Merla's Fanfic

A neat place for archiving Merla's Fanfic all together. If she continues to post on the other thread, and you can carry on commening there, I'll just use this one as a neat place to put it all without interuptions. So without further ado...

Juliette passed by the little glass shop on her way home. She usually payed no attention to it, but something caught her eye. A little gass figure of a ballerina in a perfect crase position was on the shelf level to her eyes. The tutu and pointe shoes where painted in acrylic pink. She glanced down at the mesh bag on her shoulder holding her own pointe shoes. She pushed the door open and went to the clerk.
'Excuse me,' she said politely. 'I would like to see the glass figure of the ballerina please.' The clerk smiled and went to the case and took it out. She handed it to Juliette.
'Is there anything else I can do for you, miss?' Juliette could only shake her head. She cradled the little figure in her hands. She turned it over and read the tag. It cost fifteen pounds. Juliette had ten at home, and was due for allowance tomorrow.
'Can you hold this?' She asked the same clerk. 'My name is Juliette Waters, I should be able to pick it up by Monday.' She said. The clerk nodded. Juliette watched her scribble her name on a tag, place it around her neck, then put it in the bag. Juliette thanked the woman, then stepped outside. She walked the block to the tube, then the remaining three to her house. When she got home, she inquired her mother about her allowance.
'I suppose I could give it to you early.' She said in that tone only a mother can achieve. She handed Juliette a twenty-pound not. 'Spend it well,' She called after the fourteen-year-old girl bounding up the stairs. Juliette put it in her wallet, then grabbed some cloths and went to take a shower. When she was done she ate some fisn and chips, followed by strawberries and creme, then went to her room to read. They where studying History at school, mainly focused on Venice, Rome, and Siena. Eventually, she drifted off the sleep.
Her alarm rang shrill in the morning. She quickly turned it off, and got out of bed. She pulled on jeans, a purple top, a white sweater, stuffed the twenty pounds into her pocket, then went to the bathroom to clean her teeth and brush her hair. She scribbled a not to her divorced mother, then stepped outside. She walked to the corner cafe and bought a hot chocolate and a Danish pastry, then walked to the tube munching on it.
When they arrived in London, it was about eleven o'clock. She walked down to the shop and looked at the sign.
'Open at 11:30?' She said to herself. 'Great...' She walked over to the bookshop across the street, and looked at a book about Italy.
When 11:30 rolled around she was the first person to come into the little shop.
'Hi, I'm here to pick up something I heldyesterday. My name is Juliette, it's the ballerina.' The owner smiled at her and picked it up.
'That'll be fifteen pounds, miss.' She handed him the note, and he gave her the change and wrapped it up in bubble wrap and put it in a box. She began to turn, but stopped.
'Do you know what kind of glass this is?' She asked.
'Why yes, it is Italian. The woman who brought it in said it would sell quickly. She was right.' She thanked him, then left, heading to he friends house.
It was nearly dark when Juliette got back. She ate some dinner of pasta, then went to take a shower and go to bed. She was very tired. When in bed she placed the little figure on her hand, thinking of Italy, then slowly drifted off to sleep.
Juliette was very confused and a little scared. Last she knew she was in her bedroom, next she was standing in braud daylight, infront of some palace. Silver spires where all around her, and she blushed at the fact knowing she was in her pajamas. She had just time enough to realize that the figurine of the dancer was in her hands when someone bumped into her. He looked vauguly familiar.
'I am so sorry, miss. I wasn't...' He stopped when he looked down, and gasped. She followed his gaze, and his actions. One black shadow stretched behind the boy, but another did not accompany her. He grabbed her hand and began pulling her away from the street into the big building.
'I need to get to the peathingy room, is her highness in it?' He said to a maid. She shook her head no, and he pulled her up marble stairs and through many rooms until they where in a private room. He pulled her to a wall and twisted the peathingy infront of him. It opened and he pulled her through the large gap.
'I am very sorry about this. My name is Luciano. Whats yours? Oh, don't worry, we're just going to a friends.'
'My name is Juliette.' She replied, wincing because he was holding so hard. He stopped her and then a wall she did not know was there was opened, and they where in another room.
'Rodolfo!' Luciano shouted. A tall man with black and silver hair and dressed in velvet like Luciano came down from apparently the roof. 'I just found this girl. Her name is Juliette. Look!' He pulled poor Juliette up to the place where Rodolfo had just come out and pointed to the ground, where, once again, she had no shadow.
'Come,' said Rodolfo. 'we have much to teach you.' And he beckoned for her to sit.

*********************

*********************

Juliette was stunned. It had been nearly an hour on the rooftop garden. She felt a chill run through her spine, even though it was a wonderfully warm day. She stared at the glass of iced lemonade. Luciano was seated next to her, and across the narrow path, on a seperate bench, sat Rodolfo and the old man named William Dethridge. She looked up, everyone was looking at her.

'So... I'm in a sort of... parallel Venice? And I'm what's called a... Stravaganti?'

She had never felt so confused in her life.

'Luciano,' Said Rodolfo. 'why don't you take her around the city. Perhaps you could escort young Arriana? She can maybe disguise herself today. I'll take care of all the city's issues today.'

He nodded, and led Juliette down back into the room.

'You'll like the Duchessa,' He said with a handsom grin. 'She's the one who lives in the palace I found you by.'

Juliette just nodded and allowed herself to be led down the narrow passage she was practically forced through earlier. When they emerged at the other end, they found a girl, not much older then herself seated on a chair talking to a maid. Luciano bowed a little, and Juliette, assuming this was the Duchessa, curtsied a little. Luciano walked up to her and whispered something in her ear. She dismissed her maid, and stood up, smiling.

'So, a new Stravagante, no?' She smiled. 'I am Arriana.'
Juliette smiled.
'Barbara!' She called. A young maid stepped back through the door. 'Could yu please find a simple gown for my guest and I? Perhaps that lovely purple one for her. I'll use my torquiose one.' She looked at Juliette. 'Are you sixteen?' Juliette nodded. 'Bring the matching masks then. Thank you.'

The maid fluttered out, curtsieing on the way out. They waited in silence, speaking just a little, until the maid came back. Arriana dismissed her, and they pulled over the dresses, Juliettes turning out to be a rich purple one with the chest area sinched and held together by a diamond. Along with it can a rich purple silk mask with little spots of what looked like glitter, but when looked at closely was shards of crystle-clear glass. She tied it over her face, fastening the silk ribbon around her auburn hair, and blinked a couple times, not used to the masks holes for the eyes. Arriana changed into a lovely torquoised dress with diamonds studding the rim. Her mask was green silk and was decorated much like hers. Arriana let her hair down, and they returned to where Luciano was waiting. He smiled and offered his arm to the Duchessa, and then his other to Juliette, but she politely refused, seeing as the two had a thing for eachother. She followed them outside, and they went around the city, taking the almond-shaped boats they called mandolas, and taking other boats out to the islands. No one seemed to notice Arriana was who she was, but she shrugged it off and enjoyed herself.

******************************

A light breeze weaved its way into Juliette auburn locks. Arriana and she where getting along well, and Luciano was a very friendly guy. Over the past few hours passing in mandolas and visiting people on islands, the two of them had explained all of their first meeting. Luciano had to do most of the explaining with the part about the other girl... Georgia. When he got on to explaining about Falco, she remembered.

'Ohmigosh, Nicholas?!' she exclaimed (and asked). 'I know him! He is on the football team! I play on the girls team, we had an end-of-the-year party before summer break. He had just joined then.'

Luciano and Arriana where not suprised. Juliette was slim, very slim. She danced pointe and jazz, and was very talented. One more thing was no suprise. But soccer? Does Arriana even know what that is? Thought Juliette. She shrugged it off, and suddenly realized Luciano was speaking to her again.

'Football? Wow, Georgia has not told me that... Although our coversations are brief.' Juliette saw a flicker of delight, and jealousy at the mention of Georgia run through Arriana. She really must have it in for her, thought Juliette. She nodded to Luciano.

'Yes, he's very good. One of the star players, in fact. I hear he's pretty active too. He's started a little riding at the same stable Georgia goes to, I think.' It was odd, she knew Georgia, a little. To think she was here, in the same strange world, only in a far away city. 'So, tell me about the Stellata.'

'The Stellata is a yearly race in Remora,' piped in Arriana. 'Each section of town, the Twins, Bull, Ram, Fishes, Water-carrier, Goat, Archer, Scorpion, Scales, Lady, Lioness, and the Crab, have a horse and jockey that run in the race. The winner of the race parties all night, practically. We where there last time. Georgia acually got to race in it, only because Cesare was kidnapped by those idiots, the di Chimici.' Luciano looked at her curiously.

'That's highly un-duchessa like, madam,' he said, a touch of sarcasm in his voice. The three of them bursted into a fit of giggles, and then the little mandola hit the dock.

***************************

When Juliette and Arriana had been helped off the mandola on the dock by Luciano, Juliette found herself infront of a large shop, the window was decorated with fine glass figures and silk masks lined the top shelf. Juliette's eyes where wide in awe. Luciano opened the wood door for the two women, and they all stepped in. The three had found themselves surrounded by glittering figures and vases, and all sorts of other things. The pure and finely crafted glassreflected the warm sunlight from outside. Rays of rainbow light danced on the three teens as they passed by. Juliette pulled out the glass ballerina from a pouch she was holding on her wrist. It glittered in brilliance like the others. She stepped to the counter.

'Excuse me,' she said, quietly. 'Do you happen to have something, a little like this?' She held it out to the cashier.

'Why yes, ma'am. In fact I just delivered one, to another.. place, the other day. It is on the shelf to the right.'

Juliette thanked him and walked to the shelf, and on itsat a small figure, exactly alike to hers. She sighed. The only differance was that this figure had a dress instead of a tutu, and she was in an arabesquè. She sighed in awe. How beautiful... She thought, but a call from Arriana brought her back to reality.

'Juliette, would you like this?' She held out a creme silk mask, adorned with a stiched dove carrying an olive brance with emerald leaves. Juliettes eyes widened.

'Yes! It's lovely! Thank you, Arriana!' Arriana payed for it in silver, and handed it to her.

'It will match your wonderful eyes.' She commented, noticing hert wonderfully emerald eyes. 'Now, I know how you are not supposed to bring things back when you Stravagate, but it can stay with me, and when you come you can pick it up.' Juliette nodded and untied her other mask, tieing it on her face.

'It's wonderful...' She said, feeling the smooth and padded silk brush against her fair skin.

********************

Juliette sighed. The creme silk mask still rested on her face, and the cool breeze of approaching night brushed against her face. The trio had taken a boat out to Torrone, where, as Juliette learned, was where Arriana was raised as a child of the curator at the museum. They had eaten a wonderful early meal of pasta with a light tomato sauce and basil. Juliette wondered if she continued on like this, she might gain weight. Oh dear, she thought. Thats not good, not good at all. Tomorrow was Sunday, which meant pointe for two hours, then football for one. Maybe she would be able to take Falco aside? Arriana and Luciano where chatting amiably with Arriana's two cousins, when Luciano turned to her.

'You must go, now.' He said, urgently.

'What? It's only been one day!' She protested. She wanted to see a sunset, she had never seen one with lights as Arriana explained it.

'If you do not go,' continued Luciano, 'you will appear to be little more then a girl in a coma, breathing steadily. Thats how I... died.' He bowed his head, but quickly recovered. 'Have you got your figure?' Juliette nodded. 'Then we must get you back to Roldolfo's immediatly!' They ran out to the beach, or rather, Juliette was dragged (for about the third time today) and waved a boat over. They payed a small tip for extra speed, and before she knew it they where racing (or in Juliette's case, being dragged, again) through the streets to Roldolfo's. The sun had just about shone it's last bit when they reached the laboratory, casting brilliant rays of red and orange and yellow across the sky. The few clouds in the sky where just fading from lavender to idigo, and if one looked closely enough, could see the tip of a cresent moon peeking over the horizon. Juliette was led to a small guest bedroom, and her mask was taken by Arriana sweetly.

'Sweet dreams,' she said, with a hint of a mischieviouse smile. 'I'll see you tomorrow, or today I suppose.' She waved her delicate hand and stepped out of the room, attracted by the aromas of steaming chocolate.

'Good night, Juliette,' said Luciano quietly. He turned to leave, but stopped. 'Have you heard of the couple... the Mullhollands?' Juliette nodded. 'If you see my mum or dad, could you please just assure them I'm OK? I'd hate it if they where worried,' Juliette smiled and nodded. He flashed a grin, and stepped out to join the trio drinking and eating. And slowly, Juliette fell to sleep, the tip of her fingers brushing against the smooth glass.

~**~**~**~

Juliette woke with a start. The sun was casting brilliant rays through her window, and her mum was knoking furiously at her door.

'Sweety? Juliette? Are you OK? You're going to drive me insane if you don't open the door or answer me!' Juliette got up slowly and went to the door, and unlocked it. Her mother heaved a sigh. 'You scared a bejeezes out of me!'

'Sorry mum, I was... erm... sleeping deeply.' Her mother rolled her eyes. 'Hurry up and get to breakfast, if you don't, you'll have no energy for dance and football.' Juliette mumbled something, and slowly dragged herself (yes, she dragged herself this time) down to the kitchen, where her mother had prepared fried eggs and sausage and toast. She ate a little bit of each, basically to please her mother, and with renewed strength dashed upstairs to get changed. She pulled on her pink tights, black leotard, wrapped the skirt-wrap around her waist, and got the bag containing her pointe shoes and toepads. She also stuffed the small duffle with her cleits, shorts, a shirt, shingards, and socks, and walked outside. 'Bye mom!' She called, stuffing her key into the duffle. 'Be back around three!' She was planning on cleaning at the school showers, then going to the library to research a bit on Italy.

Pointe came and went. They where currently working on a piece to preform. Basically a recital, but all the girls where in nearly every piece. After that she went to football, where they where practicing for the tournaments. Nicholas as no where to be seen, probably just not up to it. When she had first seen Nicholas, he had something like a... shattered leg? She had never heard of such a thing, but it was bad. Now it was fixed and he could walk, but occasionally he did not feel too well. She shrugged and figured she would be able to get him later. Eventually at the end of practice, she took a quick shower in the locker rooms, then went to the library, choosing to where her pointe things instead of her football stuff. She sat down at one of the computers and brought up Google. "Italy" she typed. About 86,200,000 results? she nearly cried out. she shrugged and typed in "Venice" 16,200,000. Good. She thought. She read a couple pages of the first few.

*****************

*****************
And Here it Begins ANEW (she began rewriting it)
*****************
Juliette passed by the little glass shop on her way home. She usually payed no attention to it, but something caught her eye. A little gass figure of a ballerina in a perfect crase position was on the shelf level to her eyes. The tutu and pointe shoes where painted in acrylic pink. She glanced down at the mesh bag on her shoulder holding her own pointe shoes. She pushed the door open and went to the clerk.
'Excuse me,' she said politely. 'I would like to see the glass figure of the ballerina please.' The clerk smiled and went to the case and took it out. She handed it to Juliette.
'Is there anything else I can do for you, miss?' Juliette could only shake her head. She cradled the little figure in her hands. She turned it over and read the tag. It cost fifteen pounds. Juliette had ten at home, and was due for allowance tomorrow.
'Can you hold this?' She asked the same clerk. 'My name is Juliette Waters, I should be able to pick it up by Monday.' She said. The clerk nodded. Juliette watched her scribble her name on a tag, place it around her neck, then put it in the bag. Juliette thanked the woman, then stepped outside. She walked the block to the tube, then the remaining three to her house. When she got home, she inquired her mother about her allowance.
'I suppose I could give it to you early.' She said in that tone only a mother can achieve. She handed Juliette a twenty-pound not. 'Spend it well,' She called after the fourteen-year-old girl bounding up the stairs. Juliette put it in her wallet, then grabbed some cloths and went to take a shower. When she was done she ate some fisn and chips, followed by strawberries and creme, then went to her room to read. They where studying History at school, mainly focused on Venice, Rome, and Siena. Eventually, she drifted off the sleep.

Her alarm rang shrill in the morning. She quickly turned it off, and got out of bed. She pulled on jeans, a purple top, a white sweater, stuffed the twenty pounds into her pocket, then went to the bathroom to clean her teeth and brush her hair. She scribbled a not to her divorced mother, then stepped outside. She walked to the corner cafe and bought a hot chocolate and a Danish pastry, then walked to the tube munching on it.
When they arrived in London, it was about eleven o'clock. She walked down to the shop and looked at the sign.
'Open at 11:30?' She said to herself. 'Great...' She walked over to the bookshop across the street, and looked at a book about Italy.
When 11:30 rolled around she was the first person to come into the little shop.
'Hi, I'm here to pick up something I heldyesterday. My name is Juliette, it's the ballerina.' The owner smiled at her and picked it up.
'That'll be fifteen pounds, miss.' She handed him the note, and he gave her the change and wrapped it up in bubble wrap and put it in a box. She began to turn, but stopped.
'Do you know what kind of glass this is?' She asked.
'Why yes, it is Italian. The woman who brought it in said it would sell quickly. She was right.' She thanked him, then left, heading to he friends house.

It was nearly dark when Juliette got back. She ate some dinner of pasta, then went to take a shower and go to bed. She was very tired. When in bed she placed the little figure on her hand, thinking of Italy, then slowly drifted off to sleep.

Juliette was confused, and a little scared. Last she knew, the darkness of night was creeping through her room. Now, the sun was out. Surely I couldn't have slept so heavily? She thought. But then something else stuck her: she had never seen this place she was in, it was surely not her own room. She was still dressed in her night clothes, and the glass figure was in her hand. She could hear and smell the sea, it was close, but on either sides of her where buildings. To her right, people who looked to be abour seventeen and up where all mounting steps to a large building. And to her left, something extrordinary was there: a tower, huge, and magnificently made. But the thing was, it was leaning. Her eyes widenend. The Leaning Tower of Pisa... she though to herself. Something's not right though... The columns, where where they? In place of them where hundreds of statues, all of thin but powerful looking men and women.

All to soon, while she was staring in awe, someone bumped into her.

'I am sorry miss, I was...' His voice trailed off. She turned to find a boy, about her age, with dark curls on his head. He was staring at the ground. She followed his gaze and gasped. Behind her, one dark shadow streched far, but there was no other. And the one was traced back to his feet. He grabbed her arm and pulled her through the crowd, up steps of one of the buildings, and through a door into a well-lit room. The room was wonderfully decorated, but before she could stop to look at the items, he was dragging her up the stairs to a room on the second floor. Coming to a large wood door her knocked furiously. 'Roldolfo! Arriana! Let me in!' Roldolfo? Arriana? Juliette furrowed her brow. Before she had time to think, the door was open and she was thrust inside.

********************

Juliette was in shock. In just one hour, in one room, with four people, she had learned so much. She was not even in her own world, but in a parallel one of Italy. Talia... She was in Moresco, roughly, as she learned from Luciano, where Pisa is in Italy.

'But then... why are the three of you here? Shouldn't you be in Belezza, ruling as Duchessa, regent and... well, I don't know what you are Lucien, I mean Luciano.'

'We are here to see a ballet,' piped in Arriana. 'Moresco is known for holding wonderful shows.'

'Like ballet? I take pointe/ballet. Would I be able to stay for it?' she asked....

'It might be too late for you,' said Roldolfo. 'I believe it ends around ten at night. But perhaps you can stay for a little?' Juliette smiled hopefully. That would be wonderful...

'Yes, that sounds nice. When is it?' she inquired.

'In about a week,' said Luciano. 'Is that good?' Juliette nodded, thinking of what kind of ballet it may be. It couldn't be something like the Nutcracker, or Swan Lake...

********************

Juliette was next to Arriana. Luciano was escorting her, and Roldolfo was next to Juliette on her other side. A large marble stage loomed before them, stadium-like seats cut high into the hill around them. The tower that was tilted was to their left, but most of Juliette's attention was directed toward Roldolfo. He was explaining the exact dimesions needed to make the acustics in the stadium just right. Apparently some of the constructors got their idea from and island nation that Juliette assumed was her world's Greece. Always having been a history buff, she listened intently, her eyes growing wide about the knowledge, behind the mask.

The mask... Arriana had told her the epic tragedy that happend to the queen of Belezza, and being as nobody wanted to ask questions, Juliette was given a silk mask. It wasn't plain, buit nothing compared to Arriana grand mask. Arriana's mask had wonderful jewels speckling around the entirety of it in wonderful swirls of Aquamarines and Diamonds on the very light sea-green silk. Silver that had been melted, painted onto the mask, then cooled created lavish lashes by the tips of the eye holes. Juliette's own mask was a hue of rich royal purple, decorated with what appeared as glitter, but really was tiny shards of glass, which held light like a prism when reflecting it.

Her gown was of a similar purple, trailing softly behind her. A simple cord tied at her waist, and at the tips of her lond sleeves where semi-preciouse stones. Arriana's had more grandeure to it, but was of similar making matching her mask. Roldolfo and Luciano where dressed in basic, but formal clothes, black trousers, white shirts, and a jacket over them. They found seats situated in the front,not to crowded either. The two women where situated in between the men, Luciano by Arriana, Roldolfo beside Juliette.

The ballet began. It was wonderful, although the dancers did not have modern shoes and where not on pointe, and that they where all wearing chintons... A strange party, two men who ducked and covered their faces constantly manipulated themselves to sit by Luciano, but no one but Juliette seemed to notice the sly activity going on. She shrugged it off and continued watching the dance. Juliette continued glancing their way, but it seemed that they kept their faces covered constantly, they weren't even watching the ballet. The one thing she did notice, is that the elder of the two had snow white hair, like he had aged greatly.

Intermission came around. Arriana and Juliette wandered off to get something to snack at a local stand, Luciano went to relieve himself, and Roldolfo stayed at the seats. A loud should was signaled to let people around the stadium that the show was about to begin again, and runners where sent to all the rooms surrounding. Arriana and Juliette made it safely back to the seats, Roldolfo greeted them, but Luciano didn't show up, and Juliette noticed the two people had left as well. It was beginning to get dark, and soon Juliette would have to go. But she was immensly worried. The show was over and neither the party, nor Luciano where back.

Her plan was to lock the door, as always, and her mum would go to work and she could stay the whole time. Juliette knew it had succeded because she had told her mother last night that she was going to be early and wanted to know if she would gone in the morning.

'Arriana, I'm worried,' said Juliette to her friend. 'Luciano did not come back, nor the two people beside him.' Arriana gave an astonished look.
'I did not think about them. Oh, where is Roldolfo?' He appeared next to them.
'You called?'
'Roldolfo, Luciano is gone, right?'
'Yes, I realized.'
'Well, so where the couple beside us, I didn't notice this, Juliette did, but he has another thing too.' Roldolfo turned to her.
'Like what?'
'One had a muddy blue cloak, another had snow white hair.'
'diChimci.'
'Yes!' Said Arriana. 'The diChimci must have taken him, oh no.' Arriana began to tear up. Juliette being very aware of emotions hung an arm around her and talked to her quietly. Roldolfo was thinking deeply.
'Come, Arriana, we must get back to the lodging. Juliette, you must go, now.' Juliette looked at him, then whispered a few more reassuring words to Arriana and trudged to the surrounding grove of trees.

-*-

Juliette woke in her room, the posters of dancers gazed at her. She looked up.
'Oh Luciano, where are you?'

-*-

Luciano opened his eyes slowely. The sweet smelling aroma still hung around him. He was damp, very cold as well. He could see nothing, nor hear anything but a far-away drip of water and low murmering. A face appeared in a small patch of sunlight. So familiar, but so... distant... He felt himself pass out again.

'Oh yes, little freak,' said a voice somewhere, rolling the 'r' of freak. 'sleep tight, don't let the roaches bite.' And a murderouse-like laugh was heard distantly in the dark.


*******************

- * -
Very many days passed by in a blur. Juliette made her journeys to Talia every night, hoping for any news. None. Juliette saw the pain in Arriana's eyes, but very little could cheer her up. Roldolfo had to officially "take over" the rule because Arriana was worried sick. She was still able to attend some meetings, mainly meetings about the dissapearance of Luciano who was always seen at her side. Only private and trusted people where informed of the kidnapping. Public media and other "important" people, however, were told that he was called away to be with some personal friends.
'He'll show up, don't worry.' Juliette seemed to constantly be saying or listening to this.
'And if he dosn't?' She always replied. The two people could do nothing about it. Silvia, whom Juliette was informed was her mother and former ruler of Belezza came as soon as she heard the news, as well as a boy named Cesare.
'Arriana, could Nicolas and Georgia come? They have been informed.' It was arranged they where to meet in Moresco a few days later. But nothing, not even the mask, could hide Arriana's despair. Juliette had to remember, they would be back to Belezza in less then a fortnight, and without a hint or trace of Luciano to lead them, they would be forced to leave. Carnival was approaching... fast. Juliette could do nothing, and she knew it. It stung like a viper.

Rain pounded on the roof. It was a dark day, no sunlight had shown through the thick clouds today. The weather matched the people in the large suite perfectly. Georgia and Nicolas arrived earlier with Cesare and his father in a large carriage. Merla had followed them, which brought alot of cheer to them. Juliette was given all neccisary introductions, and although rivals, Georgia embraced Arriana, which was recieved with warmth. Juliette knew this girl, she had been seen at campus many times before. Juliette's clique, however, never really payed attention to Georgia and her friend. The conversation earlier between the three girls went a little like this:
'Arriana,' began Georgia.
'Georgia.' The two embraced. 'Erm, I believe you... do know Juliette, correct.' A nod was released.
'Juliette.'
'Georgia.'
'Any news?' Georgia asked.
'No, none,' said Arriana. Few more words where said, none worth recording, then and icy silence settled around. Until, of course, the boys came from grooming the horses.

- * -

Now, we must check with Luciano. He was still locked in the celler. From the thin window he realized he was underground, and still in Moresco. He was fed hard bread and bitter wine thrice daily, and occasionally was visited by the familier, but alien face. He distantly remembered something, but he began to think he was being lightly drugged due to the cloudy haze over his memories.

***************

- * -
Juliette felt very gittery. She had told her best friends, Erica, May, and Alyson, that she had to go to the bathroom. On her way there she spotted Georgia and quietly pulled her into the bathroom while Alice -was that her name?- was paying attention to some guy down the hall, a boy named Sky she thought. Georgia struggled, but with holding bars and positions for such a long time, Juliette held an iron fist. Now, not many people know this, but dancers are not weak, oh no. They must build their muscles to do the wonderful tricks they do, and many professionals take other, more fast, classes, such as jazz or modern to keep that build.
'What was that about?' Georgia said annoyed after Juliette checked to make sure no one else was in the bathroom.
'They know where he is.'
'What? Who?'
'Hello? Have you been living under a rock?' she said with sarcasm. 'Luciano. He's still in Moresco. The diChimci have him, but they won't give him up.'
'They want Falco...' it had been a long time since she had uttered that name, she was so used to Nicolas.
'Yes, they want to know what happend, and they want to know now. You have to come with me tonight. You won't have time to travel from Star City to Moresco tonight... or today... whatever. Can you come over tonight?'
'Yah, sure. I'll be at your place around eight, I have riding today.'
'Great, I have dance too, so perfect. You know where I live, right?'
'Who dosn't after that party?' A shrill bell rang outside the door. 'C'mon, lets go.' The two girls left the room, parting immediatly as so not to draw attention to themselves. But their little chat had obviousely not satisfyed Georgia, she continually looked over her shoulder at Juliette's little clique as they moved away.

****************

Juliette and Georgia rolled out their sleeping bags on the floor of Juliette's living room. Georgia's was a simple blue color, Juliette's was purple and had little white stars everywhere. They placed the glass ballerina on the floor in between them.
'Now, we must fall asleep with both of our hands on this. You said it worked with you and Nicolas, right?'
'Yah, we used my talisman. I have it just incase too.'
'Do you stravagate every night? I do, well, at least I have since the kidnapping.'
'Yah, ever since the flight of Merla and Falco I have, it's been lots of fun.'
'Cool, so, what do you usually do at sleepovers?'
'Well, usually I stay awake all night, but, considering the situation, I think we should try to go to sleep as quickly as possible.'
'Yes, good ide-' a sharp knok was heard from outside.
'Girls? What is Heaven's name are you talking about?' Juliette's mother said as she opened the door. 'Stravagating? Situations? Whats going on?' She said quizzically.
'Umm... Well, you see, our history teacher he...' began Georgia.
'He assigned a little play for us to do,' said Juliette.
'Yah, we're the main charactors, umm, it's a fantasy, about four people who can stravagate to another time and place...'
'Yah, one dies, one comes from there to here, and two go in and out. Umm, we're the two, and the one who died was kidnapped in the other world.'
'Yah, by this evily family,' the two tried to look as seriouse as they could about it, but neither girl could stop the frantic shaking that was going on through her arms and legs. Juliette's mom looked at them funny, like they we're running around without a head.
'Okay, but don't stay up too late practicing your lines,' she finally said. When she left both let out a deep sigh of relief.
'That was close,' Georgia said.
'Too close.' Georgia nodded, 'let's get to bed.'

***************

A figure hurried through the daylight. A tall figure, apparently a women, dressed in a pitch black cloak that covered her face and was floor length. She kept it wrapped tightly around her. She entered the hotel building and quickly descended the spiraling staircase into the dark, damp celler. She grabbed a torch and lit it with nearby matches. She hurried down the long corridor, her footsteps echoing through the darkness. She finally reached the room where he was kept, and she quickly spoke her message.
'I know who they are.' She said quietly. A long pause broke out.
'Excellent,' a voice hissed from the darkness.

- * -

'Good, we both got here,' Juliette said as she blinked into the unexpected light. Georgia was next to her, and they where both holding the talisman. Arriana hurried towards them, she had obviousely not bothered putting on her mask. He skin did not glow as it usually did, her eyes where lifeless as well, but a little hope shown through.
'Thank you so much for coming. We found him, he's in a cellar, Roldolfo used his mirrors, I demanded him back, but they refused.'
'Hold on there, do you mean to tell me they refused a duchessa?' Arriana nodded. 'Isn't that punishable or something?'
'No, but that's a great idea. ROLDOLFO!' she hollared. Juliette and Georgia looked at each other.
'I think she's gone of the deep end,' Georgia said.
'Yah, just a little, luckily she can float though, or at least... somewhat,' Juliette replied. Georgia giggled but quickly stifled it as best she could when Roldolfo came in.
'Yes?'
'Can I make a law?'
'Why, I suppose so,' he said.
'Get me a piece of paper.'
'But, it of course has to pass through Parliament first,' he said.
'Oh.' What little hope Arriana had left in her quickly diminished. She sank to a chair and began to sob silently. Juliette rushed to her side.
'Don't worry, Arriana. Luciano explained to me that every stravaganti comes for a reason. Him to save Silvia, Georgia to help Falco and rescue Merla, and me, well, maybe my job is to help get Luciano. Don't worry, we'll find a way,' these few encouraging words seemed to light another candle somewhere in Arriana's heart. If only it could be a fire, thought Juliette.

- * -

Somewhere in the dark Luciano heard a woman's voice. He heard hurried footsteps after the very short conversation between the two people. I know who they are. The words troubled Luciano. If I only knew a way...

***************

The four people stepped into the hotel building about a meter from the tower. It's awkward shadow was cast over the building, and it created a cool temperature. Roldolfo stepped briskly to the front counter.
'Hello, I'd like to see something in the cellar, do you mind? I'm doing a research on rats and how theire lifestyles differ.' The tendor just looked at him and shrugged.
'Whatever.' The four people walked quickly to the heavy door. Roldolfo shoved it open, and quickly lit a torch by the doorway.
'Follow me,' he said. The cellar was dark, very dark. The single torch shed odd shadows that danced with the flames on the walls. A faint dripping noise was heard somewhere in the distance, indicating that stalagtites and mites where forming somewhere in the seemingly endless darkness. Arriana was practically glued to Juliette's shoulder, and Georgia held onto Roldolfo's arm from behind. The steps where wet and had molds and mildew on them, making them slippery and hard to balance on. The matter of it being impossibly steep did not help either. With no handrail, the girls continually slipped and slided. When a hard, wet stone floor was hit, a corridor illuminated before them. Rats squeeked at the light, scattering here and there into nooks and crannys in the wall. Everything seemed like it had jumped out of a horror movie to Juliette and Georgia. Arriana and Roldolfo did ot seem to mind. Their footsteps echoed through the hallways, eerily mixing with the squeeks and drips.a heavy door suddenly was before them. Roldolfo opened it a crack, before it began to sqeek. A low murmor a voices where heard.
'What shall we do with them?'
'I will have no part in the execution,' a woman's voice said. Juliette stopped, where did she know that voice?
'But you must, you have most... access to them.'
'Never, I know I am full blood, but neither she, nor her friend are. It is horrible, I shall have no part in it, whatsoever.'
'Where we you family first, or was she?' A short silance followed.
'You where.'
'Good, now listen to my plan,' the rest was not heard. Roldolfo looked at the girls, but Arriana's eyes where transfixed. They followed her gaze. A lifeless form was huddled behind metal bars. It's mid body was slowely, so painfully slowely, moving up and down. A thin window cast a slim sliver of light on the floor by it's hand. Roldolfo moved the torch, and Luciano's body took it's features.
'Luciano!!' Arriana said just too loud.

******************

The heavy wooden door opened with quick, jerky movements. It hit Juliette on her arm, and a nasty bruise formed quickly as they hurried down the hallway. Panting and the clicking of shoes was heard behind as the three fled. They had to leave Luciano behind and make a hasty exit.
'STOP! COME BACK!' someone shouted. Juliette looked over her shoulder. The man she saw at the theater was following them, he was the main source of the panting. His silvery hair shone in the torchlight from Roldolfo. Another figure was behind him. A tall woman, sleek, with a black cloak, it's hood hiding all the features of her face. But one thing Juliette saw was a lock of dirty blonde hair flailing from the dark inside. Juliette then had a brilliant idea. The lock of hair reminded her of her mother, her world. They where now at the end of the hallway, and they began mounting the steps, at least three at a time, even Arriana was was delicate as a paisly was running her head off. The three bolted out of the small hotel and into the daylight.
'FOLLOW ME!' screamed Juliette. She led the two over to a thicket of trees. She grabbed both of their hands and closed her eyes tight.

- * -

Juliette woke with a start in her queen-sized bed. It was dark outside, and the digital clock on her dresser said 1:17. She was panting hard for breath, and on her face she could feel beads of sweat on her forehead. When she went to wipe them off, she realized her hands were full. She bolted upright. A terrified looking Arriana and a curiouse Roldolfo where in her bead.
'All right, it worked!' Arriana sat up.
'Where are we? I have never seen such things as these,' she gestured to the alrm clock, pile of CD cases, and blinked when the cable cord lights above her turned on. 'And I have never seen daylight in the darkness.' Juliette draped a large, thick cloth infront of her door to keep light from peeking through. She walked over to the two large windows and drew the heavy curtains so as not to disturb her neighbors. Arriana looked around. She saw plush carpeting on the floor is pure white, a huge queen-sizeed bed (literally queen sized) with lilac sheets and tons of fluffy pillows, White-washed furniture with an array of different things scattered on them, a desk with an American Macintosh laptop (although she didn't know that) on it, and two doors, one large, another the same size as the other door with the drape over it, and lilac walls covered with posters of cute actors and multiple ballerinas and toe shoes.
'Juliette, where are we?' Roldolfo asked.
'Umm, this is my room. I Stravagated you two back here. The bellerina was in the had I had Arriana in. The fright of the chase and my tiredness was enough to make me wake up here.'
'Is this all twenty-first century technology, like the kind the diChimchi want?' Arriana pointed to the computer.
'Uh yah, but I don't think they want my homework, the web, and multiple music files,' Arriana nodded like she understood, but Juliette could see the confused look on her face.
'This floor is so soft, what do you call it?' she asked.
'It's called a carpet. It's made of fibers sewn together and glued to the floor.'
'Oh, what is that?' She pointed to the big-screen TV on the wall.
'That's a TV, maybe someday you can watch it with me, but not now, we can't take the chance of waking my mom. Roldolfo, when should I take you back?'
'Anytime. Your talisman will take you immediatly to the lodges we are staying at.'
'OK, let's go now, this is really risky.' She grabbed the two's hands and shut her eyes, the drowsiness was overwhelming, and they where flung into Talia.

- * -

The three people appeared in the same place Juliette appeared every morning.
'Ok, things should be safe. I recommend you go back and take a normal nap. You're exhausted.' Roldolfo said. Juliette nodded, let go of the two's hands, and drowsily closed her eyes.

- * -

Juliette woke in her room and stumbled to the floor. She mumbled 'ouch' and went to turn off her lights, open the drapes, and take away the black cover. She finally dragged herself into be and fell asleep, being careful to leave the glass ballerina on the table beside her bed.

*************

The drama teacher announced the play this year would be The Phantom of the Opera, musical version since most of the opera pieces where difficult to sing. Juliette read through the script and chose Meg to try out for. Her best friend, Marie, decided on Cristine to try-out for. Marie had a wonderful voice (and Juliette had to admit she did too) and the try-outs were on Friday that week. The asked the drama teacher, Mrs. Squire, if they could sing "Angel of Music together", and they had permission. They practiced alot, and when try-outs came they went well. Juliette began the song after the creepy "Brava's" where said by the CD. Thw two girls did excellent together, their voices blended really well, and Mrs. Squire practically gave them a standing ovation.
'Wonderful, girls, wonderful. The list of characters will be posted Tuesday, callbacks on Monday.'
'Thank you, Mrs. Squire,' the two girls said together. They left, arms linked, and chatted happily down the halls.
'Hey, could you wait for me outside? I gotta go to the loo really quick.'
'Sure.' She walked down the hall, her brown bouncy hair bobbing up and down. Juliett ewhipped out her cell as she made her way down to the girl's room.

DancerChick101 yt?
ryder3369 ya, y?
DancerChick101 could u send a letter to Arriana 2day to tell her i won't be there?
ryder3369 sure
DancerChick101 kk, thanx
ryder3369 no prob

********************

Juliette slept soundly for the next two days, without the ballerina in her hand. She found out in study hall, fourth period where they all got to do their homework on the computers, that Murano was famouse for its glasswork, and figured that someone had sold the ballerina in Moresco when a caravan (she wasn't sure what they where called in Talia) was roaming through. The acrylic paint was probably applied there to make it more pretty, and then was taken to England. On Monday, while Juliette was walking to the drama room, Georgia grabbed her and stepped aside.
'Hey, I gotta talk to you, pronto.'
'Can it wait? I have to go to these callbacks or I won't get a part, or a very small one.'
'Yah... I guess, could you come over to my place?'
'Uh, sure, tomorrow, around six good?'
'Yah, mum dosn't allow me to have sleepovers on school nights, so don't bring anything, I just gotta tell you something.'
'Ok, your place, around six. Got it.' Juliette dashed off to the drama room and Georgia headed the other way.

Callbacks went well. Juliette and Marie worked well together. Some girls where also trying out for the parts, but after hearing a few of the songs and some lines, the two girls where sure they had this competition bagged. But, just in case, Juliette also applied for some of the dancers and chorus people. Juliette continued to have restful nights. She hadn't been in Talia for three nights.
Tuesday, Juliette was so nervouse she had Alli go look at the cast list. She was stanging in the hallway a couple yards from the door where the list was posted. Alii squeezed her way through, ran her slim finger down the list, and looked at it long enough to memorize two names. By the time she sqeezed back out of the mob, she had a sad expression on her face. Juliette looked at Marie, who looked back at her. Alli got closer and looked both of them sadly in the face. She lowered her head and shook it.
'It'll take alot of time...'
'Yes??' Marie and Juliette said in unison.
'Cause you got the parts!!!!!' Alli practically yelled it. They all hugged and jumped up and down hysterically.
'Ohmygod ohmygod ohmygod, I knew it!!!!' Marie shouted.
'Me too!!!' Juliette could hardly contain her excitement. She supposed this would mean less time in Talia. Perhaps not the whole day, a few hours of exploring, the rest of sleep. Juliette could make it work. Her dance schedual was not harmed a bit by the play, and Talia did nothing to it as well. A lot of congratulating took place as the two girls sqeezed through to make sure their names where in the right places. They where.
'My understudy,' Marie said. 'is... Sierra Padren. She's got a good voice. She'll be good for an understudy.'
'Mine is...' Juliette paused a moment. 'Alicia Frescota? She was like, the worst one there!' Juliette glanced around to make sure she was no where in sight. 'She has a HORRIBLE voice! How could she even get a bigger-then-chorus part? Even if it is just the understudy.'
'Oh well, who cares? We'll be sure to take plenty of antioxodents, and dring lots of green tea to make sure we're healthy. Marie paused a second and ran her finger down the list. Juliette followed it till it landed on Raul.
'Langston Greens?? He's like, the hottest guy in school, and he's the one, YOU like.' Juliette stared. Her eyes fluttered above her friends head and widenend in horror. She dug her heel in Marie's foot. 'Ouch, what was that for... Hey Lang,' she said turning to face the tall guy behind her. 'heard you got Raul, cool.'
'Yah, it'll be great. To bad you're only Meg though, Juliette. It would have been cool if you where Cristine.' Juliette blushed furiousely.
'Thanks Lang.' She swirled around and looked for the Phantom, pretending to be occupied by finding him as Lang turned and walked away. 'Thanks Marie,' she said. 'I think you just revealed to the total hottie I like, that I like him.'
'Sorry, didn't know.' Marie sounded truely sorry. Juliette punched her arm playfully.
'I don't care, I think he likes me back, cool.' Marie smiled and started rambling on how such a perfect couple they would make as they walked outside to hang out in the courtyard till the bell rang.

*******************

It was Juliette's first night in Talia for three days. She looked around the hotel they lodged in, but no one was in her room she threw off the covers. She grabbed the dress on the chair next to her. Ok, well, someone is here if they layed out a dress for me... Juliette thought. The dress was light pink. The bodice was gathered, and the back had a criss-crossed pattern. The skirt was full and light, and the material was silky. Juliette's hair was already in a braid, so she walked out into the living room area of the presidental suite. Nobody was there, so she walked towards the office door. Murmering came from inside, so gently, Juliette cracked the door and pressed her ear to it.
'But wouldn't you...' Arriana's sweet voice filled the air.
'Not until you wither explain the system, or hand over the two girls.' Another, deeper voice interrupted her.
'Arriana, go see if Juliette is awake.' Rodolfo's booming voice filled the room. Juliette stepped back into the living area and watched the door. Arriana came out. Her mask was on, so it must have been an important conversation. Her violet eyes where wet with tears, and a water mark ran down the left cheek of the the mask. Arriana saw her and nodded her head down the hallway toward Juliette's room.
'What was that about?' Juliette asked.
'It's Nicholi inside there. The woman with the cloak is there too. She has a black, full-face mask, and is refusing to take it off. She says she will not reveal her identity to us.'
'What do they want?'
'They want... you and Georgia.'
'What?' Juliette was astounded.
'They want you two to bring back Falco. He is Nicholi's son. They said they will place guards around Luciano and the hotel doors. If you bring back Falco, then they will give him back.'
'Haven't you explained that he is alot better in our world?' Juliette was by now shaking.
'They don't care. All they want is Falco. Whether he is crippled or not.'
'And what happens if we don't bring him, or if we bring him, but he gives the silent treatment till he gets to go back?'
'Whats the silent treatment?'
'You don't talk till you get what you want.'
'Oh, yes, it sounds like Falco. Anyway, come talk to them.' Arriana pointed at a matching pink mask on the chair Juliette's dress was on. She tied it around her head, and adjusted the butterfly-winged mask to fit over her eyes. Juliette was led by Arriana to the office room and once entered, she curtsied politely while the senator bowed.
'We are dearly sorry for the delay.'
'I'm a heavy sleeper and Arriana had to help with my dress.' She turned to show the complicated back, hoping to convince them. It worked.
'It is fine, m'lady.' Nicholi said. Juliette looked at the masked figure. Something about her made her remember something. But she shook it away from her mind. This is what Georgia had to tell her. A meating would be held today, and Juliette was wanted to attend. She wasn't sure why. Juliette sat down at the empty chair next to Rodolfo, and looked at Nicholi as he sat down opposite her.
'Let us get to the untold point. You and your little friend bring my son back from wherever you are from, give us the secret to the technology - sources have let me know that you are great with "computers" - and we will spare your lives, and Luciano's. Don't, and I have every power to kill you and him, as this is my city, him here, you there.' Arriana gasped, Juliette was stunned, Rodolfo clenched his fist, and a scream was heard from the masked figure.
'NO! That was NEVER part of the conversation we ran through our heads,' The woman screamed. 'You tricked me!' She began to sob. Nicholi looked at her and sighed.
'My dear, this is life. I will do anything to get my son back, even if it means killing your preciouse, half-bred daughter!' Juliette's eyes widened.
'Half-bred... daughter?' She got up and slowely walked to the woman. She peeled off the black mask from the woman's tear-flooded face. 'Mum?' The woman's face matched her own. A tear streaked down her face. 'You where the one who chased us, you knew, you're one of THEM!' She sobbed and ran out of the room.
'Here we go.' Nicholi rolled his eyes. This made Rodolfo mad. He reached back and punched Nicholi in the face, knocking him over his chair. Arriana followed Juliette out of the room, followed by Rodolfo. But when they got there, she was gone, the dress and mask on the floor by the bed.

***************

Juliette woke up in her room at about 1:30. She raced to her door and locked it immediatly, figuring that her mother would be waking up any time time soon. The whole thing explained why her mother never woke up when she had bad dreams when Juliette was little. She flipped on the light switch andraced to her computer. She pressed the buttons and waited, impatiently tapping the white wood desk. A knock echoed through her room, and her mother's voice came through the door. It was a stranger's voice, she didn't really know who this woman was. That was why she was on the computer.
'Honey? I know you're awake.'
'LEAVE ME ALONE!' Juliette screeched back.
'Jules, I'm sorry I never told you. I didn't know that you where acually a Stravagator till the night you had Georgia over. Then I figured out she was one too, a little after I left.'
YOU WHERE EAVESDROPPING' Juliette couldn't believe this. Her own mother had gone against everything she told her not to do. 'GO AWAY!!!' Juliette heard a sob outside her door.
'I'm... sorry...' Juliette's mother said. Juliette heard rustling, and finally turned her attention back to the computer. It had been given to her after her mother and father got married. It had previously been her mother's computer. She clicked the button that said "search files" and typed "Registration" A window popped up.
Model #- 2569841
Provided By- Gateway
Registered to- Beatrice diChimchi
Beatrice diChimchi. She shut down her computer and turned off the lights. Beatrice diChimchi The name ran through her head multiple times until finally Juliette went to sleep. The crystal snug in her hand, ready to face Talia and all in it.

***************

Juliette woke in her bedroon in Talia. She got up and threw on her dress and mask. She looked at the two shoked faces.
'We didn't think you'd be back,' said Arriana.
'Well, here I am. Find out all you can about Beatrice diChimchi, okay? Thanks a bunch.' Juliette hurried out of the room and caught Niccolo on his way out. She figured her distraught mother would not have come bavk, that's why she had. When he heard her dress and footsteps, he looked around his shoulder.
'What do you want, mutt?'
'Just to tell you a little something about your granddaughter, granddad. I'm a skilled dancer and have a scholarship to a prestigouse dance school. I've scored a top rold in a drama my school is holding, and I'm a skilled athlete.'
'Your point?' Juliette could not believe how rude her grandfather was.
'Oh yes, one more thing.' She slapped him across the face, full force. 'That was for calling me a mutt.' She slapped him again. 'That was for threatening Georgia and I.' She slapped him gain, harder. 'That was for being a jerk.' And she slapped him, one more time, as hard as she possibly could (which was pretty darn hard). By now his lip was bleeding and his left cheek had swollen three times it's origional size, plus was beginning to grow a purpleish color. 'That was for never understanding your son and making him suffer like this. He knows what you are doing. We told him. He is ashamed to call you father for threatening to kill two girls in order just to have him back. He's happy where he is. Can you not understand that? You are a jerk!' On the word jerk, she shoved him out of the door and locked it shut. She turned around, her fist clenched, to see Arriana staring at her. Juliette couldn't bear it anymore. her knees gave way and she sank to the floor in a light pink silk heap, and began to sob.
'On, Juliette, please don't cry, please?' Said Arriana, rushing to her side to comfort her. Juliette sniffled and wiped her nose.
'I just can't stand to look into his face and realize he's my grandfather. He's such a jerk.'
'I know, but you taught him. The best doctorin Talia could not stop that swelling from growing. You taught him.'

*******************

'You know what to do,' said a voice in the darkness. A sniff and sob followed.
'Yes.'
'Good.' Luciano sat up silently. Since he stopped eating the scant food he was given, he began to feel less dizzy and more concentrated (aside from the hunger that bit at his stomach). He knew what they where talking about, he had to stop them, but there was no way he could get out.

- * -

Juliette woke in her black room. She switched on the light and started changing. She threw on a pain or jeans and a tee-shirt, and pulled over a sweater lined with fleece. She put her laptop into its case, and started putting cloths into her bag. She flipped on her cell phone and pressed 1 on speed dial. Her best friend, Marie, always had her cell phone on, and always answered it, no matter where or when.
'Hey, last time u called me at 2 a.m. was never.'
'Haha. This is an emergency M! Can I come over?'
'Yah, climb the trelace by my room, I'll be at the window. You live up to the name Juliette, huh?'
'Shut up. Juliette was at the window, Romeo climbed up, duh!'
'Oh... whatever. Text me, k?'
'Ok, see yah lata babe!' Juliette snapped her phone shut and walked to the window. She opened it, hit the switch by it, and slid out. She had done this so many times before, but today she had no intention of returning. She gripped the pipe on the wall and began to slide down. She reached up and closed the window, then slid down the rest. She landed with a thud on the ground below, and quickly headed towards the gate. She started clicking buttons on her cell.
DancerChick12: Hay
Actrezz244: Wats wrong?
DancerChick12: long story, can't explain. mom's... not who I think she is anymore...
Actrezz244: Tell me
DancerChick12: Can't, I'm so sorry, SBFF?
Actrezz244: Always and forever!
DancerChick12: K, I roundin the corner of ur street, BTIAF
Marie and she had tons of abbreviation. SBFF was what they asked every time they couldn't do something or whatever, it meant Still Best Friends Forever. BTIAF was something Juliette had created. Whenever she was goin somewhere with her it meant Be There in a few. Juliette hurried down the street and when she got to the mid-sized house she rounded to the back. She started climbing the trelace that was on the wall and knocked on the window. Marie hurridly opened it and helped her in.
'Are you ok?'
'Yah, fine.' Marie slid into bed and Juliette got in next to her.
'Next time, try to make these rendezvous's a little later, ok?'
'Ok.' Juliette giggled, then went to sleep.

*******************

Luciano had an idea of how to get out, but it was so dark, he couldn't find the door. He groped around in the darkness until he found a wall. It was damp, hard stone, and it cut his hand. He continued down the wall, but soon collided into the wall without finding a door. He worked himself down this new wall, but he still did not find a door frame. When he turned the corner to the third wall, he felt wood underneath his fingertips. Judging by the light outside the barred windows, he figured it was around 6:30, they would feed him in half an hour.
'Now all I got to do is wait,' he said to no one in particular.

- * -

Marie let Juliette come home with her after school. Her mother called Juliette's cell phone three times, but Juliette just answered and said "I'm still in London, I am fine, I am at school. Bye." She didn't even give her mother time to talk.
'Thank goodness for caller ID,' she said to herself after the third call. Marie, of course asked what was going on again that morning, but Juliette just said they had a fight and her mother's relatives (at which Marie gave her a quizzical look) got kind of annoying. Marie let it go. Rehersals for the play where every Monday, Wedsnday, and Friday, so Juliette was running around from that to dance. She stayed at Marie's house for three days until she finally returned to Talia.

- * -

Arriana hugged her.
'Where have you been?'
'I had some... issues, with my mother. I didn't feel OK with stravagating at my friends house.'
'OK, well, the diChimici have been pretty quiet lately. Havn't seen them but in the market square. It was Beatrice buying some food.' Juliette felt a pang of hurt. Beatrice was her mother. It didn't make her feel good to know that her mother had practically moved on without her.
'Juliette, I have found the information you asked for.'
'Okay, great! What did you find?'
'Well, Beatrice diChimici is the third child of Niccolo, and the sister of Falco.' He paused. 'She was born in 1557, 20 years ago.' Juliette knew her mother was young, but not that young. 'But we realized that your world is ten years, beside the centuries, ahead of us. Your addition to our family of Stravagators must have bumped the time line out of order without us realizing it. Anyway, the records we pulled from the diChimici files showed us that they used her as a guinea pig, to see if they could get the technology themselves. She tried to get an computer technology degree, but failed the classes because of poor elementary schooling.'
'Okay, that explains why she put me into such a high-tech school.'
'What does "high-tech" mean?' Arriana asked. Juliette laughed.
'Nothing. Is that it?' she responded.
'Yah, unfortunatly that's all we got from the library.'
'Okay. Well, I have to go. Marie is a light sleeper, and will wake up if I lay still.'
'Okay, come tomorrow, okay? We're planning something.'
'Okay.' Juliette walked down the halls into the bedroom she used, and fell asleep there.

- * -

The heavy wooden door opened with a loud squeek. Luciano waited behind the hinges. The guard made a gruff sound.
'Come and get your supper.' Luciano did not move. The guard moved in. Luciano pushed with all his might on the door. It hit the guards head, and he fell with a heavy sound. Luciano dragged him into the far corner and sprinted toward the door. He slammed it shut, turned the key, and yanked it out of the keyhole. Thewn he made a dash down the torch-lit hallway. He heard a door open behind him.
'YOU!' someone shouted. Pounding footsteps followed him. He took the steps two at a time, and dashed outside. Luciano looked over his shoulder. Niccolo was following him. Luciano slowed, and turned around. Niccolo grinned.
'Your mine!' He shouted. He started running faster.
'Oh no I'm not!' Luciano yelled back. He drew his hand back, and when Niccolo was close enough, threw it at him and punched his nose. Niccolo flew backwards, and Luciano ran away, as fast as he could, trying to remember where the others where.

***********************

Juliette was finally kicked out of Marie's house (not literally, of course). She decided to camp out at Aly's house for another week, holding off on Stravagating for awile. She was a bit bored, so she decided she had to sneek back into her house to restock on clean cloths. Other then that it was pretty easy. She usually took the tube herself anyway, so her mum was never around the school. Finally, she just decided to walk around to Lucien's old house to see if she could talk to Nicholas. He was luckily home, so he invited her in.
'Hi, umm, you know your sister, Beatrice?'
'Oh, yah, her. What about her?'
'Well, she's kind of my mother.'
'What? But she would only be twenty in this world.'
'Yah, I know. When she stravagated over here to stay, she bumped the time line out of order, so she is about ten years older then she would be in Talia,' this, of course, explained why she looked so young when Juliette first saw her in Talia that one really weird day.
'Ok, so what did you want to know about her?'
'Oh, nothing, I just... I just wanted to see if you remembered her.'
'Oh, well I-' but he was cut off. Standing in the doorway, looking dreamily around, was the dark figure of Luciano. He looked awefully pale, and really thin.
'Hel...- Help, please, water... food.' His eyes began to close, and his body collapsed in front of them, something hard falling out of his hands and bouncing on the hardwood flooring underneath the bed..
'Oh my God! Lucien!' Juliette couldn't help using his old name. She had been in his house only once before, at a party, before he got sick. This brought back old memories. Nicholas got up and lifted Luciano up onto the bed. Juliette copuldn't help but notice how strong Nicholas had become since the first time she saw him.
'Go get a wet cloth in the bathroom!' Nicholas dashed out and down the stairs to the kitchen. Juliette found a door that led into the bathroom and grabbed a hand-towel off the rack. She dampened it with cold water and rushed back the Luciano. She folded the cloth and placed it on his head. What was that thing? She thought to herself. She got down on her hands and knees and began searching under the bed for whatever fell. She felt something hard on her fingertips and grabbed it. She pulled on it, and she revealed an amber crystal with a white rose in the middle. She looked at it in awe until she finally heard Nicholas's steps pound down the halls. He rushed in with a glass of water and some food- a bag of crisps and a high-protein peanut butter bar. They slowely dribbled the water down Lucien's mouth with a sthingy while they waited for him to recover. Finally he did, sitting up and looking around as if he had seen a ghost.
'Where am I?'
'Lucien, it's your room. You must have come from Talia, you fainted.'
'Oh...' he said, apparentlytrying to recall what happend. 'Oh, yes, I remember now. I went back to the stadium, found my talisman under the seats we where in, explains why I didn't come here while in the cell. I couldn't remember where Arriana and Roldolfo where.'
'Here, eat this.' said Nicholas, handing him the peanut butter bar.
'Thanks.' repliead Luciano, unwrapping it and eating it within a minute. 'They where feeding me drugged food, I stopped eating it, then I escaped. I punched...' he began to slowely drift away again into sleep. Juliette pushed the talisman into his hand. 'Niccolo.' his eyes closed.
'Lucien! Listen, meet me at the stadium, I'll bring you back!' Lucien closed his eyes. 'My bag, where's my bag?'
'What?'
'I had a purse,' she said, searching the room. 'wher'd I put it?' She found the bag near the door to the hallway, and opened it, pulling out a paper parcel. 'My talisman. I'll be right back. Don't let Mr. or Mrs. Mulholland see us, ok?' She gripped the glass tightly and shut her eyes. As a quick way to pass out, she stopped inhaling. It took a few minutes, and it hurt real bad, but she passed out quickly.

- * -

Lucien staggered back towards the empty row they had sat at about two weeks ago. He sat down and shut his eyes, ready to fall asleep. He had reappeard in the middle of the market-place. It took him about ten minutes to find the stadium again. It wasn't long till he heard a familiar voice shout his name.

Juliette woke up at the apartment with a gasp for air. The same pink gown was on the floor, with the mask. Without thinking Juliette put them on and rushed outside. There was no sign of Arriana or Roldolfo. She practically ran towards the stadium and when she spotted Luciano she practically cryed. She rushed up to him and hugged him.
'It's so great to have you back! Now, lets go.' She propped him up letting him use her shoulder for support and began back towards the apartments.

When they got back Juliette helped Luciano onto the plush couch. She mixed some honey and some milk together and gave it to him, making sure he drank at least half of it. Then she looked for Arriana. She couldn't find her, but when she went into the master suite, where Arriana was sleeping, she found a note.

Dear Juliette,
We had to leave for Belezza. Urgent business. We where also unable to recover Luciano. When you see this note, please try to contact us! We have no idea what the diChimici are planning, and now we have no political way to stop them. Please hurry!
Arriana

Juliette felt something weird when she finished the letter. It wasn't a feeling of pain, it was a shock! She went to the window. What happend? She flung it open and let the sunshine filter in. With her eyes closed and she breathing deeply, she turned around. He delicate eyes fluttered open, and she drew in a sharp breath. A long, dark shadow was on the ground. A tear flowed down her cheek. Juliette fell to the floor, sobbing. Luciano heard the sobs, and hobbled over to her.
'What's wrong?' Juliette could only point to the dark, horrible thing on the ground.
'Oh my God.' Luciano realized it was the first time he used this phrase since he himself died. All he could do is sit on the floor with her. Finally, she looked at him.
'Go back to ur world! You know where I live, right?' She scribbled her address onto a piece of paper by Arriana's note. 'Got to the right-side wall and climb up the pipe. The window will open really easily. I want you to go into my room and find...,' she didn't know what she wanted him to find. 'get my pointe shoes. They're in a mesh bag, hanging on my closet door.' Luciano nodded, and after about five minutes, he dissappeared. Juliette took out the glass ballerina and looked at it. Then she began to sob again. Luciano reappeared next to her. He had the bag, and a newspaper. 'You're death altered the time line, your world is five days ahead of ours now.' Juliette took the pointe shoes and hugged them to her chest, then she took the article Luciano showed her.

Girl Suffocates in own Bed
According to the mother, 31-year-old Beatrice Vallores, 16-year-old Juliette Vallores was found dead in her bed on Thursday evening. A blanket was apparently wrapped around her neck, which has happend in cases before. The case was filed accidental, and the funeral will be held on the 1st of May.

'It's a lie.' Juliette said softly.
'What?'
'Mum suffocated me. She snuck into Falco's bedroom and took me while I was still here. She made it look like a had accidentaly strangled myself.'
'Why would she do that?'
'Because, she's Beatrice diChimici.'
'Dia. She must have found you out.'
'I know she did. Now, we must get to Belezza.'
'Why?'
'Because that is where the Duchessa is. She had urgent business to attend to, which explains her absense.'
'Alright, but you're ready to travel?'
'Yes, I am fine.'
'Then pack.
'I don't have any cloths. Alright, I'll call for two horses. They're faster then carriages -you can ride, right? - and we'll have our stuff brought over later.'
'Yes, I can ride. We have to get to Belezza now. It is the only safe place I can be. mum will be here soon.'
'Then we will get the horses now.' Luciano grabbed his luggage, which had hardly been unpacked, and they headed off towards the stables, stopping by the mailing office first. They got two horses, and white mare and a black mare, packed it on, and headed out of the city. hey would first stop to see Georgia, then they would make the trip to Belezza.

*****************

[Merla]

The trip to Remora was a day and a half. The went down towards Remora in order that they could use the easier path toward Belezza, and not have to pass the palace which Juliette and Luciano both knew was where Niccolo was staying. The ruler of Moresco was his son, anyway. They stayed with Cesare's family that night, but Georgia was not there. Juliette got a chance to see the lovely Merla, and had a chance to ride her (or fly her). It was an amazing ride. Cesare layed out a map for Juliette to take that would show her everything. They got to a forest about 24 kilometers away in less then a minute. This gave Juliette a brilliant idea, but it would have to wait. Merla took her over the forest and West, towards the ocean. They made it there in a little over 20 minutes, and Juliette could smell the salty air already. Merla lighted down easily on the sand and Juliette hopped off. She tied the reins to a tree and Merla began to graze while Juliette waded in the warm water. It felt cool and refreshin to her legs, but she still could not believe that she would be here forever. Her funeral would be held tomorrow night (morning in her world) and she was planning to try and attend, but she wasn't sure how she would. She went back to Merla, and they took the trip back towards Remora, just a dark spot on the star-lit night. The next morning Juliette woke early and got her pointe shoes, one of the few things she carried with her on the white horse.
'I'll be right back.' she whispered to no one in particular.

- * -

Juliette appeared in the bed of her own room. She recognized everything, nothing had been touched, but she felt a little splotchy, and when she looked at herself she realized she was somehow fading fast. She squeezed the pointe shoes to her chest and slowely tried to get up. She could feel the pull of Talia, but she held onto what will power she had to stay here. When she loked at her bed, she could see the sheets where twisted and where layed out into a slightly crooked circle. She turned her face to look at her desk. On it was a picture of her friends. It was taken last month, and they where all there. She felt a tear roll down her cheek. She reached out and grabbed the picture and worked it out of its frame. She put it in the bag her pointe shoes where in. Then she began to go out into the hallway. She worked herself down, resisting the pull she felt heavy on her chest. She reached out and pushed open the door to her mother's room. She was surprised to see her awake, on the bed, holding a picture of Juliette in front of her. She jerked her head when she heard the door sqeek open.
'Juliette!' her mother got up and tryed to come to her, but Juliette backed away.
'Mama, you killed me.' her mother looked stricken.
'I had no choice! Niccolo would have killed me if I let you go.'
'But he would only be able to do that in Talia! You could have stayed here, with me! I had a good life, Mama, but you destroyed it! Look,' she pulled out the picture. 'these where my friends! Why couldn't you have let me stay with them? You killed me!'
'I'm sorry, I'm so sorry.' That was what Juliette's mum said, but she didn't look like she meant it.
'I hate you.' It was that statement that made Juliette's hold on her world snap, she was pulled with force back into Talia, she didn't even have to sleep. She just snapped back in Cesare's guest room. Luciano was looking at her.

- * -

'Where did you go?'
'Home.' Juliette was so upset, she began to sob. Luciano sat next to her.
'What did Beatrice say?'
'That if she didn't kill me, Niccolo would kill her.'
'But, wouldn't she just be stuck in your world?'
'I'm not important to her anymore.' Juliette got up. 'I'm gonna go look for some clothes, these are getting soiled.' She borrowed a dress from Cesare's mother, who offered to wash hers. Juliette wewnt out to go shopping for a little while. Luciano had made plans for them to part tomorrow on a non-stop ride to Belezza. Juliette browsed through the main piazza, looking at stands displaying brightly colored clothing and material. She wanted dull colors, but couldn't find them. She got many snickers from people wearing the pink and green ribbons of the Fishes because of the colors she wore around her own neck, those of the Ram. She finally found a stand that had some simple dresses, but they where as bright as the others. She bought a dress that was made of a beautiful moon-stone colored material, two black dresses, and one light purple dress. Purple was her favorite color, along with all of her friend's. She felt it was her duty to represent them in a different dimension. She would use the moon colored dress for the parties that where held in Belezza, and would use the purple and black ones for other uses. She spent the rest of the day in the stables, grooming a couple of horses, and at one point even taking one out for a little ride to a stream so she could rest and think.
'I'll be content here. It's nice, and I have friends. Yes, it will be good.' that was what she summarized. She had a favorite quote. She forgot who it was by, but she remmebered finding it in the book The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. It went something like this: "The problem, is no longer the problem. The problem is your attitude about the problem." She applied it to now. the problem wasn't being stuck in Talia anymore. She supposed it would be okay. But, her problem now was the attitude she had about being stuck in Talia. She hated it. But she couldn't hate it forever, she would have to live with it. She decided to be optimistic from now on. The black dresses would go on the bottoms of her pack for now, but she couldn't buy anymore, becase she was out of money, but she would get some more in Belezza when they got there. She silently rode back to the Ram's stables, thinking of these problems and coming up with answers to them. She slept that night pretty well, the first in days, and then the next daym she and Luciano began their trip to Belezza.

[Mary]

Dear Anni,
This was such a good idea! I have been getting lost with all the fanfiction, because I want to print it out and read it continuously but it seems to be in so many different places. If it is easy to do, could you do it for the others? Trubellezzan, Duchessa, Vervain, etc?

But not when you should be revising of course!

Mary

[Merla]

The journey wasn't that bad. Juliette was mounted on the white mare the whole time. She had managed to tie the mesh bag onto the saddle, so it bumped along with her horses' movement. They stopped in Giglia where Luciano knew of another Stravagnte - two acually - but one that could offer them lodgings. They ended up at a large church. "Saint-Mary-Amoung-the-Vines" was what Luciano called it. There they found a friar named Sulien, dressed in a long black robe, the aroma of sweet flowers following him and he walked. It was about brunch time, the sun was high in the sky, and Juliette was suddenly ravenouse. They ate a humble meal, roasted turkey, bread, potatoes, and wine, as Luciano and Sulien talked. Juliette did not feel much part of the conversation.
'Today, I think I will show you two around. Perhaps the diChimici palazzo? That is a very pretty sight.' Juliette turned a ghostly pale. Luciano looked at her worridly, and Sulien looked at her quizzically.
'Sorry, I'm very cold. And I though the...' she paused before she said the dreaded name. 'diChimici were enemy's of the Stravaganti.'
'Yes, they are, but I am their pharmacist and the producer of most of their fortune - perfume.' Juliette just nodded. 'Besides, we could pay a visit to the Nucci palazo. I'm sure for exchange of this perfume I am brewing, we could get a good wool scarf for you.' Juliette nodded again, then they prepared to go outside. Juliette excused herself to wash up, then followed the men outside into the warm sunshine. It took them just a few minutes to get to the palazzo because it was so close, but for Juliette it felt like less. She began to feel a bit dizzy when she first saw the marble buildings, but when she saw Beatrice sitting outside on a garden bench, she lost it. Things began to swin before her eyes. She felt herself collapse onto Luciano, who was not expecting her weight, and so collapsed himself. She heard footsteps, shouts, and then she saw a figure running towards her, but then things went black.

- * -

Arriana paced nervousely in her private chambers. Rodolfo was sitting on the couch, and so was her mother, Silvia, who was supposed to be in Padavia, but she had decided to visit today.
'Stop pacing, sweetie, your making me dizzy.' Arriana sat on the edge of the couch, but was still really fidgety.
'They should have been here by now. Even if Juliette couldn't come, she would have written.'
'Maybe she didn't know the address.' suggested Silvia.
'Come on, mother. How hard is it to think to send a letter to the Dutchess of Belezza, who happens to live in the biggest building or Belezza, to the palaca of the Dutchessa in Belezza?' Silvia nodded. Arriana sighed. 'I'm sorry, I'm just a little worried.' Rodolfo got up and hugged her.
'We all are, sweetie.' Arriana rested her head against his shoulder.

- * -

Juliette woke up in a bright room. Not the monastary. She thought. The walls where all made of marble, and the bed was uncomfortably comfortable. Definately, not the monastary. She thought. Luciano was sitting in a chair against the wall, reading something. Sulien was facing a corner of the wall, haunched over a pot or cauldren thing. A sweet smell came from it. Juliette sat up in her bed, noticing her hair was loose in it's usual brown waves, and she was in a white cotton dress.
'Where am I?' she said. They must not have been expecting her to wake up so soon. Luciano jumped, and if his chair had not been against the wall, Juliette assumed it would have fallen over. Sulien nearly dropped his sthingy thing into the cauldren, but caught it before it hit the green liquid.
'How long have you been awake?' Sulien asked.
'Probably two minutes.' Juliette said. 'Where am I?'
'Your in the diChimici palazzo.' Juliette felt her face turn pale again.
'Why?'
'Your mothe- Beatrice suggested it.' Luciano said quickly.
'I'm not the one to be nasey or anything, but what is up?' Sulien asked quietly.
'I'm a diChimici.' Juliette said, staring straight out of the window opposite her bed. Sulien gasped. She jerked her head toward him. 'Not fool-blood. My dad was from my world. He left after I was born. My mum - Beatrice - took care of me... Most of my life, at least.' Sulien looked sad. He got a cup full of the liquid in the pot.
'Here. It's mint and rosemary. It has calming and healing effects.' Juliette took a small sip, and just after Beatrice entered the room. She looked at Juliette and she noticed her mum had tears in her eyes. Juliette looked away from her out toward the window again.
'Are you alright, sweetie?' she said.
'Sure, fine. I'd be alot better in my own bed a couple centuries from now.' Juliette replied bitterly. Beatrice looked at her sadly. Juliette pretended she didn't care and took another sip. She turned to Luciano, sompletely away from her mother, and saw he was giving her an icy glare.
'How long have I been asleep?' she asked him.
'About two days.' he replied. 'You hit your head hard on the cobblestones.'
'Well, then we must get toi Belezza.'
'Then you will take my carriage.' said Brother Sulien. Juliette heard her mother take soft steps out of the room. Good. Sht thought bitterly. She deserves to be upset. It's about time she does. Juliette got up and grabbed the lilac dress from the chair.
'I will change now.'

[Merla]

They made it to Belezza in fair time. It took them about two days from Giglia. Luciano and Juliette where careful to stay somewhat hidden. They knew that Duke Niccolo was still searching for Luciano. Luciano mainly stayed at the friary, but he had a guy named Gaetano and his to-be bride Francesca show her around Giglia. The main place Juliette wanted to see was the studio where Giudetta worked. After that they continued to Belezza. Luciano sighed deeply when the city came into sight, and Juliette could tell how happy he was to be back "home". Juliette would have to get used to the smell.
'Would I live here?' she said quietly.
'Yah, if you want to, of course,' he replied, looking at her. She was looking down, and Luciano saw a crystal tear fall down into the mare's mane. 'Hey, don't worry about it. You can always go back to visit. Translating, however, would be difficult.'
'Why?'
'Well, yoo saw that add in the paper, so half of Britain knows that you died,' Juliette nodded sullenly. 'And, it would be very odd if you showed up one day at school. I've thought of it often enough before.'
'Oh.' It was all Juliette could manage to say now. They where at the edge of the canal that divided the main parts of the city and the mainland. Luciano, Juliette, and a couple workers began to unload their belongings - Juliette's not covering much space - onto mandolas they had reserved earlier via mail. The boat ride across was nice. The scene was beautiful. Juliette had always loved learning about Italy. She was still clutching the bag with her pointe shoes in it. It was one of the few ties she had to her home, her friends. Suddenly, she remembered the picture she had taken from her room. She opened the bag and reached inside, revealing the glossy picture. Luckily the mandolier was not focused on them. Luciano scooted closer to her.
'Who are they?'
'My friends... from school. That's Marie, there's Aly, Jess, and Rachel,' she pointed to each one. Luciano pointed to Jess.
'She was so quiet. Her hair was amazngly dark though.'
'Yah,' she remembered Jess briefly. She was always so happy.
'And she,' Luciano pointed to Rachel. 'I used to like her alot before I... er... translated.' Juliette remembered the bried period of time Rachel herself like Lucien. The Lucien she knew before he died. Juliette amnaged a weak smile. The picture started to bring tears to her eyes. Then, the mandola bumped against a dock. Juliette shoved the picture into the bag and stood up with Luciano. He helped her out, and there she was, standing in front of a beautiful palace. Silver decorated the walls.
'Luciano, why is silver everywhere? Isn't gold a prettier and more valuable metal?'
'Well, yes, but here, in Talia, silver in the better metal. It dosn't tarnish, but gold does.'
'Oh.' Luciano was leading Juliette up the steps of a building near the palace. They went up a small staircase, and then Luciano used a key to unlock the door.No one was in the building, So Luciano and Juliette lugged their luggage into the large room, then they went upstairs, onto a roof garden. It was nice up there. Plants grew all around, and the air was fresher up here. Luciano picked around the garden until finally they came to a small grotto with a pond and benches. Rodolfo was sitting on a bench. Speaking to someone across from him. Luciano looked through leaves, but what he saw turned him pale. He dragged Juliette through an archway and behind a tall rock. Juliette realized in the what the water was trickling down from on the mini-waterfall in the grotto. They could hear speakers clearly.
'Who was it?' Julitte whispered the Luciano.
'It was Niccolo. He is talking to Rodolfo, and quite mad as well.' The voices began to get louder.
'You must know something of the boy!'
'I told you, I know nothing. The young Dutchessa and I left hastily because of a quarrel here the senate could not handle. The boy was captured - under your hand - and the girl was sent to Remora to fetch something from the Ram stables.'
'And might I ask what that something was?'
'Yes, the wife of the stable manager has a very good hand at weaving cloth. She had managed to weave and sew a wonderful gown that she made for the Dutchessa as a gift for blessing their stables during the Race of the Stars.'
'But, that girl is a strava whatever. She could not make it back within a day!'
'She gladly rode the swiftest horse in Moresca to Remora. Then they let her ride on of their swift horses back, which was then ridden back.'
'If I find out one thing of your story is fake, I will have you hung!' The two teenagers heard the Duke storm out of the gardens, then escorted by a servant to the door.
'You can come out now,' Rodolfo said. Juliette and Luciano went around the rock to the grotto.
'Good, you are back safely. I had no doubt you couldn't get him. Now, we must call on the Dutchessa. She will be overjoyed at your return.

[Merla]

Arriana was beside herself with joy. Luciano and Juliette had both hugged her when they entered the private chambers through the secret tunnel. Juliette was in awe while she looked around the room filled with different couches and dresses in stands here and there. Arriana was in a simple lilac gown sitting on the couch in the center of the room, wearing a mathcing mask decorated with feathers of some sort of bird. When she stood up, Luciano bowed (regaining his formalities whilst the person in the chair remained seated), and Juliette curtsied in the way only a ballerina could. The figure stood up, the rustling of silk greeted them. Luciano seemed to breath a sigh of relief, but Juliette still did not know who this was.
'Silvia, it is so good to see you,' Luciano said. The woman laughed. Juliette noticed she looked very similar to Arriana (even though Juliette had rarely seen her without her mask), matching in facial features and those dazzling violet eyes.
'Juliette, this is my mother, Silvia, the former Dutchessa thought to be dead.'
'How do you do?' asked Silvia, curtsieing slightly.
'Fine, thank you,' responded Juliette.
'Mother, Juliette is a Stravaganti. She was translated a few days ago, as Luciano informs me. What should we call her? Juliette is not a common Talian name.' Silvia thought a moment.
'Well, in Talian, jewel is gioiella.' Arriana crinkled her nose.
'That shound very odd.' Arriana was not one to keep her opinion hidden with her mother.
'Well, stone is pietra, is that better?' Arriana shook her head.
'That sounds too strange, someone would think her odd to be called "stone".'
'Do you have any talents, Juliette?' asked Silvia patiently.
'Well, I like to dance ballet and pointe.'
'Dance is ballo, ballet is balleto, and pointe has no translation in Talia - what is pointe anyway? - any more suggestions?'
'How about love?' asked Arriana quietly. 'That sounds pretty in Talian - we could change the letters around too. How about... Amorcè?'
'I like it,' Juliette said quietly. In her heart, she'd never be able to give up her name, but for now, Amorcè sounded just fine to her.
'But, what to do with you, now? We have no theatres like Moresco does for you to dance at. I already have too many maids, way to many to count.'
'I wouldn't like being a maid anyway,' said Amorcè.<br>'Are you any good with a weapon?' This was the first input Luciano had said the whole time. Amorcè nodded.
'I took three years of fencing, and I can kick really well.'
'Well, how about a guard? Arriana, call your maid.' Arriana did so, and Barbara hustled in. 'Barbara, bring me some of that metal armor.' Barbara curtsied and left, while Arriana fetched her merlino dagger. 'Okay, don't go easy on me. Not even the merlino dagger can do much damage in this stuff. Now, I'm the attacker, I want you to give me what I deserve. Pretend I was a... rapist in the bad sorts of London, and was headed for Arriana.' Juliette looked at him really funny.
'Do they know what rapist are?' she said, pointing to Silvia and Arriana. Luciano laughed and shook his head, the two woman looking at them doumbfoundedly. When Barbara returned with the armor, Luciano quickly fastened it and got out his dagger.
'Okay, ready?' Juliette nodded, gripping the weapon in her hand. Luciano began to run towards Arriana. Juliette moved swiftly and caught his arm up with the blade. For at least five minutes the two where at each other, slashing and clinking and making a horrible racket. Twice Barbara came in to see what was up, and finally she just sat down by Silvia to watch. Juliette was excellent at dodging and recoiling with a slash. Thrice she marked the metal, making the armor chip and spark, and many more she clinked the dagger against his arm or other places. Finally, Luciano stumbled and fell backward, Juliette advanced and pointed the dagger at his chest. His hair was matted and he was panting, looking at the dagger pointed at his heart.
'Okay, I think you qualify,' he said with a weak smile. She switched the dagger to her left hand and helped him up. Arriana, Silvia, and Barbara where clapping madly. The two walked up to them, both smiling happily.
'Amorcè! Not a drop of sweat is on your head, and your breathing is regular, whereas if Luciano dosn't get out of that armor soon, he may faint!' Juliette was still not used to be called by her new name. She patted her forehead, it was dry and cool, then contiousely monitered her breathing. Normal.
'Tomorrow I will have you fight one of my best guards, should you win, well, consider yourself hired!' They laughed, then Barbara showed Juliette to a guest room two doors down from the inner chamber and tunnel room, where she could take a bath and refresh herself before she had dinner with Arriana. Only on special occasions did Arriana have a grand dinner in the dining room. Usually it was served to her (although just as elaborately) in her private chambers when she preferred it. Today She and Amorè where to talk together to devise Amorè's plans for lodgings and what she should do.
'How about today you spend the night here, you could stay here with me as a personal guard.' Amorè nodded, enjoying the food served to her.
'Tonight I'm going home, okay? Tomorrow I'll be a little tired, but I should be okay to fight.' Arriana just nodded, saddend by the memory of Juliette's room and how poor Juliette would never inhabit it again.


**********

Juliette woke up in the silk bed, temporarily forgetting how she had goten there. Then it all came flooding back to her - her death, the trip, Bellezza, Arriana, the fight - everything. On the floor next to her bed lay the pointe shoes she had taken from home to be her new talisman. The glass ballerina was sitting on top of her bed-side table. A maid opened the door quietly, poking her head around it. she sighed in relief when she saw that Juliette was awake.
'Miss,' she said timidly. 'Her Majesty would like to speak with you. She told me to tell you to dress quickly and to enter the throne room.'
'Okay, thank you,' Juliette replid softly. She swung her feet out of bed once the woman left and walked over to the closet-like door accross from her bed. She opened the door and saw a fine array of clothing She chose a simple, but pretty dress, figuring she might have to fight the guard in it, and slipped it over the petticoat-like underwear hanging on the end. She laced up the shoes she wore here, then stepped outside. Navigating as best she could throughout the palace to the throne-room. She pushed open a prett elaborate door and was welcomed by Arriana.
'Good morning, Juliette,' she said sweetly. She then gestured to a pretty menacing-looking guard by her side. 'This is Fredrico. He is one of my top guards and will be your opponent for you today,' Juliette smiled and mumbled a hello. He just stood there. Arriana called a maid and ordered her to bring a merlino-blade for Juliette. She positioned herself at the right-hand-side of the room, her opponent opposite her. He held up his dagger and tested the sharpness on the tip of his finger. Pressing gently, but not enough to break the skin. Juliette followed his example, but hers must have been more sharp because it pierced her skin on contact. A crimson drop of blood formed on her finger, she gazed at it, entranced by it for some nknown reason. Arriana calld a maid and she washed it, clearing the blood and stopping the flow. The guard's eyes where pretty wide now, and Arriana was quite shaken at how well Juliette had took the cut.
'It was nothing, I assure you.' Arriana seemed a bit wary of her, but Juliette assured her she could fight.
'Okay, please take your positions.' Juliette stood casually at the spot she had cut herself, and her opponent looked as if her were going to charge her and slice her neck. 'The first to catch and freeze their opponent at knife-pointe wins. Start.' Her opponent did charge her, but Juliette stepped aside and he lunged into thin air. Juliette spun her boddy and kicked him in the back, sending him to the ground. He kicked his leg and she jumped over it, gliding down smoothly. While she recovered herself from landing, he got up and charged her again. This time she met his blade with hers. They were still for a moment, then he lost his patience and tried to lunge at her. She repelled his attack and, after few minutes of intense fighting, managed to force him down and point her knife at his throat. Arriana clapped.
'Amore, that was wonderful!' she said, using Juliette's Talian name. 'Please see to Fredrico,' said Arriana to her maid. 'I would like a moment in private with Amore.' The young maid brought him out into another chamber, then Juliette turned to Arriana. She started to say something, but Juliette cut her off.
'I thought my new name was Amorce. You keep calling me Amore, which means "love" in Talian, dosn't it?' Arriana met her eyes for a moment, then a new softness appeared in them.
'I seem to be getting a bit confused. You see, I am a bit in amore myself.' Juliette raised her brows.
'Oh? With whom?'
'Luciano.'
'Ooh, do tell.' And Arriana told her the story of her passion.

**********

Juliette practically ran down the passage that connected the Duchessa's palace and Rodolfo's labratory. when she got to the end she hoisted herself up the stairs two at a time and out into the roof-garden. She found Rodolfo and Luciano chatting on one of the stone benches.
'Yes, Juliette?' Roldolfo inquired.
'I think Luciano should go visit the Duchessa,' she said wryly. 'I think he wants to see her, and I know she wants to see him.' Luciano colored furiousely as he left the garden, and when Roldolfo looked at her curiosely, she just smiled and winked behind her mask.

**********

Luciano bounded through the passage and when he arrived, was startled to see arriana, sitting alone, without a mask on. Luciano had so wanted to see her face unmasked for such a long time. Arriana got up, and the two walked towards each-other until they met halfway through the room.
'Erm, i have to tell you something,' Luciano started.
'Yes?' Arriana replied, looking at him with her gorgeouse violet eyes. Luciano reached out and touched her hands slightly with his, then grasped them and held them between them.
'Arriana, I have liked you for such a long time,' he said. Arriana's heart sank a bit at the word "liked". Was it just like? And why was it in the past tense? 'No, not liked,' Arriana felt better. 'I've loved you for a long time. Since a few days before your Duchessa becomingness. But ever since then, its been quite hard to get you alone, much less admit that I loved you. And I-' Arriana put a finger to his lips, stopping his ridiculus chattering.
I've loved you a long time too,' she said softly. Luciano smiled, then he took his chin in hers and tilted her head up. He smiled slightly, then he kissed her, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close to him. They stopped, and Arriana rested her head on his shoulder, sighing and smiling happily. He stroked her brown curls affectionalately.
'I've waited for that for much to long a time.' They both didn't notice when Juliette slipped into the room as quietly as she could, and sneaked out, leaving the two lovebirds to privacy. She walked to her chamber, and when she opened the door found the guard and the young maid in the room, making out. She smiled when the startled couple tried to explain some ridiculous story of why they where in there, but Juliette just raised her hand. 'Carry on,' she said with a smile. She closed the door behind her and sighed, leaning against the marble wall opposite her. Today is just full of love... amore..., she thought to herself. Oh well. Roldolfo had given her the day off from their lessons, so she decided to explore the city around her. She left the palace, msiling to herself under her mask, when she bumpe into a good-looking guy about her age. He reminded herself so much of a crush she once had, that she couldn't help but stare. The only reason she had given up on the crush was because he left her school. He smiled.
'I'm sorry miss, just looking around for some work. Perhaps you would like a tour of the city if you are new here?' Juliette smiled.
'That would be lovely,' she replied.
'Might I ask your name?'
'I'm Amorce,' she said a bit shyly. 'And you are?'
'Spencero.' He said, pronoucing the 'c' like a hard 'c'. He showed her around the city, chatting quite a bit about this or that, about the fountains and the canals and other things around the city. When night finally fell, he accumpanied (since she knew her way back to it) her to the palace. She returned with a full heart to her chambers, noting how it looked so fresh and clean, unlike how she had left it that morning. She smiled remembering the maid. She changed nto her nightclothes, stopped to talk with Arriana a bit (who by the way looked so happy she could scream), and then went to bed, happily thinking of her fight and the tour of the city.

**********

'Did you see her?' A voice whispered into the darkness.
'Yes,' came a less menacing voice.
'Good, see her again, and more, and lure her here.'
'Yes, I'll try,' and the boy left his employer in the darkness.