The Dunland Chronicles

[Tyriel]

It was the night of All Hallow's Eve, the fall of 1789AD. Ethaniel Markus Dunland, aristocrat and blue blood, approached the McCoy household, his silver plated walking stick shimmering in the darkness. It was clear that the annual masquerade ball had already been in full swing for many hours, music and sounds of laughter from the mansion filled the surrounding forest.

He felt the excitement in the air, his senses becoming increasingly acute with each step. He could hear the sweet laughter of innocent maidens, see them dancing happily in their silk and satin dresses. But most importantly, he smelt wine. And blood.

Ethaniel paused for a moment to straightened his dark velvet dress suit and brushed his fingers over the fine silk emboidery. A wicked grin appeared on his face as he took the final steps up to the front porch.

Poor souls. he thought to himself.

 

[LittleRedDevil]

Jenisis laughed gayly as another of her beaux dropped to his knees, professing his undying love. She might have taken him seriously if he hadn't been quite foxed. "Thank you, kind sir, for the tempting offer, but I'm afraid you are a little to late, for I am already betrothed."

The young man heaved a deep sigh, "Ah well, I shall continue my hunt then." He dashed off, looking for another girl to propose to.

She looked around at the bright costumes, seeing a few prancing cupids and flying fairies. Jenisis smiled for she was the only Persephone in sight. Her simple white gown was accented with a beautiful purple mantle, and her long blond tresses were piled on top of her head, twined with strands of violets and buttercups.

Jenisis looked around, trying to find her betrothed, and smiled warmly at him when their eyes met across the ballroom. She was about to start toward him, when a chill raced down her spine, and she had a strange feeling someone was watching her.

 

[Tyriel]

Ethaniel

Ethaniel brought his mask up to his face. The mask was a tarnished silver, simple without ellaborate design - it spaned from his forehead down across his cheekbones, moulded across the arch of his nose. Etched down the right hand side was"Veni, vidi" - he came, he saw. This was matched by the inscription on his walking stick - "vici."- he conquered.

A young child, over enthusiastic about his dancing, tumbled across Ethaniel's path. He recognized the child - it was Lord McCoy's youngest - Joseph. Tears begun welling up in Joseph's innocent blue eyes but this was soon replaced by an expression of joy. Ethaniel smiled at the child's slight mishap, and knelt down to pick him up. He tossed Joseph up and down in the air playfully, and soon Joseph returned to his cheery self, prepared once again to join the other children for more games. Ethaniel returned Joseph to his feet and ruffled his straw-like blonde hair.

"You be more careful next time young Joseph." he said.

Joseph grinned happily, and without a word, ran back to dance and play with his mother. Ethaniel's eyes followed the young child's track, through the crowds of people.

Then he paused.

The crystal chandalier scattered light across every corner of the ballroom. But someone felt brighter, more alive than everyone else around them. Ethaniel stood motionless in the middle of the floor, his eyes searching for this being. Then he saw her - Persephone, the daughter of Demeter, carried off to Pluto and made queen of the Underworld. For a moment, he stood, breathless. She became the only person he saw.

[Edited by Tyriel on 04-27-2001 at 06:11 PM]

 

[Merelan]

Teresa:

My first ball. How nervous and shy I was as I realized that I would be the object of many stares, and hands, as I served the wine and other various needs of the noblemen. This gown was too low cut, showing more then a maiden ought too. Blushing as yet another "gentleman" brushed his fingers across my cheek and commented on the new maid.
There stood my Jenisis, my Mistress. Sweet lady, beautiful Goddess. Laughing, gaily enjoying her time in the spotlight. As she should. Perfection moulded by the creator. Blasphemous, my thoughts, but they burned into me. No.
It was his eyes that burned. Shyly I watched the stranger's predatory gaze. Wrong, he was wrong. She smiled her radiant smile, though suddenly paler then normal. Hurrying I rushed to her side. Pushing the tray of iced drinks tpwards her.
"Mistress. A cool drink?" Daring forwardness to break their gaze. Blushing at my nerve.

 

[LittleRedDevil]

She felt him before she saw him. His glorious green eyes shining bright against the tarnished silver of his mask. He was hynotic in his potency, and Jenisis could not have turned away, even if she had wanted to.

"Mistress. A cool drink?" Jenisis looked down a little blankly at Teresa, not really seeing her for a moment.

"OH TERESA!" Her cheeks burst with color, and she smiled warmly at her maid. She was so young and sweet, Jenisis feared a little for her safety and her virtue. "My dear, sweet Teresa. How wonderful of you to offer me a drink for I suddenly find myself parched."

She took the drink, sipping it. Jenisis glanced back to where the stranger had stood, but he was gone. Had she imagined him? Was he nothing more than her overactive imagination? She smiled a little, maybe he was a ghost come to haunt her party on All Hallow's Eve.

She leaned close to Teresa, whispering a warning into her ear, "Becareful this night, little one. Do nothing you do not wish to do, and should a gentleman insist, come and find me, for I will protect you." She touched her shoulder as she passed, moving off to find her parents and maybe her betrothed.

 

[Tyriel]

Ethaniel

Ethaniel stood confused, unsure of whether he had the young maiden captive, or whether the roles were reversed. He tilted his head slightly and smiled, curious of how the sweet lady's eyes had mezmerized him, yet there was no hint of magic or sorcery.

A young maid handed her lady a goblet, and the spell was disturbed. Ethaniel took the opportunity and tore his gaze away from the delicious creature. The night was still young. Tucking his cane under his arm, he surveyed the room once more, wondering who else the evening might bring.

"YOUNG ETHANIEL!" came a familiar voice from behind him.

Ethaniel dropped his head, and he stuck his tongue against his cheek. Just superb. Lord McCoy. he thought to himself sarcastically. Taking in a deep breath, he put on a polite smile and turned to face the master of the house.

[Edited by Tyriel on 04-27-2001 at 08:58 PM]

 

[Weevil]

"Ahh my young Ethaniel. How goes it with you and yours?" I say the brandy of the evening affecting my speech slightly "It truly looks like all of Shtrotinghamshire's aristocracy have turned out. Which is jolly good for me and my standing."

I turned around and surveyed my expansive estate. Young Masters and Mistresses dancing about and enjoying the merriment and refreshments, all with their identities concealed. Lots of fun before the upcoming winter which I hoped to spend in the colonies.

"Have you given any thought to my idea of setting up plantations in the Colonies? I am told there is land in Maryland cheap, we could..." I stopped, noticing that his attention was far more focused on Jenisis, my pride and joy.

"Well we can discuss business later, I'll let you enjoy yourself."

 

[LittleRedDevil]

Jenisis weaved her way through the crowds, stopping now and then to speak to partygoers. She saw her father standing off to the side, holding court with someone she couldn't quite makeout. Her heart began to beat a little faster as she moved closer, but she couldn't understand why.

"Father, there you are," she smiled at him and kissed him on the cheek, "There will be no talk of business, it is a party, and it is meant for fun."

Her father chuckled, "Well said, my dear," he turned to his guest, "Ethaniel may I present to you my daughter, Lady Jenisis."

Jenisis turned, smile glittering in her eyes, and she froze. There before her stood the apparition who had held her so intranced. Her smile trembled, and her voice shook a little as she bowed low in a deep throne room curtsey more appropriate for a king than a stranger. She needed the time to compose herself. "How do you do, my lord?"

 

[Tyriel]

Ethaniel

"How do you do, my lord?" she inquired timidly.

Ethaniel tipped his head in acknowledgement, and helped Jenisis out of her curtsie. He held her hand in his, her seemingly flawless complexion separated from him only by the leather of his glove. His eyes met with hers, and the surrounding world disappeared once more, being no longer of any significance. He brought her hand upwards and planted a soft kiss upon it - images of the lady, what may be and what will be, flooded his consciousness.

With Jenisis' hand resting in his, their eyes still locked, Ethaniel addressed Lord McCoy.

"My Lord. You have told me many a tales of the McCoy family's possessions and wealth - precious jewels and priceless works of art - but never once have you enlightened me of the existence of such indescribable beauty under the roof of this very mansion."

A thoughtful smile appeared from the corner of his lips.

"I will take the matter of the plantation into consideration before the morning is nigh. In the meanwhile, we should take Lady Jenisis' advice. This eve shall not be eternal, let us be merry."

[Edited by Tyriel on 04-28-2001 at 08:30 AM]

 

[LittleRedDevil]

Jenisis blushed at his compliment, and cast her eyes down, resting her gaze on her hand resting in his. Something flowed between them, some powerful force she could not explain.

"...let us be merry." Without asking, this forceful stranger swept her onto the dance floor. Jenisis didn't even bother resisting. She felt as though she could deny him nothing.

He danced beautifully to the music, and they seemed to float across the dance floor. Jenisis stared at his chest, a little frightened by her response to him.

"Look at me." It was not a request, but a command. Softly spoken, and unbelievable gentle. Jenisis could not have resisted if she had tried. Their eyes locked. Time and place seemed to disappear. His eyes seemed to bore into her soul, and she knew in that moment, everything she was belonged to him.

 

[Merelan]

Teresa:

I watched her father, her own father, hand her over to that man. His wrongness emanating from him like a glow. Couldn't they see it, feel it? I tried to get one of the other maids to help, but they laughed and told me to mind my own silly, virgin business. Teasing me as I fled back to the ball. From behind a pillar I watched as he, without a word, wooed and won her. Saw their eyes meet. Wanting to scream out, save her, but from what? Tears slid down my cheeks as I turned, blindly falling into my Lord's arms.
Habit and long lessons had trained me well. I ducked my head.
"Excuse me sir." And tried to slip away, but his hand on my arm held me.

 

[Tyriel]

Ethaniel

Why has it taken me so long to find you?

Ethaniel never for one moment took his eyes off the young girl in his arms. She waltzed with grace and beauty, glided over the dance floor with him, matching his every step and every move. He held her in an intimate embrace, enthralled by the way her tresses slid over her shoulders, by her delightful scent, and most of all by the vivacity she had deep within her striking blue eyes.

"Look at me."

His voice was soft and haunting - it seemingly swayed with the music, suggestive and irresistable. She gazed into his eyes, and he delved deep within her mind. He had her and held her, body and soul.

The waltz drew quietly to an end, suffocated by the laughter and drunken conversation. Ethaniel, smiled at Jenisis, and bowed politely, their vision still united by an unseen power.

"Shall we adjourn to the court yard?" asked Ethaniel.

 

[Weevil]

Lord McCoy

Young Ethaniel seems to have taken an interest in my Jenisis. Oh lord, It seems like she bewitches every man who comes into contact with her. It seems like only yesterday when she was a small girl, complaining of scraped knees and fights with her siblings. Oh well, enough of this preoccupation with my Daughter's life. There's the Marquis who I'm sure I'll be able to talk into my Cotton venture

I was on my way to Marquis Elloway and his wife when one of my Daughters young attendants bumped into me. I was about to give her a rather brutal reprimand when I noticed she was quite visibly upset.

"My word, Young miss. You nearly had me ass over tea kettle." I guffaw "Is there something the matter? Has a visiting young man been too fresh?" I smile

[Edited by EvilBollWeevil on 04-29-2001 at 01:56 AM]

 

[Merelan]

Teresa:

"Oh no, my Lord. No. I am sorry. Everyone has been wonderful, just... And Mistress Jenisis is so kind." I was rambling and blushing, not knowing where to look or what to say. Would he listen to me, no. I was just a maid, he didn't even know I existed before I rudely ran into him. I drew in and took a deep breath.
"Forgive me sir?" Looking up into his eyes, hoping he would let me leave so I could get back to watching Mistress and that man. To make sure he left. Where was her fiancee, he would stop this.

 

[Weevil]

"Of course, my dear. No harm was done. But you do look a little flustered, perhaps you should turn in for the night?" I say with a look of real concern. Oh sure I haven't the foggiest notion of this Girls name or even in what capacity she came to work for me, but I like my staff to enjoy themselves at my parties.

"But the fact that my Daughter is kind cannot be the reason for your reaction. Are you sure nothing is wrong?"

 

[Merelan]

Teresa:
Why wouldn't he just let me go. He held my arm tightly. The two were walking away now.
"Please sir. I need to go." Watching them head away as we spoke. Angered at his blindness.
"Don't you see him with her?"

 

[Weevil]

"Who with who?" I ask with a laugh. "I see many Hims with many hers. The mark of a good party"Noticing the growing anger and fear in her eyes I let go my grip, which I had in fact forgot was there. These servants can be a tiring lot and the Marquis was now headed toward the garden

"Seriously my dear, you must be more careful in your running about." I say "But not to worry, be on your way. Perhaps you should make it to bed, hmm?" I say as I walk ahead

 

[Merelan]

Teresa:
I watch him go, blushing at my outburst. Spinning around to see. Damn. They were still together. I would watch quietly, waiting a moment to interrupt. I moved forward a bit.

 

[LittleRedDevil]

He led her quietly towards the doors leading to the gardens. She didn't understand what was happening to her, her mind was a cloud of fog, and she shook her head to clear it. What about your betrothed? a tiny voice whispered. She was about to embarass him by accompanying this intense stranger into a secluded garden. Even as her heart cried yes, her mind said no, and her feet stopped moving.

He looked down at her, waiting patiently.

"I have forgotten myself. I...I was looking for my betrothed before our dance. He will be looking for me. I'm sorry, my lord. Excuse me, please." She turned away, but thought she saw something in his eyes. Had she hurt him? Impossible. Jenisis saw her fiancee across the room and started weaving her way across the room to his side, away from the intense man who seemed to possess her thoughts.

 

[Tyriel]

Ethaniel

Ethaniel watched Jenesis disappear into the crowd once more. His face remained expressionless behind his silver mask. For one fleeting moment in time, as Jenesis turned away, Ethaniel felt vulnerable.

Ethaniel Markus Dunland? Hurt by a simple turn of the head from a fledgling? How obsured.

He smirked, the edge of his lips curling upwards into a wicked grin. But he could not fool himself. He was wounded by Jenisis' departure. Ethaniel stood, completely motionless, bewildered by the moment's emotions.


"Ethaniel."


The voice from behind Ethaniel pierced through his thoughts, shattering his silent reflections. The feminine voice was seductive and persuasive, shrouded by a degree of mystery - a far cry from Jenisis' sweet innocent words.

Ethaniel, with his head lowered, smiled with irony.

"Sister."



[Edited by Tyriel on 04-29-2001 at 06:29 AM]

 

[Merelan]

Teresa:
Watching still from my hiding place I see her leave. My heart thrilling, but also see his eyes follow her. And her shakiness as she resumes her role as Hostess. I hate him.
Then a woman, a strange and dark woman approaches him. His reaction surprises me, he seems somewhat lowered in her presence. Who is she? I move to get a closer view, grabbing a tray of wine. I am after all a maid servant, simply serving drinks.

 

[goddess_euphoria]

Katerina

I took the hand offered by the attendant and stepped out of the carriage, smiling sweetly at him. I felt his pulse quicken under my hand and knew he was all ready under my spell. But the night was young, and he would live through it.

I walked into Lord McCoy’s mansion, it was brimming with gaiety, the wine being poured endlessly. Just like blood I thought, a smile spreading across my lips. My smile however, was abruptly halted when I caught sight of Ethaniel dancing about with some young maiden.

It wasn’t that he was dancing with her, it was the way he was looking at her that caused the frown to crease my brow. He stared into her eyes the way I’d seen him do thousands of times before, enchanting her no doubt, but there was something under his gaze, behind the silver mask he wore that worried me. Had he himself been enchanted by this girl?

The music ended and over all the noise I picked out their conversation with my sharp ear. I moved across the room as he began leading her out to the courtyard. She suddenly
stopped.

"I have forgotten myself,” she said to him. “I...I was looking for my betrothed before our dance. He will be looking for me. I'm sorry, my lord. Excuse me, please." And as she turned away, what was that look in Ethaniel’s eyes?
I stood close behind him and could sense an emotional stir within him. It worried me even more that he hadn’t felt my presence sooner.

"Ethaniel," I whisper, my voice inaudible to the humans around us.

He turns to me, his head lowered, and though I cannot see his face under his silver mask, I know he is smiling at me, mocking me with his bow.

"Sister." He greets me.

"Darling brother," I replied, returning his sarcasm with a small curtsy and an icy smile.

My face then grows serious as I catch sight of the young madden that he had been dancing with. My gaze returns to him, and I find him now staring after the maid with a sickening look in his eye. I reach up, placing a finger on his jaw, and redirect his gaze to me.

“Please tell me I didn’t just see what I thought I saw,” I say coldly.

“And what is that dear sister?” He replies, mocking me again.

“I believe I just beheld my foolish brother falling all over himself due to a young, mortal girl.” I glared at him, daring him to deny the accusation.

 

[Tyriel]

Ethaniel

“I believe I just beheld my foolish brother falling all over himself due to a young, mortal girl.”

Was it that obvious?

Ethaniel considered his response with extreme care. There was no point in deceiving Katerina, she was far too experienced to succumb to his deceptions.

"Perhaps. It matters not." shrugged Ethaniel, his gaze returning to the alcove at which the young maid hid.

He was not concerned about the meddlesome maid, she will be dealt with in due time. But he was concerned. Concerned by Katerina's gaze - the way she could peer into his mind through his eyes, the way she could see through his lies.

"Unpleasantries aside," continued Ethaniel, searching for words to escape the confrontation, "... I... I must add you do look absolutely splendid this evening. Caught the attention of any delicious young gentlemen yet?"

 

[Merelan]

Teresa:
His eyes pierced mine as I slipped through the crowd toward him. Catching every few words.
Sister? Oh. Mortal? Confused I had no choice now but to attend them.
"A drink for the fair Lady, Sir?" Gasping as I caught her face. Beautiful, in a cold exotic way. Quickly I lowered my eyes, but not before I saw the amused look in hers.

 

[LittleRedDevil]

She walked slowly away from him, her leaden feet carrying her farther and farther from where she really wanted to be. In his arms. Where had these feelings come from, she was betrothed to another, she could never be his. Jenisis had to banish a moment of dispair at the thought.

She glanced over her shoulder to look, once more, at the man who so intrigued her, and her heart wrenched at what she saw. How easily he seemed to forget her. Jenisis really couldn't blame him. The other woman was stunningly beautiful. She turned once more away from him, not seeing his eyes linger on her back. She would be merry the rest of this night.