Wild Solitude-Closed

[Perplexia]

Lady Eliza Jaques boarded a ship headed to Scotland from the south east of England. With tears of misery streaming from her eyes she waved to her family as they gathered on the dock to say goodbye. This would probably be the last time she would be with them. She was off to be married to a Lord of some standing. He had been given a portrait of her which was what( she was told) sealed the deal. Her father never really saw her other then what her value would be. This Lord had offered the most of all the offers.

The long red haired busty virgin had led a very comfortable life. She was brought up to be a lady, and defied it at every turn. She didn't want to be married without love. The thought of being bred like a cattle disgusted her. Perhaps that is what prompted her father to search where her reputation hadn't reached.

There had been a light fog when she left mid afternoon. But now the sky was darkening and the winds were howling as if in protest that she leave her home. It wasn't long before a massive storm hit the seas veering the sloop off course. Soon the crew as well as Eliza were being tossed around as the violent waters took their vengeance.

Before she knew what was happening the sloops side cracked open and rushed in pulling her into the icy cold waters. Finding her way to the surface she grabbed at whatever she could until she grasped the rope that was tied to a barrel. With much effort she hoisted herself up and ensnared her fingers in the rope so she wouldn't lose hold. As the barrel took her out to see she watched in horror as the rest of ship disappeared into the darkness.

It would be presumed that she had died like the rest of the crew, and by some miracle she hadn't. Instead when she awoke with the sun beaming down upon her, she was upon the shores of a great island covered with trees springs and fruits. There were no other signs of life upon the island that she could see.

Her dress was tattered and her hair was wild as she slowly rose up to inspect her situation. Tears flung to her eyes as she realized the seriousness of her situation. She had never been brought up with survival skills. How was she suppose to survive all alone?

Gathering her strength she began to look for a spring. The eighteen year old girl set through the woods in the hopes of finding one. She observed several trees that held fruit which gave her some comfort to know she would at least have some food. First water, then shelter, the some food she decided.

 

[Strangebuddy]

Had it been years or seconds since he had last broken out of his cycle of exploration and destruction? The man couldn't tell. Time meant nothing to him. He had been viewing a star exploding in some far off part of space when his brain was assaulted by words.

"Robert"

The word caused him pain. It was as though his entire consciousness had been poisoned. He quickly moved his thoughts to a smaller event: a hawk hunting a rabbit. Yet as he went into the hawk's mind and felt the talons sink into the rodent's flesh, more words scrawled into his brain.

"Curse...freedom...marriage..."

He placed himself in a virus, the only input the feeling of dividing and overtaking cells. Another word invaded that solace.

"Painting."

No. That word. Why that word? Why did that word cause him such agony?

"Ship."

His mind quickly focused and he found himself digustingly under the thrall of time once more. His view was of a finely crafted vessel on the open sea; the "ship" that the word had been describing. The word weighed on his mind and still caused him pain. Why? He just wanted to drift away and not have to think.

Damn ship.

He thought of warm and cold pressures, colliding of winds, and cracking timbers. The thoughts became reality and the ship was torn apart. The newly created storm sunk it to the bottom of the sea.

"Send the kelpies, selkies, and mermaids!"

Who was speaking? The voice was familiar but it seemed off. It caused sensations in him he hadn't felt in some time. It made his lips move and force air to rhythmically escape through his mouth. It was as though he was the one talking. That was impossible. To speak he had to be awake and...he was awake, wasn't he?

His eyes opened. He was cut off from his infinite voyage and was stuck on his marble throne, having slices of apple shoved in his mouth by a waifish woman in a flowing dress: a silkie. The woman floated away and began to clean the room. alongside a number of other silkies. The room looked like it had been torn apart by a earthquake and the pillars that held up the room were shattered into rubble. He chewed on the apple slices six at a time, his large jaw and strong incissors tearing through them with ease, and tried to remember why he had awoken. His muscular frame felt stiff, so he raised up to his current full height of 2 meters. He jumped in surprise as he felt his reptilian tail slap the floor.

"Why did you all awaken me?" He asked, scratching his fur covered belly with his sharp claws. The Silkies paid him no mind. Their pleasure was chores and cleaning and answering questions was not their specialty. Still he needed answers. He waved his hand and the pillars reassembled themselves perfectly while the dust vanished completely. The Silkies shot him murderous glares.

"You woke up of your own accord, plaything." The Silky who had fed him apples answered, trying to find a bit of dirt to clean, "Yesterday you asked for the others to go and find a shipwreck and tend to the castoffs. A woman from the ship was deposited on our island this morning and she is currently walking around unaided. We furnished a room for her and clothes as we were bored."

He snorted through his flat nose and thanked the Silkies by shattering the pillars with his fists and caving in the Eastern wall, allowing mud to flow onto the lush carpeting. The Silkies almost smiled as they bustled about the room, tending to their new tasks. His memory was slowly returning as he wandered through his estate. The other fair folk who lived in the castle cared nothing for his presence or his naked body and exposed genitals. He eventually made his way to a large bedroom where an almost comically sized suit and robe lay atop an enormous mattress that had never been slept on. He settled on just pulling a pair of pants over his legs.

He was master of an island. He knew that much. The island itself reflected his will and the castle was his design. He did not get guests and while he could see anything he wanted to see remotely, save for the island itself. If there was a woman, he wouldn't know until she came to him.

"...or I go to her." He thought. An old emotion rattled its way into his heart. 'Amusement' was the term for it.

He closed his eyes, fighting the temptation to resume his observations, and focused on projecting his voice through the island so all could hear him.

"Greetings woman." his voice let out a growling laughter, "I hope you are well. I am Lord of this Island and I suppose I shall be serving as your host as long as you stay here. Please help yourself to anything you find though I shall be out shortly to bring you to my manor on the Western cliff. Hopefully, you will be adequately impressed upon meeting me."

 

[Perplexia]

"Greetings woman." his voice let out a growling laughter, "I hope you are well. I am Lord of this Island and I suppose I shall be serving as your host as long as you stay here. Please help yourself to anything you find though I shall be out shortly to bring you to my manor on the Western cliff. Hopefully, you will be adequately impressed upon meeting me."

The sudden interruption from the silence of all but nature caused her to stop dead in her tracks. Was she hearing things? Was she dead?, Was this Heaven? or was this hell for not being the proper Lady that had been required of her?

"I'll be happy to leave, just point me in the direction of a boat and i'll be on my way." she yelled out into the thick woods. Well he did say as long as she stayed here, so that meant that she was able to leave. To leave she just needed a boat and she could grab enough provisions to last her, for a while anyway. At least until the sea took her, or she arrived some where.

It wasn't as if she was going to miss those silly social engagements. West he had said.. She looked up at the sky shielding her eyes from the sun as she tried to estimate what time it was. Mid afternoon. The sun sets..She struggled for a moment as she tried to remember her geography and map tutors words.
"rises east settles west" she mumbled to herself quite pleased that she actually managed to remember something from that boorish man.

"that way" she said out loud to herself starting to head in the direction she thought it was only to find herself in practically the same spot she had started from. Changing coarse she headed to where she thought she heard water running. Water, she needed water. Her skin was bright red from the suns angry burn and she began to feel it as the dehydration started to take hold.

Still not reaching water she finally stopped to rest upon the base of a tree. "Moss..grows..." Her head began to pound so she closed her eyes and gave up. It would be upon the base of the tree in a deep sleep he would find her if he came looking.

 

[Strangebuddy]

The woman's voice tickled his ears. It had been some time since he had any conversation that wasn't with one of the island's inhabitants, so he waited to respond.

"A boat?" He chuckled, "No need for bearings or supplies? My aren't you the confident one? Or has your mind been addled? No matter, I will tend to you either way."

A feeling of amusement filled him. The inhabitants of the island cared only for their specific tasks and only broke away from those tasks to serve his needs. Before he returned to his sleep, it would be a good bit of fun to entertain someone whose life didn't follow a script.

He opened his eyes and rose up from the bed. It would be a matter of ease to send a servant, but the beastly man decided to go himself. After all, he'd return to his slumber soon enough, he should try and relish the experience. He hunched down onto all fours and tore through the castle, his clawed hands and feet leaving deep gouges in the marble. He raced through the halls and down the grand staircase before barreling through the doors made of black walnut to enter the forest which grew right up to the castle's entrance.

He snorted as the fresh air entered his nostrils. It had been some time since he had consciously wandered the island and the scents almost overwhelmed him. A multitude of plants and animals carried on the wind and it took him time to to find the scent he was looking for. Then he found it: a mix of sweat, ocean spray, and sunburnt flesh. He tore off through the woods, his long rough tongue sliding out of his mouth as he hurtled towards his prey. He caught sight of her and his pace quickened as the thrill of finding an unpredictable element filled his heart.

"Asleep?!" he growled, stopping a few feet from her, "Of course. The first guest I allow on my island and they can't even bother to be awake. Well, lets have a look at you, shall we?"

His eyes wandered her sleeping form. His baser instincts slowly drank in every inch of exposed flesh while a different feeling began to fill his heart, one which made him carefully watch her breathing and place one of his hands on her forehead.

"Sunburn. She should be sweating more: she's dehydrated." The words poured out without his thought. Where they came from, the man couldn't recall. He placed one of his padded hands on the ground and his mind thought of a succulent green plant with spiked stems and another with certain types of beans. The plants emerged, fully mature from the soil and the beast tore them apart, chewing the beans into a paste while his hands crushed the spiked plant and gathered the clear gel it produced. He spat the paste into the gel and mixed them together into one hand while his other hand stroked her face.

She looked so familiar, but where did he remember her from? He knew she was gorgeous: his quickened pulse and the blood rushing to his extremities was proof of that...but there was something more; a memory that was trying to force its way into his mind.

"No matter, there will be time for that later." A cruel thought put a smile on his face, "now, lets get this dress off."

His clawed hand seized the cloth and prepared to tear the dress from the young woman.

 

[Perplexia]

Sounds..she heard a voice. It was deep, it was ..it was the voice she heard earlier...

"water" she mutter out swatting at what she thought was a fly, but instead his hand gripping her dress. Her eyes still closed as she gasped at the air. "help me" she gasped again. "My husband to be will pay for my return, please"

She struggled to open her eyes and once they did they went wide as she took in the face of the beast that hovered over her. To her credit she didn't scream, had her throat not been dry she may have let out a squeal of fright. Instead her hand gripped his bicep and clung to it, like her last breath.

"water" she squeaked out again. Though this beast looked frightful, he did not seem as though he was going to eat her. At this point he was her only means of survival. Without his aid she would die. It was in her best interest for now to try to avoid making him angry. At least until she could find a way home to England. She had no intention on going to Scotland regardless of the deal her father made. As far as her betrothed, well he was better off thinking she were dead.

"please" she pleaded one last time before falling faint again.

 

[Strangebuddy]

He was taken aback by her reaction. He had hoped for a shriek of fright or possibly for her to stare in shock, maybe even beg for him to allow her to maintain her modesty, yet her reaction was far more intriguing. Even if it was her sorry state that led her to beg him for water and aide, he was impressed that she maintained her wits.

"Of course my lady, of course." He patted her arm, taking a moment to appreciate the contact. It had been a long time since he had felt human flesh against him. His memory failed to find an exact amount of time but he somehow knew it had been several years at least.

Her dehydration seemed worse than he had first thought. The burns could be treated later. Instead of tearing the dress off, he merely slit the front open, letting her body more easily take to the coolness of the shade. The baser parts of him seemed to subside and the part that knew treatments came to the forefront. He examined her body with a clinical eye.

He needed to get her water but one hand was covered in the compound and the other was holding her. Reluctantly, he called out to the woods.

"Undines! Bring yourselves here."

The ground cracked near them and filled with fresh spring water.

"Into her mouth...slowly."

There was a groan of disappointment and then the water lifted up out of the new stream into a circulating tendril of water and pointed its tip at the woman's lips. The water moved across her lips and then slowly dripped into her mouth, making sure to stop the flow whenever she took a breath.

"Drink up," He ordered, "but not too fast and stay calm." He began to rub the compound into the burns, starting on her shoulders, "We can talk about your husband later. After all, it's rude to bring up other men when your lying naked in someone's arms." A toothy mile painted itself on his lips.

"Stay awake. You'll be fine but you have to let me know how you're doing. Say anything, the water will stop pouring when you speak so just say anything."

He moved to rub the compound into the burns on her neck. He noticed she had chaffed on several sensitive parts of her body. The burns would come first but he would tend to those too.

 

[Perplexia]

Looking at him with a perplexed expression, she began to drink the water that somehow sprung up from the ground. She was sure there hadn't been any water where she lie, how did he do that?

"not my husband" she gasped taking in the cool water as calm and slow as possible. The word naked shot through her brain as she frantically patted herself down finding she was still clothed for the most part. Letting out a sigh of relief she continued to drink.

"you're kind" she said breaking the waters pouring with interest. "where am I?" she opened her mouth and it was once again met with the water, she drank a few more drinks. "My ship, those men..." Then her now clearer mind looked at him in the eyes. She should have felt fear, but it was apparent that he was quite human on the inside. Even if his shell was frightful.

"My name..what is my name..oh my name...I'm Lady Eliza Jacques of the house of Jacques in South Hampton England. I was being forced to an arranged marriage. Water" the water again came to her lips giving her a few more healthy swallows. "i have never tasted water so refreshing." she said amusing herself.

"Where am I?"

 

[Strangebuddy]

He continued to administer the balm as Eliza spoke. The woman seemed like she would recover but he made sure to carefully treat all of the burns. He laughed when he saw her pat herself down; apparently she had healed up enough to regain her sense of shame. Her family name meant nothing to him though "England" felt like something he should remember. He politely nodded along as she talked, smiling when she said he was nice.

"You're on my island, Lady Eliza. I'm afraid you won't find it on any map and it lacks any formal name. The water has been blessed by Undines, so it's perfectly pure without any silt, dirt, or micro-organisms." He started coating her legs. The information about the island came easily to him, "An arranged marriage? My, my." Now that Eliza's health didn't seem in danger, his eyes were able to drink in her body on a more...appreciative level. His eyes lingered on her flesh and the way it wrapped about her frame into a delicious set of curves that started to burn an older, instinctive hunger in his body. "Such a shame to see such a beautiful woman being sold like a horse...if I were to hazard a guess, you don't seem to think highly of the arrangement, do you?"

Speaking of the marriage brought back feelings of pain, the same ones he had felt while asleep. he had also mentioned a ship.

"Oh! you were on the ship I sank!" He said, smiling with realization. He noticed her inner thighs were chaffed and began rubbing the compound scant inches away from her crotch.

 

[Perplexia]

"An Island without a name. Well that seems a shame, we shall have to think of one. But this can't be done lightly. So when i am able, if you would be so inclined to give me a tour, I think that would help in my decision as to what I'll call it." She gave him a smile of matter of fact as if it was going to happen whether he liked it or not.

"mmm, sold like a horse, that is a good way to put it. More like buying a breeding cow. A woman's job as it was told to me, is only to provide the successful running of the house, and the provision of an heir, or several. Depending of course on the mans wishes. If he chooses to take lovers, that should be of no consequence to the wife, for she has her duties and should not concern herself with his choices or desires."

It was an interesting feeling of having him rub his ..paws, clawed hands.. she wasn't sure what to call them over her burned flesh with the balm. He wasn't being intrusive or cruel in his application. Being as it was already starting to sooth her fiery flesh she wouldn't complain, nor reprimand him for the leering that seemed to be coming from his eyes. He was ..although not sure what he was, he was still male with some human tendencies.

"You sank my ship?" she questioned with a bit of horror in her voice. "You killed all those men, and nearly drowned me, and you respond with little empathy if any at all that 'oh you were on the ship I sank'. "Is life but a toy to you sir?"

 

[Strangebuddy]

He smiled as she asked for a tour. It seemed like ages since he had dealt with anyone with a will of their own, let alone someone with such a strong one. It would be amusing to play guide to her...for a short while at least.

"Hmmph," He grunted, "It's a waste. Dragging someone into servitude just so they can bear children who will wind up married and repeating the same cycle. Such a pointless gesture."

He continued to apply the balm, even after she responded in shock to his announcement. He merely shrugged, "I didn't intend to kill anyone, I merely wanted to sink the ship...why did I sink it, anyway?" He pondered aloud, having forgotten the reason and his sense of tact, "If anyone died, it was unintentional and when I sent my servants to come get you, they probably tried to save anyone who had at least a spark of life. It amuses them after all.

He rolled his eyes at her last question, "A toy? A toy at least value. A toy can entertain while asking nothing of others. Life is only about selfishly consuming until it is cut off. Every second two persons lose their lives and are quickly replaced by 3 little parasites who will go back devouring in their absence." His grip on her leg tightened and he bared his teeth as his anger rose, "What value should life be given? If any of those men died then what of it? Life is meant to end, the how doesn't really matter in the grand scheme."

He released her as a vision overtook him. He saw a skeletal arm wrapped in torn flesh clawing in the dirt, dragging bits of dirt and grass back to a waiting maw. Premonition or memory, the beastly man did not know but the sight gave him pause.

"...In the end, no one really matters." He finally said, catching himself.

 

[Perplexia]

Eliza had (to the disappointment of her parents) been renowned for her short temper. It had been part of the reason she was being sent abroad for a husband. Unfortunately she could be quite dramatic, as well as blunt. She definitely was not fine society agreeable. Though they managed to leave that information out to her husband to be.

"How can you state you didn't mean to kill anyone? Did you think it was just empty floating along for your amusement? Did you think the people on board would just float away like fairies or something? If you value life so little and in the end it doesn't matter, I'm perplexed as to why you even bothered saving mine!"

Her nostrils flared as she tried to work her way to her feet to storm off appropriately. To her dismay she was still a bit light headed. She needed rest and hydration, and it couldn't be obtained within a few minutes. So instead she scowled at him staring him int he eyes with a unforgiving fire as she crossed her arms in protest.

As she calmed she stated. "Imagine if you can being a child waiting for your father to walk through the door after he had been gone for weeks. Then growing up without that family connection to fill those mundane moments that us silly humans treasure. It's not that life matters to everyone, but someones life could mean something to someone. Just because you can do something, doesn't mean you should. There is a balance that must be maintained to keep ones soul in tact."

 

[Strangebuddy]

"Why did I save her life?" He pondered, this time to himself. That was the puzzling part, wasn't it? The boat upset him, so he destroyed it. She was on the boat, practically cargo the way it seemed to him. She should have mattered as little as a piece of timber would. She would just be a reminder of whatever had annoyed him enough to sink the vessel. Even if he had wished to save her, he could have had his servants take her to her destination.

He watched her look at him crossly and listened to her closely. Her words should have had little impact and bounced off of him. After all, if he didn't care for their fathers, why should he care for the whelps? Yet...her words struck a chord. It wasn't just her inflection and the rage that she was repressing. The situation was oddly familiar to him. Pain started to form in his chest...and he let out a groan of anguish.

"Don't," he breathed, "speak of souls to one who has none, my dear. Besides, does rain think to not pour so as to stop a flood from drowning people or crushing them in landslides? Does the planet not think to set still so earthquakes don't destroy villages? No, it just does. in case your eyes have failed you, I am not a man so why should I be bound to...to." He took a deep breath as the pain felt like it would cause his chest to burst outwards.

"Lady Jacques," he said in a new voice, that seemed to squeak out like air escaping a balloon, "I am sorry," his old voice returned, "that this upsets you. I don't know why I saved you but as I put the effort into doing so and treating you, you are owed the benefits of being my guest and your contentment should be a priority." He thought a moment, "Would it ease your mind to know the men are alive and well?" The pain was tearing him apart but slightly abated when he made his offer, "This topic appears to be a distressing one to you so I can ensure their safety, even bring them back if that would put you at ease. They're just flesh wrapped around souls after all and my servants can easily sew them back together if those have separated."

 

[Perplexia]

She watched and listened to him closely. He was seemingly struggling with something within. His cry of pain caused her to place a hand upon his arm. Then he was back to hospitality and gentleman behavior. It almost seemed as if he were two souls in one.

"I do not believe that you are soulless" she said softly. "If you were, you would have let me parish, you would have let me become food to the earth. More over, to heal my anguish over those that have lost their lives. You have offered to save them and send them home." A softness appeared upon her face with a smile as she looked up at him through her lashes.

"I know that you said you are not man, and yet despite your appearance I think you are no all beast either. How did you come to be here? How long have you lingered on this island? What do I call you? and to answer your question. It would please me greatly if you could find a way to save them, and send them homeward. If possible, with no memory of me, or perhaps simply with the thought I have perished. When I am well If you'll allow it, I'll venture forth on my own."

There was a lot that seemed to be going on his mind. Though she wondered about his 'friends' she didn't probe. If he wished it, she would know soon enough. She kept her hand upon his arm as she leaned forward for more water. Being angry and scolding him, had made her thirsty once again

 

[Strangebuddy]

Eliza's touch surprised him and he almost tore his arm away but a part of him took great comfort and pleasure in the contact. Then she spoke to him with such softness. The pain disappeared instantly though it was replaced with a spectrum of new pains and pleasures. It had been so long...before, was that the last time anyone had...but before what?

"I wouldn't be too sure about my having or lacking a soul, my lady...but thank you." For a moment, he felt free from the torment of voices and thoughts, of memories and knowledge. He felt whole and lucid...but only for a moment before he felt divided again, "I'd rather see you happy than distressed, that's all."

Her questions made him uneasy, though as always, he wasn't sure why. He should know his own name, shouldn't he? He wasn't a native of the island but where had he comes from?

"You may call me Robert." The name came out suddenly, "I'm not sure how long I have been here to be honest. Your request is simple enough. Are you sure you wish for them to think you've perished?" He let her drink from the water.

"It may be some time before you are well enough, Lady Jacques but you will be free to leave...where will you head to though?

"You think I'll let you go? Everything started because of your face...you're mine."

The voice barely rose in his conciousness and was gone immediately. It was as though a whisper had risen in his mind. Robert went back to rubbing the balm into her flesh as she drank from the water.

 

[Perplexia]

Even his wish of wanting to see her happy supported the existence of a soul. But she would let it go, for now. It generally wasn't in her nature to just let things go. But here her survival depended purely upon his wish to allow it to be. Though willful she wasn't stupid, and wasn't about to bite the hand that could lead to a life of freedom as an independent woman.

"Yes" she replied softly. "If they think I am dead, then my potential husband will think so as well. That means that I can go forth as a free woman and live whatever life I choose. I'm not sure what I'll do, or how I'll make my way. But i'll manage some how. As to where I'll go, of that I'm not certain. Perhaps France, or Spain, or Italy, or .." Her voice rose with a bit giddiness. "I'll become an explorer and travel the world." She let out a light laugh. Oh how her parents frowned upon her desire for adventure.

"There are Kings with the name of Robert, I think that's the first name of the one in Scotland. It fits you, as here you are King of your own Island. Which still needs a name" She grinned teasing him about the previously dropped subject. "I shall try not to be a burden to you while I recover. Then I'll be out of your hair."

Stopping her chatter to drink some more water she then leaned back and let her eyes rest for a moment. "I think perhaps in a past life you were a Shaman, you have a gentle healing touch. Though I think perhaps I have enough of this ..balm.."She tried the word out not sure if it was right. "Perhaps later if you think it's required you can re apply it. May I trouble you for your arm in helping me rise and to a place where I may rest before we take our tour?"

 

[Strangebuddy]

Robert, the name would do for now, let a small smile creep over his face. He had to admit that Eliza was fascinating. Trapped on an island after escaping the wreckage of a ship that was taking her to an arranged marriage and she was still thinking of going off on her own and exploring.

"A king? Well, I suppose in a way I am," He said, smiling "Please, you're no bother. In fact, I feel like you're the first bit of entertainment I've had in quite awhile."

In answer to her question, the beast picked her up in his arms, "I appreciate you just asking for my arm but I think it would be faster for us if you allowed me to carry you. My servants have already prepared a room for you. She was light in his arms, yet the feel of flesh and warmth carried a great weight for him.

"I will admit, a shaman might have been my role in a past life," he laughed, wanting to make small talk, "I certainly commune with spirits enough these days...but what of you my lady? Perhaps you were some daring adventurer or hero of legend? You certainly don't seem afraid of beasts."

 

[Perplexia]

Entertainment? She couldn't ever remember being called entertaining. It was more on the negative side, things like stubborn, arrogant, spoiled, and meddlesome came to her mind. Yet she said nothing except smiled. "It is good to know i'll be of some use then." She replied and quickly followed it with as gasp as he seemed to effortlessly take her into his arms and begin walking.

"I learned sometime ago that there are beasts in some that you would least expect, and tend not to be in those you would. So judging by ones appearance is not the best way to determine if someone is a beast or not. But to answer your question, i don't think I would have been a person. Perhaps I would have been a bird."

A smile crossed her lips as she used her hand to shield her eyes from the sun. "Would you tell me about communing with spirits? and your powers and such. I learned to believe what you see, but also in what you can't. Another words we should all keep an open mind to what could be. "

 

[Strangebuddy]

"A bird?" He laughed, "An excellent thing to have lived as. There is a bird, I once spent time in its eyes. It migrates all the way from the Southern tip of the continent you would call Africa and then Spend Summers in Spain...such a wonderful flight." He smiled, lost in thought as remembered one of his journeys.

Robert paused at her questions. So much of that knowledge seemed behind a wall of fog. He could access it freely but how he knew what he could do was a complete mystery to him. In the end, he decided to just let the answers flow from that fog.

"In a way, calling me a king isn't too far off from my role, though perhaps the term "Vassal" would be a more accurate descriptor." He explained, "After all, my abilities were gifted to me by none other than King-"

"DAMN THEIR HIDES! MAY THEIR FLESH BE PIERCED WITH COLD IRON AND THEIR SINEWS STRIPPED TO MAKE A HARP TO PLAY THEIR REQUIEM!!!" His demeanor changed instantly. His claws extended and his eyes dilated as his heart raced. His long tongue reached out of his mouth and he panted loudly.

Then, just as suddenly, he relaxed and had a placid smile paste back onto his mouth, "Forgive me, solitude has made me forget some decorum. I must have thought of a dream I had. In any case, I am granted the ability to care for and manage various spirits and creatures. For example, you were brought back by a Selkie, a pleasant creature who spends most of her days as a seal but can take the form of a woman by shedding her skin. They are free to do as they like but there are times where a human lover might steal their skin in order to force them into servitude or marriage. Before they would be forced to live as slaves until their skin could be found. My task is to send other spirits and creatures who can...persuade their kidnappers to release them."

"Is that what you think you're doing...oh what lies we tell!" The voice from before sounded within him.

"Of course, I'm given some freedom in utilizing them for my own will. The Undines for example helped move the water and blessed it so it would better refresh you. Right now, A number of Silkies, spirits who take great pleasure in household duties, have prepared a room for you. ...perhaps you would like to meet a spirit? A banshee perhaps?

 

[Perplexia]

How amazing it must be to have abilities like his. To be able to join a bird upon it's fight and see the world. She wondered how long he must have done that. Was it days, or months. Regardless she smiled leaning her head against his chest.

She liked listening to the sound of his voice as he carried her back to his home. Then without warning his demure changed as he shouted words and stuck out his tongue his claws extended and his eyes dilated looking like a wild animal. For a moment her body stiffened in his arms afraid for the first time. She barely remembered to breath. Then just as quick he was back, looking like he had and continuing casual conversations about his abilities.

He had asked her a question.. shaking her head she tried to dismiss what he just did.

"That is awful, I can't imagine being enslaved. Then again that is the life of a woman. But I do think it rather noble that you send creatures after them to save the Selkies."

"Wait Banshees are real? Don't they let out a cry to foretell death? You have an interesting Life King Robert, yet somehow i feel even with all those spirits and creatures around you, it seems lonely."

 

[Strangebuddy]

"No one should be bound against their will. It's something I enjoy doing...and sometimes the ones I send to help enjoy it quite a bit as well."

He nodded and chuckled at her description of Banshees, "They do at that but they mostly reserve that honor for only the oldest, most noble families...a bit elitist of them but such is their lot. Otherwise they are quite kind."

Her assertion gave him pause, "You are not incorrect. While many of the spirits I interact with do have a numer of interests our relationships do tend to lack warmth or intimacy...though there is a pleasure in solitude." He closed his eyes but continued walking, "And in a way, are we not all alone? No matter how much you may wish to, the only person who can follow your path and know the way the stones stick in your feet is yourself: you can never really understand someone else."

He laughed, "Forgive me, merely a bit of philosophy I picked up in my travels. I appreciate your concern but I assure you, I'm most comfortable." He paused and opened his eyes with a sad expression that quickly faded away, "Besides, I'll be having your lovely company for the time being. Even if I am lonely I think I'll be fine for the time being."

He tucked her in tighter to him, appreciating her warmth. He felt torn and overwhelmed with desires and feelings from the howling voices inside of him. He felt pains and needs as he held Eliza in his arms.

"Ah, and here we are." He said, the two of them arriving at his estate. The castle was a veritable fortress but was almost gaudy with its decorations. They stood in front of a large staircase where a number of women in long black veils who walked towards the pair with purpose, Robert looked puzzled but tried to smile, "And it would appear some banshees have come to greet us."

The women seemed to float over and surrounded them. Their form was of waifish women with long hair, smooth skin, and long limbs. Their appearance would be seen as lovely, if not concerning, were it not for their bloodshot eyes and hoarse voices.

"We are merely off to do your wish and go with our dear Dullahans to bring back those departed souls, plaything but we could not resist meeting your guest," They reached out and stroked her legs and face, "Jacques...not a name we've mourned for before but we'd be happy to make an exception."

They smiled, "Lady Eliza, would you like us to mourn you? The silkies will gladly dress you in the finest silk, and you would have the finest flowers buried with you. All of us would gladly mourn you for we so rarely get a choice in when or who we mourn for so you would have an honor even the greatest of kings have never had. What better way to start the greatest journey than the greatest funeral? We could begin tonight." The Banshees looked up at Robert with brief smiles.

"Enough." He growled, "do your tasks"

"Please keep it in mind Eliza." The women said as they released her and walked off.

Robert said nothing and carried Eliza inside where the silkies were all assembled, eagerly looking at Eliza. They all were excited to have someone who needed care.

"Hello honored guest!" They said in unison, "We have a room and dress for you. Would you like to eat? Bathe? be massaged, fanned...,"

Robert growled and the silkies stopped listing off options. They did crowd around them though and stopped to tug on Robert's arms, trying to release Eliza into their care.

"I suppose this is where we part, Lady Eliza." Robert said, slowly lowering her onto her feet. He kept his arm on her though...a large part of him wanted to keep hold of her.

 

[Perplexia]

She listened intently to the words he spoke. "I suppose that's correct, that we aren't lonely as long as we have ourselves." She gave a brief smile. "I suppose going off on my own may be considered lonely to some, yet I look at it as and adventure.

As they approached the castle she took in it's overly grandiose appearance. In her mind somehow she just imagined a large cabin. But this was an elaborate place. The banshees circled and began to touch and talk to her offering to bury her and have a funeral. This confused her. Had Robert somehow communicated to them about her wishing the sailors to think she perished?

Once he dismissed them, they went inside, and it was the overly friendly Silkees who tried to take her from his arms. They weren't scary just a bit over eager to be helpful. She found it odd that she wasn't quite ready to be out of Roberts arms. Even when he set her down, she leaned upon him enjoying the safety his hold provided.

"I suppose I could use a bath, and something different to wear if it's not too much trouble"
'no trouble no trouble' they all said in unison. Reluctantly she released her hold on Robert and looked up to him. "Will you be joining me for dinner in a while?" she asked with a bit of hope.

They led her with care up the grand winding staircase. She found herself continually looking back at him allowing her eyes to meet his, as if she needed some form of assurance he was still there. Soon though, he was no longer in sight.

They led her into a large room that was full of steam, and slowly removed her tattered clothes. "so pretty so pretty" they all said guiding her gently into the huge pool size tub randomly filling it with more and more hot water as she soaked. At first the hot water hurt upon her burns, but then began to sooth them. They took it upon themselves to wash her with care, as one massaged her neck and shoulders. Once they had washed her hair and rinsed her off. They took her carefully from the bath and laid her upon a stone slab covered in silk cushions. There they massaged her entire body with scented oils and a different balm for her burns.

"Master took great care in your wounds ..great care great care..Long time for a guest ..long time long time." she was getting use tot he way the Silkees spoke. They seemed to be caring creatures, a bit over zealous perhaps, but still sweet. She made a note to ask Robert about why the banshees wanted to bury her.
Now that she was covered from head to toe in balm and oils they sat her up and gave her more water. The bath had dehydrated her a bit.

Wrapping her in a robe they took her to her room placing a dressing gown on her to nap in. "Sleep princess..sleep sleep sleep" It didn't' take much after laying in the giant soft fluffy bed to fall asleep. When she awoke a few hours later, they took great care in dressing her and led her to the dining room where a feast lay upon the table.

"Is he coming?" she questioned

 

[Strangebuddy]

Robert nodded at her question, "I will certainly sup with you. You're far too intriguing a woman for me to not want to spend time with you."

He felt incomplete as he watched Eliza go with the silkies. It was though a bit of warmth had been stolen from his arms. In a desperate attempt to fill that need, he quickly wrapped his arms around the only silkie who had stayed behind to finish polishing the bannister. The spirit patted him on the back and smiled.

"Well, this is nice, play thing but I have work to do. Don't interrupt." She then slipped away and went back to cleaning as Robert stood there, feeling even more empty.

The lord paced through his castle, trying to think of something to do while he waited for supper to be served. He didn't need to sleep; his time on the throne rested him as well as if he had slept the whole time and his body healed from any fatigue he might feel. He was tempted to go back to his throne but he didn't want to risk going on a journey and missing time with his guest.

But what could he do? The garden grew what he wanted when he wanted and arranging it held little interest to him. His body only required nourishment so exercising alone held little interest. He vaguely remembered a library but couldn't recall where it was. With nothing else to do and no Silkies to assist him, he decided to just wander.

Down in the wine cellar, Robert found something curious. In the corner was a large pile of wrapped boxes and envelopes, caked in dust. It was odd, the Silkies normally wouldn't let dust pile up like this. There were newer items as well, completely unopened. He went to the pile and to his shock couldn't make out the addressee on them.

"You know what it says. You know what these are." He said aloud, one part of his psyche addressing another, "and you know why you should have had Eliza go home. It's getting late after all. The banshees would look lovely mourning her though."

Robert lashed out, knocking the pile over. He bolted from the room, lowering down on all fours and ran to his throne where he sat down and prepared to close his eyes before another voice entered his mind.

"No running away, not when she's finally here."

He forced himself off the throne in absolute agony and crawled to his bedroom where he found a suit laid out for him. His hands struggled to get the clothes onto his body but he eventually wedged himself into them. He then went down to dinner where he saw Eliza.

Robert was at a loss for words as he gazed at the young woman. Before he knew it, he had crossed the length of the table and let his large hand press its palm against her cheek. He felt a memory bubbling forth.

"You are more beautiful than I ever dreamed." He said aloud, his voice cracking, "It was worth the wait." He stroked her cheek and then rubbed his snout on her forehead. Suddenly, he snapped to attention, "Forgive me, Lady Eliza, I believe my time on this island has robbed me of my restraint and tact." He reluctantly removed his hand from her cheek and sat next to her, "I-uh, I hope you find this feast to your liking, I can whip up anything you need. Would you care for music?" He asked, flustered.

 

[Perplexia]

She found herself elated when Robert finally entered. A smile crossed her lips. Before she knew it he was pressing his snout to her forehead and stroking her cheek. Then he realized what he was doing and snapped back to being civilized. Taking her hand she laid it upon his arm in a reassuring fashion. "There's no need Robert, for apologies. Thank you for your compliment, your silkees worked quite diligently to dress me for you. You, also look quite dashing if I may add."

Again she smiled to him looking at him in his eyes. "Some light music would be nice my King" she teased softly. "I think we have more then enough of a selection to choose from, there's no need to do more. Perhaps after dinner you could take me for a tour, then perhaps we could read to each other from your favorite book?"

There was something resoundingly comfortable about being near him. Yes he was a bit awkward and sometimes drifted into another world. But in his core she believed he was one of the most genuine people/things she'd ever met. The feast before them had different seafood's cooked to perfection. It had roast and ham, and vegetables and anything she could ever want. When she was done eating she sat back and mewed over how hungry she'd been, and how full she was now.

Something about Robert was special, and unique. He made her feel protected and yet free at the same time. One would think normally to be afraid of coming in front of such a creature. They would fear for their virtue, for their life, and despair over a lifetime of being his concubine. But Robert gave no such indications. He was a gentleman, and yes a little unstable in his mind. But that was understandable when being alone with ones own mind for some time.

 

[Strangebuddy]

Robert practically glowed at her compliment when she spoke of his appearance. He felt a warmth from her that despite his flawed memory, he knew he hadn't felt in a long time. He certainly hadn't felt that kind of warmth when he held that Silkie on the staircase, but her spirit and warmth was something special. After all, what woman would not only dine with him after he had sunk her ship but joke with and complient him? She not only had no fear of his appearance but seemed to actually enjoy his company...and he was enjoying her company as well.

Joking or not, Robert felt like flexing his muscles and called upon several nymphs to provide a melodious song for them as they ate. Robert surprisingly found his appetite returning and ate gingerly at first but when he saw Eliza's appetite, happily gorged himself. It had been some time since he had eaten and there was a joy in actually experiencing the tastes as opposed to just eating to sustain himself while he journeyed from his throne.

He looked at Eliza and a desire took him. One that was not quite carnal but did express a need for physical touch and intimacy. He rose from his chair and extended his massive hand towards Eliza.

"Lady Eliza, might I request a dance?"

The two nymphs, who appeared as two identical veiled women with pale blue skin, chuckled but mirthfully, not cruelly. They held hands and began to sing a waltz into existence as the beastly lord looked down lovingly at his fiery-haired guest.

 

[Perplexia]

It was a toss up for Eliza for what her favorite thing in the world was. It was either reading, or dancing. She didn't like balls because there were just too many people spouting nonsense. Without reluctance, she took his hand and rose from her chair, feigning a light curtsy. "It would be a pleasure My King." she said with a smile.

Following him out a little ways from the table they graced the dance floor with a waltz. At first it seemed as though he was a bit rusty. But quickly he had her floating across the floor like he'd been born to dancing. Her eyes stayed with his as they twirled and stepped to the music.

She wasn't certain how many songs they went through before she needed some water. But she was full of smiles and laughter through out them all. Eliza knew that if she had tripped or fallen, he would have caught her without a doubt. It was a rare thing to have that kind of confidence in a dance partner.

"If we may sit for a few so i may regain my breath, I would very much like to go on a tour with you."