Benedictions of Beauty

Drabbles

2008-01-24T02:39:15Z

Almaz didn't know what to do with them.

To be fair, he had never been near demons before. The animals... or
perhaps he should say monsters, of the Netherworld were a strange mix
of orcs, beasts, and... puppies. They were an odd race, white, winged
dogs that would fly across the Item World with ease. They spoke in a
low growl, and for demons they certainly didn't act very demon-like.
Ever since he had arrived at Maritsu Evil Academy, Almaz could never
shake the feeling that he was being followed.

He was right, in a way.

Who would have thought a beast could be so... cuddly and affectionate?
Perhaps they sensed Almaz's hero title, his stance on Justice, his
honesty... or perhaps they knew he really needed their help. (He was
sort of pathetic for a hero.) They hovered around him like bees to
pollen, one wanted to be pet, the other wanted his chin to be rubbed.
Was this common? He had absolutely no idea.

It's not like he minded too much.

Mao, on the other hand, certainly did.

"They're a nuisance."

Almaz sighed, he continued to pet one as he replied, "Are not. They're
just trying to help."

"By growling at me?"

"...I'm sure once they get to know you―"

Mao snapped, "They were originally my vassals!" This caused Almaz to
visibly flinch at Mao. He hated when Mao raised his voice, it was
always so... menacing, he did nothing wrong! Sadly, his reaction was a
source of the problem between the dragons and Mao. It began without
warning. The reason for Mao's annoyance in the first place made itself
clear as day.

The growling.

The holy beasts growled in unison at him. One moved in front of Almaz,
his wings fluttering annoyingly at Mao. Another butted his head at
Almaz's side, as if to say "You shouldn't take this, master! Let us
teach him a lesson!" What was a hero to do in a situation like this?
If this continued, someone would get hurt!

"He's not going to -" do anything. Almaz stopped dead, perhaps he
should carefully word his sentence here, "Please, just let me handle
this." With a pat and rub, he shoo'd the holy beasts away. Though
hesistant, they listened to their master. As they left, one turned his
head for a final growl at Mao.

Almaz knew he was in trouble. He sighed and turned to Mao, who had
produced a cellphone from his pocket.

The hero began to sweat, what was he going to do with that?

"...Mao?"
He was ignored.

"Oi," Mao began, "Is this the White Dragon party?"

...Was he calling the holy beasts?

"Yeah, uh huh. Listen, there's going to be a student meeting this
week. Yeah, we need more votes towards a fair and righteous student
council. Uh huh, you'll go? Excellent. We'll see you there."

Almaz curiously looked at him, his eyes wide with confusion. What was
the whole point of that? Mao slammed the cellphone down and tucked it
back into his pocket. His glare turned to Almaz now, a devious smile
crossed his face. Before Almaz could react, Mao grabbed his wrist and
pulled him forward.

"W-What?!" Almaz squeaked, his face slightly red.

"Now we won't be interrupted."

----

He was definitively cocky.

Mao's face remained mostly expressionless as Laharl laughed. Well, for the most part, save a small tick that caused his eyebrow to twitch in annoyance. Very cocky. How could anyone stand to listen to that laugh for so long? Certainly, this would be something to study if he cared or wanted enough to experiment on this brat. Look, the Fallen Angel's already spacing off - the taller, more dominant female demon is clearly kicking that prinny into--

A warm touch brought Mao out of his train of thought. Almaz placed his hand on Mao's shoulder, bringing him back to his senses, he sympathetically whispered, "It'll be over in a bit. I-I hope..."

Mao grunted a reply. Was this kid really going to attend their school? He better watch where he goes, Mao thought as he turned his back to Laharl - no longer amused enough to stick around - and walked away, his vassal following close behind. He could hear Laharl stop mid laugh to bark at him.

"Hey, I wasn't finished!"

Could have fooled him.

---

"How did you do it?"

"Eh?"

"Don't act stupid," Mao replied as his eyes darted up from his book, "Unless it really isn't an act, that actually would explain something..." He paused for a moment to flip to the next page of his comic book, his eyes back down to read, "Your old man. How did you kill him? Poison? Chainsaw? Or perhaps you-" Mao's glasses glinted for a moment. "laughed him to death?"

Laharl made a sound, a "tch" mixed with a "You-!". The red-haired demon, the one that always seemed to hang out with the prinny janitors, snorted loudly. Laharl shot a glare at her and under his breath murmured her name before bringing his eyes back to Mao. For a moment, Mao could hear Laharl's weight shift in his chair. Was he thinking of causing a scene in the classroom? It wouldn't be that out of the ordinary at Maritsu, legendary fights were bound to break out at least twice before lunch. They got boring, fast. Almaz and Raspberyl were nearby, perhaps Raspberyl had caught wind of a situation brewing- her ears were always far sharper than Mao had liked. His vassal, on the other hand, was dumbly doing his homework (and perhaps that of his princess) without a care in the world. If a fight were to break out now, they would be at a disadvantage. Perhaps this would teach them to be more alert in the classroom, Mao thought.

Again, Laharl's chair made a sound. He shifted his weight back on to it, his muscles relaxed. So this punk wanted to know how he killed his father? Hmmph! Hmmhmmmhmm~! What an excellent time to think of a grandiose tale, something that would impress even this bastard, victory would be so sweet--!

"Pfft, hahahaha!"

With that sound, Laharl knew his dreams were instantly crushed. Etna.

"That's a good one, four-eyes!" She belted out as she slapped her knee and then the prinny next to her. "You hear that, Flonne? He thinks Laharl killed his dad!"

... Etna. I'm going to kill you.

This was certainly a curious situation. Even Almaz and Raspberyl turned around, their attention diverted from their homework, in order to listen in.

Mao carefully closed his book and turned his chair towards them. He crossed his arms and, for a moment, Almaz could have sworn he saw what looked like a tiny curl in his lips. Was he trying not to smile?

Flonne, the bumbly blonde of the trio, turned her attention towards her friends. Her desk was completely covered in notes. Hearts, stars, drawings of Laharl and Etna littered every page. The word “LOVE” was written on every corner of the paper, wasn't there a sort of taboo against something like that? She looked up for a moment, then to the side. She let out a soft sigh and chirped in.

“Ah yes, Etna! That's a wonderful story!”

“...Right. I forgot who I was talking to!”

There was a nervous laugh before she continued, “Flonne never pays attention...” Etna kicked her prinny companion and leaned against the table, “Look, the prince only got lucky!” One of Mao's eyebrows arched, definitively a curious situation. He could hear Laharl grumble louder, his hair – was it twitching?

A pen dropped. Almaz stumbled to pick it up quickly, but it was apparent he was only causing more noise in the process. It did suddenly feel eerily quiet in the classroom. A front of high tension had entered the classroom and would not dissipate until later in the afternoon, chances for a sudden sword-shower were at a high 75%.

---

Prompt - Dinosaur Bones

2007-11-09T21:27:25Z

"...Really?"

"Are you deaf? I've told you three times now."

"Ahh...You don't really look it."

Mao lifted his head up from his comic book to glare. He didn't look like it? Almaz's random bouts of intrigued annoyed him. Humans clearly had a skewed sense of time, they barely lived to be 100! How impudent for this human to tell him he doesn't look his age. Then again, Mao considered himself well beyond the intellectual level of those in his age group. He was smart, mature even! He knew the ways of the Netherworld much better than this frumpy, 18 year old human claiming to be a hero.

Eighteen into fifteen-hundred and eighty seven... what was that again...

Eighty-eight! Eighty-eight times Mao has lived before Almaz! Perhaps Mao shouldn't blame him, (but it was such a wonderful pastime of his) humans were short sighted on the matters of respect and wisdom. Hmph! He would have to teach Almaz to respect his master, even on something as trivial as this!

"Fifteen-hundred is a normal and fine age for demons." Mao murmured, his face tucked back behind his comic book, "Your years are but a speck of dust compared to what demons live through. You should be honored, in fact! As my servant, perhaps you'll get to live longer than you thought!"

Almaz's face fell, it was a clear look of disappointment. Oh, how Mao thrived on it.

With a heavy sigh, Almaz started to walk away, "I guess I better start drinking more milk."

"...How did you come to that conclusion?"

He stopped at the door entrance and turned his head towards Mao, "If I'm going to live that long, I might as well make sure I'm healthy. I want to be an example to all other heroes and humans everywhere."

"An example?" Mao snorted.

Almaz's voice, now echoing in the hallway, added, "Who knows, we might be mistakened for dinosaur bones in a museum some day! If kids come to see us, we have to make sure they follow our example, right?"

Mao groaned.
Humans.

The Machine

2007-11-09T08:02:25Z

It was a rather strange contraption.

Click! Domp, doop, di do do doooo dip! Sfwish!

"Interesting. What does it do?" Mao inquired as he adjusted his glasses to get a better look at this new device. His attendant, Jiiya, always seemed to find the most curious and absolutely useless inventions to aid Mao. For the most part, they seemed to only cause more trouble than they were worth.

"Ho ho ho, Young Master, it is to help you in your search for a hero. Just turn on the switch and it'll work wonders!"

Domp, doo, di, dap, doo, daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaap.

It would take four more of those before they would get it right.

---

"Hey, Mao?"

"What?"

Almaz had his back turned to Mao. As his teacher, he was teaching Mao on proper hero literature that day. No, manga wouldn't do, not for this. Western comics would get the job done, they knew the essence of real heroes. It was also all Almaz could find at the local Rosenqueen Comic Book Store, anyway.

Curiously, Almaz picked up a strange object thrown between an old dusty morning star and hatchet, "What's this for?"

"What? I didn't tell you to touch anything in my room." Mao mumbled, but he didn't seem to care enough to turn around.

Almaz sighed. Mao was indeed a peculiar student, "This, it's got the words "Hero Radar" written on it."

Mao's pen went down. He leaned on his chair as he turned to face Almaz. A small, devilish smile creeping on his face.

"You really want to know?"

Silence.

Suddenly, this felt like a very, very, bad situation.

"Here, why don't I show you?"

The Color White

2007-11-09T06:33:28Z

Prompt : Pure White
Pairing : MaoxAlmaz
Game : Disgaea 3

Everything around him told him exactly where he was, the infirmary.

White walls, white bed sheets, white curtains, white everything.. Even Mao didn't seem so out of place here, what with his hair (and rather pale face) looming over Almaz right now.

Almaz's eyes found it hard to focus, even with Mao's relentless and clumsy hands on his body. Although Mao proposed that he was an expert in these sorts of "fields of study", it was clear that this was his first chance at hands-on-experience. Things weren't as easy in the real world as they were in manga and video games. Undressing someone, he had found, was much annoying than it looked. Perhaps, he might have pondered, it would be best to just grab his sword and tear the clothing off.

His vassal, of course, might have fainted in the process. This was something he didn't really want, you see. It was much more interesting when you have a live experiment, it gives a scientist a much greater sense of adventure and exploration.

None the less, Almaz's attention was diverted away from Mao. Mostly out of embarrassment and grief, his eyes focused on the surrounding room for a moment. His jacket tossed to the ground, thrown aside like a cheap toy. He would be upset if it were to get dirty down there. It wasn't like he had much of a choice, it would only get dirtier if it was up here with him.

It was a such nice jacket, too. He picked it out because he thought it would make him look... cool. Heroes have to look nice, they have to impress the princess after a long day's battle with the final boss! A red scarf was an obvious choice for him to pick, it was a color that portrayed courage and valiance. White though... white portrayed many things, innocence, purity, strength... things like that! (Or so he thought) It was such a trusty accessory, too. Not only did his jacket keep him warm, but it also made a statement. A wonderful statement! I'm a hero, hear me roar!

And there it was, thrown to the ground like rubbish. If only Mao would let him move for a moment to fold it up and put it away gently. An option, sad to say, that wasn't going to be fulfilled anytime soon. No good scientist would allow his guinea pig to try to run away in the middle of important research!

Almaz's eyes widened at that moment. He let out a sudden yelp before biting his lip in pain. Mao had taken him by surprise there. The hapless hero clenched his hands on Mao's back, the white sheets below him would only shift with how much of a grip he had at that moment. Certainly, he didn't want to cause the poor healers trouble by messing up their sheets!

...Not that they were to remain clean for long.

White was such a peculiar color. It was certainly everywhere in this room. The infirmary was a strange place of choice for Mao's ... exploration, but it was the first - and closest - solitary place Mao could find during their heated argument earlier.

Today, they argued about what a hero should wear.

Almaz certainly didn't win this battle today.

...

God what the fuck am I writing.

Freyja of Falheim

2004-05-03T18:04:41Z

She looked at the clock, it was five in the morning, no one in the church stirred. She looked weary, perhaps the night wasn't in favor with the young knight's dreams. Freyja fumbled out of bed at that hour, since her knight training she was forced into sleepless nights and long hours, it was somewhat of a habbit for her now.

The outside world was still dark, not that there was ever much natural light in Falheim, but even so, Freyja awoke to a glum world. She didn't mind terribly, she never really does. Freyja yawned and stretched, she was dressed in a simple white oversized pajama when she stepped out into the cold marble floor. She bit her lip slightly, she was used to the cold, but never in the morning. The cold night spoiled her with a warm bed.

The Church was very gothic in structure, its interior had marble floors, tall architectually pleasant arches decorated the ceiling, and Freyja's large metal door creaked as she effortlessly pulled the door open. She tip-toed gently on the floor as the door closed behind her. It was far too early for anyone to be up, she was sure of it.

Its always nice in the mornings.. she smiled to herself as she stretched, the quiet building was lit softly with old century gas lamps, the Mayor of the city seemed to enjoy them, as did their fathers. As technologically advanced as Falheim was, Freyja wondered if living in a Church had not changed over centuries. She had left the knight's quarters now, and had enter the chamber of the priests. The waiting room laid before her, iron cast benches and a single tree were placed in this room. The tree, though seemingly alone, had many young flowers surrounding it. They were planted by the newly appointed Priestess.

She really enjoyed flowers, how strange, Freyja thought, the young Priestess had come from the colder regions of the north, flowers never grew. Never. Why does she love them so much?

The young knight shrugged and looked around the room, she always came early to water the flowers for her new priestess. She spotted an old tin watering can and went over to pick it up. She looked around for the small fountain located in the corner of the room, and trotted gently towards it to fill the watering can. She hummed to herself as it began to get heavier, and heavier, though still relatively easy to carry for a knight.

Finally, she walked over to the tree and the flowers, watching the tree breathlessly for a moment, before carefully tilting the watering can.

"I already watered them," A soft yet stern voice echoed through the empty room. Freyja yelped as she fumbled and lost balance of the watering can, spilling its contents all over the floor. The clatter caused a sharp echo across the room, it felt as if it could wake the dead. Freyja was terrified, no one was supposed to be up at this hour. She noticed she soaked her gown heavily as she caught her breath and unsheathed a dagger.

A young man stood at the doorway to the Priestess's bedroom, he looked up gently. It was one of her bodyguards, Freyja thought as she calmed herself. Machiavelli watched as he caught sight of the glint of her dagger and waited.

".. I didn't mean to frighten you," he whispered, a hard light hit his face as he looked up. He was in the shadows earlier... he must have blended easily, seeing how he's a shadow wizard Freyja thought. "The flowers would wilt if they're overwatered." He looked back down at the floor, he closed his eyes in hopes of getting a few more moments of rest before sunrise.

The young woman recovered her complexion as she sheathed her dagger and looked at the ground. She reacted unproffesionally in the sight of another proffesional, she bowed her head and murmured an apology and she began to clean up. She was more afraid of reprimand from the noise she had created, then from criticism from the young man. She fetched a mop to clean up after herself, and was glad to find no one had awakened from her disaster. She stubbornly put it back and walked up to Machiavelli.

"You didn't have to scare me like that!" She whispered shyly, she was rather embarassed right now, her cheeks were hot and she felt humiliated infront of an audience of the church.

He nodded his head gently and murmured an apology as he tried to go back to rest. Freyja wondered if he had taken her seriously, she was very flustered by now, and pouted slightly.

"Miss Mimir had a long day, dying flowers would upset her," Machiavelli whispered softly, he wasn't much of a talker, and Freyja's features softened as she apologized again.

"Oh.. I didn't know you would water them, ah.. well.. c-could you please tell me next time?"

He nodded and continued to rest his eyes. Freyja noticed the sun would be above soon, she was still in her pajamas and took her leave. She wouldn't want any other men to see her so poorly clothed. She blushed and remembered Machiavelli had looked up once before rushing off to change into her uniform.

[ OOT Post x 2 ]

2004-04-19T00:28:21Z

[ Again.. sorry. ]

Subject : Prince Peasley
Game : Mario and Luigi Superstar Saga
Rated : G

Warning : Spoilers for Bowser's Castle
((note : Fawfuls and Peasley's lines are nearly intact from the scene, I felt no need to change them. They were perfect))

Deception is like a fruitcake that never spoils.

"I have Fury!"

Fawful stood proudly, almost unnerved after the long battle he had faced with the Mario Bros., his broad toothy smile ran from one side of his face to the other, victory was surely his. The great Mario became immobile, shocked by the intense electrocution. His pathetic brother shook violently near him, the coward did not need to be shocked to be paralyzed with fear.

Fawful gave a shrill cackle and mewed, "Hah! Now taste the finale, when carelessness opens the door to a comeback not expected by you!" He cranked his head to face Luigi, the scrawny plumber hid his face under his large green hat and continued to tremble as his brother's body continued to be filled with electrical currents.

With his unrelenting smile, the pink spandex wearing Fawful continued his speech of everlasting doom, "Your lives that I spit on are now but a caricature of a cartoon drawn by a kid who is stupid!!" Luigi whimpered at the strange mocking, it was all over for him!

"Fururururu! You shall all fall and vanish with your precious Beanbean Kingdom as I laugh heartily at you!" Fawful squeaked as he relished in the thought of serving his masterly mistress in taking over the stupidly world of fink-rats. He was ready to take down the grassy colored brother of Mario quicker than that of his tomato-colored brother!

In a swift moment, Fawful gave a squeak of pain and was launched across the room. Stars filled the strange creature's head as he slumped on the otherside of the room.

Luigi dared not look, until it came.

"Yo ho!"

A familiar voice.

Prince Peasley's hair swayed as he finished off the sword swing that had plundered Fawful's devious plan. He had smacked the villaneous kid with the broad side of his sword, not in a form to injure, but with enough force to knock out the feisty cretin. He sweeped his cape aside and faced Luigi, his broad smile and thumbs up reassured the plumber that all was well. Luigi's eyes lit up as he returned his greeting with a similar "Yo Ho!"

Ha HA! My moment in the spotlight has come! All those in the Kingdom will remember this moment as their brave prince brings down this annoying fool!

He swished his cape once more before turning to Fawful and pointing his blade at the now unconcious body. His eyes were full of life as he gave his smug reply.

"HAH! In the finale of the finale, when negligence begets rashness, the comeback is come-back upon!" He turned to smile one again at Luigi, who watched the scene in awe. "Fret not, Luigi! The villain shall not recieve an encore for his performance!" With that, the prince gave a boastful laugh of victory.

Crippling pain surged through his body a second later, Luigi gave a frightful wail and watched as the prince collapsed on his feet. His golden hair frayed, his body surging with electricity, every aspect trembling from shock.

Fawful whispered a hurt mew before standing, he shook his head vigorously and exclaimed his precious words.

"Fururu! I have fury!"

Peasley breathed heavily as he tried to catch his breath. His lanky friend stumbled towards the prince, in hopes to help the weakened hero to his feet. Peasley sputtered and slapped Luigi's hands away violently. He couldn't bare to look up as pain resurged in his body. The plumber backed off, worried over how injured his friend was. He turned to face Fawful, now he was peeved at this annoyance. The enemy boasted a mew before mocking the prince.

"FURURURURURU! In the last moment of the finale of the finale, when the relief leads to the negligence that begets rashness..."

How could I have let this happen.. must I rely on the Mario Bros. to save me so? Peasley thought as he caught a glimpse of Luigi, and then at the now recovering Mario before losing feeling in his arms and buckling under pressure.

"....That is when the comeback that faltered comes back and beats your pathetic comeback that I scoff at!"

By now, Mario had enough, the brothers nodded at each other and revealed their hammers as they set forth to do away with this cretin. As they double teamed Fawful, he gave an annoyed mew before being hurled out of Bowser's castle, and out of view. Luigi walked back to his friend, who stared intently on the floor, not wanting to move. Luigi gave his brother a worried look before trying to give Peasley his hand again in help.

Peasley, now frayed and frizzled, stared at Luigi with bitter eyes before smiling warmly and accepting the hand. He dusted his cape carefully and regained his balance before placing his hand on Luigi's shoulder. He turned to Mario and thanked them.

"It.. it seems I'm indebted to you once again."
Luigi gave him a thumbs up in return and Peasley swiftly turned and hopped on his cloud, "So Farewell! Till we meet again, my friends."

Luigi took off his hat and wave it vigorously at his friend as he departed. Mario called out his name as they made their way into the final chamber of Bowser's Castle, the throne room.

Peasley found himself outside of the castle, he landed his cloud on a ledge before supporting himself with the wall and sliding to the ground. He took a moment to breath and remembered his duty. Cackletta may be theirs, but in the end it is I who will help them. He smiled weakly before flying off to place bombs around the castle to finish off the job.

[ OOT Prose! ]

2004-04-17T18:36:45Z

[ Ah.. This segment deals not with Falheim, but its a piece I've been meaning to tinker with. ]

Subject : Prince Peasley
Game : Mario and Luigi Superstar Saga
Rated : G

Warning : Spoilers for the Near End

Her Majesty bellowed a laugh, "Why, with the Mario Bros. volunteering to go to that awful castle, Beanbean Kingdom is sure to be saved!" Lady Lima stood next to her, nodding gratefully to the two heroes as the castle shook violently. In the distance, the sounds of deafening missiles continued to rampage the castle walls. Some came close enough to make the heroes lose their balance, but Mario never faltered as he gave the Queen a thumb's up and turned to face his shivering brother.

The thought of going to Bowser's castle did not sit well with Luigi, as he shivered and whimpered uncontrollably. They would be cut off from the rest of the world only to face the very scary and mean Bowletta, who was sure to make Luigironi out of the scrawny plumber. He slowly turned to face his brother, in hopes of protesting and possibly wishing Bowletta would cease her attack on her own. He let out a stuttered "M-Ma-Mari-" before being cut off.

"...no."

The protest came not from Luigi, but from the quiet prince beside him. Prince Peasley stared at the floor, gripping his sword tightly in his hand. Luigi looked up at him curiously. The prince had a solemn face, he took a deep breath and continued, "We must be the ones to defend our kingdom, we can not ask them to do more for us."
His royal mommyness crossed her hefty arms and spoke grimly, "While that may true.. " She had no time to finish, her son flinged his cape out of the way and brushed his radient hair back before turning to depart.

"Farwell!"

He gave his friends a broad smile and disappeared on his cloud.

His mother stood silently as Lady Lima looked worriedly at the Mario Bros., she had feared the young prince's pride would be smitten by this evil. Miraculously, Luigi lost all fear and stumbled to watch the prince depart, he could possibly have no chance against the hoardes of monsters in Bowser's castle, let alone face Fawful and Bowletta by himself, he slowly stumbled onto the floor where he continued his drama. The queen murmured to herself, "Don't act so foolishly, you can't go to Bowser's Castle alone.. "

-----

Amidst the chaos in his homeland, the prince felt at ease as he flew closer to the omnimous castle. His hair flapped vigorously in the wind, Peasley glanced back at his homeland as it disappeared from view. He wasn't quite sure how he was going to go about in this matter, but there was no turning back now.

"You just had to make a big deal out of it, didn't you?" He spoke to himself, smiling calmy and assuredly, "Mother doesn't understand, as prince this is my duty!" He chuckled and took out his signature rose. He had given a similar one to Luigi a while back as a sign of friendship and passage to the Beanbean Kingdom.

"Haha! You've done more than enough to help us, Mario Bros.! I can not ask more from you, nor do I wish to, as greatful as I am... but.. " he paused for a moment, the castle was approaching quickly, its cannons were busy at work bombing the world below.

"But.. honor for my kingdom and the defeat of those villains comes first!" He grinned and prepared to make his descend. He landed near the top of the castle (wanting to make a daring surprise entrance, ofcourse!), he surveyed it, unsure of where to begin in his ploy. The castle was slick and mossy, inwhich Peasley scoffed, "My, someone hasn't been tipping their maids well." He supported himself on a stone horn before slipping on the moss and losing his balance. He gave a small cry as he clung to the side of Bowser's Castle, holding on to the stone eyebrow of Bowser's image.

He had not notice how cold it was so high up in the sky, he looked below at the steep drop to the drawbridge entrance, then back up before gulping and remembering, "Hero's work is never easy!"

The young prince struggled for a few minutes before being able to climb back up the tower and make his way inside the grisly castle.

Frei of Falheim

2004-04-16T02:31:42Z

"Five-hundred thousand."

"Eight-hundred thousand," a feminime voice shot back. The voice belonged to a young woman, she sat casually on a lounge sofa, tooth pick in her mouth, listening and tapping her fingers frivolously as her ringleader stared at her grimly. The middle aged large man flicked off ashes from his cigar before grunting. He glanced at his rightmen, then back at the young woman. She was still slumped in her chair, waiting impatiently for a reply.

"six-hundred and fifty thousand, not a penny more Frei."

Frei rolled her eyes and jumped upright from the chair. She stretched and propped herself ontop of her ringleader's office desk. She gave a small laugh and place her finger on a document. "Ah.. Mr. Welshling," She danced her finger across the document and continued, " Your business has lost millions in two weeks, hasn't it?" Mr. Welshling was emotionless to her talk, "Hmm."

"There's been a rumor about the city.. about you, Mr. Welshling," Frei pulled out an Ace of Spades from her sleeve, "That priestess, she's not good for your business is she? Now now, you know the last one died under.. interesting 'circumstances', wouldn't you enjoy that same luck with this girl?"

Mr. Welshling glowered and cleared his throat, "seven-hundred and fifty, if its a swift and clean job I'll promise you, my dear, an ocean star. Blue is a lovely color on you." Frei smiled and kissed the card before placing it into Mr. Welshling's pocket.

"My my, where did you find a water crystal~?" She gave a dreamy sigh and hopped off the table. She placed her hands on her hips and winked, "So that's where that poor Water Mage disappeared off to." Mr. Welshling looked at her sternly and repeated, "Never ask questions in this business, Frei."

"You're talking to the best of the best," she laughed and waved her index finger tauntingly, "Never try to teach a shoemaker how to make shoes! .... the job will be done by next Friday. I need time to .. prepare. Goodnight gentlemen." She picked up her red jacket from her chair and snapped her fingers before disappearing in a puff of smoke. The headmaster let out a sigh of relief before taking a napkin and patting his balding head dry.

"That woman is a lose cannon."

Frei~~

Matilde of Sans Verdeni Coastal Region

2004-04-12T02:53:43Z

Verso Dos - Letra a Mama

Allo' Mama!

My days in the city have grown steadily more difficult with so many customers, the business district of Falheim is very crowded and full of competition. I'm very glad to be here though, thank you for letting me come on my own to visit such a beautiful city and pray I prosper as a dancer.. I'm..doing well, to say the least. Its very different from home, the streets are very crowded and dirty, very grey and the sun barely ever shines. It makes me unhappy to miss the blue skies, mama. Home is very blue and beautiful, but Falheim is where dreams are made! (I hope mine are made too.. )

I've been working part time as a gypsy dancer, our group has been making decent money here and there.. I have myself a tiny apartment near the southern region of Falheim. its very small and crowded (with all my boxes!) but it fits me well, I enjoy it!

I'm trying my best to be positive, I've even started my own potted garden, my apartment reaches seven stories! I'm glad I learned to balance and not be afraid of heights in the bamboo forest. Can you please send me my paper fans, mama? Its very cold here, I have no use for them practically.. but I willlike to use them as decorations.

I will write to you once again as soon as I finish getting settled. I am sending some pictures along, I hope you enjoy them! I miss you, mama.

Love,
--Mati

----

Matilde scratched a few typos before folding the letter and putting it under a paperweight at infront of her. No desk had been assembled as of yet, her cluttered wood-cladded room barely had room left to tip toe in, the packrat inside the young dancer had caused her problems in moving.

She smiled and went to work cleaning, her confidence in sucess waned from here to there, but she must put a happy face for her mother, one of the people that believed her. Matilde stumbled on a small bag and scurried to get the room in order, she had much work ahead of her in this city of Falheim.

Freyja of Falheim

2004-04-09T20:25:22Z

Diary Entry - Verso Uno

"Everyday, winter creeps closer to our dearest city of Falheim, the people hasten their pace to come and go, the dreary weather may mirror their hidden anxiety of the times. Around us we hear whispers of people that for a moment were but a breath away... and now miles away. Perhaps they are lost, disturbed, or forgotten.

Do they dare talk of Michaelangelo? Of trivial matters in this day and age? Many are fearful, this city we're fond of has been splintered by the cruelties of the mafia, and the salvation of the church. As snow starts to fall, I ask myself if this beautiful city, with its shades of black and grit, is in it self reflecting the troubles in my psyche, in my very own family, perhaps?"

Freyja gave an exasperating sigh, she picked up her diary and shook it lightly as if to scold it.

"This isn't who I am. "

She tucked a menacing bit of hair behind her ear before returning to her thoughts. It was a rare occasion for the young holy knight, (though she dare not mind!) to recieve days off from working with the Holy Church of Falheim, but as violence became more geared towards the church it was found necessary to use assassins to protect certain members of the church. She had not minded so, for though she's the sacred protector of the newly aquainted High Priestess, she would rather see her rightly protected then feel useless as a protector.

At times the mind penetrates the will of the host, feelings can not be blocked for the most part. The young knight had to compete with two other young protectors, both male. Both of a prestige Assassin guild, one was the highest in the rankings, the other a hybrid assassin. She had only seen them on rare occasions, one she could tell was from a magic clan, he was her main rival.

It was playful at times though, as serious as their work was to protect the young woman of God, Freyja had to still show her worth to the newly appointed guards, she had not come into such a position under wealthy parents, under skipping classes, she had worked tears and blood to gain recognition as a knight, she will keep honor in her job.

Ludovichetti and Machiavelli, surnames were the way of business in this world. No one calls Freyja anything except Freyja, it would be foolish to think that this was the reason the church did not take her seriously, but yet the young woman's mind would not ease its weariness. Ludovichetti, the lethal of the two, Freyja had to keep this in mind everytime he would wink lovingly at her or kiss her hand, a real lady's man the fool was. She didn't exactly dislike their company, they were quiet men, interesting at times. Freyja may not realize that this work is their business in life, nor did she want to think about it.

Machiavelli, on the other hand, was a curious figure. Quiet and very polite, he was extremely shy outside of matters of the guild. He chose few words when he spoke to Freyja, she suspected he felt that she was a magic catalyst as well, his eyes would never meet the person he spoke too. Magicians foreign to Falheim had distinct manners, she figured. One key matter stood out about the more reclusive bodyguard, it was clear as day.

Puppy love. The boy had a crush on her holyness, High Priestess Mimir.

Freyja giggled at the thought, Mimir would be too flustered to notice it, the rather aloof young woman had too much on her hands to notice the quiet reddening face of one of her bodyguards as she thanked him for taking the time to do his work.

---

Writing was beyond the question now, Freyja put her books away and noticed the bell tower chime, half past 11. She gave a light sigh before hopping into bed and turning off the light.