Fiora's Thoughts

I shouldn't need to tell you that Fiora doesn't actually keep a diary. Doing so would mean her death should it ever be discovered. So this missive is simply her narration of the adventures that have brought her into the group. She tends not to allow anyone to know what she is thinking, so this is a small glimpse behind her veil.

Journal Entries - La Selva Fendes, The Village of Spirits, Dining with Dreams, The Heart of Matushka, Secrets, Sewers and Serenades, Soul Mates

(La Selva Fendes)

So I am to travel to Eisen. It seems father has tired of my presence in Montaigne and I am sent away. However, I am not sent straight home to Vodacce, as is usual on one of my visits escorting father to some function. Instead he makes me his errand boy and tells the Corattzi brothers to bring me to some remote village in Eisen. When I say I am an errand boy, in truth I am less than this. It is the Corattzi brothers who father trusts with some message or mission and therefore escorting me becomes their pretence. Man’s deception never ends it seems, and so I resign myself to a tedious coach journey that serves me no purpose. What is strange is that I am told not to go through the mountains, but cut south through northern Castille and then travel north. It seems there have been attacks on coaches crossing the mountains recently and father is nervous for my safety. I take this as a sign of affection, as that was how I was lost to him before.

So it is with great irony that we find ourselves the victims of a band of robbers. My bodyguards fight well but are overcome by the sheer number of our attackers. However, as the ruffians open the coach to no doubt steal what they can and possibly assault me, they see who they have attacked. It seems even Castillian brigands are well aware of the reputation of a Strega and they all run for their lives at the mere sight of my veiled features.

While I am pleased to be safe, I am left with my two guards both badly injured and no one to drive the coach. I could take a horse and ride for help, but what then would become of Gianni and Umberto? Luckily a group of travellers comes upon us and offer help. They are an obscure gathering, but seem noble and good of heart.

There is a large Eisen swordsman named Axel. He is gruff and surly, but seems to mean well. I am gratified to find they are escorting a Montaigne lady called Francine, who brings a little civility to the group. She talks a lot, but seems not to mind being ignored as long as she is not interrupted. Violante is a Castillian swordswoman who has apparently known Axel for quite some time. However, I find myself a little nervous of her as she speaks Castillian with a Vodacce accent not unlike my own. I decide not to question her about this just yet; if she truly is Vodacce I’m sure she will not appreciate my intrusion. Rather worryingly the group contains an Innishman called Fionn. My sorcery tells me that he and Francine are obviously lovers, but that are going through some confusion in their relationship. I can see Francine’s attraction to the man; he has a roguish charm that is so often associated with his race. However, as a Vodacce woman I’ve already had my fill of dangerous men and resolve to leave well alone. The group also contains a wild Vesten man called Bjarne. I’ve never seen one of his race, and he frightens me a little. However, he is well spoken and gentle, and is also a practitioner of the Vesten’s strange and primitive magical arts. There is also a pair of lovers called Ramon (a rather rough Castillian) and Helena (a Vodacce). Helena was once a Courtesan until she met her paramour, so without wishing her any ill will I decide it would be unfitting to engage her in much conversation. Lastly there is Alejandro, or as I should say, Father Don Alejandro. I am assured that he too is skilled with a blade, but it is his Vaticine cross and not his steel that brings me comfort.

It seems this gathering is also travelling east towards Vaticine city. So they offer their assistance to myself and my injured guards in crossing the borders of occupied Castille into the free territories. It appears out only path is through the ‘Selva Fendes’ a forest that is renowned for ghostly events, so much so the locals shun the place. There is risk in entering the place, but no more perhaps than passing between the guns of the Montaigne and the Castillian armies.

Unfortunately, the forest lives up to its reputation. In no time at all we are quite lost. Worse yet we become separated from Fionn and Bjarne as well as Ramon and Helena who were helping Gianni and Umberto. Then we come across a manor house, hidden deep in the forest and are left with no other option than to look for shelter there. I only hope my guards and the noble Vesten and Inishman who are with them find their own shelter, wherever they are.

Oddly, in a country wracked by war, the lord of the castle is having a ball. He thinks nothing of inviting us to join the festivities, even going so far as to ask if we’d like to go hunting on the morrow. A little bemused we make our way inside and enjoy the elegant festivities. I feel rather out of place here, there is music and dancing which I am unaccustomed to. Francine attempts to get me to join in, but I politely and firmly decline. My longing to join the musicians with my violin forces me to confess to Francine that I can play. She insists I should, but I find myself having to be quite firm. I acquiesce by asking for a violin for later that I may practice in private, which seems to appease her a little. It seems to be of little matter as very soon she is dancing around the hall with a variety of eligible gentleman. I am content to watch the others enjoy themselves and partake in a glass of our host’s excellent wine. This is so much more than I am used to it satisfies as much as taking to the floor myself would. Realising that I disturb some of the attendees, I decide to retire to bed early and perhaps join the hunt on the morrow.

It seems the hunt is more than just a pleasant outdoor sport. The master of the house is plagued by a terrible beast from the forest that seems almost impossible to kill. He is very keen to dispatch it, as he casually informs us we are all trapped here. His guests are not guests but fellow prisoners, those like ourselves who came upon the place and are now unable to leave. To ease the time, the lord of the manor decided it was fitting to provide entertainment, which explains why he was so keep to allow us to join his soirée. Many in the hunting party believe that the destruction of the beast will break the spell that holds us all here. So I join some of the others to see this creature for myself. Francine and Violante decide to venture off on their own and see it they can discover another way out.

The hunt turns out to be a strange affair indeed. I follow the gentlemen and the few ladies who are also indulging in the sport. It is not long before we come across the creature, and it is truly a monster. The assembled hunters all dive at the thing, which can only be described as a huge misshapen quadruped. However, nothing they do seems to give it the slightest pause. It practically ignores the hunters as it blunders on its way back into the forest. I draw my knife and attempt to assist them, but I cause it very little harm. Luckily the hunters seem not to be very upset at their apparent lack of success. In fact, it seems they expected as much as that is the way all their encounters with the beast have gone. So why I wonder do they persist? Surly their time is better spent finding another way to harm it, or another way to leave the forest. I begin to wonder if these people deserve their fate somewhat.

We return to he mansion, but are met by Francine and Violante. The events that follow are a little hazy and confusing. They tell us they have found a way out. I cannot remember exactly what we had to do, as the memory of the place is akin to calling a fading dream. However, we all went to the edge of the forest and had to vocally reject the images before us, and only then could we be free.

The plan worked though. We all went to the edge of the forest and announced that we no longer believed in the mansion, and were able to pass out of the area. Naturally we were curious as to how Francine and Violante came upon this knowledge, but they swore they were unable to tell us. It seems they made some bargain never to tell, to be allowed to leave. As I am out of the place my curiosity is more than satisfied, and I ask nothing more.

Once out of the area we soon meet up with Bjarne, Fionn, Ramon and Helena. The two lovers are eager to depart, and make their goodbyes now they know we are safe. The others are curious to know what happened, as it seems they passed out of the forest without incident. They escort me to the inn where Gianni and Umberto are recovering.

On the way I have a very interesting talk with Violante. We have grown to trust each other somewhat, and I decide to ask her about her accent. She admits to me that she is indeed Vodacce, a Senzavista no less. She is on the run from those at home who would see her murdered for her temerity. I have no difficulty in assuring her that I will not speak of her to any of my countrymen. More interestingly, it seems Theus has brought us together for a reason. Violante’s real name is viola Falisci, no less than the sister of Regina Falisci who I studied Sorte with. We were both instructed in magic by Demora Mondavi, and I remember Regina with great affection. She said that she used to have a sister, but I inquired no further as the subject obviously pained her. What she thought had become of Viola I know not. So I tell Viola all I can, and promise that I will try and contact Regina as soon as I can. The only news I can offer sadly does not gladden Viola’s heart. The last I heard of Regina, she was to be married to a Villanova, and after that I never saw her again.

The group it seems is on its way to Altamira, by way of Vaticine city. While I would love to see the holy city for myself, I must carry on as my father has instructed. I tell them I am returning to Vodacce, so as not to arouse their suspicions. Several days later my bodyguards are healed, and we set off northwards to the village in Eisen.

(The Village of Spirits)

Eventually the Corattzi brothers and I reach the small village in Eisen that father has sent us to. It is a rather dismal and poverty stricken place, but the people are friendly and hospitable. Gianni and Umberto inform me that they are to visit the next village for whatever reason my father has sent us here. I am not to follow them it seems; I am to stay in this village in the local inn and wait for them. Well, while I am annoyed to be treated as little more than luggage, a day or so without being watched will be most restful. When the Corattzi brothers announce their intentions to the innkeeper (and ask him to keep an eye on me!) they are told the next village is haunted. The villagers here believe this next village to be under some for of curse, and that no one has returned from it. Gianni and Umberto write this off as little more than Eisen peasant superstition and depart the next day.

Unfortunately five days pass and they do not return.

Just as I am beginning to worry about them (I know they behave as my jailers sometimes, but they are good men) who should arrive in the village but some of the group I met in ‘La Selva Fendes’. Whilst they are an odd collection, they do have at least a few skills in dealing with situations like this. So I decide to confide a little of my predicament to them.

The group is a little different that it was before. Francine and Axel are just the same as in Bjarne the quiet Vesten rune master. However, Viola is now disguising herself as a woman! She has taken on the persona of a Castillian swordswoman, and I must say looks much better for it. It seems the lady suits a pair of breeches rather well. I’m glad for her that she is able to live a little closer to the person she truly is.

Coming to the village at the same time are another strange pair of adventurers. They are both explorers, one is a rather rough and cantankerous Ussuran called Korov, the other (his bodyguard) a pleasing but secretive Eisen called Reinhard.

(to be continued)

(Soul Mates)

Wakefulness brings with it the terrible knowledge of what I have done. Dear Theus, could you not have granted me a little more forgetfulness of what I may have unleashed? No, that is unfair, we must carry our burdens, and accept our responsibilities.

Even though I am still only in my nightclothes, I am warm here. This place is certainly no longer Montaigne in winter. I look out of the window of this simple bedroom and I am greeted by a view of palm trees and a sandy harbour town. Is this the Midnight Archipelago? I never thought I’d see such a sight, never dreamed I’d roam so far. Thank you Lord, I know this is only a simple place, but the view gladdens my heart nonetheless.

What am I thinking? How dare I wallow in such thoughts! The book, forgotten so quickly. I copied it, I know that now. It seems the thing wanted me to know that before it killed me. I remember the feel of it now, guiding my hand while I slept. Did Father know? Is that why he stopped railing at me for my disobedience? Think now. What actually happened? There was the feeling of a dream lifting, and I remember putting down the quill and seeing what I had completed in my sleep. But then the horrible draining feeling, as if I was being pulled into the narrative and erased from it at the same time. I think I screamed I know I heard someone screaming at least, was that me? Then there was the hand reaching for me. The smell of pipe tobacco and a kindly face reaching a guiding hand to help pull me away. I took it, and now I find myself here. Please Lord, let the book be safe and away from the hands of evil men. I know I am safe here, but I have brought into the world more of the evil I was trying to contain.

Sir Timothy is a kind man. It was his hand who brought me here and saved my life. Unfortunately he seems completely mad. Still, sane enough to know what he was doing. Where he gained such power and sorcery as that I’m not yet sure I want to know. I have enough to worry about already. He came to visit me as I got my bearings and offered me some of his wife’s clothes, which I was glad of as a nightdress is all I had with me. It seems the gentleman lives here alone, as his wife has passed on. She was Castillian is seems, or at least had a taste for Castillian fashion. Black is apparently not her colour, so I chose a plain white dress. It would not do to be seen in something gaudy. Timothy tells me ‘the others are coming’. I don’t know what he means, but he seems to be suggesting I should go down to the quayside. So I gather up a shawl and walk out into the sun. It is so good to feel the warm wind on my face. Here, no one knows what I am, and I no longer need a veil. It will be pleasant to return to a simpler life, as I was among the Cymbr.

The people Timothy was speaking about turn out to be my adventuring friends. Thankfully Pietro is not in their number. I suspect he would not be slow to suggest we ‘make use of the opportunity we have away from Théah’. Does he not think Theus sees all? Does he not understand that morals and what is right do not change the further you get from home? Amazing. He is leagues away from here and yet he still makes my blood boil. Why does Theus place such a deluded idiot in such a pleasing form? I can only assume that like most of my experiences with Pietro, it is a test of my faith and patience. How ironic that he should strengthen my faith so with his foolishness that I might enter a convent! I suspect that would not suit his purpose.

Among the group is my Idunn, ill and sick with fever. I see to it that she is rushed to Mr Embers house where his housemaid Alison helps us ensure Idunn is comfortable. I hardly notice the others are here, so deep is my concern for my friend. Father Alejandro stays with us and his presence reminds me that Theus is watching over us. I’m so grateful to him for looking after Idunn. It seems there is a strand of friendship or possibly more forming between the two of them. How curious. Unfortunately there is only so much I can do for Idunn. She is comfortable although still unwell, but it seems she is not in immediate danger. However, Timothy speaks of a curse that affects any woman who is with child. It seems all manner of adventures have befallen the group since I saw them last!

Apart from the Father and Idunn, Francine, Axel and Viola have arrived on the island. Viola and Embers maid Alison seem to know each other. I can only assume that any friend of Viola’s is trustworthy and noble in spirit. However, my time in Vodacce has made me a little more cautious and so I decide to reserve my judgement about this Alison. It is also odd that Timothy Embers cannot remember her name and picks a new one for her each time he calls. The man is strange, but I can attest to his ability in times of crisis, so I do not allow this eccentricity to change my opinion of the man.

Viola is keen to talk to me. She wants to know that we are still friends, and I have to reply with reservation. After all, it was Pietro who she offered her shoulder to when the louse revealed his shameful secrets. I don’t blame her for that, she is an honest soul who seems unable to think ill of those she calls friend. However, I needed her too, and my wounds were deeper. So how can I offer my trust to a friend who could abandon me for some other who cries out louder? I am too harsh. In turning from Viola (and it was I who chose not to come to her) I found something special with Idunn. If Viola had some part in that gift then I should be grateful and not churlish to her.

So we talk a little and repair much of the bridge that lay broken between us. She again confides in me her ‘secret allies’, and how she can help me escape the ‘chains of Vodacce’. To assuage her fears for me I find myself revealing to her my literary skills. While this does much to quell her ardour to steal me away from my ‘dreadful life’ I fear I may have made a mistake. Much as I love Viola, she is apparently unable to keep a secret, such as the existence of her secret organisation. At this rate her ‘secret allies’ will be more well known than the story about the Drachen that these people hawk across the taverns of Théah. Perhaps that is why they are here; they heard a few souls in the Archipelago had not yet heard the tale! So I gently and firmly decline her offer again. I know she had little option but to leave Vodacce. She has shone and blossomed since she left. However, she of all people should understand why I cannot leave. To never see the towers and rivers of home again would wither me. I remind her that my life is as Theus would have it, and that I am content as I am. Alison joins us and adds her voice to this open offer of escape. It seems Alison is also a member of this organisation of woman Viola is part of. They are both quite open about their membership apparently because I too am a woman. It truly is a wonder that this organisation remains a secret. These two should visit Vodacce and be relieved of their naivety in trusting people because of their sex!

Almost everyone (apart from Axel, but that is no surprise) has commented on my apparel. They are used to seeing a Strega and not Fiora. Ironically it seems they find it unnerving to see me without the usual symbol of my station, and seem unable to believe I can function in any colour other than black. Perhaps they also believe that without a veil I am blinded by the island sun. I am grateful that the group are concerned as to my comfort, but if one more person offers me a black dress I shall tear their strands to tatters!

The remainder of the day is somewhat of a blur to me. I am told I mostly sleepwalked through much of the day. I fear that I may somehow have copied some more of a book again. I am awoken from this waking dream by the rest of the group who find me in a church. I am comforted by this somewhat as I feel that Theus is still watching over me.

Apparently the group has become involved in much of the island politics. There are two families on the island, who have always been feuding. To settle this old dispute they have convinced two of their children to marry. Both of these supposed paramours have strong cups strands to another, possibly in the primitive villages on the island. It seems to me than even when one leaves Vodacce, one is constantly reminded of her ways.

I’m told by the others that another group of adventurers have arrived on the island. They are just as cosmopolitan as ours and seem to be rather more organised, not that such a thing would take great skill on their part. They seem to be a pleasant gathering of people, and get on well with the other in our group.

(to be continued)