Topic: Reception Revelations

VikiChylde

Date: 2006-03-31 10:19 EST
Hey little sister what have you done
Hey little sister who's the only one
Hey little sister who's your superman
Hey little sister who's the one you want
Hey little sister shot gun!
- Billy Idol

Longden Castle, the dark, looming gothic presence in the east, was all aglow. Guests parted from their carriages and entered through the main gate. Upon their arrival, they were greeted with such festive d?cor: white roses and ribbons lined the walls and ceilings. The ribbons twisted into some fabulous design which was so wild it was thought to have been dreamt up by the bride?s cousin, for her imagination was legendary but the whispers of her delirium were far greater.

But Viki hadn?t thought of the design. She?s spent all morning and afternoon in David?s suite, huffing and puffing as the servants fretted over her dress, the style of her hair, and the condition of her shoes. The dress, a marvelous blue ball gown, sparkled in the light. The evening stars would shriek with jealousy! Viki grinned. She could hear them even now. Her hair, those chestnut-streaked-silver tresses, was in ringlets and piled high atop her head, a design mimicking the d?cor of the castle halls. She allowed the servants to touch up her face and paint her lips modestly before she broke free of them to wander the halls.

She didn?t wander far. Pretty soon, she was whisked away to help Tara prepare.

?Just once I would have liked to see what I looked like in a wedding dress.? Her cousin Tara stood before a mirror, but her reflection refused to show itself, probably because she was a vampire, and most vampires didn?t cast reflections. It was just as well, thought Viki. Reflections weren?t as innocent and honest as everyone thought.

?Oh you look like a million sparkling lovely things.? Said the girl, but to her dress, as she was busy fussing with the material.

But Tara only gestured to the mirror. When she did, the glass filled with a supernatural smoke.

?You look very lovely,? said Amthy, suddenly appearing from the hall. Now two out of three bridesmaids were present, and the maid of honour had yet to appear. Amthy?s dress was blue as well ? a tea-length, A-cut, chiffon dress in a robin egg blue. Blue had been Viki?s choice. It seemed she led the way.

?Cousin. .you look stunning.. you look, well.? Those off-blue eyes o? Viki were now transfixed upon the mirror and the smoke which swirled within. But, she managed to murmur: ?Waaaay too good for any man ever.?

Tara raised a hand. ?Do not make me weep, girls. You know how I detest weakness in any form.?

Victoria?s modestly painted lips curled into a full-blown smile. ?Of course cousin!? She shot a wink to Amthy, who was laughing softly and hugging Tara?s side.

?You'll ruin your make-up,? said the nymph.

?I am of noble blood, I will not....? Tara was trying desperately to keep in those pre-wedding tears. ?Someone go see to Isuelt, our gypsy is out there.?

But Viki was skipping in the flats she insisted upon wearing ? though they were crystal, and caught the lights of the castle as she walked by. She threw her arms around Tara's other side, squeezing.

?Do I look pretty enough for David tae eat??

?With a spoon, Viki,? giggled Amthy, ?or teeth, I imagine in this case.?

Tara began to cry.

?Of cousin! He?s nuh really gunna eat me. Please dun cry.? Her hands flew to Tara?s face and batted at the tears. She was frantic. ?An' all that paint is gunna run off and
make little rainbows and things down your face.?

Meanwhile, Amthy quickly snatched a handkerchief from her bosom and made her own attempt to combat Tara?s tears. ?Everythin' will be perfect, Tara,? she assured her.

?It damn well better be. This wedding is costing us both a small fortune.?

?Enough to have made me a princess?? The nymph inquired.

?Yes! Perfect. Forget all tha' stuff I said about Ayreg 'causing a mess since he's in love with you an' all.? Viki bit her lip. She wasn?t helping, was she? Then, adding quickly, she said, ?The flowers look especially lovely!?

But someone was out in the neighboring hall, pounding on all the doors.

?Do you hear tha' knock-knock-knockin? Or is it the walls whispering. Well. No. They aren't saying anything tonight. There are too many other voices..? Viki, who seemed lost in the chaos of her mental processes, wandered toward the door.

She was too late. It opened with a gentle push, revealing Isuelt, the maid of honour.

?Ah.... must be the place.? The gypsy said as she took in the new scenery: Tara, Viki, and Amthy, dressed in their wedding finery, surrounding by flowers and ribbons and perfume and the like.

?Isuelt!? Tara exclaimed, obviously relieved.

?Hey, dollface!?

?Oh you were the knocker then. Okay. Well. Hi!? Chimed Viki, the resident oracle, and she waved Issy inside.

Jewell, to everyone?s surprise, slipped in after her.

?Sweet Pea!? Amthy squealed. Finally, the bridal party was complete.

?The most awful thing just happened!? Tara said, pointing to her wet cheeks. ?A rain cloud just passed into the room an' rained on me! Aren't they dreadful??

Viki turned, staring at her cousin?s face. ?I tole you tha' you'd have rainbows all over!?

The gypsy spoke next. ?Ah...I hate it when that happens, sexy.?

?Oh Empress I thought you were mauled!? It was quite obvious that Jewell?s delayed arrival did not go unnoticed.

?Close to it!? Jewell grabbed a hold of the nearest wall and slid on her heels.

?Jeez....I just hate when people are late!? Issy teased.

The Empress winked. ?I know, how dare they!?

Amthy looked her over. ?Ooo, I so see whacha meant about the halter styled top really accenting you.?

Jewell beamed. ?Doesn't it, Am? I swear I look much more busty.?

?Okay girlies! It's time for a pre-wedding huddle!? Tara called. Instantly, Viki was gunning for them, one hand sweeping the fabric of her dress off the floor and gathering it at her waist as she ran.

?Now, we're gonna go down there, an' we're gonna show em who's Boss!?

What the heck is she talking about?

?Who's the Boss?? Viki asked with a tilt of her head.

?Wait!? Tara?s hand shot up. ?Wrong speech! That's for wartime.? She shook her head behind her bridal veil.

?Isn't this similar?? Jewell asked.

?Well, I don't know....that speech could work well,? said Issy, offering Tara a wink and Jewell and elbow of agreement.

?War?? Viki blinked. ?The cracks in the ceiling are at war with the ones in the floor. Always.?

VikiChylde

Date: 2006-03-31 10:47 EST
It's a nice day to start again
It's a nice day for a white wedding
It's a nice day to start again.
- Billy Idol

It was getting down to the wire now.

?Isuelt...? Tara broke through the chatter and pointed to a ring box on the bed. ?That is for Talomar. Please hold it and don't lose it or it's off with your head!?

Viki was elsewhere. Her eyes were very wide then, and still, and she had something of a far-off look.

?And there is one who used to be in the floor and is not anymore and is downstairs.?

The others didn?t hear her. They were too busy discussing the wedding and the guests in attendance.

?Where's Charna??
?That's a very good question, Jewelsie. Where is Charna??
?You okay, doll??
?Not bad! Been up all day looking for the lady in question. All night too.?

Viki?s far-gone state wasn?t long-lasting. Blinking, she snapped out of it, and gave Tara a huge grin.

She managed to catch the last bit of their conversation:

?I saw her downstairs....seems the rumors of her demise were greatly exaggerated.? Issy said, moving to take the ring box from the bed.

Viki stared at the gypsy ? hard. She knew! Of course, Viki completely misinterpreted this, thinking Issy had been referring to the lady which Ayreg melted, the ?one who used to be in the floor and is not anymore,? but rather, the gypsy had been talking about someone else.

?Ah. Good. I never know when the whispers are lying.?

We never lie.

?Okay girls, let's shake on it an' let's go down there an' git married!? Tara announced, extending her hands to the foursome.

?But you're the only one getting married.? Jewell was so smart.

?That's not the point!?

Viki adjusted her hair, her dress, and everything else, and then linked arms with Amthy. ?I'm gunna marry the best man. Dun tell.? She whispered.

?Oooh, he asked then?? Amthy?s voice was soft and hushed though hitched in excitement.

?Nuh. But the sofa cushions promised me that he would.?

?The sofa is usually right, you know.? Amthy confided.

Tara started for the door. ?Remember, stay close to me cuz if I faint I don?t want to be sporting a black eye on my moonhoney!?

No one quite knew what that was but no one said anything about it to the bride. Viki followed Tara?s lead, tugging Amthy in tow. Issy and Jewell weren?t far behind.

?Okay I hear music. Let's go.? Tara merely held a hand up toward the door and it opened for her. The Harpie Clan of Wayward Girls proceeded out of the room, down the hallway, and down the stairs.

Viki heard the castle groan beneath her crystal feet, as if it couldn?t quite handle them all at once.

VikiChylde

Date: 2006-03-31 11:47 EST
Hey little sister what have you done
Hey little sister who's the only one
I've been away for so long (so long)
I've been away for so long (so long)
I let you go for so long
- Billy Idol

As they walked, Victoria?s eyes drifted, in search of her lover. Ah! There he was: David Dupres, the best man and Talomar?s right hand, was at the Count?s side in front of the altar. Viki grinned and glowed all at once.

The groom looked nervous. The bride looked worse.

?I think I'm going to vomit.? She said, holding her dress as she moved down the stairs.

You would think after forty-eight times, she?d be less anxious?

But Viki was distracted, as per usual. There were so many eyes in the crowd, so many whispers and souls spilling secrets from those eyes that Viki couldn?t handle more than one thing at a time. Luckily, Amthy was close and her presence kept her centered.

Energy. There was a pull to one in the crowd, then a pull toward another, and all the familiar faces converged into one big mishmash of images. Viki gulped, gripped a handful of roses, and began to pluck the petals from the stems, tossing them in the path of the bride as they walked down the isle.

Meanwhile, Tara was softly barking orders:

?Issy, you do have the ring, yes??
?Victoria, stand straight, we've a reputation to uphold.?
?Amethyst, stop giggling, it makes you blush.?
?Empress, look alive for Christ's sake.?

David mouthed an ?I love you? to Viki from across the room. The self-proclaimed flower girl was still tossing petals in every direction. The flowers protested their murder, but she kept at it, unable to hear Tara?s order to stand straight as David's silent words had her full attention. She smiled brightly.

Music filled the hall and stirred the crowd as the procession advanced. There were ?ooo?s!? and ?ahh?s!? remarks of ?how beautiful!? and ?so lovely!? White petals were everywhere. Some fell on the heads of the crowd. Others fell where they were
supposed to - beneath their feet. Thankfully, all had arrived and were standing where they were supposed to be. Viki looked quite the little doll in her blue ball gown and high-styled hair. Tara was smiling at Talomar?s side. Issy stood just behind her. Amthy and Jewell were flanking Viki as they stood to the side.

Viki?s eyes flickered to and fro, bouncing from Wayward Girl to Wayward Girl, finally settling on Tara, beaming with bride and love for her cousin. The minister, a blond gentleman whom she did not recognize, began appropriately:

?On behalf of Count Talomar Longden and Queen Anne Marie Rynieyn, I welcome all of you here this evening as their honored friends to celebrate with them the joy and love they share as they join their lives together as husband and wife. Also on behalf of the bride and groom, I want to extend to all of you the invitation to remain in the hall
following the wedding ceremony for a fine wedding reception, with all the dancing, food, drink and revelry that you can stand. For those of you who actually can?t stand at the end of the night, we have rooms to offer and a hearty breakfast in the morning. You may be seated. Let us begin.?

Did he not begin already?

?Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the presence of you who are family and friends and esteemed guests, to join together this Man and this Woman in holy Matrimony; which is an honorable estate. Therefore it is not by any to be entered into, nor taken in hand, unadvisedly, lightly, or wantonly, to satisfy carnal lusts and appetites, like brute beasts that have no understanding; but reverently, discreetly, advisedly, and soberly; duly considering the causes for which Matrimony was ordained.?

The blond one looked to the couple. ?Are you ready??

They nodded.

This was all incredibly boring! Why hadn?t anyone told her? The stirring, fussing, mumbling, and whispering from the crowd was much more interesting. And did someone just clap? Even better, Viki wholeheartedly made eyeballs at David. Every now and then she winked at him, craned her neck to reveal more of her bare throat, and grinned impishly.

?Will you, Count Talomar Longden, have this woman to be your wedded wife, to live together in the holy estate of Matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honor, and keep her in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keeping you only unto her, forever and ever? Say.. I will.?

He?d better say ?I will.?

?I will.?

There was a loud squeak coming one of those assembled.

?Will you, Anne Marie Rynieyn, have this man to be your wedded husband, to live together in the holy estate of Matrimony? Will you obey him, and serve him, love, honor, and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keeping you only unto him, forever and ever??

Viki paused. Forever and ever? That was a long time for a vampire, wasn't it? The wheels turned. Was that wood burning? She took some time to ponder this

?If so, say,? the blond one grinned, ?Okay.?

?I will.? The bride did not grin back.

?The bride and groom shall now give their wedding vows.?

?Oh no.? Who was that? Kit?! Kit Rae?! Viki peered over her shoulder.

?I, Talomar Longden. take you Anne Marie Rynieyn, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, forever and ever. My love will never diminish, my protection will always cover you, my faithfulness will be unto eternity, and all I have is yours, Anne Marie, for you are my life.?

The squeaking continued. It was followed by a cough. Viki?s pointed ears perked to the sound. She turned her head slightly, spotting Ayreg in the crowd.

?And your vows to Talomar...? The minister said.

Instantly, Viki turned her full attention back to Tara. It was her cousin's turn! Good thing too. Viki had almost retreated from the alter area to tap Ayreg on the shoulder and inform him that the lady he melted was now sitting somewhere in the back. There was something strange about him. Could it be that he looked twenty years younger with his gray hair now black? Naw.

?I, Anne Marie Rynieyn, take you Talomar Longden to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, cherish, and to obey, forever and ever.?

?We shall now have the exchange of rings.?

VikiChylde

Date: 2006-03-31 15:17 EST
It's a nice day to start again. (come on)
It's a nice day for a white wedding.
It's a nice day to start again.
- Billy Idol

?Repeat after me...? commanded the minister. ?With this ring I thee wed, with my body I you worship, and with all my worldly goods I thee endow.?

The groom did as he was told. All this ordering around didn?t seem to sit very well with Tara. Viki hadn?t noticed. Her eyes were blazing. She didn?t want to cry. She wouldn?t cry. Her gaze drifted down to the flowerless bouquet in her hand.

?Do you have your ring for Talomar??

Viki thought she saw Tara scowl from the corner of her eye. ?Aye. Issy??

David threw her a wink at that moment. She smiled softly.

?Here you are, sexy.?

?Thank you, lovely.?

The ring was produced. It was a miracle.

?Repeat after me: With this ring I thee wed, with my body I you worship, and with all my worldly goods I thee endow.?

The bride spoke the words and slipped the ring upon her husband?s finger.

It was done.

But something was? wrong. A shiver ran down Viki?s well-dressed spine. It blasted her like a surge of electricity. She blinked and peered over her shoulder. It came from the crowd. Not all who gathered were ?dearly beloved.?

?Forasmuch as Talomar and Anne Marie have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before all gathered here, and thereto have given and pledged themselves to each other, and have declared the same by giving and receiving of a Ring, and by joining of hands; I pronounce that they are Husband and Wife from this time forward and forever. So be it. May you have poured out upon you both, the riches of life, the joy of love, the peace of security, the comfort of friends; and may you both be blessed in all things in body and soul, and live together in holy love unto your lives' end. Amen.?

What? No chance to object?

Talomar took his new bride into his arms, lowered his mouth to hers, and kissed her. Viki giggled softly and peered up at David. She?d ask him to play act that part later.

?Woo!!? Jewell exclaimed, tossing her flowers into the air. The audience followed with a round of applause.

Amthy was in tears. Viki turned to her and gave her a peck on the cheek. There. They were married too. She offered her the flowerless bouquet.

The minister had to shout over the rambunctious crowd. ?MAY I BE THE FIRST TO PRESENT TO YOU...TALOMAR AND TARA LONGDEN!?

?I wanted to be first,? said the flower girl, pouting firmly.

?I will love you until the Twelve of Never, Talomar Longden, my lord, husband and king.? Viki?s cousin and her new husband only had eyes for each other. But, pleasantries were foremost. They had to walk down the isle. They had to greet their guests.

Speaking of the guests, Viki turned to face the crowd, peering at all the faces. ?Some of them have secret things that are not very nice. The seats they sit on have heard everything. Do you hear their songs Amthy??

The nymph was still sniffling when Victoria spoke. Amthy threw her arms around Viki, in dire need of comfort. She was such a sentimental sort, and precious, and Viki liked her very much. ?Which ones??

Her stare was almost that of someone possessed, but she managed to speak, though still, it was soft. ?The ones with the little lights on their foreheads...? Her words trailed off, and the vision broke as David approached and pulled his little lover into a kiss. Eagerly, she kissed him in return, forgetting almost everything else. Her slender arms wrapped about his neck and she pulled him close. Unfortunately (or fortunately) little Amthy was still attached, so she had a front row seat for the kiss.

Meanwhile, the chairs were cleared away, and a grand feast had begun. The guests chattered among themselves and greeted the couple in turn.

?Boss would be so proud of you. For not vomiting at your wedding..?

?If only he had come to this one...just this once...?

?They should at least be serving a decent bloodwine.?

?You would think, what with the health status of the two chief participants.?

But Amthy?s curiosity was not satiated.

?How can you tell if they have lights??

Viki broke from her lover quickly and whispered to the nymph. ?The lights are pieces of them that come from their eyes and seep from their skin and they only come out when I need to see them..?

This would satisfy. The nymph planted a kiss to Victoria?s cheek before easing away to join Tara.

?I think that we should go say ?good job? and things like that now to Tara and Talomar, yes?? Viki peered up at her vampire lover then, waiting for her cue. When he nodded, she laced her fingers with his and they drifted through the crowd, approaching the new couple. Viki spoke first.

?Tara.. it was very beautiful.. did you see the flower petals I threw for you? The carpeting needed it, though I think I might've gotten someone in the eye.?

?I did! Thank you, cousin.? She smiled brightly, hugging Amthy to her side, who was still inconsolable.

??m so very happy for you, Tara.? The nymph shook through her tears.

But Viki was all smiles. She stood straighter and pressed to David?s side.

?Tara did you see the melting woman move? She is not in a thousand pieces anymore.?

?Nay, I think I missed that.?

Apparently, everyone did.

?Oh. Well, I just thought you should know.?

VikiChylde

Date: 2006-04-02 15:17 EST
(Pick it up)
Take me back home
There is nothin' fair in this world
There is nothin' safe in this world
And there's nothin' sure in this world
And there's nothin' pure in this world
Look for something left in this world
Start again
Come on
-Billy Idol

The crowd swirled around her. Voices converged and created a pleasant white noise which buzzed in the background.

?Looks like you're going to be popular.?

?No, so its good that you didn't waste your money on it.?

?I was honored to be invited. The two of you look absolutely magnificent. I think there is nothing you couldn't accomplish together.?

?Of course!?

?You know I heard some awful rumors about you, dollface.?

?Congratulations Tara. I quit.?

There was laughter and merriment and drinks were poured and spilled and people danced with one another.

?Nice...wedding.?

?Congratulations, Count.?

?Come. Let us pay our respects to the ... happy couple.?

With her lover on her arm, Viki smiled and approached Talomar slowly. She peered up at the groom with a moment?s hesitation before she threw her arms around his chest and pulled him into a hug.

?We are cousins now!?

?Hello cousin!? Joyous laughter followed suit.

The scene continued to swirl and move and shape those within. Happy faces, sad faces, jealous faces, all meeting one another with an air of pleasantry.

?I am very happy you came.?

?Congratulations, lass. I hope ye and Count Longden shall be verrae happy together.?

?I believe we will. He's a fantastic lover and I am sure he will be an excellent father to our son.?

?Thank you, Zonker! Thanks for coming.?

Viki had broken from the happy couple only to reattach herself to the best man. He curled his arms around her.

?Would you like a drink, beloved? I could sweeten it for you, if you like.? Her smile was slow and shy but not very coy.

?I was picturing you and me up there,? he spoke of the altar.

She instantly turned a shadow of crimson. ?Me too.?

?Viki and that David guy should probably get married now, since it is all setup,? said Chris, overhearing the lovers. He was always one to start trouble. Viki?s eyes were on the floorboards, looking very much a shell of her former self. She loved this man, but was quite the wedding amateur compared to her cousin. Speaking of Tara, Tara would throw a fit if Victoria and David ever announced their intention. No, the girl was not ready for marriage, and Tara was certainly not ready to hear of it.

The floorboards looked back and offered up suggestions.

Vodka, little one?

Yes. A Drink. She would drink. As David wandered away to greet the guests and the like, she meandered toward the bar. But she decided on drinking only green things this evening. Apple Martinis. Midori Sours. Melon Balls. Green was the colour of the evening, though her dress was blue and the flowers were white.

Unbeknownst to the girl, she had attracted the attention of one from across the room. Alysia?s gaze was one of intense study, as if she slowly realized the girl?s potential. Clearly, there was something very different about Victoria. Yet Alysia did not approach the seer.

Instead, it was Kristia who approached. ?You, Victoria, look smashing.?

Viki was in the middle of lining up all the glasses and peering into each one. It was an odd and private practice, but something she most enjoyed. The tumblers argued over who?d be first, who?d be last, and who?d be the best. She weighed her choices carefully, and then giggled, but to Kristia, it would?ve seemed like she giggled at nothing.

Then, ?Hi! Thank you. The sparkles were very much the in this year. Or so I was told by the dressmaker who did not like me because I broke her mirror into a thousand pieces for speaking to me terribly.?

Of course it was the mirror who spoke terribly, not the dressmaker, but this fact wasn?t obvious.

?Prolly served her right. That'll teach her to mess with you then, eh?? Kristia laughed. There was something about her laugh ? it was off and odd, as if she had too much to drink already.

But of course, Viki would then ask:

?Would you like a drink? I always drink when people ask me to marry them. I mean, wonder about marrying me. I mean, I hear things some times.? She clinked the glasses together, green liquid flowing from one class to the other. They tasted so much better that way.

Kristia?s fingers pulled at her lower lip, much like a hyperactive child who just couldn?t stand still. ?Oh yes, a drink... Wait, did.. mm.. David purpose..??

?This one is for sorrow. This one is for no sorrow tomorrow. And this one is for.. you!? Viki offered Kristia the Apple Martini and grinned. ?No. David is just thinking about it. His secrets always spill from his eyes like so many others here. There is a Lady who kisses me with her finger and she doesn't have any secrets that I can see, which means there are just so many more of them..?

?Thank you.? Kristia said, gingerly accepting the martini glass before peering quizzically at Viki. ?You wouldn't be talking about that Alma woman that I saw you chit-chatting with, are you??

?Alma. Her name is like little bells that ring like flowers.? Viki raised her flowerless bouquet. ?I pulled the petals off of these and scattered them all over. They didn't like it so now I'm going to bury them in the backyard.? She gave Kristia a small smile. ?Maybe they will grow into a big tree.?

?Where'd you meet Alma, anyways.. ?? Kristia pried.

Yet Viki was speaking to her drinks, or of them, but who knew? ?That one is for sorrow but I don't want to be sad just yet.? Then, to answer her:

?Oh. I met Alma... I met her with Tara, 'cause she knows Tara.?

That usually did explain everything.

VikiChylde

Date: 2006-04-02 16:01 EST
It's a nice day for a white wedding
It's a nice day to start again.
It's a nice day for a white wedding
It's a nice day to start again
-Billy Idol

A scream pierced the room ? Tara?s scream. Viki?s head snapped in her direction, her eyes widening as she found Tara bent over a garbage receptacle, clearly ill.

She offered up an explanation to Kristia. ?My cousin has another inside of her, and it is unlike the others that talk through her mouth. This one is silent and grows and will have a mouth and body of its own.?

?I'd heard.. aren't you excited? You'll be a .. second.. cousin??

?I am not sure.? She took a moment to ponder this, but caught the sound of her native language being spoken by someone in the crowd.

?Dosst lauske zhah renor.?

?Someone is speaking the language that I was taught when I was smaller than I am now.? She squinted, determined to find the source, but Tara?s situation seemed more than dire. Quickly, she changed her course.

?I think I'm gunna see if my cousin's okie!? She turned, forgetting the old language, and abandoned her search entirely as she skipped across the room.

?I think I'll go see too...? Kristia pushed off from the bar, her drink still in hand, and headed towards Tara and Jewell, following Viki. ?I vomited at both of my weddings!? She called after her.

?Tara! Tara! Tara! Are you okie??

?Aye, I'm fine, cousin, I'm fine!?

Then Tara was off to the ladies? room, bringing Jewell along for the ride. Viki was left with Amthy, and the inanimate objects which whispered warnings and secrets. For a while, there was an interesting exchange of words between Ayreg and Talomar, but this too died down, and Viki turned back to the bar, ordering a line of pink drinks this time.

The bar tender regarded her briefly as she hoisted herself upon the nearest vacant stool. ?Pink. I want everythin' pink.? He quirked a brow and dipped behind the bar to obtain a few mixtures of this and that, one of which was cranberry juice and vodka. The girl glared. ?THAT IS NOT PINK!?

She was on her feet now, up on the stool, towering over the tender as sure as anyone with a five-foot-eight height advantage would be standing on a stool. ?AND THIS IS RED WELL NOT REALLY IT'S A HUE OF RED!?

Chris looked up at her. ?Wow.?

Kristia returned. ?Beer.? She ordered, and glimpse at the hollering girl. ?Definitely need a beer.?

The tender stepped back, waving his hands up in surrender. Viki grinned. She'd won. All smiles now, she settled back down, sweet as ever.

?This is why I love the open bar...shite just starts falling apart eventually.? Chris said, sipping his drink. ?Mmm ya.. good times.?

Meanwhile, the tender had set several different concoctions up for Viki, just as long as she promised not to yell. She graciously taught him the difference between green and aquamarine, and pink and magenta.

Jewell approached, eyeing the line of drinks in front of Victoria, and stroking a bottle of tequila. ?Those are awful pretty.?

?Yes. They are always pretty until you drink them and then they're just inside of you and depending upon how pretty your insides are makes all the difference.? The seer replied.

?My drink isn't so pretty.? Jewell said, peering into the bottle.

?Careful. Sometimes when you look into things you fall and you get stuck and you don't even know it.?

?What is all that noise? Its like springtime in the glades of Faerie. ? Jewell sighed happily. ?Viki, you say the nicest things sometimes.?

?The noise is all those bells that everyone carries around. They're invisible because they only come out at weddings and the occasional graduation.? She grinned. ?Thanks!?

?Where do you hear the things you say?? The Empress inquired.

?Sometimes the floorboards tell me things. Sometimes the walls, but they whisper only and sometimes they whisper bad things. The ceiling does not like the floor, ever, so it is quiet for the most part. Then there are the secrets in the air that land in my ears, or the ones that spill out the eyes, because they are the shiniest so I hear them the loudest.?

?Where did you learn to listen?? Asked Jewell with an interested tilt of her head.

?I dun know. Some think that I always heard. Some think I didn't and then I did because bad things happened and bad things leave little shadows and holes that open up for secret things. And some think nothing of it at all.? Viki started to write in the condensation on the line of drinks she had in front of her.

?I think it could be the second. I had bad things happen and sometimes I just slip away.?

?I used to do that. Slip away and come back. Hear things only once and not at all. Not anymore. Now it is forever and always.?

Another pair of eyeballs had settled upon the seer. The gypsy watched from across the bar, struggling to piece together the conversation.

?I wonder if I will hear things one day.? Then Jewell turned to Issy, attempting to involve her. The gypsy?s interest was obvious. ?Do you hear things whispered to you??

?Oh....only when I've had too much to drink, cher.? The woman winked. ?Or slept with someone I shouldn't have.?

Viki gave Jewell a small smile and went back to writing on her glasses. Of course, the writing was nonsense, and meant absolutely nothing to anyone for now.

?That..is probably understandable.? Jewell said, eyeing her tequila bottle, as if waiting for it to talk. ?Viki hears things and I bet it makes life ever so interesting.?

?? and noisy.? The gypsy grinned.

As if on cue, the girl chimed in: ?Like, the glass in the middle thinks the baby will be fiercely intelligent and a threat to everyone in any sort of powerful position in all of the land... The glass on the left agrees, but does not have a sense of moral obligation to say so out loud, so I must pursue this argument further. The glass on the right doesn't think anything, except that the baby will be a boy, and have red hair. Or, reddish, because a red hue is not always red.?

Catch that, ladies?

They did not.

Laughter. Who spoke next? The bottle on the bar. ?Jewell the Tequila says it once was a maiden and you've killed her entirely.?

?A maiden, eh? Yes..I have done her in.?

?Do naut worry. We shall bury her in the backyard with the stems of the roses.?

?Shall we bury the stems inside the bottle so they may keep company with each other??

?Oh yes! And then the tree which springs forth from the stems will be the maiden reborn, as there are bits of her in the drops you did not drink.?

?Yes yes! And perhaps every spring when flowers bud forth they will be sparkling with glass.?

It was a grand idea, but the night would have to come to a close. As it wore down, guests trickled out of the castle, returning to their distant homes.

Victoria was one of the last.

?Well I am going to find David and ask him to reenact several scenes from the evening because I do so like the dress I'm wearing and I want tae dance with someone who can levitate.? She hopped down, kissing Jewell on the cheek. There was a flutter of sparkling fabric as she raced across the room, heading toward the stairs. Her cousin and her new husband were at the head of the stairs, looking to ascend to the bedroom.

Awkward?

?Hi cousin! Hi new cousin! I am off to muh room now!?

?Good night, Viki...?

?Goodnight cousin.?

?Seems David had a bit too much to drink.? Talomar was ever the observant one.

?Oh no, he will drink me later.? She turned and blew kisses to those who remained below. Then, with fingers brushing over her bare throat, she carried herself and the ball gown she wore up those stairs and to her room. The lovely thing disappeared up the hall, chattering to the carpeting as she went by.