In his richly furnished study with dark scarlet tapestries and black carpet, Dumas was working hard to finish all of his paperworks before it was time for dinner. Every once in awhile, he would stand up to reach for some of his books that was in the two bookcases on each side of the window that was directly behind his chair.
After several minutes, he curled his lips in disdain at the financial records and he was even more displeased at the letters from his subjects, asking him for directions and guidance for the most trivial matters. He was about to shove aside a stack of papers asking for aid for the famine when he suddenly remembered Talim's request, asking him to care for the people alittle more.
Reluctantly, he began reading. Two hundred peasants have already succumbed to the lack of food and more would follow unless he sent them some food and money. He pursed his lips in thought. But before he could decide, he noticed a letter bearing the royal seal. Was it from Rudolf? Picking it up, he opened it and scanned the message that was written in Latin. After a few minutes, his eyes flashed and he threw the piece of parchment away. "Damn that man," he hissed as he cast the fallen letter a dark look.
The letter was from Rudolf's younger brother, Matthias, lecturing him on what he's been doing. The accursed dog had also mentioned that he would be coming to oversee some plans for the future of Hungary. Dumas rubbed his eyes tiredly; the visit was just an excuse for Rudolf's younger brother to access how he was running Hungary. After the long war with the Ottoman Empire that ended last year, Rudolf had lost most of his powers. His younger brother, Matthias had risen to the top and took charge of almost everything. Unlike Rudolf, the man was actually intelligent and he never trusted him. To be honest, Matthias had been a thorn in his side for the past six years.
"Insolent dog," murmured Dumas, remembering the how the archduke Matthias had sided with Istavan Bocksai and made that accursed treaty that ripped away his rule in Transylvania. Losing the the right to rule Transylvania was a big blow to him and he made sure that someone paid for it dearly. By poisoning the well loved leader Istavan Bocksai, he made sure that the happy victory for those Hungarians rebels was cut short. It was too bad he couldn't have gotten rid of his second in command, Zwei. Although he did manage to frame the werewolf for Istavan's death, which was abit of a consolation.
Dumas glanced at the fallen letter once more. Matthias must have suspected his intentions of creating another war since the tension between Hungary and the borders of the Ottoman Empire was rising. Just as planned of course... Add in the fact that Dumas had lied about the invasion during Talim's execution, Matthias must have sense that something was up. Dumas licked his lips and proceeded to write a few letters to a few of his allies. When he finished, he got up to get the entertainment set up. "Stupid court etiquette," thought Dumas.
Down the west wing, he ordered the servants to prepare the beds for his guests. Pointing to the polished wooden floor, he told them to make sure it was spotless when he came back. The long roll of red carpet should be changed to white and the chandeliers above them needed to be cleaned as well. As he walked down the hallway, he pointed to paintings, candle holders, suits of armors and continued with the orders. Leaving the servants, he headed to the ballroom where the welcoming party would take place.
Pushing open the door, he looked at the heavy blue tapestries over the five giant windows and then he glanced up at the bright crystal chandelier that was made all the way in England. The ceiling had been specifically made to resemble a starry night sky. He had it painted a deep dark blue and then he embedded more crystals into the ceiling, which had cost him a large amount of time and money.
His footsteps echoed across the polished oak floors and he mentally placed the food table in one corner, his musicians in another spot. But he wondered what the main entertainment should be. He quickly turned around when he heard something. Seeing the familiar long green hair and long blue half skirt, he smiled. But his heart fell when she immediately closed the doors and took off. Softly, he whispered, "Why do you run, when you know I will catch you dearest..."
Talim walked hurriedly down the hallway. Her eyes were still alittle weak but she could see quite clearly now. Reading the wind, she sensed that Dumas was close. Her heart pounded as she walked faster.
She had done her best to avoid him as much as possible since his eyes, words and tone of voice was laced with honey and she rejected all of his attempts at seduction every time they met. What irked her even more was that he no longer wore his mask. Seeing his face was like seeing Raphael and this made it so much harder for her to ignore him. She had a feeling he knew this, which was why he did it in the first place. The last time they had a meaningful conversation was when he agreed to lower the taxes for the people.
Looking around, she quickly opened a large door and walked in. The moment she did, she gaped at all the tall wooden bookshelves built into the dark red wall. Three enormous windows reached the ceiling, covered by peach colored curtains. An elegant spiral staircase sat in the middle of the room and connected to the second floor and above her, was a beautiful dome ceiling.
Walking across the wooden floor, she ran up the staircase and saw that the bookshelves on here were arranged in neat rows. In a spot, white sofas and a recliner served as a spot to read before a roaring fireplace. Hiding behind a bookshelf, she peeked out when she heard the doors opened. Soon enough, his footsteps echoed through the room as he searched for her.
He smiled when he felt the holy aura from her body as he walked up the stairs. Just as she used the wind to detect and avoid him, he used his own senses to track her. These daily pursuits did amuse him and whenever he caught her, her face was always flushed a pretty pink and her embarrassment made her look so adorable... He chuckled slightly. She had never managed to win this game and this time was no exception. Strolling past her hiding spot, he grinned when he heard her sigh in relief.
Talim began backing away when all of a sudden, she felt him embrace her from behind. Gasping, she looked over her shoulder and saw him grinning at her. "Dumas!"
Dumas rubbed his face against her hair and chuckled. "Forgive me for neglecting you but I've been rather busy Talim..."
Talim quickly forced his hands off her waist and backed away, hitting the bookshelf behind her. "Please act more formal Dumas," she said with a low tone of voice.
Dumas smiled. "Talim, you are my dearest and the lady of this castle. There's no need to be shy." He reached for her but she immediately dodged him and turn her back on him. Still in a pleasant mood, he asked, "Why do you run, when you know I will catch you?"
Talim turned around with a look of frustration. "You are a rich and powerful man Dumas. You can have any woman you want so why do you insist on me?" He moved towards her slowly and Talim felt her face turn red as she backed away until her back collided with another bookshelf. Trapped between the bookshelf and his body that was inches from her own, she stopped him with her hands. "Don't make me hurt you Dumas."
"Talim, if I only wanted pleasure, I could find myself a mistress anytime I want. But what I really desire..." Dumas twirled a lock of her hair between his fingers and said gently, "Is someone who truly loves me despite the fact that I'm a malfested. You were that person Talim. I don't need anyone else besides you and Amy. Both of you have sacrificed everything for me... Amy lost her humanity and her smile and you almost-"
"Please stop it." Talim shook her head and murmured, " You are not Raphael. No matter what you say, I won't believe you. He is waiting for me out there and I will leave to search for him."
The few candles in the room cast flickering shadows on both of their faces and he took the time to look at her carefully. In no way was he angry at her and he was actually quite touched that she was so faithful to him. If only he had his accursed fangs so that she would believe he was Raphael.
After a few minutes of silence, he said, "How about another trade Talim?" She looked up at him in surprise and he continued as he moved slightly closer to her, ignoring her resistant hands as he pushed her against the bookcase with his body. "There's about five hundred peasants waiting for me to give them some food and money to save them from the famine. If you agree to two simple requests, I will save them. If you don't, then God and your wind can watch them starve to death."
Talim saw the look in his eyes and it chilled her bones. Fearing about what he was going to ask her, she found herself unable to speak, torn between wanting to help the people but scared at what kind of price she'll have to pay. Slowly, she said, "I am not going to give myself to you."
Wearing a serious expression on his face, he replied, " Although I do desire your body, your heart and soul is more important to me... Understand that I love you Talim; I don't just lust for you."
"You seem unable to differentiate the two the night I learned you were Dumas."
His eyes softened and he whispered, "I am truly sorry for what I nearly did that night. But I promise you that I'll wait..." Reaching for her medallion, he traced the symbols lightly and smiled as it moved when Talim inhaled sharply at what he was doing. "Until you're ready for the moon and sun to become one with each other."
Talim turned red and she averted her eyes. "What is your requests then?"
"My first request is... would you agree to perform a small dance at this welcoming party that I'm planning?" asked Dumas, amused at the surprise on her face.
"That's it?"
He nodded and backed away so that she could feel alittle more comfortable. "But please do your best dearest. I would hate to punch someone at the party because they criticize your dance."
Despite herself, Talim smiled slightly at his joke. The image of Dumas punching some unknown noble did seem alittle silly to her and she had to say that it would probably be a rather strange sight. "Alright then Dumas, I will agree to this request of yours. What about the second one?"
"I wish to kiss you ma petite."
"What?" Talim immediately shook her head.
Dumas tilted his head and said, "Strange, this isn't like you at all Talim. I thought you'd be more then willing to make such a trade. After all, a small kiss can save more then five hundred lives. I'm not offering you a bad deal dearest."
Talim replied curtly, "You're taking advantage of me."
He gave her a quick bow and smiled. "If you think that then you would not survive one day at court my pretty storm maiden. I am guilty for many things but this is nothing more than a fair trade."
"You know that I have no choice but to agree."
"I know you love the people too much to reject my offer. That is why I made the deal in the first place." He saw the unhappy look on her face and sighed. "Well then Talim, close your eyes and this horrible moment will pass quickly," said Dumas, placing his hands on her smooth shoulders.
Talim gripped the fabric of her long skirt tightly. "Please forgive me Raphael," thought Talim, squeezing her eyes shut as she felt his breath brush across her cheeks. But her eyes quickly widened in surprise when she felt his lips touch her forehead instead. "Du... Dumas?"
Parting from her, he gave her a small smile. "That wasn't so bad was it?"
"I... I don't understand you sometimes," said Talim, looking down at the ground.
He reached for her hand and his heart soared when she let him. "Talim, there's only one thing I want you to understand about me. That I truly love you and I want nothing more then to marry you and be with you forever..."
Slowly, she looked up into the face that she had loved and missed all these years. Her eyes were sad as she said, "You deserve someone who truly loves you. I cannot see you as anything more than a substitute for Raphael."
"I said that would be alright with me before, no?" He whispered, "I am Raphael but if you won't believe me, I would be absolutely fine with being a replacement."
Talim smiled sadly. "That would hurt us both. Haven't you learned already? Lies only hurts." Letting go, she shook her head. "I thought I could move on. I thought that maybe you would be the one to help me heal. The truth I've now realized, is that there's only one moon and only one sun. I'm sorry, but my heart will always be with Raphael."
"What if you never find him again?" Dumas asked, his heart pained.
"I've been asked that question so many time that I've lost count," she replied, her chocolate eyes shimmering. "My reply has always been the same. I will then wait for the day for the wind to carry my soul to him instead."
"Here Viola, you may have my slice of pie since I'm not really hungry," said Raphael, handing the seer his apple pie.
At the Schwarzwind dining room, all the mercenaries were looking at this strange sight as Viola and Raphael chatted to each other amicably. Peeking from the doorway, Siegfried and Hilde watched as Viola accepted the pie graciously and gave the Frenchman a small smile. "I think it's working Hilde. They're no longer arguing with each other! We can finally have some peace and quiet."
Hilde sighed in relief. "It's good to see that they've finally stopped fighting with each other so much. Well, I suppose we can now leave and get some rest. Did you finish that book I lent you Siegfried?"
"Hmm? Oh yea, I finished it the other night. But there's some parts I don't really get," replied Siegfried.
"Which parts?" Siegfried and Hilde walked down the dim corridor and began discussing about the book on warfare that Hilde had lent him.
After a few minutes, Viola whispered, "They're gone. We can stop pretending now."
"Are you mad woman? We've got a bunch of mercenaries that's still looking at us," hissed Raphael. "Here, follow my lead." Getting up, Raphael gestured to the starry skies outside the windows and said, "It's such a lovely night Viola. Would you mind taking a walk with me?" And he offered her an arm.
"Alright." She stood up and hooked her arm with his and they left the room while whispers exploded like fireworks.
Once they were outside, Raphael and Viola immediately glared at each other and let go of each other's arms. Raphael leaned against the tree and said, "I can't believe how annoying Hilde and Siegfried are. Always trying to get the two of us to talk to each other and 'respect' each other. If it wasn't for the fact that they're driving me crazy, I would never have resorted to this."
Viola sat down and tucked her legs behind her. "Hmph, at least they'll stop bothering us if they think we're friends. But tell me, when are you going to leave anyway?"
"When they find me my daughter. If I search alone, I have less of a chance of finding her. With the Schwarzwind's help, I may be able to find my beloved Amy again," said Raphael wistfully, looking up at the stars. "I miss her so much..."
Viola stayed quiet at that comment. "That's the only thing I respect about you. Your love for your daughter is... admirable. Is your wife also searching for her?"
"I have no wife," replied Raphael. "Amy is my adoptive daughter and she's the only family I have left in this world." He glanced over and noticed that she was staring at the bridge. "Tell me woman, why are you always looking at that drawbridge?"
"It's none of your concern."
Raphael shrugged. "I don't really care to be honest. And-" But he stopped when he heard something. Tilting his head slightly, he spotted Hilde's favorite soldier, Gerhilde spying on them. He slowly down besides Viola. "I think we're going to have to keep this act up. Gerhilde is hiding behind that tree. And I really really don't want another 'let's open our hearts to each other and see the good in each other' session."
Sighing, Viola tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. "I'm waiting for Zwei to return."
"Oh? He dumped you?"
She glared at him. "You're not helping this with this performance."
Raphael rolled his eyes. "I mean, that's quite cute. So, what is he to you anyway?"
"He saved my life and he's my friend. He's also... different from anyone I've met." Viola looked at the moon and said, "Even though he's a malfested, even though he's cursed and rejected by this world, he still tries his best to look at the positive side of life. He saves those that needs his help, whether they're malfested or not. I don't understand him sometimes... We're both shunned and hated by humanity but we both respond very differently."
Raphael made a vague gesture. "How so?"
"I am indifferent to the sufferings and sorrows of others. But he..." Viola flexed the claws on her hand and sighed. "He's foolish. The amount of times he risked his safety for others worries me but I admire his confidence and his determination to do what is right. However... sometimes he gets really dark and serious. There's something he's not telling me and that bothers me sometimes."
Raphael stroked his chin thoughtfully. "How about some descriptions?"
"He's about six foot tall. Black hair with some white patches and his eyes are a deep blue." Viola blushed when she mentioned his abs and his unbuttoned pants. "I heard him say that his older sister figure named Talim keeps lecturing him about it but he insists that he just forgets."
That name again... Talim. Raphael coughed and asked, "I've heard this name come up quite a bit. From the sound of it, Siegfried and Hilde really respects her."
Viola adjusted her seat on the grass and shrugged. "I have never met her but Zwei holds her in great respect as well."
"Does this woman name Talim have any unique powers? Is she a malfested?" questioned Raphael, curious about this strange person.
Viola shook her head. "She's a wind priestess from a village that has been hidden from the world for many years. Zwei told me that she left to help purify the world and save the malfested who are persecuted. I don't know where she is but she's out there looking for answers about the swords and helping people."
"Has she ever tried to destroy Soul Calibur? After all, Siegfried has the very sword in his possession."
"I don't know. You'll have to ask him about that." Seeing that it was late, Viola got up and brush the dirt off her dress. "It seems that Gerhilde left... We can go now."
Raphael smirked. "You know, I don't recall you ever talking this much before woman." Tilting his head, he said, "If only you weren't so cold then you would actually be pretty attractive."
"I was much colder before I met Zwei. In the past, I might have scratched that smirk off your face but as of right now, that is out of the question." Viola began heading back inside.
Raphael shrugged and turned back towards the twinkling stars in the sky. Pondering about what Viola had just told him, he decided to go and question Siegfried about Soul Calibur and the mysterious woman called Talim tomorrow morning. Taking out his daughter's pink ribbon, he looked at it and said, "Wait for me Amy..."
A knock on his door the next morning jolted Siegfried awake. "Hmm?" He yawned and sat up in his chair. Papers and such were strewned around him and he rubbed his eyes tiredly. Salia was usually in charge of managing these types of paperworks but she hadn't been feeling well so he and Hilde have been looking after the records and such. The room had a simple bookcase near the left wall and other than the table and chair he was sitting in, it was pretty barren. Reaching over, Siegfried pushed aside the dusty brown curtains from the window and yawned once more. "Come in." To his surprise, Raphael stepped in.
"Morning Siegfried. I see you've been... busy." Raphael picked up a piece of paper that had some fancy scribbles on it. "What's this?"
"From some baron, thanking me for finishing some work," said Siegfried, trying to organize the papers. Gesturing to the seat in front of his desk, he watched as Raphael sat down. "So, what can I do for you Raphael?"
"Have you heard any news about my daughter yet?"
Siegfried shook his head. "We're doing our best Raphael. But Europe is currently in a... rather tense situations. There have been alot of malfested attacks and sightings of strange beasts. In a week, we're actually hired to hunt down something."
"What do you mean by we?" asked Raphael, crossing his arms and leaning back against his chair.
"You don't expect to have free food and lodging do you?" Siegfried's lips twitched. "All of the previous malfested I've saved have all contributed to the group. I expect the same from you."
Raphael replied, "As they say, nothing in life is free so I suppose that this isn't unreasonable. But I'm more concerned about my daughter's well-being. If you don't have any leads, I suppose it would be better if leave to go and search for her myself."
"This mission... might actually help you in your quest to find your daughter."
The words gave him pause. "What do you mean by that Siegfried?"
The Schwarzwind leader pulled out a piece of paper and showed it to Raphael who immediately gasped. "That's a lamia!" The woman in the picture was extremely beautiful from the waist up. Her black hair was very long and it swept across tanned shoulders. Her eyes was a mysterious onyx colored but from the waist down, was the glittering acid green tail of a snake. Raphael studied the picture carefully. "According to legends, she devours children... Are you saying she ate my Amy!"
"No no!" Siegfried gestured for Raphael to calm down. "The lamia has been seen with three kids. One of them looks very much like your Amy. Her hair is red and curly and she apparently has... fangs. The other two are also young girls. One of them has a piece of fabric tied around her eyes and the other seems rather normal. My guess is that the three are malfested children that this lamia has taken into her care. If you're lucky, the one that has fangs might be Amy."
"Where is she?" demanded Raphael.
"The archduke named Matthias has her right now. I have talked to him and we made an agreement. The Schwarzwind needs to prove ourselves to him and in return, he will consider giving Hilde some land to resettle her people and he'll also let us see the lamia and the three kids," Siegfried explained, rolling the piece of paper back up.
"When do we leave?"
Siegfried looked at the paper thoughtfully. "Tomorrow. Today, we're readying supplies and for this mission, you, Viola, Hilde and three of her soldiers will be going. Are you ready for this?"
Raphael shot him a disbelieving look. "This is the first lead I have on finding Amy. What do you expect my answer to be?"
Siegfried chuckled. "Of course. Well, that's it. Is there anything else you need?"
"I was wondering about Soul Calibur. How did you get it?" asked Raphael hesitantly.
"By... the whims of fate."
For the next two hours, Siegfried explained about how Soul Calibur had chosen him and then he shortened the story to the part where he defeated Nightmare seventeen years ago. "But of course... I couldn't have done it without the help of my friends who have sacrificed... so much to defeat those swords." His eyes dimmed as he glanced at Raphael and remembered how the Frenchman had attacked Soul Calibur and Soul Edge head on. Rubbing his eyes, he said, "Soul Calibur has losts its powers ever since. But it has recently started to regain its lost powers which means that Soul Edge... is back."
"Why don't you take up the sword and use it again then?" asked Raphael.
Siegfried smirked. "I was never the true chosen one. It only chose me because of the great hatred I bore towards Soul Edge. Soul Calibur seeks another... but unfortunately, Talim will never agree to be its wielder."
"Talim?" This name again... Was this priestess that powerful? Licking his lips, Raphael said, "You mean, she's the one who's destined to wield that sword?"
The German nodded. "From the day she healed Zwei at the watermill village, the sword had noticed her powers and purity and it sent her visions. Eventually, Talim realized that its powers could only warp the balance of nature so she has been hesitant on using its powers. When she met Raphael- I mean Raphael Coral..." Siegfried quickly coughed and tried to act normal. "Raphael Coral was a malfested. She thought that she might be able to use Soul Calibur combined with the powers of the wind to heal him. However, that sword has no sense of mercy for the malfested and one of its angels almost... killed her. She still bears a scar from the wound and even now, she avoids the sword for certain reasons."
"I thought this woman was capable of controlling alot of spiritual powers," Raphael pointed out.
"Yes, but Talim is determined on staying faithful to the wind and she refuses to use Soul Calibur, which she believes is just as twisted as Soul Edge," explained Siegfried.
Raphael looked at Siegfried questioningly. "And what do you think of Soul Calibur?"
At the question, Siegfried smiled sadly. "It... is evil. But to me, it is the lesser evil compared to Soul Edge and I do owe that sword my life. I cannot hate it but neither can I accept its twisted ideals. Because of that, I can no longer wield the sword. Unlike Talim, I don't possess any holy powers and now that I believe that not all of the malfested are evil, the sword refuses to lend me its powers. Only someone who matches either qualification can wield the sword."
Hearing this, Raphael grew quite disappointed. He did not have any pure magical powers and since he was a malfested, that sword would never work for him. Since it didn't work for Siegfried, he couldn't use that man either. Unless there was a new wielder, it looks like his only hope was this mysterious woman named Talim. If he could somehow trick her into using the sword to make his new world...
"Raphael? Raphael?" Siegfried waved his hand in front of the Frenchman's face.
Snapping out of it, Raphael shook his head. "Sorry. I need to go and pack my stuff for the trip tomorrow. It's been nice chatting with you Siegfried."
Talim was staring absentmindedly at the bright blue sky and warm sun outside her window when she heard a knock on her door. "Who is it?"
"It is the one and only Le Bello! Now please hurry and let me in Talim. My legs are quite sore and I'm about to faint at any moment!"
A bright smile lit Talim's face; she glided to the doors gracefully and opened it up. "Dampierre! It's so good to see you!"
He smiled and tipped his hat for her. "And you as well my dear. Wow! Nice bedroom! Dumas is really doing his best to make you happy isn't he?" When he noticed Talim's expression, he quirked an eyebrow in curiosity. "Is something wrong?"
Talim sighed as she closed the doors and welcomed him in. They sat on the large windowsill and Talim hugged a green round pillow. "I am nothing more than a prisoner in this place..."
"Wow! Le Bello wishes that he was a prisoner," joked Dampierre. When she pouted, he chuckled and said, "Very well, tell Le Bello what happened."
Her cheeks flushed bright red and she shook her head. After much coaxing from Dampierre, she told him that Dumas seemed to have a darker side to him and that he abruptly shouted at her when she wondered why Yoshimitsu's spirit said some things about him. Next, she hesitantly told him about the night she learned that he was Dumas. The way he cut up two of Tira's followers for kidnapping her had also given her nightmares these past few nights. Looking up, she gasped. "Dampierre! You're bleeding!
"Huh?" Dampierre quickly wiped away the blood leaking from his nose. "Uh, nothing! It's just that, Le Bello's imagination went alittle wild when you said Dumas started kissing you and then he took off your vest-"
Talim hit him with the pillow. "This isn't funny Dampierre."
Dampiere gave her an apologetic smile but he still chuckled slightly and asked her what has been happening between the two of them. After being stuck in the castle for so long, Talim was relieved to have someone to talk to besides Dumas so she willingly told him everything. With a sigh, Talim rested her head against the window and crossed her legs. "There are people waiting for me to help them out there. I've already wasted so much time here..."
"You know Talim, Le Bello doesn't understand why you don't believe that he isn't Raphael." Dampierre patiently listened when Talim said that he didn't have fangs and that the wind around him was different. "But Talim, what's so bad about marrying Dumas? He's the king of Hungary! Do you know how many girls out there would be dying to be in your place?"
"You can't buy love Dampierre. I know you think otherwise but I have stayed faithful to Raphael all these years and nothing will change that." She crossed her arms and said, "I have given it a try with Dumas, somewhat. The answer from the attempt is no."
Dampierre shook his head and pointed to her. "You're thirty two years old Talim. I know your ageing has slowed down but haven't you waited long enough? You could have had kids already."
Talim gave him a sad smile. "How can I possibly have a family while the malfested are suffering out there?"
"Well then... I say you should marry Dumas because of the people," said Dampierre.
"The people?" She tilted her head in puzzlement.
Grabbing a pillow, Dampierre put it behind his back for comfort before saying, "You said that it's because of you that Dumas had lowered the taxes and he spent alot of money to help save about five hundred peasants from the famine, correct?" When Talim nodded, Dampierre continued. "Just think! If you become his queen, you can help the people. He listens to you Talim... You'll be able to persuade him to care for the people in exchange for your love."
"But the purge he's conducting is wrong," argued Talim, looking away bitterly. "He's using it as an excuse to kill all those who are human. Even if he's saving those who are like him, I can't condone his actions."
Dampierre gestured for her to listen to him. "Talim, things can change. Right now, you may be the only hope for the people of Hungary and for him. Do you really want to see him walk down the wrong path?"
"I... I can be his friend but nothing more," Talim said resolutely, hugging the pillow to her chest.
"Just think about it alright. Le Bello believes that this marriage will bring the people and you... much happiness. It's obvious that he cares about you Talim."
Both of them looked up when they heard one of the servants knocking. "Lady Talim, Lord Geo Dampierre, the graf wishes to see both of you."
Talim sighed, weary of the summon. "We'll be right with him."
At the throne room, Dumas smiled when he saw Talim and Dampierre walking along the red carpet towards his throne. "Dearest, you look lovely today."
Talim tilted her head slightly when she noticed that he was wearing his mask again. Not questioning it, she stayed quiet, choosing to look at the adornments of the room to pass the time. Deep red curtains hung over the two huge windows on each side of the wall and the chandeliers above their heads was a deep gold. Most likely real gold... The polished black marble floor gleamed and the tall dark pillars made Talim look up at the dome ceiling. Beside her, Dampierre coughed and said, "It's a pleasure to see you my lord."
"Ah, Dampierre." Dumas crossed one of his leg over the other and said, "So, I assume you're here for your reward?"
"Reward?" thought Talim as she looked at her friend.
Dumas saw the questioning look and said, "Dampierre had just helped me with some matters Talim. he's also been very kind to give me some very fine cannons..."
Dampierre bowed. "Le Bello is glad to hear that you like them."
Rubbing his chin, Dumas replied, "I am. But where are the cavalries of elephants you promised me?"
"Don't worry my lord. A good friend of Le Bello is delivering them right now as we speak. They shall be yours soon enough."
In the middle of an ocean...
Cervantes grumbled something and turned the steering wheel. His men looked at him with frightened eyes and hurried to adjust the white sails and the ropes. Finally, Antonio came up from below the deck and he ran over to him and gasped, "Captain! I can't take it anymore! Those elephants poop as much as they eat!"
Cervantes growled, "I know. I can smell it all the way up here dammit."
"Why are we doing this again?"
Taking a swig of alchohol from the flask on his hip, Cervantes replied, "It seems that women and children don't always fetch the highest price. Once I have these stupid beasts delivered, we're going to be rolling in alot of money."
From below the deck, they heard a farting noise from one of the elephants and Antonio sighed and rubbed his red eyes. "Right now, we're rolling in elephant waste."
Dumas laughed. "That's good to hear. I am very pleased with you Dampierre. Here, take your reward." Snapping his fingers, a servant walked over to Dampierre and handed him some papers. "You are now the owner of two of my mansions and quite abit of land Dampierre..."
"My-my lord... I, Geo Dampierre am at your service! Thank you so much." .
"Ahaha, good. Now, where's that other thing I told you to get me?" He glanced over at Talim and said, "I have a gift for you my love."
Averting her eyes, Talim replied quietly, "No thank you, Dumas."
Getting off his throne, he walked down the steps and and reached her side. "Turn around and see it first... I have found your bird Talim."
Talim turned and when she saw Giselle walking towards her with an elegant silver birdcage, she gasped. "Alun?" Running over, she reached for the orange size white bird in the cage and held it in her hands. But after a few minutes, her smile faded. "No... it's not Alun..." The bird gave a few chirps and looked at her curiously.
A few steps away, Dumas hissed to Dampierre, "Are you sure that bird is exactly like the one I told you to get?"
"Y-yes. The beak size, color, wing span, everything! How can she recognize that it's not her bird?" whispered Dampierre.
Dumas quickly walked over to her and said, "Talim, I-"
"Where's my bird?" asked Talim, turning around and facing him. "You know what happened to it. That's why you got me a replacement." When he didn't answer, her lips quivered as she wondered about what happened to her pet. "Please tell me what happened to it Dumas."
Reluctantly, he answered, "Tira... killed it. I'm very sorry Talim." He almost regretted telling her, since her eyes welled up with tears and her lips quivered as if he had told her her whole family just died.
Talim took a trembling step backward. "My bird is dead? Why didn't you tell me?"
"I'm sorry. I didn't want to see you like this so I..." He gestured to her as if it was the obvious. "Please Talim, I-"
She shook his hands off her and stepped backwards."So you got me a replacement?"
"I-I'm sorry. If this bird reminds you too much of your old one then...ummm... Is there another pet you would like?" offered Dumas. He would have searched the world for a dragon if that was what it took to stop her from looking so sad. "You're quite fond of bunnies right? Or how about a cat?"
Talim's eyes grew moist as the bird flew out of her hands. "My bird isn't just a pet. It's my friend and companion all these years Dumas. Do you understand that?" A few tears leaked out from her eyes and Dampierre, Giselle and Dumas watched her hopelessly. "Alun... could have had a good life if it stayed back at my village. But because it chose to stay with me, it starved with me, braved storms and suffered with me." She hugged herself and blinked away the tears. "No matter how identical it is, it can never replace Alun. And you..." Talim looked at Dumas and she put a hand over her mouth to try and stop the hiccuping noises. "You can't replace Raphael. You..." Her vision swam and she felt her heart flutter in her chest. "You... ugh..."
"Talim!" Dumas ran forward and caught her in his arms when she passed out. "Talim! Talim! Answer me, what's wrong? Talim!" He swore and quickly carried her. "Dampierre! Do you have the holy water I ordered you to get?"
"Y-yes! Le Bello has ten trunks of it my lord. Your servants are carrying them in as we speak," Dampierre replied quickly.
"Fetch me five bottles and bring it to Talim's room. Move it!" snapped Dumas as he headed out of the throne room with the unconscious priestess in his arms.
What is fake and what is real? The line between lies and truths are sometimes... non-existent.