The Calamity: Chapter 20

“Why are there so many frills?

 Alistair looked down at his chest and arms and felt the frills at his throat from whatever undershirt they had given him. The fact that they were frilled at the cuffs didn’t help matters.

“The frills are a part of what makes this clothing unique to Cerisian culture. Now please stop fidgeting.” The old man who Morrigan had called Walter said. He had measured him then made him undress. The clothes he’d been wearing he threw into the fireplace.

They’d been there all of two days and he had just started getting used to the place. The quarters he stayed in he shared with Morrigan.

He hadn’t heard 100% but he could have sworn he’d heard the Queen say something about his physique which made him not want to see whatever face she had made. Morrigan had giggled as well. Giggled. He’d never heard such a light sound from her. But the pair of them left so that Walter could work on finding him better clothes.

Which led him to the frilly red shirt he was wearing now though Walter was laying a black vest across his shoulders. There were gold cords already tied criss cross across his chest somewhat tightly. As he moved his shoulders and turned at his hips the fabric tightened. But Walter didn’t complain to him which was a good sign.

Walter had gone away for whatever else was supposed to go with this outfit. He looked toward a mirror and saw himself. Saw his face, his height, his clothes. It was all him and part of himself he didn’t recognize himself. He touched his face despite how much the shirt creased and resisted slightly. He touched his jaw and then sighed heavily. “This is me.” He whispered. “This is me.” He said again clenching his fist. “This is me.”

“Sir. Your pants.”

He blinked and looked down and yes his legs were bare. And the cold was now hitting him. He turned to face Walter who extended a hand to him with a folded pair of black slacks. He took them and nodded. Rolling them on the ground he slipped his legs into each one and pulled them up best he could. They fit without any other adjustment.

“And how do things feel Mr. Alistair?”

“They feel perfect. Is that possible?”

“Yes. We seem to have lucked out on your size.”

“You just had some extra in my size lying around?”

“On the contrary. Cerisan garbs are made with one person in mind. Whether they get the chance to wear them or not. Some fate may have decided that your arrival should harken a claim on these.”

He looked down at his clothes, the clothes made for a dead man and he didn’t know how to feel about them. Who was the man they were originally meant for? Were they a good person? Bad? Or something in between like Morrigan. He stepped into the pair of boots that Walter provided and laced them up.

None of these clothes were something he thought he’d ever wear. He was a farm boy from Norian. And now he was in the castle of Cerise looking like a noble. He couldn’t wait to show Alison this stuff. He hoped that she was safe learning whatever the hell Vayne was teaching her.

“Walter can I ask you a question?”

“Sir?”

“Her Majesty. She seems like an amazing woman. But impossible to read. She cares about her people. Cares about Morrigan. Right?”

“Her people are her treasure. Her lineage.”

“Does she talk about her death?”

“Not with someone like myself.”

He nodded and frowned slightly. “I’ve got a bad feeling, Walter. And I’m worried about Morrigan and everyone here. And I believe her Majesty feels the same.”

“It is not my place to question her thoughts. Merely follow her lead.” He said and approached him with a jacket folded over his arm

“Thank you.”

He slid the jacket over his shoulders and both arms through the sleeves. But that felt wrong. Not sure why but it did. He slid his arms out of them and let it hang on his shoulders but arms free. Letting out a slow breath he nodded.

“It suits you Sir.”

As he looked in the mirror, staring at how the clothes fit him, the vest, the shirt, the jacket, and the hilt sticking from beside his head. He couldn’t help the smirk that curved on his lips. A confident one that he rarely felt in public but dressed like this it was natural.

“Indeed it does Walter. Where can I find Morrigan and her Majesty?”

“Right this way.”

“My Queen. You never answered my question.”

Morrigan pulled her dress up slowly around her legs. The smooth blue fabric wrapped around her legs. She would have worked at the ties at her back but her arms weren’t long enough for something of that caliber.

“Because the truth is something painful.” She heard her voice behind her and she stood up straighter, her gaze at her feet below the frills. Her queen’s hands worked expertly but slowly as she tied the back of her dress up slowly. “Yes Morrigan, I sent you away. I sent you away to find some sort of answer to a problem that cannot be solved. I hoped you would be away longer so that the fate to befall our people would not befall you. Evacuating our people take’s time. Something that I have slowly been orchestrating. But time isn’t truly on our side.”

There it was. The words hung in the air around her and her heart was torn on the matter. On the one hand, her Queen wanted to save her life. Wanted to save her from having her soul ripped apart by the great doom of their time. But she also knew that eventually her Queen, her home, all of it would be torn apart by the Calamity.

She felt her arms shaking as she gripped them into a fist. But as she felt a jacket slide onto her shoulders she turned to look at her Queen who wore a solemn expression. The regal face was impassive but Morrigan saw the sadness in her eyes. But she forced a smile on her face and chuckled.

“You were always such a fun one to dress up.” She said and chuckled holding a hand to her mouth. “You had a great figure though you would never understand the intricacies of how to dress yourself for nobility.”

“What? My Queen I’ve never once embarrassed you in my formal missions nor in the parties thrown at home.”

“No. You are a quick study. But you do these things only because you must. Not because you want to.” She wagged her finger and sighed at her. The jacket was a black one with blue accents in the fabric. Morrigan slid her bare arms through it and then set both her swords against her hip comfortably.

She held the sheathe and drew her rapier slightly then returned it. “So, serious.” Her Queen tsked at her and shook her head. “Whatever will I do with you.”

“Whatever needs doing.” She replied immediately and her queen sighed softly.

Her queen shook her head and took a veil and slid it over her face. Adjusting it comfortably she stepped from behind the curtain of the room and out into the main area. “There is a party tonight. One of many as my children like to throw. You’re going to enjoy yourself. An order from your Queen.”

Morrigan frowned at her words, more a grimace as if in pain. “I can only attempt.”

“Knowing you my knight, you will succeed.”

Praise, of any kind, always brought a glint of pride to her eyes. One that in her Queen’s company she made no attempt to hide. She opened her mouth to speak and there was a knock at the door. “It seems your boy is ready. Walter took care of him.” She sat at the bed, her hands at her lap and the lazy amusement entered her eyes again.

“As he does.”

“You have good taste Mori. First Ben and now this young Alistair.”

“My Queen!” she said eyes wide.

She stared back at her and chuckled. “I might be teasing. But I think you are an interesting match. I may have chosen it myself.”

Morrigan started to say something but stopped herself knowing she’d add more fuel to the fire. Instead she opened the door and she paused. She was so surprised at how different Alistair looked. His hair, his clothes, even his eyes. There was a confidence there that befit a knight of Cerise, not the street urchin that she encountered before. That is until he opened his mouth.

“Wow Morrigan. I’ve never seen you like this. I mean when we first met yeah. But this. You’re beautiful.” He looked at his feet and there was the sheepish boy she knew so well.

“Thank you Alistair,” she bowed her head. “You look very handsome yourself.

“More than handsome my Knight. Wouldn’t you agree?” Her earlier teasing still fresh on her mind, Morrigan remained silent to the queen’s joy. “Perhaps you have Cersian blood in your veins.”

Morrigan stepped to the side instinctively as her Queen came into view and tapped Alistair’s cheek. She turned his head to the side and then upward as she looked at his profile and then smiled approvingly. “Yes. Come boy. You shall escort me to the ball.”

He stuttered at the notion. “Escort? You? Your Majesty I couldn’t. I don’t even know the way.”

The queen held out her arm and Alistair stared for only a moment before looping his arm around her own. “I’m sure you will be able to figure it out.” She turned her head and Alistair took a hesitant step forward and then began to walk choosing a path that he felt was right.

Morrigan watched them go and wasn’t sure how to feel about this. She knew that Alistair would protect her Queen despite that she would have preferred to lead her herself. She rested her hand on her blade and quickly fell into step behind them her shoes tapping softly against the carpet.

It was a short walk until they arrived at the balcony that overlooked the ballroom. It was far more filled than normal, dozens of well dressed couples in reds and blues and purples and yellows. Men and women in elegant dresses and suits with partners of their choosing.

There was no overarching song. Where two danced a close waltz, another would do a sultry rumba right in front of them and through whatever unnatural rhythm possessed the Cerise they passed within inches but not touching.

“Your majesty. How do they do that?” Alistair asked in awe.

She hummed to a tune that he couldn’t trace or follow. “Do what?”

“Dance so closely. So differently without touching.”

“That is what happens when the rhythm is within you my child. Surely you’ve felt something like this.” She leaned in close to him and whispered near his ear but her worlds crawled along his arms and chest. “A burning in your legs, a fire within your heart and a need to grab a partner and let your body speak for you.”

He tried to respond, his mouth opening and closing but he couldn’t form words. His gaze went toward her for only a moment. The brilliance of her own aura enough to burn him away. But like a tinkling of bells she laughed and the heat subsided under her cool breeze.

“I am very glad my knight has brought you here. Very glad indeed. Thank you for escorting me. Go. Enjoy.”

He bowed awkwardly and looked toward her from that position then quickly stepped away and hesitantly going down the stairs.

“Mori. Wow. I almost didn’t recognize you. You actually look like you were happy inside. I didn’t think you’d allow yourself the luxury.”

The voice was cutting but in a way that made her smile. One that wasn’t hostile but knew her well. She turned to the owner. Tall, one of the few men in Cerise who was at her eye level. His skin was dark and glowed. She’d asked him in the past how he did that but he would never give an honest answer. His lips were soft and nose sharply angled downward. His eyes were like her own, emerald and weathered but unlike hers they held hints of amusement.

The vest and shirt he wore were woven with red vines but of golden material. At the cuffs were several interlocking rings. His hair had rich black curls piling behind his head. Walking toward her he waved a hand toward her and reached for her own hand. She stared at him and allowed him to take her hand.

He pressed it to his chin as he bowed in front of her. “You cannot charm me Ben. It’s been too long. Your charms aren’t quite so enticing anymore.”

His eyes flashed up to her, his face still lingering at her hand and kneeling before her. “Oh. I am predictable to you now?”

“I wouldn’t say that Ben. Just easier to tease.”

The smirk that curled at his lips could have been a viper ready to snatch her hand off but she knew he wouldn’t bite. Not that easily. “Ah, I’ve missed you Mori. This place is so dull without you.”

He approached her, arm out for her. She looked at him suspiciously and he gave an easy smirk. The cocky kind that she was used to. One that had been comforting in the past and now it had bitter sweet undertones. “Will you leave me to go and find a date amongst the nobility? You know none of those girls can even remotely compete.”

“Oh, that’s a new one. Have you been practicing while I’ve been gone?”

She reached toward him and looped one arm through his own and gripped him with her other. “Well. Lead the way Ben. I fancy a dance.”

“I hear it too. I think something fiery.”

“What? You feel a cha cha?”

“Not quite so energetic. It’s been awhile. Can you still follow my lead?”

“Can you follow mine?”

They exchanged an emerald glance and a matching smile. Strolling together onto the dance floor they stepped to the right as a pair came through. She stepped into his arms for a hair of a moment before pulling him close and stepping together.

She stepped her foot near his own, pulling him against her chest. He stared into her eyes and pulled her forward spinning her quickly and pulling her back to his chest. She looked up at him for a moment before detangling herself from him at arm’s reach and gave a tug. He stepped into her embrace and she looked at him like a spider who trapped something juicy in her web.

A vulnerability crossed his eyes. Only for a second but it was enough for her to lead him. To pull him at her behest, to turn him in her arms and stroked his cheek slowly. Tilting his head upward her nail dragged across his lips, as full and soft as they always were. A face she’d known for years, one she sought comfort in, looked forward to seeing again.

She was in her own head and he knew it. Which was why he was able to wrap his arm around her waist and lift her up slightly. Setting her down he quickened their pace, turning her in his arms and tightened his grip across her chest and pinning her against his chest.

“Getting sentimental Mori.”

“You’ve been saying that for decades.”

“Eventually I’ll be right.”

“Or you can keep grasping at straws Ben.”

He twisted her around and took a step back so that he was kneeling in front of her again his arm outstretched. Looking up toward her slowly he chuckled again. Standing slowly he clasped his hand onto her shoulder and took her other arm as they slowly danced their way off the main dance floor.

They separated and Morrigan stared at him with a frown and slowly nodded her head. “I haven’t had a chance to dance like that in quite some time.” She said more so to herself than to him though he didn’t waste a chance to comment.

“Not since the last time we danced together. When we were still close.”

“We were young then.”

“Young is a word for it Mori.”

She looked at him with measured eyes. “Don’t dwell on our shared past.”

“A past where you used to smile. One where you were happy.”

“It’s over and gone.”

“Of course. Queen forbid you be happy for a time.”

She scowled at him. “You speak from things you always pretended to understand. But never properly grasped.”

He opened his mouth to talk, to make some sharp comment at her expense but stopped at the approach of another. Rarely did a third party join in a conversation they weren’t invited to. The servants knew better and another Cerisan knew just when to take their turn. He turned his gaze onto Alistair as he approached them and the smile came faster than he anticipated.

“Morrigan. This is so strange. The dancing. The ballroom. Her majesty.” He looked at his clothes and shook his head. “Is this real? Like is this really your life?”

There it was. The way he looked at everything and the way his voice was. A youth she had all but forgotten about. But something that he brought out of her again. “Yes Alistair. This is my life.”

“I can’t imagine living this way.” He said to himself but he looked at her partner for the first time since he arrived he blushed embarrassed. “I’m sorry I didn’t even introduce myself to you.”

Ben had been listening, watching and observing the way he talked to Morrigan. The familiarity in which he told his thoughts to the distant knight. Even he had never talked to her quite like that. A lack of vulnerability between two who knew what it was like to be used.

“You’re not from around here. You don’t know the customs but that is alright. You’re Mori’s guest. My name is Benidict.”

“I’m Alistair.”

“Alistair. That’s a nice name. It rolls off the tongue well.”

The implications with how he said that brought a shiver to Alistair’s spine and a flutter to his eyes. “Thank you. That’s a. A unique compliment.”

“Ben enjoys being unique.”

“I’m a one of a kind Mori.”

“That’s not always a compliment.”

Benidict chuckled again. “I can’t imagine how that would ever be the case.” He walked over to Alistair and extended his hand. “You don’t dance. I can see it in how you hold yourself. So, allow me to show you what it’s like to dance.”

Alistair looked at his outstretched hand and met his gaze. Even he could see the hungriness in that gaze but it wasn’t the predatory look he knew. Not like an animal with prey but something foreign. Part of him wanted to look at Morrigan for advice but he didn’t.

“I know how to dance.”

“Not like we do.”

He looked right back at Benidict and took his hand. “Show me what it’s like to dance then.”

He must have said something right because Benidict took his hand and they strode toward the dance floor. Morrigan watched them with some surprise and a hint of protectiveness. At least that’s what she called the sensation she felt as she watched him walk away.

“How well do you follow?” Benidict asked as he placed his hand at Alistair’s hip. The twin gave a thought to that and didn’t have a comfortable answer.

“It depends on the orders.” He said finally and that earned him another chuckle.

“I think I see why she likes you, Alistair.”

As they got onto the dance floor Alistair grabbed him by the waist and made him turn to face him staring into his green eyes. “Well then, show me why she likes you.”

And so, they danced. Alistair was not even remotely the better dancer between the two of them but he held his own. His grandma had managed to teach him a few steps back and forth but nothing impressive.

Then Benidict took over, leading Alistair through the throng of Cerisians with ease. A tame dance. Much simpler than what he and Morrigan had done but Alistair had never danced let alone with a man like this. To call it experience was to under sell it. But he felt exactly what the queen had said to him.

He felt the fire inside of him, the urge to move, to touch and interact with another. It had been beyond strange but it was addictive. He remembered the burning in his chest when Morrigan had made him drink at the bar. It was like that but infinitely more attractive and not something that made him want to vomit.

They danced away from the floor, Alistair back at the lead as they stood in the dark of a corner. He was short of breath but his eyes were alight. A soft glow to the pupils. Benidict noticed this but he made no effort to hide the smile on his face, one that showed teeth sharper than normal.

“You are a quick learner,” Benidict said tracing his fingers against Alistair’s arm. “I don’t think I’ve ever had someone learn to lead quite so quickly.”

“Well you follow orders pretty well.”

He laughed and made a motion with his hand. Alistair glanced around and watched as a servant approached them with a tray. A younger man who kept his gaze down and offered the tray to them. Benidict took a glass and sipped on it then spat it out on the ground with a scowl.

“What is this?”

“Sir I’m sorry. I do not know what the problem is.” He not looking up.

“This is warm. Too warm. It tastes like oil.” He forcefully set the glass on the tray and stared at the servant.  “You should know better than this. You’re lucky I’m in a good mood or I’d have you disciplined. Find another bottle. Chilled. And bring it.”

“Yes sir. My apologies sir.”

The servant bowed his head and walked backwards before turning and navigating the dancing. Alistair watched it all and felt somewhat sick. “Did you have to talk to him like that?”

Benidict looked at him with surprise tilting his head to the side. “What do you mean? He’s a servant. If I don’t reprimand him someone else will. Not nearly as kindly.”

“Are they all treated like this?”

“Treated like what? Servants. That’s what they are. Everything and everyone has their place.”

“That’s wrong.”

“Right and wrong are very suggestive.”

“You can be better. Should be better.”

He regarded Alistair curiously as the servant returned with fresh glasses that were sparkling clear. Benidict took one and sipped it with a small smile. “Much better. Much better indeed. Thank you. You may go now.”

He took another and handed it to Alistair. He frowned but took the glass and stared at the contents within. Alistair glanced at the servant but they were already walking away toward the call of another. In another life that would have been him. It felt like a fairy tale story being here. For good and ill. Some things are constants.

“You’re an interesting man Alistair. You remind me of a time when I wasn’t so jaded, a little more naïve and hopeful. I can definitely see why Morrigan has grown fond of you.”

He blushed again, “Your actions count more than you station. Reflects who you are on the inside. And it’s what’s on the inside that matters. Morrigan told me that.”

He didn’t answer. Instead he raised his glass and said, “Come toast with me.”

“What should we toast to?”

Benidict shrugged his shoulders and chuckled. “You need a reason to toast to things?”

“Well. Not always. Normally we do.”

“Then how about, to right and wrong. And being better.” Benidict suggested.

Before he tipped the drink back Benidict wagged his finger. “Follow my lead.” He held his arm out drink extended and Alistair did the same. He stepped forward and looped his arm around his pulling them closer and from there tipped the drink back to sip from it until it was empty. Alistair did the same and the rush of the liquid made him feel a bit dizzy but he smiled happily.

He looked at Benidict, came close and kissed the Cerisan. He felt the urge and knew it was a good idea. Though he did have a little bit apprehension when he looked at Benidict after the fact. But the Cersian smirked back at him, tossed the drink aside and kissed the twin again. That’s when the ground rumbled under foot.

Alistair stared at the ground for a moment in confusion and there was another shake, more violent this time and he stumbled almost falling to his feet. Benidict caught him by the arm. He looked around quickly toward the queen who stood at the balcony with a hand to her head.

Morrigan was at her side almost instantly, a hand on one of her swords and her eyes were narrowed. “My Queen. What’s going on? What’s happening?”

The top of the castle was torn off by a power greater than any of them. Morrigan remembered the feeling, the sensation of dread and emptiness. The flashes caught her eyes and she fell to her knees no strength in her body. The queen stared at the sky and said, “The Calamity. It’s here.”