The Collector and Her Steed

Chapter 33

The look on Heisenberg's face was all that anyone needed to know what he was thinking. Grabbing Mira's arm, he gently moved her behind him in a protective way. "She's not for you, you oversized bitch." He really packed a punch behind the 'bitch', more so than usual. Easing his hammer off of his shoulder, he got in a fighting stance.

Shaking her head, Mira set a hand on his shoulder and stepped out from behind him. Clearing her throat, she smiled over at the very large woman that was stood at the top of the grand staircase. Giving a little curtsey, Mira spoke, "My name is Mirabela Stanislav, I'm the newcomer to the village that owns the pub. Heisenberg brought me along because he knew I wanted to potentially discuss a business opportunity since the house Dimitrescu is known for their wine." Gently squeezing Heisenberg's shoulder in reassurance, she continued, "It is a pleasure to finally get to see the very powerful Alcina Dimitrescu in all of her glory, I've heard lots of things about you even back when I was a little girl."

Alcina graciously nodded her head and began her descent down the stairs, stepping on every third step. "Why would someone as polite as you be hanging out with my child of a brother?" Finally standing on the ground level, Alcina stood at her full height. Readjusting her hat, she strode towards the two. "I have heard about you from Mother Miranda, especially in recent months with the news of your arrival. It was a shock to us lords that she would let an outsider move in." Pausing to take in a puff of her cigarette, Alcina smiled down at them, "Though as you stand in front of me I can see why she would allow you to move in. Let me call my girls in so you all can be introduced, and so they know to leave you alone." With that she called out each girl by name.

A soft buzzing filled the air and quickly grew louder as three separate groups of large flies swarmed into the room. Buzzing around the three, they all began forming into the shape of women. The buzzing died down as three women stood in front of Mira and Heisenberg. Alcina swept her arm out, motioning to the women. "These are my daughters; Bela, Daniela, and Cassandra." As she said their names, each woman gave a little wave once their name was stated.

"It's a pleasure to meet you ladies, I'm Mirabela. I'm new to the village and it's a pleasure to meet you all." Giving another little curtsey, Mira smiled brightly at the women. They buzzed with excitement, incapable of standing still for too long.

"Oh mother, is she a new maiden for us?" the daughter with brunette hair, presumably named Cassandra, said as she was practically jumping from excitement. All of the daughters had the hoods of their cloaks down, which considering how excited they were it was doubtful their hoods could have stayed up even if they had them up.

"I can assure you that she is no maiden, especially for you." Heisenberg finally chimed in, which got him a smack on the shoulder. Chuckling, he continued, "Mira is here on business girls, I would suggest keeping your hands off of her."

Heisenberg nudged the basket of cookies in Mira's hand, reminding her of their presence. Holding up the basket, Mira opened the lid. "I brought along cookies, though I wasn't sure if you ladies could eat solid foods." The smell of peaches wafted out of the basket and the girls stepped closer to get a look.

Looking down at the basket, Alcina smiled, "Thank you for being so thoughtful, yes we can eat solid foods." Turning her attention to her daughters, she motioned for them to take the basket. "Take them to the kitchen girls. Have the maidens store them until dinner tomorrow." A chorus of 'yes mother' rang out as Bela stepped forward and took the basket from Mira. Once in her hands, the girls melted away into their fly swarms and left the room through a door under the staircase. Bringing her attention back to Mira and Heisenberg, Alcina took another drag of her cigarette. "Seeing as how close the two of you are, I'm assuming you will be sharing a room. While I despise the thought of a woman such as yourself being close to that," she motioned to Heisenberg with a sneer, "I will allow for this to happen. If you change your mind, I will be more than obliged to have the maidens set up another room for you." Turning to her brother, she frowned. "I assume you remember where the room you usually stay in is at. Try not to break anything this time."

Mira spoke up as she stepped back to stand beside Heisenberg, "I promise to keep him under control Lady Dimitrescu, it'd be a pleasure of mine to keep this beautiful castle from being damaged." Slipping her arm through his, she tugged him into her side. "If he does somehow damage anything I'll do my best to replace it or fix it and I'll of course will be punishing him for you. You wouldn't even have to lift a finger." Bowing her head, Mira side glanced over at Heisenberg to see him cock an eyebrow up and smirk at her.

"Heisenberg, I don't know how you managed to get involved with a woman like her, but I believe it's for the best that she stays in your life. It'll keep you out of trouble." Spinning with full grandeur, Dimitrescu headed towards one of the doors. Peering over her shoulder, she gave a curt wave to them. "Goodnight to the both of you, I shall see you both in the morning. Rest well." With that she ducked through a doorway and was gone.

Taking a hold of Mira's hand, Heisenberg led her through the castle to one of the guest wings. Mira was too busy taking in the beauty of the castle to talk as they walked, but would occasionally smile at him reassuringly. After walking for about five minutes Heisenberg stopped at a door and opened it, allowing her to walk in first. Shutting the door behind them, Heisenberg leaned his hammer against the wall. Walking over to Mira, he smirked, "So you'll punish me for breaking things hmm? I'd like to see that." Chuckling, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her against his chest. Dipping his head down, he captured her lips in a hungry kiss.

Sliding her arms around his neck, Mira returned the ferocity of the kiss. There was no end in sight until Mira broke it off. "Well, I know the two of you detest one another so I used it to my advantage." Smiling, she leaned up to kiss his cheek. "We shouldn't get too feisty, we are guests after all. I wouldn't want to make her angry at me. While you can easily fight her and probably win, I don't have any powers so I'd be screwed if anyone tried fighting me. Now let me change out of this dress."

Letting Mira go, Heisenberg walked over to the bed and flopped onto his back. Hearing her dig through her bag, he hummed contently. Glancing over at her, Heisenberg snuck a peek as she slipped the dress off. Luckily for him her back was turned so he wouldn't be receiving any more smacks that night.

Mira slipped on the shirt she had stolen from Heisenberg and walked over to the bed as she buttoned up the shirt. Plopping down besides him, she scooted over until she was pressed against his side. It didn't take long for her to start dozing off, especially once Heisenberg moved them under the covers and held her in his arms. The warmth of him was enough to lull her to sleep. As her mind slipped into the deep holds of sleep, she muttered out a 'goodnight Heisenberg' and slipped away into the depths of slumber.