The feminine figure of Orchid Lilly reached forward to take her second card. Not so casual this time, the first time had been...hard. There was no reluctance though, just a more determined flipping of the smooth white edge.
~
Rain swept through the bustling town, clearing away the cloying smoke from countless chimneys and the stench of street swill as effectively as a farmhand clearing straw with a broom. Rough stone walls, and log housing alike were washed clean by the driving water as if the Gods themselves were out to cleanse the place.
Somewhere within the strong town walls, a snug but solid stone building, the only one in the town with a fully slate roof, braved the storm with disdain. It'd take considerably more to concern such a well designed construction.
The building was made of expertly hewn blocks, so neatly mortared together the joins were barely discernable. Its dull golden colour contrasted richly with the dusky grey of the slate tiles decorating the roof like a dark icing on a fresh sponge cake. A large oak door, painted gaily in bright red, heralded the entrance like no other portal on the street. Always kept in pristine condition, and opening with the slightest push and not even a hint of a squeak, you'd be forgiven in thinking an army of servants and maids would be responsible for maintaining such an abode.
Inside, all would be bright, as oil lamps and mirrored candles throw out vast shimmering light bouncing softly from plush carpets. Traces of music, a violin or perhaps a harp, would descend from somewhere above, followed by generous laughter and applause. You wouldn't be wrong in assuming a party was well under way.
Making your way up a small, but exquisite, staircase the applause would get louder. Before long it is replaced by the haunting tones of a feminine voice, emotions tumbling through the air, riding her voice like a stallion as she sings of love and betrayal.
More applause and you would final make it to the grand function room, as well decorated as any other part of the house. You catch sight of your hosts. A young couple, the woman clearly the singer from a moment ago. Long brown hair cascades in waves down half her back, natural highlights catching the glow from the candlelight. Her face carries a radiant smile as she nods appreciatively to the applause, but gentle brown eyes belie a hidden discomfort.
She is held gently, but securely, in strong, caring hands. Black hair, attractively unruly, hangs loosely to just above broad shoulders. He is smiling too, looking down at his love, currently oblivious to her unrest.
With the tiniest of looks, and a gentle stroking of one lightly stubbled cheek, she silently lets him know what she wants. He blinks for a second, slowly grasping the meaning before turning to their guests and quietly thanking them for coming as he escorts them out. Some protest the early hour, wishing to wait out the weather but he is persistent and they eventually accept. Some stumble to the nearest inn, whilst others quickly crowd into awaiting carriages to take them home.
The red door closes and he takes his love upstairs to their bedroom. He catches sight of a timid smile from beneath her hair and swears for a second it had been a smirk just a second before. She is horny and had been waiting long for this evening. With dismissive casualness she flicks the straps of her gown off her shoulder and lets the entire thing fall to the ground. His gasp of pleasure at the sight fills her with need. She goes to him, drawing him toward the bed unbuttoning his tunic on the way.
"Give me a child," she whispered in his ear, golden voice a rich caress. "Give me your child, and take me away from this false life."
"Take you where?" He breathed, laying her down on the soft bed and kissing her neck.
"Far away, just us, alone forever as a family."
It seemed to him they were already alone forever in those next few minutes. He lost himself in the act, making love to her with a passion unknown to him; totally unaware of anything else but her skin, her body.
Spent, he lay exhausted next to her as she hummed softly in his ear and stroked her hands through his hair.
"I can feel him, feel him inside already." She murmured. "Thank you."
~
With a flush, unseen in the blackness, the card is dropped to the table. Words are printed in the centre.
"He is conceived."