The Curse of Eternity

Death Five

Another soft tap, a click of the door, followed by a tentative, "Miss?"

"Y-Yes?" I ask partially turning to face the voice.

The door opens even further and three pairs of feet walk in. Feeling like I am being ambushed, I scatter back like a frightened rabbit. My eyes quickly scan the area for an exit but there are only two ways out, the way I came or the Immortal Lords rooms.

One of the maids steps forward and ushers the other two. They rush past me in a flurry of grey and black fabric going straight to the left wall.

"Miss, the Lord has instructed us to help you bathe and to make sure all your needs are met. I have also brought you some tea and a light meal in case you were wanting such things. I also have wine and spirits should you be looking for something stronger."

"S-S-Some wine w-w-would b-be l-l-lovely."

"As you wish Miss. Please head over to the tub."

Rushing water and hushed whispers fill the room like ocean waves. The maids dim the magical lights and I notice four large time candles hanging from golden chains at each corner of the pool. One maid stands by the large, marbled hole in the floor watching water pour from a tall, elegant golden faucet. Every few flickers she dips her fingers into the stream checking the temperature.

"Myorla," she says, "it is too cold, two fingers hotter."

I turn my head. The third maid stands by the far-left wall placing her hand on a flat, golden square. It glows red for two blinks and the faucet gurgles with rushing water. More and more magic.

The maid by the faucet places her hand in the fall and says, "Perfect Myorla," turning to me she says, "Now Miss if you start undressing we will have you washed up and prepared for the Lord in no time." She takes a few steps forward motioning to take my cloak.

My heart falters like it's been struck by an arrow.

"N-No th-th-thank you. I-I can b-b-b-athe mys-s-self," I respond pulling the cloak tighter and taking a step back.

"Come on now Miss, no need to be shy it's our job after all," she replies taking another step toward me.

I take another back. The third maid, Myorla, watches in curiosity and amusement.

When the first maid returns, I am practically running around the marble pool with the second maid chasing me and Myorla is trying to hold suppress her laughter. She's failing like a Mo'ki push out of the nest too soon.

"Now what is going on here? Myorla, Ceres!" she snaps.

The one called Ceres immediately ceases to chase me and Myorla's giggles dissipate.

"The Miss refuses to let us undress and wash her," claims Ceres.

"Hence why you are chasing her around the tub barking like a mad lupinna. No wonder the girl is running from you. You ladies are dismissed. I thank you for your work you may retire."

"Yes Mistress Byerne," the maids say in unison, quickly making their exit.

"Well Miss, you must be firmer with your desires or you will always be chased around like that. I am going to put your tray right here on the side of the pool, right next to your robes. I am going to lay out all your bathing implements here on the side as well. If you do not need anything else, then I shall take my leave. I will return in one candle to see if you need anything else."

"Th-Thanks."

"Now, now Miss, no need to be afraid. Things are not so bad here. I am sure you will grow to like it if given time."

With that said, I watch her feet turn and make busy laying out my soaps and other tools. When finished, she leaves quietly shutting the doors behind her.

I wait a few long breaths, making sure no others come to disturb me before taking off my cloak and veil. Yes, I need to be watchful of the maids, especially the pushy one. My appearance will be revealed eventually but I prefer later rather and sooner, much, much later. Ideally, I would like it to never be revealed but with so many servants about the castle, it is only a matter of time before one strolled in with my face uncovered.

I push those thoughts to the nadir of my mind. Letting my eyes wander to the pool, I notice the water continues to run. Was someone supposed to turn it off? What if it overflowed? I let the pool be, it still had a bit to go thus I turn my eyes to the tray Mistress Byerne left. At the sight of food and drink, my stomach rumbles, suddenly realizing how famished I am and how dry my tongue.

Squatting, I examine the contents.

The tray contains finely sliced cheese and bread, a bowl of fruit, I am unsure of the variety but it looks delicious. Next to that sits a large silver cup filled to the brim with wine. Picking it up, I take a sip, the flavor explodes on my palate containing a sweet and fruity taste like freshly picked blueberries and grapes.

Next, I grab a slice of cheese and pop it into my mouth, it's soft and creamy complimenting the wine perfectly. I follow it with a piece of bread which is soft and warm, recently removed from the oven.

Lastly, I eat a piece of fruit. It's red, heart-shaped, and covered with tiny little seeds. I have never seen anything like it. Holding it up by its little green leaves, I take a bite. Juice explodes and dribbles down my chin like a mini waterfall. It's sweet with just a hint of sour. I instantly love it. I place the rest in my mouth but the green leaves destroy the flavor. Maybe I am not supposed to eat those.

Taking a long swig from the wine cup, I swish the liquid around my mouth to cleanse my palate of the leafy flavor. After the night I have had, I can drink an entire bottle. I look around but it seems like the maid did not leave the bottle for me.

The tub is almost filled. My breath escapes in a long huff. I have a love-hate relationship with bathing. Mainly I hate the way my body is covered with its writing and designs. I start by taking off my gloves and stare at my marquings as they are revealed. The ones on my hands are more design than writing. The tops of my hands are covered in tiny intricate dots, lines, swirls, and circles which start at the knuckle under my nails and travel to my wrists. The space from the first knuckle to fingertip look like they have been dipped in cerulean ink. The design flows to the inside of my hands as well covering my palms. Unlike the rest of my body where the marquings seem to be the same on each side, my hands are not a mirror of each other.

One by one I remove every single piece of clothing. I hate being naked. I hate having to look down at my marred body and be reminded I am not like everyone else. I am dangerous.

Grabbing the wine cup, I head for the stairs that descend into the pool. Water laps at the steps, the pool is finally filled. I glace at the faucet to see it shut off automatically.

And yet more magic.

With one hand firmly on the rail and the other firmly holding the cup, I look down at the top of my marred feet and step down into the water. When my feet touch the bottom, the water reaches the top of my breasts. I am thankful for the low lighting making the water appear black and my body is hidden beneath the depths.

I take another swing of the cup, holding it above water as I trudge my way to my tray. My feet hit something protruding from the wall. Placing the cup at the edge, I plunge my hands into the water feeling a ledge of some kind. As my fingers explore further, I realize it must be a seat. I pull myself on the ledge and recline. The height of the water remains in the same place.

Soon the wine and warm water begin to work magic of their own. I place my head on the curved edge and relish in the feeling of weightlessness.

After a moment, I slide my body down into the water completely immersing my head. My hair swirls about me in a long, weightless cloud. Most women keep their hair short because it is a sign of their wealth. I keep my hair long not because I am poor but because should the need arise, and I am caught without my hood and veil, I can always hide behind my hair.

I quickly stand, hair plasters to my back and the room spins. I sit back down. I might have been a little overzealous in drinking the wine. When I recline, sleep pulls me. My eyelids become lead and I do not have the strength to open them. The water is warm, comforting like a blanket. The logical part of my mind knows something is wrong. I would never fall asleep in such a compromising position and in a place where I could accidentally die. My body does not answer when I will it to move and I am pulled into uncontrolled slumber.