Soar

2

"Shit."

Vidalia, thinking fast, threw herself into the bushes outside the castle walls just in time to hear the doors opening and large clomping footsteps step out from behind them. She held her breath tightly in her throat. Hoping, just hoping, Nerval wouldn't notice her presence.

"Vidalia! I know you're out there! Get in here right this instant! I need to have a word with you."

Vidalia jumped out of the bush laughing slightly. "It's a beautiful day isn't it Nerval? The flowers look so lovely out in the morning sun." Nerval crossed his arms and nodded his head. "Mhmm... You have a minute to clean yourself up." Without another word, he walked back into the doors exchanging places with a wide eyed young man with pink hair and violet eyes. "The flowers look lovely on the morning sun? Really, Vi?" He snickers and begins to remove the leaves from her hair and clothes. "Oh, shut up. I had to think on the spot." The young man sighed and wagged his finger. "A pretty young lady like you should never be late to your destination, and should never, ever resort to lying." Vidalia shot him a look of disgust. "And a young man like you should never ever say a bunch of shit to a girl who can break your neck." They stood there in silence for a long moment before breaking into hysterical laughter. "You kill me, Vi." He pats her back lovingly. "Now, you should get going before Nerval blows a fuse. After all, this is your- what- fifth time being late to work?" Vidalia scoffs and brushes her hand over her shoulder. "It's only be three days, Archer. Cut me some slack. Schools riding my ass into the ground." He tosses his head back and rolls his eyes. "Tell that excuse to Nerval. The man has no soul." The laughed again clearly enjoying one another's wit. But to much dissatisfaction, Nerval yelled again for Vidalia's presence. The two quickly made haste in the opposing directions, and were back on duty.

The interior of the castle is what anyone would expect. Old ancient walls made of brick, a cold atmosphere, and the feeling you are being watched. Of course, that last detail could just be Nerval watching everyone like a hawk. The castle was significantly modernized in order for it to be adequate for living in. The walls were decorated with gold lacing and banners, the ground was home to a beautiful red carpet that was more often send out for cleaning than it was in the castle itself. Above sat a golden chandelier twice the size of one used in homes. It's jewels shine brightly this morning for the sunlight from a crack in the wall hit it just directly. Right at the back of the room sat two stone thrones equal in size but different in structure. The first, held carvings of the sun and presumably the planets that orbit around. The second dawned the moon and and array of stars shot if from behind. There were also some strange writing of a language not known to man in the front of each chair revealing a different message, but no one yet has been able to decipher the code.

Vidalia walked on to meet Nerval at the check-in desk. For a tall and thin man of 40, he was very active for a man of his position. He was also very feared by most of the staff. "Finally decided to join us today, eh, Vidalia?" She shrugged and he sighed heavily grasping his forehead with his thing boney fingers. "You do realize I could fire you right now for your lack of professionalism, right? I have half a mind to do it. Don't test me. I truly will." Vidalia ran her fingers through her long white hair. "I'm really sorry, sir... You see, my classes are really starting to pile things onto me and I can't-" her speech was cut short by a finger pressed firmly to her lips. "Don't give me any excuses. Just go get to your post. This is your final warning Vidalia. One more tardy and I'm going to have to let you go. Understood?" Vidalia nods her head. Nerval pulls back his hand and smiles as though he hadn't just threatened his employee. "Good. Now get to work. Oh, and one more thing... Wings." He points to the large white wings decorating her back. Immediately she calls away her wings and walks out of the room. Silently, Vidalia made her way down the corridor, up the stairs, and behind the hidden passage to her post. When she was positive Nerval wouldn't hear her, she grunted and complained to the walls, hoping maybe the fabled spirit of the sire would be listening.