Post by Payne on Jan 6, 2010 19:56:45 GMT -5
A pair of the Queen's Ravens were sent forth from the Sithen to enter the new Unseelie court that had formed in the city of Wood Bourne. Each bore the same message, to be spoken to one of two brothers. The Ravens were swift in their task, for all knew the price of failing or displeasing the Queen of Air and Darkness.
"The Queen has learned of the strife between you and your brother. She has also learned of many other things that have happened to you both that anger her greatly. You both have been summoned back to the Sithen, to stand before the Queen of Air and Darkness in judgement on you. You will come immediately, without question and without pause."
The message given, the Ravens linger in order to see their Queen's will carried out, to escort the brothers separately to the Sithen, and to see them brought before the Queen upon her throne, with her loyal court in attendance.
Payge stood amongst the winter sleeping trees. his mind drifting through his last few nights finding his lack of memory disturbing. He had left the cemetery only moments ago with the urge to return to the Sithen, and he couldn't decipher what made him decide to do so, who had he spent his company with the last 48 hours? He sighed heavily, the breath leaving his lips in a soft puff of fog, he was tired, more so drained then anything else. His ear perked at the sound of foot steps approaching behind and he turned to see a Sidhe, clad in armor and easily recognized as one of the Queen's Ravens. After the message was delivered, Payge agreed to return with the guard and followed in haste, his mind reeling with question and dread. If Queen Andais had heard of his actions here in Wood Bourne she will assuredly be displeased, especially so if she knew he had fallen into the grasp of the demon Vedic. Even though his actions had not been of his own accord she would surely not see pity, only Payge's weakness to fight the influence he had been under. With a heavy heart and a soured gut he made his return to his home. For so long he had dreamed of returning to the Sithen and leaving this place behind, yet, at this very moment, Wood Bourne didn't seem all so bad...
Payne had secluded himself in his own home for weeks. He was unsure of what he should or could do in regards to his brother and the vampires, the presence of the demon Vedic. He often wondered if he should just return to the Host, lay his service at the feet of King Sholto and be done with trying to find closure with the past. However, when the knock came to his door and he discovered the presence of the Queen's Raven, heard the message sent ... he knew any choice that might have been his was now forever gone. Payne only nodded his acquiessence and locked his home. Perhaps later he would be given leave to return and collect what meager belongings he had if the Queen found any mercy within her. He also worried for his brother. Would Payge accept the summons? Or would he show more of that instability that he'd seen right before the dagger had pierced his heart? Where had they both gone so wrong in their travels, in their service? Had they truly been too arrogant to perceive the dangers that they so blindly walked into? As he followed the Raven, he was sure that the Queen was going to make sure that they understood themselves much better than they ever had.
The two brothers were escorted directly from where they had been found, straight into the Sithen and then were brought without pause to the audience chamber of the Queen. They were brought into a gathering that was somber by Unseelie standards, and it seemed that the handful of the Queen's favored retainers that she had gathered as witnesses were already well aware of the depths of the Queen's displeasure. The small crowd lingered off in the shadows near the walls of the chamber, beyond the edge of a strange shaft of pale brightness that fell across the Queen's dais and throne, and for a few paces beyond in every direction. Payge and Payne were brought before the Queen, forced into the bare edge of that pale light that seemed to come from nowhere.
Andais, the Queen of Air and Darkness, lounged upon her throne almost indolently, her relaxed poise seeming a very thin veneer wrapped around a seething temper. A calm before the storm. Her elegantly beautiful body was covered in a clinging gown of the sheerest black silk, so fine it seemed little more than mist, leaving everything and nothing to the imagination. Her long black hair shone brighter than silk in the pale light that bathed her, and it cascaded down her back and over her shoulders in glossy waves fit for a Queen's cloak. Eyes that flashed in three different shades of silver rings fixed upon the two brothers standing before her, after leaving them to stand in wondering silence for long, breathless moments. Even with her eyes fixed firmly upon them, she barely seemed to acknowledge their presence, until at last she spoke, not giving them even the small dignity of allowing them to properly address her.
"I have heard a great many whispers in the darkness regarding the two of you. If even the tenth part of what I have heard were true, I would have had the two of you flayed alive before you were ever brought before me, and your skins sewn together for a new gown to wear when I pronounced your true punishment."
Lifting her hand, she stabbed a finger in Payge's direction, the gesture so sudden and violent that, had she held a knife, it very likely would have now been planted between Payge's eyes. "You... you will speak first, and when you finish, I will hear your brother's tale. Explain to me why whispers come to me of an Unseelie nobleman putting a dagger in his brother's heart, and why still others claim that you let yourself become cattle for vampires. What truth is there in this?"
As Payge stood before the Queen his breath came in slow steady waives, keeping his calm arrogant beauty well to mask the fear that rode his veins. He looked up at her sitting there like some goddess atop the highest pedestal yet the venom in her gaze was eating him from the inside out. Not only was there the discomfort of that penetrating gaze of the Queen, but also the emotional anguish having been brought to stand at his brothers side at the foot of the dais.
Long had Payge believed his brother had been brutally murdered by the demon Vedic. Long had he been tormented with the echoing screams and pleading words of his brother in horrible day dreams the demon inflicted upon Payge, twisting his mind and thoughts around a lie that in the end was destroying him. Had he not been subjected to watching his brother die in horrific manners over and over, displayed like some theatrics performance by the demon, Payge may have felt a comfort in seeing his beloved Payne, but no. Instead he felt guilt, regret, pain and a lingering hatred that he couldn't seem to fight away. Was he truly so weak that he allow all of this to scar his mind? His soul? These thoughts came to life within his mind in the span of seconds allotted in silence, only to drain away into his gut as the Queen brought her slender finger to point at him.
Payge took a deep breath and lowered his eyes and gracefully bowed his head, his long platinum hair shining like pale sunlight shimmering through each silken strand. The veil of hair draped down his back and to the floor in ribbons, cascading over his beautifully sculpted body and sun-kissed skin the Goddess had blessed him with.. Or perhaps cursed.. Dark cobalt blue shown the brightest of his tri-color eyes, a sign that he was very focused, and focused he must be, for if he miss spoke now it could bode very dark days to come. He could not lie, nor did he feel the truth would do him any good, so he gave the answers he could with that soft purring elvish accent. " My Queen." He addressed her gently. " I regret that these whispers had come to your attention." He paused taking a short breath, his gaze held on the floor beneath him, he wasn't going to give a long explanation, making the Queen wait through excuse would only anger her further. " When I had come upon my Brother, Payne, I had thought him trickery. I did not believe he was truly my brother and I acted upon defence. Had I known he was alive.... I would have never ... Hurt him." He took another pause then continued. " As for my interactions with the vampires... It was not on my own accord.. I had been tainted, bewitched by a demon and ordered to do so..."
When Payne had entered the Sithen, a certain amount of bitterness crept into his blood. The last time he had been here had been after humans had found him. The Queen had turned her gaze from him, not wanting to acknowledge the taint of infernal upon his skin, and sent him away to heal or die within the tender mercies of King Sholto's Host. At that time he had not remembered who he was and his appearance was such that no one could discern it either and so he had been an unwanted, unknown. However, when his memories had returned, he had found no desire to return to the Sidhe courts, but remained among the Host until he was strong enough to seek out Payge on his own. The fact that Queen Andais now knew him only made his bitterness rise, for she had made no attempt to bring him home to the beloved Sithen and the Courts within.
Now Payne stood before her, dressed in his finest black with no illusion to hide any of what he was. The snow white of his hair fell in a network of complicated braids that lay over silken strands that were left free to hang as they wished down his back. His hair was nearly as long as Payge's, for his had been one of the many tools used by the demon to torment him with. The paler blue rings of his eyes never waivered from their steady focus upon the Queen. The caress of his gaze was true to Sidhe nature, letting her know that he did indeed find her body to be alluring, provocative, but there was a colder set to his mouth that did not reflect that gaze. Unlike his brother, Payne was a warrior and stood tall, strong, even though within he was poisoned by the things he knew, had learned, about himself and the world. A small voice couldn't help but whisper in his head about the sublime cruelty he might suffer at his Queen's hands, sending slivers of that poison to race through his veins. His twin blades were not with him this day, for it was unseemly to carry weapons when brought before the Queen and he was unsure that he would not be tempted to unsheath them.
Payne did not flinch when that elegant hand rose to stab at Payge, but he caught his brothers reaction in the corner of his eye and his heart ached to protect him, to rise to his defense. Though he had done so before within the Court of Duke Corpselight, he would not do so here. The Queen's fury was legendary and it would serve no purpose to have it rise further. And so, he consoled himself by watching, studying her face as Payge spoke for every reaction to his brothers words.
The Queen gazed down like a falcon from its aerie, her expression as empty and focused as though she looked down upon a pair of rabbits that she fancied for her dinner. She listened to Payge with cool composure, but the air in the room seemed to swell with her fickle temper. Her fingertips drummed slowly on the arm of her throne, long nails clattering softly, as though she longed to be dragging them through flesh.
When Payge stopped speaking, the Queen gave no hint of what she thought or believed. She merely turned her head and fixed her gaze like silvery daggers on Payne. Her nose crinkled slightly, as though she smelled something unpleasant. Her voice was even, but it was the smoothness of a razor's edge held to the throat.
"I have felt the stain of this demon on you already," she said to Payne slowly. "It was enough to choke a goblin. I hear no lie in your brother's words. He claims to have attacked you in confusion, in near madness, and because I know all too well the twisted tricks that demons can use, I will be lenient in this matter, serious though it is. I will leave Payge's punishment for attacking you near unto death in your hands, Payne." Her eyes narrowed slightly, and her smile grew tight over her lips.
Then she turned her eyes pack to Payge. Drawing a slow breath, as if eager for what came next, she rose from her throne and descended two steps down the dais, to within arm's reach of Payge. "As for the rest... I'm afraid I cannot be so lenient." Her voice rose slowly, a dark fury stirring in her words. "The blood of our people is precious, after all... and whether under compulsion or not, you have spilled much of your blood, our blood... my blood! To feed walking corpses. It will not pass without repayment!" Her words echoed off into the darkness, stirring a muted wave of voices from the darkness beyond.
"SILENCE!" The Queen's shout thundered in the chamber, and silence did fall swiftly. Standing tall, stately and elegant, yet near to quivering with anger and anticipation, she turned and stared fiercely at Payne. "Before I pronounce my own judgment on your beloved brother, I would see your punishment carried out on him, Payne." Her chin rose slightly, and her stare was icy as she looked down her nose at the handsome warrior, waiting.
Payge didn't see the Queen but he could feel every bit of her and didn't need his eyes to truly see the anger that radiated from her like the hot sun cast over the sweltering desert. She moved closer to them yet he didn't raise his head from his kneeling position, in fact he didn't move at all as she spoke to the group, to himself, and to Payne.
His brother stood statuesque and brilliant against the eerie light that shown throughout the halls. It had been so long since he had seen him in his true beauty he had almost forgotten what he looked like, and part of him longed to lift his eyes and gaze upon that singular beauty that stood defiant of fear. No. His eyes remained on the floor, and his mind painted the picture of those that stood before him, silently listening for what decisions lay in wait. What would Payne want of him? How would he repay Payge for the attempt on his life? Forget the rest. Where had he been all this time? Payge was so busy searching the mystery of Payne that he had nearly forgotten why he was here and who he was kneeling before, yet, that low thrumming of wild power before him reminded him quickly and his heart sank. What would she want of him... His thoughts turned to the years of service in her court. Having watched what the Queen found pleasure in, in her sadistic torment and craveing for true pain, physical and emotional. There were reasons the Unseelie courts were seen as barbaric, not that the Seelie were so clean, but the Unseelie Queen, the Queen of Air and Darkness made a name for herself and not one creature could stand before her and not tremble with uncertainty.
Again, Payne's gaze never flinched from hers. He knew no fear of her because he had truly looked into the depths of darkness and he had survived, either by luck or the perverse pleasure of the demon. When he spoke, the smooth baritone of his voice carried to the ears of all that listened without difficulty, for it had learned to sing loud in the bowels of hell. Only, in this moment, the fae light glittered off the ebony beadwork embroidered on his coat as he drew breath and delicate lace spilled over his hand as it rose to touch the tips of long emaculate fingers to the spot above his heart. Though he bowed his head ever so slightly, his eyes never once left the Queens.
"My Queen....How can I punish Payge for something that I do not see as a crime?" He paused for the barest fraction of a breath before continuing, "My brother merely acted in self-defense against what he perceived to be a threat. My Queen, your own words declared that the taint upon me was enough to choke a goblin. How could he have known I was indeed still alive? Unless, of course, some word had been sent to inform him of his brothers return. There is nothing to be punished, respectfully, My Queen."
Payne's words echoed through the airy chamber to fall like a soft leather glove thrown to the floor, his expression never once cracking and showing the true emotions beneath. Though he could avoid causing Payge pain from his own hand, he could not keep the Queen from doing as she wished. He wanted badly to turn his attention to his kneeling brother, to place his hands upon those rounded shoulders and lift him up and take him from this place. He longed to hear Payge's laughter, to once more experience the sarcastic humour that only Payge could utter, to touch the smooth cheek that matched his own and tell him that things would be alright.
The Queen nodded slightly, her lips curling into a soft smile, very nearly a sneer. Payne's defiance was a very palpable addition to the mix of emotions in the room, and it amused her somewhat, if the gleam in her silvery eyes was any indication. She sauntered slowly down the steps to the floor, pacing serenely around the pair of them. Her long nails lowered to comb through Payge's hair lightly where he knelt, and then she stopped, standing just behind Payne where he stood. She tsked softly, shook her head, and reached out her hand toward one of the armed guards standing just outside the shaft of pale light. The Raven did not stir or flinch as the Queen removed his sword from his hip. The Queen stepped back, closer to Payne, and nearly whispered against his ear, though her voice carried throughout the entire chamber. "Such poor manners. Did your mother not teach you to kneel in the presence of your Queen?" Then, turning gracefully, she swept her arm in a swift arc, angled slightly down, and the Sidhe-forged blade sliced cleanly across the backs of Payne's knees, severing tendons and muscles with a thin spatter of blood.
Without a second glance at Payne, the Queen settled her eyes on Payge where he knelt, tapping the edge of the blade against her palm, smearing a bit of Payne's blood over her hand. Then, quite suddenly, she bent down, sinking her fingers in Payge's hair and bending his head back, the tip of the blade resting against his throat. "Your brother's mercy is understandable. A pity he didn't show more backbone about it, though. The decision was his, though, as I said. Sadly, Payge... I'm afraid that is all the mercy you will see today."
Rising up again, releasing Payge with a contemptuous backward shove, she turned and held out the blade to her Raven, who quickly knelt, took it, and then stepped back. Turning on her heel, she ascended the dais again, speaking as if to the entire chamber. "Shear their hair above their ears, then hoist them from the ceiling by their ankles." She turned, lowering gracefully into her throne once more, watching as shapeless figures in the dark bustled to carry out her orders. A slow smile crept over her lips again, and she added something further. "Bring me queen of the demi-fae and her court. Tell them the Queen of Air and Darkness would bestow a gift upon them."
Payge shuddered when her long slender fingers slipped through his hair and he knew such a gentle touch was only idle play. He listened to the Queen's words keenly and followed her movements without lifting his eyes. When she took hold of the Raven's blade his breath caught and when that blade stuck his brother he lifted his head to look upon him. His face didn't show the mixture of concern and horror that shivered through him, only his glimmering eyes fixed upon the scene might give away what was hidden within. It brought back memories of his nightmares, that echoing laughter bellowing from the demonic throat rang in his ears and he nearly crumbled. "Payne.." He whispered softly just before his head was pulled back by the hair and those stinging words melted through that mocking laughter that still whispered for his ears alone.
With her shoving force he fell forward and caught himself before hitting the floor. For such beautiful frail creatures, the Sidhe were much stronger then they might seem, and the Queen was no exception. With Andais's orders he backed from the the floor and moved quickly to stand. " No.. Not him!" He demanded without a second thought, only to be grappled by the loyal hands of her servants and thrown back down to his knees and restrained as his long silken hair was marred by their blades. His heart raced in his chest as he fought against himself to attack his attackers but they were under order just as he was to subdue to her punishments. Payge's power thrummed through his body ready and willing to lash out and take hold of those around him sending them into insanity in his waking nightmares, oh how he could torment them all, yet, such actions would only worsen their punishments and this alone kept his hands steady.
Slowly he was taken and strung up to hang. Dishonor, shame, and guilt twisted his emotions now, yet he stayed true and kept it all buried within. He looked to Payne as they shared the same fate. "Payne...." He whispered to his brother softly, speaking to him for the first time since they had last seen one another and Payge had attempted to kill him. " Forgive me.." His voice was softened as he watched them string Payne up at his side, his attention only shifting to the Queen when she requested the demi-fae. His eyes widened, he had seen the horrible fates left to the Sidhe that were offered up as flesh for the lesser fae. No not this. His lips parted to beg the Queen to reconsider but he knew... he knew... If he dared beg for anything it would only bring down more pain and more of her pleasure, so he hung helpless to his fate and hated himself, more now that Payne would suffer at his side once more.
Payne should have known that his defiance, his barbed words would only be met with punishment. Perhaps his lack of fear for the Queen had made him reckless. The soft whisper of well cared for metal leaving its sheath was his only warning that her retaliation was going to be .... painful. One side of his mouth curled upward in a wry sneer as she whispered in his ear, unseen by her. Then his legs erupted in blindling searing pain and the ground rushed up toward him, his legs useless now. Barely, he caught himself with his hands and ended propped on one elbow, his head hanging as he hissed softly, breathing through the waves of agony that rushed up each leg, vision darkened for the moment.
As Payen's vision began to clear, he heard Payge's fall to the floor and then his cry..."NO...not him!" He heard the scramble of feet to secure Payge and quiet his reaction. Even as he was hoisted upward, legs dangling below him and his black black blood wet trousers clinging to his skin, he could feel Payge's power tingling over his skin. Silently he prayed to the Lady and her Consort to give Payge control over his Hands. They were stripped of their coats and shirts before their feet were tied and hoisted upward. His jaw tightened against the further pain in his legs as knee joints screamed with the strain they had to bare without benefit of all tendons and muscles.
Through the thud of pain and blood in his ears, he heard Payge's whispering to him. His eyes cracked open slowly and sought out Payge's, though another Sidhe was now moving around his hanging body, removing his hair and letting it fall to the floor. It took him a moment of difficult swallowing to finally return a whisper, "There is nothing to forgive, sweet Payge.....Shhhh....this too, we shall endure." Payne closed his eyes again and simply concentrated, a shuddering sigh leaving parted lips as he felt hot trails of blood coiling down his thighs and soaking into the fabric hugging his hips. The graceful line of his brow furrowed as he struggled against himself and his own inner deviance. He wanted to open his eyes and once more gaze upon the Queen and show her that he did not fear her or her tortures, but he knew that would only bring more upon them, upon Payge. Instead, when he did open his eyes, it was to stare at the floor below at the tangled pile of snow and platinum hair.
Once more he did whisper to Payge, a quiet note of plea...."Payge...do not watch me...when this begins...I beg you. Close your eyes and endure."
The Queen reclined upon her throne, gazing at the trussed and dangling brothers with their chests bare and their hair shorn. The piles of platinum silk on the floor beneath their heads still glittered and gleamed. With a gesture, she ordered it gathered carefully and carried away, though to what purpose was anyone's guess.
Long moments passed in silence, the Queen enjoying her view of the two of them as she waited with icy reserve. It was not long, though, before the chamber door opened, one of her Ravens stepping into the room. Following at his heels was a glittering, fluttering cloud of pixie-like demi-fae, their translucent wings sparkling like gossamer diamonds as they swarmed into the room. The Sidhe near the edges of the audience chamber all retreated further into the shadows as the demi-fae approached the dais. One of them fluttered forward, coming to hover before the Queen, and she curtsied respectfully, though it was almost as to an equal.
"Majesty," Andais began, tipping her head in a likewise courteous nod. "I have a gift for you and yours. These two brothers," The Queen paused, gesturing to Payge and Payne, and as a whole, all of the demi-fae turned and peered at the two, far too eagerly for comfort. "They have vexed me, and worse, one of them has taken to allowing himself to be fed upon by vampires, squandering the blood of my court, weakening all of us and strengthening those who would think to prey on us. In justice for this, I decree that Payge and Payne both shall offer their blood in payment of this debt, to feed and strengthen the bonds of this court." Andais leaned back in her throne, smiling coldly, watching the two brothers. "I give their blood to you and your kin. All of it, save just enough for their hearts still to beat." The Queen made a gesture, and her hand glowed with a dark radiance. The darkness all around suddenly rushed inward like grasping claws, lashing at the two brothers, rending and tearing their remaining clothes until they were stripped bare before the whole court.
"You may begin," Andais said softly, and with barely a moment's pause, the clouds of demi-fae swarmed together with a tittering, giggling cheer of glee and hunger, rushing through the air to engulf the two brothers. Their naked bodies were swiftly lost from sight, completely hidden beneath fitfully fluttering wings. Tiny fairies latched onto bare flesh wherever it could be found, sparing the brothers no dignity in the slightest, sinking their needle-like teeth into even the most vulnerable and delicate flesh. Skin was torn, and hundreds, thousands of tiny mouths pressed hungrily to open flesh, fluttering and shuddering with ecstasy as they gorged themselves on Sidhe blood. They swelled like ravenous ticks, sometimes dropping off from their own bloated gorging, only to be replaced by others as the cloud swarmed and fluttered around the dangling brothers. Even what little blood managed to drip or run from those latched on never managed to fall to the floor, thanks to the hovering and fluttering pixies that darted about just under the upturned heads of their victims. Over and through the constant tittering and chiming sounds of hungry, joyously feeding demi-fae, the warm, rich laughter of the Queen of Air and Darkness filled the chamber.
Later when the amusement had worn away and both brothers had eventually erupted in desperate cries that slowly fell to silence with blood loss, the Queen rose and left the scene announcing that they would also be banished from the Sithen for a century and that Ezaraudin would need to be notified of such when the brothers were returned to Wood Bourne.
"The Queen has learned of the strife between you and your brother. She has also learned of many other things that have happened to you both that anger her greatly. You both have been summoned back to the Sithen, to stand before the Queen of Air and Darkness in judgement on you. You will come immediately, without question and without pause."
The message given, the Ravens linger in order to see their Queen's will carried out, to escort the brothers separately to the Sithen, and to see them brought before the Queen upon her throne, with her loyal court in attendance.
Payge stood amongst the winter sleeping trees. his mind drifting through his last few nights finding his lack of memory disturbing. He had left the cemetery only moments ago with the urge to return to the Sithen, and he couldn't decipher what made him decide to do so, who had he spent his company with the last 48 hours? He sighed heavily, the breath leaving his lips in a soft puff of fog, he was tired, more so drained then anything else. His ear perked at the sound of foot steps approaching behind and he turned to see a Sidhe, clad in armor and easily recognized as one of the Queen's Ravens. After the message was delivered, Payge agreed to return with the guard and followed in haste, his mind reeling with question and dread. If Queen Andais had heard of his actions here in Wood Bourne she will assuredly be displeased, especially so if she knew he had fallen into the grasp of the demon Vedic. Even though his actions had not been of his own accord she would surely not see pity, only Payge's weakness to fight the influence he had been under. With a heavy heart and a soured gut he made his return to his home. For so long he had dreamed of returning to the Sithen and leaving this place behind, yet, at this very moment, Wood Bourne didn't seem all so bad...
Payne had secluded himself in his own home for weeks. He was unsure of what he should or could do in regards to his brother and the vampires, the presence of the demon Vedic. He often wondered if he should just return to the Host, lay his service at the feet of King Sholto and be done with trying to find closure with the past. However, when the knock came to his door and he discovered the presence of the Queen's Raven, heard the message sent ... he knew any choice that might have been his was now forever gone. Payne only nodded his acquiessence and locked his home. Perhaps later he would be given leave to return and collect what meager belongings he had if the Queen found any mercy within her. He also worried for his brother. Would Payge accept the summons? Or would he show more of that instability that he'd seen right before the dagger had pierced his heart? Where had they both gone so wrong in their travels, in their service? Had they truly been too arrogant to perceive the dangers that they so blindly walked into? As he followed the Raven, he was sure that the Queen was going to make sure that they understood themselves much better than they ever had.
The two brothers were escorted directly from where they had been found, straight into the Sithen and then were brought without pause to the audience chamber of the Queen. They were brought into a gathering that was somber by Unseelie standards, and it seemed that the handful of the Queen's favored retainers that she had gathered as witnesses were already well aware of the depths of the Queen's displeasure. The small crowd lingered off in the shadows near the walls of the chamber, beyond the edge of a strange shaft of pale brightness that fell across the Queen's dais and throne, and for a few paces beyond in every direction. Payge and Payne were brought before the Queen, forced into the bare edge of that pale light that seemed to come from nowhere.
Andais, the Queen of Air and Darkness, lounged upon her throne almost indolently, her relaxed poise seeming a very thin veneer wrapped around a seething temper. A calm before the storm. Her elegantly beautiful body was covered in a clinging gown of the sheerest black silk, so fine it seemed little more than mist, leaving everything and nothing to the imagination. Her long black hair shone brighter than silk in the pale light that bathed her, and it cascaded down her back and over her shoulders in glossy waves fit for a Queen's cloak. Eyes that flashed in three different shades of silver rings fixed upon the two brothers standing before her, after leaving them to stand in wondering silence for long, breathless moments. Even with her eyes fixed firmly upon them, she barely seemed to acknowledge their presence, until at last she spoke, not giving them even the small dignity of allowing them to properly address her.
"I have heard a great many whispers in the darkness regarding the two of you. If even the tenth part of what I have heard were true, I would have had the two of you flayed alive before you were ever brought before me, and your skins sewn together for a new gown to wear when I pronounced your true punishment."
Lifting her hand, she stabbed a finger in Payge's direction, the gesture so sudden and violent that, had she held a knife, it very likely would have now been planted between Payge's eyes. "You... you will speak first, and when you finish, I will hear your brother's tale. Explain to me why whispers come to me of an Unseelie nobleman putting a dagger in his brother's heart, and why still others claim that you let yourself become cattle for vampires. What truth is there in this?"
As Payge stood before the Queen his breath came in slow steady waives, keeping his calm arrogant beauty well to mask the fear that rode his veins. He looked up at her sitting there like some goddess atop the highest pedestal yet the venom in her gaze was eating him from the inside out. Not only was there the discomfort of that penetrating gaze of the Queen, but also the emotional anguish having been brought to stand at his brothers side at the foot of the dais.
Long had Payge believed his brother had been brutally murdered by the demon Vedic. Long had he been tormented with the echoing screams and pleading words of his brother in horrible day dreams the demon inflicted upon Payge, twisting his mind and thoughts around a lie that in the end was destroying him. Had he not been subjected to watching his brother die in horrific manners over and over, displayed like some theatrics performance by the demon, Payge may have felt a comfort in seeing his beloved Payne, but no. Instead he felt guilt, regret, pain and a lingering hatred that he couldn't seem to fight away. Was he truly so weak that he allow all of this to scar his mind? His soul? These thoughts came to life within his mind in the span of seconds allotted in silence, only to drain away into his gut as the Queen brought her slender finger to point at him.
Payge took a deep breath and lowered his eyes and gracefully bowed his head, his long platinum hair shining like pale sunlight shimmering through each silken strand. The veil of hair draped down his back and to the floor in ribbons, cascading over his beautifully sculpted body and sun-kissed skin the Goddess had blessed him with.. Or perhaps cursed.. Dark cobalt blue shown the brightest of his tri-color eyes, a sign that he was very focused, and focused he must be, for if he miss spoke now it could bode very dark days to come. He could not lie, nor did he feel the truth would do him any good, so he gave the answers he could with that soft purring elvish accent. " My Queen." He addressed her gently. " I regret that these whispers had come to your attention." He paused taking a short breath, his gaze held on the floor beneath him, he wasn't going to give a long explanation, making the Queen wait through excuse would only anger her further. " When I had come upon my Brother, Payne, I had thought him trickery. I did not believe he was truly my brother and I acted upon defence. Had I known he was alive.... I would have never ... Hurt him." He took another pause then continued. " As for my interactions with the vampires... It was not on my own accord.. I had been tainted, bewitched by a demon and ordered to do so..."
When Payne had entered the Sithen, a certain amount of bitterness crept into his blood. The last time he had been here had been after humans had found him. The Queen had turned her gaze from him, not wanting to acknowledge the taint of infernal upon his skin, and sent him away to heal or die within the tender mercies of King Sholto's Host. At that time he had not remembered who he was and his appearance was such that no one could discern it either and so he had been an unwanted, unknown. However, when his memories had returned, he had found no desire to return to the Sidhe courts, but remained among the Host until he was strong enough to seek out Payge on his own. The fact that Queen Andais now knew him only made his bitterness rise, for she had made no attempt to bring him home to the beloved Sithen and the Courts within.
Now Payne stood before her, dressed in his finest black with no illusion to hide any of what he was. The snow white of his hair fell in a network of complicated braids that lay over silken strands that were left free to hang as they wished down his back. His hair was nearly as long as Payge's, for his had been one of the many tools used by the demon to torment him with. The paler blue rings of his eyes never waivered from their steady focus upon the Queen. The caress of his gaze was true to Sidhe nature, letting her know that he did indeed find her body to be alluring, provocative, but there was a colder set to his mouth that did not reflect that gaze. Unlike his brother, Payne was a warrior and stood tall, strong, even though within he was poisoned by the things he knew, had learned, about himself and the world. A small voice couldn't help but whisper in his head about the sublime cruelty he might suffer at his Queen's hands, sending slivers of that poison to race through his veins. His twin blades were not with him this day, for it was unseemly to carry weapons when brought before the Queen and he was unsure that he would not be tempted to unsheath them.
Payne did not flinch when that elegant hand rose to stab at Payge, but he caught his brothers reaction in the corner of his eye and his heart ached to protect him, to rise to his defense. Though he had done so before within the Court of Duke Corpselight, he would not do so here. The Queen's fury was legendary and it would serve no purpose to have it rise further. And so, he consoled himself by watching, studying her face as Payge spoke for every reaction to his brothers words.
The Queen gazed down like a falcon from its aerie, her expression as empty and focused as though she looked down upon a pair of rabbits that she fancied for her dinner. She listened to Payge with cool composure, but the air in the room seemed to swell with her fickle temper. Her fingertips drummed slowly on the arm of her throne, long nails clattering softly, as though she longed to be dragging them through flesh.
When Payge stopped speaking, the Queen gave no hint of what she thought or believed. She merely turned her head and fixed her gaze like silvery daggers on Payne. Her nose crinkled slightly, as though she smelled something unpleasant. Her voice was even, but it was the smoothness of a razor's edge held to the throat.
"I have felt the stain of this demon on you already," she said to Payne slowly. "It was enough to choke a goblin. I hear no lie in your brother's words. He claims to have attacked you in confusion, in near madness, and because I know all too well the twisted tricks that demons can use, I will be lenient in this matter, serious though it is. I will leave Payge's punishment for attacking you near unto death in your hands, Payne." Her eyes narrowed slightly, and her smile grew tight over her lips.
Then she turned her eyes pack to Payge. Drawing a slow breath, as if eager for what came next, she rose from her throne and descended two steps down the dais, to within arm's reach of Payge. "As for the rest... I'm afraid I cannot be so lenient." Her voice rose slowly, a dark fury stirring in her words. "The blood of our people is precious, after all... and whether under compulsion or not, you have spilled much of your blood, our blood... my blood! To feed walking corpses. It will not pass without repayment!" Her words echoed off into the darkness, stirring a muted wave of voices from the darkness beyond.
"SILENCE!" The Queen's shout thundered in the chamber, and silence did fall swiftly. Standing tall, stately and elegant, yet near to quivering with anger and anticipation, she turned and stared fiercely at Payne. "Before I pronounce my own judgment on your beloved brother, I would see your punishment carried out on him, Payne." Her chin rose slightly, and her stare was icy as she looked down her nose at the handsome warrior, waiting.
Payge didn't see the Queen but he could feel every bit of her and didn't need his eyes to truly see the anger that radiated from her like the hot sun cast over the sweltering desert. She moved closer to them yet he didn't raise his head from his kneeling position, in fact he didn't move at all as she spoke to the group, to himself, and to Payne.
His brother stood statuesque and brilliant against the eerie light that shown throughout the halls. It had been so long since he had seen him in his true beauty he had almost forgotten what he looked like, and part of him longed to lift his eyes and gaze upon that singular beauty that stood defiant of fear. No. His eyes remained on the floor, and his mind painted the picture of those that stood before him, silently listening for what decisions lay in wait. What would Payne want of him? How would he repay Payge for the attempt on his life? Forget the rest. Where had he been all this time? Payge was so busy searching the mystery of Payne that he had nearly forgotten why he was here and who he was kneeling before, yet, that low thrumming of wild power before him reminded him quickly and his heart sank. What would she want of him... His thoughts turned to the years of service in her court. Having watched what the Queen found pleasure in, in her sadistic torment and craveing for true pain, physical and emotional. There were reasons the Unseelie courts were seen as barbaric, not that the Seelie were so clean, but the Unseelie Queen, the Queen of Air and Darkness made a name for herself and not one creature could stand before her and not tremble with uncertainty.
Again, Payne's gaze never flinched from hers. He knew no fear of her because he had truly looked into the depths of darkness and he had survived, either by luck or the perverse pleasure of the demon. When he spoke, the smooth baritone of his voice carried to the ears of all that listened without difficulty, for it had learned to sing loud in the bowels of hell. Only, in this moment, the fae light glittered off the ebony beadwork embroidered on his coat as he drew breath and delicate lace spilled over his hand as it rose to touch the tips of long emaculate fingers to the spot above his heart. Though he bowed his head ever so slightly, his eyes never once left the Queens.
"My Queen....How can I punish Payge for something that I do not see as a crime?" He paused for the barest fraction of a breath before continuing, "My brother merely acted in self-defense against what he perceived to be a threat. My Queen, your own words declared that the taint upon me was enough to choke a goblin. How could he have known I was indeed still alive? Unless, of course, some word had been sent to inform him of his brothers return. There is nothing to be punished, respectfully, My Queen."
Payne's words echoed through the airy chamber to fall like a soft leather glove thrown to the floor, his expression never once cracking and showing the true emotions beneath. Though he could avoid causing Payge pain from his own hand, he could not keep the Queen from doing as she wished. He wanted badly to turn his attention to his kneeling brother, to place his hands upon those rounded shoulders and lift him up and take him from this place. He longed to hear Payge's laughter, to once more experience the sarcastic humour that only Payge could utter, to touch the smooth cheek that matched his own and tell him that things would be alright.
The Queen nodded slightly, her lips curling into a soft smile, very nearly a sneer. Payne's defiance was a very palpable addition to the mix of emotions in the room, and it amused her somewhat, if the gleam in her silvery eyes was any indication. She sauntered slowly down the steps to the floor, pacing serenely around the pair of them. Her long nails lowered to comb through Payge's hair lightly where he knelt, and then she stopped, standing just behind Payne where he stood. She tsked softly, shook her head, and reached out her hand toward one of the armed guards standing just outside the shaft of pale light. The Raven did not stir or flinch as the Queen removed his sword from his hip. The Queen stepped back, closer to Payne, and nearly whispered against his ear, though her voice carried throughout the entire chamber. "Such poor manners. Did your mother not teach you to kneel in the presence of your Queen?" Then, turning gracefully, she swept her arm in a swift arc, angled slightly down, and the Sidhe-forged blade sliced cleanly across the backs of Payne's knees, severing tendons and muscles with a thin spatter of blood.
Without a second glance at Payne, the Queen settled her eyes on Payge where he knelt, tapping the edge of the blade against her palm, smearing a bit of Payne's blood over her hand. Then, quite suddenly, she bent down, sinking her fingers in Payge's hair and bending his head back, the tip of the blade resting against his throat. "Your brother's mercy is understandable. A pity he didn't show more backbone about it, though. The decision was his, though, as I said. Sadly, Payge... I'm afraid that is all the mercy you will see today."
Rising up again, releasing Payge with a contemptuous backward shove, she turned and held out the blade to her Raven, who quickly knelt, took it, and then stepped back. Turning on her heel, she ascended the dais again, speaking as if to the entire chamber. "Shear their hair above their ears, then hoist them from the ceiling by their ankles." She turned, lowering gracefully into her throne once more, watching as shapeless figures in the dark bustled to carry out her orders. A slow smile crept over her lips again, and she added something further. "Bring me queen of the demi-fae and her court. Tell them the Queen of Air and Darkness would bestow a gift upon them."
Payge shuddered when her long slender fingers slipped through his hair and he knew such a gentle touch was only idle play. He listened to the Queen's words keenly and followed her movements without lifting his eyes. When she took hold of the Raven's blade his breath caught and when that blade stuck his brother he lifted his head to look upon him. His face didn't show the mixture of concern and horror that shivered through him, only his glimmering eyes fixed upon the scene might give away what was hidden within. It brought back memories of his nightmares, that echoing laughter bellowing from the demonic throat rang in his ears and he nearly crumbled. "Payne.." He whispered softly just before his head was pulled back by the hair and those stinging words melted through that mocking laughter that still whispered for his ears alone.
With her shoving force he fell forward and caught himself before hitting the floor. For such beautiful frail creatures, the Sidhe were much stronger then they might seem, and the Queen was no exception. With Andais's orders he backed from the the floor and moved quickly to stand. " No.. Not him!" He demanded without a second thought, only to be grappled by the loyal hands of her servants and thrown back down to his knees and restrained as his long silken hair was marred by their blades. His heart raced in his chest as he fought against himself to attack his attackers but they were under order just as he was to subdue to her punishments. Payge's power thrummed through his body ready and willing to lash out and take hold of those around him sending them into insanity in his waking nightmares, oh how he could torment them all, yet, such actions would only worsen their punishments and this alone kept his hands steady.
Slowly he was taken and strung up to hang. Dishonor, shame, and guilt twisted his emotions now, yet he stayed true and kept it all buried within. He looked to Payne as they shared the same fate. "Payne...." He whispered to his brother softly, speaking to him for the first time since they had last seen one another and Payge had attempted to kill him. " Forgive me.." His voice was softened as he watched them string Payne up at his side, his attention only shifting to the Queen when she requested the demi-fae. His eyes widened, he had seen the horrible fates left to the Sidhe that were offered up as flesh for the lesser fae. No not this. His lips parted to beg the Queen to reconsider but he knew... he knew... If he dared beg for anything it would only bring down more pain and more of her pleasure, so he hung helpless to his fate and hated himself, more now that Payne would suffer at his side once more.
Payne should have known that his defiance, his barbed words would only be met with punishment. Perhaps his lack of fear for the Queen had made him reckless. The soft whisper of well cared for metal leaving its sheath was his only warning that her retaliation was going to be .... painful. One side of his mouth curled upward in a wry sneer as she whispered in his ear, unseen by her. Then his legs erupted in blindling searing pain and the ground rushed up toward him, his legs useless now. Barely, he caught himself with his hands and ended propped on one elbow, his head hanging as he hissed softly, breathing through the waves of agony that rushed up each leg, vision darkened for the moment.
As Payen's vision began to clear, he heard Payge's fall to the floor and then his cry..."NO...not him!" He heard the scramble of feet to secure Payge and quiet his reaction. Even as he was hoisted upward, legs dangling below him and his black black blood wet trousers clinging to his skin, he could feel Payge's power tingling over his skin. Silently he prayed to the Lady and her Consort to give Payge control over his Hands. They were stripped of their coats and shirts before their feet were tied and hoisted upward. His jaw tightened against the further pain in his legs as knee joints screamed with the strain they had to bare without benefit of all tendons and muscles.
Through the thud of pain and blood in his ears, he heard Payge's whispering to him. His eyes cracked open slowly and sought out Payge's, though another Sidhe was now moving around his hanging body, removing his hair and letting it fall to the floor. It took him a moment of difficult swallowing to finally return a whisper, "There is nothing to forgive, sweet Payge.....Shhhh....this too, we shall endure." Payne closed his eyes again and simply concentrated, a shuddering sigh leaving parted lips as he felt hot trails of blood coiling down his thighs and soaking into the fabric hugging his hips. The graceful line of his brow furrowed as he struggled against himself and his own inner deviance. He wanted to open his eyes and once more gaze upon the Queen and show her that he did not fear her or her tortures, but he knew that would only bring more upon them, upon Payge. Instead, when he did open his eyes, it was to stare at the floor below at the tangled pile of snow and platinum hair.
Once more he did whisper to Payge, a quiet note of plea...."Payge...do not watch me...when this begins...I beg you. Close your eyes and endure."
The Queen reclined upon her throne, gazing at the trussed and dangling brothers with their chests bare and their hair shorn. The piles of platinum silk on the floor beneath their heads still glittered and gleamed. With a gesture, she ordered it gathered carefully and carried away, though to what purpose was anyone's guess.
Long moments passed in silence, the Queen enjoying her view of the two of them as she waited with icy reserve. It was not long, though, before the chamber door opened, one of her Ravens stepping into the room. Following at his heels was a glittering, fluttering cloud of pixie-like demi-fae, their translucent wings sparkling like gossamer diamonds as they swarmed into the room. The Sidhe near the edges of the audience chamber all retreated further into the shadows as the demi-fae approached the dais. One of them fluttered forward, coming to hover before the Queen, and she curtsied respectfully, though it was almost as to an equal.
"Majesty," Andais began, tipping her head in a likewise courteous nod. "I have a gift for you and yours. These two brothers," The Queen paused, gesturing to Payge and Payne, and as a whole, all of the demi-fae turned and peered at the two, far too eagerly for comfort. "They have vexed me, and worse, one of them has taken to allowing himself to be fed upon by vampires, squandering the blood of my court, weakening all of us and strengthening those who would think to prey on us. In justice for this, I decree that Payge and Payne both shall offer their blood in payment of this debt, to feed and strengthen the bonds of this court." Andais leaned back in her throne, smiling coldly, watching the two brothers. "I give their blood to you and your kin. All of it, save just enough for their hearts still to beat." The Queen made a gesture, and her hand glowed with a dark radiance. The darkness all around suddenly rushed inward like grasping claws, lashing at the two brothers, rending and tearing their remaining clothes until they were stripped bare before the whole court.
"You may begin," Andais said softly, and with barely a moment's pause, the clouds of demi-fae swarmed together with a tittering, giggling cheer of glee and hunger, rushing through the air to engulf the two brothers. Their naked bodies were swiftly lost from sight, completely hidden beneath fitfully fluttering wings. Tiny fairies latched onto bare flesh wherever it could be found, sparing the brothers no dignity in the slightest, sinking their needle-like teeth into even the most vulnerable and delicate flesh. Skin was torn, and hundreds, thousands of tiny mouths pressed hungrily to open flesh, fluttering and shuddering with ecstasy as they gorged themselves on Sidhe blood. They swelled like ravenous ticks, sometimes dropping off from their own bloated gorging, only to be replaced by others as the cloud swarmed and fluttered around the dangling brothers. Even what little blood managed to drip or run from those latched on never managed to fall to the floor, thanks to the hovering and fluttering pixies that darted about just under the upturned heads of their victims. Over and through the constant tittering and chiming sounds of hungry, joyously feeding demi-fae, the warm, rich laughter of the Queen of Air and Darkness filled the chamber.
Later when the amusement had worn away and both brothers had eventually erupted in desperate cries that slowly fell to silence with blood loss, the Queen rose and left the scene announcing that they would also be banished from the Sithen for a century and that Ezaraudin would need to be notified of such when the brothers were returned to Wood Bourne.