"Ebonwing - Chapter 4: In the Hand of the Queen (story)" by Stephanie ´Pegacorna´ Nichole Small

Ebonwing - Chapter 4

In the Hand of the Queen

Shaken, Sara drove Kyla to their managers house. The gleaming building was adorned in festive Christmas lights with glittering Halloween spider in purple lights perched above the window. The garish lights gleamed against the emerald walls of the building and cast and eerie shade of amethyst into the car. Kyla was quiet and stared for a moment at the main house and turned slightly to Sara. Her dark hair shivered in the faint glow from the glistening lights as she met Sara's gaze.

"Do you really understand what occurred at the bookstore...how about with that man?" She queried softly in a rather regal and defined accent making her sound rather British. Her eyes dropped as she shook her head "That man seemed very familiar." She smirked and her mock serious demeanor suddenly turned impish. She poked Sara in the side "Ewww! I bet you were thinking naughty thoughts about that icky boy thing!" She accused in a sadistic giggle. Sara suddenly shot to a bright red along her cheeks and her eyes blazed with embarrassment.

"Shut up!" Sara cried in mock horror and slapped at Kyla's pointing finger. "Go give the Queen of Darkness her key before she gets annoyed and thinks you forgot" She shot back at Kyla desperately. Kyla didn't answer, instead she opened the car door and pounced on the sidewalk like a cat. She then stuck out her tongue, turned on her heel and raced for the Queen's door. As Kyla bounded from the car, Sara's thoughts turned inward.

Sara considered the Queen of Darkness as she scratched absentmindedly at her ear. The Queen, also known as Barbula, was her new manager. She a mentor and friend, and as their new relationship blossomed, she realized she would probably be working at Bookends, the bookstore, for a long time. She thought of her school, of her college and what classes she was taking. She intended to become a teacher and her courses were difficult. She was taking the job because it meant she would have some spending money, a welcome commodity with her budding social calendar.

For years, Sara had suffered through bouts of pain augmented by her disease. She had cloistered herself away onto the mountain home her family owned and avoided people. Now, years later, she had made the painful decision to become, once again, a part of "the living."

Well, at least, that is how her annoying brother, Damion had referred to it. She loved role playing and found herself constantly wanting to immerse herself into the fantasy worlds of her video games. Now, she had met Kyla who not only played role playing games in person, but even ran them.

Sara shook her head and considered her predicament. Her brother was obnoxious and had instantly demanded that Sara socialize with the intimidating Kyla and pressured her to talk to Kyla. What Damion didn't realize however, were Sara's feelings towards the mysterious being Kyla. Sara had never felt comfortable around men because of a horrifying incident as a child. Since that time, her tendencies had lead her to the safer and softer feminine women around her. Although not always in a sensual way. Her mother was a vital part of her life, and would likely be for the rest of her life. Meanwhile, her romantic interests had turned to Kyla. Kyla showed no return of the interest, however, as she was already committed to Derrick.

Soon, she scratched at her ear as little as she noticed they itched a little. Sara realized the cop had told her to conceal her ears...bewildered she glanced in the mirror and pushed her hair back. She gasped in surprise and irritation as she realized that her hair was pale and a little washed out. She had just dyed it a gorgeous plum shade only two days ago! She felt a little frustrated as she pushed back the thick mane. Then she felt a burst of elation as she looked at her ears. The were slightly pointed near the tip and seemed to resemble elf ears from some of the games and movies she'd seen or played. She was elated! That wasn't something she'd expected. However, she had always wanted pointed ears. How it seemed to happened was beyond her though.

She was struck from her rambling thoughts as Kyla came walking back. Sara looked at her. Barbula's door was closed and the lights were out, but Kyla had taken some time. Curious, Sara let her into the car.

"How goes it?" She asked nonchalantly and looked over at the passenger. Kyla shrugged and looked down.

"I found this note" she said and held up the small piece of paper. Emblazoned across the purple sticky note were three small words. Get Me Chocolate. With a bemused smirk, Kyla slapped the note onto the dashboard where the sticky note hung like a flag. "OK, well lets go, we got to go get some chocolate."

Sara turned a little to Kyla "I don't know if I want to drive much" she said softly thinking back to the police officer. Kyla smirked.

"You sure you don't want to be pulled over" She said with a pointed hum to her voice, obviously thinking along the same avenue as Sara. Sara reddened and glared forward. Wal-Mart is across the street from the house, do you want to go there?" She asked in an annoyed but giddy tone.

Kyla nodded "I actually assumed we were going there, but I don't think the Queen would be too interested in Wal-Mart candy" she said.

Sara looked thoughtful. "Plus we need some French bread....and Brie....and maybe some blackberry jam....Oh oh oh! Yes, we need some" She said decisively..."and chocolate....lots of chocolate. For us and for the Queen" She said quickly. Kyla nodded, her dark hair bouncing on her shoulders.

"Then its decided....we're going to Albertsons" She said with finality. Then the car pulled away from the curb to their new destination. Sara's stomach murmured in joy and Sara's mind skipped around in elation. She had never been able to experience as much of her youth as she would have liked. That is why she decided she needed some treats for herself. Yep. Treats. Then Gaming. Lots of Gaming. GAME!