Valerie shook her endless pondering away, meeting Umaynos' green eyes. She sighed as she leant upon her arm. "Sorry, my mind was wandering again."
"No need to apologize. I know you work hard. It's almost closing time, anyway. You should get some rest while you can. Tomorrow’s your off day, right? I can handle things here." Umaynos winked.
Valerie nodded, sipping at her hot soup. Her thoughts were already beginning to stray again.
She tries so hard to hide it, but I know Umaynos isn't really happy. Her smile is nothing but a façade to hide whatever pain she's locked away in her heart. I shouldn't pry, but still, she might need me. Umaynos is like a little sister to me. I wouldn't want to let her down.
Valerie finished her meal, watching as the last of that night’s customers were led out of the cafe. Most had already retired to their rooms, leaving Kashtar's small crew of family members to clean up the mess. She forced herself to suppress a smile, seeing Noel dressed in the same attire as the other waitress' while he went to work.
He's probably more feminine than I am, when it comes down to it. I've never seen a man pass so well as a woman. It's a bit strange, but if that's what makes him happy, then I share his joy.
Only Cyrus never joins in on the upkeep. I guess he thinks he's above it. Oh well. It's not my place to reprimand him. I guess I should be thankful I'm not on clean up duty tonight.
Valerie rose from her table and stretched like a cat. The room was emptied save for its keepers. A grandfather clock ticked, while a phonograph provided scratchy music. The tinkle of raindrops continued to beat overhead. Moonlight spilled through the swaying curtains. A thin coat of dust marked the rotting wood as the occasional droplet of water leaked through the ceiling and bounced off the floor below.
Even after all that work, I still feel a bit frisky. Doubt I can rest right now, but I might as well try. It couldn't do any harm, at least. Besides, I’ll need my energy for tomorrow’s exercise routine. Just because I’m off doesn’t mean I can laze about.
"Good night, Umaynos.” She yawned. “See you in the morning."
"Good night, Valerie. Rest well." Umaynos curtsied, taking her broom and going about her business.
Valerie headed up the winding staircase. She was certain tomorrow would be just another day.
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