The Palazzo

Transplanted Rigelian and her adventures in the Nexus world of RhyDin and
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Gabriel
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The Palazzo

Post by Gabriel »

Dyson had been tasked with making the preparations for the Yule festivities while the Marchioness was at home this year. There would be guests at the Palazzo, and Master Lucien had finally brought home a mate, and a child was expected as well. He and the servants had decorated the Palazzo in a gold and crimson theme this year, and the Yule logs were due to be delivered today.

He had asked Master Gabriel to cut the mistletoe and oak leaves for the proper celebrations for Alban Arthuan, then they could be hung about the Palazzo in unexpected locations. There were fresh greens in every room, and he had to admit, the candles combined with the fresh scent of cut evergreen and bayberry was putting him in a festive mood. He had not seen the Palazzo so properly decorated since they had left Rigel, when the old Marquess had celebrated in Trigberg and Drachen Walde.

Andre had gone off to the market to prepare for the meals that would be served for the human guests, although the Carpathian guests would not eat, there were still guests who would. He had mentioned roasting a prime rib and several ducks, along with the usual accompaniments, such as dressing and potatoes, parsnips and steamed broccoli. And knowing the chef, desert would be to savor no matter how much one had eaten earlier.

The shopping list the Marchioness had left was very specific, and today Dyson decided to take the needed time to arrange for the procurement of her items. She had instructed that all gifts were to be wrapped in gold foil and sealed with crimson velvet ribbons. There had been space made around the tree in the Great Room and preparations laid for the giant Yule logs.

Dyson took the Maybach and headed into RhyDin.
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Post by Gabriel »

The list was very specific. For Prince Mikhail she had requested several collectors books from the bookseller in the old town district. For the Prince’s wife, Raven, she had planned on a lovely silk scarf and cashmere sweater. The retainers all had items on the list, and as the morning progressed, Dyson had worked his way steadily through the required purchases.

He was searching for the gifts for Gabriel and Lucien, but for those he would have to go to her company. Charlotte had those gifts, they were specially made weapons that could dissolve with the twins, and were much easier to keep with them than the traditional weaponry the Marchioness used. For Lucien’s mate, he was to obtain a camera and video device. The pending child would require many photographs and videos as the Marchioness reasoned.

The house staff would all receive gifts as well, though Dyson suspected it was the extra coinage that would be most appreciated by them all. He knew he appreciated that the most of all. Though he never truly wanted for anything, it was comforting to know he was building a nest egg.

And then the last person on her list had been the Marquess. Dyson knew something was terribly wrong since Mr. Caer had vanished without so much as a goodbye, which seemed uncharacteristic for the man he had come to know. The fact that the Marchioness never hinted at his absence suggested that she was studiously avoiding any mention of him at all. And that meant that she knew where he had gone, or if not where, at least why.

And yet, here was a special gift for him, one that told the Major Domo that she still adored him, despite the fact that he was not to be seen or heard from. He shook his head and headed toward the sword maker’s. She had commissioned a blade built specifically for him. It was designed to become a part of him, an extension of his arm and his fighting skills. When the swordmaker laid the blade upon the counter, Dyson was amazed by the artistry that graced the length of the steel. It was a beautiful, but deadly thing that he was about to transport back to the car. The hilt of the blade was wrapped in gold wire, and runes of platinum had been inset into the blade itself. The cross guard was adorned with 3 gems, a larger blue sapphire in the center, and the birth stones of the Marquess on one side, and the Marchioness on the other. But Dyson had to wonder if he would ever wield this blade, or for that matter, if he would ever set eyes upon it.

As Dyson returned to the Palazzo, a light snow began to fall, and it dusted the ground where it fell. The houses and streets were still warm enough that it did not accumulate there, but the touch of white was a nice addition to the Yule season. As he pulled the Maybach into the garages, he was met by Mr. Caer’s body guard, who helped carry the packages into the office for wrapping before anyone would see them. That was another oddity. Mr. Caer had not taken his body guard with him, and that had left the man with precious little to do, and yet, the Marchioness continued to pay him and keep him around the Palazzo. It was all passing strange in Dyson’s eyes, but he would not question her on the subject.

The packages were wrapped in golden foil and trimmed with crimson ribbons before they were neatly addressed by Gabriel’s lovely calligraphy and placed beneath the tree in the Great Room. The Yule logs had been lit, and each room had a glowing fire that warmed the room and the heart to gaze upon the festive trimmings. The only thing missing was the Marchioness. Dyson gave himself a wry smile. She was hurting badly, only that would have driven her home to Rigel. And he wondered if she would ever find the happiness she had once had.
Last edited by Gabriel on Sat Dec 23, 2006 8:08 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Post by Gabriel »

Gabriel had promised to be the Santa Claus for Miss Rena and her children’s party. He had through the centuries done such many times, and this would be his gift to the Marchioness. The Baroness was doing this for children, and Gabriel had always thought he might one day have relatives with children, but never himself. Somehow it had never crossed his mind that he would find a mate and attempt to have children of his own.

He rose and called Mattie to him, dressing in the manner of his people in old world formality. Tonight would be the Alban Arthuan celebration in the gardens. He wore emerald cuff links as the only color to relieve the stark black and white. Even his cape for the festivities was jet black. Mattie was a shimmering shade of deep, emerald green tonight, with large brown eyes that see well in the night. The morph could sense Gabriel’s mood, and remained quiet, but clung steadfastly to his shoulder as he made his way up to the main house.

Dyson bowed as Gabriel entered the great room and headed for the doors leading out into the gardens. As he opened the doors, he could hear the play of water from the fountain splashing, and the soft whisper of snowflakes as they danced in the night air. His brother’s mate had brought her own touches to the celebrations.

He walked into the center of the garden, and began in the old language. At his command, 4 candles sprang to life at the cardinal directions. The tall pillars glowed with steady amber flames as the snow flakes swirled about them. He entered the southeast part of the circle, walking the circle with measured steps. His words filling the night with the old cadence, as he progressed along the circle using the cadenced path between candles, he inscribed the circle with both his footsteps and his voice in the ages old ritual.

The moon rose, casting a silvery sheen on the frosted garden. Where his feet had traveled, there was a faint shimmer of magic. Mattie watched wide eyed throughout the process, and made a soft sound as others began to join Gabriel in the ancient ritual.
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Post by Gabriel »

The sentient magic had done as Topaz had asked them, and added a few of their own ideas to hers to enhance the Yule night. Everything was dusted with soft snow, and as soon as the stars came out the snow glittered as it reflected their light. Delicate icicles hung from the fountains and from the eaves of the palazzo. But what Lucien felt Topaz was happiest with was the Yule air: It seemed to lightly hug and caress everyone as they moved with a welcoming touch that made one feel loved and appreciated and filled one with an inner peace that would linger.

The Prince and his mate joined Gabriel in the progression of the circle, and their voices joined with his to invoke the presence of the old gods. The air itself shimmering with power as Gregori and his mate added their voices. Lucien led Topaz into the procession next, followed by Shea and Jacques. The circle was soon completed as the beautiful voices rose into the night air.

Topaz leaned close to Lucien as the ritual words ended and echoed into the night. “It is too bad Azjah is not here. I wish she could experience this.” She whispered softly into Lucien’s thoughts, and a breath later asked in the same way, “Is Gabriel sensing it, too?” She seemed to hope that emotions were not necessary to experience the special quality of the night.

Lucien glanced at his twin before responding, “He will feel some of it, but much will not matter to him, one way or the other. Feelings of any kind are almost completely absent. He will sense it only.” Lucien gave his mate a quick hug as they waited for the next part of the ritual.

The magic in the air attracted not only people. Even the local animals were attracted by the enchanted night. Blue Jays and Cardinals came to sit in the trees to watch the people follow their Yule traditions and to listen to the two Nightingales that appeared to have a competition in which could pipe the prettiest Yule melodies. But not only the feathered animals had come; there also were a few bunnies, mice, deer and even a fox. There was rustling in the vineyards, and the howl of a wolf in the trees was answered by another from a nearby hill.

The stars rose and moved across the winter sky as the ritual continued. The candles flickered and danced in the light breeze as the night wore on. The mated pairs remained close to one another, none of the males comfortable with having so many males in close proximity to their mates, but Gabriel made all of them uneasy, as he was the only unmated male, and so he remained more aloof, with Mattie on his shoulder. He was surprised when Topaz had greeted him with a hug, but thankfully she did not touch any of the other mated males. It might have been too much for Lucien if she had. As it was, he had trouble keeping a growl from slipping from his lips.

Mattie was disconcerted when a female fox treated Gabriel as though he were a cub of hers, but remained firmly attached to his shoulder and settled for watching the vixen. Around three AM, Gabriel began to close the ceremony. He began to unwind the circle and the others joined him, their footsteps once again leaving a shimmering magical trail in the snow that had accumulated upon the flagstones.

By 4 AM, they returned indoors where the Yule logs still burned, and the tree was brightly lit. Dyson had lit candles, and the entire room smelled of bayberry and evergreen. The gifts had been wrapped and now lay under the tree, just waiting to be delivered and unwrapped.
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Post by Topaz »

By the time they entered the hall, everything within it was gleaming with a special Yule aura. The presents under the tree seemed to glow lightly and the air around flickered with anticipation and secrecy; the ornaments on tree shone and rays of light reflected of them periodically, and in-between the branches tiny fairy lights twinkled, looking like miniature stars.

Topaz was a little surprised to see merry anticipation in the usually unexpressive Carpathian faces as they received presents and opened them. It was different from that of humans, elves and their children, but it was definitely there. She shared a look and a wink with Ariel across the room.
Dryson handed one of the foil wrapped boxes to her as well and she sat down in Lucien’s lap to open it.

She looked puzzled as she lifted the oddly shaped items from the box. Though she turned each this way and that, they didn't make any more sense upon further study than they had originally. As jewelry or a statue they were rather ugly to her eyes, and she could not imagine Azjah liking them as either. Their shapes put her in mind of some of the unidentified magic items in the Beacon's storage rooms, but it didn't have a magical aura. Finally she gave up trying to make sense of it and turned to Lucien.

"Do you know what this is?"

Topaz nodded thoughtfully to his explanation. Such a thing would explain the highly detailed yet utterly flat miniatures she had seen here and there. So much for admiring a supposed artist's odd talents. "Maybe your name should have been on the box."

When they returned to the tree to fetch another box, this time one for Lucien, they met the prince and his mate. The prince promptly drew Lucien into a conversation, and Topaz took the opportunity to address Raven. The women’s conversation quickly turned to the topic of the expected child. Though Raven was excited she was also sincerely concerned. Babies, especially girls, rarely survived for long.

“The babies are psychics for the most part, correct?” Topaz had been hoping for just such an opening, “Therefore they should be sensitive to their parents’ negative outlook of what the future holds. Just as they should be sensitive to the existence of their life mates. Your daughter knew Gregori. But what if he had turned? I believe when they sense when their future mate has turned or given up and gone to greet the sun, and that they follow into the next life to find their other halves there. Perhaps if the males were aware that by turning or greeting the sun they’re likely to cause the death of their mate, they would find the strength in that knowledge to hold out longer?”

“That may have something to do with it, but even if, the number of conceptions is too low for that to be only explanation.” Raven appeared thoughtful.

Topaz agreed with that evaluation and nodded. Happy and relieved that the prince’s mate listened with an open mind, she continued to voice her thoughts. It was not a merry topic, but the fairy hoped that in time her thoughts on the topic might turn out to have been a Yule present to her new family.

“Some nasty Leaders experimented with baby psychology and found that human babies need a loving touch and talking with or they will die. Carpathian parents are as dead during the day, yet the mind presence during the night time hours is an intense touch one gets used to easily and its absence is one of painful grief. The difference between day and night may be too traumatic for the babies.” Topaz always was miserable when Lucien went to ground and she had to remain awake for some reason or another. The nights he had to seek healing were the worst. She could imagine how cruel a torture this must be for the babies. It was a wonder that any survived at all and said much for the inner strength of the surviving ones.

“Some older Carpathians can keep a mind touch while sleeping. That would certainly help. Other couples may need to have one parent sleep a human sleep during the day to keep a mind touch with the baby - and switch back and forth in this baby duty.” Topaz had also considered how to remedy the situation.

Raven nodded slowly and wondered if Gregori may have kept in touch with their daughter to ease her through the days while she and Mikhail slept. “You should certainly give that a try. It certainly cannot hurt.”

“The nourishment also changed over time. In your home world the humans have developed new immunities, new medicines, new diseases, new foods. The changed diet of the humans there may be the most significant of the changes: hormone treated meats, genetically engineered grains, micro waves, preservatives, more salt, fewer herbs. Here in Rhydin plenty of the old world still exists. It may well be that by Carpathians getting their nourishment from the old part of town, the babies would do better. On your home world you have some people still following the more traditional ways, too.”

“The Amish, for example.” Raven nodded again just as the men returned their attention to them and each reclaimed his mate, each carrying another box that waited to be opened.
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Post by Lucien »

Hunting had kept Gabriel and I away for too many nights, and as the birth of our child draws near, I can feel the exhaustion and discomfort of my mate. It will never stop amazing me, this miracle of birth, to create an entirely new life that is part of 2 unique individuals.

I have checked on our daughter many times as Topaz has slept the sleep of her kind, and the child is healthy enough for the moment, but the plague of my people eats at me. Too few of our children survive past 2 or 3 years of age. They waste away, and we are powerless to prevent this tragedy. Our healers have spent decades trying to find the reason for our inability to nourish our infants.

I know Topaz knows of the situation, but she seems very confident that this problem will not befall our child. I pray she is correct. Such a loss after so many months of carrying the child would be a deeper blow for us than many would realize.

Events in RhyDin have brought about a dark chaos, and we have hunted more vampyres in this place than Julian faced in New Orleans. They have congregated here, and there is very little to stop them from wreaking the havoc they crave. Depravity and pain are magnets for them, and they have come in great numbers.

The activity in the city suggests a Master Vampyre’s involvement, but we have not been able to tie any of the elders to the fighting in the streets. That would make it easier for us to hunt him, but so far he has not tipped his hand to us, and for the time being, we must deal with the lesser vampyres

Tonight however I am on an entirely different mission. My daughter stirs within my mate’s womb, and I have little time remaining before I must be prepared. I need to find Jacques, and convince him to simg the perfect gem for my wife.
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