After the Council (by Marcello Bellavista)

Marcello accompanied Cristilyn out and put her on the chariot, then he headed towards the Crystal Chamber again (he thought he could make himself more useful there than in a Guild House among beings he despises - he resorted to them only because they were the quickest help available due to the circumstances they all are in).

Ridenows' residence in Thendara.

A manservant informed Dom Marcello that the products he was expecting from Domna Jaelle Syrtis had arrived. Marcello gleefully ackowledged receipt, then ordered the manservant to have them brought to his study and finally dismissed him.

A few minutes later he went to the studio and found a bunch of flowers in a very refined wrap and a dull, grey box with a grey ribbon. He opened the box, found one black rose and grinned.

Excited, he went seating at his desk and took out his personal writing paper. He looked at those delightful flowers, then started writing.

He closed the letter and attached it to the bunch of flowers, then ordered a manservant to bring them to the Lady Clara of Elhalyn at Comyn Castle.

He then moved his attention to the black rose and a grin once again crossed his face. He started walking back and forth like a caged animal and said: "Of all the nerve...!! Not only did she dump me to become a Renunciate when she could have become the Lady of Ridenow a few years ago, nooo, she goes forth and becomes a sort of accursed necromancer in cahoots with the blasted harpy!! And she dares to invade the sacred Crystal Chamber!! <hysterical roar> But that little [censored] has always had a weakness: she keeps on loving me as a friend! I clean my [censored] with her 'loving me as a friend! She'll have a stroke when she gets a tangible manifestation of my utmost contempt! <laughter>"

He went at his desk again and started writing a second letter:

He closed the letter, attached it to the grey ribbon and ordered a manservant to deliver it personally to Leisha n'ha Ursula at her stupid SweetShop.

He then passed in front of a mirror and smiled. He put his hands through his hair and exclaimed, in a decisive way: "This absolutely needs to be taken care of! And I already know how." He headed for his bathroom.

How the Amazon took care of Lady Cristilyn (by Laura Lulli)

Someone was banging at the door. Not simply knocking, I mean.

And of course, noone was going to open the damned door.

I wearily get up from my bed, put on my slippers, and went down the stairs. But when I opened the door, I got suddenly awake: two Guardsmen were supporting the Lady of Aillard, almost unconscious.

My barriers were lowered, as I was very tired, and of course my Ridenow gift chose that exact moment to show up.

Wave of pain and suffering flooded in my mind, and it was evident to me that Cristilyn needed immediate cares, or she would lose her baby.

"Come in, immediately....follow me, we have to lay her down on a bed!" I said, while I was trying to remember who was the midwife in service.

"Janna...JANNA! Please, someone go and find her!"

Then I looked at the worried Guardsmen, and kindly told them "You can go back to dom Marcello. Tell him we'll take care of Lady Cristylin and of her daughter".

The young men were rather surprised that I knew who had fathered Cristilyn's child, but they didn't discuss, and quicly exited the Guildhouse, happy that someone else was going to deal with the problem.

Janna wasn't arriving yet, and I didn't know what to do...I had some knowledge of herbalism, and a basic training in midwiving, but I wasn't able, for sure, to cope with a miscarriage.

Cristilyn opened her eyes, and looked at me, without recognizing me.

"Don't let my baby die...please, help me" she whispered.

I took her hand, and I caressed her sweated forehead "Don't worry, breda...Janna is coming, and she'll take care of the two of you".

Through the contact of our hands, I felt how weak she was, and I tried to lend her some of my (few) strenghts...

Then, finally, Janna arrived, and efficiently started to visit the lady of Aillard.

I sat on a chair, near the bed, and I took again Cristilyn's hand, as she seemed to get great comfort form this.

After a few moments, Janna had decided that Cristilyn needed to rest much, and to take a medicine that she was going to prepare.

"Don't leave her alone. She needs someone beside her"

I didn't move. I hadn't the intention to. I'd do anything to help another woman in those conditions ("and everyone will be your sister and your mother"), and this one was bearing the child that I could have born, a few years before...Marcello's child.

The night had passed, and Cristilyn was feeling a little better.

I looked at her, quietly sleeping, and I stretched my arms and my back...a night on chair wasn't exactly what I was desperately needing.

Anyway, I decided to have breakfast, and left her alone.

A good cup of jaco can make wonders, and I felt strong enough to go the Sweetshop. I went upstair to make sure that Cristilyn didn't need me, and I found her awake.

"So it's you that held my hand this night" she smiled at me.

"Yes, vai domna. Forgive me for being so audacious" I replied, humbly. Maybe Marcello had told her about me...about us. Maybe she hated Renunciates too.

"You don't need to apologize, mestra..can I call you Leisha?" I nodded

"You behaved just a like a sister of mine could have done. I'm so grateful to you!"

I smiled with relief...but I was embarassed. I knew Lady Cristilyn only by name and fame, and since her desperate situation was over, I was finding difficult to show her the same familiarity I had shown the night before.

"Would you like me to stay with you, milady?"

"Cristilyn, please, Leisha....of course I would like...but only if this pleases you also"

"Ehm..I have to go to the shop...my sisters told me that there's plenty of things to do"

Cristilyn looked into my eyes, and, maybe in consequence of our being so near during the night, she understood which my problems were.

She smiled, comprehending me, and said: "Sure. Don't let her wait for you too long"

When the letter arrived in the SweetShop (by Laura Lulli)

While I walked in the streets of Thendara, I thought that I would have liked to stay with her, but that Marcello was going to come to the Guildhouse and visit her...and he wouldn't be pleased to know that just me, among the hated Amazon had take care of the Lady Aillard.

But a bad surprise was waiting for me at the Sweetshop.

A grey box was on the counter, and a letter was near it.

I opened it, and read it.

I couldn't believe that he had done such a terrible thing. I burst into tears, laying on my knees, behind the counter.

For a few moment I wasn't able to think clearly, but then it came into my mind that I could do nothing to explain my actions to that awkard man...but I could do for sure something to hurt him.

I wasn't used to take revenge, but this was definitely too much, even for the man that I still considered as a dear friend.

I decided to go immediately back to the Guildhouse, and to wait for him beside the bed of lady Cristilyn.

She was surely going to understand me better than him, and it would be a pleasure to see Marcello's face when he had seen me.

The day after, in the Guildhouse (by Marcello Bellavista and Laura Lulli)

Dom Marcello, with his newly-dyed hair, arrived at the Guild House to accompany Domna Cristilyn back home. As it had happened the night of their first peculiar encounter, he had had a precogntive vision warning him about when she would be ready to leave, more or less. This time, however, the vision had been blurry; he could judge the time of day due to the amount of light present in his vision, but he could not focus properly; what he knew was that there would be another person with him and Cristilyn, but he could not pinpoint who. He dismissed the concern, thinking it should be one of those stupid Renunciates with whom he wanted nothing to do.

They let him in, knowing the reason why he was there. He behaved courteously, but coldly.

When he got to the room where Cristilyn was supposed to be, he had a *very bad* surprise: Leishit was there in stead of Cristilyn. He immediately felt the fury grow inside him as she was smiling in a defying way.

LEISHA: "Hi, Marci!"

MARCELLO: "(huffy) 'Marcello'! (haughty) You have lost the right to call

me 'Marci' many years ago."

LEISHA: "You're here to take the Lady of Aillard home, I guess?"

MARCELLO: "(still huffy) Exactly. Evidently, that idiotic woman downstairs gave me the wrong directions. I will go ask her again."

He turned to leave.

LEISHA: "*I* can tell you were she is."

Marcello made some steps as he replied.

MARCELLO: "(still huffy) No, dearie. You can go to hell, in stead."

LEISHA: "Obeying your 'kind' invitation which came with a black rose?"

Marcello turned like a viper.

MARCELLO: "WHAT?!? YOU GOT MY MESSAGE AND YOU STILL LIVE?!?"

LEISHA: "WHAT THE [censored] ARE YOU SAYING? THAT I SHOULD DROP DEAD

ONLY BECAUSE YOU ORDER ME TO? WHAT DO YOU THINK I AM, AN INTEGRAL CRETIN?"

MARCELLO: "OF COURSE YOU ARE! AND, ABOVE ALL, YOU'RE A BEING WITHOUT AN INCH OF DIGNITY! BAD-TASTED TO THE BITTER END!! - he makes one step forward and points her with his finger - You are shit! You are a shame to all of Darkover nobility! You are a pathetic little creature who fancies herself a decent woman by passing her off as an enterpreneur! You are a humble nonentity which constantly shames us all with your very continual existence! You--"

Leisha cut him off as she made one step forward, too, not the least intimidated.

LEISHA: "THIS 'shitty shame to all of Darkover nobility', THIS 'pathetic little creature', THIS 'humble nonentity' was here last night when your current lover got here bent with pain due to what you oh-so-grand Comyn at that Castle of yours were making your joyous fireworks!"

MARCELLO: "WE WEREN'T MAKING--"

Leisha interrupted him again.

LEISHA: "*I* WAS HERE! *I* TENDED TO HER! IF NOT FOR *MY* PROMPT INTERVENTION, YOU'D BE EXPECTING A DAUGHTER NO LONGER NOW!!"

MARCELLO: "(turning red with anger) _WHAT_?!?!? *YOU*!!?!!"

LEISHA: "YES, *ME*!!"

MARCELLO: "YOU HAVE *NO* MIDWIFE ABILITY! *NO* HEALING TRAINING!! I WILL SUE YOU!! I'LL HAVE YOU ARRESTED!!"

LEISHA: "NOW LISTEN! I ONLY--"

Marcello cut her off.

MARCELLO: "*HA!* THIS TIME YOU HAVE FINALLY RUINED YOURSELF!! It'll be such a pleasure seeing you taken in!"

From behind.

CRISTILYN: "You will see no such scene."

Marcello turned, surprised.

MARCELLO: "Cristilyn! Where were you?"

CRISTILYN: "In the adjecent room, readying myself to go away, but this does not matter now: I could have heard the both of you from anywhere in this building."

She stepped forward and grabbed Marcello's wrist

"You will stop this right now. Raise your shields: you're projecting. I will not have my daughter harmed by your (or anyone else's) negative projections."

The authoritative tone and words of Cristilyn were all that was needed for Marcello to restrain himself. He gently took Cristilyn's hand and kissed it.

MARCELLO: "Of course. Forgive me."

LEISHA: "(petulant) I see you've dyed your hair ravenish black just like when *we* were an item. What's the rationale, this time?"

CRISTILYN: "(firm) Mestra. Mind your manners."

Was that a blink? Naa...It couldn't be! Still, I had the suspect that I was going to hear again from the Lady Aillard, in the following days.

LEISHA: "Sorry, vai domna. Marcello, it was not *I* who treated Cristilyn. It was our midwife, Janna. I merely took her in and lent her first aid."

Marcello looked at her with an 'am-I-supposed-to-care?' stare.

CRISTILYN: "You both made an excellent job. I am feeling fine, now. We will send you what is due. I know your rules forbid you to accept money from a man, but you have saved the heiress to *two* Domains, therefore, and I am sure Marcello agrees, if you (as Guild House) ever need a favour we can make, by all means apply to us."

MARCELLO: "Of course I agree. I am not the ungrateful type. It will be sufficient the applicant is not *you*"

He pointed at Leisha.

Cristilyn and Marcello left. Cristilyn greeted everybody in an amiable way. Marcello greeted everybody (except for Leisha) in a cold way.

Excerpts from Daimary MacAran's diary (by Dagmar Baumann)

But the worst of all (well, in my opinion) is that Ivan is missing again.

I left him in my room here in the Verrin Hawk when I departed for this chaotic Council-Meeting the day before yesterday because I thought it was safer - I'm not very keen on showing everybody that it was my banshee who gave Dom Danvan a heart-attack, ages ago... I should have known better!

He'd made minced meat from this Allain in no time. And after we came back I was too tired to look after my sweetie. I'll call Marjo so she can help me searching - wait, someone knocks at the door. Was he found?

I can't believe it. One of Jaelle's sisters from the guild-house tells me that Ivan is about to ruin Leisha's sweet-shop! She said he ate all the Turkish Delight, has almost finished the ice-melon icecream and is already glancing at the redberries cake. And a guard from the castle told me that Marilla gave Jaelle a wrong map so she's heading for Carthorn instead of Dalereuth. Dam* - no, no swearing in a diary! Throw your belongings in a bag, Daimary, find Marjo, detain that crazy banshee of yours from demolishing the sweet-shop, emptying your purse (I hope I can pay for everything he ate without selling my last nightgown and buttefly-clasp) and getting the worst stomach-ache since time immemorial, and then dangle after Jaelle! Quiet and peace, where did you go to?

Sweetshop disaster (by Dagmar Baumann)

Thendara was in uproar. Explosions in Comyn Castle, fleeing Lords and Ladys who told scary stories about ghosts and strangers from the Ages of Chaos, guards searching for terran spies - that was enough to cause the lesser brave people to stay at home while the anxious hided in their houses' cellars or left Thendara, their belongings packed in bundels as big as could be carried. And now it seemed that the world of the bloody sun had finally come to an end, as the rumour spread that the banshees had left their icy home in the hellers and wandered through Thendara.

In a safety margin of about hundred feet around the entrance of Leisha's sweet shop there stood three young cadets of the city-guard, sweating in spite of the cold wind. Their first duty was to hinder pedestrians from coming too near to the shop or even enter it, what was easy, because nobody who heard the sound of eating, smashing shelves and breaking pots that came from over there felt any interest to get nearer. Their second duty was to prevent that whatever was in the shop came out, and that was the scary part.

A single woman stood in front of the shop's door, wringing her hands in despair. It was Leisha, ownerin of the sweetshop, and she mumbled from time to time strange words. To the guards it sounded like 'Just what I needed! A stupid banshee! Oh, my beautiful shop! If not Jaelle had told me about Ivan, I'd have this guards kill him! Haven't I got trouble enough yet?'

Suddenly there was a sound of beating hoofs on the cobble-stones of the street. Almost riding over a few spectators, a young woman stopped her horse in front of the shop. Her sudden appearance had shocked the guards and the little group of citicens, so nobody was able to react when she jumped off the horse and ran to the shop's door while calling towards Leisha: 'I'm so sorry, mestra! But be sure I'll take care of..' The rest wasn't understandable.

One of the guards overcame his shock and, dragging his sword, shouted:

'The monster will kill her! Guards! Follow me! Me must save that woman!'

Leisha stepped in his way, and with a tired look on her face she said:

'No - leave this case in the hand of that woman. It's her banshee anyway. He's always out for trouble, and she never manages to control him, after all what I've heared.'

The guards looked doubtfully at each other. Was Leisha mad? Had the shock of a monster in her sweet-shop affected her mind? But while tey still were wondering what they should do, the gobbling noise had vanished, and the strange womans voice rose high with anger. 'Bad! Bad! Bad bird! I told you to stay in your room! Stop eating the sweets! I'll keep you at a lead if you don't start obeying my instructions!' IVAN!!!! COME HERE!' And with that, the woman appeared in the shop's door, her hand firmly seized in a necklace that lay around the neck of the biggest banshee anybody could imagine.

Without a look for the screaming spectators, the woman turned toward Leisha. 'I apologize for the bad behaviour of my pet. I know it is my fault what he has done to you - I should have cared better for him. Please forgive me! Of course I'll pay for everything he ate, and for every damage he did, and feel free to enlarge the bill about all money you loose during the time the shop will be closed for repairing and cleaning.'

Leisha nodded. Obviously feeling very uncomfortable about that reacting, the other woman added 'I'd love to help you tidying up that mess, but I have to leave Thendara as fast as possible! I would send some kyrri from our tower to do the work, but I'm afraid I won't get there in the next days! My other duty calls me towards Carthorn...'

Leisha sighed. 'Just go where you need to go. Jaelle told me enough about you... Just take that banshee away!' With that, she went into the shop.

The other woman slightly shook her head. Turning around she noticed a crowd of people anxiously staring at her. In a surprised tone she said:

'What's the matter? There's nothing more to see here.'

She released the banshee's necklace, what caused the people to wince, and mounted her horse. With a sharp call 'Ivan! Come here!' she called the banshee to order and drove her horse. The banshee waggled behind horse and rider, and the people hurried to get out of their way. While the strange trio came out of sight, one of the guards commented: 'Followed her like a lapdog. Must be a MacAran.', and another one said: 'Yeah. That crazy monitor of Dalereuth Tower. Strange people in the south.'

Dalereuth offers reparation (by Maria Pont)

Marilla left the Elhalyn's apartments and took a shortcut to her chamber. She felt relieved, the interview had gone better than she thought it would.

Of course she had to talk things over with Myria before presenting ... what was that? Several people were heatedly arguing with the Guards at the Aillard's doorstep, a high-ranking renunciate was pacing the floor and a couple of pages were enjoying the show. One of the guards saw her, stiffened and bowed his head sharply. The others stopped and stared at her.

Silence.

"My messages?"

One of the pages hastily handed her a bit of parchment and an official looking document mumbling "para servirte... vai ..."

The renunciate approached her first, tighlipped.

"Mestra n'ha Ursula? I'll see you first"

The renunciate followed her in and the door closed behind them.

A faint babble of voices could be heard until the door to Marilla's chambers muted them. Marilla directed the renunciate to a seat near the fireplace with a wave of her hand and sat with her back to the window.

That was an enraged renunciate in front of her. She waited.

Leisha fury was rigidly controlled. She stood in front of the keeper. Marilla waited. Leisha sat down.

A few minutes passed, Leisha began to relax. Marilla signaled one of the unobtrusive kyrris to serve fresh new cider. Leisha took the cup and drank.

"Jaelle told you about the banshee, I suppose?

"Yes" Uncompromising.

"Mmm is it completely ruined?

"Yes."

A memory of Daimary's woebegone face rose unbidden to Leisha's mind, but then she "saw" the state her shop had been left in...

"That.....Beast!" she fumed.

Marilla sighed "You know Dalereuth will pay for the damages and then some. If only you will discuss how much with me, I'm sure ..."

Why do birds like so much the Sweetshop? (by Laura Lulli)

I was exhausted. Coping with that Keeper, and her icy self-control, had been a terrible task for my impetuos temper.

I had meant to appeal to dom Eduin, to have that damned banshee banned from Thendara forever....why on Darkover should a banshee fly free in a town!!

First: he should have been miles away, in his natural environment, and second, he was dangerous, even he was very well trained.

Anyway, the money Marilla promised were well enough to repair all of the damages Ivan had made, and to buy again all the goods I had run out.

My head was aching a bit, after all the cider I had drunken with domna Marilla, and the street to the Guildhouse seemed to me longer than usual.

When I got in my room, I searched for some towels, and for my favourite rose bubble bath, and I headed for the bathroom. On my way, in the corridor, I met Sherna, and she told me that a message from Lady Cristilyn had arrived.

"So she didn't forget me" I smiled "I wonder how her pregnancy is going on"

After a restoring bath, wearing clean clothes, I went downstairs and looked for the sister who had took the message, and quickly read it:

"Dear Leisha,

I hope you don't mind if I don't call you "mestra"...

<"of course I don't mind" I thought "I couldn't call you "domna", as well!">

I had the feeling you could be worried about my health,

And I do miss the company of a new friend.

Would you mind to come and visit me in the Aillard

apartments at Castle Comyn?

I'm eagerly waiting for you.

Cristilyn Aillard"

That was really going to be an interesting experience! A fascinating woman was "eager" to see me...and I might as well see again that dreadful Marcello...

Just the occasion I was waiting for. I grinned inside.

*******************************

(Carmelo Massimo Tidona and Laura Lulli)

Some minutes later, Cormel Rockraven was walking down the street with a pack under his arm, searching for him.

It was still very early, but he didn't want to be late that morning, and the fact that Krynn wasn't answering his call made him slightly disappointed.

Then he heard the voice of a woman, not very distant, saying "What's this? Why do any single bird in Thendara have to think that the food here is free???"

Cormel followed the voice and reached the last place he would have thought of... a sweet shop!

Going in, he saw that actually Krynn was there. He had flied in some corner out of reach and was calmly eating something that could no more be identified.

"That's not an eye, at least." Cormel muttered. "Krynn! What are you doing? I though you were a gentlebird. Come here immediately."

The raven came indeed. While going, he took a round biscuit with his beak, than he landed near to Cormel and offered it to him.

"No thanks, I had breakfast just some minutes... Oh my! What are you making me say? Put immediately that biscuit back... No. Never mind. I guess you may eat it by now... but apologize with lady...?"

"Leisha." replied the woman. She was a Renunciate, but Cormel didn't seem to notice.

"I'm very sorry vai domna. Krynn is not a thief, usually. I will pay for anything he ate, of course...I hope he made no damage."

"Never mind. A raven is better than a banshee at least."

"Sure! A banshee could have... Wait. Did you say a banshee? Oh, well, never mind. Krynn! I'm waiting for you to apologize."

The raven went near to Leisha and offered her the remains of the biscuit.

"I don't think this is the right way, my dear."

The raven gave an uncertain sound, leaning his head in one side and looking straight at Leisha. He looked so funny that she couldn't help smiling.

The bird then turned again to Cormel, standing up this time, as if to say "See? She forgave me. Now will you let me eat this biscuit in peace?"

"Next time I won't let you go alone without some money." said Cormel. He left something on the first piece of furniture his hand was able to reach.

"I know I have already told it vai domna, but I'm sorry. I hope this will be enough to repay you." then he lifted the hand of the girl before she could help and genlty kissed the air some millimeters above it.

A moment later he was going away with Krynn again on his shoulder, saying something like "You're righ my dear, but this is unfair."

Only then did Leisha look at what he had left, and found out it was really to much for a couple of biscuits.

"Hey, wait..." she said trying to reach him. She was about to call him, but then she realized that she didn't know his name. So she just went out, but he was already gone.

Marcello and Cormel (by Marcello Bellavista)

Marcello knocks at the Ridenows suites of Comyn Castle currently hosting Cormel Rockraven. He makes himself comfortable while waiting for Cormel to arrive, called by the servants.

Cormel enters with Krynn on his shoulder and greets Marcello with his usual: "Hello, my dear."

Marcello stands up and answers: "Hi, Cormel! Hi, Krynn!" and approaches Krynn, inviting him to seat on his hand. Krynn accepts the invitation and Marcello starts caressing him gently on his cute head and goes seating again.

CORMEL: "How come you're here, my dear?"

MARCELLO: "Oh, I've come to pay a compliment to this little lovely raven of yours! And also to reproach him, gently of course, and to suggest him the course of his future..."

Cormel, knowing Marcello as he does, immediately realizes this is related to his encounter with Leisha. When Marcello starts telling he's been told about Cormel and Krynn's encounter with Leisha in Thendara, he pats himself on the back mentally.

Marcello kisses softly Krynn in the head and gently says: "You naughty naughty Krynn! You caused so gleefully minor mischief in Leishit's sweetshop, why couldn't you cause some major mischief? I'd like to encourage you to duplicate your behaviour there, but next time, please, try also to defecate and urinate here and there, okay? The ideal solution would be to defecate upon Leishit, then again it'd become impossible to distinguish where she ends and your faeces!"

Marcello laughs and Krynn stares at him with a "Is this guy for real?" look in his eyes.

Marcello stands up and moves as to suggest Krynn return on Cormel's shoulder. Then he sighs smiling and says: "Now that I've had my daily dosis of my own meanness, I'm fulfilled! Will I see you tomorrow in Council?"

Tea for two (by Laura Lulli)

I went home to prepare for the meeting with Cristilyn.

On my way to the Guildhouse, I found myself thinking about which clothes could be appropriate to show in Castle Comyn...I hadn't the intention to arrive dressed like the last time!

There was a remote possibility to meet again Marcello, not to mention that the raven guy I had seen that morning was undoubtedly Comyn: I knew Cristilyn wouldn't mind in which way I could be dressed, by I didn't wanted any of that two men to see me but in my best appearance.

I searched for my best shirt and trousers, and wore my favourite jewels: gold earrings, and a lapis-lazuli necklace my mother had given to me last time I visited her.

Out of the Castle, the two young Cadets looked at me with kind curiosity, and their eyes opened wide when I asked to be announced to domna Cristilyn. They didn't comment anyway (Eduin trained well his men), and led me to the Aillard apartments.

Cristilyn was waiting for me: somehow she had known I was going to come that exact afternoon.

She was beautiful, her eyes bright, and her pregnancy giving her even more grace.

The lady Aillard came towards me, and embraced, just as if I were a kinswoman of hers...and I thought that I would really like that this could be true.

Our conversation flew very natural, I felt like I had been knowing her for ages, and we talked about anything: her prenancy, the Council, and even about much less serious subject...in other words, everything women usually chat when they want to relax.

After a good cup of tea (Terran Earl Grey, I noticed: Marcello favourite type), I drop by chance a comment about the man with the raven who had entered my shop that morning.

A smile in the eyes of Cristilyn, though it had been quickly hidden, told me that she hadn't believed for a moment that I was uninterested as I was trying to seem...well, I thought, I've never been able to pretend.

"Oh, that must be Krynn! The raven, I mean." Cristilyn precised

"Regarding his owner, he's Cormel Rockraven, for sure"

I hadn't hear that name before.

"You'll be surprised to discover that he's one of Marcello's best friends"

Marcello again. I had to do something for that. Soon.

"I hope he won't hate me like Marcello does" I said

"Don't worry, Leisha. They're quite different from one another, though I don't know Cormel very well", she smiled again.

"Oh, well. Probably I'm not going to meet him again, so why bother?" I said

"Have you heard something from Marcello lately?"

"No, he's off Thendara for a few days. I bet he will show up as soon he arrives"

I grinned.

"Is he still fond of chocolates?" I asked

"Of course, he is! You know him, he would eat them every single moment" laughed Cristilyn.

"Oh, I see...I asked because I am trying that new recipe, you know, and I would like him to try it. But I guess he would never eat a chocolate, if he knew that it was made by me..."

A flash in her eyes confirmed me that she had understood what I was thinking

"Well, he doesn't need to know that you made it…although it would be much more funny...I guess we are telling him after he has tasted the chocolates!"

I smiled "Would you do this favour to me? I'll prepare a nice violet box (I know this is his favourite colour) and I'll fill it with my special chocolates...would you make it figure like a personal gift from you?"

"Of course. But you have to promise me that they won't hurt him too much! He's still my daughter's father, you see"

I laughed "No, they won't hurt him too much! But I bet he's going to stay closed in the toilet for a _very_ long time!"

We laughed again, together.

*******************************

A box of chocolates (by Laura Lulli)

Back in the Sweetshop, I checked for all the ingredients, and I felt satisfied: whomever had done the shopping, last time, had done a great job: cocoa powder, cocoa butter, milk, walnuts, and hazelnuts...I counted on my fingers. Right, I had them all. I missed only my secret ingredient, but I was going to fix the problem real soon. Anyway, Marcello wasn't back yet, so I had a little more time to get done.

At the Guildhouse, I looked for Atalanta, and I was very happy not to find her.

I mean, I love Lanty, really, but I didn't want to tell her a lie, like "I haven't been to the toilet for the past week", to get some of her laxitive herbs!

Having helped her once or twice, I knew perfectly where she kept all of her herbs, so it was easy for me to find what I was looking for.

Cascara sagrada.

Oh, yes.

I grinned evily.

The following morning, I was ready for my new recipe, and I worked quickly, as usual. Soon, the violet satin box (Marcello LOVED violet) was ready, with many beautiful and wondefully tasting chocolates, and packed with a beautiful yellow satin ribbon.

I wrote a short letter to Cristilyn:

"Dear Cristilyn,

here's the present for our friend. I've done my best,

believe me!

Rumours say that Marcello is going to come back soon.

Feel free to give him the chocolates in the moment you prefer,

but...just let me know when you do!

I hope you and your daughter are feeling fine.

Love

Leisha"

I took a deep breath. I was definitely feeling better.

Now I had just to wait and see.

At the end of the Council, waiting for the Ball (by Laura Lulli)

Marcello went to the Aillard section and kissed domna Cristilyn's wrist.

"I trust you are all right, my dear? How would you like we make our grand entrance at the ball together?"

Cristilyn smiled to the father of her daughter.

"We'll be just perfect, my dear"

Marcello smiled back to her, delighted. He was really happy that his daughter would be born by such a great woman.

"It's a date, then. I'll pass and take you at the Aillard apartments, milady" and bowed on Cristilyn's thin hand.

"Yes, my dear!" thought the Lady Aillard "if only you're still able to walk on your feet" and masked her amusement behind a larger smile.

In the afternoon, when Marcello got back in the Ridenow suite, he threw on the bed that dreadful green robe, disgust on his face, and turn to his desk, to see if any letters or messages had been brought while he was away. He had the nice surprise of finding a beautiful violet box, with a violet satin ribbon on it. A short message accompanied it:

"I know how you love these, dear Marci.

Cris "

"How sweet of her!" chirped Marcello, while curiosly opening the box.

"OH MY!!" he shouted, delighted (his manservant jumped, surprised) "THIS IS TOO MUCH!! Definetely my _favourite_ chocolates!! I wonder how she does know this!" he muttered, his mouth full of the delicious sweets.

Diarrhea (by Marcello Bellavista)

Marcello went from his suites at Comyn Castle to his residence in Thendara in his cart, all the while pigging on Cristilyn's chocolate and uttering orgasmic moans. It was at his residence where he kept his best clothes and he wanted to look positively charming when he would make his grand entrance at Cristilyn's side. Making a peculiar impression on Clara was welcome, too.

A little more than an hour later he was defecating like crazy and cursing repeatedly at his bad luck. It was not the first time he suffered from that type of diarrhea and he knew perfectly well he'd have it for hours. This implied he could not take part in that night's Ball.

A little more than one more hour later, he was having his fifth attack and was really in bad shape. Having long hair was nightmarish under those circumstances. He could not stand it loose, but he could not stand it tied up either. He had tries putting on a headband, but it irritated him like crazy, so he threw that away. He had difficulties breathing and was gasping, bent on himself. His rectum was burning like the cristoforos' hell. He looked at his faeces and spotted blood. He cursed once more: hemorrhoids.

He was sweating cold. After a while, he was soaked.

He had tried to calm down, putting his mind on other things but invariably his rectum's call was stronger. Invariably, he had to run, half-bent. Invariably, his breathing grew more and more heavy, his gasping more and more frequent.

Poisoned (by Marcello Bellavista and Ryan Shelton)

His morale was at an all time low. He was thinking to himself: "A poor fellow can't even enjoy a bit of chocolate anymore without suffering consequences? These past few days being so near to, and yet so far from, Clara was pure torture: I *had* to eat chocolate to compensate!"

He had already disposed they'd prepare something for his condition, but apparently it had had no effect. He had already disposed also they informed the Lady Cristilyn about his unfortunate condition; he regretted it with all his soul, but he could not accompany her at the Ball. He was frustrated he'd have killed someone if only he had been strong enough to do that.

All of a sudden, after hours of suffering, he remembered talking with Carena about her young brother Gabriel who allegedly had healing abilities. He ordered they inform Gabriel about Marcello's condition and ask him whether he could be of any help.

He was too weak and too devasted-looking to go to the Ball, and it was also too late, but at least maybe, just maybe, the suffering could be eased.

Marcello was seated on a sofa, his breathing still difficult due to diarrhea. Gabriel arrived, worry depicted on his face.

Marcello smiled, but not easily. "Thank Evanda you're here, Gab!"

Gabriel approached his older cousin and asked what was wrong. Marcello resumed the events which had led to his having diarrhea, then gave his own interpretation of Diego's actions.

"That [censored] made his way up to here, took advantage of my weakened

condition and made me swallow a strange concoction. He told me it contained kaolin and that it'd have helped me with my condition, but I know better: he has surely poisoned me! He knows that as long as I live, I'll do whatever I can to make his life miserable as he deserves... <gasps> You must absolutely give me something which will make me throw up whatever poison he made me ingest before it's too late! <gasps> Help me, please!!"

"Okay," Gabriel said, "What we need is some kiriseth juice and some chervine milk."

"Drink what?!?" Marcello queried?

"Umm, this ones not for drinking...I think you get the idea."

"Oh my, I don't suppose you would apply that for me would you?"

"Zandrus hells no! Not for the Sword Aldones! Get one of your cralmacs for that!"

"So what of the poison?" Marcello asked hopefully.

"Hmm, you want to throw that up do you, well here goes." Having said this, Gabriel stands up and thumps Marcello in the chest and stands back. After nothing seems to happen after a moment, Gabriel kneels and begins to examine Marcello further.

"Oh, by the gods, bleeuaaghh!" Gabriel stood up, but not quite in time, because he got chocolate and rabbithorn puke all over his lap and boots.

"Ugh. I hate it when that happens. Well, now to see if I can heal you further."

With that, Gabriel drew out his matrix, and closed his eyes. Concentrating on his kinsman, he managed to make the pain of his condition subside somewhat. Then he went further, checking his bloodstream for the poisons. Furiously, Gabriel opened his eyes and glared at Marcello.

"Kinsman, there was never any poison! Although this laxative chocolate you are eating is like unto a poison. Diego did not poison you."

Marcello just stared incredulously at Gabriel and replied, "Well, if you say so, but I have trouble believing it. Can you do anything about my diarrhea then?"

Looking a bit flustered Gabriel said, "Yes of course I can, thats simple." At that, Gabriel went back to concentrating with his matrix, and within just a few minutes, and a bit of holding his nose, he finished. "Congratulations kinsman, you may attend the ball tonight! Now I better get back to bathe, and get dressed for tonight. Good luck."

"Thank you Gab! I appreciate you coming by, you're quite useful!"

While Gabriel was bathing in the other room, Marcello was thinking about the recent revelations. How come had Diego not poisoned him? If not that, which was the rationale beneath his highly undesired visit? What was his purpose in forcingh him to ingest that evil concoction? And what had Gabriel meant by 'laxative chocolate'?

Marcello was still feeling too weak to attend the Ball. Those bouts were horrible: he knew from past experience how they made him feel. His mind, however, was only partly upset and in the next few hours, when everyone was at the Ball, he could plot. He regretted he had not the ability of Aidan or Congratulatia, but was self-confident.

When Gabriel returned, he asked him: "Would you please be so kind as to double-check about the poison? You know what that [censored] made to me and to the Lady of Elhalyn. It's beyond me why he would have not poisoned me when he had the chance. Moreover, what did you mean by 'laxative chocolate'? That I had eaten so much that it was like a laxative to my organism or that it had been filled with some laxative?"

This second hypothesis sounded ridiculous to him. Why on Darkover should Cristilyn do such a thing to him? He had saved her butt providing her with an alibi for the Dorilys matter, and he also had provided her with the heiress she so much craved for. Still, Gab had talked about "laxative chocolate" and Marcello had no reason whatsoever to not trust his word.

After Gabriel explained what he had meant before, Marcello was in shock for a few moments.

He came to his senses again when Gabriel was about to leave. Marcello called him. "You have been most precious, my dear Gabriel. It pains me, but I have one more favor to ask. Please, don't tell anybody I have *not* been poisoned. I need some people to believe that [censored] had poisoned me and that you saved me. You know how grateful I can be, and you also know I always pay my debts." He concluded with a knowing smile: "How would you like having the Head of the Ridenow Domain indebted to you?"

"Well Im not much for debts, kinsman, but I do have few ideas." Gabriel said.

"As far as your secret goes, Ill not tell anyone that Diego didn't poison you, yet."

"Thank you so much Gab!" said Marcello. "I do owe you for this one!" (evil laugh)

"Just try to lay off the laxative chocolate for now, and apply that ointment I gave you. If you get something good to eat, then you should be able to make it to the ball later, at least."

"Thank you Gab, you've been a great help" Marcello said looking nervously at the bottle of ointment Gabriel gave him.

"Goodbye, kinsmen."

And with that, Gabriel left Dom Marcello's private estates.

At dusk Jorik prepared himself for the ball. Even if his annoying grandfather would introduce him to several young comyn girls who were seeing in him nothing else but the Heir of Hastur, it would be an occasion to see many friends and relatives.

Dressed in the best Hastur suit and with his trust-worthy sword by the side, he went to the Ridenow suite. When he learned Marcello was at his residence in Thendara, he thought to himself: "Why not?" and left.

At the Ridenow residence, Marcello received Jorik in his bedroom.

Marcello had his mane tied up in an inaccurate way and was wearing a blue and violet nightshirt. He was haggard-looking. Nonetheless, as soon as Jorik entered the bedroom, he beamed with happiness. "It's so good to see you, my most precious!"

Jorik, seeing how his bredu looked, immediately asked: "Are you not feeling all right? Aren't you going to the Ball?"

Marcello sighed and answered: "Exactly, I'm not feeling all right. I can't go to the Ball."

"But why? What happened?"

"Diarrhea and hemorrhoids much stronger than I usually suffer from. I'm exhausted, as you can easily see."

Jorik, kind as always, would not emphasize his bredu's condition and tried to lift his morale by saying: "Are you going to miss my grandfather trying to marry me off?" knowing full well how Marcello felt about Danvan's manipulating ways.

It was like a fire had lit in Marcello. "That crony! But surely this year he will be more discreet with him being immediately out of a heavy heart-stroke and Congratulatia's recent return."

Jorik laughed seeing his friend energetic attitude. Marcello realized what Jorik had just done and laughed, too.

"Oh, Jorik! I can't say how much I miss having you around all the time! You always make me laugh so much! ...Say, wouldn't you happen to drop by Serrais when I'm there in a few days for administrative purposes? You'd be the most welcome of guests, you know."

Jorik replied: "If I have time to spare. Actually, I'm very busy in Thendara. Being the Heir of Hastur has its negative side, but I love Thendara, Darkover and Darkovan people."

"Darkovan females, you mean!" Marcello pinpointed jokingly, and they had a hearty laugh.

Still teasing, Jorik added: "Are you sure you won't go to the Ball? Cousin Clara will be there and I bet she will look radiant!"

"Shut up, you sadist! I had already had a tailor-made acid green suit. I looked so good with that on! I'm so frustrated I can't show off!"

Jorik smiled, then turned serious and kept silent for a moment.

Marcello perceived Jorik was, in turn, perceiving something and didn't want to interrupt him. When he was ready, Jorik spoke again: "There's more.What's up, Marci?"

Dumbfounded, Marcello replied: "Nothing. There's nothing more."

"Who do you think you're talking with? I'm your bredu, remember?"

Marcello sighed and admitted: "Sorry. It's just that's a... personal and quite sad matter I don't want to put this burden upon your shoulders..."

Ever-so-gentle, Jorik then said: "But if not upon mine, whose then?"

"It's almost impossible for me to resist when you are so sweet, you know that, you little dear villain of mine!" Marcello smiled back at Jorik's knowing smile and continued: "This bout of diarrhea was caused by laxative chocolate delivered by Cristilyn."

Jorik was positively surprised. "What do you mean?!?"

Marcello did not know what to answer, so he kept quiet for a moment there. Then, he said: "I honestly don't know. I'll have to talk to her about

that. I mean, I have never done anything to cause such a reaction in her.

Our relationship was peculiar in the sense that neither of us wanted a stable tie, but she needed an heiress and I complied. You know I have always admired Cristilyn's strength and it was an honour (beside the implicit pleasure) to satisfy her desires. We then pursued our individual paths. I pursued Clara (vainly, unfortunately) and she went her way, independent as always. Despite this, we keep in close contact. We were friends before Brianna's conception and we're still friends now. So I really don't know. I must confess, though, that learning about this has had a devastating effect upon me."

Jorik did not know what to say. "I'd like to know more, but I don't know what I could ask."

Smiling, Marcello replied: "Then ask nothing, my very dear." He gently grabbed Jorik's wrists and projected his gratitude and love. "You must be going now. We don't want the Heir of Hastur being late, do we? Not when so many damsels are there just for you!"

"Of course we don't want that!" Jorik smiled in turn. He reached the door, then turned back and asked: "Do you want me to deliver a message to Clara?"

"No, thank you. We have already talked today and said each other good-bye before her leaving for her training."

"I see."

Marcello reached him, touched again Jorik's wrists and thanked heartily his bredu for this visit. He was already feeling better.

After his visit with Marisela was over, Marcello headed for Cristilyn's suites.

After some small talk, as they were drinking Earl Grey tea (Cristilyn's favourite), he dropped the bombshell: "Cristilyn, darling, how come the exquisite chocolate you gifted me with the day of the ball was filled withlaxative?"

Cristilyn looked Marcello in his eyes.

"I thought it was an appropriate punishment for your shameful treatment of Leisha. Just because she is a Renunciate doesn't mean you have theright to treat her like dirt."

She sat back and sipped her tea as she waited for his reaction.

"Like dirt maybe no, but like the shit she is most definitely yes." That was Marcello's crabby reply. In any case, he also admitted that they could never reach an agreement upon Leisha and, not wanting to upset Cristilyn, he reverted to a more friendly self and went on gossiping about that day's events.

When he left, headed for Jorik's chambers, he was already formulating a revenge against loathsome Leishit.

Marcello had requested that they didn't announce his presence to their master. Being Marcello Jorik's bredu, they had complied.

When Marcello knocked at Jorik's bedchamber, he was granted access to enter. Jorik thought it were one of his menservants. He was really taken by surprise when his bredu entered the room, shouting like an obsessed man, a tragic expression on his visage. Marcello knelt, his face on the blankets and sobbed: "Oh, MY DEAREST!!! WHAT A TRAGEDY!!! This FATAL illness that has stricken you will leave me deprived of the best person I have ever known!! AAUUGGHH!!!"

Marcello lifted his face and laughed.

Jorik laughed, too, as he said: "Moderate yourself, Marcello, I have a nasty cold."

Serious, Marcello reprised: "How are you feeling?"

"Almost as good as always. Did you know I went to Marisela wedding?"

"Really? So did I, but I was only in Marisela's room when there was that bad-tasted confrontation between Stephen and Damien. Oh, yes, I am well aware you think duels are honorable and the likes, but we will never be of the same mind about this!" Marcello concluded with a smile. "Have you met some interesting female while you were there?"

"No, I had just arrived when Congratulatia intercepted me. I don't know why, but she is firmly convinced I'm suffering from syphilis and threatened me to cause a scandal unless I left on my own will. She was really making an effort to ensure that everything ran smoothly for Marisela, yet..."

"But are you *really* suffering from syphilis?!?"

"No, no... As a matter of fact it's been a while since last I..."

Marcello laughed at Congratulatia's twisted mind, then added: "Isn't it weird that we have this reputation while actually we're doing nothing to deserve it? I mean, you're well known as a rapscallion womanizer and they say I am a romantic type trying to seduce this or that girl, whereas my only interest lies in Clara and, partially, in Cristilyn. I'm afraid my having impregnated Cristilyn put a barrier between me and Clara and we said good-bye before she left for Dalereuth Tower."

"I'm sorry..."

"Yeah, so am I. Oh, and I have just discovered, right before coming here, why Cristilyn gave me that laxative chocolate."

"Yes?"

"She said it was a right punishment for my treatment of Leishit. Of course, this implies that Leishit was involved in that as well. And this you know what that will imply in turn."

Not wanting to face an argument with his bredu, Jorik shifted the conversation back on Marisela. "You know, I had a feeling my cousin wouldn't marry today..."

"I guess it's your Elhalyn blood speaking. I wish my Aldaran gift were as reliable. Were you feeling me these past few days? You've been constantly on my mind."

"Oh, Marcello, I had so much to do! What did happen to you?"

Marcello narrated in detail what happened to him and Diego those past few days and told Jorik that he was thinking of him all the time when he was pretending to feel affection for that [censored] in order to not be betrayed by Diego's laran. Not everybody on Darkover has shields as strong as Tula's, after all. As he was telling Jorik his story, Marcello was pacing back and forth, fuming because his enemy once more managed to escape justice. "That meddling little bitch prevented me from righting a grave wrong done to both me and Clara! I must absolutely find a way to make her pay for her not required interference!! I guess you don't have any idea, do you?"

"Sorry, no..."

"Of course you haven't. I'm the vengeful and plotting type in our duo!"

Marcello knelt again beside Jorik's bed and, softly, asked him: "May I stay overnight? *Please*, after all the time I spent near that [censored] these past few days, I so need to feel my bredu beside me. Please...?"

Gently, Jorik replied: "Of course!"

As he was smiling from ear to ear, Marcello rested his head on Jorik's chest and, hugging him, he whispered: "You're the best!"

It was then that Jorik sneezed violently and wet Marcello in the face, hair and clothes. Marcello lifted his face, angry, but Jorik was so apologetic that Marcello could not bring himself to say something negative against his bredu. Rather, he sighed, stood, went in front of a mirror and said: "It seems it's my destiny that today I have to change my clothes all the time. What other choice do I have?"

And he exited the room, leaving Jorik quite puzzled.

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