Chapter 16: Family Meeting
The village was getting colder, Iris's hands stung with the icy air and her breath came out in frantic white puffs. Heisenberg had stopped her twice now to force her to calm down, snapping at her under his breath to pull your shit together.
The church the Lords congregated in was a hulking thing on the grounds of Castle Dimitrescu. It was old and rundown, the roof had caved in decades ago, with scaffolding fixing the thing to the mountains that surrounded the village. There was an old tale about a dragon that had destroyed the church in a frenzy, only to be subdued by Mother Miranda herself. Some depictions said that Miranda had used her godly powers to transform the dragon into Lady Dimitrescu, who now vowed to protect the village, others believed that the dragon had attacked the village to get to Dimitrescu, and Mother Miranda was simply saving one of her beloved children.
Iris believed that it was just an old building.
Regardless of which tale you believed, it was an intimidating sight to all of the villagers, none of which were permitted to enter without invitation. One of the highest honours one could receive from Mother Miranda.
Iris didn't feel honoured.
They were just outside the church, Iris suddenly wishing she'd put her hair up, she looked too casual, or maybe that was a good thing? She felt sick, nervous, she wanted to crawl under a rock and die.
Heisenberg squeezed her hand, the panic evaporated.
"It's show time"
Flashing a toothy grin her boss swung the doors of the church open as if they weighed as much as a feather.
The rest of the Lords were already inside, Miranda seemingly nowhere to be found. Iris forced herself to keep her hands clasped in front of her and her chin up as the three Lords gawked.
"OOOOOOH A NEW FRIEND!' The click clack of tiny wooden shoes scrambling across the floor as a tiny doll launched itself at Iris's legs. Wrapping toothpick thin arms around her, giant glassy eyes staring up at her. Iris forced a smile, remembering her training.
"Hello Lady Angie"
The doll seemed to like that, releasing Iris and giggling and twirling in her tattered wedding dress, "Lady Angie I'm a Lady I'm a Lady" to herself.
Heisenberg skirted away from the doll with a grunt, falling into the pew opposite her Lady, who was staring daggers at Iris, he pulled his hat low on his head and seemed to be trying to sleep. Iris wasn't panicked, they'd gone over this routine. He was to act his usual self, gruff, bored, wanting to get back to his factory asap. Business as usual, no need for further inspection.
"I wanna see!" A deep gurgling voice proclaimed, Angie snapping back some childish insult as Lord Moreau limped over to Iris. Lord Moreau was once a fine fisherman according to Heisenberg, who'd also met the Black God and lived to tell the tale, but as Miranda theorised, prolonged exposure can cause madness to "the unchosen". And unfortunately for this wet lump , he was unchosen.
"Pleasure to meet you Lord Moreau" Iris curtseyed and smiled politely as the man grabbed her hand and shook it violently.
"SO nice new SISTER SO Nice" He bellowed, hiccuping and snivelling as he did.
"She's not your goddamn sister now get your paws off her! I'm not having her stink out my factory because of you" Heisenberg snapped, Lord Moreau stumbled away from Iris as if he'd been whipped, the doll Angie following him snapping at his heels and snipping insults like "slow" and "ugly".
Fortunately, they were also prepared for this incident, as Iris produced a small handkerchief from a hidden pocket, wiping the thick green mucus off her hand. Polite smile fixed onto her face as if it was painted on.
After the initial excitement of Angie and Moreau was over, Iris deemed it appropriate to now sit on the pew next to her Lord. They'd debated her sitting behind him, or standing up for a good chunk of the walk to the church before Heiseneberg exasperatedly told her it probably didn't matter where she "parked her ass".
"My Iris it has truly not been in the same in my Castle since you were taken"
Iris hoped that her Lady didn't hear her heart skip a beat. She had been prepared for the others but facing her Lady again was a whole other story. She was donned in her trademark white gown, her hair curled as she always liked it. She had a new cigarette holder, this one with rubies encrusted.
"It is lovely to see you again my Lady" Iris gave another, more sincere looking smile, that did not break even as her boss snorted next to her. Dimitrescu's eyes flashed with annoyance at the noise but also, thankfully, chose to ignore it.
"How do you fare with my little brother my dear? I see now that you have been blessed with our gift, should you want to move to more… suitable living quarters I am sure Mother Miranda would deem it-"
"She's not going anywhere now shut your hole"
This had not been part of the plan. Iris's smile tightened, hands gripping onto each other so hard she feared breaking her own fingers. The plan was for Heisenberg to act normal, but to act aloof when it came to Iris. She was merely an assistant, the help, a few steps higher in ranking than a pet. They didn't need any speculation or attention with anything at the moment, be that their work or their "relationship".
"Now now little brother, I am not trying to steal away a toy, I am just looking out for the wellbeing of this blessed maiden" Her smile turned sharp, "As you are still a maiden."
"Yes of course My Lady" She bowed her head slightly for good measure. The Lords were truly predictable, as all of the scenarios and contingencies Heisenberg had rattled through with Iris had come true. Angie would seek out her attention first, then Moreau would feel left out and come over, then Dimitrescu would snipe at Heisenberg and comment on Iris's "Maidenhood".
She wished Miranda was this predictable.
"I know having standards is an unknown concept to parasites like yourself sister but I have them." Heisenberg made a show of judgingly looking Iris up and down, "I'm not going to touch any old broad that waltzes into my factory"
Dimitrescu raised a perfectly painted eyebrow, a slow smug smile spreading across her face.
"You're missing out then, although a filthy wretch like yourself doesn't deserve to so much as glance upon a fair maiden like the one forced to live in that scrap pile you call home." Predatory eyes slid over to Iris who could feel the energy radiating off Heisenberg, ready to burst any second. "I for one made sure to always appreciate her services".
Iris cringed, she made the feedings seem so dirty. As if Iris wanted to do it, was a willing participant. Did she see them that way? Did the hulking woman never notice how Iris blanched whenever she entered the room? Frozen like a doll on her lap as she sucked and gnawed on her flesh? How she'd stumble out of the room as fast as possible, desperate to get away?
Heisenberg was up like a flash, hollering insults in her face.
"If you really think that any of those so-called 'maidens' you have locked up in that blasted tower of yours are giving you anything willingly then you're even dumber than Moreau!"
Dimitrescu lurched her gigantic body upwards, towering high above them all, the winter sun shining down on her making her skin even paler, almost glittering. Suddenly the tale of Dimitrescu being the dragon didn't seem so wild.
"You insolent brat you dare to presume what happens in my castle"
"ME the brat? You're the one having a tantrum because you can't handle being put in your place!"
"That's rich from someone who's place is in a dirty shack at the edge of the village"
"Better a shack than in that pompous tomb you call a Cast-"
A ruffle of feathers and the sudden, oppressive force of power silenced the two Lords.
Miranda was here.
Donned in ceremonial robes, mask in place and wings displayed in what Iris felt was an intentionally threatening pose, the woman waited in silence for her "children" to settle.
Heisenberg muttered a gruff "Mother Miranda", slumping back onto the pew, arms slung over the back of the chair. Dimitrescu did the same, but in a far more graceful manner.
The masked woman turned her attention to Iris, behind the mask cold, calculating eyes darted over every aspect of Iris's body before meeting her dark eyes.
"Any updates?"
"Headaches, frequently. We think I may be able to control the Lycans, calm them down." She nodded, turning her attention to Heiseneberg.
"I want footage, send a tape to my personal quarters by noon tomorrow."
"Already ahead of you, you'll get it tomorrow" He flashed an easy smile, Iris didn't know how he could act so at ease around this woman, maybe the others couldn't sense her presence as much as Iris could. "We might have our very own fairytale princess on our hands, making friends with animals and what not"
"And you're the ogre she's trapped with" Dimitrescu tutted but a look from Miranda stopped any revival of their previous argument.
"That is good. Keep it up Iris. This is a gift." There was a warning underneath her tone, Iris bowed and replied with a "Yes Mother Miranda" with as much reverence in her voice as she could muster.
"M-Mother, is she our new sister?" Moreau blubbered from somewhere behind Iris, he wasn't sitting down as she could hear his wet feet slapping on the cold stone of the church.
"Potentially" Was all the answer she gave, a horrible cryptic thing that had Iris's stomach rolling. She bet she looked as green as Moreau.
"Now, fresh face aside. I have important news my dear children." The woman paused, staring at each and every one of them, "I must take leave from our home for some time. I have come across a golden opportunity to bring Eva back to where she belongs."
Moreau had begun to cry, but Miranda took no attention and simply raised her voice over his noise.
"I will depart tomorrow and am not sure when I will return. In my absence you are all to continue your roles in protecting this village, and ensure devotion to the Black God."
The woman flashed a brilliant smile, crackling with nervous energy.
"This may be it. My Eva may finally return to me"
Iris wondered who this Eva was, how important she must be to break the cool mask of this terrifying woman's face.
"Excellent news Mother, what kind of opportunity have you discovered?" Dimitrescu was leaning forward, eyes bright and eager. Iris was surprised at her boldness, Miranda didn't seem like the type to entertain prying. But the woman seemed to smile under her mask, that nervous, desperate energy palatable in the air. Iris could almost taste the woman's stressed, strung-out aura.
"An American organisation, interested in the immense power of the Black God. I will be bringing them some samples in return, they will dedicate their research facility towards the return of my Eva" She smiled brightly again, eyes shining with unshed tears, glittering in the midday sun even through her mask.
"Americans? Damn, how did they even find out about this place?" Heisenberg asked, puffing from his cigar, an easy smile on his face as if he was lounging outside the factory. "I bid you all the luck in the world Mother, you deserve this happiness after everything you have done for this family"
Iris was awed by his acting skills, the doting youngest son. How could he say those words so convincingly, when Iris knew bile was coating his throat at the thought of Miranda ever being happy. Deserving anything but a cold, unmarked grave, drenched in his piss.
The other Lords congratulated Miranda who soaked up the praise like a psychotic, overpowered, sponge. Moreau stumbled forward, crying his love to her and getting mucus on her robes. But Miranda bent down and kissed his cloak as if he was a sweet little boy. Maybe that's what she saw when she looked at him.
Miranda left as abruptly as she arrived, in a flash of light with the sound of feathers. With another snide comment thrown towards Heiseneberg, something about his height, or smell or whatever, and Dimitrescu was away, stalking out of the church as if suddenly the whole building and its inhabitants were beneath her.
Next was Moreau, blubbering and sniffling still, "Oh Mother, how can I go on without my Mother?", Iris felt a tug of sympathy for the poor man. His overwhelming love for the person who destroyed him, body and mind, was a grotesque display to watch. Heiseneberg snapped at him to get it together, but patted Moreau on his cloak-covered hunch. It did nothing but spur on the crying, but Moreau did speed up in his hobbling exit from the church.
Lady Benieviento, "Donna", was next to leave. Iris hadn't noticed her at all during the meeting. The woman donned in thick black robes, including a headscarf that not only covered her hair but her face too. Angie was quiet in her arms, placated by being held by her Lady. The black figure seemed to float across the room, stopping in front of Iris and Heisenberg for a moment.
"It was nice to meet you all" Iris said quietly, as if speaking too loudly would spook the figure. She curtseyed again, for good measure.
Donna didn't respond, but inclined her head slightly before also leaving the church. Stepping over the threshold, Angie's voice screeched back to life.
"Nice to meet you too! BYEEE" It was Angie's voice, but Iris had a feeling it was Donna who truly spoke those words.
The church seemed less daunting with just the two of them left, the shadows less dark, the altar less intimidating. Iris relaxed her posture with a deep sigh, no longer feeling like she was close to death.
"Good job" Heiseneberg murmured, he too seemed more relaxed, enjoying the quiet peace of the church.
"Can we stay for a while?"
He looked around the place, peering through smoky glasses up into the corners of the church, as if scoping out the place for spies.
"Sure."
They sat at one of the pews closest to the door, Iris knew she'd have dust on her dress and would need to take care cleaning both her and her bosses clothes, but couldn't bring herself to care all too much.
"Who's Eva?"
"Miranda's kid" Heisenberg spoke lowly, as if afraid that Miranda would somehow be able to hear, "She died back in the 20s, influenza, story goes that Miranda tried to off herself, but in doing so got infected, found the megamycete and well… became whatever the fuck she is now. Well, that's what Duke said anyways."
"How would Duke know all of that?"
"Fuck knows" A half-sigh half-laugh broke out of him, he sounded exhausted, a heavy hand fell onto her leg giving it a squeeze "She'll be gone soon, probably today."
"I wonder if we'll feel it when she goes"
He snorted, "What? She steps foot out of the village and suddenly the grass is greener, flowers are blooming and you can remember what Google is?"
"Google?"
Heisenberg snickered, leaning back and letting his hat cover his eyes.
"We'll hang around for a bit, I'm an old man now Iris, need my rest"
Iris watched him for a moment, as the man settled into a somewhat comfortable position. His chest rose and fell steadily, with every movement, the metal trinkets around his neck shined in the sun, as it beamed weakly through the broken roof.
She decided to be bold. Laying her head gently on his shoulder, if Heisenberg was bothered by the closeness he didn't make it known.
Just a short rest will do.
Note: Miranda may seem OOC to some, but I took her as someone that is in complete control until her daughter is involved, then the manic desperation that has fueled years of "research" breaks out for everyone to see.