Saga - OT Moonwater Perfume: A Courtesan's Tale---FINISHED 9/16!!!!!!

Wonderful--this explanation of the planet's past is stunningly pointed and poignant.

Thanks for the PM. Much appreciated.

 

AUTHOR'S NOTE: One of the myriad reasons that I was over a month late with this installment is because I wanted to write Josym's POV of the knighting ceremony...or at least part of his POV. I finally got it written, so I could post both of them in tandem. Why did I do this? Because I'm a practicing masochist, perhaps.

Anyway, it can be found in this thread, all the way at the bottom, called "Beneath The Visiting Moon": http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/23950219/p1/?6]Last[/url] post

I'm sorry that I'm late with this particular installment. I'm going to make an effort to get back on a regular keel. Thanks for being patient, and thanks for your continued interest in this little tale.
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Written after the Knighting Ceremony
Act One is complete.

The great drama was held in the Worship Hall of Remembrance over the course of three hours. The grand delusion began with the opening blessing by the High Prelate, which took up twenty minutes by itself, including the silly hand gestures that come with the ancient words of the Convocation Blessing. Making three concentric circles in the air, then the Twin Stars, and finally, after a jumble of other various arcane signs, the Sign of Peace. Then it was on to the first speech, given by the Prestat, giving the congregation an historical summary of the knighthood's origins. It was also the sanitized version, as there was no mention of the Force at all. Two more orations followed, and I can't say those were memorable, as they went into my ears and right out again.

But the condition of the sky and what is contained within the embrace of the night is something to be recorded for posterity. This occasion took place under the patient gaze of Najahal, which is auspicious and a harbinger of great fortune...no matter what Josym thinks.

My mind wandered, and I entered into a reverie brief enough to keep me awake until the star of the spectacle made his entrance. I began to consider the matter of what's going to take place tomorrow evening after his birthday gala. Just like any other ritual, there is a great deal of official nonsense that comes with the loss of virginity for any of the young rich boys.

It starts as a "men only" gathering in the smoking room, with the traditional three shots of irugara, our quirky variety of whiskey. Then the lucky heir is ceremoniously escorted to the courtesan's bedchamber, accompanied by a riot of singing and a phalanx of candles carried by his male relatives. It's akin to a bridegroom being led to the nuptial bed. Once the party arrives at the chamber door, the Prestat knocks four times, and then he calls out, "Prepare, prepare, for the
moment is nigh!" Then the door is opened, and the Prestat leads the way towards the bed, followed by his son. The uncles, brothers, and cousins stay outside while the cortigia must stand at the center of the room, alone, clad in a pure white nightgown and robe. The Prestat brings his son to her, holding the boy by his elbow. "This is my treasured one. Teach him well, instruct him deeply in your arts so that he may learn what is necessary for the future." Of course, what the Lord of the Manor really meant was, "Teach my boy just enough about sex so that twin sons might be conceived on his wedding night."

The event is concluded when a holy man, whether the High Prelate or one of his assistants, comes in and sprinkles some of the "acquine spiriato" onto the bedcovers, and murmurs a few words. After this, the party of men adjourns back to the smoking room, leaving the boy and his instructor alone, together.

The two of us, surrounded only by walls and silk-covered furniture, for an entire night. Only one matter shall occupy us...for the first time in my life, I will actually enjoy the act.

It was lucky Josym appeared at the back of the chapel, because I couldn't continue thinking about tomorrow night and hope to focus on the remainder of the service.

Ah, the sight of him, dressed in the robes and tunic of the child-turning-paladin! To say that a man is beautiful might sound peculiar, but how else could I describe Josym in his gold and white brocades? Under the torches, he was, quite honestly, celestial. Blue eyes shimmering, blond and light red highlights glinting, and with a smile he tried to suppress, but only partially succeeded in doing so as he proceeded up the nave. Maybe it's better to say he was like a naughty divinity rather than a pure vessel of creation.

This young man...is glorious.

But he is not carved from marble, or perfect and untouchable. As he proved when he grinned after recognizing me, even though I was tucked behind his family and among the other cortigiara, though this had something to do with my indigo dress and puffy hairdo. But Josym was the star, and he could break the serious routine and take notice of his second favorite female, if his heart desired to do so.

After his "lone journey in a funny costume" (as Josym described what it felt like heading down the aisle towards the altar) was finally complete, he knelt before the High Prelate, and bowed his head in the appropriate fashion as the rite was started with the customary words: "We are children of the Old World. The voices of all our ancestors emanate from our hearts, and every fragment of their personalities is locked within our souls. We have been brought together by the intentions of those progenitors to proclaim elevation of this cherished scion into the Most Holy and Ancient Order of the Chatos Knighthood."

And there was more palaver such as this to follow throughout the rest of the solemn and tedious event. So many words with no meaning behind them. Which isn't to say they never held meaning. Once upon a long time ago, these words were interspersed with phrases that invoked the munificence of the Force upon the head of the young paladin. A first-born son could never become a Jedi in the old days, unlike their younger brothers. But the Force still played a large role in the knighting ceremony.

Now, of course, there is no connection at all, at least under the aegis of our present culture and the galactic administration.

But the Force is still with us, no matter those who choose to deny its existence right now. From the days of the Old World, through the time of the Deluge, into the present, there is a hidden current pushing us along, wrapped around the universe like the arms of a mother. It is still present, and it will always be present, so long as life exists.

 

But he is not carved from marble, or perfect and untouchable. As he proved when he grinned after recognizing me,

Awwwwwwww...

Perfect post, as always!

 

Great post. Do we get to see Josym's POV?

No problem about being late. It's always great to read your posts. I enjoy this story very much.

Thanks for the PM.

 

Great job with her thoughts about the ritual and what awaits her afterwards.

The two of us, surrounded only by walls and silk-covered furniture, for an entire night. Only one matter shall occupy us...for the first time in my life, I will actually enjoy the act. Says a lot about her perspective.

Wonderful.

 

For someone so .. not practiced.. in her forced vocation, she is rather world-wise. A cover I suspect for a vulnerable heart.

I do wish for better for this pair.

 

But the Force is still with us, no matter those who choose to deny its existence right now. From the days of the Old World, through the time of the Deluge, into the present, there is a hidden current pushing us along, wrapped around the universe like the arms of a mother. It is still present, and it will always be present, so long as life exists.

For now, my concerns are less metaphysical and more focused towards the physical. A pleasant pursuit, especially with Josym...yes, he'll definitely make this easy.

Lovely!

 

Lovely! And the companion piece is equally beautiful. So Josym loves her. But this is a relationship that is designed to be temporary.

I love the irreverence the two of them share for the pompous and empty ceremony. Without the Force, what is the point of it all?

Exquisitely written!

 

The grand delusion

LOL! Only three sentences in and already I'm loving it. All those morons involved in pulling the wool over each others eyes. It gives me so many amusing images.


I began to consider the matter of what's going to take place tomorrow evening after his birthday gala.

Something I've been waiting for since the story began.


the Prestat knocks four times, and then he calls out, "Prepare, prepare, for the moment is nigh!"

OMG, such a mockery. And what makes it even more of a joke, this time the Prestat has already seen what his boy is going to encounter within that room. I wonder how that will play into the Prestat's attitude toward the ceremony?


"Teach my boy just enough about sex so that twin sons might be conceived on his wedding night."

LOL! So there's a trick to it eh?


From the days of the Old World, through the time of the Deluge, into the present, there is a hidden current pushing us along, wrapped around the universe like the arms of a mother.

Wonderful sentence. The Force is an amazing thing, guiding these people even if they don't realize it anymore.


A pleasant pursuit, especially with Josym...yes, he'll definitely make this easy.

Hehe, I can't wait. No doubt 'easy' means relaxed and comfortable and the best night of fun either of them will ever have.

 

Whoops! I thought I had already replied to this...

Like usual, the imagry is stunning and the decaying culture you've created is so well-rounded that I feel I have been there. Lovely job!

Thanks for the PM!

~piratedreamer

 

A/N: This installment is dark, yes, but it marks the middle of the story, and provides a necessary catalyst for the rest of the plot. Perhaps it's rather melodramatic, but...

And I apologize for not doing author replies the last few installments. I've been rather preoccupied with other matters. But from this point on, I should actually be able to do them.
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Written under the cloud of Darkness
"He wanted me dead."

Mother of Eternity, this was the most horrific statement I have ever heard uttered.

"My own father." He sat on the floor of my bedchamber, gripping the carpet in his fingers as a means to hold onto something solid, to keep his rationality, if only barely. His knuckles went white as they tightened around the fringe cording. AI wasn't supposed to be alive. I was a curse."

His own father wanted him to die because he is Force sensitive. At the time of the Republic's fall, the Purge began, and continued unabated for three years. It still might be going on even as I write these words, but the most intense activity took place in the years immediately after the pall of the Empire descended upon the galaxy. Back then, the Inquisitors might swoop down upon Deiu if Josym was allowed to take even one breath. Or so the Prestat obviously thought. Of course he wasn't afraid for the existence of the manse, or for any of his own flesh kin, though he must have known if the Empire were to darken the Quodris hearth, they would very well do harm to Reunahn, along with his other siblings, and even his widowed mother. Guilt by association is a time-honored reason for executing those one might view as treasonous, even if that association happened to be through marriage, so even his wife would be in danger of arrest and what inevitably follows it. With this in mind, it made sense to the Prestat to destroy anyone who could destory him. Everyone in his circle was a threat.

Especially his son.

If it weren't for the intercession of Lord Arcadin, Jos would not be here. Lord Arcadin had just been elected Head of the Council of the Ancients when he found out from his sister that her husband wanted to put her unborn child to death. Through the grace of the Maiden, his uncle invoked the Law of Primogeniture. Under this code, the life of the heir is held to be sacred above all other affairs of the Establishment. Any unnatural death must be investigated. The methods of detection are thorough, almost on par with those of the Empire, and the faintest stench of murder would be found. (The execution of twenty Prestats within the last three hundred years is excellent proof of this fact).

"Do you want to know something else?" His voice was shaky, and I knew there was something terrible he wanted to reveal. Jos needed to talk. The burden of knowledge could ruin his mind and soul. For his sake, I endured more terrible words.

"Tell me."

He lay down on the carpet and turned away from me. "A hole in the earth," he said softly. "That was where he wanted to put me."

Dear Holy Light..."Do you mean the rubbish dump used by the kitchen staff?"

"Yes." He paused, to swallow away a sob that I knew he did not want to let out. "That hole, two meters down in the terrana, with the rusted grate over top." He shivered. "Well, he took me out to the courtyard." He turned towards me, and those magnificent eyes were so burdened with the weary grief of awareness. "And he took me to that hole, with his seventh glass of blackstar claret in one hand, so he was immune to any misgivings about letting his son know that he wanted to toss him into the oubliette on the day of his birth."

I flew off the bed and went onto the floor. Then I pulled him towards me, placing his head in my lap. I can't alter the past, and there's nothing I can do to shatter the ice and stone gathering around him...around us. I can't defend him from harm. I can't rip the poisonous knowledge out of his soul. All I could do was cradle him in my lap, like a child.

"Dearest, dearest." I stroked his hair, pushing away those tears that rolled down his cheeks. He was worn out; pale, completely devoid of the spark that I've come to cherish.

That was two hours ago. Now, he is in my bed, temporarily asleep. I have the urge to grab something with a serrated edge and dash across the manor into the Prestat's sanctum and slice into his throat, or cut through his ribs and tear out his black heart, if that bastard has any heart at all.

No, no, this is not the time to be ridiculous. Retribution will gain me nothing...or Josym...maybe some day...

 

Wow! Beautifully written and so intense!

I love the way your characters use the everyday language of their world, with the references to titles and societies that they take for granted.

Josym has held this secret in for a long time. At last someone can help him to bear the weight of it. But her anger may come at a price.

 

What a wonderful update! So sad.
And it certainly moves things forwards. Something has to happen now. Can't wait to seeh what they'll do.

 

Awww, poor Josim!

 

Times like this are very bad. People decide and think things not based in reality but fear.

Her responses are right in line with a woman that loves deeply.

 

Lovely update. So sad and angry. She feels that she has to do something but she is pretty powerless at the moment unless she can get others go to along with her.

Loved this.

This bloody decrepit pile of titles and bloodlines and the creatures holding those powerless in their talons...it all has to end. I've said it before (to this diary, and myself), but now I truly know this society has to be overthrown. Holding women as concubines and brood mares is immoral, yes, but to have a section of the ruling class think it's justifiable to kill their own children as a means of retaining power is heinous.

All of it is heinous.

Great job.

 

Incredible and moving.

If it weren?t for the intercession of Lord Arcadin, Jos would not be here. A Huranz protecting one of their own, not surprising. The Novordoras House has always been the most humane and logical of the Establishers, and of the Prestatures. Lord Arcadin had just been elected Head of the Council of the Ancients when he found out from his sister that her husband wanted to put her unborn child to death. Through the grace of the Maiden, and the Force no doubt, his uncle invoked the Law of Primogeniture. Under this code, the life of the heir is held to be sacred above all other affairs of the Establishment. Any unnatural death must be investigated. The methods of detection are thorough, almost on par with those of the Empire, and the faintest stench of murder would be found. (The execution of twenty Prestats within the last three hundred years is excellent proof of this fact).

A strange blessing, to be sure, but if a legal quirk gave Josym his chance to live, then I'm very, very glad.

Your OCs are certainly complex and interesting people. I love it.

 

[soapbox]I think the dark tone only illuminates what we have already been thinking; you've simply given us more reason to hate the corrupt society. I agree with dianethx and think all of their behavior is heinous. I am a little sad that Palai doesn't think she's as important as Josym, but at least she doesn't think herself completely worthless and I'm glad she ready to stand up against the powers that be. [/soapbox]

See? You've sucked us into this world and these characters you've created, and I feel so emotionally attached I want to sit here and cheer! Lovely job!!!

 

Mother of Eternity, this was the most horrific statement I have ever heard uttered. Josym...his...

If that's the most horrific statement you've ever heard in your life, then consider yourself very lucky to lead such a pampered existence.


"A hole in the earth," he said softly. "That was where he wanted to put me."

Oh boo-hoo-hoo. Grow up Josym and welcome to real life.


but now I truly know this society has to be overthrown.

And what, my dear is going to replace it? You've already said you want to cut the Prestat's heart out, so what will replace his rule? Something equally evil in the minds of some other downtrodden group. As long as flesh and blood limited humans run things, they will continue to be selfish and cruel - you're just not on the top rung and want to get there, those behind you would be equally horrified if you got there.


I really liked the update, despite what my reply was, after all, it impassioned me, lol, that's for sure.

 

First, I would like to thank everyone for continuing to read this story, and hope that as we're going into the second leg of the journey that it will continue to be interesting.

Oh, and there's no in-flight movie. But everyone flies first-class, so there's plenty of leg room, and food that's actually edible.

divapilot
I love the way your characters use the everyday language of their world, with the references to titles and societies that they take for granted.

It's an over-the-top society in more ways than one, so the titles and certain other words are going to be a bit puffed up...it's pathetic to think they take those words for granted, isn't it?

Josym has held this secret in for a long time.

Josym actually only found out about what his father wanted to do to him on the night of his birthday celebration. (His Dad, such a nice guy *obvious sarcasm*). But Jos has known all his life that his father has disliked/hated him, but he never knew to what extent. Sometimes ignorances is bliss in certain matters.

MsLanna
And it certainly moves things forwards. Something has to happen now. Can't wait to seeh what they'll do.

Well, now since we've hit the centerpoint (not the Corellian station, BTW ), the first thing they do is convene another meeting in the wardrobe. (Funny how a place to stuff ceremonial robes turns out to be the most secure place in the Di'sallach mansion).

Golden_Jedi
Awww, poor Josim! worried

Ah, fret not about Josym. Remember that he's around in Sleeping and Dreaming, plus the sequel, so it's pretty obvious he survived. And those stories come after this one. So no worries. He comes out alive and well (for the most part, the aftereffects of knowing his father wanted to kill him notwithstanding). But he lives, and endures.

Noelie
Times like this are very bad. People decide and think things not based in reality but fear

Agreed. That could be a risk for Palai if she were to follow that initial instinct, but she doesn't (this story would be over with pretty quickly if it she were to do something rash).

Her responses are right in line with a woman that loves deeply.

dianethx
So sad and angry. She feels that she has to do something but she is pretty powerless at the moment unless she can get others go to along with her.

Oh, Palai is definitely angry. As for others going along with her...trust me, she's not the only one dissatisfied with the state of affairs on Deiu. The story so far has only portrayed the dominate side, but there are other classes besides the aristocracy. Including a burgeoning upper middle class of sorts that is starting to make noise in the lower assembly. Not to say they're necessarily any better than the aristos, but there are some progressive-minded sorts in that class who can make things happen, just like there are some in the aristos that can push for change. That's not within the timeframe of this story, though, but I've got a potential sequel in mind where the Ancien Regime gets shaken up.

VaderLVR64
Your OCs are certainly complex and interesting people

That's because they're all currently camped out in my house. And they won't leave until I finish writing all their stories.

piratedreamer
[soapbox]I think the dark tone only illuminates what we have already been thinking; you've simply given us more reason to hate the corrupt society. I agree with dianethx and think all of their behavior is heinous. I am a little sad that Palai doesn't think she's as important as Josym, but at least she doesn't think herself completely worthless and I'm glad she ready to stand up against the powers that be. [/soapbox]

Way to go on the soapbox approach!

As for what you said, I guess in retrospect going the dark route wasn't such a bad idea after all. Yes, I do want the reader to hate the corrupt society. That's part of the whole point of this story. As for Palai thinking she is less

 

Great post. Poor Josym.

If the Old Regime was overthrown, what would replace it?

 

richly realized

evocative

episodic


days which weren't so long ago, but feel ancient and decayed like the ruins of a temple

lovely


LLL calls this a world in such heartfelt detail

indeed

 

Laine_Snowtrekker

Great post. Poor Josym.

Yeah, his father is a right arse. And one of these days, he'll have to be disposed of...or something.

If the Old Regime was overthrown, what would replace it?

I don't know at this point. There are two major legislative bodies on Deiu, the Council of the Ancients (run only by the aristocrats), and the Parliament of the Ascendants (where the upper middle class/bourgeoisie are in charge, along with some representing the lower classes). What I want to happen is some sort of unified government comprising both bodies merged into one. Like in England,they did away with the House of Lords a few years back. View the Council of the Ancients as the House of Lords in this post-Old Regime world.

But I am drawing a lot of inspiration from the French Revolution, so I do wonder if this could be accomplished without the needless bloodshed that occurred during the Reign of Terror.

For now, I'll just worry about this story.

ratna
richly realized

evocative

episodic

LLL calls this a world in such heartfelt detail

indeed

Thank you, thank you, and thank you.

 

Written at The Fifth Veiled Hour
It was back to the wardrobe for us. The second time around, this was a place to hatch an escape plan of sorts.

"Your uncle has put in a request for you to come visit at his manse, at least for a few weeks," I said, after I sat on the floor under a blue shimmersilk cape. I didn't move the thing, because I cared less about my discomfort than the dilemma of Josym's predicament.

Jos was standing over on the other side, tucked in the corner with the same gold and white robes he had worn for his Knighting Ceremony only ten days ago half-draped around his shoulders. To think we could fall down such a steep cliff and tumble into this horrible abyss in such a short time...

"The summer visit. The High Season is coming fast, " he murmured. "At least one tradition I can handle." We had been sitting in the glorified crawl space for about thirty minutes, and those were the first words he had spoken. "That's the Grand Escape?"

"It isn't unusual. You've gone there every summer since you were a boy."

"I was held back last summer because of the botched marriage negotiations." Josym finally knelt down on the floor. "Father thought it best to keep me imprisoned in the manor while Lord Kaalida and his whiny daughter came around and demanded a larger dowry."

That was true. The rumors had fluttered about all through Reunahn's residence during those six weeks. The kitchen girls usually chatter about various things that are of interest to those interested in gossip, but they can work as excellent sources of intelligence. When those gossipy wisps rise up from the kitchens to the bedchambers, then it becomes legitimate information that could be utilized by the wise and quick. So I found out the Prestat of Kaalida wanted a higher dowry than originally agreed upon in the first marriage contract five years ago, plus I also discovered the primary motive for this sudden decision; he isn't known colloquially as "Milord Debt" for nothing. The old boy is a notorious gambler, and chronically deprived of funds. So this is a last-minute plan to come down the mountainside with the precious daughter in tow.

"But it came to nothing," I said. At least we were out of the damned silent holding pattern that has burdened us the past three days, ever since the night of the revelation. "Milord Debt has come back around with his begging hat in one hand and the same old daughter in the other. He's borrowed your father's city residence for this Season. So it seems the negotiations are back on again. And Lord Reunahn has decided it would be good to invite the cavalcade along with the Prestat of Krischire and his rather appealing female offspring."


Josym obviously did not know of this counter offer for his marriage claim. As it was meant to be...my esteemed benefactor had just told me of this scheme last night before I was zipped back to the Di'sallach home. I had been called out of this cloistered insanity to the civilized surroundings that Lord Reunahn calls home. His manse is just far enough from the capital to let those inside keep their individual sanities, but close enough that one can access the few cultural merits of the city. The morning after the night that never should've happened, I received a summons from His Lordship, and had to leave without saying goodbye to Josym.

Forty-eight hours later, I still have no idea what my benefactor wants to achieve. What does he think can be gained by inviting his former father-in-law and the younger half-sister of his deceased first wife to the manse along with the Kaalida party? I can only assume the Prestat of Krischire is interested in making Jos the husband of his only daughter. Reunahn was cryptic about the matter when I asked him to elaborate. So I have no clue why he might want to pair his nephew with his departed wife's sibling. It's not illegal, and from what I have gleaned based upon that gossip circle, the daughter of Krischire is clever, well versed in the arts (she does have a fondness for paintings of the non-holographic kind, which seems like such an archaic interest). Plus she is attractive, especially compared to the portable Bantha that is the Kaalida girl. The only problem she seems to be afflicted with is an overly florid name: Aureielle Lasitreau. Somehow, it's almost beautiful, yet too fancy and sweet, like a slice of parechal cake smothered in rianberry sauce and choesette. Aureielle Di'sallach...well, there's a cumbersome name. I normally don't question my benefactor's logic, but I have to wonder about this scheme without presenting a candidate to the Council of Ancients.

"I don't want to get married."

"What?" Getting caught up in my own twisted labyrinth of thoughts means that I tune out every so often.

"Nobody ever thinks about the kids they're trying to pair up. Maybe some of them don't want to be transformed into baby making machines." Jos swayed back off his knees and thumped onto the floor. AI can't be the only one with some vague ambitions that aren't dynastic."

"There are others among the Prestatines."

"Oh, did you happen to speak with them during those encounters?"

"How many of them?" His right hand was clenched against his thigh, and I wondered for all the worlds just what had him agitated.

I soon received my answer. "How many other men have you been with besides my uncle?"

He was jealous. To think that a courtesan was not passed around like dessert wine is bizarre. I have not been with nearly as many aristo boys as my fellow sisters in Commitment. Lord Reunahn has been protective of me. But he couldn't prevent me from getting pulled away to initiate other heirs after their Ascendancies. In the past seven years, I have been shuttled to ten other Prestatures so I could take away the virginity of those heirs. My will is never my own, so any sadness was tossed aside in favor of approaching the situation with detachment. I performed my duty as requested with each heir, each young man more or less unpleasant than the others. At least I was fortunate to never be assigned as a permanent companion to any of those boys, though the Prestatine of Caduet developed a crush on me.

"I have to go where I'm called. There were others before you, and others shall follow once you're married and decide to upgrade to a younger courtesan."

"I would never do..."

"Of course you will. No matter what your intentions are right now, the longer you stay here, your soul will be poisoned."

"What if I don't stay here? Then I would be a different person, according to your theory."

"Most likely."

"But I'm not like the others you've been with. Believe me. It burns my soul to realize you have to be what you are."

"This is only a state of life. It has to be endured until it's over."

"Any state can be changed."

"Not always. Let's worry about your future. Getting away from here is the best option for you right now."

"What about you?"

"It's not in the flow, Jos. Accept the truth."

 

I can understand her reticence.

It is thought heroic to risk everything for the benefit or happiness of others. What about risking everything for a chance at one's own happiness...?