The Voices of Melilia's Garden

[Ravenloft]

Isabella:

It hadn't felt right, the way she and Melilia had separated this last time. It was as though it had been too quick and Isabella felt numb because of it. Now that is where things were strange, she usually never felt anything, not even numbness, it was as though her entire body was chilled. She had moved over across from Eric and watched him as she waited for Melilia to return.

 

[Renegade]

Eric

OOC: Sorry for lack of posting. Damn computer kept kicking me off last night. *kicks comp and breaks foot* Ouch!

IC: Sitting on the large sofa while awaiting for Melilia to return with the cat, I started to get the odd feeling that I wasn't alone. Even though there was obviously nobody else around me at the time, it just felt like there was somebody with me. At first, it seemed like a very creepy concept to imagine that one could be watching me like this. However, I don't know why, but it soon felt more comforting then unnerving. At that moment, I no longer was worried if another person could be watching me at that moment.

Just then, the reapearance of Melilia into the home brought me out of this. My eyes caught sight of the kitten that she had in her hands. "I'm really sorry about all of this, Melilia. Don't know what came over that cat suddenly. The entire litter was usualy calmer then this." I tell her in my attempt to apologise for the way the cat had thrown the date off-track somewhat.

As she assured me that everything was okay, I thought back to the word that had popped into my head just moments ago. It had never really sunk in to me that this was infact a 'date'. True, it was probably more of a friendship type date, but it was still more then a simple meeting of friends. Seeing that the cat was becoming slightly more at ease with being in Melilia's arms, I suggest to her, "If you'd like, I can hold the kitten so she won't be in your way for now."

She didn't seem to mind very much about having to hold the kitten, but I felt it would be best to offer just incase. This night had not really been going on the right track so far. But then again, who knows? The night was still very young, and there was something telling me this could be an evening to remember.

 

[Starfish]

Melilia

I was cuddling the kitten and reassuring it when, Eric, became very apologetic, and worried that I was bothered by it. If he only knew what the cause for my concern was really about.

I invited him into the kitchen, for a drink and decided to make the kitty a little bowl of food. Dinner was in the oven, so I didn't have to worry about it getting cold.
I fed the kitty, and then showed it the litter pan and it's kitty bed..then I showed it the backdoor to the garden, and the little fellow, wandered off into the lush greenery, very happily. I assured Eric that everything was fine and nothing could hurt the kitty out there.

I sugggested we sit down to eat. So, I moved the food to the dinning area outside by the fires. We sat and began enjoying the feast, but for some reason, I wasn't very hungry. It may have had to do with the fact that everytime I looked into Eric's eyes, my stomach got all fluttery.

I sat there nibbling, loosing myself in him, as we chatted and enjoyed the evening air...I thought to myself that Isabella should reenter me, so that she could feel these feelings I was having for him, but for some reason I senced that she has gone off to follow the kitten, and keep an eye on it for saftey's sake, and to let it get used to her.
I had a good feeling, that getting the kitty was a good thing, that would help Isabella want to nurture something with love, like she had for her baby.

My thoughts returned to Eric and, how real of a man he is.
He was so genuine, and appearantly honest. He seemed to be just fine in life, and pretty content, but there was a definate absence in him. Like he had some needs that weren't being met. The kind that only a woman can provide, and I knew that I would have loved to be that woman, but it was way too soon to be thinking those thoughts. I needed to get my head out of the clouds and just enjoy every minute of our time together.

During our meal, Eric was speaking about his favorite music, when he caught a noticable view of something he had yet to see..My wedding band. I hadn't taken it off because I still felt obligated to wear it. The look on his face, at first was one of confusion. I stummbled to say anything, and he kind of got a pissed look in his eye.
"I am sorry. I guess I should have told you all about why I moved here, by now." I studdered, looking down at my hand.

"Last year my husband was killed on the job, due to negligence, and I tired to stay in our old home, but it mad me so depressed that I knew I would just die there, if I stayed." I explained, noticing a change in his face that was a relief to me.
"I am sorry for your loss, Melilia." He said outstreaching his hand to mine. "I am sorry, I was jumping to conclusions there for a moment. I just thought that mabey you wanted me here for, well, adulterous purposes, and I got mad."

"Don't be sorry, I can completely understand." I reassured.
"I should have told you sooner. I just didn't want you to feel obligated to befriend the 'poor little widow' in town." I said in jest with a giggle and a smile. I suddenly found my laugh being drown out by the beauty and infinity in his incredible eyes. I was truely feeling things for him that I had not imagined would happen this soon. I could have just lunged forward and kissed him passionatly right then, and it was very hard to resist, but I knew I would alienate him, and probably scare the piss out of him, so I didn't. I just gazed into his eyes and dreamed.

 

[Ravenloft]

Isabella:

Following the kitten as it went to the garden, Isabella smiled. It seemed to take notice of her presence and was a little cautious for it, but still wandered into the depts of the garden. Isabella stayed at the garden's edge, watching the kitten bat at a shoot of grass and roll to its side. Oh, if she only had lungs to laugh with! The kitten continued around the garden, stopping suddenly, arching its back, its hackles raised. Isabella tilted her head in curiosity at this. Then the realization hit her. The cat was right above the spot her child had been burried. She recoiled suddenly, knowing that if she let herself, she would relive that most horrifying moment that refused to let her rest. The kitten suddenly yowled and bolted back for the house, zipping through the flap in the door and tucking itself securely in a dark corner of the living room.

Isabella rushed into the house only moments later, crying out Melilia's name with a guilty sob.

 

[Renegade]

Eric

"Thank you for understanding, but it still doesn't make my jumping to conclusions right. I'm very sorry about that." I tell Melilia while finishing the plate of food she had served me. The meal was very tasty and a nice change from the usual type of dinners that I would have. Usualy, my night time would be spent making up some microwave meals that I got on discount from the store. That was pretty much what I was able to afford on the average day. Not that I had any problems with that, but this was a nice change in variety.

The lovely Melilia certainly did have a way with preparing food. Finishing the last of the drink that she had served, I offered to clean the table for the both of us since she was also done. She was hesitant at first about letting me do so by myself, but I told her that it was no problem for me. Taking both my plate as well as her own, I walk over to the kitchen to clean and put them away. While I did this, my mind went back to that odd feeling I had earlier when I felt someone else near me. No matter how much I tried, that kept coming back to me again and again. Putting that beside me once more, I went back to be with Melilia. There was just something about her that I really enjoyed. She just seemed so great to be around.

Returning to the table after getting things done, I compliment her, "That was a great dinner, Melilia. Thank you for inviting me over." Taking a slight chance, I lean forward and place a small, mostly friendly kiss on her cheek. Thinking it over after doing this, I started to worry that perhaps doing so was taking things too far. Looking back into her eyes, I smile at her while taking her hand into my own.

 

[Starfish]

Having Eric kiss me, as innocent as it was, made it near impossible to look at him and not want to kiss him firmly on the lips, with lustful passion, to show him how I really felt. When he took my hand I gently leand toward him, and kissed his cheek, saying "Thank you!" very softly. I was so happy that he was so near me, that I didn't want him to feel awkward about what he did, so I reciprocated innocently.

Just then I saw the kitty go running by into the house, and I felt a swoosh go by.....

In the back of my mind I could hear Isabella call my name. How was I going to deal with her and Eric. I had to spend time with him, so I left Izzy to suffer whatever was wrong.
I just wanted Eric to know the truth so I wasn't the only living person involved.

I suggested that we go for a walk through the gardens, while it was still kind of light out. I had lit the lanterns of the garden earlier when I lit the fires, so the garden had the feel of my dreams.

As we walked, he held my hand so softly, never letting go.
His eyes lit up as we talked and laughed and my heart smiled at his words.

 

[Renegade]

Eric

Holding each others hands while we walked through the garden, I look around at how lovely everything had appeared. It was much nicer looking then what those who had been here in the past had said it to be. Melilia had really done a wonderful job on taking care of the garden in the time she had been living here.

Taking a moment away from admiring the area to look at her, I noticed that there seemed to be something on her mind. Like there was a thing she was afraid about me finding out. But not fear in a bad way, just worry of how it could change things between us.

Pulling a small coin from my pocket, I suggest to her with a smile, "A penny for your thoughts?" She smiled slightly at my offering her a coin when I asked her that question. Keeping my eyes on her, I awaited to see if she felt comfortable enough to talk with me about what was going through her head.

 

[Starfish]

I was so charmed by his smile that I actually considered telling him. It wasn't long before I asked him to sit by the pond with me and then I would talk. We sat against the stone wall that backed the pool, on the wide ledge near the water. He motioned for me to come sit with him. I approached and he placed his hands on my waist and turned me around to sit with my back against him, between his legs.
I felt rigid and awkward at first but soonly, his arms were around me and I felt comfort come over me like a wave, and I sunk into him. He touched me with such graceful familiarity and he knew how to make me fell reassured.
"I was really just thinking of how you feel when you are here in the garden and my house?" I started in responce to his earlier question.
"It is so big and beautiful, and like I said, what you've done here is fantastic!" He said missing my point, or not aknowledging it.
"No I mean..well, I mean do you have any strange feelings here?" I stumbled. I waited while he hesitated. I knew he knew what I meant now.

 

[Renegade]

Eric

Showing a moment of slight hesitation on my part to answer her next question, I began to ponder on what she had just asked. She could tell that I was slowly becoming well aware that there was something more to this place then meets the eye. Unfortunatly, my little attempt to avoid the question didn't work out as well as I had hoped. Holding her hand slightly tighter, it became clear that the best thing to do would be telling her the truth.

Keeping my eyes locked onto her own, I began, "Ever since I was little, there had been some odd tales about this place, Melilia. About how the spirits of those who died here are still lurking around. As a child, I used to be afraid of such stories. But as time had gone on, I had simply put those myths behind me."

"And what do you feel about it now?" she asked while returning the tightening of our hands.

Turning away from her slightly, I continued, "The other night, when I came here for a quick visit, there wasn't anything really. Perhaps something, but nothing like what I felt earlier today."

Moving her hand to gently move my line of vision back towards hers, Melilia asked, "What did you feel today? Please, tell me what it meant to you."

Leveling my eyes with hers, I explained, "At first, it was a frightening feeling that someone was watching me. It was very unsettling at first, but, after awhile, it became somewhat comforting. I don't really know how to explain it, but it made me feel like there would be someone with me at all times. That's what it seemed like to me."

Smiling at her slightly, the sudden sensation to kiss her once more on the cheek returned once more. Not wanting to fight it, my head moved forward as I placed a gentle kiss on her cheek. Only this one had a slight sense of passion behind it that slowly became more for me.

 

[Starfish]

His words gave me shivers as he looked at me knowingly. It was like he could tell that I was being haunted. The thing he couldn't have imagined was the extent to which it went. When he kissed me again I felt energy of sorts coming from him. The kind that swells up in you, when you feel strong attraction. In turn my mind swayed from my worries and I acepted his lips to my face with a sigh. It was not even as though I had a chance to control my actions then. I turned my face to meet our lips,and with my eyes looking deeply into his, we kissed for a moment of undefinable time. His lips were so soft and my mouth was so eagar to taste him. My mind became very excited by his touch, and my body became electric. I felt him become overwhelmed by my forwardness, and the kiss broke...I looked up at him, and his eyes were strong with question, but his confidance was showing through, which I hoped was because he clearly saw that I wanted him, and liked it.

 

[Renegade]

Eric

Breaking the kiss, feeling somewhat overwhelmed by Melilia's forwardness, I look deep into her eyes once again. Seeing the look of want for me in her eyes, and that she was feeling the same thing towards me that I was about her. Returning my lips to meet her own, there was more passion behind this kiss then any of the other exchanges from before.

Moving my arms around her waist, they begin to gently pull her closer towards me into a tighter embrace. Her sweet scent caught my senses attention as I breathed in the lovely perfume she had on. Feeling her warmth against my body, a tingling sensation began to fill me for the first time. At first, I thought it was simply the feeling of lust from our bodys being so near each other. However, it soon became clear to me that it was so much more then just that.

Breaking the kiss once more, I whisper to Melilia, "Was there anything that you wanted to tell me about this place? There's something that you're afraid to tell me, isn't there?"

She had been reluctant to say anything about it, but I could tell that there was something she was hiding from me. Wanting her to feel that she could trust me with anything, I tried to convince her to confide in me about what it was.

 

[Starfish]

Our lips parted and his words made my mind reel again. I had begun to feel Isabella's presence around me again, and I think he had also....

"Izzy, can you get inside me, so I know what is troubling you, and to help you feel better?" I thought while I contemplated a response....

"Well, I guess it's that I feel strange feelings here. I have seen some strange things, and experiance some bizarre stuff. You probably think I am nuts now, so I'll just walk you up to the house so you can go now." I blurted and hung my head in shame, as I rose up to walk away....

I felt I had compulsively betrayed myself, and I was hurting so badly inside, I could have curled up and died.

 

[Renegade]

Eric

As she rose up in an attempt to walk away, my hand reached up and lightly held onto her own. Trying to comfort her, and make her see that I knew what she was talking about, I stand up and wrap my arms around her in a hug. "Melilia," I began while looking her in the eyes, "You have no reason to think that I would feel that way about you. To be honest, I believe just about everything that you're telling me."

Holding Melilia against my body slightly tighter, I whisper into her ear, "Please, never be afraid to talk with me about these things. Trust me to talk with about whatever is happening with you."

At that moment, all that really mattered to me was being able to find out what she was going through. Maybe then, we would be able to work through what it is, together.

 

[Starfish]

I couldn't believe that he was still in trust of my wits, and that he made effort to hold me very closly, and express his standing on the matter. I couldn't help but get completely lost in his eyes, and feeling the way that I did, made me relate to Isabella. I was so attracted to this man, and so enthralled. Mabey he could help us.

I proceeded to inform him about the past incidents of dreams, and of being toyed with by the other spirits here, but that Isabella ruled over them and they had to obey her, and avoid me. I explained that the others where not of human origin, and that they were attracted to this garden long before Isabella had died. I told him of her terrifying experiance and her pain, and how much I wanted to help her. I told him everything, even about the volueentary possesion and masturbation.

His eyes grew with amazement and he sat listening, enthralled and what appeared to be disbelief.

"I knew I shouldn't have told you, now it is off to the pshyc ward for me, huh?" I giggled, trying to break what I felt as tension. I didn't feel better like I thought I would, and suddenly I became very afraid of his reaction, as he swayed his head and stumbled for words to reply with.
I leaned into him quickly to steal a kiss, because I knew it would be our last.
"I wanted to get one last one before you decided to never speak to me again." I fumbled after our lips broke. I hoped he would just grab me and throw me back in a wild, passionate kiss, but I hoped too much, and I just knew it was over.

 

[Renegade]

Eric

Placing a gentle hand onto her shoulder carefully, my other hand moves down to cradle her chin. Slowly, I eased her head around so that she would look at me right in the eyes. This whole story she gave me was something that no reasonel person could take serious. Not even for a mere minute at that. However, when it came from her, and after what I had felt myself, it just seemed to make sense. That was the only way that I could explain how I was believing every word that she had just said.

"Melilia," I began in a low, caring tone of voice, "As much as you're sure that this story would make me turn away from you, it's actualy the complete opposite."

Leaning forward, I kiss her once more on the lips with a sense of passion that had not been in the previous ones. Now that she had let me into her world, it was much easier for me to lose myself in the moment of our embrace. Gently, I slide one hand around the back of her neck while the other gently wraps around her waist. Holding her against me tighter, our shared body heat keeps us warm in the cool night air that had come during our time out here.

Breaking the kiss for the time being, I inquired of her, "Is Isabella here with us right now?" It was an odd question to ask considering the circumstances, but I had wondered about the girls presence. The question of what she thought of me had crossed my mind many times already in this short amount of time.

 

[Starfish]

Melilia

I had been relieved by Eric's efforts to show me that he would remain my friend. It was actually kind of shocking how inquisitive he seemed about it. I had felt so strange in talking to him about her, but I felt even worse because I knew that, right now, she was suffering needlessly.
"Eric, I have told you all of this, because Isabella, well, she is in need of me, so much, and that I wouldn't be able to hide this from you. As a matter of fact, I thought I had felt her presence here, with us, but I fear that I was wrong and that she has gone into the seclusion of her room. I must go and comfort her, but I am your hostess. Will you come in the house with me, and wait untill I can try to reach her?" I asked sincerely.
"Melilia, I will wait." he responded and then kissed me with great passion. Once our lips parted, I could see the intrest in his eyes grow wider. We walked arm in arm to the house, and once inside I offered him a beverage, got it, and left him sitting in wait.

"Isabella?" I whispered at her door.
"I am coming in, please don't be afraid." I warned.
As I opened the door the chill of the room hit me, and I realized how bad the situation had become. I knew in my heart that she was very unhappy, and I was the cause.

"Isabella, I came to speak to you. Please listen to me. I am sorry for ignoring you, but love, I have a guest. The kitten is in it's bed now, and I think you may want to come out of here and see it. It is so cute all curled up sleeping." I spoke softly as I sat on the bed, looking about the room for a sign.
"I wish I could feel you, I wish I had you inside me, so I could feel your heart on these matters. Please love, forgive me!" I began to sob slightly, because of the fear, that began to swell inside of me, of loosing her trust.

 

[Ravenloft]

Isabella:

Looking up from where she hid herself, Isabella watched Melilia begin to sob. Slowly she moved toward her, reached out and touched her cheek with her vaporous hand, as much as it had hurt her to have been left standing there, calling Melilia's name only to have her walk out on her, she wouldn't let herself be the cause of Melilia's tears.

 

[Starfish]

Melilia

The guilt that I felt was peircing my heart, because I knew that she was hurt. I suddenly felt a strange smoothness come over my cheek and into me. It seemed to make my face relax and I slowly began to feel lulled. Was it her? Was she here? I wished I could see her, to touch her, and make her feel loved. I wanted her to come with me into the main part of the house and meet Eric through me, now that he knew about her.

"Isabella, please forgive me, please enter me.So that I know how you feel and so you can feel my love for you and concern." I said with a sigh.
"I want you to meet Eric, and try to approach the kitten in me, so you can feel it's soft fur and the purring in its chest. Wouldn't you like that?" I said with a warming heart.

I laid back on the bed and waited looking at the ceiling, and whispering, "Please Izzy, please."

 

[Ravenloft]

Isabella:

The kitten, she wanted so badly to see the kitten again, but a part of her knew it would be afraid of her still... The man, Eric seemed to be important to Melilia... Isabella lowered herself slowly into Melilia, transposing her detatched spirit into her. The sudden rush of feeling made her draw a sharp breath, it would take her some time to adjust to this again... She just wished she could stay with Melilia forever. It would make things easier...

 

[Starfish]

Lying there, recovering from the instant shock of combining our souls, I could slightly hear her thinking. I could feel her feelings and I could sence that she wished to never leave me again. I was so relieved to know that she chose to return to me, and hopfully forgive me.

The sharpness of her entering me, faded into an undiscribable tranquility, and I knew that she belonged inside of me, and I prayed that Eric could help us find a way. I rose up, slowly, so not to shock her.
"Izzy, We are going out to see Eric. If at anytime you wish to say of do anything, let me know!" I said as I stood to leave the darkend room.

Returning to the living room, I saw Eric had picked up the kitten and was holding and petting the sleeping fluff ball. Suddenly, I felt Isabella sigh inside me. I could sence her worry about the kitty being afraid.

 

[Renegade]

Eric

Holding the sleeping kitten in my hands while petting it's fur, the sound of Melilia returning brought me out of my daydreaming. Looking up from my chair, I smile when she is seen heading towards me. As she gets closer, I take notice of how she looked somewhat... different. Just couldn't put my finger on what it was at the time. That's when it hit me. She was returning with Isabella now.

Seeing that the kitten was still sleeping, I asked her.... them, "Would you like to hold the kitten for awhile? She just went to sleep a few moments ago."

Offering them the kitten, I started to feel a bit of worry about how Isabella would feel towards myself. It wasn't every day that some one like me had the chance to meet with a real ghost.

 

[Ravenloft]

Isabella:

Their shared heart lept at the thought of holding the kitten, Isabella wanted so much to caresss the sweet little thing, it was so adorable, but she feared that it would spook again if she dared to touch it.

 

[Neale]

[Edited by Neale on 04-01-2001 at 11:09 AM]

 

[Starfish]

Melilia

I wasn't about to let Isabella ruin this chance for the kitty to get to know her and I both a little better, while it was tired and would have less will resistance. I walked over to Eric, kneeling down in front of him, and began to softly pet the kitty. I could hear Izzy begin to giggle, and get excited. I smiled up at Eric, hoping Izzy would look at him and give her thoughts of him, to me, but she was so taken by the fact that the kitty had responded to our touch with purrs and twisting cuddles. I spoke on our behalf and told Eric that we would love to hold it.

I slowly slid my hand under the belly of the little guy, and then proceeded to lift it up to me, supporting it's flopping head with my other hand, while I did. I could see in Eric's eyes the curiosity of Isabella, and I thought it was strange how comfortable he was, yet still very curious.
I decided to sit next to him and when I did, his arm went around me immediately. I was so relieved that he was open to all of this.

Isabella was so thrilled by holding the sleeping kitten, that she gave no indication of feeling about Eric, so I decided to force her to acknowledge him. I turned my head facing his, smiled and then leaned into him with a kiss. I could sence Isabella's discontent, and desire to return her attentions to the kitten. I broke the kiss with him, and I looked at him. "That was from me, Eric, I can't get her to respond to me, about you. I don't think that she is very happy about what I just did though." I said with concern for his understanding.

 

[Renegade]

Eric

Nodding my head in understanding of the situation, I rest my arm around her waist in assurance. "It's okay, Melilia." I tell her while kissing her against the cheek again. It was understandable that Isabella would be afraid of getting to know me. This whole thing must be something she hadn't been through before. Holding Melilia against me slightly tighter, I began to wish and hope that things between the three of us would turn out for the best.