Hello everyone! How're you all? Fine?

At first, let's welcome Seafoam Green under Twilight aka our dear Nain, our one and only KaneSal Goddess of fanfiction once again! Really dear, seeing you after a long time is so relieving and pleasant! That's why, as a welcome gift, Misty Di presents "Venom: Another name of love". I know that along with KaiJul, TalaJul has recently become one of your most favorite pairings too. Pardon me, in this story, I've crushed them so ruthlessly (You know my nature, yes, your Misty Di hasn't changed a bit!). Yet, this is another medieval-age TalaJul story by me, along with some one-sided KaiJul. So enjoy!

Rating: T

Genres: Romance, angst, tragedy, friendship, hurt/comfort.

Warning: Character death, suicide, caste system and violence.

Pairings: TalaXJulia, KaiXJulia (One-sided)

Written from: Kai's P.O.V

Dedicated to: Seafoam Green under Twilight aka our Nain.

So...enjoy!

Since the last two hours, my eyes were set on the tiny italic fonts of the yellowish pages of a thick, blue-covered book as my back was propped against a wooden rocking chair in the balcony. It was my regular habit to grab a book along with my morning Sakura tea. My house was located in a much tranquil place in the village. From the terrace, the ever-green beauty of the forest could easily be enjoyed. Specially when the birds chirped from the branches of the nearby trees and the wild flowers bloomed in the shrubberies, they surely got diamonds and sapphires together. Moreover, the morning breeze around me was also cool and soothing, cleansing all the clotting dirt in my brain. So, it was a must.

However, I couldn't concentrate much on reading the book though it was very interesting. A guard came to me and saluted, "My lord, someone has come to meet you?"

"Who?" I asked, not removing my eyes from the pages. Soon, Venus would rise from the sea foam produced by the severed genitals of Caelus-Uranus. Not like I was much fond of her beauty but it was quite unavoidable. For a guard, I couldn't miss it.

"Alexander."

However, now I had to resist the temptation of guzzling the appeals of the Roman Goddess of love with my eyes, through the countless goblets of letters. Closing the book and keeping it on the round tea-table, I stood up and spoke, "Tell him to come in."

Alexander came in, this time, not with the charming and confident smile on his face as always. Rather, the clouds of anxiety and fear were present there, not leaving a single spot of a ray of sunshine. He was almost shivering, keeping his head bent and hands joined. Seeing his expressions, I could guess that there was a piece of bad news waiting for me. Yet, trying my best to stay calm and normal, I asked, "What happened, Alexander?"

"Lord…lord Valkov…" He couldn't finish his sentence.

A chilled current passed through my spine though my expressions were conveying exactly the opposite to him. Folding my arms, I asked him, "What happened to Tala?"

"Pardon me, lord Hiwatari…." He was literally stammering, "But…I-I cannot tell you everything here. You…you have to go…with me."

I sighed. Tala was the nephew of the feudal lord of the nearby village as well as my childhood friend. In fact, I, Tala, Bryan, Spencer and Ian had received our education from the learning center when we had been children. To be honest, he was the actual heir of his father along with his vast property. But his father had died when Tala had been not more than seven. His uncle, Boris Balkov, had taken the custody of the redhead-but only in front of the outer world. We all knew it far well that deep inside, Balkov used to treat his nephew no less good than a servant of him. Nonetheless, everyone loved Tala in his village. Because of the immense love and respect of the villagers, Boris couldn't have done something serious to him. Well…until Alexander came to me on that day.

"Fine," I puffed, "Tell the horsemen to prepare my carriage. I'm coming."

Nodding, Alexanded headed to my stable. Approaching my dressing room, I fell in quite a depth of perplexities. Was Tala really okay?

The four-wheeled chariot stopped before the small, straw cabin as I and Alexander landed from that. Yeah, the non-living atmosphere around the hut was very serene along with a few trees and some floret tubs arranged in a queue, in the balcony from where the vines were climbing the bamboo pillars. The white pigeons strolling on the roof were surely eye-soothing. Yet, no matter how much beautiful it was, it could never be Tala's house, nor could my friend live here as he was the son of a rich, noble family of Russia. I frowned, what was Tala supposed to do here? If he weren't present, why did Alexander bring me here?

"Let me go!" Someone hissed, "He's still sick! He needs me!"

My confusion didn't take much time to be clarified as I looked at the yard. No, it wasn't empty. Rather, a lot of people gathered there. Among them, to my utter surprise, I saw Boris Balkov too. Never had I seen the eggplant so pissed off before it. The folk seemed to surround something or someone. The seething and helpless, yet, furious screams of a lady could be heard but the owner of the voice couldn't be seen by me, thanks to the crowd mustering to enjoy the so-called circus going on there. Each time, Balkov was rumbling but his throat couldn't suppress the painful, yet, remonstrative feminine voice.

Somehow, pushing the crowd with Alexander, I tried to see what was happening. Seeing me, Boris was a bit embarrassed but his creepy expressions and furious vocal didn't show it. Other people also bowed their heads down as I wasn't unfamiliar to them. But my eyes were on the center of their attention; encircling which the chaos had risen.

A dual-haired girl she was, in her early twenties. Orange bangs were covering her eyes as her head was curved below. Chocolate locks were splayed all over her back, maybe crossing her knees and rolling on the dusty ground. Porcelain-toned skin was burning in the scorching sunshine; specially her arms and shoulders, reflecting on the black cobra tattoo made on her left shoulder. I wondered…Russia was always a cold country. How the hell was she wearing so exposing cloths in such a bad weather? Was she resistive to ice by any chance?

"My lady," However, I tried not to notice anymore, "You okay?"

Hearing me, little by little, she lifted her face. I observed that her eyes were lemon-colored. There was not a single bead of tears but only fire and fire. sweltering hotter than the sun in the mid-sky. Though she wasn't crying, her sclerae were red, swollen. The weather was very comfortable, yet, she was sweating hard. Some orange locks were sticking to her drenched forehead and cheeks. The right side of her temple had a shallow cut. In the left corner of her naturally orange and chapped lips, it was bruised, bearing a dried stain of blood. I took no time to realize that she was being physically tortured here. My grips went curled at this sight. They hit a woman? So badly? Why?

"What's this?" Gritting my teeth, I turned to the people who had no answer to my question, "You raised your hands on a woman?"

"Hiwatari…" Boris approached me very calmly as if it had never been any big deal, "I can feel what you are thinking now. But it was the only way."

"Way?" I frowned, "Of which?"

"Actually…." Pausing for a few seconds, he respoke, pointing a finger at the dual-haired lady, "This woman…no no, this bitch has held Tala captive for three weeks, spending each of the nights with him and seducing him like a cheap slut! Tala has lost his purity only because of her. She deserves to be beaten!"

I frowned at the woman. Getting my sharp stares, her emerald eyes touched the ground, not able to face mine. The orange tresses again became busy to hide them from the outer world. But the reddish glow rising in her cheeks told me that the allegation made against her was totally wrong. I could feel that she was fuming deep inside but couldn't speak before Boris Balkov, fearing that he would attack on his own nephew too. I didn't deny, of course, he had the ability to do so. What worsened my mood was his sheer anger and hatred against the girl when he didn't speak a single word against his own nephew, only fearing the people around him. Why? Why always women in this world? Even this Kai Hiwatari didn't have the answer to his own question.

"My lady," I asked her calmly, "Do you have any word of yourself?"

"Yes, I do." She nodded and stood up. Giving a daring and dangerous glare at Balkov who was sneering silently, she glanced all over the people present there. Then, she opened her mouth after a bow, not forgetting her values even after being bashed and battered too much, "Greetings, everyone. I'm Julia Fernandez, a snake-charmer woman by birth. It's my family profession, you can say. For it, every day, I have to go to the deep forest so that I can collect snakes for poison and entertainment purposes.

Like all other days, before three weeks, not getting a single snake, I was returning home, empty-handed. Suddenly, I saw lord Valkov fallen under a tree. He was injured; his forehead was bleeding. He got a fever too. I couldn't leave him there alone in that condition. That's why, I brought him to my house and treated him. After one week, when he regained his senses fully, he said that he fell for me. To be honest, I started liking him too-from the core of my heart. That's why, we married each other. Now, he's still recovering. Otherwise, he would surely come out and tell you what the truth is."

"Shut up, you liar!" Boris almost slapped her but discovering that I was still present there, he couldn't do that, "Only for money, you have trapped my nephew, gold-digger! Only because of a third-class snake-charmer and an ominous seductress like you, my nephew has been dead to me forever! But know that you won't get a single coin from him because already I have disinherited him from all my wealth and properties! I'm announcing it in front of everyone! From today onwards, Tala Valkov is no one to me!"

"I don't think that you would give him his portion even if I didn't come to his life, lord Balkov," Julia confidently retorted, "Good thing it's because when lord Balkov was unconscious, in his fever, he used to say that he wanted to get rid of you, at the cost of all his wealth."

I gawked at her. No, like the thoughts of the people, she wasn't a damsel in distress who could be scared, beaten, humiliated and bashed according to their wishes. In fact, she was a pretty tough woman, such a woman who has always been feared by men since the beginning of life on the earth. Hearing her answer, Boris gritted his teeth and turned away from there. Other people also left the place bit by bit. From their whisperings, ominous things and harsh criticism about the girl could be heard. Most of them were about the caste difference between her and my friend but the dual-haired woman really didn't bother. Maybe, she knew that it was the least that they could do. Once the place went empty, I asked her, "How's Tala doing now?"

"Out of danger," She replied, "Won't you want to meet him?"

Was that even a question to ask me? Yet, I didn't show how much eager I was to see him once. Nodding, I followed her in, along with Alexander.

Unlike the outer side, the inner portion of the house was dark a bit. Actually, it couldn't be blamed because the sun was already in the west. Very simple the compartment was; with a closet, a wooden table, a pair of chairs and a bed. On the bed, the redhead was lying, his eyes were half-lidded. He was always pale but this time, the paleness of his skin could be seen even in the shallow obscurity roaming inside, like a light. His forehead was wrapped with a bandage. From his body, it seemed that he'd lost some weight too. Never had I seen him in such a vulnerable state. Yet, in my eyes, he wasn't vulnerable fully because still he had Julia Fernandez, his wife who'd snatched him from the jaw of the death.

I sat beside him, on a chair. Feeling my presence, he heavily opened his eyes. When he realized who there was actually by his side, he wanted to get up with a jolt but holding his back, I made him lie down again. Too much excitement wasn't good for his condition. Besides, his brain had to be prepared for receiving the bad news and the announcement that his beloved and respected uncle had declared in front of all his attendants before a few hours. I didn't want to make him that eager so soon.

Again, I heard everything from him and yes, Julia had been speaking the truth facing the crowd. To be honest, the dual-haired girl hadn't even had the idea that Tala came of a noble and rich clan because when he'd been found unconscious in the jungle by her, he'd been wearing very simple cloths. Only after they'd fallen for each other, the redhead had told her about him. However, his history, his riches, his fame couldn't have melted her. To her, grains were more valuable than gems. She didn't have any greed for power and wealth. Yet, she deserved to be a noble lady from all her qualities.

As our conversations ended, Julia brought food for us. Quite simple it was, obviously. In fact, those dishes were served to the servants working in my house. She guessed it that I wasn't habituated to eat them though Tala was already. Lowering her head, she sheepishly murmured, "Pardon me, lord Hiwatari. I couldn't make anything better for you."

"No problem." However, the foods weren't as bad as I was imagining them to be. They were fresh and candid, just like the heart of the snake-charmer woman. I felt that much love and affection were mixed with them. Even the delicious weekly feasts held in my castle couldn't satisfy my tongue that much. What was in her hands? Magic? I didn't believe in that but she surely had an attractive personality. No…was I falling for her? Nope, what the hell was I thinking? She was the wife of my best friend and thinking these things about her was surely a grave sin. But…how to convince the heart? Deep inside, I felt quite jealous of Tala. I could see his bewitched aquamarine orbs spread all over her all the time. I knew, he felt proud of her, so did she. Well...did I too?

When the dinner was done and Tala fell asleep because he needed much rest to receive a speedy and full recover, Julia held a lamp and stood before me. I was trying my best not to look at her eyes but honestly speaking, she was like a bolt of lightning in the cloud-overcast sky of monsoon; producing a ray of hope as well as indicating destruction at the same time. A furious lioness she was, along with being a caring, responsible and admirable soulmate. A fearless, born-warrior she was, the nature of a majestic queen could be discovered in her too.

"It's been very late," Julia looked outside, "The forest on the way is very dangerous. Can you go alone? Or should I drop you?"

I was, indeed, shocked. What was she saying? Being a woman, she was trying to ensure the safety of a skilled warrior like me? Was she really a lady? Or…just an illusion?

"No, thanks," I gently rejected her offer, "I can go alone."

"Sir, take care," She tried to smile, "If possible, do visit the home of this worthless maid. Not for her sake, but for your best friend. He's been alone in this world. Now, you're his only well-wisher."

Were her jade orbs sparkling with tears when she was saying these words? Nah, I couldn't increase my affection for her. Nodding and turning my head away, I rode my chariot along with Alexander. I didn't look back. Was she holding the lamp and waiting for having the last glimpse of me? I didn't know, still, I don't know.

According to the words of Boris which actually never change, Tala couldn't return to his own house. I don't think he was disappointed to hear that. Rather, he was much relieved and pleased. He was living with his wife, happily. Though he became a beggar from a king, he didn't care. Their tiny family was beautiful, filled with blessings and spiritual pleasure. Sometimes, I also used to go to visit them. Many words weren't exchanged between me and Julia but I felt that we got close eventually. Unlike me, she had feelings only for her husband. I knew, Tala was the only deity of her temple. So what? Being the priest was more than enough for me at that time.

Since she was a snake-charmer, it was her job to catch venomous snakes from the depth of the woods. Being intrigued, Tala also joined her though she didn't want it. She knew that it was a dangerous task and she feared for the security of her beloved husband. Tala was doing the task very skillfully as if he had never been the son of a feudal lord but the child of a snake-charmer. It became very simple for him. Just like a tree growing from the rocks survives eventually.

But he should never have been so excited. Curiosity killed the cat, so did it do to Tala Valkov.

Julia Fernandez Valkov…was pregnant with the child of Tala. That's why, catching snakes was forbidden for her according to the customs of her clan. But since they were only two in their family, someone had to do it. Besides, the redhead needed some money too for his expecting wife and unborn child residing in her womb. That's why, one day, he went to catch snakes alone despite many objections and fears from his wife. It was forbidden for him to catch those reptiles without her presence around him. Trying to assure her, I accompanied Tala, much to her relief which I could never give to her in her life.

Sitting near a hole on a tree, he tried to see inside it. Well, too dark it was, yet, couldn't break the confidence of Tala Valkov. Smirking at me, he inserted his hand there. Right then-

"Ah!"

He immediately put his hand out of the tiny cavern. In my shocked and expanded eyes, I captured the view of a pair of tiny dots on his palm, blood dripping from there. Yeah, Tala was bitten by a snake. To be more precise, by a venomous snake. The forest was quite far from his house but I hurried, tying a handkerchief a bit upper from the snakebite tightly, placing him in the chariot and driving him to the cabin where his wife was eagerly waiting for her beloved husband. Well, not for his almost-limped body.

Seeing him, she was broken but tried her best to save his life. Vines, roots, herbs, chants-whatever she had, she fed him, she made him sniff, she applied them on the wound. She tried to remove the poisoned blood from his body by cutting the wound a bit. The only thing that was left was to suck the poison. I could bet she would have done it too, had she not bearing his child. However, making all our combined efforts futile, within three hours, my best friend exhaled the last bit of polluted air from his lungs and let his sapphire pupils rest under his locked eyelids, forever.

I-I couldn't say how I was feeling at that time. Julia became like a stone, not able to utter a single word. Tala's death news was informed to his family members but thanks to Boris Balkov, nobody came to take his corpse. His body was buried beside their cabin. Every day, when every single living being on the earth got lost in the unknown world of slumber, the dual-haired woman used to visit the grave. Did she cry? I don't know because I never had seen her shed a single droplet of tears. Of course, I used to visit her and offered her money but always, she refused to take it.

Eventually, she gave birth to Zohana Valkov, who inherited the same hair color from her late father and the eyes of her mother. Giving the petite angel to my arms, she tiredly sighed and spoke, "Never crave for too much, lord Hiwatari. Never."

Maybe, she was feeling her surroundings no less unbearable than the hell. Within the seven days after the birth of their daughter, she ended her life too. Since she was a snake-charmer, there were varieties of poisons in her house. In her last letter, a few words were written:

"Too much means venom. Be it too much wealth or too much love."

I snickered in my own grief. Surely, she was never meant to be mine, I knew it too. But I wanted to salute her for her courage, her dedication, her sacrifice and her love-be it venom, or not.

She was the only woman at whose eyes, this Kai Hiwatari could never look, fearing that he would be nothing but a pile of ashes after it.

Donee! So...how's it? Nain, I know you're preparing your brooms to beat me *Holds ears* but you are well-aware of the nature of your Misty Di, so I hope like always, you've forgiven me this time too. (Man, has anyone noticed it that in my stories, whenever Julia was killed, it was only suicide? *Sighs*)

Actually, I was planning it for RaySal, giving Kai's role to Kane but...*Gulps* Nah nah! Even "Footprints", "Primavera Sangrienta", "Honor"-they were also planned for RaySal but all my OTPs have protected my darkest and most sinful OTP, letting them be destroyed *Sniffs*. Anyways, I was just kidding :P

Do read and review. Pardon the grammatical and spelling errors. Take care and stay safe.

Dear Nain, I hope you've liked it. Once again, a warm welcome to our site, dearie *Showers roses on you and gives you a tight hug*

-Misty _ _