Of Thunder and Lightning, Part VII
The rest of act two, and act three scene 1.
In which Puck makes a blunder, and Titania awakens.
(Starting in surprise Puck's point of view)
I do not own these characters.
My lord, Oberon, requested me to enchant an Athenian man's eyes, for he was rejecting a sweet girl who was sick with love for him; But alas! I had been walking about the forest for ages-or so it seemed-and had not found any man yet.
I wandered about for a good while longer, cursing King Oberon with every insult I knew, starting with the fact that he refused to give me any direction, or description of the Athenian man. Needless to say, that would have been very helpful, but Lord Oberon isn't usually one to give very detailed directions.
'Tis a shame I thought momentarily, hopping over a log Though I live to serve my lord, Oberon, completely and fully, I can't help but wish Titania had just yielded…she was a fairly good influence on him.
After wandering about even more I began to rant slightly. "Through the forests have I been, but no Athenian have I seen. On whose eyes to try the power of this love begetting flower-"I had to stop short at that point, for my foot almost stepped upon a man's head. "Night in silence!" I exclaimed, before shutting my mouth, for my voice had echoed long and loud across the forest. "Who is there?" I questioned more quietly, circling around the man "Athens clothing is his wear…This is he my master told me! Treated the Athenian lady coldly!" I looked about once more, and about ten feet away lay a pretty, dark-haired Athenian lady who was-Oh for shame! Using a rock to lean her pretty head against. "And here's the Maiden sleeping sound…on the damp, and dirty ground." I murmured, crouching near the slumbering maid. "Pretty thing, she dare not stretch," I walked back towards the man "Near this sad sack, loveless wretch!" I hissed, kicking him slightly, then calmed slightly, retrieving the flower and placing it above his head. "On your eyes I place all the power of embrace; but do not wake till I am gone, for now I must go to Oberon." I said, relishing the golden dust that fell from the flower, charming the man as my Lord instructed. With a childish giggle, I immediately took my leave of the glade; following god knows what into the forest, to discover more mischief.
It did not take me long to find it, and in the form of six ruffian Athenian men, also in the forest. "What rough clothed ruffians are swaggering here?" I questioned, making myself invisible "And so close to where Queen Titania sleeps." Added, looking to the queen who was merely feet from them, sleeping peacefully, unaware of the spell which crossed her brow.
'Twas then I saw the group was really… a troupe, of actors no doubt, and being the clever cherub I was, I simply had to watch the play.
They were utterly horrendous, and the main character, Pyramus, was played by a pompous and utter ass; so at the right moment, as one of them wandered into the wood, I took the opportunity to perform a spell of my own creed. With a giggle, and a gaggle or two, I reached into my small under-used pouch of faerie magic "An ass I'll make of you." I murmured, tossing the dust over him as I stood in the shadows.
My satisfaction was clearly depicted in the big grin that stood upon my face as his friends screamed and ran.
(Titania's POV)
I happened to be sleeping very deeply and peacefully when I was awakened by the most beautiful sound…Much more lovely than that of any songbird, or any twee singing my nymphs could do. With a happy sigh, my eyes fluttered open, and I was startled to see an angel standing nigh my bedside, and so, I addressed him as such.
"Oh! What angel wakes me from my flowery bed?" I asked coyly, batting my eyelashes prettily.
Obviously, my angel was none too bright, and a bit hard of hearing, for he simply continued on singing. Being the patient fey I am, I decided to wait until he finished-out of pure courtesy of course!
"Gentle mortal, I pray thee, please sing again! My ear is much enamored by your note. Your looks…" I paused, to look him over from hairy ass-like face, to rough-skinned body "Fascinate me, and your forceful personality compels me to declare…that I am in love with you at first sight." I murmured, taking his hands in affection.
He seemed confused and a bit dazed however. "Mistress! You have little reason for that…but." He paused, giving me a once-over or rather, a twice-over "Reason and love don't go together much nowadays." He concluded with a grin.
"You are as wise as you are beautiful!" I exclaimed, moving closer to him.
"Oh, not so, but if I had enough brains to get me from this wood hence, then that would do me nicely." He pondered.
I sighed "Out of this wood, do not desire to go. You will stay here whether you will, or no. I am a faerie of some royalty; The summer season owes me its loyalty. I love you truly, therefore, let's proceed! My faeries will fetch your every need. They'll bring you jewels from ocean deep, and sing whilst beds of flowers soothe your sleep. Peas blossom, Moth, and Musterdseed!" I called my faeries forthwith, and immediately lectured all of them to care for my newfound love. "Hail Mortal!" they chorused, as I returned to my bed, to tend to my love.
Little did I know that cheeky Puck was watching with glee, as this Mortal ogled over me.