Raiko the Elf

By Robin Mayo

Chapter 4:  An Unpleasant Acquaintance

Disclaimer:  I own all of the characters, the plot, songs, poems, everything in this story.  If you would like to use anything, please ask my permission before hand.  K?

Author’s notes:  Hey, everybody!  It’s been a LONG time since I’ve last written.  I’ve had this chapter written for some time now, but I’ve never had the time to get it up!  You want to know why?  It’s because of all the State Tests and essays and exams I had to do last semester!  Now I see why Zibby and Stella always took so long getting their next chapters out!  I hope everyone had a nice Christmas!  My sis got me the first three Inuyasha books, but they’re in Japanese so I have to get the translations for them…  I absolutely love them, though! ^-^ I also got the Escaflowne movie on DVD from my brother Logan, which is SO cool, you guys!  You can watch it in either English or Japanese.  Oh yeah!  Just to let you guys know (most of you who are reading this already or SHOULD already know) my b-day is this January 25, and I’m going to be the big 18!  And now here’s the long awaited chapter 4!

            She awoke to the clatter of shutters caught in the wind.  Raiko sat up slowly, a blanket falling to her hips.  She was in someone’s house and had no recollection of how she got there.  Her eyes took in her surroundings, noticing at the edge of the bed her suit fully restored to its original state.  A fire was crackling in a hearth opposite from her.  Swinging her legs over the side of the bed, she placed her feet on the carpeted floor and began to examine everything.  A set of chest-of-drawers stood on clawed feet against the wall.  She walked over to it, sliding open each drawer to search its contents.  Jewelry, an assortment of shirts, pants, and skirts met her wandering eyes.  Raiko discovered a small, lidded box decorated with gold trim and velvet within another drawer.  She lifted the cover off carefully and found a tiny silver locket.  Inside was a picture of a man with turquoise-colored hair and glowing amber irises.  He had his arm around a girl with shimmering golden hair smiling happily, her dark brown eyes filled with mirth.  Raiko scrutinized the small painting for some time.  The mere sight of the two gave her a sense of love she hadn’t felt in years.  Again, she was reminded of the loneliness of not having her loved ones with her.  She was overwhelmed with grief and felt warm tears form on the brims of her eyelashes as she let her fingers gently run over the picture.

            Raiko shook her head vigorously.  She did not need this now.  Attempting to choke back the tears that threatened to spill down her cheeks, she swallowed the lump in her throat and furiously wiped at her eyes.  Now was not the time to show weakness.

            In a closet beside the bed, Raiko found many dresses of all different colors and designs.  She took out a sky blue one and decided to wear it.  As she started for the door, she thought about what she was doing and stopped.  What if the person who lives here is still here?  I have to take precautions just in case; I don’t want to upset them.  Maybe I’ll just look around outside, and when I’m through I’ll come back and thank the person for their hospitality.  Raiko opened a small window and climbed out, taking one final glance at the cottage as she started off into the forest.

            Argo Duvalier unsheathed his katana, admiring the magnificently carved handle in which a dragon wound itself around.  In place of its eyes were rubies.  He smiled softly at the craftwork.  Watching himself in a large mirror, he raised the blade to his neck.  This is no longer my burden…

            Raiko came upon what would, by some, be considered a mansion.  Her curiosity got the better of her, so she entered.  She hoped to find the lord or lady of the house to be of some kindness, so as not to reprimand her harshly for trespassing.  Many antiques sat upon shelves in the hall she walked.

            A noise, something like a dull thunk, alerted Raiko to the fact that someone occupied the room ahead of her.  Taking small steps towards the door, she found herself trembling slightly despite lacking any true fear.  With her back against the wall, she craned her neck around to catch a glimpse of the person inside the room.  The sight that met her was not pleasant in the least.  A young man stood in front of a mirror with a katana at his neck.

            “NO!!!” Raiko shrieked, her eyes wide with fright.  Startled, the man cut off some of his hair, nicking his neck in the process.  In his rage, he turned and threw the sword directly at the intruder.  The blade landed in the door’s border next to Raiko’s head.  In her shock, she jumped back, knocking an antique vase from its place.  It made a loud crashing noise, breaking into many small fragments.  Long, black strands of hair floated to the floor, the owner’s chest rising and falling heavily as his emerald eyes penetrated the unwelcome guest’s pair.

            “You!  Who the HELL are you and what are you doing in my house?!” he yelled angrily.  His eyes swept over her and then caught sight of the broken vase.

            “You’re going to pay for that,” he said, his voice a deadly whisper.  “That belonged to my mother.”

            Raiko’s face flushed bright red with embarrassment, realizing she had broken something very precious to him.  She looked down at her feet, feeling shameful.  She did not meet his gaze but continued to stare down at the floor as she murmured apologetically,” I-I am so sorry…I really didn’t mean to.  When I saw what you were doing, I was appalled.  I didn’t want you to go on with it.  I truly am sorry, sir.  Please forgive me.”

            “You should not have been here in the first place!” he snapped.  “I’m sure you were here hoping to take something of value so you could earn a few gold pieces, you wretched peasant!” he continued snidely through gritted teeth.

            Raiko’s first thought was that the man was incredibly handsome, but as she quickly saw through his façade, she changed her mind.  He’s just another arrogant, haughty noble with an attitude!  And how DARE he call me a peasant!  Raiko held her head up high, showing him that his insults would not get the better of her.  Calmly, she retorted, “I would never steal anything, and especially not from some domineering twit like you.  This is all just…just…worthless junk!

            “WORTHLESS JUNK?!?!?  I’ll have you know that those items would bring much fortune to whomever sells it…hmph!  Worthless junk, you say!  It would probably bring out of the sad state you live in now!  HA!”

            Raiko ignored his last comment and let a small smirk appear on her face as she saw that her insults had gotten to him.  Two can play this game.  You are such an idiot!  She pushed away the urge to laugh at him.

            “Sure…  You probably bought these off some peddler and then claimed them to be more than they’re worth!”