Oh what a circus -Natalie

Tid: Doomsville kort efter oprør
Sted: Grays hus
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It was one quite fortunate lady Gray whose mansion still stood in livable conditions. Fortunate some might believe but currently that very demon was in quite a bit of despair, standing in the doorway with a wild bouquet of roses. The melancholy stare into what from the look on her face seemed an abyss. What a mess this usually composed woman looked with the singular eyebrow hair astray and roses held with gloveless hands.  

The servants’ quarters had been hit hardest, would the demon be sulking as much had it her warderobe suffering? Oh yes indeed, but as useless as she considered a lady without a corset and gloves for every occasion… well just as useless was she it turns out without servants around her.  Some had perished that dreadful night, some simply never returned. The most distressing being Mrs Paynes injury, the chef she had come to adore more than advised one should with staff. One might diagnose the poor lady with a case of projecting motherly lackings but she preferred blaming this current distress on her cats suffering a mediocre diet. Only two servant girls having returned and Mrs Payne bedridden, partly due to the ladys own insistence, Lena was quite at unease form the current state of affairs. In hast she dropped the roses and whirled herself on to the divan, one of wooden rose carvings and Gray Bordeaux brocade patterns. She felt at the moment quite inferior to the furnishing. Barely having bothered to get dressed. Well to be fair underdressed in Gray standards is quite different from the regular sense of the word. The full lace morning robe with fabric vines of grape leaves was perhaps finer than anything a peasant would ever see. However the humiliating notion of hair plainly braided without even pearl strings seemed a defeat.  

A necessity to figure out though as Archibald kept getting entangled in demonic locks. She had decided to bring home the very first kitten rescued that night, and appreciative he sure was. On her shoulder most of the time the grey wooly cat found himself. A comfort at least, that her two companions and now Archie had been safe and settling back in. How the distress of the night and now the lack of Mrs Paynes cooking would affect Erica was still a concern, her being the most fragile cat of the house… well compared to Lena she was doing well in fact. Currently observing her owner from a safe highs shelf, a pearl replacing her left eye.  

Lady Gray still somber lifted up the approaching grey kitten and placed him on her chest in an attempt of comfort, just when a servant approached in nervous matter.  

“ Lady  von Tenebris has arrived my lady. Forgive me we did not know you were expecting company”

The nervous girl stumbled over her words. And blame her, Lena could not. An encounter with aunt Natalie, as she was known to Juniper, was no laughing matter were you to misstep. Now naturally Lena had brains to respect such authority. And well Natalie had… been … a comfort to Juniper that she could respect. A clever woman one should not underestimate in fact. Oh encountering any guest in too simple of garments would be a humiliation but an archdemon of such… terrifying capabilities had Madelena Gray nearly demon faint.  

“I… need to get dressed! Why on earth am I not dressed?”

The even more so, distressed Lady Gray cried, grabbing Archie leaving the servant girl confused.

With no time or proper ladies maids at hand she threw over a tapestry cloak with Theodoras likeness portrayed to make herself presentable, added her signature pair of pearl gloves and covered her hair with a veil. All… most… some… anxieties repressed she emerged to greet her unexpected visitor.

“Natalie von Tenebris, I was not expecting company but I am honored”

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Der var noget sært tilfredsstillende over det udtryk, som langsomt havde malet sig i ansigtet på den stakkels tjenestepige, der havde fået fornøjelsen af at åbne døren for ingen ringere end Natalie Von Tenebris. En form for krybende rædsel, der hurtigt skiftede til decideret panik, da dæmonen bedte om at blive lukket ind. Og om hun ville sende bud til husets Lady? Ind kom hun, da det endelig lykkedes tjenestepigen at samle sig nok til at huske sin pligt. I hvert fald nok tid til at tage imod hendes kappe, og bede hende vente et øjeblik inden, at pigen hastigt forsvandt afsted for at advare sin frue. Det mørke blik betragtede ryggen af pigen forsvinde, og vendte så opmærksomheden imod resten af hendes omgivelser. Et øjeblik mærkede hun et stik af misundelse. For selvom det imponerende palæ tilhørende dagens hovedperson, Lady Gray, befandt sig i selvsamme bydel som hendes eget, så lod det til, at skaderne efter de sidste dages hændelser var på et minimum. Natalies derimod, kunne man knapt kalde et palæ længere. Selvom røgen efterhånden var ophørt, så var mere end halvdelen af palæet så forkullet, at mange knapt turde vove sig ind i resterne for at redde noget som helst. Det var dog lykkedes at grave noget tøj ud, som hun måtte nøjedes med for en stund, indtil de enten kunne redde resten eller få kreeret noget nyt. Familiens arvestykker var dog mindst lige så vigtige - og hendes legetøj selvfølgelig. Desværre lod det til, at sidstnævnte havde taget det hårdeste slag. Natalies legeværelse var stort set ikke eksisterende efter branden. Det havde ikke gjort noget godt for humørets hos den lille dæmon, hvis dage allerede føltes pressede nok på det slotsværelse, som hun midlertidigt lånte hos Lord McGivens. Så hun havde besluttet sig for at komme lidt ud.

Hendes første tanke havde været at arrangere et par besøg med sine kontakter i byen. Sikre sig, at de ikke alle var omkommet efter kampen om byen. Men med tanke på, hvor længe palæet formentlig ville være ubeboeligt, havde det slået hende, at det fungerede som en glimrende mulighed for en længere rejse. Graceling-familien havde hun ikke set længe, og de boede trods alt et stykke væk. Bare tanken om at se Juniper igen var nok til, at hun tog beslutningen. Natalie havde aldrig været kendt for sine varme følelser, og da slet ikke hvad angik familie. Men Graceling datteren havde altid haft en særlig plads hos hende, lige siden, at hun mødte det ustyriske lille pigebarn for første gang. Måske var det kaoset der altid omgav hende, eller det faktum, at latinske gloser var noget af det eneste, hun lod til at kunne spytte efter folk dengang. Men et bånd var i hvert fald blevet formet, og det holdt stadigvæk stærkt efter alle disse år. Netop med tanke på niecen, slog det hende, at Juniper på et tidspunkt havde nævnt noget om en… veninde… i byen. Madelena Gray. Sjæledæmon, præcis som hende selv, og tidligere elev på kostskolen Isle of Pearls. En skole Natalie kendte ganske godt fra hendes egen tid som elev, der efterhånden virkede til at være en livstid siden. Juniper havde ikke ligefrem været gavmild med detaljerne omkring hendes bekendtskab med Lady Gray, men heldigvis syntes den velansete adelskvinde ikke svær at opstøve. Så her stod hun. Som resultatet af en sjælden impulsiv beslutning, og uden et egentlig formål andet end at rode lidt op i tingene. Og så skadede det vel ikke at have styr på, hvorvidt dæmonen kunne vise sig brugbar i fremtiden. Hun havde i hvert fald opført sig fornuftigt, hvad angik ægteskab. Det viste de nydelige omgivelser i allerhøjeste grad.

Optaget af at beundre et af de mange vellavede landskabsmalerier der prydede hjemmet, fangede hun pludselig lyden af fodtrin. Afslappet, vendte den lille barn skikkelse sig imod, hvad hun mente måtte være Lady Gray i egen høje dæmon. Med et roligt smil, nejede hun ganske let, inden at hun rettede sig op igen, hvorefter hun viftede kort med den ene hånd, næsten som et forsøg på at blæse Lenas bekymringer bort.

“Lady Gray. Do forgive my sudden unannounced appearance. I was… what does one say… in the area? And with all that’s been going on with the city these past days, I thought it would be only right to check up on some of my fellow demons. So perhaps, you could spare me a moment of your time for a cup of tea?”

Trying her very demon best, Lena set out to out lady all the ladies caught off guard by a terrifying tale of woe now in their living room. Every demon with any sense ought to shiver if just a demon ounce with an archdemon, yet alone leader of species in they presence. But Madelena Gray had been subject to quite some tales of this woman from a rarely close source. Aunt Natalie… that tile was more terrifying than the womans actual rank… The Gracelings dear dread infusing friend had been a comfort to a young Juniper, that much Lena had gathered. The arch demon lady must indeed care for Juniper and vice versa, for the threat of aunt Natalie was ever present growing up around the lovely Graceling daughter. Behave or I will call upon aunt Natalie… was a sentence spoken to many foes at the pearly isle… any noble girl would be put in their place.  But no one heard as many intimate details of the threat as Lena.

The demonic lady herself now all grown up ought perhaps not fear an old childish tale as much, but deep demon down the little girl was present yet again. A noble lady is what she herself  was known to be, if any knucklehead in this town can handle this important a visit it was clearly her, she had to remind herself. And put on her lady smile, her curtsey and charm she did. Having placed herself in perfect symmetry with her entrance isle, between wooden doorframe carvings, making her house look enchanted. Erica and Lavinia stood besides her in their usual manner, thank demon heavens Erica bore the pearly eye that day. No less would have been proper for such a visit. Stroking back a single strand of hair in risk of escaping her veils pearly hold, Lena addressed Lady Tenebris greeting.


“ But of course Lady  Von Tenebris, I would never leave a fine guest, least of all another pearl sister in need of tea. I pray you forgive our household not being to it’s usual standards, these past days have truly wreaked havoc on us all… It is an honor to host you my Lady… and given the tragedies upon your own home you must tell if anything is needed….”

It went rather well and Lady Grays voice barely had dread in it as she lead Natalie to her drawing room. In perfect elegance she spoke and walked in polite but firm lady manner. When out the silk storage chambers flew Archibald right towards them. A kitten still unruly and a string of scratch fabric stuck to his vest… he galloped… well until he slid down the carved and coated oakwood floors… tiny head first right in to aunt Natalies leg. A dread now visible on the ladys demon face she turned to her guest in mortified noble sighs before placing the wild kitten on her shoulder.


“My deepest apologies, forgive Archibald, he is new… Do you… have cats of your own?”

Lena lead  her guest to an intricate bronze tea table, besides a painting of gray manor perfectly framed by rose branches. When a servant girl came to take order Lena demanded the pearlies of cups in seashell plates.

“We have quite a variety in floral and fruit teas, I promise you my kitchen is no Aberdeen Leeda. Are any particular wishes in order?”

She demon smiled attempting to remain calm in that little pearl isle humor. An embarrassing and still remembered part of pearl isle history was a puritan Aberdeen attempting to teach a bunch of noble girls simpler ways… those including limitation of pleasures from ingesting beverages. One needs no history book to tell you how long Leedas reign (lived) lasted.

Præcis som Natalie havde beundret sine omgivelser for blot et øjeblik siden, lod hun blikket diskret over husets ejermand - samt hendes tre følgesvende. En egenskab som enhver lady med respekt for sig selv burde mestre efter et ophold på den berømte Perleø. Madelena Gray var en smuk kvinde, ingen tvivl om det. Nu interesserede den slags ikke ligefrem Natalie, men hun kunne godt lide at observere folk. Hun holdt af at studerede deres kropsprog, de små diskrete signaler som mange sendte uden egentlig at være klar over det, samt de forskellige køn og racers forskelligheder i fremtoning, tale og meget andet. Lena var ingen undtagelse. Og den lille dæmon noterede sig da også, at på trods af kvindens lettere skælvende undertone i sit stemmeleje, så bar hun sig selv med en ynde der sikkert kunne få enhver abbedisse til at klappe i ren og skær begejstring. Det var egentlig svært for hende at se, hvordan dæmonen foran hende skulle være af samme klasseårgang som hendes kære Juniper. For hvor Graceling-datteren uden tvivl gik gennem tilværelsen med en unik form for skønhed, så var hendes bevægelser vilde. Uforudsigelige. Ikke til at tæmme ifølge, ja… stort set alle man turde spørger. For hvor man måske ville forvente det samme mønster hos Madalena - en dæmon trods alt - så var hendes bevægelser ømme. Næsten forsigtige. Det kunne godt være, at kvinden i virkeligheden bar en blodtørst, men hvad Natalie huskede, så havde hun altid virket… blød. Underligt følsom og en anelse tilbageholdende, selv for en sjæledæmon. Men, det holdt hende trods alt kørende blandt de adelige, og Natalie havde derfor ikke tænkt sig at påpege noget omkring sagen. Endnu. Nu måtte man jo se, hvordan mødet bar sig ad.

“Thank you, Lady Gray. Your hospitality is much appreciated. And you needn't worry about me. I’ve found a temporary solution, and hopefully it won’t be long before workers are able to start rebuilding my home. So, let’s save that favor for another day, shall we? Besides, it sounds like you’ve got your hands full anyway. How are you doing after the… incident?”

Hændelsen. Massemordene. Krigen. Ja, hvad kaldte man det egentlig? Natalie ville egentlig mene, at der var tale om en mindre borgerkrig, men det virkede stadigvæk en anelse voldsomt at bruge ordet. Specielt i samtale med individer der allerede virkede en anelse skrøbelige, og måske ikke var helt klar på at anerkende, hvad der egentlig var sket lige udenfor hoveddøren. I det mindste var stort set alle ligene blevet afhentet og sendt til forbrænding. Det lugtede stadigvæk, men det skyldes efterhånden mere vinden, som bar røgen med sig fra lig bålene beliggende udenfor byen. Når man nu talte om steder udenfor Doomsville… Isle of Pearls. Akademiet. Endnu en ting, udover Juniper og livet som adelig, som de to dæmoner havde tilfælles. På trods af at Perleøen efterhånden havde været et overstået kapitel i hendes liv de sidste mange hundrede år, strømmede minderne tilbage,  hun desuden bemærkede perle-detaljerne gemt i kvindens outfit - og kattens endda. Lena lod da også til at huske Natalies egen tid som elev på øen, og hun var et øjeblik temmelig lettet over, at hun i dagens anledning havde valgt at tilføje lidt perle dekorationer til sit eget outfit. Egentlig havde hun først overvejet den berømte perle broche, som mirakuløst nok lod til at have overlevet branden, modsat så meget andet, og som var ganske velkendt blandt øens elever. Men, i stedet havde hun ombestemt sig i sidste øjeblik, velvidende hendes egen broche næppe kunne måle sig kunne måle sig med øens seneste pragteksemplar af en lady. Madelenas rygte løb hende i forvejen, og havde reddet Natalie fra en pinlig affære. I stedet havde Natalie tilføjet en spinkel perlekæde om halsen, samt valgt at pynte det mørke, flettede hår med et kønt, perlebroderet, hårspænde til at holde på de værste vildfarne lokker. Det måtte trods alt være nok anerkendelse til søsterskabet for denne gang.

Natalie, fordybet i minderne om en gammel og glemt tid, fulgte villigt med husets frue, som hun ledte dem videre gennem huset. Efter kort tid ankom de til endnu et overdådigt lokale, fyldt med skønheder i alverdens former og farver - men uden et eneste spor af tjenestefolk i sigte. Netop, som den lille dæmon unge gik og undrede sig, fik hun i stedet fornemmelsen af noget andet, som pludselig kom farende imod dem. Alt for lille til at være noget som helst brugbart, og tydeligvis en anelse ukoordineret, som væsenet gled med hovedet først ind i hendes små ben. Det var lige før, at Natalie knapt bemærkede fornemmelsen, så blød og pjusket, som den lille killing tog sig ud. Forundret vendte hun de store, blå øjne ned mod katten, og overvejede et kort øjeblik at løfte den op i nakkeskindet, for at studere den nærmere, da en hånd pludselig kom hende i forvejen. Natalie rettede sig op igen, og kastede i stedet blikket mod Lena, som nu stod med killingen i sikkerhed. Hendes spørgsmål kom ikke rigtig bag på Natalie, men alligevel kunne hun ikke afholde sig fra at le kort, imens et afslappet smil fandt vej.

“No cats, I’m afraid. They usually don’t last very long, once they’ve been through three sets of teeth. I have… dogs… you see.”

Og så, som om det var det mest naturlige i hele verden at diskutere tilfældige tabte katteliv, fortsatte de turen. Natalie stadigvæk med et afslappet udtryk malet over det blege barneansigt, og med hænderne foldet pænt foran sig. Hun kunne egentlig godt lide katte - dog SLET ikke på niveau med Madelana Gray - men hun fandt dem egentlig ret upraktiske. Alt for skrøbelige. Så derfor nøjedes hun med det eneste væsen, som lod til at passe ind i hendes lille kaotiske familiehjem. Tempus.

“And thank the gods for that! But, as long as it is sweet enough, I’m happy to try anything new. Why don’t you surprise me, Lady Gray?”

En lille, ganske simpel test. Men hun kunne ikke lade være. Hun påskønnede kvindens forsøg på humor, som lidt af en historienørd selv, men spørgsmålet var blot, om hun ville nyde kvindens smag i te på samme måde? Nysgerrig på at se, hvordan parterne reagerede på forespørgslen, lod hun blikket glide fra Madelena videre til tjenestepigen. Natalie kendte knapt sit eget the-udvalg på trods af hendes forkærlighed for drikken, da tjenestefolkene som regel stod for at have hendes favoritter hjemme. Lena derimod lod til at vide meget om, hvad der foregik i huset, ikke mindst dets inventar. Formentlig blev det derfor også dæmonen selv, som tog ansvaret for at vælge. Et svært valg, når man tænkte på, hvor opsat Lena virkede på at behage sin gæst mest muligt.

The Gray lady remembered her childhood encounters well with this terrifying aunt of Junipers. Not that a young Lena would show much of it, weakness… she had even embroidered Natalie a handkerchief she believed out of pure demon respect. An act of hospitality Juniper had found important to outdo in a musical composition for her favorite aunt, assuring she remained the favorite niece. Not that Lena would have dared to compete, no her own great aunt Agnes was odd perhaps and old fashioned in the Gray way… but Natalie, bore an aura that demanded obedience, perfection, amusement. Some have claimed Madelena Gray herself did as well but oh my demon god had they not met the child aunt. And now? Now the archdemon had retrieved to her household for a good demon supper perhaps or a deal? Was the eerie child woman up to something she wondered? Three things she was sure of, Natalie was terrifying, a part of her self longed to see behind the curtains of Doomsvilles current unknown fate and third… the demon lady was oh so very relieved her house was yet to be filled with her human sister in law and… children.

See Bedelia Haynes and her five daughters had been out of town at the gruesome night of proletariat nonsense. And as many others had their property burnt, not that Alarics old house has been much to write home about. But given the friendship of sorts with her fellow Haynes widow, they would in few days time return to stay in the Gray manor. How a house full of humans and … children… ought to affect an already ladies maid less demon with politics to meddle in… only time would tell but at least they were to be spared her own childhood terror of Natalie Von Tenebris. Well Natalie was the one present and Lena herself had questions to ask along with an aunt to impress.

”I am pleased to see you well, again my condolences for anything lost. I suppose my property was one of the fortunate tales, though with missing servants… dead ones sad of course. It is rather a chaotic a time, I would assume you know more than I at the moment, as it comes to the fate of Doomsville, I do hope the leadership is aware of my assistance being offered”

And she would offer her self appointed invaluable intel if asked, a burnt down city seemed a blessing and a curse for one demon lady with aspiration of intrigue jet limited coping skills for basic function.

Archibald was one creature with zero idea of taxation nor noble grace, one could not exactly send him off to Aberdeen classes for wayward kittens. But safe he was at least though attempting to de-veil his owner at the moment. The chaotic furballs shenanigans were however not of concern put next to Natalies words. She heard the tales of a demon aunts house of course, slaves left sleepless and toothless, creatures going bump in the night, and somehow a confirmation from the small calm womans voice bore much more eerie a tone than Junipers almost gleeful tellings. Repressing dreadful images this archdemon had brought to mind, she merely nodded repressing a cat ladys demon pain.

“… I do hope they are well too… the dogs”

Dogs she never wished to encounter, that went for most dogs in fact.

The two pearly gilded ladies of demonic grace had of course to play a game of beverage snobbey, a game Lena rather enjoyed. Although she had questions, and Natalie answers of the higher stakes kind. Of the towns future and state, she figured sweetening up the leader was in order first and foremost. A confident smile she put on as she gave the terrified maid her order. Natalie had asked for sweetness, a simple adjective, giving Lena room to read her wants. Lady von Tenebris was refined, demanded the finer rarities, vanilla… sweetness was an ask of flavor… berries of prime quality…. And something about this child woman had Lena wondering if she enjoys small creatures acting her servants, bees? Natures kitchen maids, honey.

“I hope you like a vanilla blend, it is hard to come by nowadays but I have my contacts on the Pearl Isle still, with a base of wild strawberries from the Forestina estate, and honey if you desire the greater sweetness. My kitchen does also have biscuits ready if you desire, I was wed to a human once old habits die hard.”

Lena felt the last comment needed to clarify, unsure how Natalie viewed human food consumption.

Det første Natalie noterede sig var måden, hvorpå Madelena Gray omtalte sine nu afdøde tjenestefolk. Trist tillod hun sig at kalde det, næsten som om, at hun faktisk havde ondt af dem. Ømme følelser som Natalie slet ikke fandt passende mellem en Lady og hendes tjenestefolk - og da slet ikke en dæmon. Ganske vist var kvinden blevet alene for blot få år siden, men man skulle da tro, at dæmonen havde bedre selskab at knytte sig til, end dem som stod for at fodre hende til dagligt. Nu var det ikke ligefrem nogen hemmelighed, at The Grays aldrig havde været kendt for deres husslaver - snarere tværtimod - men afskyen, som Natalie havde sporet hos dæmonen som barn på et helt andet niveau, end hvad hun før havde set blandt sine artsfælle. Hun mindedes udmærket stunder hjemme hos Graceling familien, hvor den unge Madelena havde virket decideret ukomfortabel omgivet af slaverne, som både hun og Juniper havde bragt med sig rundt. Ikke at de havde taget hensyn til dæmonen af den grund, men det havde alligevel været ret tankevækkende at se hende undgå dem på den måde. Natalie havde aldrig skænket det tanken før nu, men med den slags ubehag havde det uden tvivl være lidt af en roddet process at finde folk til at passe huset, da først hun fik ansvaret for den slags. Og nu lod det til, at hun skulle tvinge sig selv igennem hele den pinefulde process én gang til. Og alene endda. Natalie skulle lige til at anbefale en glimrende slavehandler hun engang havde mødt ved et tilfælde, men blev hurtigt afbrudt i sin tankestrøm, da Madelena pludselig nævnte lederskabet af Doomsville. Sean? Havde de en forbindelse? Det tog hende et øjeblik at respondere, men da hun endelig svarede, var det stadigvæk med et smil på læben.

“ Servants can be replaced. Easily, might I add. The biggest concern would be you having to spend time training them to your exact preferences, but I assume that you’re already quite familiar with this, despite your age, correct?” Natalie løftede et enkelt øjenbryn for at understrege spørgsmålet inden, at hun fortsatte. Egentlig handlede det mere om at bekræfte, at Lena sagtens kunne fungere som den adelige lady, som hun var opdraget til at være, og se bort fra et par simple liv gået tabt. “Regarding your assistance offered to the higher powers in Doomsville, I assume that you are referring to Lord McGivens?”

Der var noget, som rumsterede et sted i baghovedet, hvad angik Lady Gray og Lord McGivens. Og netop, som overvejede, om hendes perfekte hukommelse for en gangs skyld havde svigtet hende, så dukkede der noget op. Et minde. Spioner der for et års tid siden havde aflagt rapport omkring Herskeren af byen, spottet i netop dette nabolag. Han havde ikke forsøgt at holde sig hemmelig, men var kommet anstigende i karet direkte fra slottet, så hun havde ikke givet selve besøget meget eftertanke. Men ved Lenas ord vækkede der sig en ny interesse for de to dæmoners potentielle forhold.

Med hensyn til Lenas kommentar angående hundehovederne, der gemte sig hjemme hos Natalie (på borgen rettere sagt), valgte hun blot at nikke som bekræftelse på, at de skam havde det godt. Sandheden var dog en lidt anden. Det enorme hundelignende dyr var ikke ligefrem var vant til at være spærret inde så lang tid ad gangen, som de havde måtte finde sig i efter krigen, og det havde allerede kostet et par møbler livet. Ikke noget, som ikke kunne erstattes, men Guderne forbyde, at hunden fik fat i tjenestefolkene i stedet. For selvom de mindste lige så nemt kunne erstattes i hendes verden, så lod Sean, præcis som aftenens værtinde, til at være underligt knyttede til sine folk. Nogle gange følte hun virkelig, at dæmonerne var på vej ned af et skråplan, men alle de blødsødne idéer som hun efterhånden, blev mødt af hos flere og flere af dem. Ikke desto mindre forståelse en rar ting, og Lady Gray lod heldigvis til at forstået lige præcis, hvad Natalie havde bedt om.

“Excellent suggestion, Lady Gray! I’ll have my tea with honey and biscuits on the side.”

Det var stadigvæk svært for hende at se, hvorfor et væsen så rent og magtfuld som en dæmon, ville ægte sig med noget så simpelt, som et menneske. Natalie kendte dog udmærket til den afdøde mands familiehistorik, og betragtede udelukkende ægteskab som en succes af den grund. Men trods alt, hvad ellers kunne man forvente efter et ophold på Perleøen, hvor meget af deres tid blev brugt på at forfine deres egenskaber som fremtidige ladies - og hustruer. Natalie havde da overvejet tanken engang, udelukkende for at skabe en magtfuld forbindelse gennem ægteskab, men fandt tanken om at skulle dele tilværelsen med et andet væsen på den måde så… frastødende… at hun aldrig var gået videre med idéen. Og det passede hende stadigvæk ganske fint her 500 år senere.

“ Ah yes, your late husband. I’m afraid I never met him personally, but I heard he was very… human. I cannot even imagine living with one of those. But from the looks of it, you handled yourself very well. No heirs I take it?”

”Indeed it is in hassle of standard maintenance that the travesty lies.”

Madelena added, in truth there were servants she cared for more than others and the ones now gone she would not weep for. However, it seemed common curtsey for the demon lady to speak with an ounce of respect for those passed on who had not proved themself worthy of scrutiny. Most of her servants by now she had barely bothered learning names of besides for Mrs. Payne, however there was no desire to see them torn apart or perish in flames either, rather unappealing way to go really, burnt flesh and gore all around, a mess… However Lena rarely desired an image of gentle heartedness and in front of Natalie Von Tenebris, the large connoisseur of well gory demon adventures especially… she felt the need to clarify herself.

”Rather rude just as they are taught well they go and die on us… unbelievable.”

The Lady Von Tenebris legends and demon circles spoke of was enough of a fear inducing tale, however memories of aunt Natalie from the Graceling house managed to outdo the very dreadful reputation. In fact Lena was almost certain she had seen her wipe off a piece of slave flesh from her face with the handkerchief gifted her by Lena, in an odd way the memory was beautiful in a macabre manner, a finely embroidered piece of cloth with roses and pretty dolls, covered in blood stains so oddly fitting. Eerie in a manner almost resembling her own aunt Lenores beauty. The ghost like woman with feasting ravens on her gowns. Had the memory of Natalie not been well… a show of slave punishment perhaps she would have painted the image herself. See the Grays were a proud family in their ways and slave ownership considered a vulgar affair, plenty of literature written of both moral and elitist mindsets put out thereof. Lena however was not at this very moment about to discuss this trade with the aunt of many traumas and so she merely smiled a polite demon smile.

”My household will be up to standards soon enough, you can trust that, as a fellow pearl sister we mange in class even in most dire of times”

Lena had indeed referred to Sean Mcgivens as Natalie stated, little more fascinating a deal than she would share with Natalie but curious she was of state affairs after all the hassle.

”Yes I have joined Lord Mcgivens council and assisted financially before … well that dreadful night. I am aware leadership has their hands full and my assistance is still very much available. The city will need rebuilding and cleaning up still I believe, can you tell me have they disposed of all the departed yet?”

A morbid curiosity of Doomsvilles state as well as an eagerness to share her own demon wisdom was behind the ladies words as she almost forgot her fear for one moment, eyes glowing in the potential of political interference. Also relieved scary aunt Nat had approved of her tea suggestion she was glowing in hostess glory.

With a respectful nod to her guest, Lena thought carefully how to explain the human situation of her marriage. Perhaps the human part would be more of an oddity for this lady than how the boys were disposed of but being too upfront with your husbands murder still seemed a risk, perhaps Natalie would know eventually but she decided first to test the waters. Almost smiling in sardonic a manner at human absurdity she spoke.


”The Haynes family? Oh indeed a human flock. Odd company many of them are your sentiment I fully understand. Well marriage is a weapon… and human fortune can be put to good use.”

“Exactly. They should know better than to simply perish like that.”

Det var helt tydeligt, at Natalie mente det alvorligt. I hendes verden havde slaverne ikke andet at leve for end at tjene dem, som tog dem til sig. Reddede dem fra et usselt liv på gaden eller værre endnu… bordellerne… hvilket gav dem rig mulighed for at opleve, hvad det ville sige at bo adeligt. Jovist, det var ikke alle fornøjelserne, som slaver havde fornøjelsen af at tage part i, men det virkede trods alt mere tiltalende i hendes verden, end at fortære tilfældigt slam fundet på gaden, imens de skurrede sig sammen i små, faldefærdige huse. Præcis som i Rotten Root. Bydelen var uden tvivl noget af det absolut værste ved Doomsville, efter hendes egen ydmyge mening, men hun var samtidig klar over, at det var en nødvendighed. Slummen var et rent tag selv bord af desperate sjæle, som hver dag ledte efter en vej ud. Det gav rig mulighed for mange væsner til at få stillet sulten, eller for slavehandlerne til at få fyldt depoterne. Og så, nu og da, skete det, at en enkelt slap igennem nåleøjet. Flygtede ud af underklassens greb, og fik stablet sig et anstændigt liv på benene.

“Oh, given your reputation, I have no doubts that you’ll have this house running soon enough, Lady Gray. Even among us sisters you excelled, after all.”

Var det en snert af bitterhed, som kunne spores hos den lille dæmon? Hvad det så end var, forsvandt det lige så hurtigt som dug for solen i det øjeblik, at Lena afslørede samarbejdet mellem de to dæmoner, som tilsyneladende var gået fuldstændig forbi hendes næse. En del af det indre råd simpelthen? Ingen tvivl om, at The Grays var en særdeles velhavende og velkendt flok, ikke blot blandt dæmonerne, men ligeledes blandt de fleste adelige spredt ud gennem Underworld. Familien havde trods alt en hulens masse tråde i luften, og hun havde forståelsen af, at andre medlemmer end blot Lena havde formået at gifte sig ganske fornuftigt. Alligevel måtte Sean have spottet noget ganske unikt hos kvinden, som han havde vurderet værdifuldt nok til at bringe det helt tæt ind til hjertet af Doomsville. Natalie foldede hænderne foran sig, alvorsfuldt, som hun kastede et blik op mod Lady Gray. En underlig ømhed var at spore, næsten som om, at hun faktisk kunne mistænkes for at kære for, hvad situationen betød for resten af byens borgere.

“It shouldn’t be long now. Guards and others have been working day and night to ensure the city’s return, and despite the overwhelming amount of casualties, it seems we’ll be there soon enough.”

Dæmonen sukkede melodramatisk, som hun kastede et blik ud af nærmeste vindue. Det var sandt, at tabene havde været mange. Flere end først antaget. Men ingen blandt gruppens tre deltagere lod til at det mindste. Udrensningen havde været en nødvendighed, og selvom det var langsommeligt arbejde, så ville byen rejse sig igen. Spurgte man hende, ville Natalie insistere på at gøre det samme igen, om nødvendigt, selv med de ting hun vidste nu. Den slags behøvede man dog næppe at diskutere med nabolagets finere folk. Efter en kort kunstpause vendte de blå øjne sig mod Lenas skikkelse endnu engang.

“But alas… such a catastrophe upon the city, is bound to have its consequences, not just with loss of creatures within its walls, but also a great chaos among the ones keeping it together. This you might have already experienced first hand… with so many mouths spreading the word at the moment, it’s hard to keep track, even with eyes and ears everywhere - even for me. No, what I really need is someone I can trust. Perhaps… someone like yourself, Lady Gray?”

Eftersom de stadig befandt sig uden siddepladser, tillod hun sig at standse helt op for at vende sig imod den ældre udseende dæmon. Det var vigtigt, at hun bar kvindens fulde opmærksomhed, og samtidig havde mulighed for at udforske hendes reaktion på tilbuddet. For det var vel egentlig, hvad det handlede om. Et tilbud. En udstrakt arm. Det var ikke til at sige - endnu - hvad Sean havde tilbudt hende. Magt? Politisk indflydelse? Men Natalie havde andre kort at spille på, som forhåbentlig skulle vise sig mindst lige så interessante. Hun tillod et kort oprigtigt smil angående Lenas kommentar omkring sin afdøde ægtemands skæbne, inden hun fortsatte.

“You would be compensated for your time, of course. Rising amongst demonkind and even compensated financially… if that is what you wish.”

”Fools…”

Was all the terrified, demon lady could add, with a shrug, to aunt Natalies honesty. They had quite different approaches it seems, to the necessity of blood spill and human pet ownership. But on this particular matter, her elitist demon ego had to agree. Fools that dared go and die, what was she to do? Get dressed by herself? That seems a waste of time spent on a decent novel.

Now the flattery, was one approach even this odd lady could not resist, coming from a terrifying but undoubtedly clever source… well it made her smile, a pretty manic smile. As a child, Lena had not quite managed to figure out the mystery of Natalie Von Tenebris. Despite from the young age of five, considering herself af decent judge og character and quite the detective. Those assumptions deriving form criminal fiction novels and her brothers being easy to deem fools at first glance. Gray family dinners were a simple affair, compared to the force encapsulated in a child figure. She supposed Natalies approval was one she had craved, craved or desired for survival purposes, who demon knows with these two ladies off chaos.


”Where some see ashes, a Gray sees an equal amount of ashes. But flourish we will. Both of us, I am sure. Us pearl sisters know of resilience after all.”

Lena had her plans of grandeur… surely. Doomsville too glorious of an opportunity to look past, a dark beauty with glaring cracks. Amusing, almost how Ludwig had approached the matter of coin theory in so flimsy a manner. Being from self-made a family and business affairs in his veins, one would think her ideas would have an ounce of interest to the boy. Especially given they met at Doomsvilles university, economic analysis her forte… Even then, papers she wrote, ideas of financial prospects they were only of use when applied to the family’s sinking business that he got to evade responsibility for… But as time went by, even he got put to good use, his bones now a beautiful cane… The Grays were known for their pragmatic flare after all, combined with tradition and value of craft. Doomsville needed… a similar approach, it needed care… care not yet put to work by city or Gray law... Was Lady Von Tenebris correct in her assumption of care for the people however? Well let us say she would deny it if asked.

”I have noticed… I am sure you yourself have a hand In returning order for us all. Do you happen to know, whether the casualties have been put to use? See a source of revenue can be found in harvesting bones of the deceased, it is quite solid and beautiful crafting material. If not, someone ought to get on it!”


Now there it was… Why Lady Von Tenebris had sought her out, an offer no demon could refuse. Literally she figured, as a demon… one with a brain… she figured refusing would put the doom in Doomsville. However, the dark eyes glistened, almost in madness, fear barely showing emerging… for now.

”Tell me more...please”

“We sure do, Lady Gray.”

Det tog i hvert fald - eller rettere havde taget - hver en fiber af hendes lille krop at beherske sig for ikke at flå hovederne af særligt abbedissens, de dage som havde været rigtig lange. På trods af det tydeligvis havde været i familiens bedste intentioner at sende til øen i håbet om, at det ville efterlade hende med en vis kundskab og viden nok til at kunne styre Von Tenebris slægtens finanser og godset alene, så havde hun relativt hurtigt erfaret, at det med at sende en komplet nyudklækket archdemon afsted til en skole fyldt med snobbede teenagepiger og uendelige mængder af drama, var en frygtelig dårlig idé. Ikke mange havde forståelse for en skikkelse så ung som Natalie betrådte gangene, og pludselig blandede sig i undervisningen. Drillerierne var startet små. Harmløse faktisk. Men da de pludselig overskred grænsen en simpel, lun forårsdag, så havde det blot krævet en ganske simpel demonstration for at sikre, at den slags ikke skete igen. Nogensinde. Natalie havde været ganske alene resten af sin studietid, hvilket blev vurderet som værende bedst for alle parterne. Stædighed var det, som havde fået hende igennem skolen. Ikke søsterskabet. Men den slags følte hun intet behov for at bringe op i samtalen, med skolens egen præmiedæmon. Desuden var det mange år siden. Ting var sket, og hendes skoletid havde trods alt været fyldt med eksemplariske eksempler inden for det akademiske. Sociale forhold var noget, som hun havde tillært sig meget, meget senere.

“Given that most casualties stem from the poor, a decision was made to burn most if not all the bodies. For the sake of the city, of course. After all, you never know what type of horrible stuff that might hide under the flesh of those of... lower standards. Even their bones might be affected! I’ve seen it before. But if you so wish, I could have someone investigate if there might be something salvable amongst the ashes. Would this be of interest to you, Lady Gray?”

Nu skadede det aldrig at lokke lidt, eftersom Natalies helt tydelige mål denne eftermiddag var at få lokket dæmonens gunst til sig. Men hvor skræmmende og overfladisk, Natalies ord måske lød, så var der et snert af sandhed over dem. For en af hendes helt store hobbyer angik alt, hvad der havde med anatomi at gøre. Og den bedste måde at lære om den slags var selvfølgelig at studere tingene helt tæt på. Det betød obduktioner i massevis, noter og studier af diverse racer noteret flittigt ned, og små samlinger af særligt spændende fund. Generelt holdt hun sig fra de allermest sølle, men det var desværre en af de nemmeste måder at skaffe nyt materiale på. Ikke alle lod til at være lige vilde med idéen om at blive hendes næste eksperiment. Og det var mellem disse mange timelange undersøgelser af menneskekroppen, at hun specielt hos de lavere stillet var stødt på knogler af unaturlig struktur. Deforme, svage, ødelagte af kroppen selv. Det var endnu ikke lykkedes hende at lokalisere årsagen, men hun mistænkte stærkt, at det havde noget at gøre med leveforhold. For det var tydeligvis noget, som påvirkede alle, uanset race og køn. Natalie rykkede sig ud af disse levende minder, og vendte endnu engang opmærksomheden mod Lady Gray, hvis umiddelbare interesse fik hendes eget smil til at vokse en anelse mere.

“You will keep your place in the council. Go about your day as normal as possible, and report to Lord McGivens, if that’s what he told you. But as I have no part in the inner circle, I need you to be me in there. My eyes, my ears and even my voice if necessary. We will meet, occasionally and between meetings you will keep me updated with letters. For now, no one would know that you’re doing this for me. But if you accept, I will make sure that your status shall be known. That you, Lady Gray, are under my personal protection.”

Now they could perhaps spend hours upon demon hours discussing the grand adventures of terrifying nobel girls, left on an Island to blossom, to consume life blood of society. They could discuss the value and signaling of a uniform customization, they could discuss each Aberdeens virtues or lack thereof… they could but one frightened demon lady resisted the urge. Given aunt Natalie being … well aunt Natalie… which was a terrifying ordeal. A terrifying ordeal to brag off your pearl glory to. She simply demon nodded at Lady Tenebris, almost woeful stare. The Isle of Pearls was known for leaving its scars after all.

Now the pragmatic conversation she found way more approachable, despite Natalie still possessing her very eerie charm. Ofcourse who was she to judge her ruler for seemingly a desire to … rip apart burnt flesh? Everyone needs a hobby, she supposed. One would consider embroidery quite morbid too were science to reveal souls and feelings in fabric.

”If you believe such an investigation to be of use, I will not argue against it… human bone even is quite resilient a matter. If I may … next time a similar occurrence shall be needed, I would offer my assistance.”

Not that the lady found the idea of another such mess much of appeal, but the economic pragmatist kicks in a times.

”The untidy rebels might as well be put to use… See it is Gray tradition. To reuse bone, skin, whichever preservable remains of our deceased familiars. It can be a totem of honor for companions lost, but it can also be an improvement…”

An almost smug smile found itself on her face, remembering her her now dead and improved husband as a remarkably carved cane. Poetic, how the man who felt like prison was now an aid to her…

” Beautiful in a way… how traitors remains could be of use. Carved to perfection as candle holders, sword handles…”

Lena waved over an even more terrified servant girl, who may or may not have a name, to bring over Ludwigs remains. The cane carved in intricate manner, Gray architectural details and wine branches added.

”If I may demonstrate… my poor (ironic) husbands bones…”


Lady Gray let her ruler examine the object before her, as she called for more tea, wine and biscuits like a gracious demonic hostess would.

And Natalies suggestion, it demanded wine indeed. Intriguing, surely. An honor surely. Terrifying? Surely! An offer she quite literally could not refuse. It made sense of course… Finding a noble pearl sister of demonic decent and braincells of hers would not come easy. Besides the Grays were loyalists to Natalie, a good girl like Lena would not step out of line.

”Thank you… for considering me for such an honor, I must say.”


Lady Gray was not in a position to refuse. However, were it to compromise her position in the council, she could not be sure off, given how little she at this time knew of Doomsvilles future. Besides would she not be considered a fool for not asking questions?


”We can surely come to an agreement comfortable for us both. May I ask however, why the secrecy? It is only natural you shall have eyes and ears in the council, and all of us demons in a way, work for you already. Is there someone or something we ought to beware off?”

Natalie kunne for en stund ikke undlade at studse, hvorvidt det var muligt at Lady Gray potentielt delte lidt af den samme fascination for anatomiens verden, som hun selv gjorde. Jovist, hendes egen interesse omhandlede stort set kun den videnskabelige del, såsom kroppens funktioner og de mysterier, den medbragte. Dæmon fruen foran hende lod derimod til at betragte ligrester mere som en mulighed for at udtrykke noget langt mere kunsterisk, end dæmonherskeren nogensinde havde overvejet. Nu havde Natalie ganske vist aldrig været stor inden for den slags kreative udfoldelse. Hun lod mindre travle, let begavede sjæle om den slags, som virkede tilfredse med idéen om at lege med ler eller maling resten af deres ofte sparsomme dage. Hendes eget hjem bar naturligvis præg af dette. Udelukkende dekoreret med de mest nødvendige familieportrætter for at hædre Von Tenebris slægten, og ellers blot enkelte kunstneriske friheder i form af dystre landskaber, som hun fandt charmerende. Og så var der selvfølgelig de enkelte udstoppede magiske væsner, som hun familien havde jagtet gennem tiden. Men Lady Gray var hverken tabt bag en vogn eller i mangel på ting at lave. Så hendes kunstneriske tendenser måtte stamme fra et andet behov. Et liv efter døden muligvis? Det var umuligt at sige. The Grays havde altid fremstået excentriske og en anelse makabre, set i den lille dæmons øjne. Men de var loyale. Så hun blandede sig ikke yderligere i deres underlige vaner, hvad enten det gjaldt deres familiars - eller hinanden.

“You seem to have a pretty good grasp with this particular subject, Lady Gray…”

Det mørke blik gled nysgerrigt ned mod stokken, som blev præsenteret. En lille hånd gled forsigtigt over den nydeligt udskårne lårbensknogle, som øjnene havde travlt med at studere, imens hun upåvirket fortsatte snakken.

“... proven by the excellent use of your husband. So… Instead of launching an unnecessary investigation, drawing resources from our already overworked city guards, how about we do things a bit differently? You - as well as any other member of the The Gray family - get to scavenge the streets of Doomsville. You may use whatever remains you find useful in any way that pleases you. All that I ask in return is that you bring me anything particularly interesting for further investigation. How does that sound?”

Først da hun havde talt færdig, lod Natalie stokken falde tilbage tjenerindens varetægt - selvom det forskræmte udtryk, hos den unge kvinde, fik hende til at tvivle på, om det overhovedet var en god idé. Ikke desto mindre fortsatte samtalen lystigt, men nu med en helt overdådig mængde af snacks susende i deres retning. Natalie var ikke meget for menneskelig føde, men kunne ikke helt sige sig fri for at nyde den berusende effekt af alt, der havde det mindste at gøre med sukker eller honning. Derfor undede hun sig selv en enkelt småkage i farten, mens hun lod Lena nyde sin vin.

“Times are changing, Lady Gray. The uproar in Doomsville has brought change upon us not even I could have imagined… and not just within the city walls but in the council as well. Therefore I believe it best to keep an extra set of eyes on the upper ranks. It’s too soon to tell you more… but there’s a name. Well known amongst the public, but with roots going so much deeper than meets the eye. And I think… they’re trying to pull those roots right underneath me.”

Stadigvæk forbavsende afslappet i sit kropssprog, på trods af den mørke undertone i hendes afsluttende ord, sendte hun Lena endnu et vurderende blik. Hun ønskede at vække dæmonens nysgerrighed. Fodre hende uden at afsløre for meget, før hun vidste, hvad kvinden var i stand til som hendes øjne og øre.

“Prove yourself trustworthy with this… and you’ll be rewarded with both treasure and information.”

En sidste gulerod. Før hun tillod sig selv en bid af den hvinende søde småkage med stort velbehag.

In many ways the artistic expression of the two demons homes bore quite stark a contrast. The interior of this witchy manor, called home by Lady Gray, bore a likeness to the great Gray manor back home by the woods.  Every door meticulously carved in detail, each candle held in stunning pieces of bronze and bone, no plain spots left the walls. No those were covered in art, tapestry, curtains and paintings were all a piece of art. Mr. Gregorys paintings of wine yard idyl took up a great deal of space, framed in Gray bronze Gray banner motifs. One in particular she held dear, of a foggy morning, and Theodora grasping at ripe Grapes. Some paintings were eerie and held few colors, melancholic candlelit rooms, ruins and dust, surrounding a lonesome lady figure, one that often resembled herself… her sister-in-law had painted those and why they touched her, Lena could not admit. The house was a piece of art in itself and told of lingering in many different hearts.

Natalie Von Tenebris was perhaps not one to discuss artistry with but, as Lena from a young demon age had observed, she figured the lady appreciated a good bone, and the reaction to her cane was not of disappointment. Even though the proposal of lady Tenebris was surprising. Not inconvenient for Doomsville nor the Grays however. Well except for perhaps the fact, that she would have to send for uncle Ambrose, who in fact could rival Natalie in terrifying conundrums. Ambrose Gray, the ma scientist of the family, would be the most experienced candidate when it comes to burnt cadavers. Perhaps aunt Lenore too would enjoy this sort of… challenge and had a need to escape the fresh see air in favor of Doomsvilles dusty fumes.  Besides no Gray would dare disappoint lady Von Tenebris.

“… Your proposal sounds of much sense, I shall inform my family of this generous opportunity. And we shall not disappoint.”

No, no one could disappoint her, and she could never refuse her. However puzzling she found this proposed task. Not a challenge lady Gray would turn down no, she hungered for a place amongst Doomsvilles elite, not only elite, no the ones pulling the strings. These changes however, those the demon ruler seemed to dread. A demon of importance, having ties to Natalie, was to be expected, but if Natalie Von Tenebris was afraid, perhaps forces stranger than she figured were at play and more dangerous plans afoot. And it was why she started to doubt herself as the choice. Would a Gray, long standing supporters of her rule, and a pearl sister not be an obvious eye? Besides she was at this moment only promised a seat at the council by lord Mcgivens, whom she had heard little from since the initial agreement and her access to any intel seemed to be unclear.

“I and the Grays intend on keeping up the demon order, in your favor, lady Tenebris… that you can be assured off. And I shall do my very best to please your requests. Thank you… may I only ask you… why it is I you have chosen?”