Okay, I know it's been a while, but I finally have the next chapter up. I have to apologize, the wolves are not in this chapter, but this one isn't really a transition chapter. The next chapter will almost only be about the wolves as a make up. I bet you did a double take when you saw the pairing for this chapter. It's really just fluff, I think (I'm not sure about the gray areas of its meaning). Anyway, I think I'm the only one to put Cher and Darcia together. However, don't worry it will make sense and I'm not just doing it to do it. Honestly, I had intended this chapter to be just a four or six page snapshot. But as I kept writing it just longer. I won't go too much into detail because I want you to read the chapter. :-) Ah, before I forget I just want to thank all my wonderful reviewers. Oh and I got five reviews for the last chapter! Yay!! I haven't had that many for a single chapter since chapter 1. You might need to refresh your memory with chapter one if the Cher x Darcia thing confuses you. This chapter isn't the one that I was talking about in the author's notes at the end of my last chapter. So the next chapter is the one that I am really looking forward to writing. Just to be clear, yes the wolves have just come upon the city that was in episode four or five. The one where Zali and his pack lives, but things aren't going to go like how they did last time. Just wait and see!
Awrawrawrawrawrawra: I'm so glad you liked the hunt scene and Tsume/Toboe's conversation. I was really worried about whether or not the talk between those two would come across like I wanted it to. Oh, and I think you are right about Kiba not being mean to Aibo. I want to agree with you right from the start so you know that I'm not getting defensive because I really like hearing from you. What I was hoping to do was set up a comment that was not truthfully mean, but could be easily misunderstood by say a little kid. I had wanted it to be a misunderstanding on Aibo's part (because he is just a little kid after all) which would make Kiba think more about how he interacted with the boy. I'm kind trying to get Kiba to open up to the kid, but at the same time I don't want to make it too easy. Anyway, thanks for the input on that part. I REALLY do mean it. I think you were the only reviewer to say something about it. I also addressed the discrepancy you noticed in an earlier chapter, so the delayed explanation is in here. Just look for it in one of Darcia's dialogues. I look forward to reading your comments on this chapter. :-)
Mai Haymi: Thank you very much! I so happy that you thought it was cute. :-) I tried to be more careful about the spelling and what not in this chapter. Unfortunately, I can't claim to be perfect so I'll have to live with the irking feeling that there are some errors which probably slipped by me. Oh well. One problem I've been having is that I keep reversing the c and i in Darcia when I type. And thanks for saying 'everything is great.' I get insecure at times and really appreciate the compliments. By the way, do you mind if I ask what "ja ne" means? If you can't tell I am somewhat of a newbe when it comes to the terms of the online world.
CuteLittleSarah: I see you changed your name (formerly Water Night Ume). Thank you for the kind review. I'm happy you liked the chapter.
Nikki: I'm glad to see that you're back. Thanks for reviewing and I'm glad you like the chapter.
tebrighteyes: Thanks for reviewing. I'm happy that you like my description and story line. I sometimes wonder if I drone on too much about the descriptions.
Now on to the chapter!
Episode 07: Echoes of the Heart
The air was deathly still. Not a single ray of light illuminated the dismal hallway. Darcia moved quickly down the familiar corridors of his own keep. He could sense something was terribly wrong. The noble hadn't exactly chosen any one particular destination, but the path his feet traveled was all too familiar.
Finally, a single beam of light pierced the darkness surrounding him. Darcia stood before the double doors that guarded his one and only; his most precious treasure--Harmona. One of the doors, however, was ajar having halfway fallen off its hinges. It was from this doorway which the light shone forth. Yet now, Darcia was certain matters had gone awry. These doors were never opened by anyone other than himself. Not even his loyal vassal was allowed to enter the room without his express permission. Slowly, with mounting fear and dread, Darcia slid the fallen door aside entering the room warily.
The sight he beheld was the greatest horror imaginable to him. Darcia's strength left him right at that moment as he fell to his knees overcome with grief and terror. The cords vital to supporting her life functions lie about the floor shredded into bits. Upon the smooth lavender bed rested Harmona's corpse. Her body was bloody and torn, mangled nearly beyond recognition, all except for her face. Her face had been left perfectly preserved almost as if to mock Darcia. He was allowed to see the one person he desired, and know she was lost to him forever. Darcia could only withstand sickening effect of the sight for an instant before dropping his head down, looking away.
His right eye--his wolf's eye--began to throb and burn. He cast aside his eye patch clutching the painful area of his face. The pain was so tremendously incredible. Darcia considered clawing the eye out with his bare hands if only to make the burning pain subside.
"You . . . you did this to me," Harmona's accusing voice rang throughout the room. "You . . . you killed me. You monster. You're nothing but a monster!"
Darcia raised his head to look up again. There before him stood a large black wolf. Its right eye was indigo blue and the left eye was golden yellow. They matched Darcia's eyes exactly, like looking at a mirror image. The wolf bared his fangs bellowing a resounding growl. The last thing Darcia saw was a flash of white as the wolf lunged for him.
Darcia shot bolt upright in his chair as his eyes flew open. His body was trembling drenched in a cold sweat. His hair had fallen out of place. Several errant strands hung in his face clinging into groups from the sweat that moistened them. A few sweat droplets trickled down the strands falling from his hair to land on the waiting surface below. Darcia watched the drops fall from his hair into his lap and then soak into the fabric of his robe. He suddenly became aware of just how ragged his breathing was as he continued drawing in deep panting breaths.
The noble shot panicked glances around the room, taking in his surroundings quickly. He was aboard his airship. It had all been a dream. Or was it? Darcia wasn't going to take any chances. He punched a few of the controls activating a small portion of the large screen before him. Immediately, his vassal--awaiting her master's return back at the keep--appeared on the screen.
"My lord, Darcia . . ." she greeted him only to be cut off.
"Harmona, how is she?!" he curtly demanded, forgetting his usual proper mannerisms.
"The lady's state is unchanged since the last time you checked. Is everything all right, my lord?" A concerned look grew on her face.
"Yes, everything is fine."
"My lord, you do not look well. Are you sure?"
"It is not a matter that needs not concern you," Darcia warned her.
"Please forgive my impertinence, my lord Darcia. I shall return to my duties, at once."
"Mmm," Darcia nodded his approval. Knowing that she was excused, the vassal left closing the communication link with her master. The screen before Darcia returned to its previously inactive state. He placed his right hand over his face closing both his eyes as he attempted to slow his breathing to normal. Darcia could feel the hard plastic of the eye patch, he always wore, through the fabric of his glove.
Darcia, finally, was able to calm himself down slowing his breathing to normal. He took a few moments to remember all that had been happening. This was the seventh time in the past two days he had had dreams such as this, and the seventh time he had called his vassal demanding to know Harmona's state. As a result, he hadn't slept much the past two nights. It was out of character for him to nap during the day, but sleep deprivation had weakened the sturdy noble, both in strength of body and mind. But why was he having these strange dreams? Were they a warning? Then the answer hit Darcia suddenly.
That boy . . . What did he do to me?, Darcia pondered. "He said, 'I would be haunted by the same terror I had inflicted upon him'. What does that have to do with Harmona dying?" Darcia's eyes darted back and forth staring off into empty space as he mentally worked through his reasoning. "If these dreams were but a retribution for someone close to him that I killed, it would make some sense. Yet, who could it have been? I had never seen the child before that night." The noble finally chose to put the issue out of mind. He would try to sort it out later.
At the moment, Darcia's airship rested on the ground enveloped within the confines of a vast forest. He had chosen to stop for a rest to allow Cheza to drink and bask. Their departure from Orkham's city was hastened leaving Darcia with insufficient time to make the necessary preparations to sustain Cheza on their long voyage. As such, periodic stops were required to attend to the flower maiden's needs.
Darcia rose from his seat proceeding to the outside of the ship. Outside he found Cheza ankle deep in a large pond. Her face, eyes closed, was lifted to the sun's warmth. Cher sat on a small stone watching Cheza with great fascination. The noble joined the scientist by the water's edge. A look of displeasure swept across Cheza's face as Darcia neared, and so the flower maiden waded deeper into the pond until the water was at her waist.
"Fascinating," Cher observed. "Photosynthetic production is all she needs to sustain herself. And yet, why doesn't she speak? From the what the data indicates, auditory communication should be rather simple for Cheza. She's just as intelligent as any human and she possesses sentience."
"Cheza," Darcia began, "She despises both me and your people."
"But why? Cheza is human-like. I should think that she would be eager to interact with others similar to herself."
"Cheza may appear to look as we do. However, she is drawn to the wolves and the wolves are drawn to her. We are an obstacle to this end so she despises us," Darcia explained turning to look at Cher.
"Just like it says in the Book of the Moon. Perhaps if we show her more about our kind, Cheza might be more inclined to speak with us. I wonder what she thinks about," Cher pondered aimlessly.
Cher reached both her hands to the back of her head undoing the bun her hair was tied into. Her long blonde locks fell freely down her back. Darcia continued to stair at Cher taking in her profile and the way her hair flowed freely in the slight breeze that had just began to blow. He became fixated on the scientist, and found himself leaning closer and closer to her reaching a hand up slowly towards her face. Cautiously, he gently touched her cheek, stroking along her jaw line and stopping at her chin. As Cher felt Darcia's touch, she turned her face toward him. He cupped his thumb and index finger around her chin softly, and stared deep into her eyes.
"You . . . look so much like her," he whispered. Darcia leaned his face even closer to Cher's finally pressing his lips gently against her own silken ones. Cher was surprised, at first, but then found herself pressing back against Darcia's firm lips, as if by reflex. Darcia and Cher held their kiss for a few, long, blissful moments before parting. After it was all over, the two returned to their senses. Cher cast her gaze to the ground as her cheeks reddened. Darcia, too, looked away embarrassed at his loss of composure. "It is time for us to be going," he decided.
"Yes," Cher agreed. Darcia called for Cheza to come out of the water, but the flower maiden refused to acknowledge that she had heard anything.
"Cheza!" Darcia shouted his warning. His patience with the impudent flower maiden was wearing thin. Cheza responded this time by slowly wading out of the pond. Darcia looked back to where Cher had been sitting, but she had already returned to the ship.
Cher's mind was swimming as she returned to the airship. She wasn't sure what to make out of this. Darcia had just kissed her! And what's more, he compared her to Harmona. Cher couldn't decide how to take this. Did he feel an attraction to her or was she just some substitute? Darcia was very charming in his own right, and Cher had been quite taken with him since they first met. Yet neither one had let their relationship move past business. Cher never believed that Darcia would consider someone like her for romantic involvement, and it was this rationalization--she never stood a chance in the first place--that Cher used as her primary means of suppressing any attraction she felt towards the noble. However, he had made the first move scattering her reasoning to the winds.
Ever the scientist, Cher decided not to react. She would wait to see how Darcia responded to the situation. As soon as Cher's thoughts were gathered, the noble entered the airship preceded by the flower maiden. Cheza continued onwards to the rear portion of the vessel while Cher remained in the fore section near Darcia who had taken his place in the pilot's seat.
The large view screen before Darcia flittered to life displaying images of the forest that surrounded them. With a gentle resonating hum, the airships engines came to life swiftly lifting the vessel high into the sky. The deck rumbled and shook under the craft's own power causing Cher to cling to the wall for support as she lost her balance. After steadying herself, Cher grew a bit bold and moved closer to Darcia's side. He almost seemed to have forgotten about her as all his focus was diverted to the manipulation of the aircraft's controls.
"I think . . . we can both agree that it was a moment of weakness, correct?" Darcia asked finally choosing to acknowledge the woman's presence.
"Well . . . if that is how you feel," she replied cautiously.
"I do," he said flatly.
"All right then, a moment of weakness nothing more. It was simply poor judgment on both our parts," Cher stated trying, more than anything, to make it sound convincing to herself. She began to walk away when Darcia whispered a soft reply.
"I merely said it was weakness, not poor judgment. You honestly do remind me of her." In some strange way, those words made Cher feel a bit better about the whole situation. True enough, they had both agreed that it didn't mean anything and they both had to deny it ever happening. However, Darcia confessed that he did find Cher appealing. There was a peculiar sense of pride Cher felt grow inside herself as she realized this. Cher turned around and stole one last glance at Darcia before she joined Cheza in the back.
He is terribly attractive, Cher smiled to herself. She soon found herself startled out of her reverie as the airship began to violently shake.
Cher heard explosions and high pitched screeches coming from outside the hull. Immediately, she ran back to the pilot's seat to see what was happening. Cher became nauseous as she caught sight of the view screen. The ship was currently in the middle of a barrel-roll. Then the ground left the screen completely leaving only endless blue and stray puffs of white to be seen. They were climbing straight up. The ship jerked violently and then the ground carpeted with endless green consumed the screen. The airship was in a nosedive now.
"Darcia, what's happening?" she managed to blurt out in a panic after overcoming the sick feeling in her stomach.
"It would appear that they have found us," he explained flatly as red beams arced around the ends of the screen. Darcia pulled the vessel up out of the dive just in time to avoid smacking into the ground. "We are not far from aid. If we can survive long enough, that is." The engines roared as the Darcia increased the ship's speed. A small sub screen appeared off to the side on the main screen. The image displayed was a large airship.
"That ship, whose is it?" Cher wondered aloud.
"It belongs to neither Orkham nor Jagara. It is far too large for anything they posses," Darcia answered. His fingers rapped along several keys causing several beams to launch directly at the approaching behemoth. All the shots from Darcia's airship were absorbed into the shields of the pursuing aircraft. "And far better armed, as well," Darcia commented.
As Darcia's airship continued to race through the sky, a large column of earth like a small mountain came into view. Upon its top plateau rested a small, yet grand castle and nestled into the side of the cylindrical mountain upon another plateau indented into the mountain was a small town. Then from the top plateau came two airships similar to the one Darcia piloted. The key difference being that they had a far more streamlined design and an arrowhead shape to their fore sections where the pilot's seat is located.
The new ships flew straight at the monstrous craft pursuing Darcia. Dozens of small red beam arced out and way from the two aircrafts and then reconverged into a single large beam. The two unified shots impacted and penetrated the pursuing ship's shields creating small explosions upon the behemoth's hull. The two smaller ships then broke away from their attack on the large ship coming up along side Darcia's aircraft, each flying in formation on either side of Darcia's ship. As the three ship ships neared the small mountain, the large pursuant ship fired a full volley of over twenty beams all at once.
The shots drew nearer and nearer the three fleeing ships when a ring of towers rose above the tree tops in the large forest surrounding the base of the mountain. The ring encompassed an expansive area and the three ships were now within the ring's perimeter. A wall of light rose from the towers forming an enormous dome over the cylindrical mountain and a large portion the surrounding forested area. The volley launched from the attacking ship was halted by the shield created from the towers. The large ship stopped its pursuit turning away to fly off back into Orkham's territory.
"I don't understand. What just happened?" Cher asked bewildered. Darcia turned to smile at her.
"Did my father's assistance surprise you that greatly?"
"Your father? Oh, yes . . . that's right, you are the third in your family's lineage. But were those really his?"
"Those aircraft are simple automated defense units," Darcia assumed that Cher was asking about the aircraft that flew along side them. He was feeling in somewhat of a good mood, and, knowing that Cher's curiosity had been nowhere near satisfied, chose to elaborate further. "There are no pilots. The vessels are controlled remotely. In fact, the two beside us now are the same model type Orkham wished me to lend him for assistance in creating Cheza."
Darcia's ship was escorted, by the two new airships, to the landing area atop the mountain. Once their aircraft was firmly settled on solid ground, Cher heaved a great sigh of relief. Darcia rose from his seat, motioning for Cher to follow, and collected Cheza from the rear of the vessel before opening the outer hatch.
The threesome were greeted by a large group of armed guards. Cher halfway expected their weapons to be pointed at her, Darcia, and the flower maiden. However, the guards were all standing at attention. They were, apparently, the greeting party for the return of their master's son. The group was approached by a manservant dressed in a loose blue robe with scarlet red trim and sash draped around the neck hanging over the shoulders.
"Welcome, lord Darcia the Third," the servant greeted Darcia with a respectful bow. "You're father, lord Darcia the Second, has been awaiting your arrival. I have instructions to bring you, and your guests, to him at once. Please, come this way, my lord."
Darcia, Cher, and Cheza were led from the large flat landing area towards the castle. They walked along an elegant stone pathway through a beautiful garden nestled next to the castle. The garden was a marvel adorned with fields of flowers alongside a pristine pond. Small-scale artificial waterfalls emptied themselves into the pond from the gorgeously decorated ivory-white and gold-laced aqueducts extending from the glorious edifice. Cheza and Cher were in awe as they took in the sights of the Darcias' garden.
Darcia took notice of the two ladies' amazement and a small smile graced his lips as he fondly remembered the moments he had shared with Harmona in this same garden. Moments Darcia had thought would never come to an end. Darcia wasn't honestly sure why he was smiling, especially with such grim thoughts swimming about in his head, but for the moment he felt happy. Perhaps, looking at Cher in this garden made him feel one step closer to having those moments with Harmona back . . .
No, there is . . . more to it than her simply looking like Harmona, Darcia decided as he continued thinking over this feeling. Although Dr. Degre had some similarities in appearance to Harmona, there was something else that drew the noble to her. It was Cher's own unique qualities which had brought this joy to him. Darcia felt that perhaps there might even be a chance of himself living contentedly with Cher. What am I thinking?! Darcia realized slightly startled. This is what I get for allowing my mind to wander. How ludicrous, he thought laughing at himself inwardly.
Darcia would never betray Harmona; no matter how he may have felt towards another woman. One thing about Darcia, he was honorable and his loyalty was worth something to have. But still, this did not stop the feelings for Cher from growing inside his heart. It had been a long time since Darcia had been with Harmona in her rightful state. The time had seemed like an eternity to him as he worked tirelessly to cure her. Perhaps it was merely his own need for companionship which had brought about these feelings. Regardless, those emotions were still there and they weren't just going to go away. Darcia would have to resolve them and it was looking to be a painful experience.
"Excuse the interruption, my lord. But it is time that we were moving along. We do not wish to keep your father waiting," the manservant spoke respectfully breaking Darcia's chain of thought. "If you would not mind calling your guests along, please." Darcia nodded.
"Cher. Cheza," he called. Both looked rather disappointed at having to leave the garden, but the ladies didn't make Darcia wait. At last, the trio were led into the grand interior of the castle. The servant showed the group into the main hall of the castle.
"Magnificent. The garden and the castle are just as they were described in the Book of the Moon," Cher marveled.
"What exactly do you know about the Book of the Moon?" queried an unfamiliar, yet elegant voice. An older man--his appearance roughly that of middle age or mid-forties--who bore a striking resemblance to Darcia stood before the group. His left arm was interlocked with that of a lady servant standing next to him. His hair, loosely combed back, was black graying along the center of his hair line and on the sides next to his temples. He was dressed a black robe with an indigo stripe down the front center spanning the width of his chest from one shoulder to the next. Around his neck the man wore the crest of the house of Darcia on an ornate chain. Imbedded in the center of the crest was an additional feature--the image of a owl.
"Introducing his highness, lord Darcia the second," the manservant proclaimed before giving a final bow to all and leaving the room. Cher observed Darcia II closely. She noticed something peculiar about him. His indigo blue eyes always stared off into space never focusing on any object. Cher stepped to the side, out from behind Darcia, to get a better look.
"Does my blindness startle you so?" Cher gasped.
"I uh um," she stammered. Darcia II gave a small soft laugh.
"When one sense goes the other become sharper, my dear. Don't be so alarmed. Catching gawkers off guard is something of a pastime for me, and it is not something I am able to do often." He laughed once more a bit hardier this time. Well, at least he had a sense of humor much to Cher's relief and dismay. "So then, what are the names of these two ladies you've brought with you, Darcia?"
"Wait, how did you know there were three of us?" Cher asked curiosity starting to overcome her initial anxiety.
Darcia II smiled, "It is quite simple. Aside from your guide, there were three distinct sets of sounds with one heavier than the other two. Women tend to make softer footsteps than men. Apart from that, it is faint but one of you is wearing perfume of some sort. It has a pleasantly floral quality to it." The noble took a deep breath obviously savoring the aroma lingering in the air. "Getting back to the Book the Moon, I should wager that you might be interested in learning about that book's origins, miss . . ." his voice trailed off waiting for Cher to introduce herself.
"Degre, Dr. Cher Degre and yes, I would like to learn more about the book."
"Do we really have time for this dalliance?" Darcia groaned with growing impatience.
A look of displeasure crossed Darcia II's face, "Well then, speak your mind."
"Harmona, I wish to," Darcia was cut off by his father.
"To bring her here?" Darcia II finished for his son. "It is because of the dreams of her death and that strange wolf, correct?" He paused taking amusement in his son's confusion made apparent by the sounds Darcia was making. "It has already been taken care of. She will arrive within the hour. Harmona's old room has already been furnished with all that you shall require to sustain her at this place."
"How? How could you have known?"
"I had foreseen your arrival in my dreams. Along with your own nightmare. I take it that your second guest is the flower maiden."
"Correct," Darcia replied curtly.
"Very well. Dr. Degre, if you would not mind waiting for me in my study we may continue our earlier dialogue," Darcia II released his arm from his lady servant's and motioned to have her show Cher to the study. The two women were soon gone leaving the noble to direct his attention towards his son. "Darcia I believe you can occupy yourself by checking over the preparations to receive Harmona," his voice was slightly cross from his son's previously brusque attitude. "I shall show the flower maiden to the garden. I believe you would like that, yes?" Darcia II addressed Cheza waiting for her reply. She gave none, however. "I will let you decide once we arrive there, then." He smiled to Cheza and then strode, unaided, to the main hall's door. Darcia II held the door open. "After you," he politely directed. Once his father and Cheza were gone, Darcia left the hall to set about his own tasks.
The noble guided Cheza easily throughout the castle's many passages. He moved just as casually as anyone with sight. Cheza found it quite interesting that the noble could find his way around so flawlessly without his sight. She did not dislike this noble nearly as much as his son. Even though it hadn't shown on her face, Cheza was quite happy that Darcia II had asked if she would like to return to the garden. He was the first person she had ever met who asked what she wanted to do. Cheza finally decided to speak with him.
"This one is curious. How do you see?" she finally asked. Darcia II slowed his pace to walk alongside Cheza.
He smiled, "I have lived in this place for most of my life. Being blind is something you learn to live with, and I have learned to live with it. I know all the halls and passages of my castle. In fact, I am also familiar with all the of my garden and most of the city below."
"But why?" she asked.
"Would you want to stay cooped up inside a castle all the time?" This time Cheza smiled.
"This one would not."
"Do you have a name?"
"This one is called Cheza."
"As you already know, I am Darcia the second, but you may call me whatever you like." This earned a small giggle from Cheza. She could not be truly content in this place, but Darcia II had made her happy for the moment. "Do you know that you are a person?" he asked suddenly growing serious.
"This one has not thought about if before," she replied looked back at him confused.
"You are not an object. Do not ever let anyone convince you otherwise. Person-hood is not something reserved for humans and nobles. It encompasses all sentient life. Do you understand?"
"This one is not sure. Why does it matter if this one is a person or not?"
"Do you not have your own thoughts and wants? What is it that you desire above all else?"
"To be with him," Cheza answered simply.
"The white one?" Cheza's eyes widened in surprise. "He will come for you soon enough. Yet he and the others still have a dangerous road ahead of them before they reach this city. May I ask what his name is?"
"Kiba, do you know where he is?" she sounded hopeful.
"Sadly, I do not. Do not fret, the wolves will find help along their perilous journey. They will reach you here, safely. I have foreseen it."
"Will you . . . let this one leave? Will you let this one go with him, with all of them?"
"Is that what you want?" Cheza nodded vigorously. Then she remembered her companion was blind.
"Yes, very much!"
"Then I have no intention of stopping you," he place his hand gently on her shoulder to add reassurance.
"But . . ." she paused.
"Darcia? He might be the head of the family now, but this is still MY keep. What I say goes!" At this answer, Cheza hugged the aging noble grateful for his kindness. He patted the back of her head affectionately, like a father would his daughter.
"What is it that Darcia desires from this one?" Cheza asked finally letting go.
"You mean he never told you?" Cheza confirmed his assumption. "Do you know what 'Paradise Sickness' is?"
"This one does not."
"Has Darcia ever asked you for your assistance? No, I guess he never did if you did not know what he wanted from you. Well, Darcia will just have to deal with the consequence of his poor decisions. If you do not wish to help him, I will not let Darcia get in the way of your departure with the wolves. You have my promise on this."
At last the two arrived in the garden. Darcia II could literally feel Cheza's mood brighten as she once again took in the beautiful scenery. He bid her to go wander as she pleased. Cheza halfway danced as she strolled through the flowers and sat by the bank of the pond. At that moment, the flutter of wings caught Darcia II's attention. He held out his right arm and a large brown owl with speckled wings landed on his arm.
"Tell me, how does she look now?"
"Whooo," the owl cooed, "a chorus of a thousand flowers they all sing as one!" Darcia II laughed slightly.
"She enjoys their singing as do I," he mused and then grew serious. "Listen carefully to me. A pack of wolves will soon be coming to this city. They must pass through the forest which guards this mountain and its aerial city. I want you to wait for them and whoever else might be accompanying them. Guide the wolves through safely to this city. Understand?"
"Whhhoooooo! We all wander in and get lost as one! Well done, well done!" the owl cooed and the flew off into the sky.
Meanwhile, Darcia wandered about the castle. He never did like being told what to do, and checking on the preparations for receiving Harmona was the last thing on his 'to do' list. Besides, Darcia felt that there wasn't any need to be breathing down the necks of the already anxious servants when it was his father he was irritated with. Suddenly, Darcia realized exactly where his feet had taken him. He stood right outside the study. Cher was waiting inside. Darcia reached for the door latch, but hesitated just short of touching it. He was surprised by his own actions.
Why is it that I desire to see her again? Darcia questioned himself. He was not an indecisive person, even when it came to romantic involvements. Darcia had always known and pursued, without second thought, what he wanted in his relationship with Harmona from the very beginning. But with Cher, it seemed much different.
Darcia then reached an epiphany. He had never pursued a woman who might actually turn him down. In fact, Harmona was the only woman he had ever let himself love. She was his first love, and he thought his only. However, Darcia knew that he felt something for Cher. But was it really love? Darcia pried deep into his own soul--he HAD to know the answer. As he compared his feelings for Cher to the ones he held for Harmona, Darcia found their similarity. There was a delight he found in both women which he received from nothing else in life.
Harmona was the safe choice because she had already chosen Darcia as her love, but Cher was undecided. That was what made the scientist appealing to Darcia, even more so than Harmona. It was the risk involved. Darcia had never had to face the risk of rejection. To know that the one he would love had had the opportunity and power of will to reject him, yet still decided to choose him as their love. This kind of relationship held a greater strength and quality in Darcia's view. He wanted it. Darcia wanted that kind of pure and tempered relationship that possessed the strength to withstand the tests of time. This type of bond was far more appealing to him than a false one which had never been tested and possibly built upon a lie. Darcia opened to door with renewed confidence determined to speak openly with this woman who appealed to him so greatly.
"Oh, Darcia," Cher greeted the noble slightly surprised. However, from the tone of her voice it was obvious to Darcia that Cher was pleasantly surprised. Where is your father? I thought he would be coming shortly."
"I think the old man will be delayed in the garden. He likes to listen to the flowers sing, or so he claims," Darcia replied smiling warmly at Cher.
"Is . . . there something on your mind?" Cher was a bit confused at the fact that Darcia seemed a little too pleased to be in her company. She fought back the memory of what had happened by the pond trying to keep it below the surface of her consciousness.
"Did you know that my father was not always blind? It happened shortly after Harmona fell ill."
"I see."
"After my father's sight departed, he began to claim having strange dreams often with prophetic meaning. Then later my father claimed that he could hear the flowers singing. I have tried several times to hear their song to humor the old man, but nothing ever came of it. He would always say that, 'people never stop and take the time to listen'."
"Do you think that you want to change you belief in his abilities?" Cher was puzzled as to why Darcia was sharing all this personal information with her. Perhaps, he might just be lonely, Cher reasoned.
"I am . . . not certain yet. However, your presumption was mistaken."
"Excuse me, but what do you mean? What presumption?"
"You assumed Harmona is my wife. Her and I . . . we are merely betrothed. There is no marriage between Harmona and myself. I . . . find you appealing," Darcia trailed off there waiting to see how Cher would react.
"I see, but the promise is hers to break not yours, correct?" Darcia nodded. Cher started to blush as she gathered her words. "I must admit I find you appealing as well, but," she paused to plan what she would say next. "But, I understand your loyalty to her, and I would not think of undermining it." Cher returned Darcia's warm smile. "If there is any way I can help, then I'll do everything I am able to assist you in curing her illness. I guess that as for how we feel about one another . . ." Cher was hesitant to say what they both already knew. Cher and Darcia would have to bury what they felt for one another. Before Cher could continue, Darcia moved to her swiftly. He gently placed a finger over her lips shaking his head side to side.
"There is no need to say it. We cannot act, however, we do not have to forget." Darcia leaned in slowly, giving Cher a long kiss. Cher returned the kiss, deepening it. She became caught up the moment. It was like something out of a fairy tale and before her stood the prince. The thought was nice, Darcia--her fairy tale prince.
It's too bad I can't be with him. If I could, I wouldn't have to feel guilty about . . . Cher was suddenly jerked from her blissful rapture as her mind was flooded by thoughts of Hubb and the tragic event which led to their marriage's demise. Hubb believed that Cheza was the reason for their divorce, but only because that is what Cher wanted him to believe. In all honesty, the guilt from that terrible event still ate away at her everyday, and that was why she could no longer remain with Hubb.
It was too painful for her the way he tried to pretend it never happened, as if nothing was wrong. Hubb was far too willing to forget and go back to the way things were. It was because of this that Cher was unable to move on. Perhaps she was short with Hubb at times because every time Cher saw his face she was torn up on the inside because the event was her fault. At least, that is how Cher always saw it in her mind. She had always blamed herself and had yet to forgive herself.
Cher pulled away from the wonderful touch of her handsome noble. She hated to have to leave that marvelous touch which promised to let her move past her pain and give her happiness unlike any she had experienced.
"Perhaps, you might stay on with me after Harmona has recovered?" Darcia's voice sounding hopeful.
"Perhaps I might, if you would have me stay," Cher answered coyly. "May I ask you something?" Darcia gave Cher a look of curiosity in reply. "What are you hiding behind that eye patch?"
"Ah. I do not believe you will like what you see."
"Why don't you let me be the judge of that."
"Very well." Darcia held both his eyes shut as he removed his eye patch unhooking it from his ear. Then slowly he reopened them revealing his one normal eye and his wolf's eye to Cher. She was able to behold his all the features of Darcia's face before succumbing to the power of his wolf's eye.
Darcia nimbly caught Cher's limp, unconscious body around her back with one arm. He gracefully scooped up Cher and carried her into an empty bedroom laying her to rest in large bed. After sliding her sleeping form beneath the soft sheets, Darcia left Cher to a peaceful rest. As Darcia left, he wore a glad expression upon his countenance. While Cher fell into unconsciousness, she wore a smile as she gazed upon his face. Darcia had risked rejection, but Cher had accepted him.
Outside, Darcia II stood in his garden as a slight breeze blew softly, tugging lightly at his garments causing his robe to billow softly. The wind carried with it a whisper that was just barely audible to him. He closed his eyes and concentrated on the sound. There was a distinctly musical quality to the harmonious murmur. It was singing. The song was fondly familiar to Darcia II. He noticed that Cheza seemed to be aware of the song, as well. Softly, at first, the flower maiden began to only hum the tune. After a few moments Cheza sang openly to the air, the sky, the sun, the clouds, the flowers around her, and the mountain itself.
The soft whisper Darcia II enjoyed rose, growing in strength, until it became a strong swelling chorus thousands of voices strong. He then joined the choir surrounding him singing the song of the flowers which loved so much. His voice coalesced with the rhythm and tone of the singing, in unison with all the flowers around him. They sang the glorious verse again and again for the better part of the afternoon until the sun finally set.
Shiro, shiro.
Yoh du-rets kah.
Shiro, shiro.
Ny-ets dea kah . . .
End Episode
I hope you enjoyed this chapter and will please review. My classes start this Monday and I'm not looking forward to it. College is rough. The chapters might come out a bit slower than what they have been, but I WILL keep going! The days I usually have time to post chapters are Saturday and Sunday around the evenings.
To clear up any lingering confusion, in the series it was said that the house of the Darcia's had fallen into ruin after being cursed by Paradise. However, since this is the next lifetime the house of the Darcia's is still around and was able withstand being cursed by Paradise. The world is better off this time around. The world and cities are not as devastated as they were in the show. I have no idea how long the life span of a noble is, but I would guess that it far exceeds that of humans. I think that two hundred years isn't very much time to them at all.
Once again, please review. It is also helpful if you tell me what parts you like or found confusing. It helps me improve and gives me ideas about where to go, so thanks in advance. By the way, am I keeping everyone in character? I hope so. Please let me know if you have any thoughts. See you again next episode (next one will be very long). I really love these new upgrades to the site. It really made posting this chapter SO much easier.