Chapter 22: Hidden Loyalties
They say if you love somebody you should let them go.
But, what happens when your heart breaks because you aren't with them?
Waking with the sun Jezabel went through her morning exercises, before it became too hot and practiced until the sweat poured so heavily that it stung her eyes. After resting and cooling down her muscles she headed to the brook to bathe.
At the northern end a waterfall splashed up a curtain of mist and drowned out all other sounds but its deep grumbling. Stripping off her sticky clothes she washed them quickly and set them on a sun-warmed rock to dry as she cleaned herself off. The banks had long eroded the shore to something of a minor cliff, even if it was under water. Wild flowers mixed with tall grasses, and great trees lined the river like pillars.
Soon Jezabel's day fell into an easy pattern, morning training sessions, mid-day bath, followed by a general exploration of her accommodations, gathering food, and finally her element training. And so things settled in to its new routine.
Even for Eva life had resumed something of a habitual pattern. Vionne life had returned to its usual, dull routine. At least with Jez around she never failed to get on someone's nerves, whether she knew it or not, being a servant sometimes had advantages people's tongues were much looser around those of a lower station. Or even sometimes she was just someone to talk to, someone who didn't look down their nose at her because she refused to conform to all the "girlish" notions society laid out.
"Hurry back Jez." she whispered, "I don't know how long I can take it here alone."
Gazing carelessly at the ceiling from her hammock, letting thoughts fall through her mind like snowflakes on a mid-winter's eve.
"Hey Eva." A soft voice called, as the door shut even softer.
Poor Auska, Eva thought, she is not cut out for this kind of work. "What's wrong?"
The raven-haired girl sat down on the edge of her hammock massaging her temples, "I've got another one of those headaches."
"Bad?"
A slight nod was all that responded, "The worst part is I still have to clean second floor bathroom."
"Auska, if you want I'll clean them for you."
"No, you don't have to do that. I-I'll manage." she hastily interrupted.
Eva glared, "You didn't let me finish, I'll clean them, but you'll owe me big time."
"Deal." already she sounded more relaxed.
"Sometimes, I think I'm too damn nice." Eva muttered. Had it been anyone other than Auska, Eva would never have volunteered, but Auska was nothing less than sweet to everyone.
Eva wiped the sweat from her eyes, it wasn't that it was hard work, it was just hotter than hell. Finishing one she gathered up her supplies and moved into the next, unfortunately, it was occupied.
"Oh! I'm s-sorry!" Eva flustered hastily looking down.
In the center of each bathroom was a community bath, and in this bath was a couple of recruits.
"I didn't realize this bathroom was occupied."
"It's okay baby. We don't mind, in fact why don't you come and join us?"
Eva dropped the politely flustered act, and glared at the speaker, "I'm sorry sir, I don't think my duties will spare me time for dalliances."
The boy had dark brown hair and haunting sea-green eyes, and like all soldiers a finely sculpted chest, the rest of him probably was too, but the steamy water obscured everything else, for which Eva was glad.
"Come on Josh," a second one replied, "There's no way she'd want you, she's obviously checking out me."
Eva's mildly annoyed expression darkened.
"Well, what do you say, care to spend a bit of time with me?"
"Again, I must protest," her annoyance was getting sharper. Keeping a tight rein on her anger was not easy, all she wanted to do was bruise that pale face, maybe poke out an amber eye, or hack off that black hair, just do something.
"Ooh," Josh interrupted, "I like them feisty."
If looks could kill Josh and the other one would end up in twelve feet of dirt, with not even the worms to keep them company.
Furious Eva spun on her heel and marched out the door, catcalls and whistles following her. All she felt was a blind rage, and the need to shut those two up.
"Gatti?" she whispered, rapping gently on his door. "Gatti?" she knocked a little louder. "Gatti!"
"Shh, don't wake up the whole Vionne." he whispered opening the door. "What are doing here?"
"I have a little bit of a problem," she said trying to look sweet and innocent.
Gatti folded his arms across his bare chest. "And where do I come in?" Smiling at her he prompted, "Spill it."
He knew Eva would never come and look for him in the middle of the night unless something major was bothering her, they had been friends long enough to know that, maybe he could even get them to be something more than that.
"There was some recruits hitting on me, and I can't exactly do anything about it, without getting in trouble with Lord Dilandau or Folken. For crying out loud as far as I know they were naked and pretty much asking me for a good time!"
"How did you know they were naked?" What had she gotten into?
"I had to clean out the bathrooms, Auska was supposed to do it, but she had one of those headaches, so I volunteered to do it instead."
"Ah, and what do you want me to do about it?"
She looked offended, placing her hands on her hips. "I'm the damsel in distress, you are my hero, therefore you must avenge my honor!"
Gatti performed a deep bow, "As you wish, my lady."
"Don't you ever say that again." Eva hissed, punching him roughly in the shoulder.
Gatti didn't flinch he was too good of a soldier, "Dang," he said rubbing his shoulder, "You hit like a guy."
"Thank you." beamed Eva.
Gatti rolled his eyes, "Come on then, we'll 'avenge your honor'."
"Shutup."
Josh and the other boy were still relaxing in the spa-like bath, each lost in their own thoughts in haling them like the steam from the water.
As planned Eva walked in on them again keeping her voice flustered, but slightly annoyed. "I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were still here, you were too quiet." she clasped her hands together looking down, "I'm sorry to disturb you, but I really must get on with my duties."
Josh smirked in a half-amused way, "Be my guest babe." His voice was cool and yet it dripped with false sweetness.
Eva managed to keep her temper under control, but it showed through in her jerky movements as she began to scrub the floors. All the while conscious of the recruits watching her every move.
"Look sugar cakes, I don't see why you have to work so hard. Come join us, rest up a bit, and know one will know the difference."
Eva stiffened, "I am not some Vionne whore that will come at you beck and call."
The other one interrupted, "We won't bite, honestly, well at least not hard."
The conversation stopped as Gatti strolled in nonchalantly. "What are we doing here at such a late hour?"
"Enjoying the view, sir." the raven-haired one responded.
"Really Delos," he turned and saw the object of the attentions, not that he hadn't noticed her as he first entered. "And what a view it is." Gatti squatted down by the edge of the bath, "Did it ever occur to you that maybe she was already taken?"
"So what if she is, no servant boyfriend of hers is going to oppose us. Whoever the scumbag is."
His shoulders tensed, sexually harassing any servant on the Vionne raised his hackles, but this was Eva they were harassing, that was unforgivable. His voice lowered as he glared at the recruits, "Care to say that again?"
"Whoever her man is, is a scumbag. She's good for one thing and one thing only. Girl's like her don't deserve a man of class." Either Delos missed the threat, or was too arrogant to care.
Gatti stood and began circling the bath, paused and grabbed two towels. "Line up now!" he barked throwing the towels at them to preserve their modesty. He didn't do it for them. Hell, he could care less, it was for Eva's sake.
Without hesitation Gatti pulled a Dilandau trademark, he had been second in command long enough to know where exactly the most tender places were on the face. Partly, from observing, mostly from experience. "That was for hitting on my girl."
The recruits eyes widened, a slut like her with Dilandau's second?
He slapped them again, "That was for insulting me." One more punch to the both of them found its mark. "And that was for thinking that the servants are no better than brothel class. They are, that's why they are on the Vionne. Don't make that mistake again."
Eva shook her head in mock pity of the boys, "So sad, you'll never make Dragonslayer rank. Even I can see that. Compared to Jezabel, or even Kana, you guys are pathetic."
"You are comparing us to girls? Female Dragonslayers?" He made no move to conceal his disgust. Josh's face contorting his striking features into a mask of loathing.
"Dragonslayer recruits actually, and they started later than you, and you know the real clincher? They're already better than you."
Without thinking Josh launched himself at the spunky blonde. Before anyone could react he punched Eva and sent her reeling to the ground. As Eva hit the floor it was like a dam had broken and all hell broke loose. (To quote an overused phrase). Needless to say, a full-fledged fight erupted.
For the most part Gatti had things under control. He was a Dragonslayer after all, but even so, it was one against two; not impossible odds, but Gatti wasn't the best at hand-to-hand combat and the enemy was two Dragonslayer recruits.
Eva stood back in the shadows, watching. Exceptional as a fighter Gatti was he much preferred a sword. Perhaps he would take Jezabel up on an earlier offer of lessons, her combat, for his fencing expertise.
After a time Gatti was down, but not beaten, not yet anyway. Delos winded, but was creeping up on Gatti steadily. He, Gatti saw, but Josh was lost to his attentions.
Slowly, Josh slunk up to him. Quicker than a dragon's flame Gatti was back up and methodically beating the shit out of Delos. Yet, Josh still hadn't made his move.
Eva noticed through disoriented eyes the metallic glint in Josh's hand, the cool silver glow, the one bright thing in the darkness. And yet, the maker of eternal darkness. The knife was ready, poised for a quick dive into a pool of blood. One swift motion, that was all. Josh tensed. Readying himself. Beginning the downward thrust.
But he never got to complete it. A sharp kick to the side sent him flying into the bath, hitting his head sharply on the edge and neatly rendering him oblivious to the world around.
Polishing Delos off Gatti whirled around ready to take out his next victim. To his amazement he had no other adversary. Only a gently floating body, and Eva still in fighting stance, her wild eyes searching for blood.
"Damn, girl." He muttered, "How in the seven hells did you manage that one?"
The violent posture melted back into her carefree stance. "I'm a fast learner." She shrugged.
"I sense a Jezabel in there."
"Maybe."
Gatti rolled his eyes, "The gods save us, first Jezabel and now Eva."
"Save you from what?"
"You two, and that cursed fighting style."
Eva snickered, "She only taught me a little bit."
"When is she coming back?" The Vionne just wasn't the same without her, and most certainly not nearly as interesting. You usually count on some smart-ass comment, or a general bending of the rules. But, it wasn't only Gatti, who felt her gone it was everyone.
"I don't know. Lord Folken sent her on a personal mission, so whenever she's ready to come back she will."
"Personal mission?"
"It had something to do with just a bit of time off, that last battle had a pretty bad affect on her. But, I don't think that's all of it, I think there's more."
"What?" Gatti prompted.
Eva hands flew up waving in no particular order, "How the hell should I know? Don't you think if I did I would have told you already?"
"Okay, okay, just worried about her. Her and Miguel. He's missing her, even though he tries not to show it." Gatti's shoulders slumped.
Eva shrugged sympathetically.
Gatti picked Josh out from the water, "C'mon, let's get these losers to the infirmary before they wake up."
"Aww, do we have to?" whined Eva.
"Yes."
"Damn."
A/N: Done!!!!!!! (sorry it took so long) But I'm a little short on time. I can only write in the mornings before school, but not on weekends.my dad doesn't like the idea of too much "screen time" my mom really doesn't care. So as you can see that gives me about a half an hour to work on this Mon- Fri. Sometimes I work on it during school if I have free time.but that's only 10 -15 min. or so. So please be patient, I'll update as soon as I can, and *drum roll* I am ¾ of the way done! Woo Hoo!!!!!!!!!!! So, til next time Ciao! Ice Eyes
Waking with the sun Jezabel went through her morning exercises, before it became too hot and practiced until the sweat poured so heavily that it stung her eyes. After resting and cooling down her muscles she headed to the brook to bathe.
At the northern end a waterfall splashed up a curtain of mist and drowned out all other sounds but its deep grumbling. Stripping off her sticky clothes she washed them quickly and set them on a sun-warmed rock to dry as she cleaned herself off. The banks had long eroded the shore to something of a minor cliff, even if it was under water. Wild flowers mixed with tall grasses, and great trees lined the river like pillars.
Soon Jezabel's day fell into an easy pattern, morning training sessions, mid-day bath, followed by a general exploration of her accommodations, gathering food, and finally her element training. And so things settled in to its new routine.
Even for Eva life had resumed something of a habitual pattern. Vionne life had returned to its usual, dull routine. At least with Jez around she never failed to get on someone's nerves, whether she knew it or not, being a servant sometimes had advantages people's tongues were much looser around those of a lower station. Or even sometimes she was just someone to talk to, someone who didn't look down their nose at her because she refused to conform to all the "girlish" notions society laid out.
"Hurry back Jez." she whispered, "I don't know how long I can take it here alone."
Gazing carelessly at the ceiling from her hammock, letting thoughts fall through her mind like snowflakes on a mid-winter's eve.
"Hey Eva." A soft voice called, as the door shut even softer.
Poor Auska, Eva thought, she is not cut out for this kind of work. "What's wrong?"
The raven-haired girl sat down on the edge of her hammock massaging her temples, "I've got another one of those headaches."
"Bad?"
A slight nod was all that responded, "The worst part is I still have to clean second floor bathroom."
"Auska, if you want I'll clean them for you."
"No, you don't have to do that. I-I'll manage." she hastily interrupted.
Eva glared, "You didn't let me finish, I'll clean them, but you'll owe me big time."
"Deal." already she sounded more relaxed.
"Sometimes, I think I'm too damn nice." Eva muttered. Had it been anyone other than Auska, Eva would never have volunteered, but Auska was nothing less than sweet to everyone.
Eva wiped the sweat from her eyes, it wasn't that it was hard work, it was just hotter than hell. Finishing one she gathered up her supplies and moved into the next, unfortunately, it was occupied.
"Oh! I'm s-sorry!" Eva flustered hastily looking down.
In the center of each bathroom was a community bath, and in this bath was a couple of recruits.
"I didn't realize this bathroom was occupied."
"It's okay baby. We don't mind, in fact why don't you come and join us?"
Eva dropped the politely flustered act, and glared at the speaker, "I'm sorry sir, I don't think my duties will spare me time for dalliances."
The boy had dark brown hair and haunting sea-green eyes, and like all soldiers a finely sculpted chest, the rest of him probably was too, but the steamy water obscured everything else, for which Eva was glad.
"Come on Josh," a second one replied, "There's no way she'd want you, she's obviously checking out me."
Eva's mildly annoyed expression darkened.
"Well, what do you say, care to spend a bit of time with me?"
"Again, I must protest," her annoyance was getting sharper. Keeping a tight rein on her anger was not easy, all she wanted to do was bruise that pale face, maybe poke out an amber eye, or hack off that black hair, just do something.
"Ooh," Josh interrupted, "I like them feisty."
If looks could kill Josh and the other one would end up in twelve feet of dirt, with not even the worms to keep them company.
Furious Eva spun on her heel and marched out the door, catcalls and whistles following her. All she felt was a blind rage, and the need to shut those two up.
"Gatti?" she whispered, rapping gently on his door. "Gatti?" she knocked a little louder. "Gatti!"
"Shh, don't wake up the whole Vionne." he whispered opening the door. "What are doing here?"
"I have a little bit of a problem," she said trying to look sweet and innocent.
Gatti folded his arms across his bare chest. "And where do I come in?" Smiling at her he prompted, "Spill it."
He knew Eva would never come and look for him in the middle of the night unless something major was bothering her, they had been friends long enough to know that, maybe he could even get them to be something more than that.
"There was some recruits hitting on me, and I can't exactly do anything about it, without getting in trouble with Lord Dilandau or Folken. For crying out loud as far as I know they were naked and pretty much asking me for a good time!"
"How did you know they were naked?" What had she gotten into?
"I had to clean out the bathrooms, Auska was supposed to do it, but she had one of those headaches, so I volunteered to do it instead."
"Ah, and what do you want me to do about it?"
She looked offended, placing her hands on her hips. "I'm the damsel in distress, you are my hero, therefore you must avenge my honor!"
Gatti performed a deep bow, "As you wish, my lady."
"Don't you ever say that again." Eva hissed, punching him roughly in the shoulder.
Gatti didn't flinch he was too good of a soldier, "Dang," he said rubbing his shoulder, "You hit like a guy."
"Thank you." beamed Eva.
Gatti rolled his eyes, "Come on then, we'll 'avenge your honor'."
"Shutup."
Josh and the other boy were still relaxing in the spa-like bath, each lost in their own thoughts in haling them like the steam from the water.
As planned Eva walked in on them again keeping her voice flustered, but slightly annoyed. "I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were still here, you were too quiet." she clasped her hands together looking down, "I'm sorry to disturb you, but I really must get on with my duties."
Josh smirked in a half-amused way, "Be my guest babe." His voice was cool and yet it dripped with false sweetness.
Eva managed to keep her temper under control, but it showed through in her jerky movements as she began to scrub the floors. All the while conscious of the recruits watching her every move.
"Look sugar cakes, I don't see why you have to work so hard. Come join us, rest up a bit, and know one will know the difference."
Eva stiffened, "I am not some Vionne whore that will come at you beck and call."
The other one interrupted, "We won't bite, honestly, well at least not hard."
The conversation stopped as Gatti strolled in nonchalantly. "What are we doing here at such a late hour?"
"Enjoying the view, sir." the raven-haired one responded.
"Really Delos," he turned and saw the object of the attentions, not that he hadn't noticed her as he first entered. "And what a view it is." Gatti squatted down by the edge of the bath, "Did it ever occur to you that maybe she was already taken?"
"So what if she is, no servant boyfriend of hers is going to oppose us. Whoever the scumbag is."
His shoulders tensed, sexually harassing any servant on the Vionne raised his hackles, but this was Eva they were harassing, that was unforgivable. His voice lowered as he glared at the recruits, "Care to say that again?"
"Whoever her man is, is a scumbag. She's good for one thing and one thing only. Girl's like her don't deserve a man of class." Either Delos missed the threat, or was too arrogant to care.
Gatti stood and began circling the bath, paused and grabbed two towels. "Line up now!" he barked throwing the towels at them to preserve their modesty. He didn't do it for them. Hell, he could care less, it was for Eva's sake.
Without hesitation Gatti pulled a Dilandau trademark, he had been second in command long enough to know where exactly the most tender places were on the face. Partly, from observing, mostly from experience. "That was for hitting on my girl."
The recruits eyes widened, a slut like her with Dilandau's second?
He slapped them again, "That was for insulting me." One more punch to the both of them found its mark. "And that was for thinking that the servants are no better than brothel class. They are, that's why they are on the Vionne. Don't make that mistake again."
Eva shook her head in mock pity of the boys, "So sad, you'll never make Dragonslayer rank. Even I can see that. Compared to Jezabel, or even Kana, you guys are pathetic."
"You are comparing us to girls? Female Dragonslayers?" He made no move to conceal his disgust. Josh's face contorting his striking features into a mask of loathing.
"Dragonslayer recruits actually, and they started later than you, and you know the real clincher? They're already better than you."
Without thinking Josh launched himself at the spunky blonde. Before anyone could react he punched Eva and sent her reeling to the ground. As Eva hit the floor it was like a dam had broken and all hell broke loose. (To quote an overused phrase). Needless to say, a full-fledged fight erupted.
For the most part Gatti had things under control. He was a Dragonslayer after all, but even so, it was one against two; not impossible odds, but Gatti wasn't the best at hand-to-hand combat and the enemy was two Dragonslayer recruits.
Eva stood back in the shadows, watching. Exceptional as a fighter Gatti was he much preferred a sword. Perhaps he would take Jezabel up on an earlier offer of lessons, her combat, for his fencing expertise.
After a time Gatti was down, but not beaten, not yet anyway. Delos winded, but was creeping up on Gatti steadily. He, Gatti saw, but Josh was lost to his attentions.
Slowly, Josh slunk up to him. Quicker than a dragon's flame Gatti was back up and methodically beating the shit out of Delos. Yet, Josh still hadn't made his move.
Eva noticed through disoriented eyes the metallic glint in Josh's hand, the cool silver glow, the one bright thing in the darkness. And yet, the maker of eternal darkness. The knife was ready, poised for a quick dive into a pool of blood. One swift motion, that was all. Josh tensed. Readying himself. Beginning the downward thrust.
But he never got to complete it. A sharp kick to the side sent him flying into the bath, hitting his head sharply on the edge and neatly rendering him oblivious to the world around.
Polishing Delos off Gatti whirled around ready to take out his next victim. To his amazement he had no other adversary. Only a gently floating body, and Eva still in fighting stance, her wild eyes searching for blood.
"Damn, girl." He muttered, "How in the seven hells did you manage that one?"
The violent posture melted back into her carefree stance. "I'm a fast learner." She shrugged.
"I sense a Jezabel in there."
"Maybe."
Gatti rolled his eyes, "The gods save us, first Jezabel and now Eva."
"Save you from what?"
"You two, and that cursed fighting style."
Eva snickered, "She only taught me a little bit."
"When is she coming back?" The Vionne just wasn't the same without her, and most certainly not nearly as interesting. You usually count on some smart-ass comment, or a general bending of the rules. But, it wasn't only Gatti, who felt her gone it was everyone.
"I don't know. Lord Folken sent her on a personal mission, so whenever she's ready to come back she will."
"Personal mission?"
"It had something to do with just a bit of time off, that last battle had a pretty bad affect on her. But, I don't think that's all of it, I think there's more."
"What?" Gatti prompted.
Eva hands flew up waving in no particular order, "How the hell should I know? Don't you think if I did I would have told you already?"
"Okay, okay, just worried about her. Her and Miguel. He's missing her, even though he tries not to show it." Gatti's shoulders slumped.
Eva shrugged sympathetically.
Gatti picked Josh out from the water, "C'mon, let's get these losers to the infirmary before they wake up."
"Aww, do we have to?" whined Eva.
"Yes."
"Damn."
A/N: Done!!!!!!! (sorry it took so long) But I'm a little short on time. I can only write in the mornings before school, but not on weekends.my dad doesn't like the idea of too much "screen time" my mom really doesn't care. So as you can see that gives me about a half an hour to work on this Mon- Fri. Sometimes I work on it during school if I have free time.but that's only 10 -15 min. or so. So please be patient, I'll update as soon as I can, and *drum roll* I am ¾ of the way done! Woo Hoo!!!!!!!!!!! So, til next time Ciao! Ice Eyes