Post by Isabella Swan on May 22, 2008 20:12:37 GMT -5
The man was glorious. His mousy brown hair often fell into a mess across his face, shielding his piercing green eyes of the world around him. He was the son of a Count whom had died. He went to live with his Uncle in Paris. His name, Tristain Dumount. He was methodical and well educated. He could see the war arising and he felt it was nothing short of hypocrisy. His uncle urged him to assist in the fight, to draw up plans to save the country. Tristain refused. He would often seek recluse in the busy streets of downtown. His face hidden from the world for so long, many would not know whom he was. Many did not care, the thought of war was coming, who were they to look to a simple Count in this time.
Her name was Casandra Hale. She was the daughter of Benjamin Hale, the blacksmith. On the days she did not work in the palace as a maid she would sell wild roses in the market streets. Anything she could do to help make ends meet and save up enough to move out someday when she found someone for a husband. Her long russet waves were nearly often in a messy bun, soft strands of brown slid in her face on occasion and she would push them to the side, only to have them in her face moments later. She was never cloaked in riches or fine garb, her clothing was a simple as she was, her dresses were often beige or white, her petticoats often second hand. But she was content. She fit elegantly into her mothers old dresses. The mother she loved and missed so much. If only the disease had taken another. Not her mother, why her mother?
Her eyes slid softly closed as she inhaled the soft scent of the wild rose. "Excuse me?" Her eyes snapped open, she knew that voice. She turned slowly, her soft strands falling into her face softly as her icy blue eyes gazed softly into the face of the man she knew, Count Dumount. She had only ever seen him in passing, and she could have kept her face down, as proper. Casandra licked her lips softly for but a moment before speaking gently to the man, her voice as mellifluous as warm honey.
"Yes?" The Count looked up at her and the moment his piercing hazel eyes met hers she felt her heart stop.
They stared at each other for but a moment before Casandra pulled her eyes away from him to her roses.
"Did you wish to purchase a bouquet for someone Monsieur?" He looked to her and smiled kindly. She had to remember to breathe.
Tristan nodded to Casandra softly and she nodded back, looking from him once again and working to make a bouquet for him. Her hands shaking softly as she worked to make the roses look lovely. She picked up a deep crimson rose and as she was about to set it, she dropped it to the ground. She blushed a soft pastel pink as she bent down to get it, gripping her gown as not to get it dirty. Tristain bent down as well, Casandra's hand rested softly on the rose seconds before Tristain touched it, his hand rested simply on her palm for but a moment before they both pulled away, the rose in Tristain's hand for some reason. Casandra was trying her best to hide her shaking hands. Tristain could not meet her gaze. Tristain handed Casandra the rose softly as he looked up at her, his mousy hair falling softly in his face, his smile kind.
"Here." He whispered, his voice was like the wind, it calmed Casandra within minutes of it escaping his lips and rushing to her ears.
"Thank you Count..." She whispered softly. His eyes lit up in slight surprise at her recognizing him, they softened a moment later.
"Please, call me Tristain." Casandra nodded. "And your name?" He asked her calmly.
Casandra smiled softly. "Casandra. Casandra Hale..." She whispered.
Tristain was taken back for a moment. "Hale? As in Benjamin Hale? The blacksmith." Casandra nodded. Tristain smiled. "He is amazing at his craft; he supplies all of my weaponry." Casandra nodded her head once more.
"I know, it was through your uncle purchasing his works that I got my job at a maid at your palace C... Tristain." She said simply.
Tristain nodded softly. "I see. Could I..." He looked at the sun, he should be getting back. "Could I... Possibly... Could I?" He looked to her.
Casandra smiled softly, bringing the rose to her lips. "Are you always this articulate?"
Tristain could not help but chuckle. "You make a fool out of the wisest men Casandra."
Casandra felt her cheeks flush once again as she curtsied. "You flatter me Tristain."
He looked to her. "I do not speak in jest Ms. Hale." His cool voice serious, almost caring.
Casandra felt her heart leap. "Please, Casandra... Call me Casandra."
Tristain nodded softly and looked to the sun once again. "Casandra..."
It was as if a wave of peace washed over him. That name. It calmed him so much more than he could describe. Casandra smiled at him when he looked back at her.
"Meet me where the wild roses grow, when the sun is highest in the sky... If you wish." She whispered softly before handing him his bouquet.
He shook his hand and handed her the bouquet back and then the coinage needed for its purchase. "Please, take your artistry home."
Casandra felt her heartbeat rise. "Thank you." She looked to the rose in her hand, the one she did not put in the bouquet and she handed it to him softly. "May you be blessed until we meet again... Tristain."
Tristain nodded. "We will meet again." She smiled and turned from him, to go home. Tristain looked to the rose and brought it to his face, his eyes closing.
"The meadow. That is where the wild roses grow. I shall see you soon, Casandra...." He headed for home.
Casandra smiled softly as she walked to her home, having sold all of the roses for that day. When she arrived to her home her father was waiting for her with supper.
"Casandra dear, you are later than usual... Slow day?"
Casandra smiled and looked at her father. "No, just so many people striking up conversations father." She said with a smile as she put the bouquet in a pitcher.
"Casandra dear, did you make that bouquet? You are getting better, it is lovely."
Casandra smiled. "Yes, I did. A gentleman on the street purchased it and told me to take my artistry home."
Benjamin's eyes widened. "A suitor perhaps?"
Casandra chuckled. "No father, just someone who marveled at my work...”
Ben nodded and sat down to eat.”Come eat Cas dear, you have worked hard." Cas nodded and sat down as well.
Tristain walked to the gates of the palace. "TRISTAIN! YOUR UNCLE HAS BEEN LOOKING FOR YOU EVERYWHERE!! YOU ARE IN BIG TROUBLE NOW!!"
Tristain rolled his eyes and walked into the palace, he met face to face with his infuriated uncle. The rose sliding behind him as his cool green eyes stared at him emotionless.
"WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN!?!"
Tristain scoffed. "It does not matter, I was not here. I am not confined to just this place. I am free to roam as I please Uncle. There is no war yet." With that he turned from his infuriated uncle and walked back to his chambers. Sliding the rose from behind his back to look at it and inhale its scent once again. "Casandra." He whispered, her name bringing him peace. "My Casandra..." He walked into his room.
That night when Casandra lay down to sleep her mind fluttered when thoughts of the Count she had spoken to today. What was it about him that made her breath fail her that made her heart stop at the mere sight of him? What had he done to her? She fell into a deep and dreamy slumber, her thoughts swimming of Tristain. As Tristain slept his mind slid to the meadow and thoughts of the girl he would meet there. Her eyes, so icy and pure, her voice, like honey. Her lips, like a red, red rose. He began to feel a pang in his heart, this woman, this angel, had bewitched him... Body and soul. Casandra awoke to the dawn as she looked out her small window, a smile sliding across her face. She let a soft sigh escape her lips as she got up and got ready for her day. She got dressed and prepared her breakfast and then set out to the market to use the money she got to purchase meat and other items. While she was there she looked around for Tristain, a part of her knowing he would not find himself here, a part of her hoping she was wrong. She got the meat she needed and some milk and eggs.
She stopped back to her home before telling her father she was going to the meadow to pick more roses and heading off. Her messy bun bobbing up and down as she walked, the wind blowing softly on her face allowing the strands of her russet hair to glide from her face as she walked The wind reminding her much too much of the mousy brown hair and intoxicating green eyes of Tristain Dumount. The day passed all too slow for Tristain. He wandered aimlessly around the palace, his thoughts on the small shred of hope that Casandra would be in the meadow today. That he would meet her and have a chance to speak to her without the watchful eye of the town. Casandra. His Casandra. He looked to the sun, it was nearly high in the sky, and he would leave now. He slid on his cloak and made haste towards the back of the castle and out to the gardens where he could make his escape. He was free, finally he was free. He moved with quickness as he headed to the meadow, hoping that Casandra would be there waiting.
Casandra made it to the meadow as the sun was reaching its peek. She smiled softly as she looked around at all of the roses. She took off her apron and then slid off her petticoat. Leaving her arm bare fore the sun as she wrapped her apron back around her. She smiled and walked over to the first bush, her hand sliding through the thorns as if they were moving away for her, as not to prick her ivory hued finger. She smiled softly as she slowly began the work of picking the roses she would take to the market the next day. She began to hum a soft lullaby, it was dreamlike, soft and calming, and the lullaby her mother hummed to her on her darkest of nights. To calm Casandra into blissful slumber. Her hands gliding agile through the thorns as the meadow filled with her lullaby.
Tristain was nearly there. He could hear a soft whispering sound, almost like a song, a melody, was someone humming a lullaby? He rushed to the opening in the meadow through the trees and looked through the dense branches to see Casandra. Her hair a lighter hue in the sun, as if some strands were golden. She was humming, he felt so peaceful. He walked through the trees and into the meadow as he listened to her. He let his cloak drop next to her petticoat, leaving him in his tight black pants and white shirt. He smiled kindly to her as he watched in silence, reveling in her beauty and the soft serenity of her voice. He was at peace in her presence.
Casandra stopped humming after a few moments. She turned and gasped at the sight of Tristain watching her, her hands to her mouth, the roses in her apron tumbling to the ground. Tristain's smile took her breath away. She blinked for a few moments, blushed furiously and knelt to pick them up. Tristain was there in moments and was helping her. His smile still on his face as he assisted her. When they finished they stood and Casandra swallowed.
"You... You came..." She whispered. "I did not think... I mean, I hoped...." She looked down at her roses in silence.
Tristain chuckled and resting his fingers softly on her chin, lifting her face so that his eyes could meet hers. "Are you always this articulate Madam Casandra?"
Casandra flushed and looked down before looking back at him, getting caught in his gaze for a moment before responding. "You make the most wise seem like fools..." She said softly.
"Yes, well, I could say the same for you." He said with a chuckle, his thumb sliding along her chin line, embracing the smoothness of her skin for a moment.
Casandra turned from him and continued picking roses. "Yes. I suppose." She whispered softly, her honey voice barely keeping its propriety around a man of higher birthright than she.
Tristain noticed. "Do not talk to me like I am your superior Casandra. Please."
Casandra looked to him. "Alright." She finished gathering her roses and took off her apron, wrapping it around the bundle and turning to Tristain with a soft smile. "Do you often come to random meadows and watch young ladies pick roses?"
Tristain chuckle and shook his head. "I do not. But there is a special lady whom I can not seem to stop thinking about. For her, I believe I would do anything." He said.
Casandra nodded softly, her face and tone softly serious. "And does she return this kind of emotion Sir?"
Tristain looked to Casandra. "I would hope she does, if she does not know I would at least hope that she knows that she is on my mind. Casandra nodded. "I believe she knows now..." She smiled softly. "I am sure she returns the emotion..."
Tristain nodded and walked to her, he was about seven inches from her as he looked into her eyes. His own shifting from kind a playful to meaningful and caring within seconds.
"Casandra..." He whispered, coming closer to her.
Casandra was silent as she looked up at him. The warm wind was blowing on the couple as they stood in silence. Tristain moved his hand softly to her cheek, his thumb stroking the skin there smoothly.
"Casandra..." He whispered.
Casandra swallowed softly as she looked into his eyes.
"Tristain... I..." She gasped. "I have to go."
She whispered and with that she turned and ran, clutching the roses in her arms as she rushed from the meadow. She had seen the sun; could it have really been that late? She shook her head, why had she not noticed before. How could she have let that much time slip away from her like that? She thought about Tristain and her heart plummeted, what did he think now? Tristain stood in the meadow in silence. What was she going to tell him before she left? He shook his head and turned to grab his cloak. His eyes widened in shock when she realized her petticoat was still there. A soft smile laced his lips as he picked it up and laid it over his arm, laying his cloak over it as he headed for home. He would return it to her in due time.
Tristain headed towards the palace but his thoughts got the better of him. He began to wander, before he realized it he was at the blacksmith's. A smiled crossed his lips as he walked to the door. His hand balled into a loose fist as he rapped on the door. Benjamin was in the living area and he heard it first, he stood and walked to the door and opened it. He stared wide eyed at the Count.
"C-Count Dumount... What a surprise!" He said, his eyes elated. "Do you have a job for me?" He asked.
Tristain chuckled. "Not quite yet Mr. Hale. I am here to return this." He said as he showed Cas' petticoat. "She left it in the meadow today."
"Father?" Casandra walked into the living area, her hair down in a loose braid, strands in her face, a cloth in her hands and a plate plummeting to the floor.
The crash got everyone out of their stunned state. Cas at seeing Tristain, Tristain, marveling at Cas, and Benjamin, shocked to utter stupidity that a Count would have his daughter's petticoat. Cas shouted with a start as she jumped from the glass. Ben rushed to her and made sure that she was alright.
She nodded to her father and panted. "I'll be right back father." She said and before Ben could say anything she had walked to Tristain. "Could I speak to you outside please Count Dumount?"
Tristain smiled and nodded simply as he turned, flashing a smile at the still gawking Ben. Cas closed the door and looked to Tristain.
"What are you doing?! You, you can't just come to my home... What if someone saw you...? Tristain you are a C--!!"
Tristain's fingers were to her lips before she finished saying that he was a Count. He shook his head.
"I am not Count when I am with you Casandra. I am a man, a man who must see you again..."
Casandra panted softly as Tristain handed her his petticoat. She shook her head in silence and turned to the door. Her hand on the handle.
"Tomorrow... Twilight... You know where..." She whispered before walking into the house, her father still standing where he was. Before she closed the door she heard Tristain whisper. "As you wish... My Casandra."
A chill went down her spine at the change in his words, from simply Casandra, to my Casandra. What did this mean?? Casandra set her petticoat on the table and went to clean the plates up. All the while her father was looking at her in utter shock and awe. She finished her chores and went to her room. She was at her window, brushing out her long russet waves when her father knocked and entered.
"Cas, dear... May we talk?" Casandra nodded. She turned to look at him as he sat down on the bed and took her hand in his. "Casandra... The man who gave you the flowers, was it?"
Casandra nodded. Ben closed his eyes.
"He is a Count my child. I know you can not choose whom to feel for but you must know the dangers. Your mother, God rest her soul, would have been better to talk to about this. Unfortunately I am all you have."
Cas smiled and rested her hand on his cheek. "Father. Do not worry."
He nodded and smiled, taking her hand and kissing it. "My little girl is all grown up. All I ask is that you be careful. Know the though you two may be humans of the same race you are not of the same stature and though this matters not to you two, it matters to world." He kissed her forehead and stood. "Don't be too late..." He smiled and walked out.
Casandra nodded and looked back out the window. "The world and they think... I can not stop what I feel..." She sighed softly and went to bed...
Tristain lay awake that night as he thought of the woman he was falling for. She was his angel. He could not wait to see her again. He did not know what he life would be without her now, she was all he say and though it was forbidden he could not help but feel that it did not matter. This is what he wanted more than anything, this happiness; he would not deny his heart it now. Not now, not now that he could have her, could have Casandra. His Casandra...
The day passed equally slow for the two. When they were apart is was as if life was not complete. Tristain made his rounds around the castle as he thought of the girl he could not seem to get away from. He went to town, hoping to catch a glimpse of her but his Uncle was with him, so he had to act inconspicuous as he looked for her rose stand. He saw her for but a moment, she was hard at work, her russet locks in her face, the messy bun looking as if it would fall any moment. He wondered what it would be like to run his fingers through her hair. He shuddered. He may someday get to do that. He hoped. When it was very nearly twilight he headed out for the gardens and then out of the palace walls. He made his way quickly to the meadow where he saw her. Standing atop the hill in a soft tan dress. Her hair in a braid now, a rose in her hand. He walked to the bottom of the hill and she turned to look at him, a soft smile on her lips.
They were together again, that was all that mattered. That was what made them content. And so it went like this. They were apart in the day but as twilight glazed the world in cool hues they would meet. The meadow became their sanctuary. They would lay in the cool grass and tell each other anything and they would never feel as if they needed to hide who they were. Tristain learned how Casandra's mother died from a liver disease and Casandra learned that Tristain's mother and father were assassinated. They spent months like this, learning of each other. Laying in the meadows and smelling of roses by the time they went home. It was heaven on earth for them, but it was not meant to last, as nothing ever is.
A soft laugh, much like the jingling of bells was heard from the meadow one fall day. Casandra was looking down at Tristain; the sun had finally come out and was shining softly on the happy couple. Tristain had just yanked off her bonnet and send soft waves of hair into her face, her messy bun surprisingly still intact. She was in a white gown, her petticoat still on; the gown had soft embroidery on it and looked to be like new. Seems it was a gift from Tristain for Cas. Tristain had laid back in the cool meadow grass and rested the bonnet over his face. Casandra was sitting in the grass, leaning on her hand, her legs stretched out softly, a smile on her lips as she laughed. She looked down at Tristain softly and whispered.
"What are you thinking about?"
Tristain opened his eyes and pulled her bonnet from his face. "You." He said simply. He sat up. "And how amazing you are."
Casandra blushed and turned away, only to have her face caught by a soft hand on her cheek, and turned back to face him.
"Why do you do that? Look away from me like you are ashamed..."
Casandra sighed. "I do not know..."
Tristain leaned in softly, his thumb grazing along her bottom lip. "Never be afraid to show me how you feel Casandra... Please."
Casandra nodded softly and looked deeply into his eyes. "Tristain..." Tristain smiled softly.
"Yes." Casandra rested her hand on his cheek softly. "You make me feel so... alive."
Tristain nodded and leaned in closer, his thumb sliding along her bottom lip softly still. "Casandra."
She looked up and into his eyes as he leaned in closer, his lips just a centimeter from hers as he whispered softly.
"I love you..." Before his lips collided with hers.
Casandra gasped just seconds before his lips touched hers but as soon as they did she felt her heart stop. She was dizzy but it was amazing. Her arms wrapped around his neck as she felt his free hand slide against her waist, pulling him to her. She felt like she was in heaven and so did Tristain. Their two hearts had finally become one.
Suddenly Casandra was pulled from Tristain and dragged away from him. Tristain was up in seconds, his sword drawn and his eyes filled with rage at the men who pulled her away.
“STAND DOWN!” He shouted at the guards.
“We have direct orders from your uncle to take this tryst into custody. Do not try and fight us, we are allowed to use force.”
Tristain scoffed. “You think you could take me.”
The head guard smirked and shook his head, flicking his sword to Casandra; suddenly she was screaming as on of the guard dug his sword into her arm. Tristain gasped and ran to her, but the guard knocked him to the ground.
“CASANDRA!”
“TRISTAIN!”
The guard smirked and started away. Tristain was up within seconds and he had his sword at the head guard’s neck.
“You dare hurt her again and I’ll kill you.”
The guard shook his head and pointed a Casandra.
“You kill me and they’ll slit her throat.”
Tristain dropped his sword in defeat as he looked to Casandra, pain filled his eyes. She panted as she was dragged away. He ran but stopped when a guard threatened to hurt her again.
“CASANDRA!” He shouted. “I LOVE YOU!” He fell to his knees as they took her away, sobs echoed through the night. He had to find her, had to get her back. He could not live without her.
Tristain ran to his uncle’s chamber, bursting through the door.
“UNCLE!” He shouted in rage.
“Ah, Tristain my boy… How are you?”
“WHERE DID YOU TAKE HER!?!?”
“Ah, you mean the spy? Well, she is being dealt with…”
“Spy!? Casandra is no spy! You buy your weapons from her father!!”
“My dear boy… You are a fool; of course she is not spy… But she shall be charged as one.”
“You wouldn’t!!”
“You do not know me like you think you do. We have a war to fight boy… You need to think about who you are fighting for; you have a duty to uphold. You are royalty, she is a mere maid! How dare you even think she is worth your time!?”
Tristain growled and reared back, delivering a swift backhand to his uncle’s face. He panted, his rage still not spent. No one talked about his Casandra like that. His uncle chuckled and stood.
“You are a fool boy… To think that hurting me will keep her alive. Make plans for me and you’ll see her again… Don’t and I’ll kill her.” He smirked.
Tristain growled again and left, his back to the chuckling demon who was his uncle.
Time passed like needles stabbing in his skin as Tristain searched the dungeons for his love. Each time he thought he had found her it was someone else. He could not find her anywhere. He had gone to every place but one, so she must be there, in the deepest darkest part of the dungeons. He shuddered at the thought; his love was in the place where murders and rapists went. He nearly vomited. He knew now where she was; all he had to do was find her and set her free. He had talked to her father and they would leave, all of them. Him, Ben, and Casandra would run away. Run away from this foolish war and those foolish titles. Benjamin said he would teach Tristain the art of his craft and they would all live together, Casandra and Tristain would be married, everything would be alright, they would be together and most importantly, they would be free.
He went to his uncle, intent on getting the key that he knew he had, but before he could do anything there was a great explosion, the war had come to their home. Everyone in the castle was screaming and running around; they did not know what to do. Everyone was in a panic. Tristain searched frantically for his uncle, he had to get that key! He found his uncle in due time, cowering in the corner. Tristain wrenched him out of his hiding place and screamed at him in rage.
“WHERE ARE THE KEYS!!”
“What!?”
“WHERE ARE THE KEYS!!”
“S-Save me and I’ll tell you!”
“TELL ME AND I’LL SAVE YOU!”
“In… In… My pock-cket… Here!!” He handed them to him.
Tristain smirked and dragged him over to the window. “You sorry excuse for a ruler… You will pay for taking my Casandra…”
Tristain leaned him out of the window as fire erupted in every corner of the palace.
“PLEASE! NO!! HAVE MERCY!!”
“YOU DID NOT HAVE MERCY ON HER!!”
“I’ll let you go!” He pleaded. “You can have her… I’ll give you money… You’ll be with her… I’ll even marry you… Please. Please!!”
Tristain panted and let him go, stepping from him. “You better hope she is alive you fool… If not, I’ll be back for you.” With that Tristain turned and sprinted toward the last place he wanted to think about his Casandra being at.
He found the dungeon in record time and fiddled with the keys for a few seconds. He found the key and opened the door, running through the darkness.
“CASANDRA!!” He looked around. “CASANDRA!!”
Suddenly he heard a soft humming, the tune she had been humming that first day in the meadow, the tune she had hummed many times with them together. Her mother’s lullaby.
“Casandra.” He ran in the direction of the humming and found her.
He quickly unlocked the cage door and ran to her. He wrapped his arms around her shaking and sobbing form, he could still hear her humming.
“I am here my love… Casandra… Please… We must go.”
Casandra looked up at him, even dirty she was beautiful and he had to remember to breath.
“Trist-Tristain?” She panted softly, a smile coming onto her pale face.
“Yes, it is me… It is me my love. Come on.” He picked her up and headed out the door.
He ran as fast as he could, dodging the fires and getting out as quickly as possible. He had to find a doctor; he had to make sure his love made it, how long has she been down there without proper food and clean water? How long? It had to of been a month or two, he thought of that time and it made him sick. He poor love.
He made his way out of the building and shouted loudly. “IS THERE A DOCTOR!!?!?”
People were so busy running no one listened to him. He ran to a safe spot in the grass and laid her down, still in his arms. He held her and rocked back and forth, he had to find a way to keep her safe, to keep her alive.
“Casandra…” He looked down at her.
“Tristain.” Casandra whispered softly as she looked up at him weakly.
“Yes my love?”
She smiled softly. “I love you too…”
Tristain felt an overwhelming sense of emotion as tears flooded his eyes. “I love you Casandra Hale… I love you so much…”
Casandra smiled and lifted her hand to his cheek, resting her hand softly there. She breathed softly as she closed her eyes. Tristain buried his face in her hair; even though it was caked in dirt and filth he could still catch the soft and subtle scent of roses. Tears flowed from his eyes and into her hair as he held her close to him.
“Tristain?” Casandra whispered.
“Yes?” He looked to her.
Casandra’s eyes were drooping but her hand was still resting softly on his face. He took that hand in his and kissed it softly. Casandra smiled.
“We will meet again.” And with that she let her soul drift into the darkness.
Tristain felt the tears stream down his face as he felt her hand go limp in his own.
“No… NO!!” He shouted as he gripped her. “CASANDRA!!!” Sobs of sorry and anguish erupted from his body and he felt as though he was convulsing. He began dry heaving as the sadness overwhelmed him. His Casandra was gone. He gripped her to his body as he continued to sob for his lost love, the other half to his soul, gone… Forever.
“She is not gone forever.” A cool voice whispered to him.
Tristain gasped and looked around him, standing before him was a great fallen angel. Her wings were black and her long hair never flowed into her face even though the wind was blowing.
“What?”
“She is not gone forever… You can have your Casandra again Tristain…”
“H-How?”
“You must find her.”
“What do I have to do?” He asked his voice sure.
“You have to shed your worldly body, become a Cain… To find her again.”
“I’ll do it.” He said, standing with Casandra’s body in his hands.
“You will have to murder millions… Survive lifetimes…”
“I will kill everyone and live for eternity if it means I’ll have her.”
Persephone nodded. “I’ll hold you to it.”
Suddenly a paper was in her hands. “This contract binds you to me… You and your soul. You sign it if you wish to enter into this agreement.”
Tristain nodded and laid his love down, his lips pressing against her cold ones softly for but a moment before standing and looking to her.
“I am ready.”
“Good.” She smirked.
“What do I sign with?” He asked.
“Your blood.”
He nodded and held out his hand. She took out a pen like needle and sliced his finger open, he did not even wince. He pressed his finger to the paper and signed his name, as if it was ink. As soon as his signature was completely he felt a welling pain within him as dark wings erupted from his back, his body was cloaked in black and his eyes flashed a darker hue. His hair turned a deep midnight black as he looked around. He looked to the sky and opened his mouth, screaming at the top of his lungs, the scream turning into a roar of so many emotions within moments as everything faded to black.
Her name was Casandra Hale. She was the daughter of Benjamin Hale, the blacksmith. On the days she did not work in the palace as a maid she would sell wild roses in the market streets. Anything she could do to help make ends meet and save up enough to move out someday when she found someone for a husband. Her long russet waves were nearly often in a messy bun, soft strands of brown slid in her face on occasion and she would push them to the side, only to have them in her face moments later. She was never cloaked in riches or fine garb, her clothing was a simple as she was, her dresses were often beige or white, her petticoats often second hand. But she was content. She fit elegantly into her mothers old dresses. The mother she loved and missed so much. If only the disease had taken another. Not her mother, why her mother?
Her eyes slid softly closed as she inhaled the soft scent of the wild rose. "Excuse me?" Her eyes snapped open, she knew that voice. She turned slowly, her soft strands falling into her face softly as her icy blue eyes gazed softly into the face of the man she knew, Count Dumount. She had only ever seen him in passing, and she could have kept her face down, as proper. Casandra licked her lips softly for but a moment before speaking gently to the man, her voice as mellifluous as warm honey.
"Yes?" The Count looked up at her and the moment his piercing hazel eyes met hers she felt her heart stop.
They stared at each other for but a moment before Casandra pulled her eyes away from him to her roses.
"Did you wish to purchase a bouquet for someone Monsieur?" He looked to her and smiled kindly. She had to remember to breathe.
Tristan nodded to Casandra softly and she nodded back, looking from him once again and working to make a bouquet for him. Her hands shaking softly as she worked to make the roses look lovely. She picked up a deep crimson rose and as she was about to set it, she dropped it to the ground. She blushed a soft pastel pink as she bent down to get it, gripping her gown as not to get it dirty. Tristain bent down as well, Casandra's hand rested softly on the rose seconds before Tristain touched it, his hand rested simply on her palm for but a moment before they both pulled away, the rose in Tristain's hand for some reason. Casandra was trying her best to hide her shaking hands. Tristain could not meet her gaze. Tristain handed Casandra the rose softly as he looked up at her, his mousy hair falling softly in his face, his smile kind.
"Here." He whispered, his voice was like the wind, it calmed Casandra within minutes of it escaping his lips and rushing to her ears.
"Thank you Count..." She whispered softly. His eyes lit up in slight surprise at her recognizing him, they softened a moment later.
"Please, call me Tristain." Casandra nodded. "And your name?" He asked her calmly.
Casandra smiled softly. "Casandra. Casandra Hale..." She whispered.
Tristain was taken back for a moment. "Hale? As in Benjamin Hale? The blacksmith." Casandra nodded. Tristain smiled. "He is amazing at his craft; he supplies all of my weaponry." Casandra nodded her head once more.
"I know, it was through your uncle purchasing his works that I got my job at a maid at your palace C... Tristain." She said simply.
Tristain nodded softly. "I see. Could I..." He looked at the sun, he should be getting back. "Could I... Possibly... Could I?" He looked to her.
Casandra smiled softly, bringing the rose to her lips. "Are you always this articulate?"
Tristain could not help but chuckle. "You make a fool out of the wisest men Casandra."
Casandra felt her cheeks flush once again as she curtsied. "You flatter me Tristain."
He looked to her. "I do not speak in jest Ms. Hale." His cool voice serious, almost caring.
Casandra felt her heart leap. "Please, Casandra... Call me Casandra."
Tristain nodded softly and looked to the sun once again. "Casandra..."
It was as if a wave of peace washed over him. That name. It calmed him so much more than he could describe. Casandra smiled at him when he looked back at her.
"Meet me where the wild roses grow, when the sun is highest in the sky... If you wish." She whispered softly before handing him his bouquet.
He shook his hand and handed her the bouquet back and then the coinage needed for its purchase. "Please, take your artistry home."
Casandra felt her heartbeat rise. "Thank you." She looked to the rose in her hand, the one she did not put in the bouquet and she handed it to him softly. "May you be blessed until we meet again... Tristain."
Tristain nodded. "We will meet again." She smiled and turned from him, to go home. Tristain looked to the rose and brought it to his face, his eyes closing.
"The meadow. That is where the wild roses grow. I shall see you soon, Casandra...." He headed for home.
Casandra smiled softly as she walked to her home, having sold all of the roses for that day. When she arrived to her home her father was waiting for her with supper.
"Casandra dear, you are later than usual... Slow day?"
Casandra smiled and looked at her father. "No, just so many people striking up conversations father." She said with a smile as she put the bouquet in a pitcher.
"Casandra dear, did you make that bouquet? You are getting better, it is lovely."
Casandra smiled. "Yes, I did. A gentleman on the street purchased it and told me to take my artistry home."
Benjamin's eyes widened. "A suitor perhaps?"
Casandra chuckled. "No father, just someone who marveled at my work...”
Ben nodded and sat down to eat.”Come eat Cas dear, you have worked hard." Cas nodded and sat down as well.
Tristain walked to the gates of the palace. "TRISTAIN! YOUR UNCLE HAS BEEN LOOKING FOR YOU EVERYWHERE!! YOU ARE IN BIG TROUBLE NOW!!"
Tristain rolled his eyes and walked into the palace, he met face to face with his infuriated uncle. The rose sliding behind him as his cool green eyes stared at him emotionless.
"WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN!?!"
Tristain scoffed. "It does not matter, I was not here. I am not confined to just this place. I am free to roam as I please Uncle. There is no war yet." With that he turned from his infuriated uncle and walked back to his chambers. Sliding the rose from behind his back to look at it and inhale its scent once again. "Casandra." He whispered, her name bringing him peace. "My Casandra..." He walked into his room.
That night when Casandra lay down to sleep her mind fluttered when thoughts of the Count she had spoken to today. What was it about him that made her breath fail her that made her heart stop at the mere sight of him? What had he done to her? She fell into a deep and dreamy slumber, her thoughts swimming of Tristain. As Tristain slept his mind slid to the meadow and thoughts of the girl he would meet there. Her eyes, so icy and pure, her voice, like honey. Her lips, like a red, red rose. He began to feel a pang in his heart, this woman, this angel, had bewitched him... Body and soul. Casandra awoke to the dawn as she looked out her small window, a smile sliding across her face. She let a soft sigh escape her lips as she got up and got ready for her day. She got dressed and prepared her breakfast and then set out to the market to use the money she got to purchase meat and other items. While she was there she looked around for Tristain, a part of her knowing he would not find himself here, a part of her hoping she was wrong. She got the meat she needed and some milk and eggs.
She stopped back to her home before telling her father she was going to the meadow to pick more roses and heading off. Her messy bun bobbing up and down as she walked, the wind blowing softly on her face allowing the strands of her russet hair to glide from her face as she walked The wind reminding her much too much of the mousy brown hair and intoxicating green eyes of Tristain Dumount. The day passed all too slow for Tristain. He wandered aimlessly around the palace, his thoughts on the small shred of hope that Casandra would be in the meadow today. That he would meet her and have a chance to speak to her without the watchful eye of the town. Casandra. His Casandra. He looked to the sun, it was nearly high in the sky, and he would leave now. He slid on his cloak and made haste towards the back of the castle and out to the gardens where he could make his escape. He was free, finally he was free. He moved with quickness as he headed to the meadow, hoping that Casandra would be there waiting.
Casandra made it to the meadow as the sun was reaching its peek. She smiled softly as she looked around at all of the roses. She took off her apron and then slid off her petticoat. Leaving her arm bare fore the sun as she wrapped her apron back around her. She smiled and walked over to the first bush, her hand sliding through the thorns as if they were moving away for her, as not to prick her ivory hued finger. She smiled softly as she slowly began the work of picking the roses she would take to the market the next day. She began to hum a soft lullaby, it was dreamlike, soft and calming, and the lullaby her mother hummed to her on her darkest of nights. To calm Casandra into blissful slumber. Her hands gliding agile through the thorns as the meadow filled with her lullaby.
Tristain was nearly there. He could hear a soft whispering sound, almost like a song, a melody, was someone humming a lullaby? He rushed to the opening in the meadow through the trees and looked through the dense branches to see Casandra. Her hair a lighter hue in the sun, as if some strands were golden. She was humming, he felt so peaceful. He walked through the trees and into the meadow as he listened to her. He let his cloak drop next to her petticoat, leaving him in his tight black pants and white shirt. He smiled kindly to her as he watched in silence, reveling in her beauty and the soft serenity of her voice. He was at peace in her presence.
Casandra stopped humming after a few moments. She turned and gasped at the sight of Tristain watching her, her hands to her mouth, the roses in her apron tumbling to the ground. Tristain's smile took her breath away. She blinked for a few moments, blushed furiously and knelt to pick them up. Tristain was there in moments and was helping her. His smile still on his face as he assisted her. When they finished they stood and Casandra swallowed.
"You... You came..." She whispered. "I did not think... I mean, I hoped...." She looked down at her roses in silence.
Tristain chuckled and resting his fingers softly on her chin, lifting her face so that his eyes could meet hers. "Are you always this articulate Madam Casandra?"
Casandra flushed and looked down before looking back at him, getting caught in his gaze for a moment before responding. "You make the most wise seem like fools..." She said softly.
"Yes, well, I could say the same for you." He said with a chuckle, his thumb sliding along her chin line, embracing the smoothness of her skin for a moment.
Casandra turned from him and continued picking roses. "Yes. I suppose." She whispered softly, her honey voice barely keeping its propriety around a man of higher birthright than she.
Tristain noticed. "Do not talk to me like I am your superior Casandra. Please."
Casandra looked to him. "Alright." She finished gathering her roses and took off her apron, wrapping it around the bundle and turning to Tristain with a soft smile. "Do you often come to random meadows and watch young ladies pick roses?"
Tristain chuckle and shook his head. "I do not. But there is a special lady whom I can not seem to stop thinking about. For her, I believe I would do anything." He said.
Casandra nodded softly, her face and tone softly serious. "And does she return this kind of emotion Sir?"
Tristain looked to Casandra. "I would hope she does, if she does not know I would at least hope that she knows that she is on my mind. Casandra nodded. "I believe she knows now..." She smiled softly. "I am sure she returns the emotion..."
Tristain nodded and walked to her, he was about seven inches from her as he looked into her eyes. His own shifting from kind a playful to meaningful and caring within seconds.
"Casandra..." He whispered, coming closer to her.
Casandra was silent as she looked up at him. The warm wind was blowing on the couple as they stood in silence. Tristain moved his hand softly to her cheek, his thumb stroking the skin there smoothly.
"Casandra..." He whispered.
Casandra swallowed softly as she looked into his eyes.
"Tristain... I..." She gasped. "I have to go."
She whispered and with that she turned and ran, clutching the roses in her arms as she rushed from the meadow. She had seen the sun; could it have really been that late? She shook her head, why had she not noticed before. How could she have let that much time slip away from her like that? She thought about Tristain and her heart plummeted, what did he think now? Tristain stood in the meadow in silence. What was she going to tell him before she left? He shook his head and turned to grab his cloak. His eyes widened in shock when she realized her petticoat was still there. A soft smile laced his lips as he picked it up and laid it over his arm, laying his cloak over it as he headed for home. He would return it to her in due time.
Tristain headed towards the palace but his thoughts got the better of him. He began to wander, before he realized it he was at the blacksmith's. A smiled crossed his lips as he walked to the door. His hand balled into a loose fist as he rapped on the door. Benjamin was in the living area and he heard it first, he stood and walked to the door and opened it. He stared wide eyed at the Count.
"C-Count Dumount... What a surprise!" He said, his eyes elated. "Do you have a job for me?" He asked.
Tristain chuckled. "Not quite yet Mr. Hale. I am here to return this." He said as he showed Cas' petticoat. "She left it in the meadow today."
"Father?" Casandra walked into the living area, her hair down in a loose braid, strands in her face, a cloth in her hands and a plate plummeting to the floor.
The crash got everyone out of their stunned state. Cas at seeing Tristain, Tristain, marveling at Cas, and Benjamin, shocked to utter stupidity that a Count would have his daughter's petticoat. Cas shouted with a start as she jumped from the glass. Ben rushed to her and made sure that she was alright.
She nodded to her father and panted. "I'll be right back father." She said and before Ben could say anything she had walked to Tristain. "Could I speak to you outside please Count Dumount?"
Tristain smiled and nodded simply as he turned, flashing a smile at the still gawking Ben. Cas closed the door and looked to Tristain.
"What are you doing?! You, you can't just come to my home... What if someone saw you...? Tristain you are a C--!!"
Tristain's fingers were to her lips before she finished saying that he was a Count. He shook his head.
"I am not Count when I am with you Casandra. I am a man, a man who must see you again..."
Casandra panted softly as Tristain handed her his petticoat. She shook her head in silence and turned to the door. Her hand on the handle.
"Tomorrow... Twilight... You know where..." She whispered before walking into the house, her father still standing where he was. Before she closed the door she heard Tristain whisper. "As you wish... My Casandra."
A chill went down her spine at the change in his words, from simply Casandra, to my Casandra. What did this mean?? Casandra set her petticoat on the table and went to clean the plates up. All the while her father was looking at her in utter shock and awe. She finished her chores and went to her room. She was at her window, brushing out her long russet waves when her father knocked and entered.
"Cas, dear... May we talk?" Casandra nodded. She turned to look at him as he sat down on the bed and took her hand in his. "Casandra... The man who gave you the flowers, was it?"
Casandra nodded. Ben closed his eyes.
"He is a Count my child. I know you can not choose whom to feel for but you must know the dangers. Your mother, God rest her soul, would have been better to talk to about this. Unfortunately I am all you have."
Cas smiled and rested her hand on his cheek. "Father. Do not worry."
He nodded and smiled, taking her hand and kissing it. "My little girl is all grown up. All I ask is that you be careful. Know the though you two may be humans of the same race you are not of the same stature and though this matters not to you two, it matters to world." He kissed her forehead and stood. "Don't be too late..." He smiled and walked out.
Casandra nodded and looked back out the window. "The world and they think... I can not stop what I feel..." She sighed softly and went to bed...
Tristain lay awake that night as he thought of the woman he was falling for. She was his angel. He could not wait to see her again. He did not know what he life would be without her now, she was all he say and though it was forbidden he could not help but feel that it did not matter. This is what he wanted more than anything, this happiness; he would not deny his heart it now. Not now, not now that he could have her, could have Casandra. His Casandra...
The day passed equally slow for the two. When they were apart is was as if life was not complete. Tristain made his rounds around the castle as he thought of the girl he could not seem to get away from. He went to town, hoping to catch a glimpse of her but his Uncle was with him, so he had to act inconspicuous as he looked for her rose stand. He saw her for but a moment, she was hard at work, her russet locks in her face, the messy bun looking as if it would fall any moment. He wondered what it would be like to run his fingers through her hair. He shuddered. He may someday get to do that. He hoped. When it was very nearly twilight he headed out for the gardens and then out of the palace walls. He made his way quickly to the meadow where he saw her. Standing atop the hill in a soft tan dress. Her hair in a braid now, a rose in her hand. He walked to the bottom of the hill and she turned to look at him, a soft smile on her lips.
They were together again, that was all that mattered. That was what made them content. And so it went like this. They were apart in the day but as twilight glazed the world in cool hues they would meet. The meadow became their sanctuary. They would lay in the cool grass and tell each other anything and they would never feel as if they needed to hide who they were. Tristain learned how Casandra's mother died from a liver disease and Casandra learned that Tristain's mother and father were assassinated. They spent months like this, learning of each other. Laying in the meadows and smelling of roses by the time they went home. It was heaven on earth for them, but it was not meant to last, as nothing ever is.
A soft laugh, much like the jingling of bells was heard from the meadow one fall day. Casandra was looking down at Tristain; the sun had finally come out and was shining softly on the happy couple. Tristain had just yanked off her bonnet and send soft waves of hair into her face, her messy bun surprisingly still intact. She was in a white gown, her petticoat still on; the gown had soft embroidery on it and looked to be like new. Seems it was a gift from Tristain for Cas. Tristain had laid back in the cool meadow grass and rested the bonnet over his face. Casandra was sitting in the grass, leaning on her hand, her legs stretched out softly, a smile on her lips as she laughed. She looked down at Tristain softly and whispered.
"What are you thinking about?"
Tristain opened his eyes and pulled her bonnet from his face. "You." He said simply. He sat up. "And how amazing you are."
Casandra blushed and turned away, only to have her face caught by a soft hand on her cheek, and turned back to face him.
"Why do you do that? Look away from me like you are ashamed..."
Casandra sighed. "I do not know..."
Tristain leaned in softly, his thumb grazing along her bottom lip. "Never be afraid to show me how you feel Casandra... Please."
Casandra nodded softly and looked deeply into his eyes. "Tristain..." Tristain smiled softly.
"Yes." Casandra rested her hand on his cheek softly. "You make me feel so... alive."
Tristain nodded and leaned in closer, his thumb sliding along her bottom lip softly still. "Casandra."
She looked up and into his eyes as he leaned in closer, his lips just a centimeter from hers as he whispered softly.
"I love you..." Before his lips collided with hers.
Casandra gasped just seconds before his lips touched hers but as soon as they did she felt her heart stop. She was dizzy but it was amazing. Her arms wrapped around his neck as she felt his free hand slide against her waist, pulling him to her. She felt like she was in heaven and so did Tristain. Their two hearts had finally become one.
Suddenly Casandra was pulled from Tristain and dragged away from him. Tristain was up in seconds, his sword drawn and his eyes filled with rage at the men who pulled her away.
“STAND DOWN!” He shouted at the guards.
“We have direct orders from your uncle to take this tryst into custody. Do not try and fight us, we are allowed to use force.”
Tristain scoffed. “You think you could take me.”
The head guard smirked and shook his head, flicking his sword to Casandra; suddenly she was screaming as on of the guard dug his sword into her arm. Tristain gasped and ran to her, but the guard knocked him to the ground.
“CASANDRA!”
“TRISTAIN!”
The guard smirked and started away. Tristain was up within seconds and he had his sword at the head guard’s neck.
“You dare hurt her again and I’ll kill you.”
The guard shook his head and pointed a Casandra.
“You kill me and they’ll slit her throat.”
Tristain dropped his sword in defeat as he looked to Casandra, pain filled his eyes. She panted as she was dragged away. He ran but stopped when a guard threatened to hurt her again.
“CASANDRA!” He shouted. “I LOVE YOU!” He fell to his knees as they took her away, sobs echoed through the night. He had to find her, had to get her back. He could not live without her.
Tristain ran to his uncle’s chamber, bursting through the door.
“UNCLE!” He shouted in rage.
“Ah, Tristain my boy… How are you?”
“WHERE DID YOU TAKE HER!?!?”
“Ah, you mean the spy? Well, she is being dealt with…”
“Spy!? Casandra is no spy! You buy your weapons from her father!!”
“My dear boy… You are a fool; of course she is not spy… But she shall be charged as one.”
“You wouldn’t!!”
“You do not know me like you think you do. We have a war to fight boy… You need to think about who you are fighting for; you have a duty to uphold. You are royalty, she is a mere maid! How dare you even think she is worth your time!?”
Tristain growled and reared back, delivering a swift backhand to his uncle’s face. He panted, his rage still not spent. No one talked about his Casandra like that. His uncle chuckled and stood.
“You are a fool boy… To think that hurting me will keep her alive. Make plans for me and you’ll see her again… Don’t and I’ll kill her.” He smirked.
Tristain growled again and left, his back to the chuckling demon who was his uncle.
Time passed like needles stabbing in his skin as Tristain searched the dungeons for his love. Each time he thought he had found her it was someone else. He could not find her anywhere. He had gone to every place but one, so she must be there, in the deepest darkest part of the dungeons. He shuddered at the thought; his love was in the place where murders and rapists went. He nearly vomited. He knew now where she was; all he had to do was find her and set her free. He had talked to her father and they would leave, all of them. Him, Ben, and Casandra would run away. Run away from this foolish war and those foolish titles. Benjamin said he would teach Tristain the art of his craft and they would all live together, Casandra and Tristain would be married, everything would be alright, they would be together and most importantly, they would be free.
He went to his uncle, intent on getting the key that he knew he had, but before he could do anything there was a great explosion, the war had come to their home. Everyone in the castle was screaming and running around; they did not know what to do. Everyone was in a panic. Tristain searched frantically for his uncle, he had to get that key! He found his uncle in due time, cowering in the corner. Tristain wrenched him out of his hiding place and screamed at him in rage.
“WHERE ARE THE KEYS!!”
“What!?”
“WHERE ARE THE KEYS!!”
“S-Save me and I’ll tell you!”
“TELL ME AND I’LL SAVE YOU!”
“In… In… My pock-cket… Here!!” He handed them to him.
Tristain smirked and dragged him over to the window. “You sorry excuse for a ruler… You will pay for taking my Casandra…”
Tristain leaned him out of the window as fire erupted in every corner of the palace.
“PLEASE! NO!! HAVE MERCY!!”
“YOU DID NOT HAVE MERCY ON HER!!”
“I’ll let you go!” He pleaded. “You can have her… I’ll give you money… You’ll be with her… I’ll even marry you… Please. Please!!”
Tristain panted and let him go, stepping from him. “You better hope she is alive you fool… If not, I’ll be back for you.” With that Tristain turned and sprinted toward the last place he wanted to think about his Casandra being at.
He found the dungeon in record time and fiddled with the keys for a few seconds. He found the key and opened the door, running through the darkness.
“CASANDRA!!” He looked around. “CASANDRA!!”
Suddenly he heard a soft humming, the tune she had been humming that first day in the meadow, the tune she had hummed many times with them together. Her mother’s lullaby.
“Casandra.” He ran in the direction of the humming and found her.
He quickly unlocked the cage door and ran to her. He wrapped his arms around her shaking and sobbing form, he could still hear her humming.
“I am here my love… Casandra… Please… We must go.”
Casandra looked up at him, even dirty she was beautiful and he had to remember to breath.
“Trist-Tristain?” She panted softly, a smile coming onto her pale face.
“Yes, it is me… It is me my love. Come on.” He picked her up and headed out the door.
He ran as fast as he could, dodging the fires and getting out as quickly as possible. He had to find a doctor; he had to make sure his love made it, how long has she been down there without proper food and clean water? How long? It had to of been a month or two, he thought of that time and it made him sick. He poor love.
He made his way out of the building and shouted loudly. “IS THERE A DOCTOR!!?!?”
People were so busy running no one listened to him. He ran to a safe spot in the grass and laid her down, still in his arms. He held her and rocked back and forth, he had to find a way to keep her safe, to keep her alive.
“Casandra…” He looked down at her.
“Tristain.” Casandra whispered softly as she looked up at him weakly.
“Yes my love?”
She smiled softly. “I love you too…”
Tristain felt an overwhelming sense of emotion as tears flooded his eyes. “I love you Casandra Hale… I love you so much…”
Casandra smiled and lifted her hand to his cheek, resting her hand softly there. She breathed softly as she closed her eyes. Tristain buried his face in her hair; even though it was caked in dirt and filth he could still catch the soft and subtle scent of roses. Tears flowed from his eyes and into her hair as he held her close to him.
“Tristain?” Casandra whispered.
“Yes?” He looked to her.
Casandra’s eyes were drooping but her hand was still resting softly on his face. He took that hand in his and kissed it softly. Casandra smiled.
“We will meet again.” And with that she let her soul drift into the darkness.
Tristain felt the tears stream down his face as he felt her hand go limp in his own.
“No… NO!!” He shouted as he gripped her. “CASANDRA!!!” Sobs of sorry and anguish erupted from his body and he felt as though he was convulsing. He began dry heaving as the sadness overwhelmed him. His Casandra was gone. He gripped her to his body as he continued to sob for his lost love, the other half to his soul, gone… Forever.
“She is not gone forever.” A cool voice whispered to him.
Tristain gasped and looked around him, standing before him was a great fallen angel. Her wings were black and her long hair never flowed into her face even though the wind was blowing.
“What?”
“She is not gone forever… You can have your Casandra again Tristain…”
“H-How?”
“You must find her.”
“What do I have to do?” He asked his voice sure.
“You have to shed your worldly body, become a Cain… To find her again.”
“I’ll do it.” He said, standing with Casandra’s body in his hands.
“You will have to murder millions… Survive lifetimes…”
“I will kill everyone and live for eternity if it means I’ll have her.”
Persephone nodded. “I’ll hold you to it.”
Suddenly a paper was in her hands. “This contract binds you to me… You and your soul. You sign it if you wish to enter into this agreement.”
Tristain nodded and laid his love down, his lips pressing against her cold ones softly for but a moment before standing and looking to her.
“I am ready.”
“Good.” She smirked.
“What do I sign with?” He asked.
“Your blood.”
He nodded and held out his hand. She took out a pen like needle and sliced his finger open, he did not even wince. He pressed his finger to the paper and signed his name, as if it was ink. As soon as his signature was completely he felt a welling pain within him as dark wings erupted from his back, his body was cloaked in black and his eyes flashed a darker hue. His hair turned a deep midnight black as he looked around. He looked to the sky and opened his mouth, screaming at the top of his lungs, the scream turning into a roar of so many emotions within moments as everything faded to black.
