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Post by Rad on Jul 26, 2011 15:07:48 GMT -8
Night had descended upon the Exousia estate yet despite the late hour celebrations had only just begun. The extensive garden leading to the main entrance had been specifically prepared for this occasion; the trees and bushes having been sculpted to represent the zodiac and various figures from Greek mythology. Beyond the gate and along the central road, candles were placed at regular intervals, approximately a meter apart with one servant (in costume) attending to a set of four candles to ascertain nothing would extinguish the flames. All in all, the entire event exuded a sense of grandeur and prominence, something which would be impossible for most to accomplish in their current financial state. However, maybe the Exousia heir was merely ignoring the impact of the Great Depression in order to maintain his lifestyle and reputation, surely that was the case! This was the whisper going around amongst the guests, yet whether or not this was the truth of the matter no one knew.
Before the entrance, a magnificent marble fountain was situated, the statue in the center carved to depict a confrontation between a griffin and a lion; one great power against another. It was around this structure that the vehicles of the guests were parked. An ebony limousine soon cruised to a stop amongst their ranks and shortly thereafter a young girl made her exit. “Oh why do I have to wear this abomination?” Memini complained, gesturing at the frilly white and blue dress he had been coerced into.
“Well, you didn’t have to come. However, since you chose to tag along it was essential that you wore a disguise. You know Kratos never willingly invites men to his parties and you are no exception. I’m astonished you even wanted to accompany us.” Adrasteia responded, offering his assistance to Sabrina.
“Then how come you don’t need to be in drag?” Memini asked indignantly, glowering at his butler as if he had been conned. “Besides, I’m here to protect Sabrina! Who know what that decadent womanizer will do to her? Why did he even invite her and not me? I’m his charge! I should have free access to his estate! I should be ALWAYS welcome! This is outrageous that I should pretend to be a lady just to set foot on his land!”
“Are you jealous of the attention Sabrina is getting?” Adrasteia laughed, “In answer to your question I’m a servant so I may be able to convince Kratos that my presence is necessary, Furthermore, I doubt I’ll be able to succeed if I were to attempt the ‘feminine’ look. Also, let me remind you that the regulation of ‘no men allowed’ doesn’t just apply to you. It applies to every male individual whose status does not surpass Kratos’ own. However, in my opinion anyone can get sick of you after being in your company for more than a few minutes.”
That last response was a bit harsh, yet Adrasteia felt he had to shut Memini up before his young master exposed himself. It would be exceedingly humiliating for Memini if he was identified in that attire in front of this crowd. It was amazing to him how Memini didn’t at all seem cognizant of the threat this whole endeavor imposed on his reputation as the Veritas heir.
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Post by Wolfy on Jul 26, 2011 16:54:40 GMT -8
That afternoon, Sabrina had spent hours getting ready for the party last night. She didn’t know what it was for, or why Kratos wanted her there, but she still wanted to look her best in front of such an important person. This would be the first time meeting the esteemed Kratos Exousia, who was also her best friend’s guardian. From what she’d heard, however, he wasn’t the best person to look after anyone but himself. So this would be an interesting experience.
She had been preparing most of the afternoon so she wouldn’t be late. She had picked out the most elegant gown she could find in the stash of dresses that had been provided for her. It was a sleek white and forest green dress with a matching green handbag. She had her hair perfectly curled, and was ready to go just in time. At the sight of the Exousia estate, Sabrina’s eyes widened a little. The mansion and front half of the grounds were just gorgeous - almost surprisingly so.
As Memini and Adrasteia exited the Limousine, Sabrina tore her eyes away from the beautiful grounds and accepted Adrasteia’s help to get out of the vehicle. “Would you two stop bickering?” she asked with a playful grin. “Memini, if you really don’t want to be here in that dress, I’m sure the driver would bring you home.”
She looked over at the man beside her curiously. “But Memini brings up a good question,” she said honestly. “Why will Kratos only allow women in his mansion? Should I find that… odd?” She glanced at Memini and couldn’t manage to suppress her giggles. Why he was always being forced into dresses, she would never know. After a few seconds, though, she recovered her composure. “So why aren’t you allowed here, if he’s your guardian?”
Already this man seemed incredibly strange. She was almost eager to meet this man despite all of the bad things she’d heard. She was very curious to see if he was really as odd as he seemed. “Well, I suppose we had better get inside,” she said with a little shrug. Slowly making her way to the mansion, she looked around at all of the sculptures and candles on the sides of the walkway. At her own father’s parties, they had never gone to that length to be extravagant.
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Post by Rad on Jul 27, 2011 0:59:32 GMT -8
“I can’t be certain; however I assume he only has indecent intentions in mind.” Memini muttered indignantly, wrecking havoc on the plume of ostrich feathers attached to his decorative headpiece. “That’s the reason why I have so inconvenienced myself to accompany you. If you must know, I have no desire to interact with my guardian if he doesn’t want to make the effort either. Additionally, stop reminding me that I have never been invited to attend any of the gatherings on this property…NO, Adrasteia! I heard that murmur; this is NOT a sensitive topic! I simply REFUSE to trouble myself with pondering what goes on in that fool’s head. That is all! Hmph! I can’t believe you all think I care what he does or doesn’t do!”
Of course, he was being excessively defensive, rambling on despite the fact that none of the other two had said anything. He was so preoccupied with the tirade that he was oblivious to the impression he was giving of being a madman. Essentially, he was imagining what his companions might say and putting the words in their mouth and answering them before they even had a chance to utter a single syllable. Unfortunately, by doing so he was giving the idea that he did not only mind, but also minded very much at that! Striding in a straight line towards what he perceived to be the entrance, Memini made a beeline for the mahogany door set dead-center in the ornate stonework, noting that it was a rather austere size for such an extravagant mansion. He then grasped the handle defiantly, and flung it open with force.
However, this action was only greeted with the sound of malicious snickering from another guest who had been walking behind him. “Oh my! Surely you don’t mean to enter through the SERVANT’S entrance, young lady!” The speaker was a tall, blonde lady, her face dolled up with the finest powders, her lips painted a sparkling crimson, and her hair styled into the most ostentatious bob imaginable. However, for all her efforts at producing such a look of superficial beauty, her face, contorted into that conceited and mocking smirk could only come across to Memini as ugly, if not hideous. Oh how he abhorred the prejudice and scorn higher society always held for one another, as well as those below them. He just knew it! They were all merely vultures waiting to swoop on the scandal of their ‘equals’.
He now remembered why he had always avoided large gatherings like these. If it weren’t for Sabrina, he would never even think to show his face at such a place. Unhanding the door and glowering at his tormentor, Memini retorted in a shrill voice befitting his effeminate look, “Well, I couldn’t care less! Besides, how am I to know the layout of the Exousian estate if Kratos has never invited me before?!” With a huff, he stormed off to the left, sticking his tongue out in an act of rebellion as he did so. He didn’t understand why he had said such a thing, he told himself that he wasn’t at all bitter of Kratos’ negligence of him yet why had resentment crept into his voice? His guardian’s indifference was an ongoing issue, why start caring now?
“You insolent girl! How dare you speak to me in such an unruly manner! Any dignified lady would know that to enter such an establishment you are required to mount the stairs! Well, I guess a ruffian like you wouldn’t think much of throwing your lot in with the servants! Why, I don’t doubt for even a second that you might enjoy being perceived so lowly! No wonder Kratos has never sent you an invitation before! Perhaps you’re even not allowed here now and are merely utilizing a disguise to bypass the guards!” Practically spitting out those words in her rage, the woman proceeded to the set of stairs located in the opposite direction, her nose turned up at the uncivilized wrench who had dared challenge her.
Pausing in the shadows at the left staircase, Memini waited for Sabrina and Adrasteia, his feelings of dejection quite evident on his features. “Well, I suppose this is where I leave you two for the interim.” Adrasteia said, attempting to maintain a cheerful façade. Leaning in closer to Sabrina so Memini would not be capable of eavesdropping, the butler whispered, “Please look after him for me, Sabrina. I’ll be counting on you this time.” Then, with a wave of his hand he was off. He should have guessed that at a function as grandiose as this any accompanying servants would have work assigned to them elsewhere. As the closed the mahogany doors of the servant’s entrance behind him, he could only hope that Sabrina would have the ability of tending to Memini in his absence. Leaving him in such a state probably hadn’t been a good idea.
Watching sullenly as Adrasteia left (he couldn’t help thinking that he was being effectively ‘abandoned’), Memini took a few tentative steps up the stairs. The large, gawky, colored-glass doors awaiting them were already held wide open, with two servants manning each side. From here it was already possible to discern the symphonies of classic musicians (such as Chopin and Mozart) drifting out from within. No doubt Kratos had hired an entire orchestra for the occasion. He wondered what circumstances could possibly motivate his guardian to organize something on such a scale as this. He shuddered and stopped entirely, unable to continue. Oh how he wanted to go home right that instant!
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Post by Wolfy on Jul 27, 2011 12:56:16 GMT -8
With a sigh, Sabrina looked over to see Memini poking around the servant's entrance. "Memini, if you want to get into Kratos' mansion unnoticed, you should go in the main entrance," she said. "Someone will notice when you try to sneak in through there!" As if on cue, the woman behind them spoke up. She couldn't interrupt, so just listened to their little spat.
When the woman finally left them in peace, Sabrina noticed how sad Memini looked. This was turning out to be a very trying night for him already. "I'll do my best," she assured Adrasteia. Since one could never know in advance how things would turn out, she wouldn't promise anything. When he walked out of sight, Sabrina walked closer to Memini.
"Really, Memini," she said gently, seeing that he looked hurt. She carefully fixed the ostrich feathers atop his hat. "I'll be okay if you don't want to stay." She stopped at the foot of the staircase leading to the big, double front doors. "But if you're coming, you should come this way." She smiled a little. "This isn't like when we snuck into Mr. Hunter's party when we were nine."
Oh, why had she mentioned that? Hopefully, she didn't just put thoughts in his head about that experience. She remembered that night as if it were yesterday. Both her father and his parents were at an important party, so they had arranged for one of the maids to watch over them. Unfortunately, she had been incredibly boring, so the two of them had pretended to go to bed.
But, instead of going to sleep, they had snuck out and walked all the way to the party. They had snuck in through the back entrance and had made a real mess of things. She had tripped and knocked over a whole tray of expensive veal. When their parents had found out, they were in so much trouble. And that was when they were kids - when they didn't know any better.
She didn't want to get in trouble again for the same thing. Plus, she didn't want Memini to get in a mess with Kratos, since he wasn't supposed to be there.
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Post by Rad on Jul 27, 2011 15:21:44 GMT -8
“No, Sabrina, it’s fine. I can manage.” Memini claimed, forcing a smile. He didn’t recall the outcome of that misadventure she had mentioned but was still insanely curious as to what had happened. However, he didn’t feel inclined to ask at this particular instance and tamely obeyed her instructions, walking up the last few steps to the entrance. Perhaps he hadn’t noticed, but in the process of ascending those stairs he had grabbed Sabrina’s hand, holding it tightly as if his very life depended on it.
Now that they were in front of the entrance, they were accosted by the bright lighting radiating from the massive crystal chandelier of the guest hall. Of the opinion that brilliance was blinding him, Memini lifted a hand to shield his face, thus also blocking out the view of the extravagantly dressed gentleman who was approaching them. “Ah, Sabrina, I’m so glad you have honored us all with your presence!” It was a familiar voice, yet one he hadn’t heard in a long time. “Now where’s that rascal Memini? Didn’t he have the decency to accompany you?”
Kratos! It had to be. That soft baritone drawl was unmistakable! Lowering his hand to glare at the gentleman, Memini replied, “Of course he didn’t come. You didn’t invite him!” Had he disguised himself as a girl for nothing? He was indignant, fuming, and now that he could see Kratos, Memini was further irked by the fact that his guardian appeared to be ignoring him and alternatively focusing his attention on Sabrina even as he replied.
“Such a pity! I was so certain I had remembered to inscribe his name on the invitation card this time! Oh well, you see, I’m not of the habit of writing letters to men and thus in accordance with routine I may have accidentally forgotten to mention my dear charge. You see, I am simply not used to writing the names of men. Such names simply lack the exquisite elegance conveyed by the strokes of a woman’s name. Still, I was certain that with his penchant for mischief Memini would have devised some way of infiltrating my mansion even if I had banned him. His absence is strange; don’t you think so, Sabrina?”
Annoyed at this blatant insult, Memini retorted “Hmph! Give him some credit! Memini is the most obedient and angelic boy in the world…no…in the whole universe. He wouldn’t even think of disobeying if he thought there were specific instructions saying that he wasn’t wanted here!” Oh how oblivious he was to the fact that he had taken the bait of that provocation and practically revealed his identity right then and there. An amused glint appeared in Kratos’ eyes for a second and with a laugh he continued to talk, still facing Sabrina rather than Memini.
“Hm, interesting…how he gained this newfound respect for rules eludes me yet I suppose it’s a possibility. Ah, such a disappointment! I was looking forwards to seeing if he was still as excessively short as I remembered. He’s so tiny that he could easily pass as a ten year old girl.” Kratos grinned, generally refrained from mocking Memini height since he knew the enraged reaction he would get yet at that moment, Memini was in disguise. He wondered if his young charge could maintain his composure or erupt into a tantrum like he normally would.
‘That bastard! I will kill him!’ Memini thought, barely able to contain his wrath as he glowered at Kratos. “For your information, Memini has undergone an amazing growth spurt and is now HANDSOMELY tall!” He proclaimed, shouting out the lie as if by volume alone he could force it to come true. Even f Memini was aware that he was making it transparently clear who he was he just couldn’t NOT defend himself! Especially since the one teasing him was a person who annoyed him as much as Kratos did.
“Handsomely tall, you say? Well then it’s even more tragic that his is not in attendance. Especially since I personally went through the trouble of setting up this opportunity for him to get closer to his sweetheart. Poor Sabrina, looks like that Memini won’t be courting you tonight. There are no other guests your age so you may be dancing alone tonight. However, have no fear, if that bothers you I’ll gladly oblige as your dance partner.” Kratos smirked, wondering how the boy would react to this conjecture regarding his love-life.
“Idiot!” Memini declared, unable to prevent a vibrant blush spreading across his cheeks, “Memini doesn’t HAVE any romantic feelings for Sabrina. I know this because he is in love with…with…ME!!” Oh why had he said that? Maybe he should have said the truth and mentioned the name ‘Bianca Desmaraise’ yet maybe if he had done so Kratos would have meddled with that private matter. Oh the results of that would be too disastrous to even think about! Memini shuddered.
“Ah, yes, that makes sense. You {OoC: this ‘you’ is referring to Memini} remind me of him and he’s always been quite the narcissist.” Kratos chuckled, winking at Sabrina. “Well Sabrina, is there anything you require or anything you want to ask or say before you enter through those doors? I have other notable guests to greet so I apologize in advance for not being able to accompany you.”
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Post by Wolfy on Jul 27, 2011 16:59:42 GMT -8
So, this was the Kratos she had heard about? He miraculously seemed less pleasant in person, if that was possible. The fact that he was blatantly insulting Memini when he knew that the disguise wasn't real was just horrific. He was supposed to take care of Memini, and as absent as he was being, teasing seemed out of the question. Sabrina stepped a little to the side so she wasn't blocking other guests from entering. This wouldn't be quick.
"Actually, Mr. Exousia," Sabrina said in a pleasant tone - though somewhere hidden in her voice there was a very serious undertone. "I wouldn't mind asking you some questions, if you would kindly give me the time." She glanced over at Memini and continued. "Could you please go get me a drink?" She wasn't thirsty, she just wanted to speak to his guardian privately. Besides, she didn't want Memini to see her defending him.
Quickly turning back to Kratos, Sabrina had a very annoyed look on her face. She knew that he knew Memini was really the girl in the dress, so she didn't care if she spoiled Memini's disguise. "Now sir," she said. "Was that really necessary? You would know this if you spent any time with him, but he is very sensitive!"
Folding her arms, Sabrina decided to bring up a differnet question. "And why would you suggest to dance with a young girl such as myself to a party? Especially when you know I'm a good friend of your charge?" Diminuatively tilting her head to the side, she gave him a questioning look.
"Now, being the very capable guardian you are," she said with a hint of sarcasm. "Why do you invite so many women over to your parties? Exclusively women, by the looks of it." Well, Kratos had a lot to answer for, and Sabrina was determined to get all of the answers from him before Memini returned.
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Post by Rad on Jul 27, 2011 18:08:11 GMT -8
As Memini disappeared from view to fetch refreshments, Kratos turned with an amused smile to Sabrina as he listened to her various inquiries. Maybe it was the influence of Rouge or maybe it was simply his disposition but his response to the maiden’s disdain probably wasn’t as proper as it should have been. He laughed, yes he laughed at her concern, a bemused glimmer in his eyes. “Those are certainly some interesting questions, young lady. However, are you in any position where such insolence would be justified?”
He grinned, an act not without a trace of maliciousness. “However, being the generous man that I am, I shall endeavor to answer all of them! Yet, before we continue, how about a drink?” With a dexterous flourish of his hand, Kratos removed a small vial of sparkling crimson liquid from a side pocket, displaying it to Sabrina, “As my guest, it’s only courteous of you to accept. A glass please?” That closing command was directed at a servant and within seconds an elegant Bordeaux glass was place in his hand.
Opening the vial, Kratos poured its contents in the stylish cup and offered it to Sabrina. The tantalizing fragrance of cherry wafted into the air and Kratos almost couldn’t resist the temptation to down the liquid himself. Oh who could turn down such a mesmerizing thing as Rouge? “Now for your first query, the key is simply that his reactions provide me with such entertainment for they are so dissimilar to that of his deceased brother. As for sensitivity, well a member of the noble Veritas lineage really should learn not to be so weak. I am merely adhering to my duty as his guardian by continuing where his father left off.”
“I’m sure you’re familiar with the former Lord Veritas, so tell me, am I doing a good job in my mimicry?” He smirked, “I’m merely raising him the way Lord Veritas would have wanted it.” What was this untruth? His loyalty should be to Caelum, so then was this the result of his bitterness that his best friend had abandoned him to this morbid world whilst he had departed it? Was this his punishment to Caelum for leaving him alone in this cruel world? If Caelum resided in the heavens, watching over them from above, then he would let him witness his beloveds brother’s suffering. He would make heaven turn into hell.
“And surely, you must have some confidence in how attractive you appear in that dress, Sabrina. Why I’m sure any gentleman would love to dance with an innocent maiden such as you.” He shrugged, thinking (but not saying): ‘Personally I don’t give a dam whose girl you are. You women are all the same to me. Merely tools to be used then thrown away.’ Refraining from voicing something so vulgar in front of a child, Kratos instead added, “I was merely jokingly making you an offer. Don’t take it so seriously, it’s only a dance.”
“Furthermore, it just so happens that at the moment my friends are all female. Now, Sabrina is it really your place to dictate what sort of company I prefer? It just so happens that I have no desire to interact with men below me on the social ladder. However, I have obligatorily invited everyone above me, and some of those men do occasionally pop in from time to time and abscond with a couple of my more flirtatious female guests.” Of course, he wasn’t mentioning the fact that most individuals above him on the social ladder avoided his parties as though it were the plague. To them, Kratos had fallen from grace and being anywhere near him posed the threat of contamination.
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Post by Wolfy on Jul 27, 2011 18:59:02 GMT -8
Knowing it would be extremely rude for her to pry any further, she gave up on her interrogation. She took as long a look at the vial as she could before he poured it in. With a sigh, she took the glass of wine from him, which he had poured the substance in to. The smell of cherries reached her nose, and she suddenly had a moment of Deja vu. Now where had she smelled something like this before?
It didn't matter... By now she had to accept the beverage to avoid looking like she was being any less sophisticated. She took a tiny sip, then looked up at Kratos. "I am terribly sorry, sir," she said. "I know that I have been rude as a guest in your home. It's just that Memini is my friend." It wasn't clear whether she was really sorry, or if the Rogue had just calmed her down. She took another drink, but began coughing instantly. She had never had a drink before in her life.
"So, you think I'm pretty in this?" she asked and looked down at her dress. She actually blushed from the compliment. Now, it was either the wine or the Rogue for sure, because Sabrina would never be flattered by a comment like that from a man such as Kratos. "And I'm sorry for being so impulsive, I thought you were being serious about the dance..."
She took one more sip from the stylish cup in her hands, then looked back to Kratos. "You know, this is quite a party. What is the occasion again? I seem to have forgotten." However, she didn't recall that she didn't know the reason for the festivities to begin with.
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Post by Rad on Jul 27, 2011 19:45:02 GMT -8
“What is the occasion again?”
The inquiry caught Kratos by surprise and for an instant he blinked at her blankly before composing himself. “Enough questions for present, Sabrina. Now if you would excuse me, I have other guests to attend to.” The reply was rather terse yet Kratos had perceived that the Rouge was already procuring an effect in insuring Sabrina’s complacency. Not wishing to waste his time responding to her multitude of ‘dumb’ question, he motioned to the party with a dismissive wave of his hand. “Why don’t you attempt to enjoy yourself for the interim?”
Meanwhile, Memini, having located Adrasteia amongst the throng of party-goers, was content with guffawing at the ridiculous costume he had been coerced into. “Oh, this is SENSATIONAL!” the child squealed with delight, tugging at the artificial (and abnormally long) rabbit ears that had been attached to Adrasteia’s head. “You look adorable!” He chuckled, gleeful that he was no longer the only one who had to suffer in an embarrassing costume. “Hey Bunny, pour me a glass of orange juice.”
“Well, Sabrina must have overlooked the notice in the invitation which detailed this as a costume party centered on the theme of ‘Alice’s dreams in Wonderland’…” the disgruntled butler muttered, glancing around at the multifarious fashion disasters he could perceive waltzing about the room. “Having come unprepared, I was given a choice between fairy wings, a plaited blonde woman’s wig, a madman’s top hat, cat ears and tail, as well as various other things.” Adrasteia grimaced, “naturally I picked the least lurid accessory…yet I never would have guessed it could evoke such a reaction from you.”
“Oh, but this is FANTASTIC isn’t it? Just wait until Sabrina sees this! Oh, Kratos I underestimated your sense of humor!” Memini laughed, oh he was laughing so much that it hurt! It even brought tears to his eyes! He couldn't wait to show Sabrina this miraculous thing that he had discovered!
“It surprises me that you are suddenly getting along so well with your guardian…” Adrasteia muttered his despondency evident in the arrangement of his physiognomy. He really wasn’t used to being the one who was humiliated. Well, at least his mortification had been so effective in fighting off Memini’s earlier gloominess.
“OH MY GOSH! Adrasteia, you should see yourself!” Memini gasped, struggling to talk through his hysterical laughter.
Okay, on second thought, his young master’s raucous proclamations really were attracting too much attention for his liking.
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Post by Wolfy on Jul 27, 2011 21:05:56 GMT -8
Looking rather dazed and confused when Kratos abandoned her in her current state, Sabrina didn’t really know what to do next. So she finished up her drink and walked off to find someone to speak to. She had been just about to strike up a conversation with a very exquisitely-dressed woman when she heard a loud cry from a familiar voice. She looked over to see Memini and a very tall man with bunny ears strapped onto his head.
She made her way over to see that it was, in fact, Adrasteia wearing the interesting apparel. With a laugh, Sabrina walked over, her high heels making a sharp ‘tic tic’ on the marble floors below her. “Adrasteia, you look positively ridiculous!” she giggled far too loudly. To anyone who knew her at all, this sort of behavior would shock them. She never acted like that. With the glass still hanging from her hand, she wrapped her arm around the shoulders of Memini. “Did you do that?” she asked her friend. “Because that is hilarious!”
Even now, after the wine was gone, the sweet smell mingled with cherries wafted into the air. “Say, Memini, I was going to tell you something…” she said. Her voice trailed off as she tried to remember what it was that she had been meaning to tell him. However, her mind just couldn’t conjure up the idea. So she just abandoned that thought. “Well, never mind with that.” She laughed again and returned her gaze to Adrasteia. “So, you never told me,” she continued. “Why are you wearing that?”
She released Memini from where she had been holding him with her arm around the back of his neck. Suddenly, she remembered what she was going to say and smile. “Oh, right,” she said happily. “I remember now. I talked to Kratos for you. He doesn’t seem so bad.” Of course she didn’t mean that. She thought Kratos was a very bad person, but she was both somewhat drunk and under the influence of Rouge.
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Post by Rad on Jul 28, 2011 15:56:00 GMT -8
An advantage of having an aversion to Rouge was that one would be able to detect the scent of cherry even at a great distance. Adrasteia’s distinct fear of cherry also entailed that in the presence of anything remotely related to the stuff he’ll feel that familiar tingling along his spine and an unshakable sense of unease. It was thus that even before Sabrina materialized from the crowd that he knew something was wrong, that someone had Rouge with them. However, he hadn’t expected to personally know the victim and it was only once Sabrina began voicing her outlandish dialogue that his complexion grew exceedingly pale.
However, whether this was the consequence of barely guised rage or fear of cherry it was impossible to determine for sure. With shaking hands, Adrasteia removed his eccentric headpiece, subsequently placing it on Memini’s head as he said, “Well, young master, since it’s so adorable I think it suits you better. Now if you would excuse me I have an urgent matter to attend to.” So saying, he practically hurtled through the crowd, fraught to establish as much distance as he could between himself and that abominable smell: of alcohol mixed with Rouge.
Well, he also had another purpose in mind. Fiddling with the headpiece, Memini watched Adrasteia go. He noted the fragrance of cherry in the air and reasoned that was why his butler seemed in such a hurry to ditch them. For a moment he pondered whether he should follow him, yet almost instantly he became distracted by the sight of a platter of tarts being placed at the banquet table. Removing a bottle of perfume from the purse he had been carrying and handing it to Sabrina, he instructed, “Use this if you intend on trailing him. Adrasteia abhors the smell of cherry so he’ll notice you if you don’t. As for me, I have my own ‘urgent matters to attend to’.”
Meanwhile, having exited the establishment, Adrasteia stood at the entrance, indulging in the untainted fresh air. The Exousia heir was nowhere in sight and he was just about to recommence his search in the mansion when a servant approached with a folded note. Unfolding the petite square of paper, Adrasteia perused: ‘Heard you were searching for me. I’ll be waiting for you in the rose labyrinth…if you can find me.’ Scrunching up the piece of paper, Adrasteia tossed it into a nearby bin. The rose labyrinth was located in the rear gardens and since the party was restricted to the front, he knew the area he was to meet Kratos in would be practically deserted.
Sighing, he descended the stairs, walking around the mansion, aware that as he went around the side, the distant lighting was already ineffectual. As he traipsed through the shadows, he felt uncertainty cloud his mind, perhaps this was some sort of ambush? However, once he rounded the corner, he saw the illumination of various paper lanterns and exhaled in relief. At least in this light he would be able to see his aggressor. Unable to resist admiring the Greek statues littered around the place, Adrasteia moved to the entrance of the foreboding maze of roses. A breeze rustled the foliage and the tantalizing perfume of the flowers rushed at him. Not without apprehension, he finally entered the twisting pathways.
The presence of a labyrinth of roses on both the Veritas and Exousia estates wasn’t a mere coincidence; it was the legacy of the bygone friendship between Caelum and Kratos. On a lazy summer day in the library, they had drafted the plans together to ease the tedium of another typical day. However, they had each been in charge of the other’s garden, working independently, childishly refusing to let the other see for fear of plagiarism before the designs were completed. It was as such that the two mazes were so dissimilar. Whereas the roses Kratos had selected for the Veritas maze were red to symbolize Caelum’s passion for everything, Caelum had assigned white roses for Kratos, stating that it was a ‘pure color’ that symbolized Kratos’ ‘innocence’.
‘Innocence’? Kratos smirked, ripping the petals from another bloom, watching as they fell to the earth, ‘you were the only one who thought of me that way.’ Disfiguring the roses in this manner had become a habit of his after Caelum’s death and since Kratos had retreated here the moment he had left Sabrina, the grass was already littered with a blanket of white petals, giving the impression of snow in summer. “You know, your brother is nothing like you.” Kratos whispered to the emptiness, swiping at another bloom. However, as the petals fell, a drop of crimson descended with it. As an act of retaliation, a thorn had cut into his index finger, deep enough for the injury to bleed.
As Kratos brought the index finger to his lips, the figure of Adrasteia finally appeared in the entrance to the clearing, seeming rather flustered as if he had ran a great many miles. “Ah, so you’ve finally found me.” Kratos laughed, “Impressive. Congratulations!”
“Shut up.” Adrasteia growled, still rather breathless from running about the maze, “Why did you force Sabrina to drink alcoholic Rouge? Even without the prohibition it’s illegal for a minor to drink wine. What justification do you have for such fiendish action?”
Oh that was such a distasteful query. Wasn’t the answer obvious? It was all done to shut up that unpleasant wrench. Oh how he hated children who asked annoying questions…Sabrina was certainly one of them and if Adrasteia was any younger he’ll fit the category too. “Oh really? Is that all you want to ask? I would have thought you had more pressing concerns than that; more intelligent questions to voice. Are you not at all intrigued by my reason for celebrating on this particular day; the day of that tragedy?”
“Ha, I simply thought you were too drugged to even remember.” Adrasteia retorted, glaring at Kratos, “I gave you the benefit of the doubt but it’s obvious now how sadistic you are to lure Memini to such a spirited party on the anniversary of his parents’ death…need I remind you that your family also perished on that day, or should I suppose the rumors concerning your involvement to be true?”
Kratos laughed, “A lure for Memini? That’s preposterous! Although I can comprehend how you arrived at that conclusion…after all Tami informed me that Memini trailed behind his ‘sister’ like a dog. However, my real intention was for…” Before he could conclude his sentence, Kratos found it necessary to dodge an attack, swerving to one side just in time to avoid a fist to his face.
“So you had spies stationed at the house.” It was a statement not a question, it insinuated that Kratos’ utterance had merely confirmed a suspicion Adrasteia always had. He wasn’t even surprised at how close the mole was to Sabrina.
“Don’t you know it’s rude to interrupt?” Kratos replied feigning displeasure and stepping to the side as Adrasteia lashed out with a foot, “I’m truly saddened by how inconsiderate you are? You know how difficult it is for me to maneuver in this get-up.” He backed away, ducked below the range of the swing, and then reappeared behind his assailant. Unable to avoid the back kick, he blocked, “Furthermore, you’re forgetting that your household servants are all borrowed from my estate. It’s only natural for them to reveal certain things in conversation under the right circumstances.”
He smirked, edged up closer to Adrasteia, purposefully left himself open, and waited. As the fist rushed at him, he deftly moved aside at the last moment, grabbed Adrasteia’s arm and flipped him. Perceiving that the fall had winded his opponent for the interim, Kratos swiftly removed a pistol from his pockets and aimed it at the butler. Laughing he disclosed, “My true intention was to dispose of you.” Chuckling, he pulled the trigger, laughing as a stream of Rouge shot out of the water gun. “Just kidding! As much as I would like to kill you, I simply cannot add another murder to my supposed ‘list of crimes’…which, I confess, is bothersome. Fortunately for me, when Memini was still naïve enough to write to me, he had described this debilitating fear you have of cherry.”
Prodding the prostrate form of Adrasteia, Kratos grinned in satisfaction at the lack of response and the intense fear conveyed by those eyes as the strong scent of cherry triumphed even above the perfume of the roses. Shortly, two gentlemen arrived, dragging the defeated and trembling man to his feet. “Gentlemen, please escort our guest to his ‘specially prepared room’.” Lowering his face to Adrasteia’s he whispered, “Have fun. And I so do hope that you’re still sane after tonight.”
As his subordinates hauled Adrasteia away, Kratos shouted after him, “I’m sorry, but I just have to get you out of the way. After all, regardless of what occurred in the past, today is also Memini’s birthday and I want to make sure my dear charge enjoys himself.“ There was sarcasm there, definitely.
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Post by Wolfy on Jul 28, 2011 17:39:00 GMT -8
Being in the cooperative mood she was because of the Rogue and wine in her system, Sabrina obediently took the perfume from Memini. First, she sprayed a little in the air to sample the scent, which was quite floral. Without wondering why her friend had had that so ready at hand, she sprayed some on herself. The scent of cherries and wine was instantly masked by the smell of the perfume. As Memini had said, it was a perfect cover-up.
Now, why was she following Adrasteia again? She wasn't sure why she wanted to know where he was off to. But, if Memini said that she should, she was sure there was a reason for her doing it. So, without any further delay, Sabrina walked after Adrasteia, keeping the perfect distance. Walking not too far so she would lose him, but far enough that she wouldn't be spotted if he decided to turn around. She was actually quite pleased with herself.
Trailing him in the maze of roses, however, proved itself to be much more difficult. Before she even entered, she had to take off her high-heeled shoes so she could keep up the distance she had from him. As she tried to keep up with him and not get lost in the maze herself. Since Adrasteia was walking faster, and because some of the lines in the maze were short, however, Sabrina inevitably lost him. Luckily, though, she was able to relocate him a short while later. He was with Kratos, which she didn't find odd at all. She was about to walk closer to them when suddenly fighting broke loose.
Something about seeing them fight snapped her out of her Rouge and wine induced stupor. Instinctively, she almost shouted out for them to stop, but thought better of it in time to stop herself. Since she wasn't in much position to help Adrasteia, she stayed far away from the fray. Without any warning whatsoever, Kratos pulled out a gun and aimed it right at her friend, who was lying spread eagle on the dirt from a well-aimed attack by Kratos.
Quickly covering her eyes, Sabrina feared the worst for him. But, when there was no gunshot, she cautiously peeked out from behind her hand. The red substance all over Adrasteia wasn't blood - it was the cherry concoction that he'd placed in her wine! She could even smell it from where she was standing. She was hoping that it was merely a cruel trick, and that Kratos didn't actually mean anyone harm, but that theory was proven wrong when two other men came and took Adrasteia away.
Hearing every word Kratos had said, Sabrina was fully aware that Kratos was not to be trusted any longer. "I need to warn Memini," she whispered to herself. She backed away slowly as she went over the twists and turns of the labyrinth so she could get out quickly. However, her inattention cost her. She backed right into a wall of the roses, and dozens instantly pricked their way into the skin of her back. Plus, the ground was littered with the thorns, and since she had taken off her shoes, they also hooked themselves into the bottom of her feet. She couldn't stifle the cry of pain, even though she had tried to prevent it from escaping her lips.
Of course she wouldn't go unnoticed after that. The men carrying Adrasteia instantly turned to see her. She would have tried to run, but she didn't want to move in fear that the thorns would only sink themselves deeper into her sensitive skin. The man on Adrasteia's left snickered maliciously. "Master Exousia," he said in a rich voice. "I think you may have missed another witness..."
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Post by Rad on Jul 28, 2011 18:34:39 GMT -8
“Ah, Sabrina, what a privilege it is to be graced with your presence.”Gesturing for the men to leave, Kratos grinned benevolently at the maiden. He was confident he wouldn’t require any assistance in dealing with this one. Oh he had the perfect solution. “So, Tami tells me you love horses, in that case, as my honored guest I shall permit you to ride Nightmare.” Advancing on her, Kratos swept Sabrina up in his arms, carrying her off despite her protests. “Sabrina, beware the roses. Despairing in their own ephemeral beauty, they seek to destroy all splendors that last longer than their own. This way, even when reduced to mere thorns they are magnificent.”
Traveling with ease through the labyrinth, Kratos came to the entrance of the stables, hidden away beyond the seemingly impassable network of roses. Circumventing the main annex which housed the remainder of his show horses, Kratos entered the lair of Nightmare, locking the door before dropping Sabrina on a pile of hay. An outraged whinny sounded from a corner of the dimly lit room and shortly thereafter a majestic beast charged at Sabrina, rearing up on its hind legs and kicking the air mere inches from her face.
“You see, I don’t normally permit my guests to ride Nightmare. He’s simply too aggressive and hearkens only to my will.” He saddled up the horse himself, patting it fondly and whispering in its ear. Neighing happily, Nightmare nuzzled Kratos, the intruder temporarily forgotten. If it had been anyone else saddling him, be it a guest or a stable hand he would have delivered a forceful kick to the stomach or perhaps an angered bite. “However, you’re simply too special Sabrina, you see, you’re just so…exceptional!”
Plucking her up, Kratos practically dumped her into the saddle, handing her the reigns as he led Nightmare to the door which opened out onto the fields. As he languidly swung the door open, he glanced over at Sabrina, a sly smile plastered on his features, “Of course, as my guest you’re in no position to refuse such generosity from your host.” At the sight of the pastures, Nightmare neighed with delight and tore into the fields, determined to dethrone Sabrina from the saddle on his back.
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Post by Wolfy on Jul 28, 2011 19:37:19 GMT -8
Letting out little squeaks from the pain as she was pulled from the rose bush, Sabrina glared up at Kratos. In the manner he was carrying her, he was just sinking the thorns further into her flesh. She hated the hospitible, kind tone he was using to speak to her. Why be so cynical? It was obvious that whatever plan he had set up, it wouldn't turn out well for her. So why continue denying it?
The name itself struck fear into her. Nightmare. This conjured up all sorts of horrific thoughts of what a horse like 'Nightmare' could do. She remembered when she was little, she had seen a stablehand at her barn trying to tame a horse so they could sell it for a higher price get trampled within an inch of his life. Luckily, he had recovered, but the memory had always stayed with her. Right now, thogh, she wished she could forget the memory so she could calm down.
She looked around once they reached the stable, trying to find anyone to help her. Unfortunately, however, everyone seemed to be inside the mansion, or attending to something elsewhere on the grounds. She tried to soften her fall onto the hay, but she couldn't really do anything. So the thorns were pushed even further into her skin. Before she had a chance to worry about the pain, though, a huge beast ran forward and reared right in her face. The hooves nearly clipped her on the head, in fact.
While Kratos had the monster distracted, she used the time to dig most of the sharp barbs from the roses out. When she only had a couple left in the small of her back, though, she was pulled up by the man in front of her. With a furious expression, Sabrina was forced to get into the saddle of the huge horse.
When the neared the pasture, Sabrina took a firm hold onto the reins and the mane of the crazy horse. She didn't want to be thrown from it, because she was sure it would trample her to death with no one to rescue her out there. As it tore off into the grassland, though, Sabrina wasn't sure how long she could keep it up. She definately knew why the horse was named Nightmare. She was quite literally hanging on for dear life.
It didn't take long for her to lose her grip and have her fly off the saddle onto the ground. She hit a tree on the way down, which knocked the wind right out of her lungs. As the horse realized his rider was missing, he turned and tried to relocate her to trample her. Sabrina knew what would happen, so dragged herself to a hollow fallen log. She got inside just before Nightmare found her and started trying to get her out of her hiding place to ensure that she would never bother him again.
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Post by Rad on Jul 28, 2011 20:30:52 GMT -8
“Oh decisions, decisions.” Kratos, stated calmly, watching the antics of his beloved stallion as it pranced about the fallen log, sending a sporadic kick in its direction every so often. “To assist the damsel in distress or leave her fate up to death’s design? Well, who am I to challenge death? Nightmare, I leave the choice up to you.” Shrugging his shoulders, Kratos casually departed without as much as a backwards glance. If the unspeakable was to happen tonight then he at least needed an alibi.
After a prolonged investigation of the log, Nightmare at last grew tired. No longer wishing to continue his energetic attacks, the ebony stallion rolled on the grass, whinnying in satisfaction at the sensation of the fresh grass. Having reveled in this pleasure long enough, the horse got up, cantered over to the log, gave a few warning kicks as if to say, ‘you know what will happen if you DARE attempt to escape’ before galloping in a wide circle around the object and Sabrina as if guarding them.
Meanwhile, having satisfied his desire to devour all the tarts before anyone else had a chance to get to them, Memini had wondered outside in an attempt to discover the whereabouts of Sabrina and Adrasteia. Not trying very hard, he was just about to abandon his search when he perceived the silhouette of Kratos appearing from within the passages of the labyrinth. Inspired to do some mischief, Memini hid behind a statue of Medusa as he waited for his guardian to pass. Despite his disguise he still felt uneasy being seen by his guardian on the Exousia property. Particularly how he had heard guests whisper how unfortunate it was that the rear gardens were closed for maintenance he really shouldn’t be seen in some place he wasn’t supposed to.
With Kratos out of sight, Memini ran straight into the labyrinth without a second thought. Surely he’ll find an exit route eventually! As it was, dumb luck was smiling upon him that night and within minutes he had found the entrance to the stables. Curious as to what sort of horse his guardian had on show, Memini scampered over to the fenced paddock where he heard the tell-tale sounds of one of these fine creatures.
However, within moments his excitement turned to horror as he recognized the notorious stallion rumored to be more ferocious than a lion. His own stable hand (borrowed from the many in Kratos’ employ) had often attempted to appease Memini’s disdain at Dally by telling stories of how much more of a beast ‘Nightmare’ had always been. Yet, before he could run away, his terror was further enhanced by the thing he saw moving in the fallen log that the animal appeared to be guarding. Was that Sabrina?
“Sabrina, I know you love horses but this is ridiculous! You should know just by a glance that that monster is dangerous! I don’t think I can help you!” He shouted at her before hightailing it back to the stables. It looked like he was running away, deserting her again just like that time at the Lillington auction, yet reality was not so! Noticing that none of Kratos’ subordinates were around to tell him off, Memini dashed into the stables.
Picking out a benevolent chestnut mare, Memini opened the stable door, propped a few stools beside her and climbed onto its back. Memini was experienced enough as a rider to ride without any of the conventional gear…as well as be in drag at the same time. It was thus that the he and the horse galloped back to Sabrina’s aid, leapt the fence and came to a stop beside the log. “Hurry Sabrina, take my hand before Nightmare gets us!”
Unfortunately, Nightmare had already seen these latest intruders and not wishing to tolerate the presence of any more trespassers in his territory, was already charging at them like an enraged bull. It was a challenge just to keep the mare from running. “Come on, Sabrina! HURRY UP!” He shouted at her in panic. However, it really wasn’t her fault. More likely it was his. His arms simply lacked the strength to pull her up. Additionally, the fact that he hadn’t thought of using a saddle meant there were no obvious footholds to help her.
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