Ashes of Roses
~*~
Rating: PG
Genre: Angst
Warning/Spoilers: Alcohol use, Pegasus's back story, angst
Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-gi-oh! or the lyrics to Adesso e Fortuna (the theme song to Record of Lodoss War).
Summary: Is it truly better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all? Memories plague the mastermind, but does he truly want them to cease? Pegasus Angst
~*~
"En vino, veritas."
"In wine, truth."
~*~
"Sir?"
I turned slightly, a slight frown crossing my face. "Yes?"
Croquet hesitated for a moment before murmuring, "In cleaning the guest rooms, some of the maids found an interesting chest."
"And?" I demanded irritably. "What does that have to do with anything?" My glass hit the table with a sharp clinking noise, perhaps a touch too harshly, as the red vintage inside sloshed violently against the fluted edges like an angry scarlet sea.
"It is marked with the name of Cyndia."
My heart stopped for a moment. But I quickly regained my composure. "Have it brought up to my room. If it is locked, get it open, but do not damage it."
"Yes sir." He bowed and swept off.
I sat in silence for a long moment, paying no heed to my wine or my graphic novel. "Five years," I murmured, bowing my head so silver strands of hair covered both gold and mahogany eyes. "Five long years." Something scorched my face and I felt moisture on the back of my hand. A tear. I was crying.
Hastily, I raised my hand to rub away at my solitary organic eye. I would not show weakness. Not now.
~*~
The chest was at the foot of my bed, mocking me with words engraved upon the ornate brass lock. Cyndia. Cautiously, I approached and with trembling hands, opened the trunk.
The late afternoon sun poured pools of molten gold upon the wealth of fabrics that dwell within the trunk. Cyndia's gowns dwelt in there, pools of faded silks and radiant satins. My hands continued to tremble as I slowly lifted each gown from the trunk, reverently laying each one out on the floor. I thought she had sold her fabulous garments, to help make ends meet when I declared my independence from my father and walked out of his mansion a disowned man.
But this was still left, when she was gone.
I traced the beautiful embroidery upon a crushed velvet bodice, a sad smile upon my face. Her favorite perfume lingered pleasantly in the air, like roses blooming upon a warm summer evening. I could almost see the scene, silvery moonlight caressing blood-red petals as night birds softly sang and the air was still and redolent with the scent of roses.
The velvet crumpled under my fingers, too much like dead rose petals easily crushed to powder. I lifted the gown with the red rose velvet bodice to my face, smelling that so sweet perfume and Cyndia's own lovely scent. How I remember she loved to wear this dress when Christmas came.
~*~
The house was brightly lit, a beacon within the bleak surrounding grounds. Inside, the many Yuletide ornaments glittered, shimmered, or glowed according to their nature. Holly and ivy were twined together on the mantels of the many fireplaces, evergreen garlands mated with red ribbons winding about the shining banisters. At least half a dozen Christmas trees stood within the foyer alone, decorated with gold baubles and ribbons, shining gold and silver stars bedecking the tops of each one.
People lingered throughout the rooms, in their holiday garb and chattering idly. Though it seemed like a happy scene, their voices were sharp in their feigned gaiety and their eyes hungrily took in the wealth of their surroundings.
But upstairs, within a dimly lit room, a young man sat, having no interest in the festivities below. His silvery hair fell about his face as he bent over his desk, working on some paper or other. A soft tap came at the door.
"Master Pegasus?" a female's voice called. "Your father requests that you come down, to take part of tonight's celebration."
"Tell him that I have no inclination to be mingling with the leeches and vultures downstairs called ladies and gentlemen," the man said in an icy voice that rivaled the harsh kiss of the icicles hanging from the eaves just outside.
"But-"
"Tell him I will not be coming down." The boy's tone held the chilling tone of finality that belonged to one who was used to having orders carried out.
"Yes sir." There was the sound of shoes tapping on the floor as the woman went away.
He had just quelled the rising anger in his chest when there was another knock. At the sound, he jumped, his pen leaving a long streak upon his paper. Scowling, he got up, heading to the door.
"Now look here-" he started, flinging open the door, but stopped in his tracks.
Cyndia stood there, like an angel sent from above. Her slim form was adorned in a gown of white silk and crushed red velvet, the bodice and skirt patterned with roses. She still wore her covering; a white wool cape and hood trimmed with white fur and dusted with snow. In her hands was a neatly wrapped box.
"Cy-Cyndia!" he stammered, taking a step back. "I'm sorry. I d-d-didn't know it was you!"
But she gently set her gloved hand on his lips, entering the room. "I know. Merry Christmas, Pegasus." She smiled and it was like dawn had come.
He flushed red. "M-M-Merry Christmas, Cyndia."
"Here." She offered him the box, smiling her gentle smile. "I wanted to be sure to you got this."
"Thank you," he said, still slightly bemused at her sudden appearance.
"Well, open it, silly!" she said, prodding him playfully.
He managed to get his fingers to cooperate with him, pulling apart the paper to reveal a sketchbook, pencils, charcoals, and a carrying bag for them. "Oh, Cyndia.-" he breathed in wonder, his hand brushing over the smooth leather of the bag. "How- did you know?"
"Never let go of your dream, Pegasus," she whispered, holding his hands in her own, slim ivory fingers entwining gently about his own long, awkward ones. "You have talent. Use it."
"I will," he murmured to her. "And all my pictures will be of you." He bent slightly and kissed her, feeling her sweet lips mold into his, becoming one.
~*~
I sat up immediately, the smell of roses strong in my nostrils. Brushing away the shadows of dreams, I gazed down at the red and white gown on my lap. White for her purity, red for the deep, deep rose she loved so much.
Gently, I set it away, blinking away tears. Was it just my imagination, or did it seem like there was the scent of candle wax and evergreens mingled in the heavy scent of flowers in the cloth?
It was only a dream, a memory that was swiftly fading away. I choked back bitter tears.
~*~
Wh00t!
Adrian: Idiot. Those butterfly brains at your school are rubbing off.
And if they are?
Adrian: You're turning into one of them.
ARGGHHHH!!! The horror!!!! *screams, running off*
Adrian: /smirks/
Ken: Is it safe for me to come out?
Adrian: Yeah. How was that AA meeting?
Ken: It went well. You know, it actually helps a lot.
Adrian: That's the point, kid. /offers tea/
Ken: /sips/ Thanks.
Ken-chan!! /flyingtackleGLOMP/
Ken: Gah! /falls over/
Adrian: Why the HELL are you wearing your kendo outfit?
^^V I'm going to be Hisoka-kun for AX 04!
Adrian: . . . It's December.
So? Good to plan ahead. Now help me look for a good costume for my friend Benj. I want him to be JJ from FAKE but he refused. I think he'll be cute as JJ. He's all hyper and bouncy.
Adrian: /sighs, sulkily pulling down a poster of Benj/
/in a white lab coat/ And readers, I need YOUR help to find a costume for him. /points to the picture/ He's a tall, Caucasian male. His nose is somewhat beaky, his eyes range in color from blue-gray to green-gray. He has dirty blonde hair that's in a choppy, messy sort of cut. He's very gangly, with large hands and feet. But he loves to laugh a lot and he can be incredibly hyper and genki.
A list of anime/manga he has knowledge of:
FAKE
Cardcaptor Sakura
Inuyasha
Digimon 01 and 02
Yu-gi-oh!
I'm getting him to read X by Clamp and several other series. But note, people, he's very sensitive about shounen-ai when it applies to him (Hence the JJ incident) so be careful when recommending. Cross cosplay isn't discouraged, but I'm not sure. Benj can be adventurous, but he's no drag queen. Also, don't be afraid to recommend different animes/mangas! Just as long as you send a link for a picture or very clearly state the series. Arigatou gozaimasu, minna-san! /waves and bows/
~*~
Rating: PG
Genre: Angst
Warning/Spoilers: Alcohol use, Pegasus's back story, angst
Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-gi-oh! or the lyrics to Adesso e Fortuna (the theme song to Record of Lodoss War).
Summary: Is it truly better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all? Memories plague the mastermind, but does he truly want them to cease? Pegasus Angst
~*~
"En vino, veritas."
"In wine, truth."
~*~
"Sir?"
I turned slightly, a slight frown crossing my face. "Yes?"
Croquet hesitated for a moment before murmuring, "In cleaning the guest rooms, some of the maids found an interesting chest."
"And?" I demanded irritably. "What does that have to do with anything?" My glass hit the table with a sharp clinking noise, perhaps a touch too harshly, as the red vintage inside sloshed violently against the fluted edges like an angry scarlet sea.
"It is marked with the name of Cyndia."
My heart stopped for a moment. But I quickly regained my composure. "Have it brought up to my room. If it is locked, get it open, but do not damage it."
"Yes sir." He bowed and swept off.
I sat in silence for a long moment, paying no heed to my wine or my graphic novel. "Five years," I murmured, bowing my head so silver strands of hair covered both gold and mahogany eyes. "Five long years." Something scorched my face and I felt moisture on the back of my hand. A tear. I was crying.
Hastily, I raised my hand to rub away at my solitary organic eye. I would not show weakness. Not now.
~*~
The chest was at the foot of my bed, mocking me with words engraved upon the ornate brass lock. Cyndia. Cautiously, I approached and with trembling hands, opened the trunk.
The late afternoon sun poured pools of molten gold upon the wealth of fabrics that dwell within the trunk. Cyndia's gowns dwelt in there, pools of faded silks and radiant satins. My hands continued to tremble as I slowly lifted each gown from the trunk, reverently laying each one out on the floor. I thought she had sold her fabulous garments, to help make ends meet when I declared my independence from my father and walked out of his mansion a disowned man.
But this was still left, when she was gone.
I traced the beautiful embroidery upon a crushed velvet bodice, a sad smile upon my face. Her favorite perfume lingered pleasantly in the air, like roses blooming upon a warm summer evening. I could almost see the scene, silvery moonlight caressing blood-red petals as night birds softly sang and the air was still and redolent with the scent of roses.
The velvet crumpled under my fingers, too much like dead rose petals easily crushed to powder. I lifted the gown with the red rose velvet bodice to my face, smelling that so sweet perfume and Cyndia's own lovely scent. How I remember she loved to wear this dress when Christmas came.
~*~
The house was brightly lit, a beacon within the bleak surrounding grounds. Inside, the many Yuletide ornaments glittered, shimmered, or glowed according to their nature. Holly and ivy were twined together on the mantels of the many fireplaces, evergreen garlands mated with red ribbons winding about the shining banisters. At least half a dozen Christmas trees stood within the foyer alone, decorated with gold baubles and ribbons, shining gold and silver stars bedecking the tops of each one.
People lingered throughout the rooms, in their holiday garb and chattering idly. Though it seemed like a happy scene, their voices were sharp in their feigned gaiety and their eyes hungrily took in the wealth of their surroundings.
But upstairs, within a dimly lit room, a young man sat, having no interest in the festivities below. His silvery hair fell about his face as he bent over his desk, working on some paper or other. A soft tap came at the door.
"Master Pegasus?" a female's voice called. "Your father requests that you come down, to take part of tonight's celebration."
"Tell him that I have no inclination to be mingling with the leeches and vultures downstairs called ladies and gentlemen," the man said in an icy voice that rivaled the harsh kiss of the icicles hanging from the eaves just outside.
"But-"
"Tell him I will not be coming down." The boy's tone held the chilling tone of finality that belonged to one who was used to having orders carried out.
"Yes sir." There was the sound of shoes tapping on the floor as the woman went away.
He had just quelled the rising anger in his chest when there was another knock. At the sound, he jumped, his pen leaving a long streak upon his paper. Scowling, he got up, heading to the door.
"Now look here-" he started, flinging open the door, but stopped in his tracks.
Cyndia stood there, like an angel sent from above. Her slim form was adorned in a gown of white silk and crushed red velvet, the bodice and skirt patterned with roses. She still wore her covering; a white wool cape and hood trimmed with white fur and dusted with snow. In her hands was a neatly wrapped box.
"Cy-Cyndia!" he stammered, taking a step back. "I'm sorry. I d-d-didn't know it was you!"
But she gently set her gloved hand on his lips, entering the room. "I know. Merry Christmas, Pegasus." She smiled and it was like dawn had come.
He flushed red. "M-M-Merry Christmas, Cyndia."
"Here." She offered him the box, smiling her gentle smile. "I wanted to be sure to you got this."
"Thank you," he said, still slightly bemused at her sudden appearance.
"Well, open it, silly!" she said, prodding him playfully.
He managed to get his fingers to cooperate with him, pulling apart the paper to reveal a sketchbook, pencils, charcoals, and a carrying bag for them. "Oh, Cyndia.-" he breathed in wonder, his hand brushing over the smooth leather of the bag. "How- did you know?"
"Never let go of your dream, Pegasus," she whispered, holding his hands in her own, slim ivory fingers entwining gently about his own long, awkward ones. "You have talent. Use it."
"I will," he murmured to her. "And all my pictures will be of you." He bent slightly and kissed her, feeling her sweet lips mold into his, becoming one.
~*~
I sat up immediately, the smell of roses strong in my nostrils. Brushing away the shadows of dreams, I gazed down at the red and white gown on my lap. White for her purity, red for the deep, deep rose she loved so much.
Gently, I set it away, blinking away tears. Was it just my imagination, or did it seem like there was the scent of candle wax and evergreens mingled in the heavy scent of flowers in the cloth?
It was only a dream, a memory that was swiftly fading away. I choked back bitter tears.
~*~
Wh00t!
Adrian: Idiot. Those butterfly brains at your school are rubbing off.
And if they are?
Adrian: You're turning into one of them.
ARGGHHHH!!! The horror!!!! *screams, running off*
Adrian: /smirks/
Ken: Is it safe for me to come out?
Adrian: Yeah. How was that AA meeting?
Ken: It went well. You know, it actually helps a lot.
Adrian: That's the point, kid. /offers tea/
Ken: /sips/ Thanks.
Ken-chan!! /flyingtackleGLOMP/
Ken: Gah! /falls over/
Adrian: Why the HELL are you wearing your kendo outfit?
^^V I'm going to be Hisoka-kun for AX 04!
Adrian: . . . It's December.
So? Good to plan ahead. Now help me look for a good costume for my friend Benj. I want him to be JJ from FAKE but he refused. I think he'll be cute as JJ. He's all hyper and bouncy.
Adrian: /sighs, sulkily pulling down a poster of Benj/
/in a white lab coat/ And readers, I need YOUR help to find a costume for him. /points to the picture/ He's a tall, Caucasian male. His nose is somewhat beaky, his eyes range in color from blue-gray to green-gray. He has dirty blonde hair that's in a choppy, messy sort of cut. He's very gangly, with large hands and feet. But he loves to laugh a lot and he can be incredibly hyper and genki.
A list of anime/manga he has knowledge of:
FAKE
Cardcaptor Sakura
Inuyasha
Digimon 01 and 02
Yu-gi-oh!
I'm getting him to read X by Clamp and several other series. But note, people, he's very sensitive about shounen-ai when it applies to him (Hence the JJ incident) so be careful when recommending. Cross cosplay isn't discouraged, but I'm not sure. Benj can be adventurous, but he's no drag queen. Also, don't be afraid to recommend different animes/mangas! Just as long as you send a link for a picture or very clearly state the series. Arigatou gozaimasu, minna-san! /waves and bows/