Pride, Prejudice, Illyana and Zombies
(Lots and lots of zombies)
(An Illyana passage story)
Author's note: Any feedback folks? Good/bad/indifferent? Shall I continue?
For this story I had to find a way to diminish Illyana's abilities, otherwise there would have been no story. Oh and how much is a Pound worth? Well... a workmen could expect an income of forty pounds a year so Illyana has almost four years salary for a minimal wage worker.
As I said before, I need to slot Illyana into the world of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies so that her participation in the story makes sense. This will take two more chapters I think, counting this one. This chapter also gives a summary of the Bennet family.
Part 4a: Utopia interlude
Emma gave a laugh. "Now I know you're making this up. You being polite"?
Illyana frowned at Emma. "I can be polite. The great affection Mr. Bennet has for his daughters colors my reactions to such things when he says them; frankly all the men, and most of the women, believed as such in that era. Others made far worse statements".
"Oh, and were you polite to them as well"?
A rather wicked grin from Illyana. "Not really. I did end up slaying a few, but Lizzie helped in that. Girl has a temper and is quick to reach an opinion and act upon it; the others always did say she was a bad influence on me. Jane's the calm one".
Emma slightly frowned. That was a very good description of Mr. Bennet, Jane and Elizabeth from the book. And Illyana had used Elizabeth's nickname. Hmm how... thorough in her story making.
Scott made a minor mental observation "Note, the tense of her statements, current not past".
"Wait as minute" Emma said. "Elizabeth was a bad influence on you"?
"Yes. Is that so hard to believe"?
"Yes! Illyana you are not... well Elizabeth was a good person she was...".
Illyana interrupted with a slight scowl. "Thanks Emma, so kind of you to point out my perceived failings. Yes Lizzie is good, far nicer then I, but she is quick to anger, likes to hold grudges and once she's settled upon an idea she tends to be quite prejudiced against any facts to the contrary and will readily listen to statements that support those prejudices... Hmmm... prejudiced... I... see... that explains the title of the book. Elizabeth is the prejudiced one so that would mean that... Fitzwilliam must be the prideful one. That... makes sense".
"Fitzwilliam"? Asked Emma.
"Mr. Darcy, he hates being called Fritz, he's extra stuffy and formal about things like that. Actually got into a dual over one fellow's continually calling him Fritz. I suppose he was a gentlemen in that he let the follow survive; but that chap will forever be drinking his tea using his left hand as his right arm is... well missing".
"And you're on a first name basis with him"?
"Only in very private family settings. They really are very formal about those kinds of things. To use one's first name in public is so... familiar. Forever Miss Rasputin this, Miss Rasputin that in public. Miss Bennet I must protest your unjust slights upon my honor... blah blah blah. So reserved, so... stuffy. You'd love it Emma but you'd have to change how you dress; my-my how they would chatter upon seeing your... attire".
"And just how did this occur"?
"Well... I was...".
Emma held up her hand and interrupted Illyana. "No, don't tell me, that would be getting ahead of the story, one mustn't look ahead and ruin the plot".
"Okkkkk...". Illyana slowly replied.
Emma was intrigued, massively intrigued. She adored Pride and Prejudice and the thought of asking questions of someone who may have actually lived with them was irresistible. Although Emma was still convinced Illyana had to be making this up. Knowing that Mr. Darcy's first name was Fitzwilliam was a good little detail (the name was so rarely used in the book), it give her story additional authenticity.
Emma just had to ask. "What were they like"?
Illyana replied. "I learned much of their character during my convalescence. I spent the next three plus weeks confined to bed in that room before I finally ended up rooming with Jane and Elizabeth. Which was... nice. I rather enjoyed having roomies again".
Part 4b: Bedridden
Doctor Meckleshad shown up the following day and again expressed his astonishment at her continued rapid recovery. Much prodding and poking commenced, with Elizabeth present to make sure that Illyana's womanly virtue was maintained.
The stitches were removed from her left leg and plaster of Paris bandages wrapped around it so as to create a cast (her leg first being wrapped in clean linen). The same was done with her left arm as well.
Her ribs were inspected and declared fit, but the bandages binding her chest were to remain for the next two weeks. Her bruises were mostly faded (astonishing, simple astonishing) and her fingers all healed (but tender).
Questions were also asked, and Illyana went with the agreed story about how she had no idea as to how she came to be where she was or how she had gotten there. Everything was... blurry.
"Must be the head wound" was the Doctor's learned opinion, that and female hysteria. "Likely the blow has rattled your mind a bit. Your memories should return over time. You are to remain in bed until the leg has properly knitted itself".
Illyana found that while her healing was vastly accelerated compared to human baseline, it was excruciating slow by her standards. And very painful at times. Being bed ridden was also a boor beyond belief.
She was unable to move about other then sifting upon the bed, and she tired easily which was very vexing. Luckily she had constant care, in part to see to her well being, in part to make sure that she was kept safe (i.e. there was always somebody in the room with her as she slept at night).
In addition, the bars on the windows rather preventing somebody from trying to sneak in and abduct Illyana. All the manor's windows had bars on them. Rather standard in zombie England; it somewhat spoiled the architectural lines but one must make compromises in these trying times.
Well...bedridden and bored. No TV, radio, internet. Just books (which she enjoyed but the selection was limited to the contents of Mr. Bennet's library), conversation (some of which was beyond frightfully dull), and proper womanly hobbies.
Yes the female Bennet's taught her how to knit, darn, sew, needle point, elegant letter writing (No no Illyana! It is unseemly to write that you are going to kill somebody and gut them like the pigs they are, you must say that you are disheartened by their actions and will seek proper redress at the appropriate time).
And the proper way to comb one's hair (at least 100 strokes a day).
She spent a great deal of time with the Bennet's during her enforced bed rest.
Mrs. Bennet:
Illyana found Mrs. Bennet to be rather frivolous, excitable, and narrow-minded. Later, after Illyana was no longer bedridden, she found that Mrs. Bennet tended to be susceptible to attacks of tremors and palpitations when she was displeased (she could get rather hysterical when vexed), and manipulative (which tended to mostly fail with both Mr. Bennet and her brood of daughters).
She was very obsessed with her social standing and concerned about proper marriages for her daughters. And she tended to go on about how Mr. Bennet was just not doing enough about helping arrange proper marriages. Her apparent main ambition in life was to marry her daughters to wealthy men; whether or not any such matches will give her daughters happiness was of little concern to her.
She was also concerned about what would happen when Mr. Bennet passed away (not that he was unhealthy). The English inheritance laws were very focused on concentrating the family wealth upon either the first born MALE heir, or the closest MALE next of kin (which in Mr. Bennet's case it was a cousin by the name of William Collins, a clergyman).
Mrs. Bennet was not trained in the deadly arts, but she was a master of chatter (or mindless prattle as Mr. Bennet sometimes complained). She was getting on in years but still was in good shape.
Illyana did not like Mrs. Bennet, but she did not dislike her, and Mrs. Bennet did make Illyana welcome so all and all Illyana considered her a kind of annoying person that one has no recourse but to tolerate.
Mrs. Bennet might not know how to use a dagger, but she was very keen with a needle.
It was a warm day, partially cloudy, and the sounds of wooden training swords clattering against each other could be heard from outside where the Bennet girls were practicing. That and some giggling as the girls amused themselves by also practicing dagger throwing at a chained zombie that they had caught trying to climb the fence that surrounded the household.
Illyana was sitting in bed listening to Mrs. Bennet's instructions on needle point.
"Smaller stitches Illyana, small stitches. Yes that's it". Illyana was currently learning how to embroider a plain handkerchief with flowers (later she was to create one with an image of her soul sword using gold thread to outline the sword, red silk for blood droplets, and yellow for flames).
Mrs. Bennet returned to a familiar topic of conversation. "Yes, marriage for love sounds so romantic Illyana, but the practicalities of existence must come first".
Illyana replied. "It is not for me to say. I am a stranger in your lands and your customs. I'm sure you know best Mrs. Bennet".
No sense in getting Mrs. Bennet spun up.
"My daughters tell me that you are also trained in the deadly arts".
"Yes, but I suspect they are far more proficient then I as that is their primary focus".
"Too much focus I fear. They need to spend more time learning music and singing. Jane sings well but her piano playing is weak and Lizzie just refuses to play at all. Mary at least applies her self to her musical studies. Which is good, as she is plainer then her sisters and must compensate for such inadequacies. Ah Jane could be the perfect lady if only she focused less on sword work and more on music".
Illyana wise said nothing in response.
Mrs. Bennet sighed. "I suppose once you are up and about you will be joining in the general zombie mayhem and slaying".
"I dearly hope so Mum".
FYI: Mum is an English society term that not only short for mother, but also is a sign of respect for a woman who is your social superior. Illyana had quickly learned that Mrs. Bennet liked being called Mum by other woman and Illyana being very... astute in social manipulation she made ready use of it.
"Well... please promise me that you won't teach my girls any... foreign ideas".
"I'll try not to Mum, please let me know if I have strayed".
"Thank you dear. Now let's switch to the red thread and..."
Jane Bennet:
Jane is the eldest of the Bennet daughters, she was twenty two years of age. Jane was rightfully considered the most beautiful young lady in the neighborhood, although Jane did keep finding fault with her nose (she thought it a trite too large). Illyana had once sarcastically commented that it was not her nose that the boys and men were staring at (a very correct statement as Jane was... well equipped. Fully loaded if you want to use an automobile reference).
Jane's character, to contrast her with Elizabeth, was sweeter, shyer, and equally sensible, but not quite as clever. Her most notable trait is a desire to see only the good in others. Jane was sugar to Elizabeth's lemonade. Jane was closest to her sister Elizabeth. She was favored by her mother because of her beauty (by which Mrs. Bennet hope to secure a fortuitous matrimonial match for her).
She shared the leadership of the Bennet sisters with Elizabeth (and most of the discipline of her younger sisters if they stepped out of line although Elizabeth tended to be the combat leader).
"What will you do when you are freed from this bed and of your casts Illyana"? Jane inquired as she sewed.
Illyana and Jane were embroidering and having some tea.
"A very long and sinfully hot bath". Was Illyana's reply. "I believe you do not have showers".
"No. However, we do have a dry Sauna. Father dearly loves a good dry sauna. Warms him right up. All of us enjoy its use as well, but Mother likes to opine that it too harsh for the female constitution and is always trying to convince Father to end its use".
"Convince him in what way"?
"Well..." Jane focused on her embroidery as she replied. Illyana could swear that Jane was blushing. Jane for her part was rather embarrassed at the direction the conversation had taken.
"Once a week or so, sometimes twice a week in winter, she insists on demonstrating the potential harm by cloistering the two of them in the sauna for a prolonged amount of time. Which apparently both Mother and Father find greatly fatiguing as Mother usually takes to her bed afterwards for a prolonged nap. Father tends to end up in his library snoozing away after partaking of some refreshment".
"I... see" Illyana replied with a smile.
"Mother continues to fail in convincing Father, but she swears she shall triumph in the end".
Illyana replied with a deadpan expression. "Yes... and sometimes the hunt is far more enjoyable then the... kill".
Jane continued to blush. "Mother does seem to enjoy the... debate as it were. Enjoys it most... vigorously. Father claims to be quite fatigued but willing to persevere in his insistence as to the benefits of the sauna".
"I'm sure he is. I'm sure your mother is a very vigorous... debater".
"Mother tends to be very insistent when she wants something. She so adores getting her own way and Father tends to adore vexing her".
"So I've noticed... So I've noticed". Illyana replied as she snipped a thread.
Elizabeth Bennet (Lizzie):
Elizabeth was the second of the Bennet daughters, and twenty years of age when Illyana met her. She was intelligent, lively, playful, attractive, and witty (she was Illyana's favorite of the Bennet daughters). She was keen of wit and had the occasionally sarcastic outlook, which she shared with her father.
But Illyana noticed that Elizabeth had a tendency to judge on first impression and perhaps to be a little selective of the evidence on which she based her judgments.
Jane may have been older by two years, but Elizabeth was the deadliest of the Bennet daughters; and they all were deadly.
"How were you trained in the deadly arts Illyana"? Inquired Elizabeth.
The two of them had been quietly reading. Elizabeth was sitting in a chair reading a small book of poetry whereas Illyana had a history book detailing the raise of the scourge (meaning the plague of zombies).
"Two years as a child between seven and nine by... a woman of great ability. Then some as a young woman by various instructors, then several months as an adult by the same women who trained me as a child. I fear I am greatly deficient in such skills when compared to a ninja such as yourself".
"We are not ninjas, and in fact the term is somewhat insulting in that ninjas come from Japan whereas we were trained in China by Master Liu of the Shaolin temple. Ninjas are trained in ninjutsu where as my Father, and my sisters, are trained in Shaolin Kung fu. The Chinese term for ninjas is Jiān (meaning assassins). We are not killers for hire but Jiān is likely the closest ninja approximation to what we are".
"My apologies. Where I'm from, everybody likes to call themselves or compare themselves to ninjas".
"Apologies accepted. It is a common misunderstanding. Those who practice ninjutsu tend to look down upon Shaolin practitioners. Many a ninjutsu cur has died upon my blades for uttering disrespectful words".
"Really"?
"Well... I slightly exaggerate. A few ninjutsu curs have fallen. Five to be precise".
"And all of your sisters are so trained"?
"Yes. This is a world filled with zombies, ninjas, and many a challenge for ladies of good standing".
"So I've heard, do you have a specific style"?
"We are all trained in Quan, which is the martial side of Shaolin. There are the basic skills of stamina, flexibility, and balance, as these all improve the body abilities in doing martial maneuvers; also know as the childish skills. They are classified into eighteen postures".
Elizabeth continued as she closed her book after first marking her page with a book mark.
"Then there are the power skills involving Qigong meditation: Qigong meditation itself has two types, internal which is stationery meditation, and external, which is dynamic meditation methods. This involved the seventy two arts. There are the thirty six soft and thirty six hard exercises, which are known as soft and hard qigong".
"Then there are the Combat skills. These include various barehanded, weapon, and barehanded vs. weapon routines (styles) and their combat methods. Father favors the Arhat's eighteen hands style. Jane prefers the Emperor's long range style; which is the most graceful. Mary and Catherine tend to focus on the Guard the home style where as Lydia is a Plum blossom practitioner. I myself favor the Explosive style, which is also known as the king of styles. Mother prefers the glass of sherry style (giggle). What school are you from"?
Illyana closed her book as well with a book mark (no folding the pages here, they got rather upset at the thought of abusing books). "I have no style or school as it were. More of a mashup of various combat routines".
Elizabeth demurely smiled. "Well... if you wish we shall be training you in Shaolin as part of your recovery once you can walk again".
"I look forward to that".
Mary Bennet:
Mary was the only plain Bennet daughter, and rather than join in on some of the family activities, she preferred to read and play music, although Illyana found that Mary was often impatient to display her accomplishments (Illyana being a captive audience for several weeks) and that she was rather vain about them.
She worked hard for knowledge and accomplishments, but truthfully had neither any real genius or refined taste. Like her two younger sisters, Kitty and Lydia, she was seen as being silly by Mr. Bennet. Mary was not stupid, but she was also was not very intelligent. Things also got a bit complicated as she thought of herself as being wise when she really wasn't.
Illyana found her so be somewhat sad, forever overshadowed by her sisters both younger and older. She was, like all of her sisters, very lethal. The usual with sword and dagger, but she also was extremely skilled at throwing small knives.
"All of us so envy your hair". Mary proclaimed one evening while sitting with Illyana.
Mary also envied Illyana's face, body form, and reserved demeanor as well (we tend to envy what we do not posses). "So golden yellow, so silky. So... lovely".
"Thank you Mary".
The two of them were in Illyana's room, or monk's cell as Illyana liked to describe it to herself. She'd been unable to leave the bed for over two weeks at this point. But her left leg was hurting less so with any luck she would be up and hobbling about in a week or so. Mary had read aloud some poetry, engaged in a discussion on Russian history, and Mary had done some singing. Mary also played the piano (which was downstairs) and the violin, which was present.
She wasn't bad, but she wasn't "good". And curtsy dictated that you should return a compliment.
"I admire your perseverance in learning Mary. With no instructor other then your sisters and Father (the tutor had finished several years ago with what was considered sufficient womanly education). Lydia and Catherine should emulate you".
"They won't... They are more lovely then I, for I am... (heavy sigh...) Plain of face and form. And they have not the interest in such things. I must make due with what I have. Thank you for not giving me a false complement".
"I rarely lie Mary, as I've found that lies take effort to maintain while the true holds itself intact with little effort".
"Ohhh, I like that. I must commit that to memory. All the times that I've sung, or taught you songs, you have never song a song from... where you come from. Would you be so kind as to grace me with a song that nobody knows"?
An innocent request, but... Illyana was rather certain that the lyrics to Cat Scratch Fever were not ones that would be appreciated by society and Mrs. Bennet in particular. She thought up the request and then began to softly sing the song Turn Turn Turn by the Byrds.
To everything - turn, turn, turn
There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time to every purpose under heaven
A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep
To everything - turn, turn, turn
There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time to every purpose under heaven
A time to build up, a time to break down
A time to dance, a time to mourn
A time to cast away stones
A time to gather stones together
To everything - turn, turn, turn
There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time to every purpose under heaven
A time of love, a time of hate
A time of war, a time of peace
A time you may embrace
A time to refrain from embracing
To everything - turn, turn, turn
There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time to every purpose under heaven
A time to gain, a time to lose
A time to rend, a time to sew
A time for love, a time for hate
A time for peace, I swear it's not too late!
Mary clapped her hands in delight. "Oh I like that. Would... would you mind if I wrote down the words and tried to put it to piano"?
"Why would I mind Mary? It is not my song. Do with it as you will".
"Thank you, it would allow me to... well my own attempts to compose... well... nobody really seems to care for them. I confess that I sometimes find it very... disheartening".
"Well Mary. I am well versed in being disheartened. Try writing your own variation of the song and if you like it then we will explore some other songs that I can recall".
Catherine Bennet (Kitty):
Catherine (also known as Kitty) was the fourth daughter. She was roughly seventeen years old. Illyana found her to be rather the shadow of Lydia, although this was more apparent after she was finally liberated from the bed.
Although Catherine was older than Lydia, Catherine followed Lydia's pursuits of attractive men (mostly those in uniform and officers). She was the second of the silly three. She was also rather envious of Lydia. Very much a follower and not a leader.
"What do you like to do Illyana"? An innocent question and one that gave Illyana pause.
"Do? As in..."? Was Illyana's question back.
It was morning and Illyana had just eaten a light breakfast in bed, Catherine was her current minder.
"Do. As what do you enjoy doing when you are not engaged in doing something. What things do you enjoy doing to pass your idle time"?
Illyana opened her mouth to answer, paused, and then closed her mouth. She had a puzzled expression as she thought upon the question. She answered after some thought.
"I like to dance I suppose. I like to do things that allow me to pretend to forget the travails of my existence for the moment. Things that let me pretend to myself that I'm... In truth I have not had much... idle time as you put it. This enforced bed rest is the idlest time I can recall".
"Pretend about what"?
"I am not as I once was. I... it is complicated. I wish to be healed of a great harm done to me that I will not speak of. What do you like Catherine"?
Illyana always preferred to turn the conversation back to the other participate; which was a good ploy as most folks love to speak of themselves.
"Of course there is our training, and Lydia loves to gossip and be bold at balls. One reads various works, I prefer poetry to histories. Playing music is rather dull and Mary is better at it and quick to play as well. There are walks to the shops and about the country side. And sewing up something nice... Hmmmm how dull you must find my prattle compared to some of the stories you have told of battle".
"I somewhat long for dullness Catherine, but that is not my lot in life".
Catherine continued. "I wish to be somebody I suppose, the center of attention; like Lydia is. I want... well Mother is always plotting for a good marital match but...".
"Yes... matchmaking does appear to be her hobby".
"Hobby"?
"An optional thing that we enjoy doing when we are not doing the things we need to do".
"Do you have a hobby Illyana"?
"No... I once had such things, but now... yet another example of my condition as it were".
"Well... once you are on your feet then you must engage in some... optional behaviors as you call them, with us".
Lydia Bennet:
Lydia was the youngest of the Bennet daughters and was fifteen years of age. Illyana found her to be frivolous, headstrong and greatly irritating. Lydia's main activity in life was the desire to socialize and she loved to flirt. The old saying about a uniform makes a man look better really applied to Lydia. She was a favorite of her mother for reasons that escaped Illyana.
She was very self centered and rather pushy. She liked to boss her older sister Catherine (also know as Kitty) around. Tended to be impulsive and more then a little thoughtless. Was rather vexed to the youngest of the Bennet brood as age was one aspect of one's social rank. She possessed an attractive physical form, but was at the shallow end of the kiddie pool in social and character complexity. Equipped with some smarts, but mostly ignored in favor of gossiping.
Very lethal. Good with sword, dagger, rifle, and pistol, plus she liked nunchucks (two short wooden or metal rods connected with a chain).
The third of the silly three as their father liked to call them. Illyana greatly preferred the company of Jane and Elizabeth to any of the silly three.
A one sentence description of her would be (It's all about me!).
"Balls! How I love Balls! I wish every day had a Ball"!
Lydia was lightly dancing about Illyana's room and proclaiming her love of dancing as Illyana drank some tea and nibbled some cheese and bread. The conversation had drifted into social interactions, despite Illyana's strong attempt to row in another direction (against the current as it were).
"When you are better Illyana I shall teach you to dance, but not as well as I (giggle)".
"I await the day" Illyana replied.
"I just can't ball enough"! Lydia suddenly proclaimed, which resulted in Illyana slightly choking on her tea.
Lydia stopped dancing about and hastened to help Illyana. "Are you ok Illyana"?
"Yesss..." Illyana sputtered. "Your statement took me by surprise".
"In what way"?
Hmm, how to reply? "In my... where I'm from the use of the word balls to describe a dance has... declined in use due to alternative usages for the words... balls and balling. Socials, gala's, and other terms are more in use to describe such gatherings, although the use of the term formal balls is still in common use among the elite".
"What other meanings"?
Ummm..."Let us just say crude meanings and leave it at that".
"Oh..." A mischievous grin from Lydia. "How... naughty".
Lydia sat back down upon her chair. "But really Illyana, my sisters and I shall have to educate you on all the latest dances, to do otherwise would be so... improper".
"Thank you Lydia, I welcome almost any activity that involves me getting out of this bed".
"I also hope you can show us some dances as well".
Illyana had a mental image of the Bennet sisters dancing the Macarena, and suppressed a giggle. "We shall see, but I fear your mother would be... distressed".
Mr. Bennet
Mr. Bennet was the patriarch of the Bennet family. He was a gentleman of modest income with (vexingly) five unmarried daughters. Mr. Bennet was ironic and had a cynical sense of humor that irritated his wife. He had great affection for his daughters but it soon became apparent to Illyana that he preferred to avoid and withdraw from the never-ending marriage concerns of the women around him rather than offer help.
He often enjoyed laughing at the sillier members of his family, which was partially the reason they in fact had such faults as he had not taken pains to amend them. He was strict on the marital training, but was indulgent on other parental activities. For some of the daughters this had resulted in them being somewhat spoiled, self obsessed, and not considering the long term consequences of there actions (meaning Lydia).
He possessed inherited property that was entailed; meaning that it can only pass to male heirs. This mean that his daughters, and wife, will be on their own upon his death (his wife had her own property but it was but a fraction of what her husband possessed and the thought of a lower standard of living would always send her into a tizzy).
Mr. Bennet was sitting in a chair and Illyana, as always, was in bed, sitting up and supported by a mass of pillows. It was evening, post supper, and the two of them were engaged in conversation.
The cast on her arm had been removed two days ago but she still wore the cast upon her leg, and would for another week.
"You continue to mend at an astonishing rate my dear. It has been but five weeks and tomorrow you will be permitted to finally leave this room".
"A fate I eagerly await. It has been very... vexing to be so reduced". Replied Illyana.
"Are you ready to try again my dear"?
"Yes..., perhaps with results for once I hope".
On the other side of the room was a large unlit candle. Mr. Bennet had placed it there two weeks ago and had directed the servants and his daughters that it was not to be lit by them. Every few days Illyana tried to light the candle using magic, the slightest of magical parlor tricks.
Tried and failed, to her ever rising irritation.
Mr. Bennet was her instructor of magic in this world. He had a few volumes of lore, which Illyana had by this time fully read and consumed. He was capable of lighting the candle and had done so repeatable; although that was mostly the extent of his abilities (or so he claimed).
Mr. Bennet found it somewhat ironic that he was instructing her as she had quickly shown a depth of understanding that greatly exceeded his own (as he had suspected). And... hints of things that were rather intimidating.
Illyana closed her eyes and assumed a meditative pose. Mr. Bennet focused on his Chi and attempted to see with other then his eyes. As always he saw a glow about her, reddish and streaked with black.
His eyes showed an attractive women in bed, his third eye as it were showed... something upon the bed. Dark vapors hid it. But red and golden flickers of light escaped the vapors and hinted a constrained might. The flickers had been growing stronger in the last week.
After many long minutes Illyana reached out her right hand and... nothing.
Mr. Bennet sighed. "Better I think. Your glow is stronger. I suppose you just need more...".
Illyana opened her eyes while Mr. Bennet was talking and looked upon the still unlit candle. A sudden rage consumed her.
Rage over her injuries, the slow healing, the frustrations of being confined to bed, the rage of being thwarted yet again. Her right hand clenched and she snarled in hatred at her impairment.
Snarled and the candle vanished in a burst of flame that quite scorched the ceiling.
Illyana was drenched in sudden sweat and panting. She looked to Mr. Bennet and spoke.
"Apologies. I...". Her eyes closed and Illyana passed out.
Mr. Bennet for his part was shocked at what he had seen.
Not the candle being lit, well consumed; no not that. For a moment the vapors had parted and a blazing inferno of rage had shown forth. Rage of such magnitude. Such hate and anguish and might.
Not for the first time he wondered at just what was residing in his house.