Dorian and Gardenia: Flower of Eden

WARNING some the material in this Rp is very disturbing.

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Gardenia:

Gardenia finished up her show for the night, the last one for the evening in fact, with another twirl for the crowd in her tent. The girl smiled at them in a charming way as they 'ooed' and 'awed' at her, nothing she wasn't used to really.
With one more twirl, she released a beautiful Petal Dance into the air above the crowd, the glowing pink petals falling harmlessly on them.

The audience clapped and cheered at the end of her show, making her giggle and bow before them as they cheered and paid the performer by donating to her money jar on the stage. If there was one thing she liked about the Circus, it was performing for others.
As they started to clear out of her tent, Gardenia hopped off her stage and turned away from the emptying crowd, picking up her money jar and casually counting how much she made that night.


Dorian:

Amongst the audience members, clapping and cheering so, a single 'mon sat in the back, hidden from view by shadows and wildly excited neighbors. But he sat with silent composer, with an air of aloofness and detachment. Only his eyes showed what he was truly feeling.
They glinted and sharpened at certain moments throughout the performance. But he remained still, and silent. Even as the other patrons departed, he remained.

Unmoving, silent, lurking.

When the last patron departed, and only he and the lady remained, it was only then his stoic face changed. A slow, curved smile splitting across his face.

From the empty darkness, a single sound of slow applauding broke the silence.


Gardenia:


As Gardenia counted her money and the sound of the departing crowd faded, she paid no mind to her surroundings until she noticed a slow clap ring out behind her.
Her brow furrowing in confusion, she placed her jar in her instrument bag and turned around, squinting at the darkness in the back of her tent. The clapping was coming from there, but she didn't know who was there. It was too dark for her to see.
The Lilligant frowned, a little concerned but also curious. Maybe it was just a fan that wanted to praise her for the show while she was alone? It wasn't an anomaly. She's often had many people stick around to talk with her afterwards when it was quieter and less crowded.

With a nervous smile, Gardenia placed her bag down on the stage and took a few steps towards the clapping, "Hello? Is anyone there? Don't be afraid to come out. I promise I don't bite." she giggled, gesturing at her face, "It's only a mask, nothing more."


Dorian:

Her giggle was returned with a deep-throated voice.

"To mask the heart or mask the face? The psyche and the soul. Which is better hidden? And which... Should we fear more?"

Again the darkness laughed. Moving just the merest of a step forward, a tall Luxray, finely dressed, emerged halfway from the shadow, revealing only partial of his face. A pair of pince-nez captured the low light and flickered with an eerie glow.


Gardenia:

The girl flinched she got an answer in the form of a calm and smooth voice. Out from the shadows came a handsome Luxray man, not unlike the upper-class gentlemen she would recall her sister dealing with from her childhood. At the very least, though his smile was kind of odd, he didn't come off as bad or anything. Just a strange man, but otherwise harmless.
Gardenia blinked in surprise at his sudden appearance, but gave an awkward laugh and scratched the back of her neck, "Ah, well, my face sir. Eh, it doesn't do well to cover my soul up, since it moves like my face does." she demonstrated this by blinking at him a few more times, her mask moving normally like it WAS her face, "It can come off though, but...I advice against that." she murmured in an almost solemn way, remembering her curse.

Sighing, she put her hands together and smiled up at the much taller fellow, "But, let's not speak of that. Hello sir, I'm Gardenia Lorbence. No doubt you saw my show. Are you here to ask a few questions?" she asked, the red eyes of her mask big and wide with curiosity.

The girl thought that he was just another Circus goer. She had no idea she was a fellow worker.


Dorian:

Tilting his head ever so slightly, the male Luxray considered her words a bit.

"Questions. Indeed I do have a few. But of a different nature I must say. But before that, do permit me to explain something."

Fully stepping out of the shadows, the gentleman casually strode up to her. Fierce was a way to describe the way he walked. Maybe even majestic like the 'mon of the wild. But why was that?

"When I spoke of masks, my sweet lady, I was referring to the metaphorical term as oppose to the literal. For you see, all men and women adorn a mask in the mind's sense. They either wear one to guard their fragility. To lure someone, be it for good or ill intentions. Or hide the grotesqueness of their nature. But sometimes, regardless of how well fitted the mask is placed, it can never hide the pureness of the individual."

A clawed finger gracefully catches a stray strand of Gardenia's green locks and lets it slide across it before letting it drift back in place, "As it never should..."


Gardenia:

The girl cocked her head in curiosity, becoming more intrigued by the strange yet eery man, "Questions? Yes, what are-" before she could finish, she flinched when he suddenly strode right up to her. The way he moved didn't escape the girl. Almost...wild...like a set purpose was in mind. She didn't think it was to be harmful, but it definitely was a precise and clean cut reaction with the accuracy of a professional surgeon.

She winced when he was before her, looking up at the tall man but not backing away or running. He hadn't given her a real reason to be scared or threatened, though her paranoia of unfamiliar men was starting to kick in, but perhaps the gentlemen just wanted to speak with her. There was no need to flee just yet, but she'd be ready if she must.
When he told her his strange, yet very perceptive, words, she watched as he took a strand of her bright green hair and stroked it, causing it to release a small scent of freshly cut grass into the air, but she didn't stop him. It was a harmless gesture after all, though it did creep her out a bit.
Looking up at him again, she gulped and squeaked out, "I-I-" she took a moment to compose herself before continuing, "That's...very interesting sir." she truthfully told him, "I suppose it's true, and it SHOULDN'T hide the purity of the person, a-and I suppose it never can."

She blushed a bit at the thought of being seen as 'pure', her white skin that peaked out from behind the mask turning a dark pink, before shaking her head, "Pardon my mistake. I tend to take things literately most of the time. Though, you don't seem like one of my regular patrons. Are you perhaps a new member of this Circus? May I ask who you are?" Only someone as eccentric as him HAD to be from this damned Circus.


Dorian:

The man's eyes widened in realization, "Ah! I beg your pardon, my young miss. How utterly rude and forgetful on my part." Stepping back, he gave a graceful bow, "Dorian Van Bösartig. I am one of the new employees of this circus. It is a pleasure to meet a fellow confrere."

Straightening up, he gave a wide smile, his sharpened teeth flashing.


Gardenia:

The girl smiled at him when he bowed, curtseying back as a natural response with how she was raised, "Nice to meet you Mr. Bösartig." Though the sight of his teeth flashing unnerved her, she went ahead and smiled back, "I'm sorry that you've been tricked here by Mr. Dark, too. It's...it's hard at first but...give it time and you'll be okay."

She clasped her hands together in front of her, "Ah, well, you know who I am and obviously what my job is here. May I ask what it is you do? And perhaps the questions you wanted to ask me before? I'll answer to the best of my abilities, sir."


Dorian:

"Dorian, please, madame." he insisted, and gave another bow, "And no need to feel sympathetic upon my part. It is all rather... hilarious." Dorian almost was unable to finish his sentence before erupting into a fit of giggles that quickly grew to wild cackled that filled the whole room, causing the lights to nearly shudder.

Catching his breath, he quickly apologized for the outburst, "Ahem, yes. Now, as to your question of my profession, I am to provide the booths and novelty shops with toys and dolls of my making. Especially dolls."

His eyes became distant and unfocused for a moment before returning to their alert glint.


Gardenia:

"Alright Mr. B-uh, Dorian, then." she smiled, swaying a little bit, but something did catch her off guard. She hadn't expected him to say how hilarious it was, or also how he cackled loud enough for her to step back.
She relaxed a little when he apologized for that, thinking it could just be a fluke, but it did make her question a few things. What was so funny about being trapped here? Was he crazy, or just in severe denial to how bad the situation was? Or, maybe it really was funny, perhaps with an ironic wish? How was she supposed to know?

However, as soon as he mentioned how he'd make dolls, she beamed up at him, so excited she missed the unfocussed look in his eyes, "Really? You can make dolls? Ooooh what kind? Cloth? Porcelain? I can only make plush dolls and dresses."
She smiled wide, "I love dolls personally. My sister never let me have a whole lot as a child because she said too many toys would 'spoil' me, but the ones I did have I loved. There even was this little shop in my hometown I would go to on Christmas Eve that had the most beautiful dolls you ever did see. I would spend a lot of time as a little girl looking at them."

She gave a solemn sigh, "If I could afford it, I'd purchase as many as I could and covet them, but alas, my job as an Atelier member doesn't leave room for a whole lot, I'm afraid. Especially if I want one of those really pretty ones. I do actually have a beautiful little Cincinno doll my beloved gave me, it's even musical. I-" she stopped herself, realizing that she was basically rambling like and overexcited child, and placed a hand to her mouth, "S-Sorry, goodness, I tend to blather on when I get excited about things. Apologies, Dorian." she sheepishly shifted, scratching the back of her neck awkwardly.


Dorian:

Dorian chuckled at this, "Tut tut, my sweet lily. It's wonderful to see a grown woman who still adores dolls. It makes any artist's heart swell with pride. Yes, I make a large variety of dolls. Soft ones, porcelain of the finest quality, some sing, and even dance, with my verse knowledge of automatons. Marionettes, ball-jointed, ones small as a tea cup and others as large as a grown 'mon. But most important of all, they are all little Princesses...my little Princesses."

Again his eyes turned dreamy and he sauntered about the room, "Each one is a work of art. Given the care and love needed to become something beautiful. Vibrant and warm... they almost look alive. One might even mistaken them for a real person. After all, even angels walk amongst us in mortal guise. Lovely creatures...so very...very....lovely."

Lost in thought, Dorian reached out and dragged his claws across the surface of the stage, leaving deep grooves in his wake. And as he did so, he repeated mumbled under his breath, "Lovely... so very lovely... little princesses...."


Gardenia:

Her eyes seemed to get bigger and bigger with excitement the more he described the dolls he could make. She didn't even CARE that it sounded like he was bragging, "That sounds amazing sir. Oh, if I ever save up enough, would it be too much for me to ask if I could purchase one of those dolls? Or ask to have one made for me? I promise to pay whatever amount it is you require from me, Dorian. I would love to own one."

She got a bit concerned when the man suddenly went off on his own tangent, seemingly proud of his work. A bit...too...proud. What did he mean by angels among us? She watched as he was dazed, scratching at the surface of her stage. Her brow furrowing, she walked to him and slowly reached out, "Sir? Are you alright?" she touched his shoulder, confused if anything, hoping to rouse him out of....whatever it was he was doing, "Um...what do you mean by 'angels among us', who do you mean?"


Dorian:

Dorian stilled at the touched and quietly retracted his claws. It seemed he was inwardly struggling with something, "Angels? My dear, forgive, for again I speak in metaphor. It is a way one describes a lovely being. Sweet and pure. Lovely not only from their looks... but their souls as well... Much like you, my dear."

Crossing his arms, he tilted his head in thought, "Such lovely beautiful creatures. Unblemished from the madness and cruelties this world can bestow. It is those angels that ignite the fire in me to create. To give birth to a princess with loveliness that matches an angel. Just like a butterfly. So lovely and beautiful. Yet no picture, photographed or 'mon made, can really capture that beauty in full. So some collect them. Preserving that butterfly forevermore. That is how I feel about my princesses.. Wanting to take that angelic butterfly and pinning it to a frame for me to adore..."

Suddenly his head turned to look over his shoulder at her. Her pure angelic beauty making her shine in his eyes.

And then he felt it. That thirst. The boil in his blood that pumped pure flames through his veins.

"You're very lovely, madam Lorbence. I was entranced by your performance. A living flower from Eden's garden."


Gardenia:


She calmed when he did, removing her hand from his shoulder and allowing him to explain what he meant by 'angles' and stuff, then immediately blushing when he described her as such, "O-Oh, thank you sir. Th-That's sweet of you to say." she shifted, becoming very bashful about this. She was also a bit uneasy, thinking he was saying that for some perverted ulterior motive.

However, when he started to describe why he did what she did, that made her relax because it put her into a new perspective, "Oh, I think I understand. You see it like an art, inspiration from beautiful or pure people. I can respect that. It's funny you should mention that. My good friend, Gwen, actually fights to preserve good souls, just in a different way than making dolls and such." It was interesting, in the very least, to think that way, and though kind of strange, not really that out of the ordinary. He sounded like a man that adored lovely people and adored his art, there wasn't anything wrong with that, was there?

The girl became more flustered when he looked at her, perhaps a bit too longingly, and complimented her again, blushing so much that the red of her skin traveled down on from her face to her shoulders. Giggling bashfully, she waved a hand at him, "Y-You flatter me, really. You're too kind. Funny you should say that though. Ironically, my middle name is Eden, my mom gave me that after that very garden."
She paused, frowning for a moment, before walking past him and pulling out the pocket watch from her instrument bag, "Oh dear, it's starting to become rather late. I was going to retire to the lounge for a little while, would you like to accompany me sir? I can make tea and we can talk more when we get out of this dingy tent." Also, she didn't want to walk alone to the train in the middle of the night...


Dorian:

He watched her. Watched her fluster and turned a dainty pinkish hue. He was nearly mesmerized. When she asked if he would accompany her, he quickly turned his head and smiled a mad, toothy smile. His body nearly shook with inward laughter.

Lovely little thing. Sweet little thing. Sweet, sweet flower.

Holding a steady breath, he turned and bowed deeply, cradling her delicate hand in his, "I would be enchanted, little Eden flower." Brushing his lips across her knuckles, he righted himself and offered an arm, "Guide me, delicate apple. Tempt me from the lands of eternal paradise. For they'd be but meager backdrop to the addicting ambrosia you emit with but a smile."


Gardenia:

She jumped when he turned to smile at her in the most unnerving of ways. It looked...it looked like Gulliver's smile did. Like...hunger. It looked like something that longed and hungered, something she was vaguely familiar with.
However, just like that, it was gone when he very politely took her hand and kissed it, causing the bashful girl to blush again, and blush even DARKER at his next words. Goodness, so much flattery and it could make her faint. She couldn't stop herself from blushing and giggling all over, unsure how to react to this. She still hoped it wasn't flirting, though. Still, at least he seemed kind enough. For now, that is.

Shaking a bit, she took up her instrument bag in one arm while she took his with her other, "I'll be happy to guide you, then. Thank you sir. I'm sorry to ask this of you. It's just...I've had some bad experiences with rowdy patrons of mine and my last one has made me quite afraid being alone in the dark, you see." she shifted a bit before moving to walk with him out of the tent and in the grounds. It was beautiful that night. A clear sky with the full moon shining out, but even so she just wanted to get back to the Train.
Though she wasn't alone, she just always felt so unnerved going from her tent to the train at night. Ever since...the Tangela...
She shook off her thoughts, trying not to think of that man as she let Dorian guide her through the tents. Up ahead, she saw the lights of the train car, breathing in relief, "I hope the kettle is open. I REALLY could go for some tea after a show like that." she murmured more to herself than anything.


Dorian:

Traipsing through the darken night, an angel clinging to his arm, Dorian could barely suppress his large smile. Even though it was dark out, his eyes could see just fine, and even more, being a Luxray.

But his thoughts were elsewhere. The thirst was there. Clawing at his throat like sandpaper. "Not at all, darling little Eden flower. Just the thought of some vulgar wretch daring to even breathe the same air as yours, with less than worshipful intentions, thrums me to guard you even more so...maybe it would be best if that person did not breathe at all..." The last part he said in a low voice so as to go unnoticed.

The further they went on the more Dorian felt his blood burn. His tail lashed about in his anxiety, but he kept up the facade.

But then she spoke so softly. And she sigh so gently. Like a little...Princess...

Dorian stopped in his tracks, his whole body rigid. He couldn't...He couldn't. He couldn't he couldn't he couldn't he couldn't he couldn't he couldn't HE COULDN'T!

...Could he?

"Would you care to join me for tea, my dear?" he asked, keeping his face hidden and his voice steady.


Gardenia:

She smiled slightly at his words, somewhat comforted, of course not catching the last part of his sentence when he lowered his voice at it. The Lilligant sighed, "You kind of sound like my boyfriend, Charles, the way you talk. He's so sweet...I hope to see him again soon." she frowned, the thought of her beloved Haunter being away from her still hurt. Even though she knew he was alive and well, she still longed to see her loved one again.

The girl was caught up with her own thoughts, not noticing how the Luxray next to her had started lashing at his tail. She only noticed a fault when they were mere feet from the steps of the lounge care when he halted. She jerked back a bit from his sudden stop, removing her arm from his and looking up at him with genuine concern, "Dorian? What's wrong? Are you okay?" she asked, only to be surprised by his question.
Blinking a few times, she gave him a wary stare and a gentle answer, "Uh...sure. I wouldn't mind having tea with you at lunch sometime or something, though we're about to share tea in the lounge."
With a small giggle, she took his hand and gently squeezed it, "If you wanted to ask me, you could just ask normally. You don't have to be so stern about it sir." she gave him a soft smile, trying to reassure him. She didn't know why he had suddenly done this. Maybe he was shy? Maybe he was still coping with the thought of being trapped here and TRYING to make some friends?

She wasn't sure, "Now come, there a few tea blends we can use and I managed to sneak some sweets into the cabinets when no one was looking. Don't tell Mr. Dark..." she playfully teased.


Dorian:

Dorian said nothing throughout the Lilligant's kind words.

Suddenly his clawed hands capture her arms in one smooth motion. His blood pounded and seared, and with each passing breath his smile grew wider and wider. Then he lifted his head.

His red and gold eyes wide with excitement; a grin so wide she would almost count each pointed tooth. But there was no need to count them. Not with the look on his face.

Dark, menacing, and deadly. The face of a predator, "No... I wish for you to have tea back in my living quarters." His face inched closer, his mad eyes never leaving hers, "We'll have so much fun. I'll introduce you to my princesses. My beautiful angelic princesses. They'll like you...you'll fit right in..."

A low guttural giggle passed through that fanged grin.


Gardenia:

She waited for him to respond, unsure what was wrong with him, when suddenly he snatched her arms with his hands. His claws didn't pierce her flesh and he wasn't hurting her, but his grip was firm and she couldn't yank away, "Hey what are you-?!" she couldn't finish when he leaned towards her, his eyes dark and completely mad. That hungered look she saw before returned ten fold, and it terrified her.
The poor Lilligant shook in his hands, her gaze unable to leave his, and she was breathing hard, "S-Sir?! Dorian?! Wh-What are you doing? What are you talking about! L-Let me go! I-I don't like unfamiliar men touching me!"

She stared to squirm, fearful tears welling up in her eyes, "Y-You're scaring me! Is this some kind of joke?! This isn't funny! Stop! St-Stop or I'll make you stop!" she threatened, completely serious. She didn't want to, but it she had to, she was going to force him to get his hands off of her.
Gardenia was scared out of her wits! What was he going on about with his Princesses and such? If he honestly wanted to have a Tea Party with her, this SURE as hell wasn't the way to go about it!


Dorian:

Dorian burst into hysterical laughter, the very sound sending terror to any that heard it, "Do not fear me, little Eden flower. It won't hurt at all." His voice dropped to a deadly calm, "It never hurts for the pure ones. I assure it. I will make you forever beautiful. Forever loved, among my little Princesses. I had to leave my other ones, when I came here...the poor dears...But I can make new ones."

Cupping her cheek, but keeping a tight hold, he brushed a thumb across her mask, "Not a single blemish. Just pure beauty...my little Eden flower."


Gardenia:

Her mind went into a whirl of panic and horror when he laughed at her in a way she's never heard. It shook her to the core. Her eyes darted around, desperate for someone, ANYONE, to be there. Even Mr. Dark himself would be a welcome sight right how.
She looked back to him when he cupped her cheek, her skin starting to crawl. While she didn't EXACTLY know what the hell he was implying, she had a good feeling that it wasn't anything good and that she had to get his hands off of her before it was too late. Before he did....whatever he was going to do.

When he had cupped her cheek, it gave her time to strike back now that one of her arms were free. Snarling, she let her defensive rage take over, contorting her frightened face into an angry scowl and shouting, "I said let go!" before swinging her hand around and slapping him as hard as she could. Shortly afterwards, the headflower closed up and began to glow white. As soon as a few seconds passed and it was ready, the girl dipped her head and let the blossom spit out a glowing white seed into his shoulder.
The seed sprouted vines that quickly spread, wrapping up the Luxray in their vice grip as 'Leech Seed' began to take over, the vines starting to glow a deadly blood red as they seeped into the ground to hold him in place.

The girl yanked her arm free and stumbled back a few times, "I warned you to stop it! Now you keep your hands off of me!" She shook, rubbing at the bruises his hands had made on her arms.


Dorian:

The attack blindsided him before the vines took over . He grunted in strain and collapsed as the vines took root and began to drain the energy from him, but he was smiling. Oh Arceus, was he smiling. It was hilarious! His blood was driving him into a frenzy, and there she was, so enchanting a gorgeous, and these wretched weeds were in his way.

Snarling like a beast, Dorian ripped at the vines, using teeth and claws. A violent sight, like he was a wild Pokemon bursting from a net. When the last leaf fell, he quietly stood, never taking his eyes off her. And then he began to laugh. That unholy fearsome laugh.
The moon above bathed him in a silver light upon his raven hair, catching on his pince-nez, reflecting on his eyes. His burning eyes of crimson and gold and that wide smile that resembled a half-moon.

And then he began to sing, "Sweet little flower, upon Eden ground, is it not lonesome without Eve or Adam around. But fear not sweet one, for the serpent has returned. To pick you from the field and let the rest all burn."

Dropping into a crouch, Dorian giggled at her, "Run run, little flower. Winter has come for you." And then he leaped.


Gardenia:

The girl took a few steps back, hoping that the energy draining from him would either wear him down or knock him into his senses, but it did neither.
Instead, the man was hysterical, laughing and tearing at the vines in an animalistic, primal, manner. It horrified her so much that she couldn't run, she couldn't even scream, only watch in terror as he ripped away the vines and stood up to his full height. His eyes glowed in the darkness like embers of hell and the moonlight showed off his ruffled fur. He was truly the most frightening thing that she has EVER encountered other than Mr. Dark himself.

Tears started to fall from her eyes as he sang to her, taking a few steps back in shock, "N-No...no..." she squeaked, her eyes remaining on him as he crouched, seeming to be in a kind of trance. She only broke free of it when he pounced at her. The girl screamed and held her arms up in a defensive manner, trying to run up the steps to the train, but he slammed into her before she could. She stumbled from the force and his weight a few times, "Let go of m-" she couldn't finish when suddenly she felt the heel of her right foot collide into one of the Lounge steps.
The girl squealed in horror when she lost her balance and fell backwards with him on her, smacking her head into another step and being knocked out right away. She was motionless, alive and unharmed other than the cut and bruise that the stair step had left on the side of her head. It would heal in time, though, but she was currently defenseless to the madman.

Her instrument bag and fallen and spewed its contents into the grass next to her, showing that she was carrying her money jar, her pocket watch, a few children's fairy tale books, and a beautifully crafted ceramic Ocarina that she used for her performance.


Dorian:

Her screams were a symphony to his ears, the poor frightened violet. She just did not understand what he wanted to do for her. To make her eternally beautiful. To be loved and embraced and cradled with care. like a princess should be. She would thank him, though. They always did, after he was done.

And after he made her a princess, she would never be unloved and alone, with all the other little princesses, but his glee was cut short, when he heard the loud crack and saw her lay before him, like a wilted flower.

Dorian gasped in horror, cradling the crumpled form. Tilting her head to the side, he growled, noticing the blemish, "Oh my poor dear." he wailed, holding her close in his arms and nuzzling her soft green hair, "You went and hurt yourself. Now how am I going to make you a Princess?" But the scent of her hair tickled his nose. Threading his fingers through her hair, he admired the shine it emitted in the moonlight. Mesmerized, he smiled again, feeling his whole body quake as he began to laugh.

Well, it would be a shame to miss this opportunity. I would simply have to use skin from another part to replace the blemish.

Dorian's claw traced along the mask upon her face. Even without removing it, he knew she was beautiful. His eyes never lied.

Humming a melody, Dorian brushed her flowing locks away, continuing to sing, "Sleep my little angel, rest your head upon my heart..." His claws glide down the beautiful mask and down to her slender neck. It will be over soon,"Dream a dream of endlessness, of where we never part..."

And she will dream forever.

"Welcome, my new Princess."

A moment passes and Dorian's smile shifts. From the wide manic one to one of panicked anguish.

From where his hand rested about the angelic Lilligant's neck, he watched in abject despair as it remained stiff and lifeless. No longer was his own clawed fingers that hand encountered and ascended many a beauty to his collection. No, it was now but ball-joints and porcelain.

Shaking his head in disbelief, as he felt his whole arm shift, all he could do was laugh, "Oh, your highness. How unfair of you. How unquestionably unfair!"

He then threw his head back and cackled all the mirth and rage into the sky. The mockery and irony. Agony beyond compare.

"Oh, how miserable you make me! My despair and anguish ripping apart the very membrane of my mind! A cruel king you are, your highness! A manic demon beyond Lucifer himself!" he all but shouted into the dark. And then his laughter ceased.

Raising his head once more to the moon above, he gave a smile, "But it is because you are a king, my lord. That you do these things... Our agony is your joy, your entertainment of delight. A stage of perpetual suffering, and we the characters to play these roles. But it is not your fault we are given the roles we play. For did we not so selfishly ask for something without regard? Were we not but fools, like children of Faust, taking without price? Our suffering is by our own hand... and that is the most comedic thing of all."

-----

Dorian sat upon the stage, back in the tent, Gardenia's head laying upon his lap as he held a cooling rag to her injury The poor thing. She should be more careful and not hurt herself in the future.


Gardenia:

The girl groaned as he moved her, stroking her hair and speaking, but she was far too dazed, far too dizzy, to make out what was happening around her. She was just vaguely aware of her hair being felt, she could smell the scent of flowers and grass from her own headflower and her own locks, but she had no idea what was going on.
She heard mumbling and cackled, felt herself being moved and shifted, but that all faded away as her mind was lulled into darkness...

The next thing she knew, she was waking with a nasty headache and a gash on the side of her head. She moaned in pain, her eyes fluttering open and her senses slowly returning to her. Blinking a few times, only then was she aware of a comforting cool rag on the wound on her head and the familiar red and golden eyes staring down at her through a glimmering prince-nez.

She blinked a few times, trying to get a grip on what was going on, before softly murmuring, "D...Dorian?" she squinted, her head throbbing as she was being cradled by him, "What...happened?" she frowned, her mind failing to comprehend why she was here. The girl could remember leaving the tent with Dorian, seeing the lights of the Lounge Car, and...now...she was back...with a wound? She had no idea...


Dorian:

Dorian placed a gentle hand upon hers, "Be still, my little Eden flower. You have a nasty bump on your lovely head."

Dipping the cloth in some iced water, and wringing it out, the Luxray placed it back on her wound, "To answer your question as to what transpired, I had invited you to tea, but you seemed to had reacted poorly to my request. We had a small misunderstanding and you fell and hit your head on the lounge car steps. Since I did not know where your living quarters were, nor should I had taken you there, for that is rude on my part, I brought you back to your tent. I do apologize for my forward behavior. Had I known you feared strange men laying touch upon you, I would not have behaved the way I did."


Gardenia:

The girl groaned again and squeezed his hand, trying to remember what had happened but she just couldn't. She was too dizzy, too unfocussed, to remember what he had said to upset her so.
Sighing, Gardenia gave up and curtly nodded, "I see...well...thank you for the help sir. Sorry this had to happen." She felt a little better about him that he had helped her, but she is still unsure how she can fully trust him since she DID end up with a wound on her head when she was alone with him.
Just in case, she'd keep a wary eye on him and on others who interact with him. She carefully sat up, pressing the cloth he gave her to the side of his head, keeping it on her cut, "Did...Did you get my instrument bag?"


Dorian:

"Yes, indeed I did, my dear. You spilled nearly all your belongings in your fall, but I located everything and even thoroughly cleaned them. And... again I apologize for giving you so much fret. You are just so enchanting, I thought you would vanish like a dream."

Dorian gave her a toothy smile.

"Are you feeling better, my little Eden flower?"


Gardenia:

The girl chuckled a bit, "I once nearly did disappear, but...a man saved me." she looked away for a moment, thinking of her beloved, before looking back to him, "Oh? Thanks for cleaning them then." she looked over and saw her instrument bag laying near them. She tugged it over and double checked, and like he said, all her items were still there and they were all shined to perfection.
She grunted a bit when he asked if she was okay, "Y-Yeah, I'm okay. Just a bit dizzy. I think I need to tend to this cut and go rest...thankfully it doesn't feel deep enough to be permanent." She still wondered what it was that really occurred it in the first place, "But...it's okay. I forgive you. It was an accident. You needn't worry about me though. Hmph, my boyfriend doesn't call me 'little weed' for nothing, after all. I'm resilient enough." she chuckled.


Dorian:

Gardenia suddenly had her face turned toward the Luxray, who stared at her with deep, penetrating eyes, "You are not a weed." he almost growled, "Never compare yourself to one...ever. In my eyes...you are a Princess."

Again his eyes glinted dangerously, but quickly stood, offer her a hand, "Please, allow me the merest of honor to at least aid you to your feet."


Gardenia:

Gardenia blinked when he insisted that she wasn't a weed, but a Princess. Oddly, that word struck a pang of horror through her, but then just like that it was gone. The girl felt nothing once more except for embarrassment, flattered at being called something from one of her Fairy Tales, "O-Oh...thank you." she chuckled, "I assure you, the weed title was just a little pet name from Charles. He never meant it as an insult. Still, that's sweet of you to say to me Dorian."
The girl watched as he stood up and offered her a hand. She smiled up at him, sliding her bag in her elbow and keeping the wet cloth on her wound, taking his hand and allowing to help her stand from the stage, "Thank you sir for the help."


Dorian:

Dorian smiled and gave a deep bow, "Anything for a sweet angel such as you."

His eyes suddenly drift to the opening of the tent. He blinked and nodded, thinning his lips to a grim line.

Turning back to Gardenia, he smiled again, "Alas, I am being summoned, my dear. otherwise I would escort you to your home." Taking her hand in his, he kissed it tenderly, "Sleep well tonight, little Eden flower. Nay a star above nor moon aglow will compare to your dreams, for they will pale in envy to the heavenly glow that is your soul."


Gardenia:

She giggled and blushed, her skin once again becoming a pink hue at his flattery, before she looked back up to him when he told her he had to go, "Oh, very well then sir. I hope you work it out." she shifted a bit, not comfortable with the thought of walking back alone in the dark was still not preferable, but she didn't want to push him after this accident.

Softly sighing, the Lilligant blushed again when he kissed her hand and said goodbye in QUITE a poetic way, "Th-Thank you Dorian, I hope you sleep well too." She bit her lip, feeling a bit lame that she couldn't think of something as pleasing as the words he's given her, "Um, I hope to see you around." He still seemed nice, but very strange, and she was still suspicious about her injury. She'd be wary, but he did help her with her head. Maybe he wasn't all bad?


Dorian:

Dorian's face morphed then. That slow and manic grin like he was about to eat her up, "Oh... plan on it."

With one last bow, he departed, singing as he went along, "Sweet little flower, upon Eden ground, is it not lonesome without Eve or Adam around. But fear not sweet one, for the serpent has returned. To pick you from the field and let the rest all burn. Yes let the rest all burn..."

A black shadow swirled about his wrists and circled around his face. When the haze dissipated, strong chains bound his wrist and a muzzle firmly in place. The chain clinked and roped on into the dark, pulling him along.

There was no need to wonder where it was leading him. He disobeyed his majesty. And now he had to be punished.

But...it was worth it, after all.

His chuckle drifted through the night.


Gardenia:

Gardenia smiled at him though his own smile seemed very uneasy, causing her to shift a bit as he turned around and sang a tune that made her head throb, "O-Ow..." she murmured, rubbing at her wound a bit before departing as well, leaving the tent and heading once again for her train car.
She wondered about Dorian and what he'd meant with the way he smiled at her, but she was too tired and dazed to think about it right now. The girl sighed, ready to have that cup of tea now...