Nameless

Chapter 10 - A ball?A book?

There he was, against his will, of course, sipping a red liquid from a tall fragile crystal glass just as if he were drinking the highest quality wine. His deep and obviously bothered eyes searched the surroundings which were that of a grand hall, floors covered in white marble and embedded gold tiles. The walls around were the same, putting forward for display massive paintings and portraits. Out of the last he didn't recognize any, but it was the last thing he would ever waste time to think about. Flowers stood tall in the most beautiful ceramic vessels of all shapes and sizes and decorated the immense room along with ribbons, from small to big, all of them either white or of a golden color. A sense of not belonging there hit him each time he sat gaze on the rather huge crowd that were attending the same event as himself. Lads and elders all wearing elegant suits, mostly of black and different dark shades of blue and even a wide variety of gray, were dancing and chit-chatting with young girls and older women, all in theirs best dresses, one more dazzling then the other with all the colors of the rainbow.

A constant noise from the voices around him kept reminding him not to leave. Truth was Constantine desperately wanted to leave but the voice of his father was like a broken record in the back of his mind.

Only one day passed since the werewolves struck and his precious Alexis was abducted. He was eager to go find her and bring her back, although that was probably the last thing to please his father. Why he was supposed to attend was no longer a subject of confusion once he left the castle to come here. Before leaving his father, with a proud yet menacing smirk stated the following: "My son, despite the futile attempt of yesterday morning," he was referring to the strike which was actually a diversion to kidnap Alexis, only his father didn't seem to know about her existence, even if he did he probably wouldn't acknowledge it; "the Jailene not only sent Margaux to attend in her fathers absence but also to issue an invitation to their residence to a ball of coming of age. Be on your best behavior" he said placing his arm on his son's shoulder and squeezing as a threat, "because this will the start of a tight bond between the two families, thanks to you and their heiress."

The words of his father was all he thought about on his way to this place. That and the actions he would take to recover Alexis. He couldn't think of a reasonable reason for a direct attack thus the matter required patience for an opening. Looking around he saw all his dear friends either dancing or talking to females. Vladimir was as elegant as ever. Constantine always though that man was bored to lead and wear a suit. His wise friend was moving as if a ballet dancer on the dancing ring, synchronizing his swan like moves with that of his partner and the notes of the enchanting music.

Jake on the other hand was in the opposite direction of him, mimicking what seemed to be battle moves and stances. Constantine let out a deep sigh seeing that Jake was actually having a large audience, mostly men of all ages but some girls as well. He was pretty sure the girls didn't actually care about the moves and the story but about the fact Jake was a tall good looking single man who ,instead of being all neat in his suit, left out the tie and his shirt buttons were slightly opened revealing his neck and a very small part of his chest.

Shifting his gaze once more, he saw his delightful sister smiling wide in her white dress while sipping the same substance as himself while also being surrounded by men. It was a known fact she was a playful one, and also her family name attracted men from all other families, both noble and less noble. There wasn't a man who wouldn't sacrifice his life for a place in the Mavrocordat family.

Turning and heading towards the terrace he couldn't help but notice his presence also stirred up waves among the female participants there. Putting on a defeated smile he kept going in hopes of escaping this world that wasn't for him, even if only for a couple of moments. Once outside he looked up to see a clear sky with plenty of shining stars and a crescent moon. A slight breeze was now playing with his ruffled hair. He hated events like this but he obviously had no choice. Even if he hated the old man he didn't have the courage and support he would need to go against an Elders will.

Leaning against the balcony his thoughts reverted to Alexis. Where was she anyway?

--

Still unsure of her situation and not comprehending why all this was happening to her, Alexis looked around searching the room, examining it. As she observed from the start the room wasn't big at all. A few bookshelves covered the walls but other then that there was nothing spectacular to it. Turning her head she looked at the girl who was reading in a chair not far from her. At first she wanted to ask how she ended being there, why she was there and so so many questions that circled around in her mind at the moment. Instead of voicing these she found herself asking something else.

"Um...mm...what...what are you...reading?" A small question indeed, but for her even that was hard to express at the moment. She was still curled up in a ball on a couch.

Arlena changed her attention and sat it on the girl she was supposed to look after till the others returned. Closing the book slightly, but keeping a finger as a bookmark so as not to forget where she was, showed Alexis the cover. Written in silver color stood the title "A warrior and his Rose". Alexis smiled as Arlena reopened her book.

"What is it about?" Alexis found herself going on. At first the other girl didn't seem to want to talk but she answered nonetheless.

"A warrior and his lover called Rose."

One sentence. Alexis was a little puzzled, that didn't answer much of her question. A weird moment of silence followed. Alexis started to fidget before asking again.

"So...um...what is your name?"

Arlena looked at Alexis and smiled for the first time.

"My name is Arlena Averus. What is yours?"

"I'm Alexis..." she paused and repeated "Alexis..." scrathing behind her head she put on a silly smile, rather childish and blushed. "I'm sorry I don't remember what my last name is."

"I see. Well then, I will call you Alexis and you can call me Arlena. Problem solved."

Alexis giggled and started to look at the bookshelves.

"Is this your room?" she asked once again.

Arlena closed her book after placing a proper bookmark at the page she last read, and stood making her way on the couch. Sitting next to Alexis she also started to look around.

"This isn't mine, this is my brothers room. Mine looks more girlish." she said with a light laugh. Alexis joined.

"You and your brother share an interest in books then?"

"It's probably the only other thing we share beside parents and bloodline."

Alexis found it a little strange the girl mentioned both parents and bloodline. Didn't one require the other in the case of brothers? She didn't mind it much though.

"So why am I here?" she asked turning her gaze on Arlena.

The girl smiled and answered in a serene voice.

"I wish I could answer but that is not my place."

"Oh..."

Again a small moment of silence followed only this time it would be broken by Arlene.

"Would you like to read a book with me?"

"Sure" said Alexis smiling.

Arlene stood once more and headed toward a bookshelf behind the couch. Alexis followed her with her gaze. Upon a closer look at the shelf Arlene picked a book and gave it to Alexis. On the cover stood a title which was similar to Arlene's family name "Averus Viscus".

"It's a love story. I read it twice."

Soon the girls were sitting one next to the other each with their own books.[/color]

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Note: The names Averus and Averus Viscus are the creation of Akuryu, a close friend. Those reading this story should go read his poems as well.