The wind was merciless against the gathered teens and adults alike who had all met at the center of the park, surrounding the large marble fountain. On the edge of the fountain stood a man in his early thirties, his hair dark brown and messy with peach fuzz on his chin. His eyes gleamed behind his glasses.
"Calm down people! I will read the announcement momentarily."he announced, the water of the fountain beneath him splattering against his black slacks. After a few minutes, he waved an envelope in the air. "Alright, everyone seems to be here now. I will now announce the winner of the poetry contest, who will be on their way to Transylvania tomorrow morning for an all expenses paid vacation." A scream rolled over the crowd. "Calm down calm down!" he called once more, slicing open the envelope with one finger and holding a notecard beneath his face. He let the suspense hang a moment before announcing.
"This year's poetry contest winner is...Aeriella Annalie Harper!" he announced. Aeriella smiled from where she stood in the back of the crowd, which was now filled with grunts and dissapointed looks as many people up and left, leaving her standing there alone. She walked up to the man standing on the fountain.
"I'm Aeriella Annalie Harper."said the pale green eyed, pale skinned, red headed school girl. The man congratulated her, telling her to be at the airport the next morning with some type of identification and they'd let her on the plane no problem and from there she would be directed everywhere she needed to be.
A shaded man sat at the Jolly Dog's Pub and Inn, giving out reticent looks at those who brought their eyes upon him. His leg was trembling with eagerness as he waited for the arrival of Lord Lucifent's guest, he was aware of the suspicions of the townspeople.
If he were to escort a young girl to a towering lonely castle and broad daylight, then they were bound to question him, night's not a safe time either, so he had chose right before the sun came up. Perfect. It gave his lord just enough time to build a false sense of security for his guest, and the rest would be easy. He also had an excuse ready just in case the guest inquired about the time of the disembarkation.
Though....even if everything went well, he couldn't help but feel guilty about his actions. He understood it was all for a good cause, but must so many die?
This wasn't the time for such thoughts, he made vow to always stay by his lord's side no matter what the cost ay be. He shan't start doubting him.
The man gave an anxious glance towards the door, his gloved hand clutched tightly around a half empty glass of bourbon. Standing, he would be 6' and 5", and if one were to even care, he would 130lbs, very light for a man of his physique. He wore an old fashioned 17th century dress shirt, a viridian green frock coat, and a pair of mossy brown trousers,reaching his ankles. On his feet he wore a pair of terribly uncomfortable boots made of leather, fastened by a steel buckle. He looked like something straight out of a Renaissance fair, but the most alarming feature was and ivory mask worn over his eyes, that resembled the face of a barn owl. His hair, however was a midnight black color, barely long enough to be pulled back in a low ponytail.
Aeriella boarded her plane at the according time, her flight was to land in the early morning, around one am, maybe two. She had chosen to simply wear her school uniform on the trip, though now she wished that she had chosen something a bit more comfortable than a red and black plaid skirt that was about 2 inches away from reaching her knee and a white button up blouse, long sleeve.
She had, however, ditched the tie, and replaced the tight knee highs for some comfy baggy cream colored leg warmers that reached halfway to her knee. She stared out the window as the dark night clouds flew beneath them. Many of the passengers were asleep, of course there weren't that many people. It seemed that most people didn't travel to Transylvania at midnight. This thought did make her wonder, however, about why in the world she would have to board her plane at midnight instead of the previously scheduled 6am.
She decided not to contemplate over the possible answers. She heard the voice over the intercom, telling the passengers to buckle their seatbelts for a safe landing, though most passengers didn't hear her or didn't care. The plane bumped to the landing and finally stopped. She was the first one off, seeing that many were trying to wake up their muscles. She had been sure to drink coffee, even though she despised it, before boarding to keep herself awake. she went to grab her baggage, two plain black suitcases. She had her more personal belongings placed neatly into a tiny black leather backpack that hung on her back. she looked around, wondering where to go next, she hadn't been given any more instructions beyond this.
The man waited, and waited and waited, finishing off the glass of bourbon finally, now feeling sick with the combination of anxiety and cheap whiskey."Dear god, I hope they told her to go to the right place. I have been waiting here for hours." He twisted his wrist and slid back his sleeve to peer at the time. "Almost two, plenty of time..................Dammit!" He suddenly stood up, causing several heads to turn in his direction. "I was supposed to pick her up, that's why- Why didn't anyone-Oh, damn you Drake, you old fool! Why don't you think?!" He quickly threw money at the bartender, apologized for hitting a gent in the head with stray change, and rushed through the door, his coat tails flailing out behind him.
By the time he drove up in a jet black limo, it was 3 o'clock a.m. He gracefully, stood from the doorway towering over the others and called out, "Miss Harper?"
Aeriella looked up from where she sat on a bench outside of the airport, her suitcases placed on the ground on either side of her and her little leather backpack in her lap. She looked around for a moment. For a minute there, she had thought that the whole contest was one big joke. When she saw the man calling to her, however, her face got a bit of hope into it. She stood, her perfect posture making her walk graceful as she put her backpack back on and grabbed her two suitcases, walking up to the man.
"I'm Aeriella Harper..."she said in her soft, slightly more matured then child-like voice.
"Are you Miss Harper?" He approached the girl with a dignified posture. His hands clasped behind his back, head raised, due to the mask one could not make out his eyes and therefore would not be able to decipher the direction he was looking. "Show me your form, if you have it with you, please." He extended his hand to her. His chest leaning outward.
Aeriella nodded. "Oh, oh yes, of course..."she said, setting her suitcases down once more on either side of her. She then pulled off her backpack, setting it atop one of the suitcases as she reached in and pulled out a neatly folded sheet of paper. She then stood upright once more, handing the form to the man before her. "Here it is."she said as she handed it to him
He took it between his fingers and skimmed over it. "Yes, that will do." He folded it and promptly placed it in his back pocket. "Drake Avigard,at your service, Miss Harper" He said, giving a deep, forward bow. Whiskey could be smelled on his breath, as he leaned in the bow. "I am sorry for the delay, I hope you found your trip without trouble. Here let me take your luggage."
Aeriella allowed him to take her luggage, though refused to let go of her leather backpack. "I would prefer to hold onto this one, if you don't mind."she said to him, holding her backpack by it's top loop in front of her with both hands.
"Of course, Madame." He effortlessly lifted her two suitcases and placed them in the back of the limousine, then walked around the side and opened the door for her. "For you, Miss Harper. The castle will be an hour's drive from here." He had a distinct English accent, in his soft, but booming voice. He also had prominent broad, square shoulders that tensed when he spoke.
Aeriella smiled a bit to herself as she slid into the limosine, placing her backpack in her lap. "Thank you."she had said kindly to him.
He nodded and gave another deep bow, as one would to those who were of higher class, to her. He carried himself to the driver's side and slid himself in as well, ignoring the fact that he had a drink and that he was going against his moral code by driving. No matter, he can hold his drinks in well. He drove the limousine smoothly, with a behaved manner, though he had to stop as soon as the came to the rocky terra. Where a horse-drawn carriage was awaiting them. He stepped from the car and came to her door, opening it for her, and he offered a hand.
Aeriella placed her hand lightly in his, stepping out of the limousine with her backpack held in her other hand. She seemed a bit confused, for it hadn't been that long, at least not an hour. She then saw the horse and carriage and smiled slightly. It was so classy.
"I will hope that you have no allergies for animal dandruff," he said as he went for her luggage, "for my lord has quite a few pets that are known to shed." He transported the luggage from the limo to the carriage and escorted Aeriella into the passenger seat.
Aeriella took her seat, admiring the beautiful horses that was to take them the rest of the way. "Oh, no sir." she said politely to him. "I mean, I don't have any allergies, not to animals."
Good, I would not want to put your health at risk," He said, without choosing his words wisely. He bit his lip hard when he realized what he said, drawing blood. It was as though saying made everything come at him hard. He gave a shaky bow, and staggered to the driver's seat, he jerked the reins and the horses set off, up the rickety pathway.
The ride went rather smoothly considering that they were on such a rickety path. She sat with her ankles crossed to the side a bit, sitting straight up and holding her backpack in her lap. It was obvious that she was very well mannered.
They came upon a large, almost intimidating castle built on precipice that overlooked the merciless waves of the ocean. "Here we are, Castle Dracula. I am sure you have heard of it," He said in a shaky voice, trying to sound as pleasant as possible. He stepped to her door again, and opened offering his hand...again.
"Oh, yes of course." Aeriella said as she placed her hand once more in his, stepping out of the carriage carefully, then dusting off her skirt lightly with one hand. She took just a few steps toward it. "It's amazing..."she said softly, more to herself.
Drake stiffly walked to the back of the carriage and took her luggage. "This way, Miss Harper, if you would follow me." He started towards the castle.
"Yes sir." Aeriella said politely, slipping her little backpack over her shoulders, following the man promptly towards the castle.
"Huh?" Drake suddenly stopped."Oh no," he turned to her,"There's no need for that. I am to serve you, Miss Harper, I am but a mere servant." He gave her a kind smile
Just because you are a servant doesn't mean that I have to treat you like one." Aeriella said to him politely, following behind him.
"No, please, I am happy to be in my place as a servant, and as a servant I shall be treated if you will please, Miss Harper."He advanced towards the castle doors.
"I'm sorry, but if you are asking me to treat you like a servant, even though that is what you are, I am sorry but I will have to refuse." Aeriella said, and you could tell in her voice that she wasn't giving in.
But I insist, Miss Harper, I am a willing servant and wish to be treated as such." He said as he opened the castle doors, his voice echoing down the dark hallways.
And i am kindly refusing, sir."Aeriella said politely, following him into the castle.
Drake gave out a heavy sigh as he walked on. Eventually, after wandering the dark hallways of the castle, they came upon a corridor with carpeted flooring, and the walls decked in a fancy Victorian design, it was much more pleasant than the rest of the castle and looked as though it had been recently redone. He stopped at a door and placed her luggage beside him. He pulled a key from the inside of his coat and unlocked it, lifting her luggage once more. He carried her luggage in to the room and finally he said,"This will be your room, miss Harper, my room is just down the hall if you need me. Now, where shall I place your luggage, miss Harper."
"Oh, anywhere will be fine, thank you."Aeriella said to him. She stepped into the room carefully, gazing at the classic decor through awed eyes. She didn't know what to say, she was so thrilled.
He placed them against the bedroom wall and gave a deep bow to her. "Will that be all, Miss Harper?"
"Yes, that's fine, thank you."Aeriella said to him with a nod in his direction.
"Hm. Yes, I will inform Lord Lucifent of your arrival,if he's even here yet, that is, so that you may meet him in person. You may make preparations, for a dinner afterwards. If there's anything you need, Miss Harper, please do not hesitate to ask."He bowed and left the room.
Aeriella decided, since she would be here for two weeks after all, to unpack her bags. She placed her clothes neatly into the dresser drawers, not yet chaning out of her school uniform and leg warmers. She then lsat on the side of the large canopy bed in her room. It was sturdy with classy designs in the brass. The covers were a deep maroon color as well as the thick drapes that acted as the curtain.
A breeze traveled through the hallways, as a balcony window was slammed open. A creature, with its limbs awkward and bent in such a ways, that it couldn't possibly be considered human as it crawled on to the balcony, yet it dressed as a human and had human features as well, except its eyes were a burning red and its canines were long and sharp like dagger. If one were to look at the fangs, they would know that they were of carnivorous functions and no good would come of them. The creature stood to its full length, a man standing at exactly six feet, his slim physique showed of slight muscle located in the chest and shoulders, covered by a black, silk button up shirt. A scarlet frock coat with gold lining carelessly thrown over shoulders, with the sleeves tied around his neck, tucked under his arm was a wide-brimmed black hat, with a fluffed red feather. His legs ad feet were garbed with a pair of silken black trousers fastened with a scarlet leather belt, and a pair of heavy black boots.
He had unkempt pale blond hair, with wisps of wheat yellow tendrils hanging over his fiery eyes, his face was ivory pale, like it was starved of warmth and life.
Aeriella smiled a bit to herself. The bed was very comfortable, the most comfortable bed she had ever been on. For about a second, she wondered if she could get it on the plane. She then shook away the thought, thinking it to be ridiculous. She sat on the edge of the bed, not hearing the slamming of one of the hallway window.
Drake!" The voice shattered the silence of the castle, as it echoed it's way through the halls, it was rough and raspy with youth and thick with accent. In its own mystical way, it was melodious and seemed to have a strange affect on people ranging with the emotion. Right now it gave the feeling of dread and insignificance for it was heavy with power and impatience.
Hurried footsteps passed Aeriella's room.
"Yes, my lord," came Drake's voice.
"I smell blood, there on your lip," came the other.
"My apologies my Lord, I will be careful as to not make that mistake again, my lord."
"Is the guest here?"
"Yes, my lord. She is her room at the moment, my lord, shall I fetch her?"
"She? A female this time, Drake...Hmm...we must be careful about this."
"Yes, my lord, of course, my lord."
"Well, then, go get her, Drake, and bring her to my room. I am exhausted from tonight's work, so do not make me wait long."
"Yes...my lord."
Aeriella heard a slight comotion in the halls,, but couldn't make out what was being said. She decided, for the moment, that it was none of her business, simply remaining where she sat on the side of her bed.
There was a knock on the door. 'Miss Harper..."
Aeriella stood quickly, dusting off the front of her skirt and straightening her blouse. She then walked swiftly to the door, opening it up. "Yes?"she asked politely.
Drake gave a very deep bow. "Miss Harper, Lord Lucifent, would like to see you now. Also, I would like to know,would you change you're mind if I said treating me like a servant was actually doing me a favor?"
Aeriella shook her head a bit stubbornly, but still polite. "I'm sorry, but I realy would prefer not to." She really wasn't trying to start trouble, she just believed that servantry was uncalled for, that it made people seem lazy if they couldn't do things on their own, that they had someone else do things for them. However, she kept this thought to herself.
He gave a sigh through his nose. "Miss Harper, if it will help, I would like you to know that my work here is one hundred percent voluntary, in fact I am proud to work for a great noble gentleman such as the lord Lucifent, and I have made a vow to stay by his side no matter the cost. Since you are his guest, I am willing to treat you with the same amount of hospitality by offering my service, so please, Miss Harper," he said as he started towards a staircase.
Aeriella said nothing, leaving her expression composed. "I will treat you only as a servant when your master is around for that seems to be the cause of all of this..."she said softly to him. "But other than that, I refuse."
"You do not understand, and I will not try to make you understand for I see my efforts will be in vain. Come, Miss Harper, Lord Lucifent awaits your company. This way." He carried himself up a spiral staircase.
Aeriella followd carefully, letting her hand slide, slightly hovering, over the railing as she climbed up the spiral staircase, not saying another word for the moment.
He lead her to red oak door, with a dragon carved on to the top corner. He knocked,"My Lord, our guest is here to see you."
"................come in," a voice demanded from the other side.
Drake opened the door and stepped behind Harper, ushering her into the room.
Aeriella nodded to Drake. "Thank you."she said kindly to him, then stepped forward into the room.
Drake bowed and remained in the door way.
The room was an apparent study by the looks of it, with a mess of book piled on a writing desk, soaking in pools of spilled ink. Resting next to the book pile was a feather hat. The walls were lined with shelves with interesting and mismatched nick-knacks from all over the world including a polished broadsword protected by clear glass case and a tattered book on English Soliciting, clumsily placed beside it.
Sitting at the desk was the young man feverishly typing on a misplaced typewriter. He cast his crimson eyes upon her.
"Your name."
Aeriella bowed politely. "Aeriella Annalie Harper, sir."she said softly.
"And you must know me as Lucifent, owner Castle Dracula." He nodded his slightly. "You won some form of contest I presume."
Yes sir, a poetry contest..."Aeriella replied, coming out of her bow and standing straight.
"Yes Mmm...." His voice faded off as he studied her.
"Ahem, is Miss Harper to join you in dinner later tonight, My Lord," Drake brought from behind. Lucifent gave a warning glance toward the servant, and replied with slight annoyance.
"Yes, Drake, thank you for reminding me. No need for formal wear just a casual dinner to get to know one another."
Aeriella bit her lip lightly for a moment, then recomposed herself, standing calmly
"By the way, just because you are my guest here at the castle doesn't mean there aren't boundary lines. Drake will explain the rules to you, that being said, welcome to Castle Dracula," he said in a rather cold manner for something what was supposed to be welcoming. He stood and gave slight, shallow bow, giving the feeling that he was higher class and did not need to bow any deeper.
Aeriella bowed once more to him politely, yet her bow was no lower than his. "Yes sir, I understand."she said, alightly taken aback by his rude tone of welcoming. She then turned and walked out of the room.
Drake bowed so very deeply to his lord, that it almost look as though he would fall over but straightened himself and turned to leave.
"Drake,"Lucifent stopped Drake in his footsteps.
"Yes, my lord?"
"Don't let me catch you drinking on castle grounds, Drake."
"My Lord, I would never-"
"I smell it on your breath," He snapped.
".................Yes.....My Lord, my apologies." Drake let his head drop, though one was still unable to see his eyes behind the mask. He turned on his heels to join Aeriella.
Aeriella remembered the way back to her room easily, as if she had lived here for years. She didn't even need the help of Drake of whom she walked slighlty ahead of back to her room. Thogh when she got to her door she turned to look at him. "Thank you."she said to him, then nodded her head slighlty, walking into her room and shutting the door. She wanted to change before dinner, which was only an hour or so away.
Drake, being neglected his bow of which he seemed so lost without, lingered in front of the door for a moment, before bowing anyway. Then he carried himself back to his room, with a secret stash of alcohol hovering over his mind.
"Calm down people! I will read the announcement momentarily."he announced, the water of the fountain beneath him splattering against his black slacks. After a few minutes, he waved an envelope in the air. "Alright, everyone seems to be here now. I will now announce the winner of the poetry contest, who will be on their way to Transylvania tomorrow morning for an all expenses paid vacation." A scream rolled over the crowd. "Calm down calm down!" he called once more, slicing open the envelope with one finger and holding a notecard beneath his face. He let the suspense hang a moment before announcing.
"This year's poetry contest winner is...Aeriella Annalie Harper!" he announced. Aeriella smiled from where she stood in the back of the crowd, which was now filled with grunts and dissapointed looks as many people up and left, leaving her standing there alone. She walked up to the man standing on the fountain.
"I'm Aeriella Annalie Harper."said the pale green eyed, pale skinned, red headed school girl. The man congratulated her, telling her to be at the airport the next morning with some type of identification and they'd let her on the plane no problem and from there she would be directed everywhere she needed to be.
A shaded man sat at the Jolly Dog's Pub and Inn, giving out reticent looks at those who brought their eyes upon him. His leg was trembling with eagerness as he waited for the arrival of Lord Lucifent's guest, he was aware of the suspicions of the townspeople.
If he were to escort a young girl to a towering lonely castle and broad daylight, then they were bound to question him, night's not a safe time either, so he had chose right before the sun came up. Perfect. It gave his lord just enough time to build a false sense of security for his guest, and the rest would be easy. He also had an excuse ready just in case the guest inquired about the time of the disembarkation.
Though....even if everything went well, he couldn't help but feel guilty about his actions. He understood it was all for a good cause, but must so many die?
This wasn't the time for such thoughts, he made vow to always stay by his lord's side no matter what the cost ay be. He shan't start doubting him.
The man gave an anxious glance towards the door, his gloved hand clutched tightly around a half empty glass of bourbon. Standing, he would be 6' and 5", and if one were to even care, he would 130lbs, very light for a man of his physique. He wore an old fashioned 17th century dress shirt, a viridian green frock coat, and a pair of mossy brown trousers,reaching his ankles. On his feet he wore a pair of terribly uncomfortable boots made of leather, fastened by a steel buckle. He looked like something straight out of a Renaissance fair, but the most alarming feature was and ivory mask worn over his eyes, that resembled the face of a barn owl. His hair, however was a midnight black color, barely long enough to be pulled back in a low ponytail.
Aeriella boarded her plane at the according time, her flight was to land in the early morning, around one am, maybe two. She had chosen to simply wear her school uniform on the trip, though now she wished that she had chosen something a bit more comfortable than a red and black plaid skirt that was about 2 inches away from reaching her knee and a white button up blouse, long sleeve.
She had, however, ditched the tie, and replaced the tight knee highs for some comfy baggy cream colored leg warmers that reached halfway to her knee. She stared out the window as the dark night clouds flew beneath them. Many of the passengers were asleep, of course there weren't that many people. It seemed that most people didn't travel to Transylvania at midnight. This thought did make her wonder, however, about why in the world she would have to board her plane at midnight instead of the previously scheduled 6am.
She decided not to contemplate over the possible answers. She heard the voice over the intercom, telling the passengers to buckle their seatbelts for a safe landing, though most passengers didn't hear her or didn't care. The plane bumped to the landing and finally stopped. She was the first one off, seeing that many were trying to wake up their muscles. She had been sure to drink coffee, even though she despised it, before boarding to keep herself awake. she went to grab her baggage, two plain black suitcases. She had her more personal belongings placed neatly into a tiny black leather backpack that hung on her back. she looked around, wondering where to go next, she hadn't been given any more instructions beyond this.
The man waited, and waited and waited, finishing off the glass of bourbon finally, now feeling sick with the combination of anxiety and cheap whiskey."Dear god, I hope they told her to go to the right place. I have been waiting here for hours." He twisted his wrist and slid back his sleeve to peer at the time. "Almost two, plenty of time..................Dammit!" He suddenly stood up, causing several heads to turn in his direction. "I was supposed to pick her up, that's why- Why didn't anyone-Oh, damn you Drake, you old fool! Why don't you think?!" He quickly threw money at the bartender, apologized for hitting a gent in the head with stray change, and rushed through the door, his coat tails flailing out behind him.
By the time he drove up in a jet black limo, it was 3 o'clock a.m. He gracefully, stood from the doorway towering over the others and called out, "Miss Harper?"
Aeriella looked up from where she sat on a bench outside of the airport, her suitcases placed on the ground on either side of her and her little leather backpack in her lap. She looked around for a moment. For a minute there, she had thought that the whole contest was one big joke. When she saw the man calling to her, however, her face got a bit of hope into it. She stood, her perfect posture making her walk graceful as she put her backpack back on and grabbed her two suitcases, walking up to the man.
"I'm Aeriella Harper..."she said in her soft, slightly more matured then child-like voice.
"Are you Miss Harper?" He approached the girl with a dignified posture. His hands clasped behind his back, head raised, due to the mask one could not make out his eyes and therefore would not be able to decipher the direction he was looking. "Show me your form, if you have it with you, please." He extended his hand to her. His chest leaning outward.
Aeriella nodded. "Oh, oh yes, of course..."she said, setting her suitcases down once more on either side of her. She then pulled off her backpack, setting it atop one of the suitcases as she reached in and pulled out a neatly folded sheet of paper. She then stood upright once more, handing the form to the man before her. "Here it is."she said as she handed it to him
He took it between his fingers and skimmed over it. "Yes, that will do." He folded it and promptly placed it in his back pocket. "Drake Avigard,at your service, Miss Harper" He said, giving a deep, forward bow. Whiskey could be smelled on his breath, as he leaned in the bow. "I am sorry for the delay, I hope you found your trip without trouble. Here let me take your luggage."
Aeriella allowed him to take her luggage, though refused to let go of her leather backpack. "I would prefer to hold onto this one, if you don't mind."she said to him, holding her backpack by it's top loop in front of her with both hands.
"Of course, Madame." He effortlessly lifted her two suitcases and placed them in the back of the limousine, then walked around the side and opened the door for her. "For you, Miss Harper. The castle will be an hour's drive from here." He had a distinct English accent, in his soft, but booming voice. He also had prominent broad, square shoulders that tensed when he spoke.
Aeriella smiled a bit to herself as she slid into the limosine, placing her backpack in her lap. "Thank you."she had said kindly to him.
He nodded and gave another deep bow, as one would to those who were of higher class, to her. He carried himself to the driver's side and slid himself in as well, ignoring the fact that he had a drink and that he was going against his moral code by driving. No matter, he can hold his drinks in well. He drove the limousine smoothly, with a behaved manner, though he had to stop as soon as the came to the rocky terra. Where a horse-drawn carriage was awaiting them. He stepped from the car and came to her door, opening it for her, and he offered a hand.
Aeriella placed her hand lightly in his, stepping out of the limousine with her backpack held in her other hand. She seemed a bit confused, for it hadn't been that long, at least not an hour. She then saw the horse and carriage and smiled slightly. It was so classy.
"I will hope that you have no allergies for animal dandruff," he said as he went for her luggage, "for my lord has quite a few pets that are known to shed." He transported the luggage from the limo to the carriage and escorted Aeriella into the passenger seat.
Aeriella took her seat, admiring the beautiful horses that was to take them the rest of the way. "Oh, no sir." she said politely to him. "I mean, I don't have any allergies, not to animals."
Good, I would not want to put your health at risk," He said, without choosing his words wisely. He bit his lip hard when he realized what he said, drawing blood. It was as though saying made everything come at him hard. He gave a shaky bow, and staggered to the driver's seat, he jerked the reins and the horses set off, up the rickety pathway.
The ride went rather smoothly considering that they were on such a rickety path. She sat with her ankles crossed to the side a bit, sitting straight up and holding her backpack in her lap. It was obvious that she was very well mannered.
They came upon a large, almost intimidating castle built on precipice that overlooked the merciless waves of the ocean. "Here we are, Castle Dracula. I am sure you have heard of it," He said in a shaky voice, trying to sound as pleasant as possible. He stepped to her door again, and opened offering his hand...again.
"Oh, yes of course." Aeriella said as she placed her hand once more in his, stepping out of the carriage carefully, then dusting off her skirt lightly with one hand. She took just a few steps toward it. "It's amazing..."she said softly, more to herself.
Drake stiffly walked to the back of the carriage and took her luggage. "This way, Miss Harper, if you would follow me." He started towards the castle.
"Yes sir." Aeriella said politely, slipping her little backpack over her shoulders, following the man promptly towards the castle.
"Huh?" Drake suddenly stopped."Oh no," he turned to her,"There's no need for that. I am to serve you, Miss Harper, I am but a mere servant." He gave her a kind smile
Just because you are a servant doesn't mean that I have to treat you like one." Aeriella said to him politely, following behind him.
"No, please, I am happy to be in my place as a servant, and as a servant I shall be treated if you will please, Miss Harper."He advanced towards the castle doors.
"I'm sorry, but if you are asking me to treat you like a servant, even though that is what you are, I am sorry but I will have to refuse." Aeriella said, and you could tell in her voice that she wasn't giving in.
But I insist, Miss Harper, I am a willing servant and wish to be treated as such." He said as he opened the castle doors, his voice echoing down the dark hallways.
And i am kindly refusing, sir."Aeriella said politely, following him into the castle.
Drake gave out a heavy sigh as he walked on. Eventually, after wandering the dark hallways of the castle, they came upon a corridor with carpeted flooring, and the walls decked in a fancy Victorian design, it was much more pleasant than the rest of the castle and looked as though it had been recently redone. He stopped at a door and placed her luggage beside him. He pulled a key from the inside of his coat and unlocked it, lifting her luggage once more. He carried her luggage in to the room and finally he said,"This will be your room, miss Harper, my room is just down the hall if you need me. Now, where shall I place your luggage, miss Harper."
"Oh, anywhere will be fine, thank you."Aeriella said to him. She stepped into the room carefully, gazing at the classic decor through awed eyes. She didn't know what to say, she was so thrilled.
He placed them against the bedroom wall and gave a deep bow to her. "Will that be all, Miss Harper?"
"Yes, that's fine, thank you."Aeriella said to him with a nod in his direction.
"Hm. Yes, I will inform Lord Lucifent of your arrival,if he's even here yet, that is, so that you may meet him in person. You may make preparations, for a dinner afterwards. If there's anything you need, Miss Harper, please do not hesitate to ask."He bowed and left the room.
Aeriella decided, since she would be here for two weeks after all, to unpack her bags. She placed her clothes neatly into the dresser drawers, not yet chaning out of her school uniform and leg warmers. She then lsat on the side of the large canopy bed in her room. It was sturdy with classy designs in the brass. The covers were a deep maroon color as well as the thick drapes that acted as the curtain.
A breeze traveled through the hallways, as a balcony window was slammed open. A creature, with its limbs awkward and bent in such a ways, that it couldn't possibly be considered human as it crawled on to the balcony, yet it dressed as a human and had human features as well, except its eyes were a burning red and its canines were long and sharp like dagger. If one were to look at the fangs, they would know that they were of carnivorous functions and no good would come of them. The creature stood to its full length, a man standing at exactly six feet, his slim physique showed of slight muscle located in the chest and shoulders, covered by a black, silk button up shirt. A scarlet frock coat with gold lining carelessly thrown over shoulders, with the sleeves tied around his neck, tucked under his arm was a wide-brimmed black hat, with a fluffed red feather. His legs ad feet were garbed with a pair of silken black trousers fastened with a scarlet leather belt, and a pair of heavy black boots.
He had unkempt pale blond hair, with wisps of wheat yellow tendrils hanging over his fiery eyes, his face was ivory pale, like it was starved of warmth and life.
Aeriella smiled a bit to herself. The bed was very comfortable, the most comfortable bed she had ever been on. For about a second, she wondered if she could get it on the plane. She then shook away the thought, thinking it to be ridiculous. She sat on the edge of the bed, not hearing the slamming of one of the hallway window.
Drake!" The voice shattered the silence of the castle, as it echoed it's way through the halls, it was rough and raspy with youth and thick with accent. In its own mystical way, it was melodious and seemed to have a strange affect on people ranging with the emotion. Right now it gave the feeling of dread and insignificance for it was heavy with power and impatience.
Hurried footsteps passed Aeriella's room.
"Yes, my lord," came Drake's voice.
"I smell blood, there on your lip," came the other.
"My apologies my Lord, I will be careful as to not make that mistake again, my lord."
"Is the guest here?"
"Yes, my lord. She is her room at the moment, my lord, shall I fetch her?"
"She? A female this time, Drake...Hmm...we must be careful about this."
"Yes, my lord, of course, my lord."
"Well, then, go get her, Drake, and bring her to my room. I am exhausted from tonight's work, so do not make me wait long."
"Yes...my lord."
Aeriella heard a slight comotion in the halls,, but couldn't make out what was being said. She decided, for the moment, that it was none of her business, simply remaining where she sat on the side of her bed.
There was a knock on the door. 'Miss Harper..."
Aeriella stood quickly, dusting off the front of her skirt and straightening her blouse. She then walked swiftly to the door, opening it up. "Yes?"she asked politely.
Drake gave a very deep bow. "Miss Harper, Lord Lucifent, would like to see you now. Also, I would like to know,would you change you're mind if I said treating me like a servant was actually doing me a favor?"
Aeriella shook her head a bit stubbornly, but still polite. "I'm sorry, but I realy would prefer not to." She really wasn't trying to start trouble, she just believed that servantry was uncalled for, that it made people seem lazy if they couldn't do things on their own, that they had someone else do things for them. However, she kept this thought to herself.
He gave a sigh through his nose. "Miss Harper, if it will help, I would like you to know that my work here is one hundred percent voluntary, in fact I am proud to work for a great noble gentleman such as the lord Lucifent, and I have made a vow to stay by his side no matter the cost. Since you are his guest, I am willing to treat you with the same amount of hospitality by offering my service, so please, Miss Harper," he said as he started towards a staircase.
Aeriella said nothing, leaving her expression composed. "I will treat you only as a servant when your master is around for that seems to be the cause of all of this..."she said softly to him. "But other than that, I refuse."
"You do not understand, and I will not try to make you understand for I see my efforts will be in vain. Come, Miss Harper, Lord Lucifent awaits your company. This way." He carried himself up a spiral staircase.
Aeriella followd carefully, letting her hand slide, slightly hovering, over the railing as she climbed up the spiral staircase, not saying another word for the moment.
He lead her to red oak door, with a dragon carved on to the top corner. He knocked,"My Lord, our guest is here to see you."
"................come in," a voice demanded from the other side.
Drake opened the door and stepped behind Harper, ushering her into the room.
Aeriella nodded to Drake. "Thank you."she said kindly to him, then stepped forward into the room.
Drake bowed and remained in the door way.
The room was an apparent study by the looks of it, with a mess of book piled on a writing desk, soaking in pools of spilled ink. Resting next to the book pile was a feather hat. The walls were lined with shelves with interesting and mismatched nick-knacks from all over the world including a polished broadsword protected by clear glass case and a tattered book on English Soliciting, clumsily placed beside it.
Sitting at the desk was the young man feverishly typing on a misplaced typewriter. He cast his crimson eyes upon her.
"Your name."
Aeriella bowed politely. "Aeriella Annalie Harper, sir."she said softly.
"And you must know me as Lucifent, owner Castle Dracula." He nodded his slightly. "You won some form of contest I presume."
Yes sir, a poetry contest..."Aeriella replied, coming out of her bow and standing straight.
"Yes Mmm...." His voice faded off as he studied her.
"Ahem, is Miss Harper to join you in dinner later tonight, My Lord," Drake brought from behind. Lucifent gave a warning glance toward the servant, and replied with slight annoyance.
"Yes, Drake, thank you for reminding me. No need for formal wear just a casual dinner to get to know one another."
Aeriella bit her lip lightly for a moment, then recomposed herself, standing calmly
"By the way, just because you are my guest here at the castle doesn't mean there aren't boundary lines. Drake will explain the rules to you, that being said, welcome to Castle Dracula," he said in a rather cold manner for something what was supposed to be welcoming. He stood and gave slight, shallow bow, giving the feeling that he was higher class and did not need to bow any deeper.
Aeriella bowed once more to him politely, yet her bow was no lower than his. "Yes sir, I understand."she said, alightly taken aback by his rude tone of welcoming. She then turned and walked out of the room.
Drake bowed so very deeply to his lord, that it almost look as though he would fall over but straightened himself and turned to leave.
"Drake,"Lucifent stopped Drake in his footsteps.
"Yes, my lord?"
"Don't let me catch you drinking on castle grounds, Drake."
"My Lord, I would never-"
"I smell it on your breath," He snapped.
".................Yes.....My Lord, my apologies." Drake let his head drop, though one was still unable to see his eyes behind the mask. He turned on his heels to join Aeriella.
Aeriella remembered the way back to her room easily, as if she had lived here for years. She didn't even need the help of Drake of whom she walked slighlty ahead of back to her room. Thogh when she got to her door she turned to look at him. "Thank you."she said to him, then nodded her head slighlty, walking into her room and shutting the door. She wanted to change before dinner, which was only an hour or so away.
Drake, being neglected his bow of which he seemed so lost without, lingered in front of the door for a moment, before bowing anyway. Then he carried himself back to his room, with a secret stash of alcohol hovering over his mind.
