An Old Friend

Genevieve sets out to Belladonna but visits an old friend first.

A few days prior-

Demetri sat upon his throne in deep thought. He was impatient and his conversation with Genevieve  had made him uncomfortable. Though deep down he knew that Genevieve would return, he feared that his only Sister would betray him somehow. He was interrupted by the doors suddenly opening. In walked his apprentice and closest friend Samuel Augustus. He bowed before him in reverence.

“Your excellency.”

“Rise my friend. What is on your mind?”

“As much as it pains me to be the one to say this… your sister...”

“Hold your tongue Samuel. Anything you accuse her of, had better have merit. Remember I hold her in higher regard than you.”

“I speak not only as your faithful servant… but as your friend. I would never do such malcontent. But I say... she was discovered in Garrison, was she not?”

“... Yes.”

“Discovered by one Elenore Williams.”

“...Go on.”

“Elenore and Finnes Williams have not returned. If you believe such rumors… there was a ball that they had attended and never left. A woman matching Genevieve’s description was seen there as well… with a man.”

“How do you know this?”

“You know I have my ways. Apparently this man killed four men that night and those turned to dust afterward. If this be true then your sister has betrayed us.”

Demetri’s eyes became red with anger. His mind became heavy as he stood from his throne and paced for a moment. He then noticed a small table along the wall. He lifted with ease and threw it at his throne with brute force, shattering a large portion of it.

“I know you're upset, your worship but we must do something. Shall I retrieve her?”

“...No.”

“No!? Your sister plots against us! She must be punished!”

Demetri then pushed Samuel against the wall and lifted him by his neck. Samuel struggled to breathe but made no effort to fight back.

“Hold your tongue Samuel! I assure you that I will cut it out if I have to!”

He then dropped him to the ground and allowed him to pick himself up

“She made a promise to me that she would bring this man’s head upon her return. We shall wait and see if she honors her word.”

“And if not?”

“We shall see…”

“Yes, your worship.”

Present day-

Allen awoke to the ambience of night. Genevieve rested her head on his chest though was awake and dressed again. Noticing he was now awake, she sat up and smiled at him. He returned the smile but said nothing as he too dressed himself. She stared at him with love in her eyes. When he noticed this he smiled and returned it with a wink. He gave her his hand and lifted her up to her feet. 

“What a lovely evening this has been Allen. Thank you.”

“The loveliest.”

They then returned home, walking arm in arm. They didn’t speak much as they simply enjoyed being next to each other. When they arrived at home they entered as they normally had and Allen went to lay upon the floor.

“I don’t believe that’s necessary anymore Allen.”

He smiled and followed her. The two laid down together and drifted to sleep holding each other. When the morning came they still rested not letting go. When they did finally rise, there was a sense of newness in the air. Genevieve seemed to float with each step she took and Allen held himself with pride. It was all indeed very brand new to the both of them. That first day, there were no lessons or practices. Just them being together, feeling like newlyweds, never wanting to be apart. The next day they practiced their swords but still it was hard for them to focus. They would often stop to dance or to hold each other playfully. They hunted for two nights and Allen was now doing the work mostly on his own. They took evening walks and talked for hours and spoke of the future, though Genevieve knew in her heart that it would not happen the way they imagined, but still she dreamed of what could be. The day was coming when she would have to leave and return to Belladonna. Allen held on to the hope that she might just stay, but he also knew that if her brother was as ill as she said it was then it may be better to let her be. Eventually she would return anyway. 

“Tomorrow I leave. And my heart aches already.”

“Yes mine as well. I don’t think I will make it.”

She chuckled as she knew it was mostly sarcasm, though with a hint of truth. They had only just begun and it was likely over for a while. Secretly she planned on leaving Belladonna as soon as possible.

“I will write to you every moment I can spare.”

“And what of your home here? All your possessions?”

“I will send for them. You can’t stay here for long. Word will get out and you will have to move, but I do believe with the amount of hunting we’ve done that your reputation will grow and you won’t get to stay in one place for long anyhow.”

“I suppose you’re right. I have fallen for this life as well as for you. I have everything I’ve always wanted. I love you Gennie and thank you for everything.”

They kissed and again made love before morning. Genevieve would need to leave before dawn and she planned on making a stop before returning. Reluctantly she rose and dressed in an emerald dress and curled her hair. She wanted for Allen to remember her in this way, though he would fondly remember despite her dress. All the things she would need were packed within elegant luggage including the portrait from their night at the fair. The carriage hired to take her arrived and her and Allen stepped out. Of course she could fly there herself but with the amount of luggage, besides she wasn’t very enthused about returning anyhow. The driver took her luggage and placed them in the back. Understanding that they would need a moment he stepped away and let the two lovers have their time. Allen stared into her eyes, never knowing just how beautiful she was. He pulled her into his arms and held her tightly, holding back tears. Genevieve however let her tears fall and she too held him tightly listening to his heartbeat. The two then began to dance slowly on the empty sidewalk. They kissed again before forcing themselves to let go. 

“I left the Homicida behind for you. You will need it more than I.”

“Are you certain? I think perhaps…”

“Would you play our song as I depart?”

“Of course my love.”

“Adieu.”

Allen then retrieved his violin and began to play as she stepped into the carriage and blew him a kiss. The carriage then began to depart and Allen played until it was out of sight. He returned to the bed and sighed, feeling sorrowful without Genevieve by his side. He had not felt this lonely since his days in New Vivian. 

When inside the carriage, the driver whipped his horses and they went forward. Genevieve stared outside the window and listened to Allen play. The song sounded bittersweet and she sighed and covered the window with the dark curtain.

“Belladonna was it miss?”

“Actually, if you don’t mind… I have business in Port Alto.”

“All the same to me, miss.”

“You may call me Genevieve.”

“Sure thing Genevieve. My name is Victor. Victor Carson.”

She rested until the carriage came to a stop. Though curtains covered each window, she could see the slight hues of sunlight. She feared that Victor would open the door unprompted so she  covered herself with a blanket just in case. Suddenly she heard a knock.

“Begging your pardon, miss… Genevieve. I know you are resting but… would you like to get down and have a meal?”

“No no. I wish to stay put. Thank you for not barging in.”

“Never. I try to be a gentleman.”

After some time the driver returned and they set off again. At first the ride was quiet but eventually the driver began with small talk and they talked and joked for a long time. Of course when she spoke of Allen is when she spoke the happiest and the longest. The ride lasted a few days and the timing was perfect as they arrived just after sunset. They stopped at an Inn near the sea. She removed her things and bid farewell to Victor. After renting a room and placing her things inside, she set off to the oceanside where the nightlife was rich. Port Alto was known for its company of sailors and often pirates as well, which meant that there were often many gatherings of people singing shanties and drinking large quantities of rum. On this night there were many, as the air was warm and the sky was clear of storms. As she walked through many men tried to coax her into a dance or a drink but she respectfully refused. For a time she looked out until she finally found the place she was looking for. A tavern full of song and dance, and also the place rumored to house her dearest friend Selene Belladonna.

“Welcome to Poseidon's Den!”

A burly man welcomed her with delight as she stepped up to the bar. 

“The name’s ‘Dead Eye’ Jack Bones! What’s yer poison love?”

“Wine. Just red wine please.”

“Aye miss. Not one for the rum aye?”

“No no. And you may call me… Sarah.”

“Aye Sarah. And may I say… you are lovely.”

“Thank you Jack.”

“Here ya are love. Finest wine in Port Alto.”

“Again thank you! I do have a favor to ask you for Jack. I’m searching for a friend of mine. Named Selene.”

“...Sorry love. Ain’t no Selene here.”

“It’s alright Jack. This is a friend.” 

Genevieve turned around to see her closest friend Selene. Obviously dressed to blend in though still dressed with dignity and holding herself with pride. A maroon corset and slightly off color dress. There was always a certain look to her, that was innocent yet the holder of a dark secret.

“My truest friend Selene.”

“My only friend Sarah, was it?”

They embraced each other with a hug and kissed each other's cheek. 

“I’ll take it from here Jack. Thank you much.” 

Genevieve followed Selene to a table in the corner of the tavern.

“So this is where you've been hiding Selene.”

“It’s not exactly Demetri’s palace is it?”

“No but if you are happy, then that is what truly matters.”

“And I don’t think I have to guess as to who told you I was here.”

“...”

“Damn you Gabriel!”

The two shared a fit of laughter as a group of men began to sing a shanty nearby and was joined by a man with a squeezebox. Soon the whole place had joined in on the song. Perfect for the two of them to speak without anyone’s curiosity catching up.

“To be honest Selene I don’t have much time. I’m returning to Belladonna tomorrow.”

“Why in God’s name would you go back?”

“I have to. He’s close to knowing my plot. I couldn’t risk him.”

“Him?”

“Yes… my ward. He’s becoming a fine hunter but I can’t  risk the both of us.”

“Your eyes… They seem brighter to me (gasp) you’re in love!”

“Shh! No! We’re close is all!”

“Very close indeed! Come now Vieve. Tell me about him.”

“Fine! Well… there’s just something about him. He is kind and handsome. He is good to me. Oh and we dance often and we can talk for hours without stopping. Though he may not know what I truly am… I feel he knows me more than anyone else could ever. Far from perfect but in that… he is.”

“It makes me angry to think that the moment you find happiness that Demetri must extinguish it. One day I will kill him…”

“No Selene. Don’t let revenge consume you. I only want your happiness.”

“And I yours. You should go with him. And then I can be your maid of honor!”

“Oh stop!”

As the two laughed again a drunken sailor stepped up the table and smiled at the women. He took a drink from a bottle of rum that he held in his hand. 

“You girls look like you be a bit lonely over here. Care for some company hehehe…”

“Aye Bill leave the ladies to themselves. You’ll be thrown again I swear.”

“Old habits mate.”

He took another drink and winked at Selene. He then walked away, never relenting his stare. Genevieve and Selene then decided to leave. They walked and continued to talk though this time they spoke of Selene’s journey to this point. And when they arrived at Genevieve’s inn, they embraced again and bid each other farewell. Genevieve, unknowing that she was followed by the sailor from the tavern, went to her room feeling alone. She undressed and went for her evening gown but then suddenly her door was forced open and the sailor stood before her and licked his lips. He then walked up to her slowly and grabbed her hands. With all his strength he forced her to the bed. Not saying anything he tried to kiss her, but she resisted. He then became angry and pulled a knife from his side and tried to cut her but she gathered all her strength and threw him off of her. The man was startled but again he tried but Genevieve hissed and showed her fangs, which terrified the man. He attempted to run but she caught him and bit into his neck draining every ounce of blood within him. She looked at him and noticed he was not exactly ugly so she took his knife and cut off his head. Now she had a head to show to Demetri when she arrived in Belladonna.