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Nov. 28th, 2003 01:46 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
maderrEveryone is probably tired of this. Too damn bad.
Chapter Seventeen
Neil tossed the remote aside, a bored expression on his face as he stared at the movie playing on the large television. "Why is there never anything good on when I actually want to watch TV?"
"If there's nothing worth watching, why have you not turned it off? Find something else to do." Kasimir said, tone exasperated.
"Because that means the TV wins. Besides, if I read one more book - one more word - I'm going to either puke or do something violent. For all that I support the occasional incurring of Darrell's wrath, I'm not quite brave enough to destroy this house. Contrary to popular notions, my thoughts aren't suicidal in nature." Neil sounded half amused, half annoyed by his own words.
Kasimir didn't react, "So what are you planning on doing now? It's Sunday - do you not have to return to school soon?"
"Nope. Most of my stuff is independent study anyway, and fall pause started Friday. I just skipped classes Wednesday and Thursday - what few classes I have."
The genie continued to look at him, "What exactly do you study?"
"European History."
Kasimir looked disbelieving, "You? History? I would think that would be the subject of least interest to you. You can barely manage your family history, why on earth would you study more history?"
"Because real history doesn't concern demons and genies and crap. Okay, so that's real too. But still…it's only my personal history I hate. I like learning the larger picture. Besides, I have no head at all for business. First and foremost I hate it. How my brother does it I'll never understand. My sister is the one that works in the actual factory; she helps with the recipes and all of that. They don't need me there. They've got it plenty covered. So I just do other stuff, stay out of the way."
"So why Europe?"
"Why the sudden interest? You can't possibly be bored enough to actually care." Neil eyed the genie warily.
"It's not like you've been so great a host since we arrived. Work, work, work - do you ever play?" Kasimir rolled his eyes.
Neil glared at him, "You're saying that to the wrong brother. Darrell is the work-aholic, not me. Hell, he's usually yelling at me for not doing anything constructive."
"That's ridiculous. Since I've been here you've done nothing but bitch and moan about the Carnelian, and when you weren't fretting about that you were working on school. You haven't bothered to do anything fun in the short time I've known you." Kasimir looked thoughtful, vaguely amused. "It's an odd trait in a Master - my previous ones did work, but mostly with me around they just played."
Neil shook his head, stunned. "That's ridiculous. I'm not a work-aholic. I know how to have fun - I would be relaxing now but for the Carnelian suddenly thrown my way."
"What were you planning on doing, then? Before this? And me?"
"Usually for fall pause I just hang out at my apartment, or with Beth and Rose somewhere. Darrell usually makes dinner for us all at some point. But I always have papers and stuff to write…" He grimaced, "I am not Darrell, damn it."
Kasimir smirked, "Pathetic."
"Why the hell are you lecturing me on all this? Have you finally run out of "nice" and are reverting back to "pissy" or something?" Neil's attention was fully on the genie, the television going unnoticed as his temper sparked. "I don't see you ever having fun, where do you get off telling me I work too much?"
"You're awfully touchy - it was just an observation. I'm bored. I tried to chat. Aren't you always saying I never really do that?"
"Talking and lecturing are two different things. If this is your idea of chatting, you suck at it."
"Excuse me for trying. Now who's being bratty?" Kasimir set his book aside, rising and crossing over to the couch where Neil reclined. "Fine, you're not addicted to work. What do you do for fun then?"
"What does it matter? Just drop it already," Neil said resentfully.
Kasimir snickered, "You don't do anything fun, do you?"
"Fine, you're right. I don't. All work and no play. Happy now, genie?" He jerked his angry gaze away and muttered to himself, "I don't see why it matters anyway. How did we get onto this topic of conversation?"
Kasimir was unrepentant, "Because as strange as it sound to me I am actually bored. You never ask for anything and we gave up on the Carnelian hunt after the paintings the other day. Even if my masters all annoyed me, they at least gave me stuff to do. Too much idle time give me too much time to think. And my thoughts have made me realize…" He broke off, pensive.
"Realize what?" Neil snapped.
The genie looked at him, "You remind me of Nomolos, in some respects. That's why I asked about relaxing and working. Why I cared to ask at all."
Neil snorted, Nomolos? You've got to be kidding. I'm related to the other demon, remember? How can I look like one and act like the other?"
"It's not unheard of, you know. Do you know part of the reason Ornias and Nomolos didn't get along? They didn't start out as actual enemies; they were on the same council for ages. It's just that they had different approaches to things, and those methods slowly but surely clashed. Ornias only worked so much, after a point he wouldn't go any further. In my former lord's eyes, he was a lazy worker. Nomolos kept - keeps to this day I bet - a very rigid schedule. He never spent much time in leisure, always trying to keep up with the myriad tasks that come with being one of the Higher Demon. In Ornias' eyes, he was hopelessly addicted to that and cared for nothing else. Lord Nomolos had few friends. When he had free time it was spent on other obligations. I don't know what happened in the end, but eventually the differences between he and Ornias became too great."
Neil's anger had faded slightly, curiosity flickering across his face, "So you're saying I'm too devoted? Not very Ornias like, but then again when have I ever obeyed the dictates of my stupid lineage." He sat up straighter in his seat, "So what did ol' Nomo do to relax?"
Kasimir smirked, "What do you think I was for? Decoration?"
Neil's face flushed as the words sunk in as he sputtered a response, "How did that get into the conversation? Are you really that bored, Kasi--" A sharp, piercing ring interrupted him, and Neil jerked his head to stare at the phone across the room before it completely registered that it was ringing.
Not looking at the smirking genie, he stalked across the room and snatched up the phone. "Yeah?" he said, his voice harsher than he intended.
"Don't sound so happy to see me, really."
"Sorry Beth, I didn't mean to sound that way. What's up?"
Laughter spilled through the phone, "That's what I should be asking you, silly. You're the one that hasn't bothered to call us since you got up there. At least you're alive. Or are you not?"
"Nope, sorry. Utterly and completely dead." Neil's voice was flat, thought his lips twitched with laughter.
"That's okay, so long as you're alive again by tomorrow."
"Why…" Neil's tone and face turned wary, "What's going on tomorrow?"
Bethany's mischievous laugh sounded in his ear again, and Neil winced in anticipation of the news he was about to hear, "You know Darrell has been negotiating with Lord Enterprises for some time now, right? You do pay that much attention?"
"Yes, I pay that much attention. He wants to sell, I certainly don't care," he huffed impatiently. "What's that got to do with tomorrow?"
"He's been in contact with the Vice President of Lord Enterprises, who just called this morning to inform Darrell that he unexpectedly has a large chunk of free time and that he'd like to use it to come look over the factory and all."
"That's polite of him. Did he bother to ask if we have free time?"
"Yes, he did as a matter of fact. And we do, so stop grousing. Darrell's excited to finally meet the man so he's invited him to stay at the house Tuesday and Wednesday, then we're going back to the city on Thursday to actually look through the factory and everything. So you need to be alive and functioning when we get there either much later tonight or early tomorrow morning. The VP will arrive some time in the afternoon."
"Does this VP have a name? Or do we just call him Mr. VP?"
"Oh cheer up, you've done this sort of thing a hundred times and then some. You should be thrilled everyone wants to keep it pretty casual - our big brother has apparently made quite the impression on Mr. Xavier Lord."
"Oh, so he does have a name." Neil shifted restlessly as he stood talking, "I am glad it's casual, because there's no way I’m putting another suit on. I already fulfilled my suite quota at the funeral."
"Just look presentable little brother and we'll be content. Did you need us to bring you any clothes or do you have all you need up there?" Bethany asked distractedly. Neil could hear Rosemary on the other end.
He frowned in thought, "Umm…it can't hurt to bring stuff I guess. I know I have some stuff here, but I don't know offhand how great it is and I'll be served for dinner if I look less than perfect."
"Ridiculous. You're too cute for dinner - we'd make you dessert." Bethany's voice was bright as she answered, snickering."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Anything else you need, oh evil one?"
"That's Mistress of Evil, thank you. But yes, there is one more thing. Don't bother hiding Kasimir, say he's a friend from school."
Neil started to reply in the affirmative, then his eyes went wide, "WHAT!" He stared accusingly at the phone a second, "So you did know about him! What gives? What the hell are you up to? Dammit Bethany! And damn Rosemary too! Tell me what's going on this instant!"
But Bethany was too busy laughing to answer for several seconds, leaving her brother to seethe. At long last she gasped, trying to slow her laughter. "That was a great reaction, oh wow that was fun. I'm sorry, I should be apologetic I guess huh? We'll explain everything when we see you. Rosemary is coming, by the way."
"I already knew that. You two are married, remember?"
"Really? I must have slept through the ceremony, huh. How strange. I'll have to ask Rose what it was like later. Anyway Neil, we'll explain ourselves tomorrow. But don't go blabbing anything to Darrell, okay? He's got enough on his plate without having to handle the reality of our family history."
"I'd prefer I didn't know, so don't worry. Darrell wont' hear it from me. You're going to get it though." Neil's tone was dark.
"You're all talk. Catch ya later, say hello to Kasi for us!" Bethany hung up, leaving her brother to toss the phone across the room to land on the couch with a muffled thump.
He turned his glare on a silent genie, "My sister and Rosemary wanted me to tell you 'hello' for them. You'll get to meet them tomorrow, by the way." Turning on his heel, Neil exited the room. "I'm going to go get a shower."
"Wait a minute! What's going on?" Kasimir called after him.
Neil sighed in aggravation, stopping briefly to explain. "My family is coming up tonight or tomorrow for business matters. My sister said not to bother hiding you, and she said to tell you hello. Why she's bothering to drop her secrets now, I couldn't tell you. Now if you don't mind, I'd like to go and drown myself in hot water. I'll feel more like explaining later, so just go back to being bored until I get back." He left.
Kasimir stared after him, completely lost.
Chapter Eighteen
"Dad, we're snowed in. Yes, I'm serious. No, I didn't. The weather forecast was for clear skies, you know I wouldn't have come up here alone otherwise. I'll do my best, but I'll probably be late." Sheridan hung his head, propping it against the palm of one hand to stare morosely at the table as he continued speaking on the phone. "Yes, I know how bad it will look , but--no, sir. Bye."
He dropped the phone to the tabletop, running a hand through his hair before leaning back in his seat with a heavy sigh. Slowly he forced himself to sit up again, picking up is fork to resume eating. But the rice and chicken he'd prepared had lost all appeal, and he quickly shoved the food away.
"Your father is unduly harsh," spoke a cool voice from the far side of the table. A wineglass clinked softly against the table as Nomolos set it down, leaning forward to look thoughtfully at the frowning man on the opposite end. "I have noticed that about him, especially in regards to you."
"Oh, I'm not special. I just live with him, that's all." Sheridan's tone was matter of fact, "He makes everyone's life a living hell. I always thought he felt it was his job to control everything since my mom and the DeMarius' died. Like no one else was quite up to snuff - which we really weren't, not then. Part of it is my fault anyway, I've been doing everything I can to avoid training."
Nomolos raised a brow, "Training? Ah, you mean to become the next faithful lap dog. What, you don't want to continue the noble tradition?"
Sheridan began to clear the dishes and tidying up the small kitchen. "No, I don't. The company is changing, Neil and his siblings are completely different from the rest of their family. I don't see why one more tradition can't be broken. I don't want to be lapdog for the rest of my life, even though they've been nothing but wonderful to me."
"And what do you want to do then? It's not like your life has allowed you to become much else."
"I don't know." Sheridan's expression darkened, "I just know I don't want to be my father, or my grandfather, or any other male in the Arden line. I'd anything to avoid that fate." He laughed faintly, bitterly. "Neil thinks he has it so rough, but as nice as the DeMarius siblings are, they still fall into many of the traditional pitfalls as everyone before them. Including taking the presence of an Arden for granted. I think they're great, but I don't want to work for them."
Nomolos said nothing, merely finished his wine as Sheridan moved around the kitchen.
The blond haired man eyed him, "My father is going to kill me when he realizes one of his best bottles is gone, you realize that. I didn't realize demons had a taste for wine."
"It may surprise you what demons 'have a taste for.'" He smirked, "But never fear, I doubt your father is soon going to be in any position to care about the loss of a bottle of wine. This is not bad, so far as human wines go. If I remember, I shall extend my compliments on his taste. Now, what was your father yelling at you about this time?"
"Hmm? Oh, the VP of Lord Enterprises has suddenly decided to visit. There's going to be a get together at the DeMarius Manor the next couple of days." Sheridan looked pained, "It's something I have to attend, but I can't with all this snow that suddenly sprung up. It's still strange, there was nothing about a snowstorm like this on the weather, " he said as he trailed over to the sliding glass door at the back of the house, near the kitchen. Pressing his hands to the glass he stared out at the unbroken white that hid everything from site, painfully bright in the moonlight that had appeared when the clouds finally dispersed earlier in the evening.
Nomolos set his wineglass soundlessly down on the table, moving with equal quiet toward the figure staring out the glass doors. He slid one arm around the blonde's slender waist, bracing the other against the cold glass as he leaned over the much shorter man. Sheridan jumped in surprise at the touch but did not pull away, too lost in his own thoughts to be wary of the demon.
"You really like the winter, don't you?" Nomolos' voice was low.
"Ah…when it's like this. I don't like it in the city. But out here…out here it's gorgeous. Like I said, I used to play out in it all the time when I was little." Sheridan kept his eyes on the snow, nervous but reluctant to take his eyes off the snow.
But Nomolos' voice was in his ear, "The view is breathtaking, but I have been patient long enough." He pulled away, his arm lingering a moment before freeing Sheridan's waist to take the man's wrist, tugging him away from the door before releasing it as well. Nomolos led the way, Sheridan trailing behind him in sudden trepidation.
Nomolos paused at the landing, eyeing the anxious with amusement. "So curious before, and now so reluctant. Come now, you're much better when you're riled. Don't go meek on me now, pretty." Moving toward the closed door of Luc's bedroom, he again paused. "Open the door for me, Sheridan."
Sheridan raised his brows and reached for the handle. The door didn't move, and he frowned as he tried again. "It's locked!" Sheridan sounded offended, "Why on earth would he lock his bedroom door? I know he doesn't like me in it, but honestly I've never wanted to go into his damned room."
Nomolos did not appear surprised, "Is there a key somewhere?"
"Knowing my father? The only key is on his key ring - the one he more or less sleeps with. So short of breaking down the door, we're not getting in. I should've checked this sooner, but it never occurred to me he'd lock me out…"
"Put your hand on the doorknob," Nomolos commanded.
"Huh?" Confused, Sheridan did as he was told. He gripped the doorknob lightly, only to have his own warm hand covered by Nomolos' own pale, icy hand. Just behind him the demon murmured softly, and Sheridan felt a growing warmth from the cold hand covering his own, until his own hand began to burn with heat - then it was gone, the demon silent.
"Now try it," Nomolos said softly.
Sheridan turned to look at the demon first, eyes widening slightly as he noticed that Nomolos seemed to be in pain. At the dark look sent him by the demon, Sheridan quickly turned back around, twisting the knob and starting in surprise when it gave beneath his hand, the door swinging open.
Behind him Nomolos breathed softly in relief, "It did disappear with the opening. The spell must have been on the lock, not the door." He followed Sheridan into the room, one hand going to his chest as it had earlier that day. A slight wince flickered across his face, but he nevertheless ventured deeper into the room.
Sheridan turned to face him, unimpressed. "What's so great? It looks more boring than my room…are you okay?"
Nomolos grinned, the expression almost gloating. "I'm fine. The small amount of pain I'm forced to endure for the moment is nothing compared to what I'm about to acquire."
Sheridan just sighed. "So what do we do now?"
"You don't feel anything at all, do you? How utterly amusing. Mmm…check that wall. The size of this room does not fit the house. And the energy radiates from that space," Nomolos indicated the wall to his right, against what should be the end of the house."
Sheridan looked at him like he was crazy, but moved toward the wall. "What am I looking for exactly?"
"It's really rather pathetic how easy all of this is. Your father is either incredibly arrogant or your family has lost nearly all of its power. Then again, you did say you were the first to possess gold eyes in a very long time, did you not?"
"I just said I didn't know who else had them. What's so special about my eyes?"
"You will see. Remove that painting," Nomolos indicated a large landscape painting of the very lake the house overlooked, complete with stark snow and dreary sky.
Sheridan lifted it down, setting the large painting across the small bed. He examined what was revealed - a large metal plate, perhaps half the size of the painting, covered the section of wall that the painting had centered on. The metal plate was strange looking, a dark silver that seemed to shimmer in bright overhead light. It was smooth, unmarked. Staring at it his heart began to race, nervousness trickling through him though he could not figure out why. "Wh…what is this? Some sort of safe?"
Nomolos' familiar cold laughter filled the room, "Yes, a safe of some sorts. Open it up."
"How?"
"Just touch it, that's all it should take from you, despite your father's desire to keep everything to himself. Not that he ever stood a chance…" Nomolos watched intently as Sheridan approached the odd metal plate.
The plate hummed beneath Sheridan's fingertips as he lightly touched it. The humming spread through his body, his eyes wide with confusion. Something kept him from withdrawing his hand though, and his gold eyes began to glow, shining upon the plate until the reflection forced Sheridan to shut his eyes and turn away.
His hand fell away, the humming ceased. Looking up, he realized with a gasp that the plate had disappeared, leaving a medium sized hole in the wall. As if someone had removed a safe that used to be there, leaving the whole in which it had sat. He gasped at what he saw, not realizing he was crying.
A diadem rest in the small hole, made from the same shimmering, shining metal as the plate. Set in the middle of the diadem was a seven-pointed star made from a jewel of so many colors it was impossible to stare at it for too long. Sheridan unconsciously reached a hand out for it, eyes bright with wonder and need.
A familiar cold touch captured his wrist, dragging it away from the glittering diadem. "I wouldn't touch that quite yet if I were you, pretty." Nomolos pulled the man toward him, away from the lure of the diadem. He forced Sheridan to look up at him, "You may hate the life you have now, but you don't want the life that will offer. Believe me. I do not think you are allowed to wear it yet, anyway. Unless the rules have changed in the past few centuries, which I highly doubt"
"Wh--what is it?"
"That is the true legacy of the Arden family. I'd be willing to bet it is also the reason you play lapdog to the descendants of a demon. Stay here, pretty." Nomolos released his grip and left Sheridan standing by the door, moving toward the glittering object hidden inside the wall. He again gripped his chest, the pain on his face a bit more pronounced. Gritting his teeth, Nomolos began to bite out the words of a spell, holding a hand up with the palm facing the diadem.
Shadows seemed to gather around the shimmering piece of jewelry, dampening the blinding colors until the diadem at last looked relatively normal. Breathing deeply in what seemed to be relief, Nomolos pushed away the exhaustion that had appeared to replace the pained expression on his face. Reaching in, he withdrew the diadem.
Behind him Sheridan was clutching his head, his face pale. "You…what did you do to it?" He ducked his head, his feet uncertain.
Nomolos caught him easily, dragging the short man close against his chest. Ink dark hair cascaded over his shoulders, hiding most of Sheridan from sight. "I merely bound it, though I'm going to pay for the stunt later. That took far more energy that it should have. I am glad, pretty Sheridan, that I had you to do the easy stuff for me."
Tense, Sheridan still did not move away. His voice was muffled from where it lay against Nomolos' chest. "What's going on?"
"I think we should pay your father a visit first, don't you think? It would not be fair to explain your history to you when that honor belongs to your rather negligent father. I will not keep secrets too much longer, pretty nephilim." Holding him even closer, Nomolos murmured a spell, and the two vanished.
In other news, I have to work eight to five tomorrow (rather than 10 to 4) and it's going to be the Day of Hell b/c of the conversion to a five dollar store. Expect Rant O' Doom.
Chapter Seventeen
Neil tossed the remote aside, a bored expression on his face as he stared at the movie playing on the large television. "Why is there never anything good on when I actually want to watch TV?"
"If there's nothing worth watching, why have you not turned it off? Find something else to do." Kasimir said, tone exasperated.
"Because that means the TV wins. Besides, if I read one more book - one more word - I'm going to either puke or do something violent. For all that I support the occasional incurring of Darrell's wrath, I'm not quite brave enough to destroy this house. Contrary to popular notions, my thoughts aren't suicidal in nature." Neil sounded half amused, half annoyed by his own words.
Kasimir didn't react, "So what are you planning on doing now? It's Sunday - do you not have to return to school soon?"
"Nope. Most of my stuff is independent study anyway, and fall pause started Friday. I just skipped classes Wednesday and Thursday - what few classes I have."
The genie continued to look at him, "What exactly do you study?"
"European History."
Kasimir looked disbelieving, "You? History? I would think that would be the subject of least interest to you. You can barely manage your family history, why on earth would you study more history?"
"Because real history doesn't concern demons and genies and crap. Okay, so that's real too. But still…it's only my personal history I hate. I like learning the larger picture. Besides, I have no head at all for business. First and foremost I hate it. How my brother does it I'll never understand. My sister is the one that works in the actual factory; she helps with the recipes and all of that. They don't need me there. They've got it plenty covered. So I just do other stuff, stay out of the way."
"So why Europe?"
"Why the sudden interest? You can't possibly be bored enough to actually care." Neil eyed the genie warily.
"It's not like you've been so great a host since we arrived. Work, work, work - do you ever play?" Kasimir rolled his eyes.
Neil glared at him, "You're saying that to the wrong brother. Darrell is the work-aholic, not me. Hell, he's usually yelling at me for not doing anything constructive."
"That's ridiculous. Since I've been here you've done nothing but bitch and moan about the Carnelian, and when you weren't fretting about that you were working on school. You haven't bothered to do anything fun in the short time I've known you." Kasimir looked thoughtful, vaguely amused. "It's an odd trait in a Master - my previous ones did work, but mostly with me around they just played."
Neil shook his head, stunned. "That's ridiculous. I'm not a work-aholic. I know how to have fun - I would be relaxing now but for the Carnelian suddenly thrown my way."
"What were you planning on doing, then? Before this? And me?"
"Usually for fall pause I just hang out at my apartment, or with Beth and Rose somewhere. Darrell usually makes dinner for us all at some point. But I always have papers and stuff to write…" He grimaced, "I am not Darrell, damn it."
Kasimir smirked, "Pathetic."
"Why the hell are you lecturing me on all this? Have you finally run out of "nice" and are reverting back to "pissy" or something?" Neil's attention was fully on the genie, the television going unnoticed as his temper sparked. "I don't see you ever having fun, where do you get off telling me I work too much?"
"You're awfully touchy - it was just an observation. I'm bored. I tried to chat. Aren't you always saying I never really do that?"
"Talking and lecturing are two different things. If this is your idea of chatting, you suck at it."
"Excuse me for trying. Now who's being bratty?" Kasimir set his book aside, rising and crossing over to the couch where Neil reclined. "Fine, you're not addicted to work. What do you do for fun then?"
"What does it matter? Just drop it already," Neil said resentfully.
Kasimir snickered, "You don't do anything fun, do you?"
"Fine, you're right. I don't. All work and no play. Happy now, genie?" He jerked his angry gaze away and muttered to himself, "I don't see why it matters anyway. How did we get onto this topic of conversation?"
Kasimir was unrepentant, "Because as strange as it sound to me I am actually bored. You never ask for anything and we gave up on the Carnelian hunt after the paintings the other day. Even if my masters all annoyed me, they at least gave me stuff to do. Too much idle time give me too much time to think. And my thoughts have made me realize…" He broke off, pensive.
"Realize what?" Neil snapped.
The genie looked at him, "You remind me of Nomolos, in some respects. That's why I asked about relaxing and working. Why I cared to ask at all."
Neil snorted, Nomolos? You've got to be kidding. I'm related to the other demon, remember? How can I look like one and act like the other?"
"It's not unheard of, you know. Do you know part of the reason Ornias and Nomolos didn't get along? They didn't start out as actual enemies; they were on the same council for ages. It's just that they had different approaches to things, and those methods slowly but surely clashed. Ornias only worked so much, after a point he wouldn't go any further. In my former lord's eyes, he was a lazy worker. Nomolos kept - keeps to this day I bet - a very rigid schedule. He never spent much time in leisure, always trying to keep up with the myriad tasks that come with being one of the Higher Demon. In Ornias' eyes, he was hopelessly addicted to that and cared for nothing else. Lord Nomolos had few friends. When he had free time it was spent on other obligations. I don't know what happened in the end, but eventually the differences between he and Ornias became too great."
Neil's anger had faded slightly, curiosity flickering across his face, "So you're saying I'm too devoted? Not very Ornias like, but then again when have I ever obeyed the dictates of my stupid lineage." He sat up straighter in his seat, "So what did ol' Nomo do to relax?"
Kasimir smirked, "What do you think I was for? Decoration?"
Neil's face flushed as the words sunk in as he sputtered a response, "How did that get into the conversation? Are you really that bored, Kasi--" A sharp, piercing ring interrupted him, and Neil jerked his head to stare at the phone across the room before it completely registered that it was ringing.
Not looking at the smirking genie, he stalked across the room and snatched up the phone. "Yeah?" he said, his voice harsher than he intended.
"Don't sound so happy to see me, really."
"Sorry Beth, I didn't mean to sound that way. What's up?"
Laughter spilled through the phone, "That's what I should be asking you, silly. You're the one that hasn't bothered to call us since you got up there. At least you're alive. Or are you not?"
"Nope, sorry. Utterly and completely dead." Neil's voice was flat, thought his lips twitched with laughter.
"That's okay, so long as you're alive again by tomorrow."
"Why…" Neil's tone and face turned wary, "What's going on tomorrow?"
Bethany's mischievous laugh sounded in his ear again, and Neil winced in anticipation of the news he was about to hear, "You know Darrell has been negotiating with Lord Enterprises for some time now, right? You do pay that much attention?"
"Yes, I pay that much attention. He wants to sell, I certainly don't care," he huffed impatiently. "What's that got to do with tomorrow?"
"He's been in contact with the Vice President of Lord Enterprises, who just called this morning to inform Darrell that he unexpectedly has a large chunk of free time and that he'd like to use it to come look over the factory and all."
"That's polite of him. Did he bother to ask if we have free time?"
"Yes, he did as a matter of fact. And we do, so stop grousing. Darrell's excited to finally meet the man so he's invited him to stay at the house Tuesday and Wednesday, then we're going back to the city on Thursday to actually look through the factory and everything. So you need to be alive and functioning when we get there either much later tonight or early tomorrow morning. The VP will arrive some time in the afternoon."
"Does this VP have a name? Or do we just call him Mr. VP?"
"Oh cheer up, you've done this sort of thing a hundred times and then some. You should be thrilled everyone wants to keep it pretty casual - our big brother has apparently made quite the impression on Mr. Xavier Lord."
"Oh, so he does have a name." Neil shifted restlessly as he stood talking, "I am glad it's casual, because there's no way I’m putting another suit on. I already fulfilled my suite quota at the funeral."
"Just look presentable little brother and we'll be content. Did you need us to bring you any clothes or do you have all you need up there?" Bethany asked distractedly. Neil could hear Rosemary on the other end.
He frowned in thought, "Umm…it can't hurt to bring stuff I guess. I know I have some stuff here, but I don't know offhand how great it is and I'll be served for dinner if I look less than perfect."
"Ridiculous. You're too cute for dinner - we'd make you dessert." Bethany's voice was bright as she answered, snickering."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Anything else you need, oh evil one?"
"That's Mistress of Evil, thank you. But yes, there is one more thing. Don't bother hiding Kasimir, say he's a friend from school."
Neil started to reply in the affirmative, then his eyes went wide, "WHAT!" He stared accusingly at the phone a second, "So you did know about him! What gives? What the hell are you up to? Dammit Bethany! And damn Rosemary too! Tell me what's going on this instant!"
But Bethany was too busy laughing to answer for several seconds, leaving her brother to seethe. At long last she gasped, trying to slow her laughter. "That was a great reaction, oh wow that was fun. I'm sorry, I should be apologetic I guess huh? We'll explain everything when we see you. Rosemary is coming, by the way."
"I already knew that. You two are married, remember?"
"Really? I must have slept through the ceremony, huh. How strange. I'll have to ask Rose what it was like later. Anyway Neil, we'll explain ourselves tomorrow. But don't go blabbing anything to Darrell, okay? He's got enough on his plate without having to handle the reality of our family history."
"I'd prefer I didn't know, so don't worry. Darrell wont' hear it from me. You're going to get it though." Neil's tone was dark.
"You're all talk. Catch ya later, say hello to Kasi for us!" Bethany hung up, leaving her brother to toss the phone across the room to land on the couch with a muffled thump.
He turned his glare on a silent genie, "My sister and Rosemary wanted me to tell you 'hello' for them. You'll get to meet them tomorrow, by the way." Turning on his heel, Neil exited the room. "I'm going to go get a shower."
"Wait a minute! What's going on?" Kasimir called after him.
Neil sighed in aggravation, stopping briefly to explain. "My family is coming up tonight or tomorrow for business matters. My sister said not to bother hiding you, and she said to tell you hello. Why she's bothering to drop her secrets now, I couldn't tell you. Now if you don't mind, I'd like to go and drown myself in hot water. I'll feel more like explaining later, so just go back to being bored until I get back." He left.
Kasimir stared after him, completely lost.
Chapter Eighteen
"Dad, we're snowed in. Yes, I'm serious. No, I didn't. The weather forecast was for clear skies, you know I wouldn't have come up here alone otherwise. I'll do my best, but I'll probably be late." Sheridan hung his head, propping it against the palm of one hand to stare morosely at the table as he continued speaking on the phone. "Yes, I know how bad it will look , but--no, sir. Bye."
He dropped the phone to the tabletop, running a hand through his hair before leaning back in his seat with a heavy sigh. Slowly he forced himself to sit up again, picking up is fork to resume eating. But the rice and chicken he'd prepared had lost all appeal, and he quickly shoved the food away.
"Your father is unduly harsh," spoke a cool voice from the far side of the table. A wineglass clinked softly against the table as Nomolos set it down, leaning forward to look thoughtfully at the frowning man on the opposite end. "I have noticed that about him, especially in regards to you."
"Oh, I'm not special. I just live with him, that's all." Sheridan's tone was matter of fact, "He makes everyone's life a living hell. I always thought he felt it was his job to control everything since my mom and the DeMarius' died. Like no one else was quite up to snuff - which we really weren't, not then. Part of it is my fault anyway, I've been doing everything I can to avoid training."
Nomolos raised a brow, "Training? Ah, you mean to become the next faithful lap dog. What, you don't want to continue the noble tradition?"
Sheridan began to clear the dishes and tidying up the small kitchen. "No, I don't. The company is changing, Neil and his siblings are completely different from the rest of their family. I don't see why one more tradition can't be broken. I don't want to be lapdog for the rest of my life, even though they've been nothing but wonderful to me."
"And what do you want to do then? It's not like your life has allowed you to become much else."
"I don't know." Sheridan's expression darkened, "I just know I don't want to be my father, or my grandfather, or any other male in the Arden line. I'd anything to avoid that fate." He laughed faintly, bitterly. "Neil thinks he has it so rough, but as nice as the DeMarius siblings are, they still fall into many of the traditional pitfalls as everyone before them. Including taking the presence of an Arden for granted. I think they're great, but I don't want to work for them."
Nomolos said nothing, merely finished his wine as Sheridan moved around the kitchen.
The blond haired man eyed him, "My father is going to kill me when he realizes one of his best bottles is gone, you realize that. I didn't realize demons had a taste for wine."
"It may surprise you what demons 'have a taste for.'" He smirked, "But never fear, I doubt your father is soon going to be in any position to care about the loss of a bottle of wine. This is not bad, so far as human wines go. If I remember, I shall extend my compliments on his taste. Now, what was your father yelling at you about this time?"
"Hmm? Oh, the VP of Lord Enterprises has suddenly decided to visit. There's going to be a get together at the DeMarius Manor the next couple of days." Sheridan looked pained, "It's something I have to attend, but I can't with all this snow that suddenly sprung up. It's still strange, there was nothing about a snowstorm like this on the weather, " he said as he trailed over to the sliding glass door at the back of the house, near the kitchen. Pressing his hands to the glass he stared out at the unbroken white that hid everything from site, painfully bright in the moonlight that had appeared when the clouds finally dispersed earlier in the evening.
Nomolos set his wineglass soundlessly down on the table, moving with equal quiet toward the figure staring out the glass doors. He slid one arm around the blonde's slender waist, bracing the other against the cold glass as he leaned over the much shorter man. Sheridan jumped in surprise at the touch but did not pull away, too lost in his own thoughts to be wary of the demon.
"You really like the winter, don't you?" Nomolos' voice was low.
"Ah…when it's like this. I don't like it in the city. But out here…out here it's gorgeous. Like I said, I used to play out in it all the time when I was little." Sheridan kept his eyes on the snow, nervous but reluctant to take his eyes off the snow.
But Nomolos' voice was in his ear, "The view is breathtaking, but I have been patient long enough." He pulled away, his arm lingering a moment before freeing Sheridan's waist to take the man's wrist, tugging him away from the door before releasing it as well. Nomolos led the way, Sheridan trailing behind him in sudden trepidation.
Nomolos paused at the landing, eyeing the anxious with amusement. "So curious before, and now so reluctant. Come now, you're much better when you're riled. Don't go meek on me now, pretty." Moving toward the closed door of Luc's bedroom, he again paused. "Open the door for me, Sheridan."
Sheridan raised his brows and reached for the handle. The door didn't move, and he frowned as he tried again. "It's locked!" Sheridan sounded offended, "Why on earth would he lock his bedroom door? I know he doesn't like me in it, but honestly I've never wanted to go into his damned room."
Nomolos did not appear surprised, "Is there a key somewhere?"
"Knowing my father? The only key is on his key ring - the one he more or less sleeps with. So short of breaking down the door, we're not getting in. I should've checked this sooner, but it never occurred to me he'd lock me out…"
"Put your hand on the doorknob," Nomolos commanded.
"Huh?" Confused, Sheridan did as he was told. He gripped the doorknob lightly, only to have his own warm hand covered by Nomolos' own pale, icy hand. Just behind him the demon murmured softly, and Sheridan felt a growing warmth from the cold hand covering his own, until his own hand began to burn with heat - then it was gone, the demon silent.
"Now try it," Nomolos said softly.
Sheridan turned to look at the demon first, eyes widening slightly as he noticed that Nomolos seemed to be in pain. At the dark look sent him by the demon, Sheridan quickly turned back around, twisting the knob and starting in surprise when it gave beneath his hand, the door swinging open.
Behind him Nomolos breathed softly in relief, "It did disappear with the opening. The spell must have been on the lock, not the door." He followed Sheridan into the room, one hand going to his chest as it had earlier that day. A slight wince flickered across his face, but he nevertheless ventured deeper into the room.
Sheridan turned to face him, unimpressed. "What's so great? It looks more boring than my room…are you okay?"
Nomolos grinned, the expression almost gloating. "I'm fine. The small amount of pain I'm forced to endure for the moment is nothing compared to what I'm about to acquire."
Sheridan just sighed. "So what do we do now?"
"You don't feel anything at all, do you? How utterly amusing. Mmm…check that wall. The size of this room does not fit the house. And the energy radiates from that space," Nomolos indicated the wall to his right, against what should be the end of the house."
Sheridan looked at him like he was crazy, but moved toward the wall. "What am I looking for exactly?"
"It's really rather pathetic how easy all of this is. Your father is either incredibly arrogant or your family has lost nearly all of its power. Then again, you did say you were the first to possess gold eyes in a very long time, did you not?"
"I just said I didn't know who else had them. What's so special about my eyes?"
"You will see. Remove that painting," Nomolos indicated a large landscape painting of the very lake the house overlooked, complete with stark snow and dreary sky.
Sheridan lifted it down, setting the large painting across the small bed. He examined what was revealed - a large metal plate, perhaps half the size of the painting, covered the section of wall that the painting had centered on. The metal plate was strange looking, a dark silver that seemed to shimmer in bright overhead light. It was smooth, unmarked. Staring at it his heart began to race, nervousness trickling through him though he could not figure out why. "Wh…what is this? Some sort of safe?"
Nomolos' familiar cold laughter filled the room, "Yes, a safe of some sorts. Open it up."
"How?"
"Just touch it, that's all it should take from you, despite your father's desire to keep everything to himself. Not that he ever stood a chance…" Nomolos watched intently as Sheridan approached the odd metal plate.
The plate hummed beneath Sheridan's fingertips as he lightly touched it. The humming spread through his body, his eyes wide with confusion. Something kept him from withdrawing his hand though, and his gold eyes began to glow, shining upon the plate until the reflection forced Sheridan to shut his eyes and turn away.
His hand fell away, the humming ceased. Looking up, he realized with a gasp that the plate had disappeared, leaving a medium sized hole in the wall. As if someone had removed a safe that used to be there, leaving the whole in which it had sat. He gasped at what he saw, not realizing he was crying.
A diadem rest in the small hole, made from the same shimmering, shining metal as the plate. Set in the middle of the diadem was a seven-pointed star made from a jewel of so many colors it was impossible to stare at it for too long. Sheridan unconsciously reached a hand out for it, eyes bright with wonder and need.
A familiar cold touch captured his wrist, dragging it away from the glittering diadem. "I wouldn't touch that quite yet if I were you, pretty." Nomolos pulled the man toward him, away from the lure of the diadem. He forced Sheridan to look up at him, "You may hate the life you have now, but you don't want the life that will offer. Believe me. I do not think you are allowed to wear it yet, anyway. Unless the rules have changed in the past few centuries, which I highly doubt"
"Wh--what is it?"
"That is the true legacy of the Arden family. I'd be willing to bet it is also the reason you play lapdog to the descendants of a demon. Stay here, pretty." Nomolos released his grip and left Sheridan standing by the door, moving toward the glittering object hidden inside the wall. He again gripped his chest, the pain on his face a bit more pronounced. Gritting his teeth, Nomolos began to bite out the words of a spell, holding a hand up with the palm facing the diadem.
Shadows seemed to gather around the shimmering piece of jewelry, dampening the blinding colors until the diadem at last looked relatively normal. Breathing deeply in what seemed to be relief, Nomolos pushed away the exhaustion that had appeared to replace the pained expression on his face. Reaching in, he withdrew the diadem.
Behind him Sheridan was clutching his head, his face pale. "You…what did you do to it?" He ducked his head, his feet uncertain.
Nomolos caught him easily, dragging the short man close against his chest. Ink dark hair cascaded over his shoulders, hiding most of Sheridan from sight. "I merely bound it, though I'm going to pay for the stunt later. That took far more energy that it should have. I am glad, pretty Sheridan, that I had you to do the easy stuff for me."
Tense, Sheridan still did not move away. His voice was muffled from where it lay against Nomolos' chest. "What's going on?"
"I think we should pay your father a visit first, don't you think? It would not be fair to explain your history to you when that honor belongs to your rather negligent father. I will not keep secrets too much longer, pretty nephilim." Holding him even closer, Nomolos murmured a spell, and the two vanished.
In other news, I have to work eight to five tomorrow (rather than 10 to 4) and it's going to be the Day of Hell b/c of the conversion to a five dollar store. Expect Rant O' Doom.
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Date: 2003-11-30 07:30 am (UTC)And nomo?? C.R.E.E.P.Y. I'd still like to lock myself in the closet with him though..
$5 store? Wazzat?
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Date: 2003-11-30 08:04 am (UTC)$5.00 = One large w/one topping for five bucks, pick up only. It's a pain in the ass but in the long run it'll be easier and more profitable. But it also means we'll be stopping delivery almost completely soon.
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Date: 2003-11-30 08:07 am (UTC)Ahh heh heh then there is one less hassle you will have to worry about.. bye bye shitty drivers ;)
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Date: 2003-11-30 08:12 am (UTC)I hope I'm there when they're fired. Especially the one that keeps trying to feel me up - I've got permission to kick his ass if he makes one more comment.
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Date: 2003-11-30 08:17 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-11-30 08:18 am (UTC)It would be divine, but I think the boss knows I'd do nothing but point and laugh evily, so I'll probably be banned from the proceedings.
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Date: 2003-11-30 08:22 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-11-30 08:24 am (UTC)I just put a new tape in it this morning.
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Date: 2003-11-30 08:29 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-11-30 08:31 am (UTC)I aim to please, and I am nothing if not a well trained lackey.
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Date: 2003-11-30 08:34 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-11-30 08:38 am (UTC)ah well, then a capable and talented co-conquerer
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Date: 2003-11-30 08:41 am (UTC)