Because I could not stop for Death, He kindly stopped for me

[Elizabeth Frankenstein]

Victor…

My darling…

Doctor Frankenstein…

Elizabeth threw the crumpled paper to the floor and stared despondently at the mirror before her. She looked sick. Her hair was lank and filthy from lack of washing, her pale skin like waxed parchment in the lamplight. There, in front of her ear, was a thin line of stitching – subtle, he’d called it, barely noticeable – and she ached to rip the stitches out one by one. Picking up her pen, she dipped it once more into the inkwell and began again.


Victor.

I cannot stay here, in the home you built for us. It is a home for those long gone. The people we were are dead, and no galvanism can bring them back to this world. There is no home for the people we are in these stranger’s halls. I cannot sleep. For when I sleep, I dream and when I dream I see Him. Does he have a name? Did you care for him as you do for me? Did he, too, leave out of shame of what he had become?

I do not know, you did not tell me, and so I must go. It was once said that life makes monsters of us all, but it was not life that did this to me. It was you. Perhaps I too will die, and you will find another wife. Some vibrant, happy child of the world who does not know to fear shadows, and be wary of handsome men who make promises of paradise.
Goodbye, my darling.

Your monstrous bride.

Elizabeth

It would do, she supposed, as a farewell. It was a mangled mixture of love and hatred, tired and smudged – the truest representation of her mind that could ever be written down. So she left it on the bed, changed from her nightgown, and walked out into the briskness of the night as it became the next day. Her boots left small, neat indentations in the frosty grass, and she kicked to clear her path so that he would not follow her. He would, she knew, and he would promise her a world he could not create. And she would be a fool, and would follow him home.

The portal was unassuming, she could only imagine it was not meant to be there or else it might have been presented to her with more pomp and grandeur. As it was, the rippling shimmer of it appeared little more than the wavering of hot air on the breeze.

Except that it was midwinter, and that the air stood still about her as though it was afraid.

She stared at it, attempting to peer around only to find that she could not. It was impossibly wide and deep and seemed to stretch itself to the horizons of her view, and when she reached a hand towards it the air felt warmer on her fingertips. Noises of life could be heard if she inclined her head towards it and Elizabeth wondered for an instant if she was going mad after all. Her fingers brushed the surface, then dipped beneath – vanishing, it seemed, before her. She might have fought against it, but instead she closed her eyes and let go as it pulled her forwards and away from her home. 

*

It was not quite falling, that brief, weightless leap. The bitter winter air of Geneva whipped past her cheeks as she collapsed to her knees like a woman in prayer. She might have fainted, but she knew that was not the case. This new life knew no respite. She would rest but – it seemed – only for an instant, she would pinch her skin as harshly as these cruel new hands were able and still no rush of blood would colour the waxen skin. No, Elizabeth knew that she was awake as she reached down to touch the grass. There was no frost, no remnants of snow, only soft, brown earth still warm from the setting sun against the cold of her palms.

She stared at them for a moment. Having forgotten her gloves in her haste, Elizabeth could see the edge of a row of stitches, a line of skin that ought to be reddened and sore but instead was as pale and cold as the rest of her. For a second, she felt again the urge to tear at the stitches, unmake herself before others could. Instead, she pulled the sleeve of her dress downwards and smoothed down the material of her skirt before looking up.

What had been merely a shifting haze in the forests of her home was now a bright, shifting mass that illuminated the whispering grass of the meadow surrounding her. Her hair danced around her face as she stood stiffly, like a marionette, and turned to face it. There were cities beyond the light, forests and towns and places she had no words to describe. She felt very small then, stood beside it like a moth near a candle flame.

Geneva was far behind her now, and Victor with it. As she clenched her fists, the rings on her hand left small indentations in her palm. Perhaps she could live here, free of the reputation of her husband’s family name, a widow in her weeds of black – alone, as she should be.

There was a rustling, distant and faint but clear to the heightened attentions of her nervous senses, and she turned – skirts rustling – to face it. Whatever the future held, she did not have the luxury of fear.

 *~*~*~*~*~*~*

Outfit

[Deleted]

When reports of portal activity reached the ears of Bellator he was all but relieved at first. Bellator was never one to be comfortable with administrative work and because of this he often fell behind. As a warrior he wanted to train, train others, and fight. He often procrastinated his duties until he was forced to by his superior. Bellator was all but willing to set his work aside to gear up and head out. He took a lieutenant and two senior members with him for support though he didn't really need any help. It was more so if he needed to send word back he could send them back safely and stay on site. Bellator was a air dragon in reality though no one really knew within the brigade. Eventually he would have to come out with it, one can only show no signs of aging for so long before suspicion arises. But for now it was important to Bellator that his men thought he was just like them, it gave them something to realistically aspire to. Air Dragons usually were smaller than their other cousins, they were however often the quickest and fastest in the air, and very agile.

Bellator had some inherent genes of a earth dragon however so his family had always been bigger than most of his kin, though this trait had diminished generation to generation. None the less most other dragons were surprised with Bellators size for his kind even though he was quite small compared to his father and most other elemental dragons. But with this he held a fairly large human appearance. He appeared to be in his early 40's, burly, and stood six foot five. In his armor however he appeared even larger. Bellator was in his full clad armor. Many representations of dragons could be found throughout the armor he wore but it was heavy and strong forged with the strongest metals, with fires breath, and his own magic. His long sword at his side equally impressive as his armor. Large and strong Bellator could still wield the broad sword with one hand swiftly. Bellator was a largely built man as it was, so people didn't overthink such a act too often.His blade had a distinct inscription carved into and down the blade in his own language that translated to Tempest.

Bellator rode hard and fast on his horse until he reached close enough to walk on foot. Him and his three men started heading towards the location of the reported portal. He wasn't sure what he would find. People came from the portals all the time, most ended up joining the brigade, but sometimes the things that came through were dangerous and monstrous. Bellator had flown over this area many times and had the area practically memorized. There was a grassy meadow coming up and as Bellator pushed through to it he spotted a woman. He paused for a moment and looked around to see if anything else seemed disturbed or if anyone else might be around but it appeared to only be a woman. Bellator stroked his beard for a moment then turned to his lieutenant and told him to take the other two men and do a quick and small sweep around the perimeter to make sure no one else was around then to report back to the brigade when they were done. Bellator approached the woman but paused not getting too close as to not invade her personal space or provoke any confrontation if she was dangerous.

"Are you injured Madam? My name is Commander Draconis of the mercenary organization known as the Brigade. We control this area and monitor the portals here. You currently stand in a place known as Yalanze. Can you tell me your name?" Bellator asked trying his best not to be intimidating or aggressive. His social skills were as well as any seasoned warrior whose life consisted of mostly yelling at his troops and fighting. Bellators tone was stern but he always spoke authoritatively. He remained respectful though, this woman was not one of his men, nor was she of the Brigade and Bellator checked himself accordingly. It was times like this though that he wished Maerry was here. She was always good with people, sometimes too much so to Bellators discomfort. Perhaps he should have sent word to her, though he figured she would find out regardless as portals are the mage divisions area of responsibility. Bellator was only here for the security of the Brigade and to investigate if what came through was a threat. Bellator waited patiently a hand rested unclenched on the hilt of his blade and the other at his side.

[Merry Noelle Lovelace]

Every time the portal dropped someone onto the planet Merry knew it. It rang through her like a bell, loud and insistent as she made her way to where one of the horses could be saddled for her. She supposed she could have teleported there. It was one of the perks of being part of the Mage Division but she did not wish to confuse whomever had entered the portals. Climbing up into the saddle she pointed the gentle mare that she usually rode towards the glowing gateway.

It did not take long to cross the expanse of meadow that had been cleared for new arrivals. The Brigade tried to make the area as clear as it could so that when someone came through they would not be hurt by bumping into a tree. Witches had convinced the trees to make their home elsewhere and with their assistance the area was flattened out nicely and grass grew up in place of the mighty trees that edged the area. There were buildings on the outer edge for newcomers. Everyone had to go through a brief quarantine till they were cleared by a healer so they did not accidentally bring an illness that would cause devastation to the surrounding areas.

Pulling her white mare up gently, Merry stepped down carefully. She could easily walk in heels here but she did not want to risk tripping and embarrassing herself in front of the new stranger who was dressed so soberly. "Hale and well met, My lady. I see you have met Commander Draconis." Merry said with a warm smile to the towering fighter, "I am Commander Merry Lovelace. You can call me Merry if you like." She offered her hand to the confused and gowned woman, "Be at peace. You are safe here." She assured her with a warm smile (or at least she hoped it would register as something good. One never knew when a smile might be seen as an aggressive maneuver because of the bearing of teeth.

After she had shaken the lady's hand Merry folded her own in front of her. Her gown cheerful in the light of day.

OUTFIT

[Elizabeth Frankenstein]

As the man stepped forwards out of the shadows, Elizabeth tensed. Perhaps the beast that haunted her every waking thought had followed her, seeking the bride he had asked for or revenge for her absence. But it was not his lumbering figure that stepped into the light of the doorway behind her. No, it was a man comprised solely of parts all his own, clad in the sort of armour Elizabeth had only seen in the illustrations of history books as a child. Behind him, half encased in the thickness of the dark, were three men – similarly clad, similarly watching. The figure at the forefront of the group, evidently their commander of sorts judging by the confidence with which he strode, stepped forwards to separate himself from the group.

"Are you injured Madam?” The sound of his voice in the silence startled her, but she maintained her composure, “My name is Commander Draconis of the mercenary organization known as the Brigade. We control this area and monitor the portals here. You currently stand in a place known as Yalanze. Can you tell me your name?"

For a moment, she was silent, attempting to decipher the foreign terms that perforated his greeting. Then, her voice stronger than she felt – ringing across the glade – she replied.

“My name is Elizabeth.” The response was automatic to her, and she winced as she forgot herself. Hiding here would be more difficult if she used her own name. “Wollstonecraft.” She added, fighting to keep the uncertainty from her tone. Remembering his initial question she smiled shakily, “I…I’m not injured, though I thank you for your concern. It’s good to see another here, you see I’m afraid I’m quite lost indeed. This is…Yalanze, you say? Is it in Europe?” Her eyes flickered sideways to the shimmering door, “And that…is that the ‘portal’ you speak of? I’m terribly sorry if it’s yours you see I just found it in the…forest.”

It dawned on her that she must look quite mad, her hair flying quite wildly beneath her bonnet, wandering around lost with dirt on her dress. Smoothing the fabric of her skirt compulsively, she found herself wishing she could cry. The sensation of homelessness, of being utterly lost and alone, was worse than the fear that had come before it.
There were hoof beats in the distance, and Elizabeth’s gaze shifted to the tree line. From it emerged a horse, shining white even in the dark, and atop it a lady. She was dressed very finely, like a portrait of a Duchess or a Queen long ago. Her eyes were kind, and when she spoke it was with a softness lacking in the Commander’s authoritative tone.

"Hale and well met, my lady. I see you have met Commander Draconis." The woman stepped from her horse as Elizabeth nodded mutely, mouth slightly open in an unladylike expression of surprise. “I am Commander Merry Lovelace. You can call me Merry if you like. Be at peace. You are safe here.”

Though she was not cold, Elizabeth pulled her cloak more tightly about herself, ring shining in the dim light of the portal. These people were acquainted, and dressed like actors or long dead nobility…and there she stood before them in her weeds of mourning with not a bag to her name, evidently further from home than she could ever have anticipated.

“Good…evening?” Her tone was questioning, as it had barely been morning when she had stepped from the house and yet it was in the growing dimness of a setting sun that she stood before them. The woman shook her hand softly, and Elizabeth almost recoiled in terror – fearing that she might glance beneath the linen of her sleeve and see the secrets carved into her flesh.

“Elizabeth Wollstonecraft,” she smiled, “Again I must admit I’m rather out of sorts today. This Yalanze…where is it? You see not moments ago I was in Geneva and now…”

She turned fully to face the light of the portal, her voice growing softer.

“Now I most certainly am not.”

[Deleted]

Bellators gaze was fixated on the woman observing her actions carefully. He didn't really have any particular expression on his face but he wasn't going to drop his guard only to realize this woman was a demon waiting for a chance to strike. But Bellator was confident at this point that this woman didn't pose much of a threat from what he could see. Though his instincts didn't quite rest as easily as there was something unfamiliar with her as apposed to someone like Maerry or people he had met before, but that wasn't necessarily bad. It wasn't like she was giving off a vibe of a demonically possessed witch and if she was a vampire Bellator would know even if she had some means of hiding it in the open day. The woman gave her name then questioned where she was inquiring if it was in a place Bellator was not familiar with. This happened allot, many who came through the portal took time to adjust and where they came from few had been to before. With some luck it might be possible to send her back to this Europe but that was not Bellators concern nor his job thankfully.

Elizabeth then apologized for using the portal and implied that it might be the Brigades property of some sort which she might have violated by using. Bellators discipline stricken face began to crumble slowly as a small grin came to his face. He fought the urge to chuckle and succeeded as well. This concept was very amusing to Bellator though it was a reasonable assumption. "Worry not Elizabeth Wollstonecraft, The portals are no more ours than the air is or seas. They tend to be as equally troublesome to predict and manipulate as much as any ocean or wind as well. They are simply apart of nature here and you have done no wrong by passing through. You are not the first to come through and you won't be the last" Bellator eyed the surrounding area briefly keeping his wit sharp and guard up, they were in Brigade controlled land, but that didn't meant here were not overly confident or stupid people about perhaps looking to capitalize on this perfectly ambushable spot.

Bellator gave a faint sigh as he found no danger about, almost disappointingly so. "Well Elizabeth, the portals and the events like these that unfold from them are not really my area of expertise. If you ever require a blade to settle a conflict or are in need of protection then you can seek me out. But in these affairs here like coming through the portal, adjusting, and possibly going back Commander Lovelace here is more enlightened than I. Do not be afraid, we are quite safe in these lands, I can ensure that. Relax, catch your breathe, and perhaps contemplate making a fresh start in this world if it might interest you. Many who come through find this place to be quite the refuge from where they came. It is a wondrous place, beautiful in most places, and still plenty of adventure and mystery to seek out. It is a thought. I must take leave now however if there is nothing else, there is much I need to do elsewhere." Bellator gave a slight bow which was mostly a head nod towards Elizabeth. He looked to Maerry and said sincerely "Be safe Maerry" then turned to head back to the headquarters from where he came. Bellator could be over protective of many in the brigade, it was something he was working on. Bellator had settled a bit though probably not as much as Maerry would like from his state after Maerry was assualted by a demon right here in their own lands.

[Merry Noelle Lovelace]

The woman was understandably afraid of those that had approached her. There were so many new things to be found in this world that it was not a surprise that she had been overwhelmed, "It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Wollstonecraft. I am sorry if you took a fright from your trip here."

Bellator's quick exit caused a soft smile, "Be well my friend. I couldn't ask for a better guard." she said to him, not wishing to keep him from his duties. "I'll see you at the meeting later tonight." she said simply. For every new entrant through the portal the brigade Commanders and other heads of the company met to discuss how best to help the person adapt. That way they wouldn't get the same lecture every time they met someone new. They would determine who made the new potential recruit comfortable and see to it that that person was there to answer questions, help with lodging, provide clothing and sustenance.

"The portal you traveled through brought you here, Lady Elizabeth. I do not know of this Geneva you spoke of but we have many from different world's perhaps someone came from this planet Geneva you speak of? I find the portal often brings those who have a desire to be somewhere else." she nodded quietly as she stood there in the meadow as the sun began to set, "Would you permit me to escort you to those buildings? That is where newcomers stay. We have clothing, lodging and food there and you are welcome to stay as long as you need to until you decide what you wish to do next." she said simply as she offered her arm to the lady, and if accepted, would gently link arms with her as if they were friends. Granted they were not, but something about this woman screamed loneliness and Merry could not help but want to comfort her.

The marks Elizabeth sported did get noticed but so long as she did not indicate she was in pain Merry would not speak of them. Scars were badges of honor in a mercenary troupe. Each one had a story for good or ill and until a person was ready to release them (if they ever did) they would remain unquestioned.

"We have some Chamomile tea brewing in the sitting room if you wish. I find it calms me after a long night. If you prefer we have others, Earl Gray, Darjeeling, Green tea and a nice Oolong tea whose name escapes me at the moment. There are biscuits and small finger sandwiches if you like. I have a fondness for the cucumber ones."

[Elizabeth Frankenstein]

"Worry not Elizabeth Wollstonecraft, The portals are no more ours than the air is or seas. They tend to be as equally troublesome to predict and manipulate as much as any ocean or wind as well. They are simply apart of nature here and you have done no wrong by passing through. You are not the first to come through and you won't be the last.”

Elizabeth’s shoulders fell as she breathed a sigh of relief. Though he seemed a decent man, Bellator was visibly dangerous – she would rather not have her first action in a new country be the unauthorised use of a portal (the meaning of which she had not yet gathered, but took to mean ‘large bright door’) that was not hers to use. She nodded, bobbing in a shallow curtsy of thanks as he made his farewells. A fresh start in this world…away from those who knew her once, nobody would know her name – or Victor’s.

She could hide the scars of her form beneath mourning gowns and veils and be known as nothing more than a widow.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Wollstonecraft. I am sorry if you took a fright from your trip here." The woman before her spoke softly, bidding farewell to the soldier as he turned and made his exit. Elizabeth smiled – the action still feeling slightly stiff in muscles so recently given new life.

“I am quite used to frights, I can assure you of that.” Stepping forwards away from the portal, Elizabeth was careful in her movements. She must not move too suddenly, nor step too harshly – she must have only the strength of a human being.

"The portal you travelled through brought you here, Lady Elizabeth. I do not know of this Geneva you spoke of but we have many from different world's perhaps someone came from this planet Geneva you speak of? I find the portal often brings those who have a desire to be somewhere else. Would you permit me to escort you to those buildings? That is where newcomers stay. We have clothing, lodging and food there and you are welcome to stay as long as you need to until you decide what you wish to do next."

There was a moment of silence as her words sunk in, and then Elizabeth’s voice – despite itself – was raised a few octaves.

”Planet?” She almost laughed, “I thought…Geneva is not a planet it is a city…a city on…” Her eyes grew wide and she glanced about once more. A meadow, just a meadow…no craters or rings, she was in a field for goodness sake she couldn’t have changed planet.

Were she capable of doing so, she would have paled, instead she swallowed dryly.

“This is not Earth, is it?” Suddenly she felt very small, and very lost, and wished more than anything that she could cry. Elizabeth reached out, taking Maerry’s arm as she offered it – the comfort was welcome, though she noticed her sleeve slipping mere moments too late just as the other woman’s eyes locked on her marred flesh. She tugged the material down.

“There was an accident…” She supplied quietly, the shock in her voice lending an air of truth to her tale. “My husband…William, he died. I mourn him still. I left hoping for…hoping for something, I know not what, but I wasn’t expecting this.”

There was silence, and then her companion spoke.

"We have some Chamomile tea brewing in the sitting room if you wish. I find it calms me after a long night. If you prefer we have others, Earl Gray, Darjeeling, Green tea and a nice Oolong tea whose name escapes me at the moment. There are biscuits and small finger sandwiches if you like. I have a fondness for the cucumber ones."

Turning to face her, Elizabeth laughed quietly.

“Tea? Of course, I find a different planet full of portals and strangers…but at least they still have tea.”

She had not needed sleep in days, but now she felt the weight of exhaustion settle upon her like fog.

“That…sounds wonderful, thank you. So much.” And then quietly. “It’s good not to be alone.”

[Merry Noelle Lovelace]

Noticing the other woman's movements Merry wondered if she suffered from a bit of arthritis. She seemed so stiff and tense. It made sense of course but it wouldn't help to make the other woman feel worse. "Well I am glad to hear that. This place can take some getting used to. You are a long way from home, My Lady." That was obvious of course but she did not want the other woman surprised. The sooner she came to accept her existence in this new place the better off she would be there.

Her shock was proof of that. "No it is not." Merry smiled sadly, "This is the planet Yalanze. Humans settled here when Earth became uninhabitable. There are many things from old Earth but Yalanze has it's own cultures and peoples that are far different from those of Earth. The humans that arrived on Yalanze left Earth in the Year 2265. Since then Two Thousand Yalanzen years have passed. I am not sure what year it would be for Earth, if it even exists any more but I suspect that that time is far distant from your own." She tried to be as gentle as she could while imparting this information but she knew it would be a shock. "If you have need of a healer we do have several. They can lessen the severity of scarring or even remove it all together if you wish it to be so. I am sorry for the loss of your husband. I lost my own family to a house fire when I was younger. The brigade took me in and gave me a home."

Merry knew better than to let the other woman know she was a witch. She knew it would not be accepted most likely -- witches rarely were by most societies. "I know this is a lot to take in all at once. I am sure once you have a cup of tea and have a chance to settle in you will find that you fit in here. The brigade welcomes everyone and only asks folks to contribute what and when they can. If you find that you are not comfortable here we will do our best to see you settled someplace to your liking. for the moment, however. We have homes set aside for newcomers to adapt, study and learn of this planet's ways and the various people and cultures that inhabit it. There is no time limit for your staying in this area. We only have it so folks can get their barings and to make sure that no one is ill or overwhelmed." Merry paused in her statements to make sure Elizabeth didn't need her to stop and explain.

"People from what was known as the European Union and a place called China brought tea with them as their contribution to society. It gave them a great deal of comfort to see how well the plants grew on Yalanzen soil. I suspect our tea is different from your own but I've been assured by many newcomers the taste difference is not unpleasant." The climate being slightly different from Earth and the soil being different accounted for the shift in taste but it also helped the natives to relax when they needed to. Merry found it was also a good way to acclimate a newcomers stomach to the foods on the planet as it provided them with the nutrients they needed and digestive enzymes for good health. Merry did not wish to overwhelm Elizabeth with her information. "We do have many primers for newcomers to study so they can learn our writing. While our speech has remained mostly intact some words have drifted in meaning. We have instructors at the ready should you have need. If you wish to learn self defense Bellator would be a good instructor. I know he looks fierce but you will find him to be a good and loyal friend to those who wish to learn the arts of combat or self defense."

As she walked, Merry opened the plain dark wooden door to one of the homes on the meadow. The houses were small but then many people found them to be comfortable. Merry had picked a more feminine styled home that hearkened back to a European style. She'd heard it referred to as "Tudor" but she failed to see the connection. "The necessary is over there along with a tub for washing with lotions and soaps for skin, and hair. Over here you will find a wood stove and a loaf of sour dough at the ready over there should you desire bread. We try to make sure that there are the basics here. If you run out of anything let me or one of the trainees know. They will see your larder is well stocked with food. I think...ah yes today it was restocked with venison and chicken...you should be good for meats. We have some apples in the bin over there and some fall squash...I see a few turnips and onions... butter is in the ice box good..." Merry poked about checking the cupboards to make sure there were things that were needed. Finally when she was content she set about putting the kettle on the stove to heat. Then began pulling down the tea strainer and cups, "Do you have a preference, Lady Wollstonecraft? The tea is over there..."

It didn't take Merry long to get a solid tea going with Elizabeth's help. She was glad that there were some scones that were fresh made and preserves and after all the scurrying about she was happy to lay everything out neatly in the small sitting room that had a fireplace. The home would look like any other in Elizabeth's time save that the lace curtains would have different patterns and the flowers in the vase were different than those she might have seen. Merry paused briefly and returned from the garden with another vase that had a flower she remembered from old earth. "I just remembered there are sunflowers in the garden outside. I don't know if you had them where you came from but I thought they might bring you comfort. We'll need to harvest the seeds soon. The fall is coming and they won't last much longer but that area always grows such lovely flowers."

Words:1072
Tagged: Elizabeth
Notes: New friends!

[Elizabeth Frankenstein]

"Well I am glad to hear that. This place can take some getting used to. You are a long way from home, My Lady."
Elizabeth thought back to the estate that had been her home since she was just a little waif of a girl, all elbows and hair. She could recall easily the lakes they would swim in, or skate on in the winter while their nurse fretted and watched for cracks in the smooth, cold surface – or the trees they would climb to see the very peaks of the mountains in the distance. It had seemed, during those years that nothing would ever cause them harm. Any tears shed over a scraped knee were quickly wiped away by those who would love them; so it seemed, forever.
How different a place it had become since then. They had found little William’s body by the lake, and formed Justine’s gallows of those trees that had once been castles to them. Home. What was it now but a series of memories bloodied by the life that had been lived since. Yes, she was far from home – but it was little more than the grieving for a past life that still called it that.

Shaking her head, Elizabeth smiled sadly.

“I have been far from my home for quite a while now, in spirit at least.”

"This is the planet Yalanze. Humans settled here when Earth became uninhabitable. There are many things from old Earth but Yalanze has it's own cultures and peoples that are far different from those of Earth. The humans that arrived on Yalanze left Earth in the Year 2265. Since then Two Thousand Yalanzen years have passed. I am not sure what year it would be for Earth, if it even exists any more but I suspect that that time is far distant from your own. If you have need of a healer we do have several. They can lessen the severity of scarring or even remove it all together if you wish it to be so. I am sorry for the loss of your husband. I lost my own family to a house fire when I was younger. The brigade took me in and gave me a home."

She listened mutely, clinging to her companion’s arm for support and comfort, her hands cold against the other woman’s skin. She was thankful for the dimness of the setting sun, doubtless she would look a fright in the daylight. At the mention of healers, she winced.

“My husband was a healer of sorts.” Her voice was hoarse and she coughed, “He thought he would change the world, create a Utopia where death and disease were things long past. I fear he angered them, for death and disease have been our family’s constant companions since.”

She meant to stop there, to silence herself on the matter of her marriage once and for all. But Miss Lovelace seemed so kind, and though Victor had been there Elizabeth had felt very much alone since she had opened her eyes to a second life she had no right to be living.

“It’s not that he was a bad man,” she insisted, “On the contrary I loved him very, very much. There isn’t a day goes by I don’t think of him, that I might have saved him somehow from what became of him. I am quite alone, now.”

Again Elizabeth fell silent, eyes resting on her wedding bands as her guide spoke of the Brigade and all that they offered. It was towards the end of her speaking that Elizabeth’s attention was sufficiently captured to draw her gaze.

“… We have homes set aside for newcomers to adapt, study and learn of this planet's ways and the various people and cultures that inhabit it. There is no time limit for your staying in this area. We only have it so folks can get their bearings and to make sure that no one is ill or overwhelmed."

“You would give me a home?” She frowned, the peculiar sting of phantom tears in her eyes, “But you hardly know me, I have nothing to offer in return I-”

The houses came into view as they stepped away from the trees, small wooden homes that reminded her of the villages where she had lived before the Frankenstein’s had taken her in. Merry stepped away to open one of the doors and Elizabeth paused, uncertain, before following her inside. It was not the stately home she knew, but it was beautiful to her. There was a delicacy, a warmth to it that had been lacking in marble floors and hallways filled with portraits old and new. She could live there, she thought, quite happily indeed. That is, if the body she now called her own would withstand them. Would she age? Would the sallowness of her skin grow all the more deathly as the years passed? Or would she remain as she was now, with the youth of hear years warring with the rugged scarring of her patchwork form?

Her companion busied herself about the house, checking the pantries and cupboards, before turning to her with a smile.

"Do you have a preference, Lady Wollstonecraft? The tea is over there..."

Elizabeth smiled, brushing all morbid thoughts aside.

“What it is you would suggest? Here, how rude of me to stand gawking, I’ll help.”

Together they prepared a pot of tea and some small things to eat, settling at a table near the fireplace. Elizabeth helped to light the lamps as the darkness became too much for her companion to see through.

"I just remembered there are sunflowers in the garden outside. I don't know if you had them where you came from but I thought they might bring you comfort. We'll need to harvest the seeds soon. The fall is coming and they won't last much longer but that area always grows such lovely flowers."

It was lovely, sitting in the cosiness of the small home with such a kind soul, and Elizabeth’s stiffness had relaxed enough for her to be relatively at ease.

“We did!” She smiled delightedly, “They used to grow on the estate where my husband and I lived as children, and he would always pick me one when they bloomed - the gardener never did like him much.” Sipping her tea to stifle her giggles, Elizabeth’s smile dimmed as she looked about.

“I think he would have liked this place, he never was as grand as his father thought he ought to be. And I think I shall like it too.” She looked across to meet Merry’s eyes, “I profess I’ve few working skills, though I read and write well enough. It was insisted that I learn alongside – William,” she had almost forgotten herself, but caught the slip before it occurred, “Though I’m not certain how much of it will transfer to Yalanze. I am willing to learn though, very willing, and to repay the kindness you have shown me. I would like for us to be friends,” She reached across and rested her hand gently on Merry’s sleeve, wary of her cool skin, “I would like it very much indeed.”

[Merry Noelle Lovelace]

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Merry smiled wanly at the newcomer. "Well we have each other if we need company." She said softly as she tried to focus on the positive. "I am sorry your family has been through such hardship." It was always awful when someone got hurt. Generally Merry was a peaceful person. She did know of the dark arts and how to wield them but chose not to out of a desire not to be condemned any more than she already had been for just existing.

"Sometimes life takes us to unexpected places that we never intended to go. All we can do is hope to steer the best course as we travel the road." She felt odd for offering such advice given that the man she had once loved was dead and haunting her still but she felt she needed to offer some hope to the other woman. I have faith that he is in a good place now. And would want you to be happy." What else could she say? The chances of Elizabeth's dead husband coming here were slim but not impossible. Chris's existence was proof of that. Pushing that thought aside she focused on the other woman's needs rather than her own. No need to travel over well worn ground now.

"Don't worry about that now, My Lady. For now focus on getting your bearings and learning the history and culture of this place. Once you are settled in if you wish to help us you may." The brigade wasn't insensitive. They knew death waited for those who did not know their way around the various realms on the planet. It didn't do them any good to alienate others in their attempts to keep the portals free from those who would abuse them or any armies potentially coming through as the dragons had so long ago.

"Well then tomorrow we shall gather some for you so that you have something lovely to look at in the coming days. We try to make sure there are flowers for everyone but when winter hits we usually rely on fall leaves or pine cones for decorations." beaming at the other woman she sipped her tea as she waited for Elizabeth to relax a bit more.

"I'm glad. I'd like us to be friends as well. I don't have that many close friends and after everything that has happened the last few weeks it will be good to have a new friend." Merry was very lonely and it made it hard for her to come home at night. She wasn't one to find temporary male companionship and so most of her evenings were spent reading by the fire till it grew late and then going to bed. It was a safe life if not always the most interesting. She squeezed Elizabeth's cold hand. The poor woman must be anemic with her pale coloring and cold hands. Merry would make sure that she had plenty of green vegetables and red meat to build up her iron. It wouldn't do to have her grow ill. "We have some primers in the bookshelves in the house here. The books are in order of reading level. It will be boring at first but if you progress quickly enough I'll see you get more advanced materials to replace the basics." The libraries the brigade had tended to cycle around. The beginner books were kept in the empty cottages until someone inhabited them and finished what was in their home, then they would trade the books out for ones more advanced. In this way everyone could learn and not wait on someone else.

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Tagged: Elizabeth
Words: 611
Notes: Friend bonding.

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[Elizabeth Frankenstein]

"Well we have each other if we need company. I am sorry your family has been through such hardship."

Elizabeth’s answering smile was small, but honest. It would be good to have friends again, to have someone to confide in. She was, however, painfully aware of the barrier she was building around herself – one of secrecy and deceit. What would she think, this kindly woman, were she to know how Elizabeth spent hours staring at her own reflection and flexing muscles that were not hers? Her hands were stranger’s hands chosen for their delicate nature, sewn on with slow precision as the man she loved pieced her back together like a broken doll. In her reverie, she had become so still and silent that she resembled a wax figurine. Clasping her hands suddenly, her expression came back to life.

“Indeed we will, and I shall be very glad of the company.” Pouring herself a fresh cup of tea she inclined her head sadly at the other woman’s acknowledgement of her grief. “It is odd, our bodies can become accustomed to feeling so many things – pain, sadness, and yet grief, no matter how often it is felt, maintains its power to wound us the most.” Sipping at her tea, she revelled in how it warmed her, clasping her hands contentedly around the cup.

"Sometimes life takes us to unexpected places that we never intended to go. All we can do is hope to steer the best course as we travel the road.” Her companion spoke, the kindness of her face enhanced by the glow of the fireplace, “I have faith that he is in a good place now. And would want you to be happy."

What could she say? That she knew precisely where he was, and that ever since she had made the decision to leave, all she could picture was his discovery that she too had left him alone? All they had left was each other, and she was gone. She had left him alone with the demon he himself had created bent on destroying him.

Had she left him to die?

She ached to feel true, human grief. To weep, to feel her heart tighten with pain within her chest. She felt trapped within her body, incapable of the simple expression of her sadness. Instead it was locked within the stillness of her chest to fester into something much more grotesque. Perhaps her silence was indicative of her thoughts, for Merry brightened quickly and launched herself into discussion of Elizabeth’s future.

"Don't worry about that now, My Lady. For now focus on getting your bearings and learning the history and culture of this place. Once you are settled in if you wish to help us you may."

There was something about this charming young woman that encouraged Elizabeth to relax, comfortable in the presence of another for the first time in weeks. Removing her bonnet, pulling curls of hair loose from the rest to cover the scarring around the edges of her face as subtly as she was able, Elizabeth nodded.

“No doubt there will be more than enough to keep me occupied, I’ll admit this still feels somewhat like a dream. I have travelled very little, and never alone. To think that the home I knew is on another planet is, well its unnerving. Yet I know this is real, no matter how it may frighten me. I wished for a chance to make my life anew, and this is as good a chance as any.” Looking around once again, she began to imagine making a home of the small, warm cottage. Perhaps curtains, brighter than she had ever dared to own, yellow or blue…she was a capable seamstress when she set her mind to it, she had even done the needlework on her own wedding dress as a means of calming her mind. The simple movement of needle and thread had provided safety from the turmoil of the world, and reprieve from her endless worrying. As she noted how she adored sunflowers, Merry all but shone with optimistic joy.

"Well then tomorrow we shall gather some for you so that you have something lovely to look at in the coming days. We try to make sure there are flowers for everyone but when winter hits we usually rely on fall leaves or pine cones for decorations.”

Nodding enthusiastically, Elizabeth grinned.
“Oh that would be wonderful! Once my knowledge of my new home is substantial enough I insist you visit for dinner!” Upon hearing the other woman admit to her own loneliness, Elizabeth smiled softly, reaching out to hold the other woman’s hand lightly. “Well then friends we shall be. Perhaps as you tell me of your home, I shall tell you of mine. I should like to paint it, Geneva is so beautiful and despite recent events I do have a great many happy memories there. What of Yalanze? From what I have seen it is a lovely place, though admittedly it is quite dark so perhaps there is much I have not seen?”

[Merry Noelle Lovelace]

It was obvious that Elizabeth had been through a tremendous amount of pain in her short life. It made Merry grimace in sympathy as she listened to the woman, her eyes grew dark as she listened, "All we can do is keep moving forward. The grief is always with us but it does ease a little every day abet inperceptively at times." She murmured softly as she worked to make the other woman feel welcome.

Nodding softly she smiled and did her best to cheer her up, "I do understand. I moved here when I was sixteen after my family died." There was a catch in her voice, "I did not leave under a good situation and this place became my sanctuary." She admitted as she looked at her and folded her hands in front of her and did her best not to notice the scars that peaked out. The poor woman appeared to have gone through hell.

"We have some lovely hothouses full of plants. We keep them there to make sure we have something to plant when the weather is warmer." She said softly as she sat and spoke to the grieving widow. "I would be happy to visit with you. I don't have many friends here." she admitted shyly, "I'm usually too busy teaching to make a lot of friends so having someone to visit would be lovely."

Holding the woman's hand she smiled softly and tilted her head, "This place has it's darkness and light. There are places we should not travel because they are not safe. There are beings that do not always have our best interest at heart." she said as she reached into her pocket and pulled out a necklace with a coin etched with the image of a tree in it, "Wear this on your person if you travel. It states you're a member of the brigade and a friend of mine." she said as she handed the necklace to the other woman, "If you wish to leave the brigade let someone know so that we can give you a map." she explained.

She didn't want Elizabeth to feel like she was trapped, "But I would ask that you study the world before you travel far. The world can be a dangerous place." she said gently, "There are beings here that many believe are things of myth." holding the other woman's hands, "It is important for you to know their culture so that you may protect yourself should you run into one of them." Merry loathed to name some of the creatures lest she be ignored or mocked. It would take time for a new person to accept the reality that was Yalanze. Typically many folks doubted the validity of the world until they were facing a creature of myth and that could prove fatal in many cases so every member was instructed to assist new members with acclimation to the planet. It just had to be that way. Even if Merry wished life on the planet were easier it wouldn't make it so.