Sacrifice Ch. 04

She straightened, took a deep breath, and proceeded, forcing her feet in front of her in slow even steps.

Calliope tried, with great difficulty, not to look too interested as the three of them entered the cavernous entryway. Unlike home, this new place was not literally cavernous on the inside. It was, in fact, palatial. The huge hall was tall enough to accommodate Thelios at his full height, and was opulent in the extreme. Far more so than her own imagination had managed to concoct. Every inch seemed to be covered in variously hued marble, tiled mosaics, or carvings of detailed scenes of a sort one would only expect to find decorating the walls of temples. It was breathtaking. Literally.

She fought to keep herself breathing evenly and normally as her eyes drank in the spectacle.

No less stunning was the variety of living decor populating the hall and visible down side corridors and through the open doors of the rooms they passed. There were men, servants, and though there were some few like Demitri, the majority were beautiful youths as valuable for their aesthetic appeal, no doubt, as they were for whatever service they offered.

And then there were the women. Many of them seemed not human, they couldn't possibly be, and their unearthly beauty was even more breathtaking than the statuary and mosaics they so easily outshone. Those who were human women were no less impressive in their exquisite clothes and jewelery, though often there seemed to be far more of the later than the former. She couldn't help but cast a furtive glance at one woman with dark brown skin and large almond shaped eyes who seemed to be wearing nothing at all but jewelery, strategically placed to leave at least a little to the imagination. She wasn't exactly in the minority either. Many of the women seemed to be wearing little more than a swathe of half-transparent clothe and were wrapped in bracelet's and necklaces of gold and precious stones, their hair twisted intricately with ivory and silver combs and colorful flowers.

She and Demitri looked very much out of place. It was impossible for her to ignore the gnawing of self-consciousness as she silently and soberly made the comparison between these exotic blooms and herself. They were too beautiful to be real and most were dressed so as to make the skimpy gold dress she occasionally dragged out when she was feeling daring— the one she had been specifically asked Not to wear— look dull and conservative. Their painted eyes followed her along the hall, and she forced her own eyes to remain on Thelios's back, afraid to look to closely, though why it should bother her as much as it did was a bit of a mystery. She was here for Thelios, and to do her job...that's all that mattered, wasn't it?

No, she reconsidered, no woman, however pragmatic, liked such a glaring comparison made of themselves. But, again she reminded herself, she was a servant, and it didn't matter. She'd just have to get over it. She pursed her lips at herself and sighed.

Easier said than done.

As they proceeded through the halls, making their way from one resplendent sight to another, she dared another glance around and regretted it immediately when she spotted a group of creatures so lovely they couldn't even be called women. The sight of them made her stomach twist with nerves, their beauty causing much the same reaction in her as her first glimpse of the master. It was almost terrifying. She guessed they must be nymphs though she'd never seen one before. They too wore a few bits of jewelery and wound flowers and gold thread into their hair, but only a little here and there. They clearly needed no adornment. They were literally so exquisitely beautiful that, as trite as it sounded, there were truly no words which could have properly described them. They very literally made the breath catch and the heart flutter like a caged bird.

If she were of the poetic bent she might attempt the heresy of describing them by saying that their skin was nearly iridescent, like pearls, their eyes like sapphires, emeralds, and onyx, and that their shining hair which fell about them in luxurious waves, looking as gleaming and soft as morning dew on the narcissus's petal.

And probably just as vain, she thought idly, relishing her bitter little joke a moment before necessarily chiding herself for her obvious jealousy.

She pretended not to notice the half hidden glances and occasionally openly amused stares and kept her eyes forward and chin up. Her own elegant, but simple, white, ankle length toga, leather sandals, and unadorned knot of braided, black hair, made her feel like a duck among swans.

Demitri had warned her they'd be opulent here, but she had honestly not been prepared for this. She'd brought the nicer clothes from her little trunk, as she had been bidden, but it was obvious to her she was going to be laughably under dressed...or overdressed, depending on your definition of the term. She was every inch the proper and well dressed lady...which was apparently not the going style.

One of the ironies of this was that Thelios himself was as casually and minimally dressed as always, a fact accentuated by two creatures, giants also, who had appeared at the end of the hall to greet him. There were differences in their appearances, but they were without a doubt the 'family' he spoke of. One was significantly smaller than Thelios, with a more gracile face, long pointed ears, and curving horns which swept back from his forehead along with a thatch of thick reddish brown hair. He had an almost human look to his face though his skin was a reddish, light brown.

The other was a cyclops...a proper cyclops, which Calliope found rather unnerving, so she didn't spend much more time than that examining him, no more than to notice that he was large like Thelios, and seemed taller...but that, she knew, was alterable. The thing that set Thelios apart however what the fact that the others both wore fine looking clothing, robes befitting the surroundings, whereas Thelios had kept his usual attire and looked like he'd just come in from another long day laboring in the sun. As per usual. And what's more, looking perfectly at ease with the fact...not a trace of self-consciousness. Also as per usual. She only wished she could master such self-possession, and though admiring of it, couldn't help but be irritated that she was alone in her discomfort.

She had no idea what to do with all this overwhelming information, so she fell back on her training. She stood back and folded her hands demurely in front of her and kept her attention on nothing in particular. She'd been brought up a lady, was dressed like one, so she'd act like one until told otherwise.

But she'd be damned if she'd admit any of that train of thought to Demitri. It would be an intolerable excuse for him to barrage her with 'I told you so's.

Demitri himself had wandered off when Thelios stopped to speak to the other two creatures. So she lingered back from the group alone, that they might speak amongst themselves without being overheard, if they so chose.

She heard most of it anyway. The smaller one, it seemed, was the host, as he welcomed her master politely, though with little warmth and informed him of who had arrived, who was expected, and who had refused to join them. From what she could hear the names were not proper names, but some sort of code, a blend of nicknames and references. A few that had apparently opted to ignore the summons (as usual according to the cyclops) were Asta's daughters and "The favorites." She also heard Thelios's arched response, that this was because they were clearly smarter than he was. She didn't hear what was said to that, but the host didn't look pleased...Thelios still looked like he could care less. He did look interested, however, when a fourth party appeared in the massive doorway which stood partly open behind them. Calliope could see why. She herself could hardly keep from staring.

The creature was not so tall as the other three, but was significantly longer. The lower half of her body was that of a great serpent, and it gleamed in the brilliant light of the many lamps filling the hall. Black as onyx were her scales, and they made a soft shushing sound, like waves over sand as she twisted and coiled across the patterned marble floor.

The top half of the creature was that of a woman, a beautiful woman, and completely exotic to Calliope in every regard. Her skin was also black, though not so dark as the serpentine length of her lower half, but her hair was a shock of silvery white, as were the fangs which descended to lay against her full bottom lip. Her ears were longer and pointed, but her face was exquisite...as beautiful as any of the nymphs that she'd seen flitting about the halls.

In the corner of her eye, she saw Thelios's face break into a smile and felt a twinge in the pit of her stomach. The strange and stunning creature smiled back.

"Brother, I half expected you not to come. It's good to see you."

Thelios chuckled and Calliope took a few more steps back from the grouping and averted her eyes from the scene to give them privacy, choosing instead to examine a wall length carving of acrobats next to her.

"And I fully expected not to see you. This effects you less than most of us. What man could, or would dare to enslave a creature such as you?"

Calliope continued to feign disinterest as the creature's silvery laughter washed through the hall. She could see in her peripheral vision how the sound drew all of what few eyes weren't already watching closely, all except hers of course. She kept her eyes riveted to the bull's head carved into the wall at eye level, examining with studious interest the curve of it's ivory painted horn as it tossed a somersaulting tumbler over it's back. The woman being tossed, she noted, had a serpentine arm band much like her own. Inwardly she cringed at the snake reference.

Her efforts to appear distracted were a mistake however, and it did not take long to realize this fact as she glanced around furtively. She saw instantly that her disinterest had only brought down the attention she'd been so desperately avoiding. Many off to her left had turned to look at her instead, no doubt noting that she was looking in the wrong direction. She cursed her lack of subtly then stiffened slightly as she became aware of the burn of eyes to her right as well. She slowly turned and another soft 'shush' filled the air beside her, making her skin prickle and bump.

Her eyes were....violet, and there was a small smile tugging at her full, dark lips. "And who is this?" She tore her eyes from Calliope's to look at Thelios, but Calliope continue to stare. She could only be grateful her mouth wasn't hanging open in wonder or shock.

"Calliope."

She waited a beat or two for him to elaborate...but he did not. Just...Calliope. The serpentine woman arched a fine brow at this as well, but made no comment, and only turned back to her with a coy smile.

"Calliope." She repeated. "I have a cousin of the same name." There was a brief hum of light laughter from around them. Well, she thought morosely, it was slightly more subtle than the usual comments or jokes. "Tell me," she continued once the tittering had ceased, "I'm quite curious, you must have some very particular talent to capture my brother's attention. What is it that has caused you to stand out so, hm?" Calliope prickled slightly, hearing the teasing lilt in her voice, and the possible insinuation that whatever it was couldn't be seen from the outside. It didn't seem like she was being intentionally cruel or vicious, but with so many still looking on, she couldn't help but bristle. The second round of tittering didn't help either.

Thelios, at least, looked unamused.

No...this wouldn't do. If this were anywhere else...anyone else...in another situation...she'd not stand for it. But what should she do? Demetra would smile politely, plead ignorance, and check on dinner, Xanthipe would boldly lay claim to any and all of the graces, and Helena would giggle and blush and tell her that she'd would have to ask the gentleman in question. It appeared she was on her own, as none of those would work for her, not in the slightest. She would just have to take Demitri's advice. Calliope exhaled slowly, pasting a mild smile on her face and letting her shoulders relax slightly. She could at least appear calm, even if she was nothing near it as her mind hastily churned in a mad searched for words.

"My lady," she murmured politely, "I suspect only a fool would lay claim to any 'particular' skill in company such as this." She made a vague gesture to the hall. "Even if I had such presumptions, I'm quite sure there would be at least a dozen more worthy than I who would be quick and eager to disabused me of my arrogance." She smiled placidly and gazed back at the creature with as much unassuming guilelessness as she could muster in order to dull the slight edge of her words. "And, I do not think," She added after a very brief pause, "that such fruitless and obvious comparisons would be a useful expenditure of anyone's time. Wouldn't you agree?" She'd spoken in even, but clear tones, hoping those listening would hear and take the hint. Yes, they were very beautiful, and she was sure, very good at all sorts of things that she'd rather not think about it. Wonderful. Fantastic. She got it. Time to move on.

The woman's smile had dimmed and her brow had arched imperceptibly higher, but after appraising Calliope a moment, her face settled and her smile returned. "How...politic of you. Surprising considering the company you keep." She added sardonically

What did that mean? Calliope felt her own brow arch before she could force her expression into neutrality. The woman's smile widened when she noticed the slip, but she brushed it off quickly enough. "Well, we shall say you are well spoken at least, and leave it at that, yes?" She didn't wait for an answer but turned to Thelios and made a dismissive gesture toward the door.

"You should come in and speak to the others before you get settled in your rooms...they are all anxious to hear what news you bring from our Father, and we have news you may want to hear."

Thelios made a low sound of annoyance. "He said exactly what I told you all he would. It was a waste of my time."

The finely dressed one with curling horns sighed. "Well they will want to hear it as well. It shouldn't take long." he added when Thelios' expression darkened.

"Fine. But if they start in on that long winded bullshit again, I'm leaving...if you're lucky I'll leave before I do something rash this time." The serpent woman smirked and the other two glanced apprehensively at one another.

He looked to her and she nodded, guessing he expected her to wait there.

She was grateful that the exit of the rather fantastical looking group meant the slow exodus of gawkers as well. It surprised her really. She'd have thought living like this would get one used to such sights. After all, she'd been living a rather simple life but her time with Thelios had made her a little more easy with the whole situation. That wasn't to say she was comfortable, but at least she wasn't incapable of keeping her eyes to herself. Besides...it was rude to stare.

Sadly though, her peace was short lived, and after a time a familiar, and very unpleasant voice reached her ears. Worse...it appeared to be addressing her. This was rapidly becoming a very... bad... day.

"Well now, sounds like you still got a sharp little tongue then don't you? They still ain't taught you manners yet?"

She sighed, closing her eyes and praying for patience before turning and giving her best impression of benign indifference. It wasn't perfect considering the day she was having...but it was good enough for the likes of him. She didn't bother answering the question and just stared at the man. He had a couple of others with him, a fact which made her nervous. Dogs in packs were always more dangerous. Strength in numbers...it made them bold. And he was just the sort of scruffy cur to fit this description.

Still, he wouldn't go so far as to touch her again would he? Her eyes subtly darted about for Demitri, but he was no where to be seen. He must have been waiting to get her alone...the jackal. She clenched her jaw to keep anything untoward form spilling out, but her eyes narrowed into a hard glare.

He grinned maliciously. "What's the matter, snake got your tongue?" He asked, nodding toward where the serpent-woman had vanished.

When she only continued to glare he turned to his friends. "Maybe that low-class master of hers did slap some sense into the little bitch after all."

That did it, she couldn't hold it back, and the words slipped from her mouth despite herself. "I take it you fancy yourself the snake then?" She slid her eyes derisively down his body. "I'd think worm would be a more appropriate comparison...figuratively or...literally." She smirked, feeling suddenly as malicious as his grin had been. She made a fist and lifted her pinky finger, wiggling it suggestively. What had Demitri said after all...'turn about is fair play'?

He seemed to catch the insult immediately and true to form, came at her, barking and snarling like any rabid animal. He snatched up her wrist and looked like he was readying the other hand to strike her. She had half expected it, and had already noticed the slim sword hanging at his hip. So while he was grasping for her arm, she was reaching for something else.

"Get your hands off me." She snarled, matching his expression with her own and stilling his hand the air. He obeyed. He didn't really have a choice once he felt the point of his own sword digging into his stomach. He looked furious, but took a step or two back, eying the blade warily. "Touch me again and I'll skewer you." She hissed at a whisper. His friends went for their weapons, but she only had to press the point that much more firmly against her target, causing him to wave them off.

"Now, I'm going to lower the sword, and you're going to back away and never harass me again...yes?"

He sneered, so she poked him a bit, taking more pleasure in that then was appropriate. "Understood?" She prompted loudly this time, in case he didn't. He glared death at her, but nodded. She nodded back and lowered the sword. At which point he lunged at her, startling her.

Her wrist flicked up automatically to defend her and the tip of the sword caught the side of his cheek. He cried out and leapt back, clutching his face and cursing at the sight of blood on his fingers.

The instinctive move surprised her as much as it did her assailant, but she refused to let it show. Instead she stood stock still, keeping the weapon carefully trained on him as he gaped at her in shock. She recovered from the unexpected surprise and was about to tell him to stay where he was when the Master's voice rang out again.

"What have you done?!" He growled at a near roar, his voice causing what few onlookers were left—all of whom had been watching the altercation with intense interest— to flinch and shrink away, making themselves scarce.

She too quailed under the power of it, her sword point dropping instantly as her stomach dropped with it. Conversely, her heart, it seemed, had decided her throat would be a more appropriate place to lodge itself. Her sword hand shook, and she threw the thing down on the ground between her and man, simultaneously cringing and turning to face the onslaught.

The sight before her left her feeling a little light headed. He looked furious. More than furious. A faint whimper of fear escaped her throat and her arms wrapped tightly around her waist, but that was the extent of her reaction. But for that, she had completely frozen in fear. A heart beat later, she was gasping in surprised when she noticed it wasn't her he was looking at, and watched him stride past her to snatch the man up by the front of his shirt and dangle him by it as he sneered in rage, his face just inches away from the now terrified man.