1 Piper's birthday
The week passed in a blur of preparations and meaningless hours. The only thing that stuck out about the week was a silent countdown to my twenty-first birthday that I kept.
At exactly five-twenty AM, Keegan gently shook me awake and whispered in the dark happy birthday. I remember muttering something about sleep; the morning and shoving a birthday candle where the sun didn't shine.
His only response was an amused chuckle and brushing his lips against my temple.
When I finally awoke at six, I discovered a chocolate chip cookie with a candle sitting on my nightstand. I smiled warmly as the candle magically sparked to life and Happy Birthday softly began playing in the air.
"Make a wish!" a tiny version of Keegan's voice exclaimed once the song was over.
I wish… I wish to be free. I closed my eyes and blew out the candle.
I dressed in the clothes from yesterday and walked to the dinning room where Keegan sat drinking coffee at the table, silently reading the book from last night.
"Happy Birthday."
I smiled and sat next to him as a maid sat a plate of eggs and ham with a glass of orange juice in front of me.
"Thank you for the cookie but you know the fat will go to my thighs."
"Your thighs are nice, now eat." He said never taking his eyes from the book.
I took a bite before his comment could register and when it did I choked on the bite. After two gulps of juice I finally recovered.
"Did you just say I have nice legs?!"
"I think everything is nice. Eat." He told me firmer and flipped a page.
"Everything about me or the world?"
He lowered the book enough for me to see his penetrating ice blue eyes. I began eating my breakfast.
After breakfast I drifted off into the parlor and checked the answering machine. Two messages waited for me.
"Piper dearest, this is Mummy."
I groaned and rolled my eyes as Keegan silently came in.
"I've been thinking and I agree with Keegan." She said and I spun to face him. "Today is your birthday and those are special days where you should go and do things with friends. So go on, play, and don't forget to have fun!"
I jumped up and hugged him.
"Thank you!" I exclaimed and hugged him even tighter.
Effortlessly Keegan pried me lose.
"It gets better." He warned me just before the last message began to.
"Happy B-day Piper!" Madelyn and Julian exclaimed in unison.
"Hey if yer not busy, let's get together and party." Madelyn said.
"Better yet, why don't you come to the pub, Purgatory and see what Damon and I cooked up for you." Julian added.
"Julian, what are you and Damon up to." Madelyn asked suspiciously. "I don't like that look I see."
"Don't worry," Julian told her, "It's harmless." A chuckle denied the claim.
"Julian, I'm want to know."
"It's a surprise for you and Piper." He told her.
Before the call ended I heard Madelyn mutter, "I hate surprises."
"Do you know what Jules and Mr. Fangs got up their sleeve?" I asked coyly.
Keegan only smiled.
Purgatory was like it always was. Mysterious music from unseen parts of the world played in the dim pub and club. The worlds of night and daylight mingled together in harmony. Werewolves danced with psychics while vampires drank with mortals and far darker creatures.
"Happy birthday!" an entire section of the pub exclaimed. With delight, I ran up to the people who greeted me.
First was Madelyn Olslin who was dressed in a peasant skirt, shirt and bodice of maroon and green that brought out her flame colored hair and hazel eyes. Next there was Julian dressed as French cavalier his light blond hair swept back and his indescribable blue eyes dancing. Then Damon gracefully bowed before me dressed in a Renaissance shirt and tights alongside his brother Stefan. Both outfits complimented their dark hair while Damon's all black outfit made his dark eyes blacker, Stefan's only brought out his emerald eyes.
Stefan's lover Elena glided up in a light blue Renaissance dress, her blond hair pulled back in intricate fashion and her blue eyes dancing. She and I both gasped when Damon's girlfriend, Angel Taliesin floated over to us wearing a white gothic gown. Her blond hair fell past her shoulders in gentle curls and her pale blue eyes barely glanced at anyone but saw everything.
"Angel says happy birthday." Damon told me as the stunning vampire hunter curtsied before me and then smiled faintly to Damon. "She also says she feels a bit silly dressing up."
Keegan appeared suddenly dressed like a pirate and hugged his sister. "You look beautiful."
"But not as beautiful as Piper will be." The bartender said behind us all. I spun and saw the most beautiful dress. On the bar sat a gorgeous white gown that seemed to change to lavender depending on the light.
Keegan walked over and brought it to me.
"There is a story that is whispered in the realm of Hel, the netherworld, of the *only* time djinn imparted a gift." His smile seemed dark and secretive as he talked of his and Julian's people. "Each one collected the material they would need for it. Silken threads made by Freya, the goddess Frigg's spinning wheel, Frey's blessing and Frigg herself. Together these made The Djinn's Gift, this dress."
I gasped as he laid it in my arms. "Why did they make it? For whom?" I asked breathlessly as the dress magically melted over my clothes.
"For my mother." Keegan said quietly as my street clothes dropped to the floor.
"I can't wear this. By the way, why is everyone dressed up?" I inquired.
"We're going to Scarborough Faire with Rob, Jenny and the gang." Julian answered.
"And you're wearing the dress." Keegan added firmly as he scooped up my street clothes in his arms where they promptly vanished.
I sighed in defeat.
Rob Kessler in two words or less would have been described as a golden boy. His hair was blond, his skin was tan, and his eyes were gold, amber if you got technical. He waited patiently by the main gate to Scarborough along with his friends.
Anna, Rob's girlfriend, stood next to Rob nervously playing with her dark hair scanning the crowd with her dark eyes. Next to her stood Rob's ex girlfriend Kaitlyn. Her strange blue on blue eyes took in her surroundings with an artist's eye. Next to her was her current boyfriend Gabriel, a cute guy with gray eyes and dark hair. A nice combo along with a nice bod.
Next to that crowd stood Jenny Thorton-Locke. Jenny was dressed similar to Madelyn with her golden hair pulled back and braided. Her forest green eyes were all for her husband, Tom. Tom was a nice looking guy, dark hair trimmed neatly that went at odds with the outrageous jester outfit he wore.
I was betting Julian talked him into it.
"There they are!" Anna exclaimed and ran over to where we had appeared near the gate.
"Happy birthday girl!" Kaitlyn said as soon as they all reached me. Gabriel stepped up and tossed me a rectangular box.
"This is yours." He told me.
I opened the present and gasped. Inside sat a simple silver crown in the shape of leaves. I put the gift on and immediately thanked them all.
"Here's my group's gift." Jenny said as Tom handed me a show box.
Upon opening it, I discovered a fan constructed of white leather and lavender and white feathers.
"Keegan mentioned to us you liked Ren fairs, silver jewelry and these types of fans." Tom explained as I gave him the box back and held onto my fan.
"Thank you all." I exclaimed to the point of crying. I turned to Keegan as we made out way through the gates of Scarborough. "You really shouldn't have."
"Yes I did." He replied as I got my first view of the fair I so long to see. Right in front of us, minstrels sang on top of a stage while everyone bustled around. I spied a dwarf and a gargoyle walk pass and then a pretzel hawker.
"So this is what you meant about a surprise of both of us." Madelyn said to Julian. "You knew I wanted to go here as well."
Julian performed a perfect bow, "Of course I did m'lady." He offered her his arm and she giggled as she took it.
Then Damon did the same to Angel to which she shook her head and began walking off, forcing the smitten vampire to run off after her and take her arm.
"Would my lady Piper gift this rogue with the honor of escorting her around yon faire?" Keegan asked innocently as Elena and Stefan walked hand and hand by.
The way he asked coupled with the magic of the surroundings caused me to demurely nod and accept his proffered arm.
Together we walked passed shops of souvenirs, and stages hosting a variety of entertainers. Moments later, everyone somehow found himself or herself in front of the gate to a maze.
"Come inside, lawds and ladies to the Labyrinth!" cried a rather hunched-backed fellow dressed in gray. "Traverse the mystery of the Labyrinth."
I looked past the man and spied walls of bright cloth flapping in the slight breeze of the day.
"Doesn't look very mysterious." Julian commented and received a somewhat playful punch to his arm from Madelyn for his rudeness.
I looked back at the maze and smiled.
"But that *is* the mystery" I turned and exclaimed cheerfully, "Discovering what makes it mysterious."
Damon, Keegan and Julian shot me dry looks as Anna, Madelyn and I tugged our men toward the entrance. Not to be left out, Angel began yanking Damon towards the maze.
Gabe, Kaitlyn, Jenny and Tom hung back.
"We'll wait for you here." Jenny said rubbing her arms with her hands as if chilled by an unseen wind. Behind her, Kaitlyn nodded vigorously.
"Okay, see ya soon." I said stepping inside along with the rest.
We never saw what was to come.
Okay so review!
The week passed in a blur of preparations and meaningless hours. The only thing that stuck out about the week was a silent countdown to my twenty-first birthday that I kept.
At exactly five-twenty AM, Keegan gently shook me awake and whispered in the dark happy birthday. I remember muttering something about sleep; the morning and shoving a birthday candle where the sun didn't shine.
His only response was an amused chuckle and brushing his lips against my temple.
When I finally awoke at six, I discovered a chocolate chip cookie with a candle sitting on my nightstand. I smiled warmly as the candle magically sparked to life and Happy Birthday softly began playing in the air.
"Make a wish!" a tiny version of Keegan's voice exclaimed once the song was over.
I wish… I wish to be free. I closed my eyes and blew out the candle.
I dressed in the clothes from yesterday and walked to the dinning room where Keegan sat drinking coffee at the table, silently reading the book from last night.
"Happy Birthday."
I smiled and sat next to him as a maid sat a plate of eggs and ham with a glass of orange juice in front of me.
"Thank you for the cookie but you know the fat will go to my thighs."
"Your thighs are nice, now eat." He said never taking his eyes from the book.
I took a bite before his comment could register and when it did I choked on the bite. After two gulps of juice I finally recovered.
"Did you just say I have nice legs?!"
"I think everything is nice. Eat." He told me firmer and flipped a page.
"Everything about me or the world?"
He lowered the book enough for me to see his penetrating ice blue eyes. I began eating my breakfast.
After breakfast I drifted off into the parlor and checked the answering machine. Two messages waited for me.
"Piper dearest, this is Mummy."
I groaned and rolled my eyes as Keegan silently came in.
"I've been thinking and I agree with Keegan." She said and I spun to face him. "Today is your birthday and those are special days where you should go and do things with friends. So go on, play, and don't forget to have fun!"
I jumped up and hugged him.
"Thank you!" I exclaimed and hugged him even tighter.
Effortlessly Keegan pried me lose.
"It gets better." He warned me just before the last message began to.
"Happy B-day Piper!" Madelyn and Julian exclaimed in unison.
"Hey if yer not busy, let's get together and party." Madelyn said.
"Better yet, why don't you come to the pub, Purgatory and see what Damon and I cooked up for you." Julian added.
"Julian, what are you and Damon up to." Madelyn asked suspiciously. "I don't like that look I see."
"Don't worry," Julian told her, "It's harmless." A chuckle denied the claim.
"Julian, I'm want to know."
"It's a surprise for you and Piper." He told her.
Before the call ended I heard Madelyn mutter, "I hate surprises."
"Do you know what Jules and Mr. Fangs got up their sleeve?" I asked coyly.
Keegan only smiled.
Purgatory was like it always was. Mysterious music from unseen parts of the world played in the dim pub and club. The worlds of night and daylight mingled together in harmony. Werewolves danced with psychics while vampires drank with mortals and far darker creatures.
"Happy birthday!" an entire section of the pub exclaimed. With delight, I ran up to the people who greeted me.
First was Madelyn Olslin who was dressed in a peasant skirt, shirt and bodice of maroon and green that brought out her flame colored hair and hazel eyes. Next there was Julian dressed as French cavalier his light blond hair swept back and his indescribable blue eyes dancing. Then Damon gracefully bowed before me dressed in a Renaissance shirt and tights alongside his brother Stefan. Both outfits complimented their dark hair while Damon's all black outfit made his dark eyes blacker, Stefan's only brought out his emerald eyes.
Stefan's lover Elena glided up in a light blue Renaissance dress, her blond hair pulled back in intricate fashion and her blue eyes dancing. She and I both gasped when Damon's girlfriend, Angel Taliesin floated over to us wearing a white gothic gown. Her blond hair fell past her shoulders in gentle curls and her pale blue eyes barely glanced at anyone but saw everything.
"Angel says happy birthday." Damon told me as the stunning vampire hunter curtsied before me and then smiled faintly to Damon. "She also says she feels a bit silly dressing up."
Keegan appeared suddenly dressed like a pirate and hugged his sister. "You look beautiful."
"But not as beautiful as Piper will be." The bartender said behind us all. I spun and saw the most beautiful dress. On the bar sat a gorgeous white gown that seemed to change to lavender depending on the light.
Keegan walked over and brought it to me.
"There is a story that is whispered in the realm of Hel, the netherworld, of the *only* time djinn imparted a gift." His smile seemed dark and secretive as he talked of his and Julian's people. "Each one collected the material they would need for it. Silken threads made by Freya, the goddess Frigg's spinning wheel, Frey's blessing and Frigg herself. Together these made The Djinn's Gift, this dress."
I gasped as he laid it in my arms. "Why did they make it? For whom?" I asked breathlessly as the dress magically melted over my clothes.
"For my mother." Keegan said quietly as my street clothes dropped to the floor.
"I can't wear this. By the way, why is everyone dressed up?" I inquired.
"We're going to Scarborough Faire with Rob, Jenny and the gang." Julian answered.
"And you're wearing the dress." Keegan added firmly as he scooped up my street clothes in his arms where they promptly vanished.
I sighed in defeat.
Rob Kessler in two words or less would have been described as a golden boy. His hair was blond, his skin was tan, and his eyes were gold, amber if you got technical. He waited patiently by the main gate to Scarborough along with his friends.
Anna, Rob's girlfriend, stood next to Rob nervously playing with her dark hair scanning the crowd with her dark eyes. Next to her stood Rob's ex girlfriend Kaitlyn. Her strange blue on blue eyes took in her surroundings with an artist's eye. Next to her was her current boyfriend Gabriel, a cute guy with gray eyes and dark hair. A nice combo along with a nice bod.
Next to that crowd stood Jenny Thorton-Locke. Jenny was dressed similar to Madelyn with her golden hair pulled back and braided. Her forest green eyes were all for her husband, Tom. Tom was a nice looking guy, dark hair trimmed neatly that went at odds with the outrageous jester outfit he wore.
I was betting Julian talked him into it.
"There they are!" Anna exclaimed and ran over to where we had appeared near the gate.
"Happy birthday girl!" Kaitlyn said as soon as they all reached me. Gabriel stepped up and tossed me a rectangular box.
"This is yours." He told me.
I opened the present and gasped. Inside sat a simple silver crown in the shape of leaves. I put the gift on and immediately thanked them all.
"Here's my group's gift." Jenny said as Tom handed me a show box.
Upon opening it, I discovered a fan constructed of white leather and lavender and white feathers.
"Keegan mentioned to us you liked Ren fairs, silver jewelry and these types of fans." Tom explained as I gave him the box back and held onto my fan.
"Thank you all." I exclaimed to the point of crying. I turned to Keegan as we made out way through the gates of Scarborough. "You really shouldn't have."
"Yes I did." He replied as I got my first view of the fair I so long to see. Right in front of us, minstrels sang on top of a stage while everyone bustled around. I spied a dwarf and a gargoyle walk pass and then a pretzel hawker.
"So this is what you meant about a surprise of both of us." Madelyn said to Julian. "You knew I wanted to go here as well."
Julian performed a perfect bow, "Of course I did m'lady." He offered her his arm and she giggled as she took it.
Then Damon did the same to Angel to which she shook her head and began walking off, forcing the smitten vampire to run off after her and take her arm.
"Would my lady Piper gift this rogue with the honor of escorting her around yon faire?" Keegan asked innocently as Elena and Stefan walked hand and hand by.
The way he asked coupled with the magic of the surroundings caused me to demurely nod and accept his proffered arm.
Together we walked passed shops of souvenirs, and stages hosting a variety of entertainers. Moments later, everyone somehow found himself or herself in front of the gate to a maze.
"Come inside, lawds and ladies to the Labyrinth!" cried a rather hunched-backed fellow dressed in gray. "Traverse the mystery of the Labyrinth."
I looked past the man and spied walls of bright cloth flapping in the slight breeze of the day.
"Doesn't look very mysterious." Julian commented and received a somewhat playful punch to his arm from Madelyn for his rudeness.
I looked back at the maze and smiled.
"But that *is* the mystery" I turned and exclaimed cheerfully, "Discovering what makes it mysterious."
Damon, Keegan and Julian shot me dry looks as Anna, Madelyn and I tugged our men toward the entrance. Not to be left out, Angel began yanking Damon towards the maze.
Gabe, Kaitlyn, Jenny and Tom hung back.
"We'll wait for you here." Jenny said rubbing her arms with her hands as if chilled by an unseen wind. Behind her, Kaitlyn nodded vigorously.
"Okay, see ya soon." I said stepping inside along with the rest.
We never saw what was to come.
Okay so review!