A Lifetime In Thirty Days

The smoke filled room hummed with the whispered voices of its patrons; their hushed voices clashing with the scraping of silverware against the adjuring porcelains as the more lonely of maidens sauntered around the room in their billowing gowns in hopes of gaining the interest of whichever eligible bachelor had the merit and namesake worthy enough to capture their hearts and thus in turn rescue them from a life of mediocrity and disappointment that came with the term “crone”.

The sounds of men congregating nearby alerted Delilah that her time at the table would soon come to an end- if only she hoped not to be roped into the incessant drivel that came with the conquests of matrimony and the future not yet ahead of her. She felt her gaze begin to drift towards the nearest exit, only to ensure she’d be able to memorize its route if the path should be found congested come the newest surge of newly bloomed ladies- always followed closely by their mamas whispering harsh lessons of grace and submission before thrusting the timid doe onto the hunting grounds.

As she pondered her first years as a fully bloomed woman; the wonder that had grasped her heart followed closely by the pseudo-nausea that had shadowed her throughout the night as suitors came and went- each with their own set of standards that she’d never aspire to meet, remembered the shock of disappointment as she realized she was condemned to the life of being the wife of so and so duke or lord that could pay the correct price for her body- regardless of whether or not her heart was included in the package.

The throbbing pangs that had started to wash through her brain fogged her vision, before she could fully regret her choice in attending this event, the chair across from her slid away; the empty seat quickly being filled with a savage looking woman. For a while the two made no move to converse- though Delilah revelled in the opportunity to assess the stranger, she was relatively bulky for a woman with wide shoulders and hips to match; the pantsuit that she adorned as well as the unkempt way she allowed her hair to coil upwards into the sky- as if it defied the gods and gravity alone- drew the attention of the other patrons.

The heavy chatter silenced as the musicians halted their piece, for a whale it seemed as though everyone waited to see how she would react- if she would fulminate the sudden attention and attack the nearest person; which Delilah realized fearfully, would be her. Suddenly the woman looked around, her dark eyes glinting in the dim lights as she waved a barmaid close, ordering a simple brandy before sending a reassuring grin around the room. Slowly the conversations restarted- though the tense atmosphere refused to alleviate itself as the young woman once again drew her eyes to the exit, this time with a renewed vigor to find an acceptable way to announce her departure without alerting her mama of the unfortunate evening she had endured.

“You’re my soulmate.” She heard from across from her.

Delilah’s eyes darted from their place across the foyer back to the stranger that sat herself at the young woman’s table- the dismissal that she’d grown used to delivering hung lightly between her lips as she stared in wonder at the stranger woman. 

“I beg your pardon?” She replied lightly, giving this deranged woman the chance to backtrack her brash words, claiming her as a supposed soulmate and retreat back into the shadows from which she had come.

“I am yours, and you are mine- my heart; my spirit and my soul is yours and yours alone and yours the like, make any demand and I will grant it simply because I wish to experience your joy and be able to say I was the cause of it.” The unscrupulous woman flashed a set of bright incisors, sharp as the tips of a snake’s fang yet her dark eyes remained easy, as if she were an old and cherished friend that had sidled into town for a simple reunion before settling into their own. 

The ease in which the wild woman spoke sent shivers down Delilah’s spine- she had grown used to the desires of those around her; her mama’s desire for her marriage, her father’s desire for a worthy heir, the desires of men wanting her body and to possess her very being. However, there had never been a point where anyone had been inclined to ask what she desired and for once- she had no idea either.

For a moment the duo sat in a tantalizing silence, Delilah’s eyes danced around the stranger’s features- not quite allowing her gaze to settle on one side for too long in fear of being entranced by this rugged brute’s dishevelled wonder and silver tongue.

“How exactly am I to be yours and you mine if I do not so much as know your name?” She retorted, the air of indignation was palpable enough to bring forth a wave of embarrassment that encompassed Delilah like a warm embrace- capturing her in heat that brought a flush to her cheeks that she’d not experienced since she, herself, were no more than a schoolgirl attempting to flee from her realities with nonsensical tales of heroism and romance that she’d acquired from her wilted nan during the years of her decline. 

“You wish to know my title?” The wild woman asked thoughtfully, as if she’d expected as much to come from her silly little blether. “Of course, I would expect nothing less from a woman of your nobility. I am Adelaide, daughter of Nehem and warrior for the kingdom of Eldoria under the reign of King Ambrose Bartholomew- first of his name, protector of the realm.” The genuinity that the wild woman took Delilah’s breath away- of course she could have been spinning tales in hopes of disarming her defenses; however, every fiber of the woman’s being was urging her to trust this Adelaide character- if only to further listen to her strange voice.

Delilah couldn’t help the smirk that crossed her face as the strange, wild woman finished reciting her spiel with enough pride to fill  the room- and though she still remained a mystery, the young woman couldn’t help but take in each syllable that this Adelaide spoke; hanging onto the slight lilt to her dialect as her mind travelled in hopes of pinpointing exactly where this Kingdom of Eldoria stood.

“A warrior? Oh, how nobel that is- however, women can not serve as guard.” She corrected lightly, hoping her splash of reality would not cause the entire fantasy to unravel. 

“Women can not serve here.” Adelaide interjected, the explicit emphasis caught Delilah’s attention- she had not heard of a world in which it was anything short of shameful for a woman to see the ravages of war, of course she’d heard of the tales of both nobel and impoverished women alike stripping themselves of their dressing gowns and tossing aside their embroideries in turn for plated armors and weapons that would have their mamas spiraling into a timely grave; however those stories were told as warnings towards young girls to never let their fantasies best their control, lest you end up alongside the shrew spinsters that dared to dream beyond their homemaking duties. 

“But in Eldonia-”

“Eldoria.”

“Of course, my mistake, Eldoria. Women there are allowed to serve?” Delilah questioned teasingly, her body slightly curving to better face the wild woman as she unravelled her reality altering saga that she claimed to be her life.

“Of course, we can serve or lead or simply exist with the ones we love; it is the best place to live and the best to serve.” Delilah caught herself asking for details of this strange and backwards world that this even stranger, and possibly mad woman had seemingly emerged from; each question revealed answers that only added to the ever growing wonder she felt- for a moment she felt young again. It was as if she had turned back the hands of time and now sat at this table as no more than a dewy eyed child, sharing a moment of wonder with this strange woman whose eyes never seemed to leave Delilah for more than a second before refocusing on the woman. 

The hours ticked forward as Adelaide drew her a mental portrait of billowing hillsides with vibrant flowers of every shape and size, shining towers as tall as the eyes can see and the sounds of harmony that she longed to return to. She spoke of the family that she’d left- a slew of siblings, each with their own sets of small oddities and annoyances that she playfully complained about and the companions she had encountered through her years of service; Delilah listened intently to each of her tales- only interrupting slightly to get clarification from the wild warrior that now pulled her seat close to hers. 

Eventually the wild Adelaide turned her attention towards Delilah, the intense gaze that she had grown acquainted with now set in a different way as she shifted to listen to what the young woman had to say; no longer was her gaze long, as though she were looking back through time- to a refined focus that left no room for doubt that she had every intention to drink up anything that came from Delilah. 

Delilah pondered on whether to tell her the truth of her life or to weave up a more exciting tale, one that would be a worthy match to the exquisite wonder that this rugged beauty had presented her with; however a larger part felt as though it would do no justice to build her life up to be some fantastical epic only to succumb to the disappointment of what truly lie beneath the glamor that she would invent. And so with a heavy heart she began winding her own tale; one of a mundane girl born to regular, repetitious nobels and living an unremarkable life, lying in wait for a less than ideal future that would open the doors to a more quotidian existence that she’d have to grin and bare through until her body finally gave way to a better and more beautiful version of herself to take her place- in hopes of undoing the tediousness that clung to their bloodline like the remnants of an unsightly plague. 

Adelaide watched as the other woman’s demeanor seemed to deflate; the weight of her words seemingly dragging her further into her seat as she recalled moments that she would deem inconsequential- that built an image of this fascinating woman that urged Adelaide to continue to construct under the woman's careful yet self deprecating words. As the young woman came to an end of her tale, laced with contempt and self loathing- Adelaide found herself searching the steadily emptying room. 

“Would you fancy a stroll with me?” The wild Adelaide asked her Delilah; a note of sadness lingering in her tone as she met the young woman’s longing gaze.

Delilah jolted slightly before letting out an exasperated chuckle- the sound not quite reaching her eyes as she, too, looked around the room; meeting the gazes of the lingering patrons that had yet to take their eyes off of the unique stranger. “It is much too late for us to be wandering around.” Delilah proclaimed, her thoughts wandering to the possibilities that would come from disappearing into the night with the feral looking woman.

The resounding smirk that spread across the woman’s face was equal parts daunting as it was exhilarating- Delilah was rendered breathless as she watched as her mystery woman stretched the kinks out of her broad frame before settling back in her seat, the boyish way she sat slumped yet poised so gracefully that she wondered if god had personally taken the time to craft her figure into that very seat. “What is the worst that could happen?” Adelaide teasingly probed, her thick shoulder rising and falling easily as she shrugged away her own question.

Delilah had never taken much note of the more vain interests of man, had yet thought of the nape of a neck nor the slight curves that accentuated the female body; or at least no more than the regular dame or mama observing the local blossoms as they paraded themselves amongst the classes. However,she was stunned by her sudden fascination with the smooth bone that poked from beneath her companion’s uncollared evening shirt- the way her lips slowly wrapped around the rim of the glass, so soft and supple looking; the warmth once again enclosed the young woman- sending flutters of excitement through her, warming her chest and filling the pit of her belly with a hunger that she had never known. “What if we were to be robbed?” She asked, her genuine fear melting away to a playful jest that leveled with the wild Adelaide.

“Then I’ll be sure to commiserate the family of the madman so out of his wits as to attack a courting knight, especially in the presence of such radiant grace as yours.” Adelaide’s raspy tone sent the flurries of excitement springing from Delilah’s chest to the cavity below her belly, filling her with a desire unknown to the starstruck young lady; however, before she could contemplate such an improper proposal- she heard a familiar voice cut through the alluring aura that had surrounded the duo.

“Delilah!” The sound of her mama’s shrill voice captured the attention of the wild Adelaide- one of the scarce moments that her eyes were not locked onto Delilah’s, the severed contact seemingly unraveling the cloak of enchantment that had shielded the two from the realities surrounding them.

Delilah suddenly became all too aware of the thinly veiled looks of distaste from passing ladies, the barely hushed hum of disgusted chatter as the Lords scornfully eyed the seat that her companion was lazily slumped in, and in that regard, her as well. 

Her apprehension augmented as she pivoted, finally facing the familiar tight-eyed smile that her mama reserved particularly for these moments; when Delilah’s unruliness disrupted the future that had been laid out for her since conception, when her wandering mind and starry-eyes disgraced her hitherto chagrined parents.

Delilah remembered a time when she'd question her worthiness to her parents; she acknowledged, even despite their furthest objections, that they too would have preferred her to have been the wanderer she dreamt of becoming- if only to say that she was of some use. They would have accepted a lady donning chain link and taking a knee for the honor of their bloodline, rather than a helpless dreamer- only capable of hearing wonders. 

Delilah’s eyes traveled once more to the wild, free Adelaide; her mind once more clouding over as she mulled over the duration of their conversation- questioning herself on whether this enchantress would have truly been proud to claim such a dull woman as her own. And moreso, why did the idea of such a claim draw the dazed lady more into the glamorous world that this wild woman offered?

  “Delilah.” Her mama's shrill tone now came out menacingly low; full of voiceless threats of isolation and confiscation of what small trinkets she held dear, which meant that it was time for Delilah to awaken from her silly dreams once more.

“Of course mama, forgive my impertinence.” She pleaded; her perfectly rehearsed apology settled on the tip of her tongue, though remaining so as her mama harshly grabbed her under the arm- drawing her near enough that their billowing skirts shielded her mother's fingers from view as they painfully pinched the soft skin of her wrist. Regardless of how often she'd endured the small punishment, Delilah still jumped at the sudden sting before the slight pains were closely accompanied by a wave of shame at the harsh reminder of her impudence.

Silently, and without a sparing glance towards the wild woman that had encaptured Delilah’s attention so thoroughly, her mama began dragging the young lady towards the emptied entry hall ere she was able to bid her companion ado herself; she felt her cheeks begin to burn once again- however this time it was not out of fluster rather humiliation.

 She had made a spectacle of herself once again; had forgotten her fickle place and ersatz position in this upright world of white purity, lost within the unknown wonders of the world hidden within the black- both so stark that the contrast refused to merge as the fallacious opalescence squandered the notion of that that lie beyond the shadows in fear of dismantling what had already been established.

The pulsations in her temple reached a new apotheosis- sending frissons of terror to her nerves and icing her veins as her vision wavered between a wall of blissful darkness and the judgement of the high society she had been bred to thrive in, concurrently she found herself almost grateful for the sounds of blood rushing through her ears- for the nausea inducing experience drowned out the murmurs of gossip that she would surely pay for in the morrow. 

The unexpectedly brisk winds of the gardens greeted Delilah- the light winds delicately winding through the few escaped tendrils that had gone against  her notice; in that second she felt as though she had stumbled into Eldoria. In the moonlight, the lush greens and audacious flowery that adorned the perimeter of the establishment decorated the world in a vibrancy that she had yet to experience in the near two decades of life that she’d survived; her feet drifted towards the shaded beauty of their own accord, her hands swinging up in an attempt to grasp said marvel- ensure its reality and covet the sight, in hopes that it too would be able to survive this genocide of imperfection.

“Delilah!” Another pinch met her wrist, sending a pained hiss flowing from between her teeth- saturating the ever quieting night with another reminder of her inadequacies as her mama pulled her forward; away from the haze that had taken over Delilah’s mind, clouding her judgement and molding a dream that she had long since thought buried. 

She would have never made it to Eldoria, could not covet the allure that surrounded her, nor could she escape her fate in the dreams of a mad woman that would disappear by the morning dawn. At last, she hung her head in defeat; recognizing her own weakness and her unwillingness- or rather inability- to fight against what had already been decided for her, before her shame could further bear down onto her psyche, she felt a different presence appear behind her.

A thick, sinewy arm coiled itself firmly around her waist- lifting Delilah from her feet and whirling her away from her stupefied mama’s confinement whilst replacing their own person between the two discombobulated ladies, drawing Delilah close enough to their defensive physique for the lady to breathe in the faint scents of the champagne that had flown freely through the evening- could catch notes of firewood and sweat as she leaned into the familiar build of her savior.

“Unhand her, you deplorable imp.” Adelaide’s gruff tone rang out from the darkness, halting the young woman’s woes as she revelled in the thought that her wild Adelaide had come for her- rescuing her from the mundane and daftness that had cleaved itself into her familial lineage; stemming from their own greedy desire to assimilate into the prodigious influence that was high society. 

“Why, how dare you?” Her mama exclaimed, clutching the hand that she had been using to guide her daughter towards their carriage.

“How dare I?” Adelaide questioned, the insult shining clearly as she spoke. “How dare you stand in my presence and believe you would be worthy to not only drag my beloved from me- but then to harm her to my face; you believe yourself so righteous as to mistreat such elegance?”

“‘Your beloved?’ Delilah, what does this barbarian speak of?” The madam began, shifting her gaze from the formidable creature before her and arcing around to fix her eyes on Delilah; however her attempts to interrogate her daughter came to an exasperating halt as the mysterious woman shifted her position in order to further shield the other lady’s petite figure. 

“She will not perturb herself with the meaningless drivel of the inconsequential- especially not when such twaddle is from a pugnacious wench such as yourself.”

“Pugna- Delilah! Are you going to twiddle your fingers whilst this unrefined brute slanders me with such malicious fabrications?” She demanded haughtily, her cheeks staining red from indignation. 

Adelaide felt her resilient dove stiffen from behind her; could almost feel her desire to escape her mama’s fury- run away into the night, away from the stifling expectations that smothered the blazing inferno that drove her to desire more. 

“You will address me from this point onwards.” Adelaide replied in haste, allowing her beloved to relax once more into the back of her coat- which Delilah held firmly between her clenched fingers.

“I will not take orders from some queer outsider, I am speaking with my daughter; as the lady of house Tudor and her mother- you will not patronize nor ignore me.” 

“I will not patronize you, so long as you extend the same respects to my Delilah.” Adelaide insisted easily, her tone matter-of-fact as she stared down the ignoble bint; daring her to make an assay for the trembling dove that clung so closely to the warrior.

Silence fell upon the trio as the dame studied the strange woman; finally taking in her mesomorphic build, as well as the contrastingly delicate features that were partially concealed behind her wild- yet striking coils that pulled the rugged temptress to completion. A distressingly amused leer took its place on the dame’s face as a wicked cackle emerged from her fubsy form, rocking her body as the chortles echoed through the air.

“Your Delilah?” She gasped between her fits. “Oh my, darling, is this why you refuse your suitors with such vigor?” Her words permeated Delilah- piercing the deepest chambers of her soul, resonating the shame that the wild Adelaide had helped nullify in the short time they had become acquainted. A part of her had luxuriated in the spell of blissful wonder that she had experienced under the beguiling lamplights, the childlike joy she had felt whilst speaking of the land far beyond this drabby existence and the hopes that arose when promised the opportunity to witness such a marvel. 

Once again her body moved against Delilah’s best judgement, not enough to fully bare her frightened frame to her mama- but enough that their eyes met as she nodded her admission, causing an off-putting flush to wash over the dame; staining her face and chest a striking shade of crimson.

“You wish to disgrace your father and I, abandon all that we have provided and sacrifice and for what? A meretricious fallacy built upon the aspirations of a lunatic and a nugatory crone that ne’re grew from her puerile delusions!” 

“No, I would ne-”

“Or would you rather we face the opprobrium of those we once considered close, deal with the isolation that is sure to come with you running off into the night with some brute?”

“I-” Adelaide could sense the effect the woman’s words had on Delilah, could hear the doubt creeping into each of her words- straining the vision that they had created throughout the duration of their conversations.

“She is a resilient woman, capable of paving her own path.” Adelaide cut in, extending her hands behind her towards the trembling woman, who took them quickly into her own clammy ones. “As her mother you are responsible for ensuring she has the skills and traits necessary for doing as such; unless you are to tell me that you had no hand in her upbringing or alternatively that you had failed in your duties as a member of the fairer sex, then I trust that Delilah has the acuity to make the decision as to what she wishes for her future- regardless of the bits of gossip that shall arise from the more opportunistic members of society.”

The dame stood flabbergasted, mouth gaping as she attempted to regain her footing in the conversation- however, the set of her daughter’s lips and the manner in which her shoulders squared as she finally revealed her full person; stepping out from behind the sulking beast of a woman.

“I will not continue to be browbeaten into submission simply so that you may continue to confabulate with the other mama’s; spreading your vicious canards with one, only to turn your nose up at her once the next muckraker with enough status mentions even the most exiguous grievances. It’s sickening to believe that this is the life in which you intend me to live; that my happiness means so little to you and father as to subject me to the cruelties of society yet strip me of the simple pleasure of dreaming for more, of going beyond the coterie- beyond this monotonous manor filled with inhabitants that offer companionship, not for connection but to gain status or wealth or senseless melodramatics!”  The path grew still as her words tore through the distance between the group; filling the air with Delilah’s desperation- pleading to be recognized, to be respected and loved, to be free. Her heart thrummed heavily in her chest, just as it would if she had just finished a race, yet her mind had finally cleared from its haze and she knew for once what she truly wanted; turning her attention to Adelaide, Delilah reached out to grasp her calloused hands in her own. “I refuse to remain imprisoned to appease your shame.”

Without any more hesitation, Delilah began walking away from her mother- Adelaide silently trailing behind the lady as she wove them through the gardens, allowing the duo to get lost within the realm of horticulture; a labyrinth of multi-colored hues enveloped the women, the bulbs seemingly reaching out to gently brush the pittance of skin the lie bare to the elements. 

“Are you alright, Dove?” Adelaide circumspectly prodded, drawing soothing circles on her steadily bruising wrist.

“Of course, there has been a rising tension within our home due to my concurrent appearances within the congregation’s social life despite my lack of husband. I can imagine it was unpleasant dealing with the aftermath of my untoward behaviors- it’s no wonder she held such vexations against me.” Delilah replied gently, her voice harmonizing the winds that softly nestled their bodies- cooling the heated skin beneath the delicate fabric she adorned.

“Your desire to perceive that in which others dismiss is not a justifiable cause of vexation, my darling- in fact in my home, it is the earliest signs of strength and constancy; we are taught from our first breath that to live is simple, but to prosper we must first be willing to adapt. Your blossoming beyond the binary that has been thrust upon you is not a fault or blemish on your name and I hope that in time you will be able to see that as well.” 

Delilah stopped in her tracks, bringing Adelaide’s pace to a sudden halt as well as she turned to face her awe-inspiring dove; the illustrious glow of the moonlight highlighted her sharp features, outlining her high cheekbones and soft hallows of her clavicle- enhancing that in which was already encaptivating and elevating to an ethereal feat that stole Adelaide’s breath and knocked her knees.

 Had she been a lesser woman, such beauty would have fully swooned her, sending her tumbling head over heels like some fumbling damsel- rather than the trained warrior that had set out for the opportunity to witness such grace; she had the restraint necessary to pursue this goddess, properly court her with lavious expenditures- only the finest threads, wines, foods and jewels for her dove- and return to her homeland with her destined bride. 

She had strategized the perfect timing for each stage of their courting, precisely picking the most exquisite pieces to adorn her refined figure; Adelaide’s thoughts drifted to a dazzling emerald necklace, one that shone vividly in even the faintest of candlelight- causing a kaleidoscope of shimmers that danced around like the stars within the heavens and would perfectly accent her Delilah’s beauteous olive skin. Her eyes tenderly floated around her features, mapping out every fine detail in her mind- making sure to double and even triple analyze the area for any obscured attributes she may have missed before allowing her gaze to drift to her manubrium, imagining the jewels that she would aspire to keep in its place before her eyes lifted slightly to the smooth curve of her neck.

Such a small piece of skin and yet, it held Adelaide’s notice so thoroughly that she felt as though she had been struck lame by the heavens, frozen in this moment so that she may further revere the gift of her Delilah’s regard.

“Adelaide?” Delilah’s melodious voice drifted from her spot near one of the gaudy fountains that accessorized the grounds.

“Huh?” The dazed woman responded dumbly, her thoughts wailing plaudits at the ethereal beauty that now stared at her with an amused dubiety.

“Is something the matter? You went silent and when I looked over you seemed to be studying me.” Delilah explained, taking a tentative step towards the wild woman as she spoke. “You do not regret your stance on me so quickly, correct?” 

“N-no, I-I would never, could never even dream of being anything less than- than blessed to be in the presence of such refined beauty,” Adelaide stammered, stumbling forward in an attempt to further reassure her dove. “I simply also could have never dreamt that someone so lovely would grace me with their affections.”

The unease that had pulled tightly at the corners of her eyes dispersed as the woman spoke to Delilah, replaced with a soft look of wonder that tugged at Adelaide’s soul- sparking a desirous inferno the matched intensities with the longing to return to Eldoria, hand and hand with her beloved- she knew Rhea would adore a new sister; someone to primp and dress up regardless of any prior obligations you may have had. Yuriel would complain that their family home would be too crowded for the newest addition before doing everything in his ability to ensure her Delilah felt at ease; whether it be providing her necessities or simply sitting and listening to her when the time came for her to miss home. Broilie, Beau and Bindi would force her into their games, offering up their very favorite pieces simply because theirs would ensure her victory in the challenge; only to fight tooth and nail to prove which token was truly superior. Ama would continue bustling around- probably having just popped another one of her cranially favored children; unable to recognize that Adelaide had returned, let alone notice the extra addition before the fortnight passed.

“I wish to take you to my home.” Adelaide finished, a weight seemingly lifting and settling into her chest simultaneously. 

“Adelaide,” Delilah breathed out, a watery smile taking over her face as her eyes began to water. However the sudden patter of approaching footsteps halted her response- turning the duo’s attention from the intimate air that had settled around them, seconds passed in silence before Delilah’s mama appeared; her beaded reticule awkwardly cradled in both hands as she wordlessly crossed the distance between her and the two women.

“Mama?” Delilah exclaimed- her hands darting up to wipe the mist out of her vision, stepping around Adelaide to meet her mama before she could take note of the charged atmosphere she had interrupted.

“Delilah?” Adelaide called out to her, a sense of unease washing through her as she beheld the vacant expression that took over the tempestuous dame.

 “It is alright, I can handle her now, you showed me that.” Delilah called back, waving off the concern that drowned her wild woman’s tone as she continued towards her mama. “What are you doing out here, if you intend to force me into the carriage then you have done nothing but waste both your time and efforts because I-”

Her sentence was cut off as the dame brought her dominant hand from its spot behind the bag revealing a thin blade, no bigger than the cheapest fan in the boutique, plunging it to its hilt into Delilah’s chest. 

“No!” Adelaide cried out, darting forward to catch Delilah as she fell back. “No, no, no, no. Please, dove, no.”  

A mix of fear and agony marred her delicate features as her mouth opened, as if she wished to speak only to close it back as another grimace crossed her face; Adelaide felt trapped in this moment as Delilah’s labored breathing only causing the blood flow to hasten, yet also being the only guarantee that she was still alive and with her. “Please, no.” She begged, taking the only action that she felt she had- her bloodstained hands gently stroked her moribund Delilah who laid heavily into Adelaide’s chest, hoping with every fiber in her being for a miracle.

The seconds felt like a millennium as Adelaide felt her dove’s heart slow, running out as her life force drained from her- leaving her tanned skin pallid yet still glowing in the now dim moonlight; finally after an eternity of begging, praying and bartering with her own creator- Delilah’s heart came to a halt leaving Adelaide in and agonizing silence.

“No.” She whispered, staring down at the now peaceful looking goddess in her arm; hoping that she could play pretend that they had simply fallen asleep in the gardens- lost in their own world; or even better, if she refused to acknowledge what had just taken place that she would be able to go back to the time before her beloved was stolen from her in the most brutal way, and by the woman that had given her life to raise and guide her.

 Adelaide lifted her gaze from Delilah’s lax face, taking in the woman that remained in the same place that she’d committed such heinous acts- not even moring to look at her now deceased daughter; she wanted to rage at the squatty woman, wrap her fingers around her bulbous throat and wring until her soul had been swapped with Delilah’s- but in that moment her strength had been wrung out of her, replaced with a hallowness that stole her anger before it could even fully process. “Why?” She asked blankly, her voice coming out so meek that she almost believed it had come from another source.

At the sounds of her voice, the woman finally jolted; as if pulled to action by an invisible line- swiveling her head to face Adelaide like some kind of marionette doll, the light behind her eyes nonexistent as if she were a type of humanoid machinery. The uneasy feeling that had initially emerged when the dame first appeared slammed into Adelaide’s chest; drowning out her sorrows and replacing them with the urge to protect her beloved- even in her time of rest.

Suddenly the dame’s mouth mechanically opened, furthering the similarities between her and a puppet- before a hauntingly obtuse laugh filled the area; one so vastly different than the one associated with this host that it would have almost seemed comical had that voice not been one that was so dreadfully familiar to the woman, as she had spent her entire life listening to it- sharing so many moments of glory and joy with this voice to the point where she knew it better than her own sibling’s.

“Adonius?” She asked, despite her knowing all too well the answer.

“Hello Kin, it’s so nice to see you again. I've missed you dearly.” The puppet dame responded gleefully, a wicked sneer crossing her features that would have chilled the devil to his bones.

“Adonius, wh-what have you done?” She asked desperately, looking down at the gradually chilling Delilah as to exhibit what he had done; as if he had not been present for the action- and her entire being prayed that he had not been.

“What do you mean, Kin?” His puppet exclaimed excitedly, jostling clumsily as though he were making it do a jolly jig to commemorate Adelaide’s silly question.’’

“I meant what I asked,” She demanded, her anger once more flaring up- taking its rightful place at the helm of her consciousness. “What have you done?”

“Oh!” The puppet exclaimed, bringing its flaccid hand up- as if to slap its head jokingly. “You mean your little pet, silly me! Of course I had to dispose of it.” The puppet continued, its stiff body began circling Adelaide as it continued to speak for her most valuable protectee and once trusted friend. “You see, when we made our little wager I never anticipated in you actually finding the vermin within her lifespan; in fact, it infuriated me to the utmost degree to realize I was finally to be bested- especially considering the circumstances of my defeat and that was when I realized, you had not bested me!” It exclaimed, its arms rising in sickening angles as Adonius forced his excitement through the body.

“I do not know what mendacious fantasies cloud your judgement; nor do I care because you have betrayed every moment that we have spent as companions- and for what, a silly bet that you made whilst indulging yourself with stein after stein?” She demanded, gently lowering her Delilah to the ground- attempting to do so while keeping her eyes on the puppet as it once again rounded her uncouthly.

“Silly?” He repeated mockingly. “You wound me, Kin; my proposal was nothing but genuine- I truly do wish that you would forgo this foolish expedition, return to our kingdom and rein in my stead. We truly could command the realm with the utmost prepotency, think about all that we could do with my namesake and your prowess; we’d be unstoppabl-” 

“My answer to your proposal was to flee to a distant realm, was that not answer enough? The only reason I took your stupid wager was because I had hoped that you would see the sense in my request; acknowledge that we were never meant to be and never will!”  She roared, her body trembling as her rage began blackening her vision.

“And that’s where you’re wrong, Kin.” The puppet laughed, coming to a halt in front of the stewing figure.  “You seem to forget, when anyone strikes a bargain with me they play by my rules- and I tend to be a bit fickle minded when it comes to moderating such intricate matters, which is why I am pleased to possess the affinity that I do.” Adelaide felt a splash of cold wash over her as she mulled over her words.

“What affinity? Last time I heard Eldoria’s lemon prince held that title in namesake alone.” She prodded, taking the opportunity to push his greatest weakness back at him.

The puppet scowled at her, its features darkening for a brief moment before once more erupting in that horrid chortle. “Ah, yes well, it seems rejection is a strong enough motivator for anyone to evolve; haven’t you wondered how I took possession of this pitiful flesh conduit?” His question struck her, it was true that the ability to possess a living being was a grand upgrade in his ability- but that did not determine how fast her blade swung.

“Oh, so you will finally be worth the effort of my attempting to kill you- rather than coddling your feelings by reducing myself to capitulation?” Her low voice rifted through the air, widening the painful smile into derangement.

“Oh Kin, you always were so funny; but I’m afraid our game isn’t over yet.” The puppet responded jovially. “No, it is far from over because I have not won yet.”

Adelaide scoffed at the vessel, imagining the disgusting smile on the face that she had taken numerous blows for. “Well, I am sorry you have disappointed yourself but it is, my Delilah, she’s gone- you took her from me.” Her voice cracked as she finally voiced the words that she’d been so hesitant to say aloud- in fear of the events sinking in and rotting her from the inside out.

“Kin, you don’t truly believe I would be so brash, do you?” It asked with a mock sympathy. “Of course we can continue our game because my affinity does not end at possession.”

In a flash her anger fizzled out, leaving her feeling the maddening ache of loss, betrayal and confusion- each emotion wrecked her mind, swallowing all that she knew and had matured into and leaving behind a husk of turmoil, unable to trust even her most basic instincts in fear that they too would turn around and deceive her as well. “I-I don’t..” 

“Oh my!” The puppet cried out, bringing its hands up to its cheeks tauntingly. “The daunting and articulate Adelaide finally speechless, I truly am the best of my lineage.”

“Your lineage is of noble people; ones who ruled with dignity and just- you are no more than the tantruming child that I had been set to chaperone, in fear of him hurting himself and anyone with the misfortune to be caught in your episodes.” She hissed out, her words seemingly striking a nerve as the wicked gleam faltered.

“You will see your precious Delilah again and again, I will ensure she be revived to the best of my memory- though I doubt I’ll remember such an unremarkable kretin.”

“You are as horrible at humor as you are ruling; my Delilah is gone, snatched away to a realm neither you nor I can access!” She declared, her heart thrumming in her chest at the implications of his words.

“Wrong again, dear Kin.” The smile completely dropped from the dame’s face- leaving her deadpanned once again before her body dropped heavily to the ground limp at the feet of Adonius as he appeared in the spot she once stood. 

“H-how did you..” The expression on Adonius’ face matched that of a naughty child in the midst of inculpating their unsuspecting nemesis.

“Honestly Kin, I wish you could have been with me the first time it appeared- I had first thought I’d gone mad from the sorrow that your departure had caused; what with the various threading that had begun to cloud my vision, however I soon discovered what they truly were.” He paused, allowing his words to build upon her anticipations- revelling in the unbreakable focus that he had from the woman. “Do you want to know what they were, Kin?” He teased, bringing his arms up to cross over his chest, Adelaide nodded cautiously as the sense of unease morphed to one of dread. “They were the threads of fate, and that means you will not attempt to kill me- nor will you be seeing our home for a very long time; at least until you come to your senses and accept the generous offer I have bestowed upon you.”

Adelaide jumped as she felt thick hot liquid plop down on her hand, drawing her attention from her kingdom’s leader and to the red bead that rolled down her still raised wrist. Startled, she looked back towards Delilah in confusion- her body lay in the same place she had left it a mere couple steps away; fearfully she began looking for the source of the mysterious blood only to freeze as Adonius’ laughter rang out once more.

“Aw, don’t cry, Kin. It’s unbefitting for a woman of your status to weep so openly.” He cooed, walking forward to wipe a stray tear from her cheek.

Adelaide swung out at the conniving scoundrel, hoping that he had bluffed about his strength or at the very least would use it once more to take her as well, her hopes vanished as her hands met the empty space that he’d once occupied.

“Now, for the rules!” He announced, remaining in whichever station he had concealed himself at. “Rule number one; your vermin will be reborn the moment her heart stops in her current vessel- do not fret though, I am still a fair man so I will allow her to remain within this lineage as there is no use of exerting myself on such tedious tasks!”

“No.” Adelaide pleaded, the thick red liquid flowing heavier as he spoke over her.

“Rule number two; You may not explicitly state our species, however you know that one already- it wouldn’t be fair to say that you may not allude to us being otherworldly, however you may not allow her more than three guesses on any given day; those guesses may not be so straightforward that the simplest of children can deduce them, you understand my love of riddles so that shan’t be much of a surprise.”

“Please..”

“Rule number three; she you will not find your Delilah until the cusp of her twentieth birthday- just as it is now, correct?” He asked sarcastically before continuing. “If you find your Delilah beforehand I’ll allow you a fortnight to see her alive and well before I return to restart her lifespan; however, fear not, I am willing to restart the time frame once she reaches the correct age- wouldn’t want you getting too bored before you can even attempt courting.”

“Adonius… pleas-”

“Rule number four; until your vermin can manage to correctly determine what we are, you are exiled from Eldoria- cut off from our merchants and citizens alike. I hope your Delilah is wittier than the rest of her people and if not, then I hope that this lesson finds you well; those that fly too high will only have that much worse of a descent.”

In a blink Adelaide was once again alone, brought to her knees with the weight of the melancholy scene around her- surrounded by the bodies of her Delilah and the vessel used to drag her to the afterlife; she was not human, and so the notion of her sounding and standing as one had been a discomfortable truth that she’d since grown accustomed to; however in that moment she no longer sounded of herself. She was no angelic being- sent to guide her beloved to the destined elysium that she had so very well dreamt of, she was no reaper- sent to avenge her kingdom and smite whomever thought of rising against those that she held dear, she was no girl- hopelessly pinning after the woman that she would hope to claim as her everything. 

Rather, she was the re-embodiment of Oizys- cursed to know nothing other than suffering, her voice was replaced with the howls of a banshee; the words necessary to express the pain she currently experienced failing to rise from the slumbered state of her mind. She had no thoughts left to speak, or will to carry her body further than the spot in which those wretched boors haphazardly disposed of her beloved. 

The sleek lawn gown absorbed her crimson essence as it cascaded onto the smooth fabrics, its careful embroideries staining a stark red against its basic hue before trickling gently into the soft greens below- creating a macabre portrait of ice and fire mending to form a enervating shade of plum in between the medium threads of her blood flow.

 Adelaide watched her Delilah’s lifeless body in such a torpid demeanor that she tepidly hoped that Azriel would find it too troublesome to distinguish between the two; deciding  to drag them both in tandem towards their shared afterlife- if only as restitution for the eternity that had been so mercilessly purloined.

“Adelaide?” She heard her brother’s call in the distance, alerting her that she had surpassed the curfew that they had both agreed to adhering; however she did not care about this fact nor did she even register the time that had passed between the time of her departure to now- and now she wished she had, maybe then her Delilah would’ve been able to cross the threshold of her home; healthy and alive to see another sunrise. “Adel-” The name stuck in his throat as he rounded the labyrinth revealing the morbid display that his sister sat betwixt. “Adelaide, what happened?” 

“Adonius says our wager isn’t over.” She replied blankly, swiping away the crusted streaks of red that striated her cheeks.

“What?” He asked in disbelief, looking intermediately from Delilah’s lifeless form to her mother’s unconscious one. “I don’t understand, when did Adonius arrive and where is he?” He questioned stepping forward defensively, his eyes peering around the small clearing thoroughly before returning to his unmoving sister.

“He finally developed an affinity and now I have nineteen years until my Delilah’s life is once again turned into some demented game of hangman derived from the pitious dejections of the deliriously insufferable jester orchestrating it.” She replied numbly.

Reich recoiled from her words as though they had taken a tangible form- reaching out from between her lip to grab hold of him; dragging him down into the chasm of desolation that had seemingly swallowed his sister, snuffing the fire that had burned so brightly for as long as she drew breath.

“I… don’t understand exactly what you speak of; however, now is not the time to dwell- we must flee, we do not know how long until someone stumbles upon the bodies.” He responded, lowering himself to bring his hands under her arms and guiding her away from her macabre beauty. "It's a wonder you’ve managed to go this long without incident; let us not further tempt fate.” 

“Without incident?” Adelaide repeated; a morose laugh bubbling from within that rattled her brother, sending jolts of fear that he had not felt in years through the young man. 

“Adel-”

“She’s gone.” She sobbed, allowing her body to drop once more- only being able to avoid crumpling in a heap on the path below by the strength of Reich’s hold on her. The man struggled against the sudden deadweight, stumbling through the grassy arches as his, usually stoic, sister broke to pieces in his arms.

“I-I’m sorry Addie, please I am; but we must first get away from here!” He pleaded, his breaths coming out in short bursts as he attempted to to keep pace with the entirety of Adeline’s weight. 

“I-I don- I c-ca-can’t.” She sobbed, the deep crimson liquid flowing relentlessly- stealing her vision and leaving her in the darkness that encapsulated her soul, staining their coats and shirts in her grief.

“Oh god, I wish Rhea were here.” He pondered frantically, a look of  determination crossing his features as he attempted to formulate a plan for them. “We should return home, our family will be able to assist you or maybe even make Adonius see reason and end his deplorable nonsense.”

“We can not return to Eldoria, brother; not until I agree to give up my Delilah and wed him.” The woman cried, her sense of defeat transferring to her brother as the weight of her words settled on his shoulders- tripling that in which his sister had already introduced.

“We will speak more of this when we find a place to recuperate.” He stated plainly, dragging his sister through the alleyways and hiding her from sight within the shadows in which he commanded.

The next morning he held her close as she mourned the life she had dreamt up with her beloved- recounting the intricacies of their short yet passionate time within the labyrinth walls. By noon he had had to drag her out of a dozen separate pubs; as she had taken to spirits to ease the pain as news spread of the dame whom, in a fit of delirium brought on by what she claimed to be Lucifer himself, seemingly slaughtered her rowdy daughter. And by evening she had become catatonic; unwilling to even hear anything that sounded even remotely related to the incident- in which Reich had officially deemed ‘The moonlight incident’.

By next spring he had dragged her out of the community, fighting against him and wailing her harsh abuses the entire time; which due to her sudden vices had become considerably less forceful- and thus they set out once more, in search of her Delilah and the way back to their true home.