It has been a week since my last entry. I have been taking care of Carissa's head injury. That blow to her head worried me. I placed her into a healing sleep of which she spent two days in bed sleeping. When she awoke finally, I knew everything was well once again, as she argued with me about this Christmas holiday and what we should do, that is how I knew. It is time that Carissa must take the GED exam. I believe she is ready, the question though is . . . does she believe she is prepared to take this exam?
It is now December, with snow on the ground and ice in the air, and a peculiar object on the yard. The boys say it is a snowman. "Hey, Bellona, come and look. There's a snowman now on the front lawn. Hurry, you have to see it." Tobie is very excited about their accomplishment. Everyone in the household comes out to the lawn to take a look at the boys' achievement. When the sovereign has her back turned, a snowball finds its mark. She turns to see who would dare do such a thing. Whistling a tune, rocking back and forth, hands clasped behind his back, and looking anywhere but at the sovereign is Tristan. Well, the sovereign is not a woman to back down from a challenge, so in retaliation . . . a snowball fight ensues, with the queen, the sovereign, and the children enjoying themselves on this blustery day.
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While all the members of the household are enjoying themselves, the sovereign's consors has a matter of her own to take care of; it is the day of the GED exams. Carissa understands that it is not to prove to her sovereign that she, indeed, is educated, but it is to prove to herself that everyone is capable of learning. Carissa does not remember a time when she was more nervous, or for that matter . . . had ever been this nervous. Fearing that she will break a wooden pencil in half, she brings along a mechanical pencil to take the test with. She stares at the pencil while waiting for the monitor to arrive. The color, the letters, everything about the pencil she studies. The monitor arrives right on time, without a moment to spare. Suddenly, her mouth dry and throat closing, she is fearful that all she has learned she has forgotten while the test is being passed out.
The monitor announces, "Please be sure to write your name where indicated. If we receive a test that does not have a name, we will not know who has taken that test. It is your responsibility to be sure that all necessary information be filled out to the best of your ability. You may begin."
The test begins.
==========
It is good to see Carissa doing well. My wife has taken great care of Carissa after the fight. I remember how worried she was after the battle. During Carissa's healing sleep, my wife confided in me just how frightened she really was. She had just found her heart, and she was not ready to let it go, not that she ever would be. In any event, here we are now, and all is well. I hope that Carissa passes this test. It will raise her spirits so. I remember her coming to me wondering if she will be too nervous to remember all that she learned. I taught her a simple prayer she could recite to give her strength. She worried that she would not be able to speak during the exam. "Do not worry, Carissa," I told her, "all you need to do is let your heart say the words, and the deity will hear." I taught this prayer to her.
Now all that is left to do . . . is wait.
The exam took most of the morning to finish. It is now mid-day as Carissa boards the bus. Bellona insisted that Carissa have one of the guards drive her. Carissa declined, stating that she would need a few minutes by herself after the test and the bus would provide just that. Bellona let it go, only after giving Carissa strict orders to call the manor upon arrival and upon leaving the designated testing site. Carissa agreed.
"Follow the yellow brick road? What's that supposed to mean? I wonder if she went bonkers suddenly. Okay, next question . . . what yellow brick road. We don't have . . . yow! Who's the shithead . . . hello." As Carissa rounds the corner from the sleeping chambers, she trips on something. Looking down to see what it is she tripped on, she finds the mysterious yellow bricks. She follows them out the back doors that lead to the back lot of the manor . . . and stop at the guesthouse. Opening the door carefully, listening to it as it creaks open, "Yoo-hoo, howdy, y'all. Any . . . Ahhh!" she exclaims as the lights suddenly turn on, showing everybody's happy face as they yell, "SURPRISE!" Everybody roars with laughter as they see the surprised look on Carissa's face. "Okay, who in the bloody hell came up with this idea, scare me into a coronary why don't you, not only that, but a stubbed toe."
They begin to celebrate the day with antipasto dishes and various beverages, all non-alcoholic.
"Now listen up, guys, I appreciate this, I really do, but . . . I don't know if I passed it or not, even with the deity's help. I won't know for another month, so until then, it's a wait and see game."
The party lasts well into the night, and then it is time to go back to the main house for a good night's rest.
==========
The following day, with a little help and a little research, the manor is decorated with the colors of Christmas, with plenty of greens and reds. Music plays in the background. It is not the words that everyone is enjoying; it is the tune that brings joy.
Carissa has time to do some last minute Christmas shopping, but she will need to borrow some money, as she does not have any. Since she has stopped selling her soul, her pockets have been bare. The only solution is to see if she can negotiate with Bellona to borrow enough for her to purchase Christmas presents. There is always a chance the sovereign will refuse, but this is the only time that Carissa will be able to show how much she truly cares about these people. The only way Carissa will know for sure will be to ask Bellona.
Taking in a deep breath, Carissa approaches Bellona in the laboratory. "Bellona, could I ask you something, please?" Bellona's only reaction is to pick Carissa up and placing her on the table to do a thorough examination. "Bellona, can I ask you what you are doing? I haven't had any in . . . in . . . I don't know, it's been a while."
"Now I know there is something wrong. Hold still while I get something out of the wardrobe."
"Bellona, there's nothing wrong. I'm fine . . . in fact . . ."
"Are you sure there is nothing wrong?"
"I'm fine, why do you keep asking me that?"
"Carissa, you know I love you dearly, and there are certain behaviors that I expect from certain people. I worry because you have called me Bellona three times. That is what has me worried."
"Oh, Sovereign Bellona, would you please stop that . . . I . . ."
"Now I know there is something wrong. Maybe that head injury never healed."
"My head is fine, thank you. I just want to ask my sovereign a question . . . that's all?"
"Have you come under possession?"
"I am not possessed by the pod people. Now leave me alone and listen."
"Carissa, I feel I have reason to worry."
"NOW WOULD YOU SHUT UP AND PAY ATTENTION! Try to be nice and they won't listen."
"So I see you are well after all. You did have me worried, after all. Now, what is the question you would like to ask me?"
"Could I borrow some money to buy Christmas presents?"
"How much do you think you will need?"
"Huh?"
"How much do you think you will need to shop for your Christmas presents? If you need company, I am sure Queen Clarissant would be happy to come along with you."
"Okay, well . . . you see . . . after carefully calculating the prices of the items I would like to purchase, the amount comes to quattuor centum viginti quinque pupa." $425
Bellona nods her head, "All right, you know where the money is kept. Be sure to count it properly, and do not forget to record the amount. Will you be shopping today or will you be shopping tomorrow."
Still a little perplexed that Bellona has agreed without an argument, she replies, "I thought I would do what I can today and finish tomorrow."
"Be careful, Carissa, I do not want you to suffer any further injuries. The boys, though, I think are feeling ill. They say they are fine, however, according to the tests that I have performed, a virus has invaded their body."
"Tristan isn't sick for long, but when Tobie gets sick, he gets really sick. His fever tends to just linger there for a while. Then when you think he's getting better, he gets worse. Typically it takes a couple weeks for Tobie to get better when he gets sick."
"Thank you for informing me. It tells me what I need to look out for and what remedies I will need. Is there anything else?"
"Just that when Tobie gets sick, it's really good not to feed him solid food, chicken soup, soda water, and juice he can tolerate, not much else though."
"I will keep that in mind. Did you need anything else?"
"No, nothing else thanks, Bell. I'll be back later, around supper."
"Now that is the Carissa I know and love. Be careful, Carissa. Ask one of the guards to drive you."
"Only if they wear plain clothes . . ."
"Be sure to let Sergasa know your wishes. Thank you, Carissa."
==========
Carissa, along with one of the guards, left for Town Square to shop for Christmas gifts. With the snow on the ground and the window displays, no one could help but get into the spirit of Christmas. Decorated Christmas trees with a wooden train circling the bottom, displays of the characters of the Nutcracker Suite could be seen through the window, and carolers caroling around Town Square singing Christmas music. The most magical scene that Carissa witnessed was Santa Claus sitting on his big red chair, a child sitting on his lap telling Santa their Christmas wishes. Dreams from her childhood arose, wondering what it would have been like to sit on Santa's lap.
The boys she will have no trouble shopping for, neither the queen, she feels. It is Bellona that will be the problem. What do you buy someone who has everything? What do you buy someone who can get anything they want without buying it? They just snap their fingers . . . poof . . . it's there.
"No, we don't need plants, we have plenty of those. None of us needs clothes or shoes. Bellona always makes sure we have them clean and tidy, and if there's so much as a pin-sized hole or stain that you really have to strain to see, it gets replaced. Oooo that would be good for the queen, I remember her telling me she loves this. This body oil will definitely be a good Christmas present for her. Tristan is a no-brainer. Just get him the latest game for his DS and he's thrilled. Tobie will be a new art set, he loves to draw. Now Bell, what to get Bell, what do get someone that . . . oh . . . what's this? Now I know she would never order this for herself. This is definitely meant for her. Whoever is listening up there thank you."
With the first part of her shopping done, she returns home.
==========
After supper, the guard and the sovereign have a private conference, discussing her observations. "She just stood there, watching this man dressed in a red costume of some sort listening to the children talk to him. It was the music, the window decorations, everything, I think, that caused her eyes to tear, meus imperium."
"Thank you for your report. Go on about your duties, dismissed."
"Yes, meus imperium," the guard replies, walking backwards while bowed before exiting the office.
==========
Carissa places the gifts in a chest that Bellona gave to her, her first week of being at the manor. After locking it carefully, she leaves her wardrobe to spend some time with the boys.
==========
What has Carissa been up to today? So much money she asked for, surely she would not do anything, would she? Oh my, I hope not. It would be the downfall of Bellona. Here I am thinking the worst of her, and I have nothing to prove or to say this is why I feel the way I do. I am beginning to enjoy this Christmas holiday. Everything seems so cheery and delightful, so bright. I believe we have a lovely tree, decorated with brightly colored bulbs, and a star at the top of the tree. Angels, they say, should be up on top instead. I am not sure about that though. I realize this is a Christian holiday and all, but to put angels on a symbol of birth and celebration just does not seem right to me. Angels are the bringer of souls to the heaven above, why would we place them on a tree. They would not be able to fulfill their duty, would they?
I promised Tobie I would read A Christmas Carol to him. The poor lad is so sick with the flu. Bellona is doing everything she can to help his body fight this flu, but she says it will take time. Just as her consors says, it takes two weeks for him to rid himself of this virus. I can only help him deal with the symptoms as they arise she tells me.
Tristan is fairing better than Tobie, he is not as sickly as his younger brother. Bellona predicts it will only be a couple more days for Tristan. My wife, the brilliant scientist, philosopher, healer, is quite literally stumped by this sickness. She thinks there may be a way to pass Tristan's immunity on to Tobie. The question, though, would be how would you go about such a thing?
Perhaps a healing prayer would work for Tobie.
the everlasting Salvation of those who believe,
hear us on behalf of Thy sick servant, Tobias,
for whom we beg the aid of Thy pitying mercy,
that, with his bodily health restored,
he may give thanks to Thee in prayer.
Amen
Tobias. . . Tobie, the poor child is so sickly, his fever is always present, he coughs so much my wife has assembled a special bed so as to prop up his upper body to let the fluid drain from his chest. He cannot keep anything in his stomach, the poor dear. His body will not have the necessary nutrients to heal itself. What are we to do?
Carissa spent the night taking care of the boys at the main house while the rest slept in the guesthouse. Our sovereign could not sleep at all; she worried so about her family. The only thing that kept her in bed was that she felt a commitment to her queen. Bright and early the next morning, though, before sunrise even, our sovereign was once again caring for the boys. Tristan was healing quickly, which meant it would not be too much longer before he would be able to leave the bed. Our sovereign would have the bed destroyed and immediately order a new one, lest Tristan wanted to be sick again.
Tobie, slept a couple hours here and there, but not enough to say he had a good night's sleep. Carissa fed him spoonfuls of juice during the night to keep him from getting dehydrated.
"No Tylenol, I do not trust what I cannot define. I will keep giving him the tea that I have been giving him until the package arrives. I sent a message to Andromeda requesting a special herb, as I do not have that here. I believe it will help Tobie fight this flu. Seven days, it has been seven days since he became ill, and still nothing, no sign of recovery. THIS IS MADDENING! HE IS A LITTLE BOY, A CHILD!"
"Hey, easy there, it's okay. Remember I told you it's par for the course. The best news is that it hasn't gone up. There's still time, and it might just do that. But I know Tobie, and while he may be smaller than the rest of us, he has a lot of fight in him. He will be okay. As the queen keeps reminding me, have faith. Now, if you're going to be here, I'm going to go and get cleaned up. See if I can get some chicken broth from the kitchen."
Carissa goes to do as she planned not telling Bellona that in a day or two, everything will seem to get better, well, that is the part Carissa told our sovereign. What Carissa did not say, however, his temperature will quickly sky rocket to a dangerous temperature. She hopes that whatever this herb is, it will indeed help.
==========
Carissa is bathing, and here I am watching over the boys. Tristan will be better in a day or two, he is already complaining of being bored, which is a good sign. Tobias, on the other hand, is always coughing, always feverish. I am not sure how much more his body can take. He will be disappointed that he missed Christmas; it is a holiday that he looks forward to.
Carissa, my Carissa, according to the guard, was nostalgic yesterday while shopping. Watching the children, listening to the music, viewing the window displays, all had hypnotized her. We do not have such a holiday on Andromeda. We have a hiberna celebration, a winter celebration of exchanging gifts, yes. However, they are gifts of the heart. A poem, a hand-carved toy, a delicately stitched quilt, all of the heart and home are the typical gifts that we exchange during this time. We do not have these stores to buy gifts for our loved ones. The tree . . . we do not decorate trees. I left the decorating to the children and my queen. They seemed to enjoy that. I remember I told my queen I would be able to transfer Tristan's immunity to Tobias, to do that though, would be a risky undertaking. The only thing I can do now is . . . wait.
Part 8
Carissa fed the chicken broth to Tobias, spoonful by spoonful after Bellona added an herb to help him fight the fever that seemed to inhabit his body. Bellona assured Carissa that everything and everyone would be taken care of while she completed her shopping. Carissa left to complete her shopping, while Bellona planned the move back to Andromeda. It was time; it was time to go home. The preparations did not need to be completed immediately, as the sovereign was worried that all the preparations they had taken to celebrate this holiday would be in vain if they were to leave now. The boys were sick as well, and Bellona was confident that once on Andromeda Tobias' condition would improve, but it would not be good to move them now. There was Carissa to consider as well. The results of the exam would not be ready until after the holiday season. It would be after that time that Bellona had moved her family back to Andromeda. The move would be happy for some, and traumatic for the rest, though our sovereign knew whom the move would be most traumatic to.
In Town Square once again, the people that are left on her Christmas list are easier to find gifts for, as there is only one left. For Sergasa, a gift basket of wine would be nice. She could not go in there herself and purchase the basket, no, but the guard would be able to. The guard, who is twenty-five years old, after all, is much older than Carissa. The guard promises mum's the word, so feeling that her secret would be kept safe, they leave for home.
Finding the sovereign in the sleeping chamber, Carissa announces, "Hi, I'm back, is there any change?"
"No, there is no change. Tobias sleeps more soundly now though, which is a good thing. I received the herb today, and I believe it is the herb that is helping him to fight this flu. The congestion is present in his chest, though not as much as before. Have you finished your shopping already?"
"Yeah I did. I only had one left to shop for, and that's it. Now I'm done. I can't believe Christmas is just right around the corner, next week. Bellona . . . um . . . I was just wondering . . . when are you leaving for Andromeda?"
"We will be leaving for home after the holidays. It would be a shame to leave now. The transition would be more difficult now because the boys are ill. We would need to wait in any case for them to heal. The test results would not be available until after the holidays."
"What test results? Are you pregnant?"
"No, I am not pregnant. It is not the duty of the sovereign to bear the child; it is the queen's duty. I am speaking of the test you had taken to receive your GED."
"Oh, that, well, I took the test. I don't need to know the results. I flunked anyway."
"You do not know for certain, Carissa. You studied very hard for that exam. You knew all the answers, as well as knowing how to answer any question they could possibly ask you. The only thing that would stop you is you, only you."
"We'll see. Anyway, I'm gonna miss this, us. I don't know . . ."
"Carissa, have you been listening to me."
"Of course I have. I always do."
"We both know the truth to that statement, and if you were paying attention, then you would have heard what I told you."
"Of course I heard what you told me. You said you were leaving after the holidays."
'Carissa, one of the things that you must remember, no matter the situation, is to listen closely to the other person's words."
"But I always listen."
"All right, then, reiterate for me what I had told you."
"You said you were leaving after the holidays."
"It seems as though we are having a communication break down, as it were. Perhaps it is my fault, as I should have been more specific. I said we, as in my queen, my advisor, the guards, household staff, Tristan, Tobias, you, and me will be leaving for Andromeda after the holidays. I believe it would be safe to move now rather than later."
"All of us are leaving?"
"Yes, Carissa, all of us will be leaving."
Here it comes, the moment everyone has been waiting for. Volcano Carissa, whom everyone thought has been dormant, may just erupt again.
"I can't believe all of us are leaving. I was so sure that after you provided everything for me, gave me an education, found me something to do, after all, why all the visits to Avalon's manor, and gave me a home, why would you need me. I thought it was only a temporary position."
"Carissa, I believe you are confused." Before Carissa starts arguing again, Bellona kisses Carissa on the lips, briefly, to calm Carissa, knowing that if she were to do anything else, Carissa will not respond. "Being my consors is a position that is held for an entire life span. Only you have the ability to leave the position by coming to me to say you no longer wish to hold the position. The only other way that your position would be taken from you is by treason and/or betrayal. I educated you here to the best of my ability. You have so much more to learn, Carissa. I feel that Andromeda would be better suited for you to further your education. The reason I visited Avalon's manor is for business, that is all, nothing else. The Prime Minister and I have nothing in common. Now, do you understand?"
"You kissed me. No one has ever done that before. You kissed me."
"Yes, Carissa, I did. Are you confused?"
"What? No, I . . . I don't think so. What about the boys though? You said Andromeda is a matriarchal society. They're not girls, Bell."
"I am very well aware of the boys, Carissa, so calm down. I have been planning to further their education as well. While Avalon is a strictly matriarchal society, we are not. Andromeda does have a very small male population. The boys would not be able to have a position of high status, such as an advisor, no, but they would still be welcome on Andromeda."
"You planned this all along, didn't you? You knew exactly what to do and when to do it. You knew all along that you were going to take the boys from me. Well, that's just . . ."
"Hold it right there, Carissa! I have never planned to take the boys away from you nor will I ever take the boys from you. ALL of us are leaving, together. When the boys reach the age of maturity, which on Andromeda is sixteen years, they will be given a choice, to leave Andromeda or to stay. If they choose to leave Andromeda, they will be looked after to be sure they are well and safe. Their destination will be either Phallustine Island or America."
"What the fuck is Phallustine Island?"
"Phallustine Island is located off the shores of Avalon, that we use to procreate ourselves, and no, that is not all that they will do while on Phallustine. They will be taught necessary life skills, skills that they will need to learn to survive."
Carissa stands there looking into the sovereign's eyes, looking for what though, only Carissa knows for certain. Finally, Carissa bows her head and starts crying. Consors Carissa is crying for the first since she came to Andromeda House, what seems so long ago. All of the pain and sorrow seem to leave her, as she cries with such sorrow. The sovereign, against her own beliefs, wraps her arms around her consors and holds her as she cries. They seem to meld together as they stand there, each finding a place to fit within the other. Some would say this would be a sign of two true souls binding as one.
The crying stops, but Carissa still holds on. "Bell, I have some leftover change from my shopping. Do you want it back or can I keep it? And thank you."
"I would appreciate the money back, Carissa, you know that. However, in this case, you may keep it. It is in celebration of this Christmas holiday, after all. What are you thanking me for?"
"I don't know . . . it just seems to fit."
The sovereign laughs a little before continuing. "In that case, you're welcome. Were you crying because you thought I was leaving you?"
"No." Carissa removes herself from Bellona's arms to continue. "I was propositioned today. It was a client that I had before. He's the CEO of a big company. He offered me fifty grand to come along with him. Also, to show some of his friends what a good time really means. I told him no, but I don't think he listened. He told me to visit him in his office at eight o'clock tonight. I have to go tell him to leave me alone."
"Carissa, you will do what you have to do. I cannot stop you, and I appreciate you coming to me with this rather than me finding this out some other way. I trust your judgment. My only question though is . . . would you like me to come along with you, or perhaps Sergasa?"
"I was crying because it doesn't matter how hard I try, my past just seems to follow me. That bitch of a mother that I had just seems to haunt me, reminding me that I am her daughter, the daughter of a 'ho'." Carissa cannot look at her sovereign after saying that. There seems to be a lot of mysterious spots on the floor, no matter which room. Bellona gently brings up Carissa's head again to place a kiss on the forehead. "Thank you, you always seem to know what I want. No offense but . . . could I take Sergasa instead? I mean, with you being king and all, it wouldn't be good if something happened to you, right?"
"No offense taken, though we both know I am capable of defending myself. Make sure you explain to Sergasa the situation, Carissa. Remember, knowledge is power, the more you know, the better able you will be to defend yourself."
"You're always looking out for me."
"I always will look out for you. You are far more than just my consors. You are my soul, Carissa, and I fight to keep it safe. Go on now and speak with Sergasa. Be careful, Carissa, be careful."
"I will . . . Bell . . . Bellona . . . I love you."
"I know you love me, Carissa, and it is nice to hear. I love you as well. I will stay here with the boys, do not worry."
"I won't and now if you'll excuse me. I have to get ready." Carissa left for the bathing room to be sure she was at least clean enough to approach the all important client. The clothes needed to be different though. Carissa had gotten used to wearing the dresses that the sovereign dressed her in, but this was a different situation, different environment entirely. After bathing, she entered her wardrobe to open the chest. Inside the chest were clothes that she used to wear, before changing her life, before Bellona. These were the clothes of the night. These were the clothes that defined her body to her clients.
Carissa chose a two-piece bikini style outfit. The top, what there was of it, was a bright cherry red just large enough to cover, and the bikini bottom wrapped around the hips with two snow-white ruffle layers, making the bottom appear as a mini skirt. One of the few jewel pieces she did own was an eighteen-carat diamond heart belly chain. Carefully pulling on the opera length white lace gloves completed the attire. This particular client enjoyed women in high heels. She knew this client enjoyed a special pair of high heel shoes, ballet boots with seven-inch long heels to be exact, the same color as the top. She would not be able to walk to the building with the heels, so she chose her old pair of slip-on sneakers to wear just until she entered the office. She placed the boots in a duffle bag to lace up in the client's office as part of the show.
Just as she brought all of her belongings together, including the trench coat, Bellona entered the wardrobe. With a worried look on her face, she wondered what exactly Carissa had in mind. "Carissa, I thought you were not going to do this any longer. What exactly is your plan?"
"Me, go through it with him? Please, no way no how, the man is dirt-cheap. He promises one thing and does another instead. My plan is to play with him a little. A little play, a little fun, and just when he thinks he's going to get what he wants, he won't know what hit him, I mean that both literally and figuratively. The man deserves it, so don't worry."
"I will stop worrying when you come back home. Those shoes do not fit the outfit however, is that another part of your plan?"
"These shoes are for walking over to the office. The duffle on the center isle has the shoes that I will be wearing in his office to add to the . . . well . . . fun. Oh, come on, it's just a little fun. I know what I'm doing. Besides, Sergasa will be there with me in case anything happens. Everything is under control. Did you toss my fake lashes?"
"The extra lashes I had thrown in the rubbish, yes. I did not believe you needed them any longer." Bellona opens the duffle bag out of curiosity to see what sort of shoes her consors will be wearing. "Carissa, what sort of shoes are these?"
"Those are called ballet boots. He likes his women in high heel shoes, those particular high heel shoes, to be exact. It's takes a lot of practice to be able to walk in those. I can walk in those for a short distance not long distance, which is why I'm wearing my old sneakers."
"I see, and the belly chain?"
"It just adds to the outfit, makes it a little more fun. So . . . what do you think?"
"I am not quite sure I know how to answer that question."
"Good, for a minute there I thought I forgot how to do this. Don't worry. All of this that you see on me will be thrown away. That will be my New Year's resolution, out with the old in with the new. I'll probably hawk my belly chain though. I might be able to get something for it."
"How long will you be?"
"You can expect me back in two hours. If I am not back in two hours, then you call out the National Guard. Not before two hours though, that would be pushing it just a little. I'll go get Sergasa and then we'll be off. Tobie doesn't seem to be breathing so hard any more. I guess that herb works after all."
"It is a powerful herb that is used in extreme situations. I thought the situation called for such a remedy. I will expect you back in exactly two hours."
"I know and I love you too, bye-bye." Carissa kisses Bellona's chest before leaving to find Sergasa.
Trench coat on and buttoned, and with duffel bag in hand, Sergasa and Carissa left the manor.
==========
I am to wait here for two hours for my consors to return. The clothes, what there were of them, the chain, shoes, everything was just too much. I may have gotten used to seeing her in more than that outfit she left in granted, but it was still too much. I remember the picture of our warrior dressed in similar attire, but that was for a different purpose. If he even makes so much as a mark on my Carissa, he will be castrated by my hand, may the deity forgive me.
==========
"Carissa, I have come to value you as a member of our clan, however, I do not remember ever studying such a thing as what you have described to me. I did attempt to research the matter, only to discover there was not much information on the subject."
"It all depends on what resources you used. All that I have told you is what you need to know. He's on the fifteenth floor. It's easier if we just take the elevator."
"As you wish, Carissa, just remember it will be my head if you do not come back to the manor as you have stated."
"Yeah, and I'll be there right along with you. Here it is."
They exit the elevator and walk down the hall to the client's office. The entire building is empty and the door that leads to the waiting client is open. Carissa walks right in while Sergasa stays behind, ready to act if necessary.
Carissa clears her throat to get his attention. "What is the meaning . . . oh, it's you. Do you have something to show me?"
In a sultry voice, Carissa replies, "Oh, you mean me? Well, I might have something to show you big hulk of a man." Continuing to play her part, she slowly unbuttons the trench coat and suddenly stops before removing the coat. "Would you like to see more, handsome?"
"I am paying you good money, so of course . . ." He suddenly stops talking as Carissa's coat drops to the floor, revealing the outfit. Leaving the coat behind and with duffel bag in hand, she slowly strolls over to his seat to remove her old sneakers.
Placing her foot on his chair, between his legs, she ever so slowly laces up her ballet boots while he runs his fingers up her legs almost to the nether region. "Oh no, you have to wait. I have one more shoe to put on, you big hulk of a man." Lacing up the other boot in the same fashion, he again feels his way up to her nether region, but is caught just as he is about to feel his way in. "Nononono, you big hulk of a man. Don't you want to see my clothes? I put them on just for you, you big hulk of a man." She gathers up her shoes and her bag, bending fully over at the waist to give him a full view, and places everything by the door to the office.
His only reaction is a nod of the head 'yes'. She slowly walks to the middle of the room to turn around once then on the second, she lifts her butt in the air and shakes it hard enough for the ruffles to move just a little. Straitening up finally and turning around to face him, she uses the universal come here sign, watching as he now has a rather peculiar walk as he walks towards her. Sergasa's part is to gather the coat and the shoes while Carissa has him distracted, in doing so, leaving nothing behind to use against her or to find her, as well as a quick retreat.
He gathers her up in his arms then reaches down just slightly to undo the straps of the top that Carissa is wearing. Carissa knows her client and knows just how focused he gets during these interludes, and uses that to her advantage. She urges Sergasa to quickly run in to get the bag, coat, and shoes before her client comes to his senses. The top falls to the floor as Carissa reaches up to bring him down for a kiss, the kiss that will guarantee to get his motor going full blast. She gains entrance, using her tongue to tickle his as she undoes his pants. She can feel him responding, as his breathing gets harder and harder. She reaches in to his pants to tickle him, but suddenly, he turns purple and is unable to talk, unless you count the unusual squeaks he's making.
She runs out of the office, leaving behind a half naked CEO of a Fortune 500 company with an unusual tone to his skin, as well as the unusual noises coming from him.
Once inside the elevator, she puts the coat back on and walks with Sergasa back to the car. As she changes shoes, Sergasa is a bit puzzled as to what happened "What happened that caused him to have such a reaction?"
"Oh, come on, Sergasa, you, a seasoned warrior, can't think of what I did? Heavens to mergatroid, oh well, I guess I have to tell you, then. I think, though, you better pull over for this." Carissa whispers to Sergasa exactly what she did, causing Sergasa to shift herself closer to the door. "Carissa, you are a dangerous woman. I had no idea you knew how to do that."
"Of course you did, you taught me."
"Carissa, I do not remember giving you that lesson."
"Of course you do, don't you remember? Wasn't it you who told me that the deity gave us the best weapons anyone could ask for?"
"Perhaps I did, Carissa, but I did not teach you to do that particular lesson."
"Oh well, maybe it was the sovereign, then." Carissa takes off her boots, placing them into the duffle bag, to be replaced by her old sneakers.
****
They arrive back to the manor, and securing her coat before stepping out of the vehicle, she takes a quick look to be sure everything is there before entering the manor.
"Hi, honey, I'm home," Carissa playfully bellows.
"You enjoy having me worry, I believe. Just as I was about to call the National Guard, as you had stated, here you are. Come in and clean up. Do you need anything?"
"Bleach and a good mouth wash."
"The mouth wash I will provide and understand the need for, at least I believe I do, however, the need for the bleach to me is bewildering."
"I need to wash him out of my mouth, and as for the bleach, well, that's to sanitize my hand."
"Then I do, indeed, understand. Proceed with your bath. I will return with the proper remedies. It will be just a moment." Bellona returns with a tray full of cups of . . . tea? Well, she is a healer, and therefore would know what she is doing.
Carissa enters the bathing pool, moaning with pleasure as she enters the water. The sovereign sits by the pool handing her consors each cup one at a time, briefly explaining its purpose, four cups in all. Carissa finishes her bath, and as she steps out, the sovereign wraps her with a robe. "Did he make entrance?" Bellona asks as she escorts her consors into the laboratory.
"Entrance . . ?"
"Did he make entrance into your private person, Carissa?"
"Oh that, no, we didn't go that far. If he did, I would've asked for a burning poker. Despite the pain, the pain will make it worth it, knowing that he'll be burned out of me."
"If that was the circumstance, there are other remedies available other than the hot poker."
"Yeah, but not as satisfying," Carissa replies with a big grin.
"Carissa."
"Yes, mommy dearest?"
"Nothing, never mind, I know that as soon as you get to bed everything will be just fine."
"Of course it will. I'm your favorite consors."
"You are my only consors. Now sit up on the table so I may examine you."
"Oh, all right, you're wasting your time though."
"That is for me to decide, and before you say anything, the boys are resting well. Tristan will be up and out of bed tomorrow, while Tobias still recovers from the flu, though his congestion has finally cleared." Carissa rolls her eyes as she hops up on the table ready for the examination. Having gone through this before, Carissa knows what to expect, and feeling just a little playful, she also knows the soft spots of the sovereign and . . . "Ahhh. Carissa, remember I have a great many things at my disposal."
"Okey dokey," Carissa says as she laughs a little. She feels she did not quite hit her target, so in trying again, she finds her mark and . . .
"Carissa!"
"I didn't do anything," Carissa says while batting her eyes.
"I know better. If you want to play, we will play tomorrow. You are fine. No injuries to note."
"I could've told you that much."
"I needed to be sure you are without injury."
"Well, I'm going to throw out my bag before going to bed. Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Carissa."
****
Christmas was here, with good cheer in the manor of Andromeda. Tristan fully recovered from his bout with the flu. Tobie was still in bed, however, not as sick as he was in the beginning, but still sick enough to be in bed. Carissa started showing symptoms of the flu as well. Bellona insisted on certain remedies that had recently been proven to work. Carissa shoved those aside and decided on her old standard, a brand that she trusted. The catch though was that this particular cold remedy was rumored to be eighty proof or equivalent to a shot of vodka. It worked wonders, curing what ailed her in no time at all, that is, after all, why she took it . . . right?
"Really, I didn't know that. You learn something new every day."
"Carissa, you know that I realize exactly how aware you are of your environment, as well as you pretending to be not as intelligent as you are."
"What does that mean?"
"Carissa, do not play me for a fool. I do not play games of this kind very well."
"I am? I didn't know that. All I know is it works. What's wrong with that?"
"What is wrong with that, she asks, knowing that the medicine she chooses to consume to help cure herself of this flu is the same as consuming those intoxicants that she has finally stopped consuming."
"You said that all in one breath? Oh my, well, I have to go to the store to pick some more up. There's one that's open all year long. Did you need anything?"
"What I need is for you to stop taking this excuse for a medicine. Failing that, no, I do not need anything of value."
"Okay, be back in a few, bye-bye."
****
"Morning, Tobias, perhaps you will help me to understand why your sister chooses to consume something that she is very well aware of that the reason it appears to work so well, is that the person sleeps through an alcoholic daze."
Tobie wrote: Because she doesn't like getting sick. That stuff is the only stuff that momma wouldn't take from her. Sometimes momma would take cold stuff when she couldn't buy drink. Momma would say it tasted awful.
"I should have known. Thank you, Tobias, for letting me know. What I need to do is change my tact. As soon as your sister returns, we will begin the celebrations." Ruffling his hair a little before standing up, she gives Tobie his tea before leaving the room.
Bellona returns to the laboratory to take stock of the herbs that she has available. By her estimation, she has enough to help Carissa through this awful flu that seems to have taken hold of the residents of the manor. The plan is a simple plan in its concept. The plan is to switch Carissa's trusted remedy with those that Bellona is sure will work without the added alcohol component in such a manner so as to seem that the switch was done with care, love, and concern.
****
Carissa returns to the manor in seemingly worse condition than when she left. She now has a hacking cough and she looks so pale. Her rosy cheeks are gone. She is carrying a bag filled with the same medicine, but there is two now. It seems as though there is a daytime version as well. Carissa opens the daytime version of this medicine and is about take it, but the sovereign gently takes it from her, stating she would like to know more about the medicine her consors chooses to take. It is a good thing the sovereign is a well-trained healer, and takes the initiative to care for her consors.
"Carissa, this other version, the daytime remedy of this concoction you trust, is not much than the night time . . ."
"But . . ."
"Wait, Carissa," Bellona makes a shushing sign in an attempt to calm the storm before it happens. "Carissa, I am telling you this because this is Christmas. This has been something that the boys have been looking forward to for quite some time, six months, three days, and nine weeks, to be exact. I know you have been looking forward to this holiday as well. I can give you the same tea that I have been giving Tobias. It will offer you temporary relief of your symptoms, the coughing, congestion, and feverish feelings that you have, without being in an alcoholic daze. I cannot guarantee that the tea that I am offering is any better than your medicine. What I can guarantee is that you will be able to enjoy this holiday this time with all of your senses intact. In the end though, the choice is yours, your medicine versus my tea."
After the hacking cough finishes, Carissa replies, "Your tea puts Tobie to sleep, so what difference does it make yours or mine?"
"It makes a difference because I know exactly what is in the tea should something happen. I am not saying that something will happen, however, with the intoxicants that you have consumed in the past, there is a greater likelihood that something will happen. I do not know exactly what is in this bottle of fowl tasting smelling liquid you insist on taking. The herb itself will not put you to sleep. I place a sleeping herb in Tobias' tea so he has an easier time sleeping through the night. I can make the tea without the sleeping herb, Carissa."
Some time passes, with that awful hacking cough, and Carissa's face turns red from not being able to breath. Bellona gently lays her down on the table while she lifts Carissa's dress. The well-trained healer that the sovereign is already has an evaporator ready for such a thing. Carissa resists. "It is all right, Carissa, this will not hurt you. The steam is from a plant that is used to reduce swelling and inflammation. This steam works with Tobias when his cough is like yours. After a few minutes, your breathing will ease. This will also give me time to prepare your tea, relax, meus amor, and let the steam work for you." Placing the apparatus on a table, Bellona raises Carissa's upper body to make it easier for her to reach the evaporator. Carissa leans forward over the steam, feeling a cloth placed over her head. Bellona watches Carissa as she starts to relax while she starts to prepare Carissa's tea. "Breathe in and breathe out, breathe in and breathe out. That is it, feel it working, Carissa, feel your breathing ease." The sovereign removes the cloth and lifts Carissa's head gently up to receive her tea. After Carissa finishes the tea, she lays back and closes her eyes. It is a short time later that Carissa opens them. "How do you feel now, Carissa? Are you feeling any better?"
"Bell, you should market that stuff. I have to admit I had my doubts, but that stuff works great. What do you say we do some celebrating? After all it's Christmas, ain't it?" Carissa immediately jumps off the table and runs towards the sleeping chambers.
"Mission accomplished," the sovereign says to herself, lightly laughing as she cleans up her laboratory.
****
All gathered around the Christmas tree, with music playing in the background. The queen continued with the tradition of her homeland, and created a poem for each and every one of her family. The sovereign stated her present to everyone will have to wait until they arrive back home on Andromeda. There, they will receive their gift. The boys created Christmas cards for everybody, and gave everyone a candy cane as well.
"Well, thank you, I know my mother and I will enjoy this. Thank you so much."
"Your royal majesty, this is for you to luxuriate yourself as you meditate in the bathing pool."
"As I meditate in the bathing pool . .? Carissa, I have never meditated in . . ." Clarissant states as she opens her gift. Recognizing the label, a large smile breaks out on her majesty's face. Popping the cap, she sniffs the fragrant aroma of lavender and chamomile as it wafts through the air. "Oh, Carissa, I am truly thankful to you for this fine gift."
"And this is for the one that I had THE hardest time shopping for. Merry Christmas, Bell."
"What is this? Oh, meus darling consors, your love is all I need." The sovereign's smile gave away her true feelings, however, as she opens her gift. She looks a little like a child opening their first gift, with paper flying in the air as she tears open her present. Once the present is opened, the sovereign's eyes grow wide with amazement. She lifts the gift up from the box. It is truly a beautiful sight, a rich chocolate brown fur edged with black mink all around, the inside lining a rich black satin, a perfect gift for the sovereign.
"This feels so warm, so luxurious. Now I truly have something to wear to our northern territories. The clasp is a brass metal. It appears so solid a structure. The golden thread detail is a perfect enhancement for this garment. Carissa, I am not sure what to say. Saying thank you for this fine garment seems inadequate. You truly have given me a gift to remember you by." The sovereign stands there with her eyes closed, feeling the cloak wrapped around her. "It fits me perfectly. I do not want to take it off, but I know I must." The sovereign carefully lays her new cloak in the arms of a servant to be hung properly.
****
The Christmas feast was had at mid-afternoon. Everybody was very well satisfied, or as Tristan said "stuffed" after the meal. All of the gifts had been gathered and put away. Now, concentration must be had for the preparations on the move back to Andromeda. Two questions were easy to answer. The first question of who would move . . . it would be everyone in the manor, no exceptions. The second of where would the move be to . . . it would be back to the palace on Andromeda. That left the when and the how. One more question that was left to answer would be who would take our sovereign's place in America and would there be a need? The only purpose for their being there was for our sovereign to find herself a consors. They were not there for any other reason, but only time would tell if our sovereign changed her mind.