Such putrid scents declare hostility to my nostrils,
the constant spawn of these mice not yet men.
Here, amiss the base residents of Bolmus Populi,
our queer quintet enters their den.
.
A maiden of the sea and with hair that puts the whitest of pearls to shame, Nox is my name.
To my back, a dwarf whose beard out grew his wit,
a jester with might more laughable than her jokes,
and a block of stone with a brain softer than anything mother could knit.
.
And last, but in no way least,
dainty legs dancing about a marketplace stall,
there lies beautiful, radiant Aurora,
for her charms, almost anyone would fall.
.
Flowing hair that spills like a waterfall of autumn,
olive skin that reflects dazzling sunlight.
My dear, sweet, and kind sister,
no one else more that I spite.
.
A chosen of paupers,
a perfect disgrace.
While I must delude myself to fit in with her merry crew,
my disgust quickly returns posthaste.
.
Such damnable fair looks,
tainted by a bloodline so fragile and weak.
A half-dead duke and this mewing pup,
it is they that stand before my family's peak.
.
But for a moment,
I feel the glory of the sun catch my eye.
Vibrant Aurora I see,
smile bright and hand waving high.
.
''Norah, sister!
Taste these Bolmus berries!
Are they not divine?''
fingers playful as an orb of purple to my mouth they did carry.
.
I swallow bile that bubbled from my throat,
part from disgust at being fed commoner feed,
part for being entranced by such lustrous poison.
No, no, not my sister, but a scandalous foe indeed.
.
Oh, child of light, Aurora is your accursed name.
Oh, orphan of night, Nox is lovely mine.
Sisters were are not, a comparison of the sun and the moon.
No, enemies we will be for all time.
.
But my dagger is not yet ready to be plunged through locks of red,
mother will scold me if done unripe.
With a smile more faux than the crown atop her head,
my lips part, regardless of their tastebuds' gripe.
.
Sour, sour, more sour than anything I'd had ever known!
Juice so acidic that it would bring arachnid to tears!
Damned, accursed, Aurora,
the smile that remained on my lips is that much more insincere!
.
''My, it has such a pungent taste! Thank you, Aurora, sister dear!''
My own words burn against my ear.
''Such fun it is to enjoy it with you!
I love you, Norah, my sister dear!''
.
And with a peck of the lips on my fair cheek,
little Aurora sped off.
My hands begged to scrub the toxic heat,
but before a glaring golem, all I could do was cough.
.
Every act of kindness back in Austria,
every spell I cast in Lemuria,
enjoy this facade while I am willing, Aurora.
The betrayal that stings tenfold due to my present mercy, that will be my perfect sonata.
.
Yet, before my stomach could recover,
the princess of peasants once more returned,
a rough yet glittering diamond,
in her eager hands a fire burned.
.
''Norah, looked what I have bartered for those gems,
in that burning dungeon we found condemned!''
cried she, arms outstretched and vain.
''A diamond that stands up to your stunning hair, this was easily worth all the pain!''
.
Blinded by the sun,
ignorant as my defences fall,
my fingers unfurl by their own,
naive and uncaring to logic's call.
.
Fool, that child.
For those gems, a wardrobe she could afford.
Yet, to dear, sweet, Aurora,
her sister's smile, there is no greater reward.
.
The diamond's surface is rough and unfocused,
my own nails a better cut could create.
But held against the light of the sun, I see an ocean serene,
crystal clear water, lazy and free is its gentle fate.
.
A strangely painful sight in leu of the rough typhoon of my heart.
I am child of Umbra, orphan of night.
The waters of my nature swell with rage and distrust.
No room for caring, as destruction and betrayal, that is my light.
.
Yet, damnable Lemuria plays tricks on my soul,
my torrents begin to ease.
I dream of peace and tranquility,
warm sunset, slow, rocking trees.
.
Are we so different, child, my sister?
Must I snuff out your beautiful light?
I remember chasing you about the gardens in Austria,
your laughter reflecting honest love and delight...
.
No! No! No, damnable child!
Once more, her vile treachery shows face!
Tenfold more vile than my own,
damn you, Aurora, damn this place!
.
Every bit of it a facade!
My kindness, her kindness, my peace!
My place is above these lowborn!
My nature cruel and ever shall increase!
.
Rid my mind of this plague, this festering weakness!
No, soon the child of light will be engulfed in despair,
my family rulers of the sky.
But first her into my trap I must ensnare.
.
''Such, such a heartfelt gift, dear Aurora!''
My hands threaten to crush the gem in her face.
''I am lucky to have a sister as fair as you,
thank thee Aurora, thank thee your grace.''
.
''No, thank you, dearest sister, my comrade oh so kind.
Regardless of the blood we carry, know that my beloved sister you will always be.
Oh, but come,
Igniculus sees a chest, that greedy fairy!''
.
By the gods I swear her fair locks glisten as she twirls towards the sky,
brave yet fragile wings bound for that damned firefly.
Even in company of her allies, but for a moment, I let my smile and facade drop.
The diamond shining with sickeningly hopeful light, and my hands, the shivering they fail to stop.
.
I am a storm, I am despair.
Kindness and love I will never be, never feel.
If you were wise, Aurora, that blade you would have plunged in my chest.
If you were strong, Aurora, you would certainly have the zeal.
.
Banished are my doubts, Aurora,
I hope you enjoyed that one last kiss!
Your father lies dying, your mother a traitor, and your sister, well,
she never did exist.
.
Oh, child of light, Aurora is your accursed name.
Oh, orphan of night, Nox is lovely mine.
Sisters were are not, a comparison of the sun and the moon.
No, enemies we will be for all time.