Carantathraiel

Love is a Noose [ Kru & Cara ]

Envy stood where he was for a long moment, pulling a cigarette from one of his pockets and lighting it on one of the candles. He inhaled the smoke and sighed before moving to take a seat in the chair by the wall, where he'd watch the children spar with one another. Beside the chair, a platter of fruit sat on a tall table. Almost all the fruit had been untouched, save for the grapes. He reached over and picked up one of the few grapes left and popped it into his mouth.

"What is it with you and grapes?"
"I don't know." Envy answered, chewing a bit before taking another drag from his cigarette. "They're just delicious. Would you like one?" Envy almost immediately regretted his offer, as there were now only two grapes left, and he wanted them.

The other changed the subject. "You didn't tell her I'm here."
"So you were listening, then." It wasn't a question. The Kartaian turned and looked at the figure standing in the shadows. He wore clothes of the desert folk, loose and layered, with the wrapped hood covering the majority of his head. Envy stared into the blue eyes. "It would have raised the wrong questions." He took another drag. "Go look around, see what you can read. I want to know about this Taris character. Specifically, if he's here to hurt Treasure." The elf stared for a long minute, calculating things in his mind. "Oh, and Ruli. Change your clothes. You stand out."

---

"My Lady!" Paytin gasped, noticing Aera's dirty dress and fatigued appearance. "What happened?"
The elf smiled. "I needed to see someone, and the way to their estate isn't easy." The maid gaped. "Help me tidy, will you?" She asked. 

Paytin helped her out of her dress and, holding it like she feared it would kill her, put it near the door to be washed later. Aera pulled her hair over her shoulder to brush it as Paytin undid the ties on her gloves. 

"We're in mourning now, my Lady." Paytin informed her. Aera acknowledged the fact with a nod and stepped into the modest black dress Paytin held out to her. "Your jewelry...." Paytin added hesitantly. 
The elf's hands flew to her ears. She was fine with giving up anything for mourning, necklaces, rings, brooches. All meaningless. But her earrings? She pulled them from her lobes and peered at them. Two identical tear drops, one ivory, one ebony. It was hard to imagine not wearing them. She always wore them. 
"They're beautiful, my Lady." Paytin told her, looking at the elf's hand. 
Aera smiled sadly. "They are. My mother gave them to me." 
The maid noticed the elf's sadness and looked over her shoulder for a moment. "You know, my Lady." Paytin whispered. "I don't think you'd get in trouble if you kept them in your pocket. They'd be close, but you wont get in trouble."

Aera grinned, her violet eyes full of gratitude. "Thank you, Paytin." The maid smiled and, with a promise that she'd keep the secret, went to gather Aera's black gloves. "No." She stopped. "No gloves."
Paytin had worked in Aera's chambers for about three months, now, and had always known the woman to wear gloves. As for why, she didn't know, but the sudden decision to disregard them confused her. "My Lady?" 
I need to be able to protect myself, the elf thought quietly to herself. As quickly as the first rumor had flown through the city, the truth about her pregnancy was bound to be known, and she was still a target. Aera put her hand to her head, feeling the small bump behind her temple from where she'd hit the wall this morning. Paytin noticed. 

"My Lady, if I may... I know the physician lied. About... about your child." When Aera turned her dark eyes to the girl Paytin blushed furiously. But Aera's eyes were on the girls wrists.
"Paytin." The maid froze and looked up, realizing she'd been rubbing her arms. "Are those bruises? What happened?"
The maid blushed again. "I... I made someone angry."
Aera glared. "Paytin, who hurt you?" She gently grabbed the girls hand. The marks were large and dark. 
"N..no one, my Lady."

Suddenly Aera wrapped her arms around the maid, shushing her. She'd seen those marks before. She'd had those marks before. "I'm sorry." She said. "I have to go and speak to the queen, for a bit. Stay here. Relax. That's an order."

A few minutes later, Aera curtsied before her mother-in-law. "Good evening, my Queen."
Lilith bowed her head. "I see you're feeling better, Daughter. It was terrible to hear about our friend's episode. Felt so guilty about diagnosing you wrong, he took his life." News had gotten out about the physicians suicide. 
Aera knew better than to believe that. "I'm sure your son was devastated to learn the truth. As I was. I had truly hoped to give you a grandchild." Her voice was flat.

The Queen sighed, looking bored. "He was so angry he rode off for the evening, to visit my brother. I am following after dinner. Would you care to travel with us?"

Aera bowed and declined. "No, you Majesty. I fear your son is angry will be angry with me, for proving to be so infertile."
Lilith flinched at the word and excused Aera with a wave of her hand. "Is there something more?" 
A moment of hesitation flashed through Aeras mind. "Yes." She said uncertainly. "My Queen, elves are creatures of honor. At least my people are." She added, knowing the queen only knew of the Kartaians. "I know I'm not welcome here. I only came because I loved your son and he loved me. That seems to not be the case any longer. As much as I love him, I don't make him happy." Aera pressured herself to keep eye contact. "If you speak to him and find a lawful reason why we shouldn't be married, by my honor, I have to leave, and you'll never see me again. There's no reason to fight dirty and bribe people to have me harmed."

With that she turned on her heel and left, as fast as she could go without making it obvious that she was in a rush to leave. 

Love is a Noose [ Kru & Cara ]

Aera stood still as stone as she watched Taris and the physician vanish into shadow. She'd heard of such powers, but had never seen it. Knowing Taris could do it brought a chill that ran through her spine. 

Envy stepped in front of her and turned to face her, his face pale, or what could be called pale to him. "You're not pregnant?"
Aera gave him a half-hearted sneer. "I thought Envy always knows?"
Envy frowned. "I wasn't sure what to believe on that one. And who the hell was that?"
The pale elf's face was stone. "Taris. And yes, I know who he is." She added quickly to Envy's exasperated look. "At least I know what he is. What I don't understand is why he went out of his way to help me."

"Why is that hard to believe? Elves stick together here."
Aera didn't flinch. "Because he's here to kill me."
"Our Mother and Father, Aera!" He growled at her in elvish. "And you brought that bastard here?"
"I didn't know he'd follow me[b]." She admitted. "[b]Or that he could do.... that."

His angry red eyes leered at her. "Should I be worried that you don't seem at all worried about being assassinated?" She didn't answer, only stared at the dummy across the room full of arrows. "Aera?"

"I am." She whispered, switching languages again. "But something tells me he doesn't want to do it." The Kartaian narrowed his eyes, glaring down at her. "The fact that he could have slit my throat, or worse, anytime these past few days but didn't, says something. And he went through all that trouble to dig out the Queen's lies. For what reason?" Aera turned her head and looked at him. "He was so angry this morning when the news got out. What reason does he have?"

With a deep sigh, Envy turned and walked away, pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration. Aera remained where she was, straight as an arrow, watching him. "I want you guarded."
"I have guards."
"Crooked ones." Envy sat on one of the stone steps, his unnatural height making him bend awkwardly to do so. "I could send word to Rulitus."
"No." Aera burst out immediately, thinking of those piercing blue eyes. "I can't. Neither one of us would like that."
He watched her. "Okay. But I'm still slipping some informants in."

"Envy, no." She switched tongues again. There are no lies in elvish. "I trust him. At least my gut does, and I trust that." She approached her friend. "I promise you, the moment I feel any threat, I will send word, if I can't make it myself." She grinned. "And hey, if I wake up dead, you know who did it."

He hissed. "That's not funny, Aera!"

"Oh, Envy, sheath that cock of yours already." He glared and she glared back. "When have you ever known me to be weak and helpless? I can defend myself. And damn well, if I might add."

The Kartaian stared up at her for a moment before jumped up and wrapping her arms around her, lifting her light frame from the ground. She shrieked, startled, but a smile was on her face. "You have never been weak." He told her, squeezing her tight. "You were half alive when Ruli caught you, and you beat the pride out of the boy in seven seconds." He put her down and stared into her eyes. "But as strong as you are, you didn't look at Ruli the way you look at the assassin."

Aera felt her ears grow warm as she blushed. "I should return to the palace." She stepped away from his arms and headed for the tunnel. "Envy always knows." She lilted before she stepped into the shadow of the tunnel.

Love is a Noose [ Kru & Cara ]

When Taris left, Aera pulled her knees up and rested her head against them, fighting tears. Taris had admitted that he'd kill her. Or at least that he was told to. She was sure he'd do it.

"I wont be a game." Aera said with a determined voice. Scribbling a quick note about visiting a trusted doctor, she got up and went to the far corner of her room, where a large tapestry of a forest scene hung on the wall. She pushed it aside and unlatched a hidden lock, disappearing behind the false wall.

There was more than one reason why Aera had specifically requested her bedroom. Not only did the window overlook the city but there was a secret passage that led to one of the houses Envy owned. It would connect to another passage and lead her to the tunnels in which she'd lived. 
A while later, she stood in the shadows, her purple eyes on one of the small orphan boys. It had been so long, but she remembered him. His name was Roeb. He had a twin brother, Maks, who was sitting some feet away playing with a wooden sword. They were about six. 
"Aera!" The elf turned at the sound of Envy's shocked voice. He stood there, dressed in soft green robes, his hair braided and stubby, showing his maimed ear. His face was sad. "I was just coming to fetch you. Oh, our Father, come here." Biting back tears, she went into his embrace, laying her head against his neck. "I know what you need."
He took her hand and pulled her into the large dome chamber they used as a practice room. He picked up a bow and pressed it into her grasp. "Work."

"Envy, I-"
He held up a blue-grey finger. "Work."

Aera sighed and gathered a quiver and took her position, aiming the to straw dummy on the far end of the chamber. She held, her arms tense, waiting. "Relax." Envy commanded. With another sigh, her arms listened. "What did Roeb eat?"
Aera pictured the child in her mind. "Goat cheese. It was in his teeth."
"Shoot." Aera shot and reset. "Which one is left handed?"
"Maks."
"Shoot. How am I?"
Aera thought. "Your arm bothers you. You're moving awkwardly, so you're sore. The crease above your eyebrow is back, so you're distressed. Your eyes are wide, so you're trying to be more aware, something is frightening you."
"Shoot." Envy commanded, after a moment. "And?"
Aera aimed for the dummy once more. "You want to once again remind me how I should have stayed here."
"Aera.."
The pale elf released the arrow and glared at him. "Don't deny it, Envy." With a desperate gesture, she threw her bow down. "And you're right! I should have stayed! I had to fall for that bastard and his silver words, and now they all want me dead!" Tears ran down her face again, and she felt everyone staring at her, caution on their faces. "I am just a stupid girl who got thrown into the wrong city." They stared at one another, both their faces stern. 
"How many children are here." He asked, his voice steady. Aera opened her mouth and argued that she was done playing and he repeated the question, louder. 
Angry, Aera picked up her bow and aimed again. "Eleven." She growled as she shot.

"How many were here when you left."
Wiping a tear away, she aimed. "Eight."

Envy grabbed her hand and turned her toward him, his face soft. "Life goes on. It keeps moving. If you don't want your life to be where it is, move it." He cupped her face. "You owe these people nothing. You've never done anything to wrong them. The only person you owe anything to is me." He cracked a smile, his white teeth sharp.

Despite her fear, she smiled at him. "What do I owe you?" She asked, knowing he's reply with something cheeky. But he shocked her, turning her to face the dummy. 
"You haven't practice in almost a year. You owe me at least fifty marks, dead center, with excellent form."

She laughed and lifted her bow again.

Love is a Noose [ Kru & Cara ]

Aera held her hands to her chest, her face pulled in one of disgust, her stomach in knots. "That's awful."

"Hm." Kentaro said, sitting next to where she stood, bent over his feet as he fastened them into his boots. They were in his chamber, he'd sent word and had her brought in when the sun was barely over the horizon. Kentaro sat on the bench at the foot of his bed. Earlier that morning, Kentaro's cousin on his mother's side, Bronson, the Duke of Westburrow, was found slaughtered in his carriage. His body was so bloody that the guards who located the carriage were only able to identify him from the ring he wore on his finger. The ring, which meant it wasn't a robbery. 

"Our Father..." Aera breathed out, feeling like she might be sick. Taris must have had something to do with it. But why? Why Bronson? Such a harmless man, there was no way he'd made enemies out of the kind of people to call a hit on him. 

"Hey," Her husband stood and she looked at him. He misread her horror at Taris' hand in the business and mistook it for shock for the dead. He put his hands at her elbows and pulled her close, pressing his forehead against hers to look into her eyes. "Don't worry. It was just a horrible misfortune on his part. Wrong place, wrong time." 

Wrong enemies. Aera thought. 

The wine had left his system sometime in the night, the news of his cousin clearing his head for the morning. She stared into his silvery grey eyes, so serious and steady. She'd fallen in love with those eyes. Looking at her now was the man she'd married, the man she'd left behind her world for. Noticing the look in her eyes, Kentaro kissed her hard and passionately, wrapping his arms around her. "I have to go." He whispered against her soft lips. Objection was written on her face when he stepped back. She's still mine. He thought. The prince gave her a smile. "I will come to you tonight, when I've come back from visiting my aunt."

Alone, Aera touched her lips with two fingers, knowing he wouldn't come to her chambers tonight. She'd heard him say that too many times to bother getting her hopes up now. A small part of her, even, hoped he wouldn't visit. I couldn't handle it. 

Leaving her husband's chambers she went downstairs to request something to break her fast and help with her stomach. She still felt like she'd be sick. A bread bowl soaked in potato broth was put in front of her and she ate slowly as her mind went over Bronson and Taris. 
Why would Taris go after Bronson? The elf rolled her eyes. Because he was told to. But why?
And who would be next? Aera pushed her bowl away. Taris had admitted he'd be here for a few months, to take care of a few jobs. Who was next? Holding herself steady with her arms flat on the table, the room spun. Who would be next? 
Suddenly unable to fight the desire to hide, she stood and went out the dining hall door, wanting to get to the privacy of her own chambers. Who else would people want dead, beside the elven whore everyone despised? Had Taris really come to kill her? Oh, Gods, she felt weak. I kissed him! I'm probably a game... he seduces the women he's set out to kill...

Her knees gave out and she fell against the wall in a faint. 

The sound of voices woke her up. In and out, she dreamed she could see Alais standing before her, her dark face smiling, framed with her untamable dark hair. Behind Alais stood Ruli, his soft wheat hair hanging over his shoulders, his tan skin covered in the blood from his broken nose. I did that to you, her mind said. Alais crouched before her and said her name, her dark blue eyes full of concern. How are you here? Aera thought, her eyes went to Ruli. You left me. So angry... And you. She glanced at Alais. You died[/i]. 
"She's pregnant."
Yes. Aera thought, still staring at her friend. [i]You died giving birth. The baby took your life.

Behind her, Ruli opened his mouth, but it was Kentaro's voice that came out. "Aera, my sweetling." Confused, Aera blinked, opening her eyes to find Ruli and Alais gone and Kentaro standing over her. He smiled when she opened her eyes. "Thank the Gods." He bent and kissed her cheek, sitting beside her on the bed. 
"What?" She asked, still confused. They were in her chambers, surrounding her where she lay in her bed, a wet clothe draped over her forehead. Kentaro sat beside her, a physician and the palace alchemist near her head, and Risa near her feet. They were all happy, which made Aera uneasy. "What's wrong?" 
"They say you're with child!" Kentaro smiled at her. "No, Love, stay in bed, don't get up. The baby made you pass out and you bumped your head." Aera lay back down, resting her head on the pillow.
Fool. She thought to herself, staring at her husband. I couldn't be carrying a baby, you haven't slept with me in months. Please don't make me admit that in front of everyone.
Kentaro stood, lifting her hand to his lips. "Sleep, my darling. Rest, and regain your strength. Come, lets all let her rest in peace." 

With them gone, Aera rolled over and faced the wall, hugging her pillow to her body, tears in her eyes. It would be all over the city in a few hours, that she was carrying the Prince's child. When they found out she really wasn't, they'd hate her even more. The physician had to know the truth. He was doing this to her, destroying her. The elf curled into a ball and cried on her pillow, the lump on her head pounding in pain with each fast heartbeat.

Cara's Originally Titled OoC Hangout Thread ♥ (Still)

^//^

I do like colder weather.
My mom in laws got snow in Virgina. I'm pretty much green with serious envy and wishing I could teleport there.

Anyhow, goodnight. I'm off to mail things. <3 talk tomorrow!

Cara's Originally Titled OoC Hangout Thread ♥ (Still)

yay bed.
I have to go ship packages to the USA... then I might come home and sleep...
i need more sleeps...

Cara's Originally Titled OoC Hangout Thread ♥ (Still)

omg, no XD

I do have a video somewhere on my profile of me and my girl friend dancing to the 'peanut butter jelly time' song. You can find that XD

Cara's Originally Titled OoC Hangout Thread ♥ (Still)

I feel like singing some super off key power rangers song and dancing like an idiot.
Ahhh, coffee, my friend.....

Cara's Originally Titled OoC Hangout Thread ♥ (Still)

aaaand home.
Semi-tropic humidity. Its already disgusting, and it ain't even spring just yet. Ich.

Cara's Originally Titled OoC Hangout Thread ♥ (Still)

I believe some misinformation has been obtained.
Well, any thoughts on what happened? I hear both suicide and hijack.