A Secret Valentine

[dragonqueen]

Somewhere, in a dimly-lit apartment a figure sits at a desk, pen in hand. Crumpled pieces of parchment litter the floor around her, but a single, smooth piece of parchment lies at her hand. As she pens the last flourish, Dragonqueen reads over her work gravely. Evincing that this parchment will be the last, the young woman signs her name in large, sweeping script. Then she removes the small metal key strung on a chain around her neck for the other part of her valentine.

 

At the bottom of the desk, close to the floor, there is a locked drawer. A ragged photograph, a flimsy stack of letters, fine sable brushes, and a locket with just a hint of tarnish. Treasures such as these lay under lock and key. But on top of the letters and photograph sits something more valuable than the rest. Dragonqueen picks the roundish object up and sets it on the desk next to her while she writes the note to go with it. This letter requires less thought, and she soon sets the paper aside to dry. Holding the aforementioned object gingerly so as not to get any dirt or oils on it, she inspects the pocketwatch for any imperfections. However, this particular timepiece was made by the finest draconian artisans, and as such is absolutely flawless.

 

The valentine gift is finally complete. Dragonqueen wraps the watch in the note, and ties it with a bit of string. Brown paper packages tied up in string... The resulting package has the appearence of something a lad might present to his sweetheart, but it is nothing so innocent. Placing the watch in the center of the parchment, the sender rolls the paper around it. A black ribbon provides the perfect tie, and lo, a valentine.

 

Donning her cap, Dragonqueen leaves the apartment. Her route is unfamiliar; she stops several times to ask directions. In due time she arrives at Caryon Megata's street. Stopping at a street vendor, she buys a boquet of flowers. Why, she can't quite recall, but it seemed like a good idea. Flowers never hurt anyone, and the forget-me-nots she purchased seem appropriate.

 

The girl slows as she approaches the steps of the Artificer's house, valentine in hand. Taking a deep breath, she places the flowers and the gift on the porch. But delivery alone is not enough; to complete her task, she must make the recipient aware. Towards this end, Dragonqueen knocks loudly on the door, then turns around and leaves quickly.

 

One might assume giving a secret valentine would give one a warm and fuzzy feeling, but not so. Dragonqueen is slightly uneasy. The gift she had given was an odd one, but what does one get for a man like him? Making her way home, she can only hope he takes it well.

 

Harken back to sweeter times,

Before all was fated to end in sorow.

Remember the fire in her hair

Close your eyes and see the forest in hers.

Recall the happy times.

Forget, for a moment, what happened.

Feel a ghostly embrace,

Let the memory of light reclaim your soul.

Life is dark now, without her.

But she loved the light.

Remember the light, Caryon?

In the mists of memory, Yawgmoth cannot hold you.

Bring back the memory of light,

Ihlea.

You will be together, when all is done.

Can you live for that day?

Stop your descent towards hell,

For Ihlea does not dwell there.

 

 

I cannot control the dead, but I can give you something almost as precious - Time. Wind this pocketwatch, and you may see Ihlea. But only until the watch stops, and only if both parties cooperate. I hope you enjoy the gift.

 

Your secret valentine,

Dragonqueen

 

 

 

 

OOC: Wasn't sure where to post this, but here seemed like a good place. Wasn't sure about format, either, but this works well enough. Happy Valentine's Day!