taniss

Good morrow, pilgrims!
Spurning my boring Anthropology reading, I have instead been writing! I let myself get carried away somewhat with the language of the character Gadrion. I had to stop it from going too Jane Austen! S'Fun though! It's supplied below for any that might be interested.

In other news, went to see Bloc Party on Monday, in the worst ventilated venue known to man. It almost caused my lunch to revisit me. Also deeply unimpressed by the new Franz Ferdinand album. But very excited by the prospect of Test Icicles' first album out at the end of the month (it's a Uk thing )
Anyway...



"So milady," the man began with a sly smile as Mia seated herself opposite him. "You have ventured to join me here, as I knew it must be. Truly your features at present betray little," he said, with a self indulgent chuckle. Mia's fists clenched as the man's tone began to anger her.
"You claim to know how I came to be in this state: that is my reason for coming here, no other!"
"No my dear, you come here because you have no other choice." The condescension dripping from his words was too much for Mia; "Tell me what you know of me!" She cried, hands gripping the edge of the table in her frustration. There was something deeply unsettling about the man's appearance. He was young, and undeniably handsome: the dim light cast dancing shadows over his high cheekbones. His bright blue eyes held a suggestion of mischief, perhaps amused at his power to cause the girl such discomfort.
"You remember nothing of your past, correct? It is as if your memories have been stolen from you; even some of your more recent misadventures?" His eyes appeared to glint as he finished speaking. "Yes; and why is this?" Mia asked, consciously trying to keep herself calm and not wishing to give the man the pleasure of witnessing another emotional outburst. His gaze dropped slowly to settle on the table before them;
"I am not certain that you will want to recall these memories. They will doubtless hold much pain for you."
"Worse than the pain of not knowing who I am?" His eyes flicked back up to meet hers, the vivacity full returned to his demeanour.
"Identity can be an elusive beast my dear; I cannot proclaim to have met anyone who truly knew themselves." The knowing smile again insinuated itself onto his face: "but come now, the hour turns late, and you have received far too much attention than should befit you already. I have taken the liberty of securing a room for you in this, er, establishment."
"And where are you to stay?" Mia countered, determined not to let this man over-awe her.
"I have further business to attend to this night: business which is of no concern to a young lady such as yourself. I shall return for you in the morning." With that he stood up, drawing an imposing figure, and shot a quick glance at the barman. It was returned with a curt nod, which did not go unnoticed by Mia.

Motioning for her to rise and follow, the man made his way towards a staircase in a corner of the tavern that somehow managed to be darker still. Mia found it an effort to climb the stairs in the semi darkness, and kept her eyes fixed on the steps before her. Her new acquaintance on the other hand danced nimbly up them, even turning his head to watch, amused, at her concentration.
"May I at least be permitted to know your name?" Mia asked, acutely aware of his eyes upon her.
"Ah, such deference! 'Tis much more becoming of you," he laughed: "you may know me as Gadrion." They reached the top of the stairs, and were now entirely devoid of light, save the weak glow from downstairs.
"Many people fear darkness," Gadrion announced, pausing at the top of the stairs, "for they cannot see who or what may be out there. But I have always looked at it differently: who or what is unable to see YOU!" He laughed again, and Mia wondered if he might be slightly unhinged. Whatever his mental state, she didn't want to be with him in the dark for long. Obligingly, he made his way to a door a short way down the corridor, and flung it open.
"Your dwelling for the night, o fair one," he grinned, and ushered her inside. "Do enjoy your stay!" Before Mia had a chance to respond, he closed the door and her heart sank as she heard a key turn in the lock. The room was barely illuminated by moonlight, and after a quick glance at her uninspiring surroundings, she made straight for the window. Before long, Gadrion left the tavern and Mia watched him walk briskly off down the road. She waited, not daring to move until he was a safe distance away, and then began to force the window open...