Disclaimer i don't own anything by clive barker. i only own izis.

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The cabin was dark. I guess I better get used to it. Motley had disappeared, and I was left alone with Carrion-- completely alone. The cabin was dark, but large. I had my back turned to Carrion. I was slipping off my jacket, looking around, when cold hands took the collar of my coat and slipped it off for me. "Thank you." I said, turning. In the dim lamplight by the doorway, he looked so sinister and fearful in his natural element that my heart started to speed up. Fear gripped me. I bit my lip. Butterflies surged in my stomach. I guess I was more comfortable at home in the sunlight-- but now, in the dark, heading away from my home, I realized how vulnerable I was.

"Your welcome. I brought you something... if you are interested."

"Oh? Lovely." he swept past me silently. He obviously felt so much more at ease in the dark. He stepped towards a table, that was pushed towards the left wall. He opened a box and lifted out something, turning it over in his incredibly long fingers. Then, he turned towards me, surveying me from his distance.

"Are you?"

"Yeah. Yes. I am." he nodded and walked over to me, holding out his hand. I extended mine as well. His other came to hold mine underneath, and his cool, rough flesh hinted at the power underneath. He put in my hand something round, small and alive. I flinched and tried to jerk my hand away. It was furry. He held my hand tighter.

"Don't move." he said. I watched, in amazement, as the small black ball unfurled itself into a creature. It was just a simple black puff of fur, no bigger then a baseball. It had tiny blue eyes that shone like needlepoints and a small mouth with little, pointy teeth. It made a little purring noise and then crooned. It shuffled on little tiny hamster feet. As I relaxed, Carrion released my hand.

"What is it?" I asked, peering at it, still keeping my hand outstretched.

"A gwelfie, from the Yebba Dim Day."

"Oh."

"I figured you would like something to keep you company when I am on business. It was very costly, so don't kill it."

"I see. Thank you." I held the thing closer, looking at it. It let out a little growl. I was starting to realize how adorable it was. I stroked its head and it shuddered and purred. "Is it a he or she?"

"It is an amaphrodite. It has no gender."

"Oh... okay, I see." I stroked it again and it shuddered again, curling back up into a little ball. Then, it surged up my arm. I yelped a little, and it nestled into my neck, where it balanced perfectly. It wondered up and down my shoulder for a moment, before settling itself into my skin near my neck. It let out a little, contented squeak and I assume it went to sleep, for it made no further noise or movement. "Thank you," I said again.

"Your welcome." Carrion turned away, towards the door. "I shall leave you?"

"Okay." he nodded and then exited onto the deck. I stood, listless and afraid, and then walked over to the plush violet couch. I realized how bad my legs were shaking as I walked. I sat down heavily, absently reaching up to touch the gwelfie's soft fur. It purred as I stroked it. My mind was buzzing and I felt a little ill. The steady rocking of the boat didn't upset me-- I had my mother's sea legs-- but the entire situation made me ill. I wondered if it would be worth it if I flung myself overboard and drowned. Maybe get eaten alive by some disgusting monster. I let my hair down, and the gwelfie chirped at the white curtain that now surrounded it.

My wedding was tomorrow, and that made my heart slam. My dad and sisters were going to be there. I didn't really have any friends, none worth coming. Dad and Nnewlda always said I was a bit of a recluse. I wasn't very interested in the drama that came with friends and boyfriends. Any friends I had, they never stuck around for long. I didn't care. So, I guess that cleared up one thing for me-- I wouldn't have to worry about being alone. I didn't know if Carrion was going to make good company. I know for sure that Motley wasn't. Houlihan... well, that guy gave me bad vibes. I reminded myself to keep my distance from him.

There was a soft knocking at the door and I tensed, wondering who could be on the other side. I didn't reply, pretending I didn't hear. I slid one of my legs over the other one, biting my lip and taking the gwelfie off my shoulder and holding it my hands. I squeezed it a little. It let out a few chirps that didn't sound like it was in pain. I squeezed it harder, and to my surprise the little eyes and mouth and a little puff of hair came out of one part of my hand, the rest thinning out, and a little fat ball of fluff with its feet on the other end. I wondered if I could stretch it. I decided not to. I squeezed and relaxed, and the gwelfie seemed to enjoy it. I think I have just found my own stress ball.

The door opened and I looked at it sharply. A young lady stepped inside. She had jet black hair in a high ponytail, her skin marble white and smooth, with no blemishes. I myself had a few acne scars and was in the middle of one right now, across my forehead. In fact, this girl embodied perfection-- I still needed to shave my legs (thank god for pantaloons), pluck my eyebrows and brush my teeth. She was in a standard black and white maid uniform. She smiled and curtsied. Her eyes were emerald green and I thought of a cat.

"Good evening,"

"We're there already?" she smiled.

"Almost."

"Okay. Continue."

"My name is Chase; I am to be your maiden for this voyage."

"When will we be there?"

"I'd say, another hour."

"I can handle myself."

"As you wish, my lady." she bowed out and quietly shut the door. I fumbled for my cigars and used a match to light it. The gwelfie had curled itself up on my lap, which I had started stroking again. The air felt a little thick, and I felt it hard to breathe. Maybe that was the tightening of my chest; maybe that my fear. Maybe it was both. I began to cry.

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It took me a while to regain control of myself. The gwelfie was whimpering while I cried, which made my situation seem so much more worse. I wiped my eyes and nose roughly, running my tongue over my dry lips. The gwelfie was looking up at me. Its blue eyes were wide and looked fearful. I stroked it. I had decided to name it Creep. I don't know why its name was Creep-- but it seemed fitting and cute enough to suit it. I was smoking another cigarillo and it helped me calm down. I was finally standing again, exploring the dark cabin, when someone else knocked on the door. It was louder then Chase's, and I hoped this wasn't her, either. In fact, I did not want to see anyone.

"Come in." I barked. The door opened and to my dismay Otto Houlihan stepped through. He was tall-- not as tall as Carrion-- and struck quite the imposing figure. I froze and Creep felt my distress and let out a little snarl. He was back on my shoulder and hiding in the curtain of my hair. Houlihan dropped to one knee.

"My lady," he said. I could not tell the tone of his voice, but I heard scorn and spite and cruel glee. "Lord Carrion has appointed me as your gaurdian, as I am the most trusted of his subdorminates." he said. My stomach clenched uncomfortably and my voice froze in my throat. Houlihan must have noticed that he was not going to recieve an answer from me, so he continued. "Also, he requests your presence. Are you available?"

"Why does he need to see me?" I sounded rude, but I couldn't help it.

"He wonders of your state." I suppose Carrion also instructed him to be as formal as possible. "He wonders why you have chosen to stay in the cabin for the entire voyage."

"I-- I,"

"No explanation is needed, least of all to me, my lady." he did not seem like the kind of man to be so polite, so I figured he was just kissing ass, although I knew in my gut he could twist my head off whenever the hell he wanted to-- or whenever Carrion demanded it. The idea of such a thing made my stomach twist in icy fear and I nodded curtly.

"Where is he?"

"On the deck."

"If he wants to see me..." I trailed off, biting my lower lip. "He can. I don't want to leave." I was afraid I was going to break down and start crying if I went outside. If I went out there and the sky was black and the stars were shining, I could not handle it.

"Understood. I shall leave you be." he said, standing and leaving abruptly. The door shut quietly behind him and I was left shaking, and Creep, maybe unable to handle the negative energy, squealed in my ear. I picked him into my hand, sitting back down on the couch. I lay down uncomfortably, curling up as tightly as I could. I tried to calm my breathing and my heart, slow my thoughts. Creep lay in my hair, twitching. I wondered if it felt the same emotions I did. At least, Creep was here. Even though he was probably the most useless piece of comfort, it was nice to have something breathing on my ear.

I thought of our wedding day, and how bad it could go. I couldn't see how it was going to get any better from here. Thoughts to the wedding night made me shudder. I had never been intimate with anyone, and I was going to lose my virginity to Christopher Carrion, sooner or later. That made me want to cry again and I bit the inside of my cheek until it bled and I came back onto a steady mental plane. I sat up. Perhaps it was time to leave the cabin, before Carrion thought I was commiting suicide. I slid on my coat and Creep scuttled into my pocket. I got up and walked over to the door, listening to the distant sound of voices and other industrial things going on outside. I took a deep breath, preparing myself. It took me five minutes. Then, I opened the door and stepped out.

The fresh air did me good, that was the first thing I noticed. The sky was dark, and the first thing I saw was Gorgossium looming in the short distance. The door slid shut behind me. I looked around. I saw neither Carrion, Houlihan or Motley, which I was thankful for. I stepped towards the bow. It looked like a woman writhing in agony was carved to the spear of the ship. I gingerly stepped towards it. Stitchlings and sailors alike ignored me and kept their distance. They knew who I was. I licked my lips again, and folded my arms. The air was cool and refreshing-- but cold. My breath was visible on the air and I was shocked at the freezing rush of sea spray that pebbled my cheeks as a large wave smashed against the boat, rocking it.

"You're cold." I would have leapt out of my skin if I wasn't already so tense and ready for anything. I turned and looked up at my fiance.

"A little."

"Go back inside."

"But-- "

"What?" I looked away from him, stuttering. I felt like an idiot. I felt so lost, so incredibly lost, that I wanted to cry again. I gritted my teeth. I wanted my mother.

"Nevermind." I walked past him and back into the cabin. The warmth was a slight relief, and the silence was more comforting then the action going on outside. A few seconds later the door opened again and Carrion stepped inside, shutting it. I faced him, struggling to be brave, but it wasn't working.

"Izis," my name sounded so strange and foreign on his tongue. It made me embarassed by it. "Must I give you the option?"

"What option?"

"Either we return to your home immediately, and I leave you. For you don't appear to want to be here. With me. I'll understand. I'm quite the hideous sight." he smiled bitterly and his eyes betrayed no emotion. I did not know the life-story of Carrion yet, so I assumed he was just being diplomatic. I considered it. Leave, and disappoint the kingdom. Torment myself with guilt. Or, go with him, and see how it goes, and bring peace to the Abarat archiplego. I shook my head.

"I want to stay." The words fell from my mouth and I tried to keep the sorrow out of my voice. I don't know if I can ever love this man. As if reading my thoughts, he replied.

"I will try to love you, Izis." the word 'love' sounded so foreign and forced that it didn't sound genuine at all. "I don't expect the same from you. At least, for your sake of sanity, pretend."

"I don't have to pretend anything." I regretted those words as soon as they left my mouth. oh God Izis, you really done it now. I thought miserably. He had a curious expression on his face, and I stammered. He waited. "Wh-what I mean... Carrion-- Christopher--" I was blushing fiercely now, feeling like a royal ass. "My Lord, what I mean is, that I won't... play with you."

"Thank you," he said slowly, as if unsure whether to believe me or not. "For your consideration of my feelings."

"No problem." I said quickly.

"I can tell you are distressed, so I will leave you." He took one last, long look at me, and then was out the door.

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When we arrived on shore of Midnight, Chase got me. She put on my jacket for me and led me out the door, while I squeezed Creep, who tittered and squealed. There was a light rain falling, and it hit my face and it was refreshing, to say the least. It was midnight. Gorgossium loomed before me, its jagged peaks and ragged cliffs looming overhead. Red, snake-like mists floated near the top of the island, where I presumed the fabled thirteen towers stood. The mist almost seemed to have a life of its own. Carrion came to stand beside me. He offered me his arm, which I took, and I kept close to him as we walked down the gangplank.

The whole of the Midnight kingdom was there, at the harbour. I felt my stomach plummet and my breath caught in my throat. Hundreds of curious faces looked up at me, although most of the curious faces had a malicious underlook. It was overwhelming. I swallowed hard. "Come." Carrion said, continuing to walk up the gravel pathway that had been cleared. Every five feet Gorgossium soldiers stood, waiting for anything to happen. Any wrong-doing would be punished with the scythes each of them carried. I heard hostile whispers and several of the onlookers shook their heads. Creep scooted up the sleeve of my jacket and hid on my forearm, digging his little feet in. Now I looked just absurd with the sleeve all pouted out in one place, so I tried to shake him out without anyone noticing. It didn't work so I had to turn my arm inwards so I looked like a gimp. I could feel everyone's eyes on me, and a blush creeped down from my forehead to my neck.

It seemed to take forever to reach the carriage. It was a large, gothic thing, with two huge black horses snorting and grinding at the ground impatiently, swinging their magnificent heads. Carrion got into another one, followed by a grisly looking butler. The door shut and he rode off, and I was left alone. With his lukewarm hold on me no longer, I felt even more uneasy. Chase lightly touched my shoulder and I jumped. She had startled me. She looked aqualine in the night, like a goddess. "Please, my lady, it's time to go." The carriage driver opened the door for me, and I stepped up, forgetting to pull up my dress and almost falling flat on my face.

"Damn!" I swore, collapsing onto the seat. Chase followed me in, politely smiling. She sat across from me. "Sorry." I mumbled, looking out the window. The carriage took off, the ride more or less smooth. Chase was quiet. I lit another cigarillo and gnawed on my lower lip. As we travelled through dark paths, the full reality of my situation settled upon my shoulders and my breath got caught in my throat and my stomach clenched. This is really happening. I'm getting married. I thought, the icy grip of fear surrounding me. I started to sweat a little, and my mouth went dry. I didn't know if I could do this; I should have just taken up Carrion's offer on the boat to leave. I wanted my father with me, even my sisters, and above all I wanted my mother. I let out a shaky breath.

"Nerves?" I looked up, and saw Chase politely smiling at me. I wasn't offended. I nodded. I was never that big on manners. Most of the time I was alone and Nnewlda asked me the most random of things, such as; did you get your period? There's blood on the blankets! God, that was always embarassing. Or when she would fuss with my dress during banquets. I didn't chastise Chase at all. Just nodded.

"Yes."

"Pardon my saying, if it's not too bold, but I would be too."

"Scraped the line there." Chase smiled and bowed her head.

"I apologize." I didn't reply, just returned to looking back out the window, letting loose another shaky sigh. I stubbed out my cigarillo in the provided ashtray and closed my eyes and tried to shrug off the tension. It didn't work. I felt tears well up behind my lids and I bit my lip very hard, until I flinched. No time to cry-- this was not the place to cry. What would Carrion think if they dragged his new bride out and she was crying and screaming and trying to claw her way back in? Man, that would be a blow. I mentally shook myself over and over again until I could breathe easily again. Creep puttered around my lap. Chase was giving it a look of great distaste, like it carried some filthy disease. I stroked its head with my fingers. It chittered pleasantly. The carriage rocked and bungled until it came to a stop.

"We're here." Chase said, almost cryptically, her diamond eyes glittering in the dark. The door opened and I took Chase's arm, who helped me out. As soon as my feet were on the gravel I started to shake again and I clung to Chase. The tower loomed overhead, red and black clouds misting and trailing around the higher portion. For a moment I imagined plummeting from the top of the tower and onto the ground where I stood and as we approached the tower with two gaurds flanking us and one behind, I thought I could almost feel the wind whistling in my ears.

I shoved the thought away as we entered. The door clattered shut behind us, forebodingly, as if being slammed by angry spirits. The architecture of the place was gloomy and macabre-- massive portraits decorated the walls, most of the people painted deformed in some terrible way, but dressed in royal clothes. My shoes echoed off the polished marble floor. Large beams supported the ceiling. A winding staircase in the middle of the room led up and up, to who knows where.

"Where are we?" I asked quietly. Chase inclined her head towards me.

"The tower in which you and Lord Carrion will live." she replied just as softly.

"Where does Mater Motley stay?"

"At the very top, where she makes the stitchlings." My feet got a little cold and I stunted in walking. Chase looked at me curiously.

"She's sewing bits of skin and mud together as we speak?" I hissed. Chase giggled a little.

"Yes, she is."

"Lovely." I said under my breath.

"I will show you to your rooms."

"I won't be sleeping with Carrion-- Lord Carrion?" Chase shook her head.

"Unless you want too. I'm sure his majesty wouldn't mind." she said. Chase sounded a little... odd, by the way she said it. I couldn't figure it out but I was too busy to take in the surroundings as we walked up the stairs. They were sturdy and marble. The banisters were a rich, deep dark mahogany and the expensive carpet underneath my feet looked foreign; black with red and purple designs etched into it. I looked up and saw that this stairwell winded up and up, with other little sections that held rooms and balconies and landings. "You are on the tenth floor, directly underneath Lord Carrion." Chase explained. I was going to dread walking up and down these stairs... I nodded.

"Okay." We passed all manners of doors and hallways, some that couldn't possible be there. After all, the architecture of the tower were certainly limiting, and perhaps by some magic illusion was created? There were sparse candles, and everyone I came across seemed of ill health, sallow skinned and deep rings around their eyes. I wondered how long it would take until I looked like that. I wondered if I would ever end up in Motley's seat, stitching those creatures together endlessly, alone, tormented. The thought wasn't comforting.

Finally, we reached my rooms. Chase opened the huge double doors for me, allowing me to step through. The room must have been recently renovated. The blinds surrounding the window were a deep, royal blue, pulled back to let in the night air. Stars twinkled in the sky, but they looked far away and out of reach. Taunting, almost. I looked away from the window and looked around my room. A large bureau with a wash basin and a vanity mirror were to the far left, a fireplace that was burning a pleasant red fire that filled the room with organic warmth. Black and red roses rested on the table next to the large bed. Red satin sheets covered it, looking as soft and translucent as water. Or blood. There was a huge walk in closet to the far right. The window faced out towards the ocean, which I could see lapping back and forth. I shrugged off my coat and Chase took it from me immediately. Bundling it up under her arm, she walked to the bureau and lit a candle, and then one next to the vase of flowers by my bed.

"Thank you."

"Lord Carrion has sent your clothes already; they are in your closet. Also, I was told to give you this." She reached inside her delicate black coat and pulled out an envelope. She put it facedown on the bureau, next to the candle. I took a glance to the hallway. Could I make it if I ran? I shrugged the foolish thought away and nodded. I had lost the will to speak. My words tangled in my throat and roosted there. "And you may also notice when you enter your closet, you'll find an arrangement of dresses, jewellery and other such things that Carrion sent for you from across the Abarat. We hope you enjoy them." Chase bowed deeply. "I will leave you to get used to your surroundings, my lady."

She walked out without another word, shutting the doors behind her. They closed and sealed me, and suddenly the large room got so much smaller. I looked at the envelope she had placed on my bureau and walked over to it. I turned it over in my hand. In curly, elegant handwriting were the words Lady Izis. The ink that had been used was thick and red and sickly. The wax seal on the back bore the crest of the Carrion family. I opened the letter and pulled out the sheath of paper, unfolding it. Before I fully read it, I sat myself down on the bed and was pleased at the comfort of the mattress. I looked down and read the letter.

Dear Izis,

As to assist your welcome and to my hopes, your enjoyable arrival, I ask of your presence at dinner tonight. I stipulate that you can refuse. I will understand. However, your presence would be welcomed, as being my bride, it only seems right a lady will stand next to her future husband.

Christopher Carrion

The letter was short and to the point, but it made my heart beat faster. I bit my lip. Creep scuttled about the bed, bouncing up and down and thoroughly enjoying himself. Meanwhile, my insides crawled. He said I could refuse, but the last line made it clear it was a privately veiled demand. I let my breath whistle out of my mouth and I put the letter on the bedside table. I plucked a red rose from the vase and crossed one leg over the other, playing with the long stem. A petal landed on my dress. It looked like a spot of blood. I flicked it off and put the rose over top of the letter. I got up and started to explore my new surroundings. A bookshelf rested over the mantelpiece of the fire. There was maybe a dozen or so heavy-bound books all about the history and battles of the Abarat. I looked at the dusty spines and then moved onto the washroom.

It was considerably large, with a large sink and an assortment of bath and makeup products. Soaps, shampoos, scents, lotions-- the whole works. The mirror was encased in a gothic clasp. A dragon's head, carved from the greenish-black wood, snarled at the wall overhead eternally, its delicate claws clasping the mirror in place. A work of art for this place, indeed. The bath was quite big, and most oddly it had six or seven different taps. I turned one. To my surprise, a light pink liquid spurted out. I watched it fill the tub for a moment, streaming down the drain. And then, the most delicious scent of peppermint candy filled my nose. It was scented water! I ran my fingers underneath the steam of water. It felt almost silky. I turned off the tap, and tried another one. Cerulean blue water, just like Carrion's eyes. It smelled of rain. The rest of the taps were regular water, except another one-- the water came out blood red, and reeked of cinammon. I amused myself with the bath for a bit, and then travelled to my closet.

Quite clearly, I had a darker wardrobe then most of in the inhabitants of the Day hours. I enjoyed neutral colors, cold colors-- midnight blue, royal purple, wine red, black, grey, dark, mossy greens and silver jewellery. I looked at the clothes Carrion had gotten for me. Perhaps another person would think that he was dressing them up like a doll to suit his wants and desires-- I personally found it rather sweet. Princess Boa crossed my mind. Not even two years ago she was brutally dragged from the alter and choked to death before the entire kingdom. I had not been there-- I had been sick with phenomnia-- therefore I did not see the terrible sight. Boa's father lost all composure and the last of his sanity after the death of his daughter and handed the kingdom over my own father, who had ruled ever since. Uncle had passed away nigh eleven months ago. The doctor said it was liver failure from his alcoholism; dad said he died from a broken heart.

There was at least six of them, and I figured I would be better off going to Carrion's dinner wearing one of the dresses he got me. Briefly I wondered about my wedding dress but disregarded the fact, for even though it was to be tomorrow, I could not think of the wedding. I pulled out a sleek black thing and thought of taking a bath, but decided not too. I had enough perfumes and scents in the bathroom to fill a row on a shelf in a store. I slid on the dress. It was sleek and form fitting. It had a black collar, a sleeve missing and the other flowering at my elbow. Bright red flowers and a bright green water dragon curled around my sides, expertly stitched. I went into the bathroom and to occupy myself until the dinner hour came (I had no idea when that was), I did my hair. I curled it a little, leaving it down, giving wavy lengths and soft curls to it.

When I was satisfied with my hair (every girl knows when she looks good, and my hair was looking good, despite travelling by sea and carriage), I put on my makeup. I was finishing up tracing kohl around my eyes when a soft knock came at the bathroom door. "My Lady?" It was Chase. I opened the door and she curtsied. "I hope you read the letter?"

"Obviously." Chase looked up and saw that I had indeed prepared for it to the extent. "I only need some jewellery." Chase nodded.

"You look beautiful, if you don't mind me saying." I snorted. She probably said that to every woman of high power that she tended to. I was to be no different. I pulled on a few silver bracelets for my exposed arm and the golden arm band my mom once wore to a banquet. Chase showed me a jewellery box where Carrion had ordered in some pretty huge diamonds and all the rhinestones in the rainbow. Chase fitted me in blood red earrings to compliment the red chalk I had lightly traced over my lips. I chose no rings. If I was to have a golden one wrapped around my ring finger already, I didn't need even more.

"Ready?" Chase asked. I nodded. She escorted me all the way down to the second floor, where the dining hall rested. Once again I was blown away by the timeless illusions; the stairs seemed to wind down and down until you would think you would never reach the bottom. It made me slightly queasy, looking over the edge. It would be simple to throw someone down there and they would fall for a long, long time until they splattered across the stone base. Eventually we came to the dining hall. The doors were closed and I could hear nothing from where I was in the hallway. "I leave you here, my lady. Enjoy our exquisite delicacies." Chase opened the door for me and I entered.

The room was vast, once again defying all that was natural in this godforsaken place. An extremely long table rested in the middle of the large room. Cathedral windows lined the far wall, stained glass depicting images of groteque conquests by the Carrion family. And there, at the head of the table, stood Carrion himself, looking like a macabre gentlemen in his raven black suit and wine red tie. I noticed immediately he did not have his glass contraption swimming about his face. He didn't look any less frightening, though.

I stood at the opposite end of the table.

"Don't just stand there girl, let me take a look at you." he said, a little sharply, and I leapt to action and prompty walked over to him, trying to stop my legs from shaking and deny the feeling of doom in my stomach. He looked skeptical at first but then his expression told me he approved, and a huge wave of relief washed over me, but it did not alleviate my anxiety. "We will be dining alone tonight, if you do not mind." I shook my head. "Then please, seat yourself wherever you may wish." he sat down in his large seat, gesturing to any chair at the table. I would feel like an idiot if I sat all the way on the opposite end-- how would I get the salt? My dad guffawed in my head and I suddenly felt homesick. I collapsed in the chair opposite Carrion, who had steepled his fingers and was observing me with coalescent eyes. Really, I would much rather want to sit at the opposite end of the table, but if he were to be my husband, I would have to be near him. There was no point avoiding him now.

A sharp bell rang throughout the tower and the dinner hour began.

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Please read and review. any questions, just ask me. and if you think that Izis is starting to sound like a mary-sue, please tell me.