Sharing Secrets
She had just finished breakfast when the maid brought his card. She was still in her Rosetti gown and quite aware that Neecy would have had a fit for her to receive him so undressed, but she had to know. Had her father refused or had he relented? She rose to her feet , covering the remains of her breakfast with her napkin, and glanced in the mirror as she passed by. Her hair was still down. She paused and then her face firmed with resolve. She wouldn't make him wait. . . .protocol be cursed.
Neecy would truly have a fit, but among the Eldren this dress was quite common and she would be in her own home with her male cousin nearby. Though heaven knows which room he had finally spent the night in. She shook her head to clear her mind's eye and smiled at herself. She had already flirted with her own disaster; Bertie was on his own. She tossed her head in the way that her family knew spoke of red-headed stubbornness. Sadif would be here soon and she wasn't going to change twice in one hour and also put up and take down her hair. She steeled her resolve and went down the stairs to the parlor.
--
When Katherine came down the stairs into the parlor, Ezekiel could barely contain himself from staring. Her red hair was down and flowed across her shoulders like a river of fire. Wearing one of those Eldren dressing gowns he heard were so popular, she somehow managed to look elegant and put together. He rose and made a soft bow. "Katherine," he said, a bit forward using only her first name, "it is a pleasure to see you again." He pushed his glasses up and reached forward to take her hand to lead her to her chair.
--
There was a tremble as she took his hand; she couldn't stop her body's betrayal of her turbulent emotions. They had crossed the line and ran as children ran with innocent abandon, but now. . .now there was the promise of so much more and they were no more children. She searched his eyes for the answer, seeking for comfort and assurance.
--
As she looked into his eyes with questions, he raised her hand to his lips and softly kissed her knuckles. "Your father granted me his permission. We can be wed upon our return, assuming we can maintain ourselves during the trip. We are to be travelling as friends and no more. Any public indication to the contrary would lead to unpleasant circumstances and the ending of the engagement before it began." It felt like a heavy burden to be forced to wait, but it grew lighter the more he considered what awaited him.
--
She took a long, deep breath, savoring the freedom to do so, and sighed. "Thank the saints, God, and heavens," she exclaimed. "I was afraid that he would refuse you." She studied his face, seeing it as if new and explored its contours with a fresh boldness. She finally smiled softly. "Being refused dessert only makes it sweeter when you can finally have it. At least, that is my experience." She blushed a little, but held her gaze steady with his face. She would have his face and all its expressions if she could have nothing else for a time. She squeezed his fingers and then asked, "Would you like something, dearest heart? Refreshments?"
--
"Refreshments would be wonderful. I did not get as much as sleep as I would have preferred, but it did not seem to affect my conversation this morning." He sat down at the table quietly. "I rather like your father. He is...direct and that is a quality I do not find in many men of his position."
She rang a small bell and nodded at the servant girl as she appeared and then disappeared like a ghost. "I share some of my father's worst and best traits. I would say that some of the best of me is my mother, but I never knew her. She died at my birth."
She paused then and then nodded. "I'm glad you like him. He can be. . .stubborn and demanding. But he has always indulged me and rather than having me committed, he assigned me Neecy. I am grateful. I've known of other girls who weren't so fortunate."
--
"Monsieur Beignet cares for you greatly. It is obvious even to my untrained eyes."
--
She shook her head. She was so nervous. How many times had they laughed and talked at the museum functions and various parties that she had put on? She had always been so careful to invite him, so used to his familiar presence. He had been friend so long and now, he almost seemed a stranger. How long had everyone else known what she had ignored, that she had grown entirely fond of Ezekiel and fallen in love? Her mouth opened and then closed without a word. O, Katherine, she told herself, he is foremost, still the man who is your friend. Tell the butterflies in your stomach to settle and get to know the soul of the man and let the friendship guide you. She girded her resolve and cast a bright smile that warmed its way to her eyes with a wink. "So, Ezekiel, tell me about yourself. I hear say that you've gotten engaged to a lovely girl."
--
"The loveliest." They danced with words as they would dance on the ballroom floor and Ezekiel found it invigorating. But he needed to be serious. He had to tell her of his illness...and of his quest. If she thought him a cripple or insane, then it would be within her rights to refuse his suit. And he would not blame her if she did. But the more time passed, the more he found himself not wanting to tell her. Silence meant the wedding would be sure to go through. But she deserved no less than the truth.
"I have two things which I need to inform you about myself. If after you know these things about me, you choose not to accept my proposal, I will understand," he said quietly and formally. At least she had experienced him having a vision. So perhaps at least one of the items would not be as shocking.
--
Her brow furrowed. "I doubt it," she answered steadily with a disarming smile. "I'm quite taken with you." The mental reset had restored her good humor. She looked up as the maid brought tea and cakes and nodded her thanks graciously as the tray was set down. "I can manage, Anne. Thank you," she instructed and the girl curtseyed and went away. "So," and she reached for both his hands, "tell me what you believe would give me pause and tea first or afterwards?"
--
"Afterwards, please." He didn’t know if he would still have the strength after a pause. Her hands felt nice as they grabbed hold of his. As she held them and he took pleasure in the softness of her skin, Ezekiel realized with a bit of a shock that he was madly in love with her. How had this happened so quickly? His life had been dedicated to a single cause and in under a day, his whole world had been turned upside down. And somehow he didn't mind in the least.
He started to tell her and paused. Which to start with? Perhaps he should start with the one she had some foundation for. "First," he said, "you saw the vision granted to me by the Host. I had such a vision when I was young and it started me on a quest that I continue on even today. In fact, I have some reason to believe our chase and upcoming trip may be signposts leading me down the path towards what I seek." How would she take it? Would she laugh at him? Would she not believe? Or, the heavens willing, would she understand?
He held himself upright, his voice formal and stilted as he struggled to find the words to say what he had said to only one other person. "I seek the holy sword Excalibur, which I believe is my destiny to wield for the sake of true Justice and Order."
--
She nodded with understanding and closed her eyes to think of how to answer. It was difficult to answer with seriousness that let him know that she believed him absolutely, but also show the delight she felt secretly that such things were true. She was Eldren. She was a child of the north part of the island. She had danced and played on the moors, lost in fairy circles and running rune-strewn paths among the henges and dolmens around Britain. She smiled with the memories and then opened her eyes, aware that he watched her intently. "I will be honest. I would believe you even if you were mad. But, Ezekiel, my love. . .I own a tiny dragon. I am a red-headed Eldren. Magic is my birthright. If any sword were to exist, surely it would be Excalibur and I could think of no nobler man to wield it. I would help you if only to see it with my own eyes." She grinned. "And O, what a wondrous quest, love! What a wondrous quest for you and I!"
--
A genuine smile cracked his serious exterior as she gave her reply. "You really mean that." It had started a question but finished as a statement. She believed him and she was willing to join him in his search. Mysterious were the ways of Order but they seemed to be blessing him beyond his ability to comprehend.
--
"Of course!" She twinkled her eyes at him. "How could I not?"
--
"I could think of many ways that you might think that I should be committed rather than married. I do not share this quest with people for many reasons. You are the second." It felt good getting to share it. It had been a secret belonging only to him for so very long.
--
"So, now the second thing you feel you must tell, Ezekiel. And then I must show you my scandal." She blushed again, but her face was harder. "I must let you see so that you may withdraw your proposal." She looked down at her lap and then looked up again. "I hope that you will not be bothered. I have mentioned my weapons mistress. You may not understand once you see what we do."
--
She had a scandal? It surprised him, but perhaps it shouldn't have. She was mortal and all mortals have secrets and dark places. If he really meant to have her as his partner, he could not treat her as a mythically perfect creature.
Ezekiel moved his hand on top of hers and patted it softly. "If you can bear my secrets and flaws, then I can certainly bear yours, my treasure."
Ironically, the thing he most feared would drive her away was the easiest thing to say. "To the second - I have a chronic illness. The physicians told my mother when I was diagnosed at the age of 11 that I would not live to see adulthood. I lack in strength at times and have been known to have spells.” One time he had not been able to leave his room, his muscle weakness had been so profound.
“The doctors express wonderment that I am still alive. I thank the heavens and the saints every day." He paused, looking into her beautiful green eyes. "Can you still agree to marry me, knowing that our marriage could be short, that you may end up the wife of a cripple?"
--
She looked him in the eyes after a moment of thought, her expression gentle and serious. "I am aware that I should outlive you by a lonely score of years, even if you were not afflicted," she replied softly. "Humans do not live as long as Eldren and I know that in time, I will lose you. But if I live as if we are at the end of your life, how will I enjoy all the time in between? There is a lifetime of adventures, happiness, and love to be had with you, Ezekiel. I want it, no matter the price of sorrow. Regret is more painful. I would not regret having missed my life with you." Her eyes welled and she could not stop the tear that fell. "Maybe finding Excalibur will be what saves you," she continued with a watery smile. "And I will work hard on growing my powers. I can heal. Who knows how powerful I can become, now that I have a reason to hone my skills."
--
He shook his head in amazement. "Katherine, you disarm me with the skill of a master swordsman. All the things I thought would be obstacles you have turned into strengths. It is no wonder that I find my feelings for you growing deeper with every conversation we have."
Ezekiel brought her hand up to his lips for one more kiss. He would be allowed so little contact with her over the next few weeks that he treasured what he had now. But society provided the tune that they must dance to for the time being. He would do what was necessary to guarantee the marriage. An event that had not even been in his consideration two days ago now seemed the most important thing in his life.
--
She bowed her head and turned his hand and brought his palm to her own lips before releasing it back to him. "I am humbled by your admiration, my love. I will endeavor to achieve the person that you believe me to be." Sniffing, Katherine gathered herself and looked at the clock in the corner. "And speaking of swords. . .I need to change. Meet me in the hallway in a few moments. You then will have the choice as to whether you want me or not." She rose to her feet and wiped away the last tears. "Drink some tea and eat. I'll be back in a moment."
--
Ezekiel ate some of the dainty tea cakes and sipped at his tea. He was hungry but too nervous to eat, he found. She had him as giddy as a lad of eight but she seemed certain that he would reject her once she revealed her scandal. But Katherine had flipped his expectations around - he planned to do the same for her. He could not imagine anything that could drag him away from her. After a few minutes had passed, he stood up, moving towards the hallway, cane in his left hand. "Dearest, I am ready for you," he said. In so many different fashions.
--
Her hair was bound at the nape of her neck in a leather strap and she was wearing what only could be called pantaloons and a loose shirt of Indian fashion. The slippers on her feet were study but ornate and showed quite ruinous amounts of ankle. She flushed and darted forward to grasp his hand. "Come with me quickly lest the servants see. They are supposed to be "busy" during this time so that I can run downstairs and meet my trainer. Do say that you aren't horrified at my costume." She bowed her head. "Although the training may shock you worse."
--
"Horrified is the exact opposite of what I feel," he blurted out as he let her lead him by the hand. "I am not sure I am enough of a wordsmith to describe my feelings. But they are positive, I assure you."
She snatched her wrapper off the banister with her free hand and led him to a small door that she unlocked and opened to a narrow, dark stairs. "Quickly!" she said softly. "You can only watch for a moment before you must return upstairs. The servants may talk and if Bertie comes and finds that you are here and yet not to be found, then there will be trouble." Pulling him urgently, she hurried down the stairs with him in tow to a large, earthy smelling room. The gas lights were soft and the stone walls were decorated with scattered weapons that caught the light, weapons that looked deadly and well-used. A small Indian woman in similar dress to Katherine's waited silently, her eyes hooded and sharp. Katherine released Ezekiel's hand and gestured around her. "I am learning warfare from a foreigner. A female Sikh. You may not approve." Her chin rose with her next words. "I am not going to stop, even if it break my heart. But watch before you make up your mind. Sadif?"
The woman broke from her stillness, running at the pair with two blades attached to her hands. Katherine's eyes widened and she broke for the wall where similar blades hung. Taking them in her hands, she just barely parried the other woman's attack. As they drove one another across the room, Katherine laughed breathlessly. "These are katars," she gasped. "And if you decide that I am not beyond marrying, then I would love to teach this to you and more!"
--
He watched in awe as the two ladies danced around the room, their blades in constant motion. He had read about how the Russian women were as skilled at the sword as any of their male counterpoints and he had believed it. But he hadn't been able to truly picture it until this moment. Katherine's skill did not detract from her attractiveness - it fact, it only added to her beauty. He laughed an honest laugh of appreciation and pure joy as she and her instructor plied their skill and blades against one another.
--
After a moment of furious battle, Katherine shouted something in a foreign language and the woman relented and lowered her weapons with a bow. Katherine bowed back and then ran lightly to Ezekiel. "Can you stand this?" she asked softly, her voice timid. "You must go back up the stair now. But before you go, can you still love me?" The question was plaintive and her eyes were wide and childlike.
--
"Oh, Katherine, you are magnificent." And spontaneously without thought, he stepped forward and kissed her as he became caught up in the moment.
--
She stiffened for just a breath and then melted into his arms and lips as the basement spun away. Soft, that's what she hadn't suspected and yet still firm and sweet. His scent so close was intoxicating and she felt her knees weaken as she slumped against him. His arms were warm and she knew that she would never want to leave his side again. It took all of her strength to pull away and she could barely speak as she tried to act stern. "You. . ." she fought for a breath, her face flushed and not from the previous exercise," will truly have to leave now lest I never let you leave again."
--
Ezekiel found himself stumbling for an apology, but how to apologize for being forward without apologizing the kiss itself? He had kissed women before (although none recently). None of those kisses had swept him away from everything but her. With his lips and hers together, there had been nothing but Katherine - her smell, her taste, her touch. Her request could not be denied. Ezekiel needed to leave now before things spiraled out of control.
He nodded tightly to her, not trusting his voice. He bowed and took his leave of her, heading back up the steps, his cane clacking softly on each stair. As he left her behind, Ezekiel had an insight into the viewpoint of the traditionalists. Moments like that kiss were a reason why society had evolved the elaborate rule set in place today. It did not change how he felt about their fairness. But now, perhaps, he understood them better.
--
Katherine turned back to Sadif after watching him go. "I am going to lock the door back, Sadif." But she found that it took a while before she had enough possession of her limbs to climb the stairs after him. At least the stairs and the darkness would give her enough time to remove the grin that threatened to break her face in two. She turned the lock so that the servants would not bother them and made her way carefully down the stairs. Sadif was watching her, her face inscrutable.
"He will ruin your concentration," the woman finally remarked with a slow smile. "He is quite handsome." She had gotten two staves and tossed one to Katherine. "Maybe I will knock some sense back into your head, my prettiness."
The grin came back with a vengeance and bloomed into a bright giggle. "Too late," Katherine countered with a lunge. "I do believe that I'm quite undone!" They began to spar in earnest.
You are reading an RP entry. Since any campaign is a collaborative effort, Journal and RP entries by our other players can be read here.
Return to The Dark Corners of the Earth
