Five Corners: A Meeting of ShadowsAs the heat of summer ebbed into the crispness of fall, Five Corners became ablaze with a palate of vibrant oranges, reds, and yellows. But even as the autumnal pall stole the leaves from their trees and flowers from their gardens, the inhabitants decorated their streets and shops garishly, as if to drive off the lengthening shadows. Flags and ribbons rippled in the mountain breeze, while chalk murals covered the cobblestones and walls. The air hung heavy with music and exotic scents, the perfumes of art and cuisine. But this week, in particular, saw Five Corners ablaze with color. The Festival de L'ombre was in full swing, in annual celebration for destruction of the Shadow; a demonic feline that had stalked the Ward after the Fall of Amber. The predatory cat had terrorized the community, stealing the souls of the unwary. One night, it cornered a brother and sister, returning home from a music class. Out of desperation, they blew their horns as loud as they could. Not only did it confuse the creature, it attracted the city guard to them. Bewildered by the noise, the Shadow was easily dispatched. Since that time, the residents used music and bright colors to ward off the Shadow's return. A faerie market had sprung up in Erzulie Park with Amberites, Chaosians, and Shadow-Dwellers selling their wares beneath the spectral glow of hundreds of paper lanterns. The carnival mood spread through the throng like a virus, filling their hearts and souls with wild abandon. And yet, despite the pressing crowd, it was easy enough for Delluth Corrino to locate the woman he sought tonight. The tiny woman stood beside the Fountain of Endless Tears, throwing pieces of croissant to the hungry ducks. She wore a swirling peasant skirt and brocade bodice of burgundy that showed off womanly curves she'd long been ashamed of. Beside her, a ball of fur and irritability watched on in exaggerated boredom. It noticed his approach and then spoke in the woman's ear. Solitaire turned around and waved happily. "Professor!" she called across the park. He barely recognized her; an energetic and vibrant woman now wore the same face that had once belonged to the timid mouse who had wandered into his classroom some five years ago. Delluth smiled and waved back, then forged across the intervening space, Zhenechka at his side. He was still wearing his professorial outfit, as he thought of it; not the long robes he wore on campus, but a sober and decorous equivalent for street wear. Later on he would change into something more lively, unless he didn't stop by his flat. If he didn't, he would simply alter the clothing himself - one of the numerous benefits of being a skilled shapeshifter. For now, he dodged around an impromptu ring dance and arrived at the fountain. "Solitaire," he greeted her warmly, adding a fatherly kiss on the cheek. "And Taanstafl," he added. "Lovely weather for it, isn't it?" Tanstaafl gave Delluth a toothy grin, "Hey Doc. Nice dancing move there." Tear smiled at the kiss and took Delluth's arm, resting her head against his shoulder. "It's a beautiful night," she said contentedly. "I love autumn. I don't have to wear a coat. And I don't have to sweat like a pig. It's about the only time I can just be. Comfortable." She patted his hand, "So. The night is yours. Whatever you desire. We'll do it. And these two can enjoy a nice walk while we're enjoying ourselves." Tanstaafl snorted. "Hey. I ain't babysitting the Russian furball." "Ha. I was going to say, Zhenechka will be happy to be Tanstaafl's keeper for a while," Delluth joked. The borzoi ran out his long tongue and appeared to laugh the way dogs do, no doubt because his master had mentioned his name. "Now, what I really desire is a way to get three doctors of medicine and three of pharmacology to agree on anything, including whether it's raining or not," Delluth said. "But I don't think there's any power that can do that. So let's walk around and let the festival speak to us, instead." Tear nudged her head against his arm and smiled. "I think that's a brilliant idea," she said. She turned her gaze on Tanstaafl. "You two go run along. I'm sure Zhenechka would love to chase some rabbits down by the tennis court. I haven't had time alone with my friend in some time now. And we'll get nothing done with you two constantly begging us for food from the vendors." Tanstaafl grumbled. "You realize that although I have four feet and a tail, that doesn't mean I'm a natural dog-walker." Tear wrinkled her nose, "Just met us back here in an hour and then all four of us can do something together." She looked up at Delluth. "Is that okay?" "Sounds good," he replied. "Zhenechka, remember, *no biting* anyone without my permission. Even if you think they deserve it. And stay with Taanstafl here." The dog sneezed and wagged his tail gently. Tanstaafl sighed and hopped down to the cobblestones. He padded over to Zhenechka, trying to look as dignified and regal as he could beside he lanky creature. "Okay Legs," he said. "Looks like it's you and me. Let's see if we can find some young lady to impress. Remember. Let me do the talking. You just look handsome and adorably stupid." He led them off through the crowd toward the tennis courts and trouble. "I don't know about you, my dear," Delluth went on, "but what the festival is saying to me right now is - 'dance'!" Grinning, he pulled Tear toward the circle dance he had bypassed, which had already gained a second fiddler and even more people. As she was pulled into the circle, Tear let out a startled shriek; a mixture of fear and joy. She gazed up at Delluth in amused confusion. Academic discussion over a game of Gateway were one thing, but dancing in public? Exactly what was her mentor thinking? And yet, she found herself irresistibly swept up in his festive mood. "I. I can't dance," she exclaimed, her little legs struggling to keep up. She held his hands and smiled shyly. "But. But I'm willing to give it a try." "If you can run, you can do this dance," he said cheerfully over the music, evoking laughter from the people who had let them into the circle. Indeed, some people (including Delluth) were doing fast running dance steps, while others - such as Tear - were simply running sideways, and attempting to follow those who seemed to know what they were doing, laughing as often as they stumbled. After a while, someone broke the circle and peeled off a line of people that snaked through the crowd, with one of the fiddlers running to take the lead. Since Solitaire seemed to have had enough, Delluth let the new dance go off without them. "See, it's not so hard," he said, eyes bright and hardly out of breath. "Your turn!" While he waited her to make up her mind what to do next, he decided that his jacket was going to have a lighter weave, and fit a little more loosely. Tear fought to catch her breath and gave her companion a gentle smile. "You're amazing, Professor," she giggled. "I never expected that out of you. And here I am. Worn out and you barely sweating. I hope I'm as young as you someday." She touched his arm and watched him for a moment; violet eyes filled with awe. "She was a very lucky woman," she whispered. Before he could reply, Tear stood up and then offered him her hand. "I think a brief walk over to the gazebo might be in order," she chuckled. "They serve this wonderful cider. And we can listen to musicians for a little while." Delluth let her pull him along and pick out a way through the crowd, reflecting that there was no way he was going to explain that he hadn't exactly been saving himself for his next great love over the last hundred-odd years. Somebody else (anybody else!) could have the job of eroding that magnificent naivete. The gazebo, a brief stroll away, had been commandeered by a group of street musicians. They were a motley bunch, fiddlers, guitarists, flutists, and even cello player. Unlike most Five Corners musicians who focused on jazz, this group was engaged in a free Celtic jam. Their folksy outfits were as vivid and colorful as their music. A Chaosian vendor was serving Guinness and hard cider; lavish ribbons dangling from her feathered arms. Despite the rows of teeth, her smile was welcoming as hey approached. But Tear's attention had been drawn elsewhere. Amongst the free-musicians, she recognized the subtle tones of a guitar. Even beneath the numerous talents, she would have known Goran's playing anywhere. She stood on her tiptoes and glanced at the faces in search of her friend. She found him on the left flank of the group, fingers flying across the frets of a worn guitar, auburn hair falling in his eyes from beneath the battered pageboy cap he almost always wore. He leaned over the instrument, his concentration entirely on keeping up with the Celtic pipes and fiddles. Tear watched him reverently, having never grown tired of seeing Goran when he was lost in his music. A sappy smile colored her pale features until she overheard two young women talking and pointing in his direction. They tittered and gaggled with mawkish excitement, each claiming how they'd acquire his affections for the night. The sound of their inane voices put the young sorceress's teeth on edge. When they began to thrust their robust chests out with little regard for the general public, she regretted not having studied her transmogrification spell-work more intensely. Those two would have looked more fitting with tails and cow-bells around their neck. She turned away and glanced down at the flat landscape of her front. A jealous sigh escaped her and she crossed her arms over her chest. Not like Goran would be looking at her chest anyway. Nor would she want him to. Most certainly not. That would just be silliness. This was simply the concern of a sister for her brother; nothing else. Tear refocused her attentions on the music and ignored the busty fans as best she could. Thus abandoned, Delluth bought a stout for himself and a cider for her, catching up to her a few moments later. He found Tear on the grass, listening to the music with a contented grin. She gestured toward the players, singling out a fair-haired fellow playing the guitar. "That's my grumble-buddy," she announced with pride. "Goran." As the music began to crescendo and fade, she waved at Goran to get his attention. "Grumble-buddy?" Delluth said, but too quietly to actually be heard. It was amazing, he thought idly, how they could have talked so much over the years and yet know relatively little about details like who their respective friends were. But his student was most likely not going to be his student for much longer, surely. He hoped the transition to 'colleague' would be easier than Jerusha's growing up had been. Goran laughed with the musicians as they ended their jam. The fiddler pointed out to the guitarist the girl waving from the audience, probably thinking she was some kind of groupie. Goran smirked at him, then turned and waved amiably at Tear. He excused himself from the group to come over to greet her. "Solitaire," he grinned, using her full name as a tease. "Good to see you. I see you're keeping better company than the furball these days, eh?" "You're too kind," Delluth smiled. Goran smirked, letting Delluth know he was teasing. Tear wrinkled her nose at the sound of her name. Her mock indignity passed quickly and smiled up at them, "Goran. This is my mentor, Professor Delluth Corrrino. And Professor, this is Goran Vladic, my best friend and grumble-buddy. One of the finest musicians in Five Corners. If not Amber." "I'm honored to meet you, then," said the professor, and gestured with his beer. "Pull up some lawn and join us." "Don't mind if I do," Goran said, indicating politely that Tear should sit first. The young man was tall and lanky, with shaggy reddish-brown hair. He dressed comfortably in the style of the Artist's Quarter, which was basically whatever style he saw fit at the time. The most noticeable thing about him, besides the guitar, was his accent. Though not strong, it gave a taste of distant shadows to his more conventional Thari. "So you're Professor Corrino," Goran said, offering his hand. "Tear has often spoken of you. I'm pleased to finally meet you." Delluth shook the offered hand. "So my fame spreads," he said affably. Tear found a comfortable place away the crowd to sit, so they wouldn't have people looming over and passing by them all the time. She folded her legs up under her and then smoothed out her dress. "I've known the Professor from the start of my collegiate career," she said. "He was very kind to me back then. I don't think I'd be as far along as I am without him." She brushed a bang from over her eyes and grinned. "We've been dancing," she stated with a great deal of pride. "Well. He's been. Showing me really. I sort of flailed about." Color rose to her cheeks and she began plucking at the grass. "You did very well," Delluth said, sitting with one leg straight and the other bent, the better to rest his beer glass on. "But you clearly need more exercise. If you would only take up arms - but never mind," he finished hastily, sorry that he had brought up a sore point. "Mister Vladic," he said to Goran, "do you mind if I ask where you're from? I'm just naturally curious. Tell me to mind my own business, if you like." Goran quirked a dubious eyebrow at that, his eyes shifting very briefly to an unusual and suspicious bulge under Delluth's coat. The professor was armed. Goran remained silent, but the professor now knew he knew it, which Goran considered to be for the best. Delluth looked faintly surprised; not many musicians noticed that sort of thing, in his experience. Tear, completely ignorant to the exchange of glances, waved her hand dismissively. She stuck out her tongue and made a rude noise. "Arms. Oh please," she grumbled. "What do I look like to you? One of those silly Hell-Maidens? I'd be more likely to hurt myself with one of those pointy, foil thingies. Whatever they're called. And I get exercise. I walk all the time. And I rock-climb with Vikund now and again. And I swim. Occasionally." She crossed her arms over her small chest and lifted her nose indignantly. Considering her diminutive nature, the act was not very convincing. Delluth sighed and shook his head, but really he had given up trying to convince her that self-defense skills were important. "Mister Vladic," he said to Goran, "do you mind if I ask where you're from? I'm just naturally curious. Tell me to mind my own business, if you like." "No, I don't mind," Goran replied, waving off the reservations. "I'm from a shadow a bit west of Kashfa. Small place. No future. I came in on a trading ship several years ago and never left. And you, Professor?" "Oh, I'm from the Courts." He had clearly had a lot of practice dropping this fact lightly into conversation. He did wonder if Goran really hadn't recognized the name of the Imperial House, but only went on, "So you make a living from your music? I must confess I haven't seen you perform before." Tear smiled softly and let the men speak without interruption. "Nah. An old friend once said that the only way to make a thousand crowns at music is to start with two thousand, and it's true," Goran replied. "I play because I enjoy it. To pay the rent, I work on the Ramblin' Queen. Security." Delluth's brows rose. "Interesting," he said, enlightened about the man's observation skills. "I feel much the same way about music - it's a pleasure, but not the kind of obsession one needs in order to live by it." He smiled again. "Do you know 'The Queen of Argyll'?" "Um... I think so. It's been a while," Goran said, furrowing his brow in thought as he drew his guitar into position. He picked out a few notes and looked up at Delluth inquiringly to see if that was the song he was thinking of. "That's it," Delluth said, and raised one hand like a conductor. "One, two, three -" and he started to sing, in a more than adequate baritone, a pleasant song about a man unexpectedly falling in love, with the refrain, "And if you could have seen her there, boys if you had just been there The swan was in her movement, and the morning in her smile All the roses in the garden, they bow and ask her pardon For not one could match the beauty of the queen of all Argyll." By the time they finished, a small crowd had gathered. Delluth grinned and drank off the last of his beer, eyeing Goran as if to say, "Your turn." Tear folded her hands in her lap and listened intently to the two men. She ignored the crowd as best she could, being drawn inexorably into the song and music. A goofy smile of teenaged innocence lit her pale features. But as was typical, she remained silent; almost fading into the background. Theirs was a world she could only observe and never dared enter. And for that, she remained eternally thankful. Goran chuckled slyly, taking up the professor's challenge. "I picked this one up in my travels," he introduced, as he leaned over the guitar and began to play. The tune was bright, up-tempo, with lots of finger-picking and a strong feel of the beat. Tear knew it from its first notes because Goran had played it for her many times. Bar chords and a slide of his left hand led into the words: "Blackbird singing in the dead of night Take these broken wings and learn to fly All your life, you were only waiting for this moment to arise." As he sang, Goran glanced up at Tear encouragingly, smiling almost shyly to try to engage her in the music. Tear glared down her nose at Goran, trying her best to look disgruntled. She silently mouthed with slow, agonizing clarity, 'You Are Dead Meat,' and then shifted onto her knees. Her head tilted slightly and then an extraordinary thing occurred. The timid creature, this Mouse of Amber, this Shadow of Five Corners~Esang. And oh how did she sing. Her whispery voice rang out with melodic soulfulness, not unlike Billie Holiday or Ella Fitzgerald. It suited the jazzy essence of Five Corners, sinking into the soul and curling up like a contented cat. "Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these sunken eyes and learn to see, All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to be free." She continued to sing until the instrumentals took over. Almost immediately what courage she'd had drained away and she lowered her head in embarrassment. Delluth frowned slightly as the instrumental part progressed; he had heard it before ... had it been in one of the shadows that was actually connected to Amber by a path? The words, however, made him smile again. "Beautiful, my dear," he said. Tear smiled shyly and shrugged. "I sound like a cat being strangled," she muttered and began focusing on tugging at blades of grass in front of her. "I'd thought it was more of a More of a player's song than a singer's," he said. "It never occurred to me to learn it. Ever been to Etrusca?" A moment later he'd started a popular Etruscan harvest song. "Not that I know of," Goran replied. He listened to the song intently to pick up the key and the tempo. Then he noticed his friend. Tear folded her legs beneath her and tried desperately to be ignored. Goran would have none of that. He leaned over and squeezed her shoulders in a brotherly one-armed hug, plopping a "Good job" and a light kiss on the top of her head. He grinned to himself as he returned to his instrument, joining Delluth's song a few bars in to provide accompaniment and left Tear to her self-imposed invisibility. Tear blushed brightly and leaned into his hug. "You owe me, jerk," she chuckled. She watched him return to his place, thoughts aplenty crossing her pale face. A timid smile warmed her lips as she regarded him, violet eyes wistful and curious. After almost a year, she still did not understand how her brother could make her do such terrible things. Nor did she understand why she felt so happy when he did. She shrugged to herself and plucked another blade of grass. At the end of Delluth's song, Goran next offered up an old Kashfan folk song he'd learned on the docks from one of his transplanted teamster friends, encouraging his new musical acquaintance and others in the crowd to join in on the chorus. While he did smile at Tear to be sure she didn't feel left out, he did not push her to sing again. He'd learned her limits by now. Goran next offered ______________ [song]; Delluth followed up with humorous song from Variath, then pleaded a need to rest and get another drink. |
