amberly

The Stars of Soot

Octavia set her gloved hand into Mr. Fischer's and walked away with him.

"A dance sounds like a charming idea, thank you." The dance floor was well used, but there was always room for two more.

Octavia tried to recall if Mr. Fischer had been at their parties before. His name certainly came up enough around here. Mother would ask how Maximillian's projects were going, she loved long dignified names. Father would talk about Max, the mathematician and his engineering, his flying, and his heart for the work.

Right from the start Octavia had avoided taking sides between her father and brother. Max Fischer had not even been grown yet when Father brought him into the PAS, and he had nothing to do with her life. Octavia deliberately decided to hold no opinion on the young man, that way she couldn't possibly be jealous of him. She loved flying with her father, their rambling conversations, and little projects at home together. There was no need to bother about how much more time Max might or might not have gotten with her Father in the long hours at work. Now, Mr Fischer was certainly the closest connection she could get to Father at the PAS.

Octavia settled her hand on his shoulder and waited to continue the conversation until they were dancing at a discrete distance from others. Though she had already figured for the perfect scenario and for multiple disasters, Octavia put the calculation to him. What better way to find a mathematician's interest than an equation? Especially an equation in which Hubert losses.

"If Hubert's company wasn't the only one with access to the latest innovations, and competitors' new designs were publicised before the PAS unveils its new ships," a sly smile crept across her mouth, "how long do you project Hubert could then sustain his so called success?"

the hunter and her prey(a cursed human story, a beauty and the beast alternative to a cursed vampire story)

Catching sight of Angel and Andrew the creature roared. It dropped the deer and lumbered toward them. He tryed to keep out of Angel's range with the blade, but to lunge close enough to grab them. Or at the very least swipe them into the river.

The Stars of Soot

Octavia's smile grew as he spoke. She silently rejoiced at the timing, catching Mr. Fischer before he began to work on any of his potential plans. Farther would doubtless have considered them brilliant, sure to succeed in the proper environment.

Dear Claudia? Was he some relation or admirer of Claudia? Octavia's eyes glowed to learn Mr. Fischer was some sort of friend of a friend. But this was no time to think of Claudia, or let on about how negatively the dear might be affected.

"I have had a few personal projects. Helping Claudia with her airship being one. Now that it is ready I can focus on Hubert."

Octavia shifted closer and lowered her voice. She folded her hands casually but scrutinized his face for a reaction as she continued carefully.

"I believe my brother is not doing as well as he thinks he is. I cannot see his vision for PAS coming to fruition."

the hunter and her prey(a cursed human story, a beauty and the beast alternative to a cursed vampire story)

Andrew had stopped a few times to dip his hands in the water and drink. When he noticed Angel glance back at him, he jogged to catch up with her. No dragging his feet.

About the time Andrew reached her the creature came into view in the distance hauled a shriveled deer to the water's edge. The buck had gouged at the creature and he sought to clean the wound in the water. Though draining the deer had made him feel better than he had so far this morning, just the boost of energy he needed for the day.

The Stars of Soot

Attending to her Mother’s beckoning wave Octavia joined the small family group which currently included Claudia.

“I wanted to take a moment while we are all together to wish you good luck in your air race, Claudia. We are sure you will perform well. I am already planning a dinner so you can come and tell us all about it when you return.”

“Thank you so much Mrs. Dorrsett,” Claudia beamed at the praise and the shared excitement.

“You’ve been a dear friend to Octavia, especially lately.” Mrs. Dorrsett paused meaningfully. “We can’t think of a better way to show our appreciation of you, and encourage you in your own pursuits, so Hubert has agreed that next year the Prime Aeronatutical Society will sponsor your new airship.”

Both young ladies gasped. Claudia reached out to hug Mrs. Dorrsett. She gushed gratitude to Hubert.

Octavia could feel the color drained out of her face and threw her hands over her cheeks, hoping to appear delighted. “Are you serious?”

“I’m surprised you hadn’t suggested the PAS sponsoring her before.” Hubert leaned over his younger sister, an accusing tone lacing his words, “I could have done something for her this year.”

“She doesn’t need your help. Her airship is beautiful.” Octavia retorted.

“But the PAS,” Claudia exalted. “Next year we won’t be piecing things together, I’ll have the best technology available. No one will be able to compete! Next year I’m going to win. This year I just” she stopped herself from saying anything about ‘coming back in one piece’, “have to do the best I can with what I have.”

“You will, and your ship will prove to be grand.” Octavia proclaimed.

Try as she might, Octavia could not coax Claudia away from making future plans with Hubert. Octavia’s feigned headache was turning into a real one. She retreated outside.

Octavia knew Claudia was going to be safe and careful and do beautifully in the race. But without the need to compete for a sponsor she would lose rankings. Her performance would be lacking. If any other sponsors did happen to show interest Claudia would shun them in favor of the PAS. Claude would never have the chance of a first race again, and she was going to squander it.

This very week Octavia was taking down Hubert, and the PAS itself might not survive. But the destruction would not culminate before the race was over. The opportunity for other sponsors would be lost. Octavia was putting Claudia’s dreams on the guillotine.

“What should I do?” Octavia lamented and swiped tears away as quickly as she could. Grown as she was, she desperately needed her Papa with her. But he was long gone. When the tears were all replaced with a heavy dryness, she left the evening breeze behind and returned to the birthday party. All traces of the cry were gone, she forced a smile but her youthful exuberance had been sobered.

The first person she saw was Maximillian Fischer. Father had prized and honored the young engineer. Hubert loathed him.

A wave of relief rushed over her at the sight. Now she knew. Someone’s dream was going to live through the week. She would make sure it was her father’s. She set her gait and didn’t alter the pace even when doubts bombarded her. No hesitation. This was the beginning of her contest. Now she was the one vying for support. Start friendly, Octavia decided, then get into the bleak business.

“Mr. Fischer, how good of you to come.” Octavia stood before the man, anticipation brightening her face. “I can’t tell you how glad I am to see you again. Where are you working these days?”

The Stars of Soot

Octavia watched strawberry tart dribble down her brother’s chin like venom. Herbert made a mess of everything he could get his hands on since Father had died. One of these days, she was going to clean it all up and send him back to the sooty, ink-stained desk where he belonged.

“Octavia, I’m going to help you.” Claudia came up beside her.

“You are?” Octavia looked up in surprise, had her face betrayed her thoughts?

“With your hair, everyone can see the top of your head.” Claudia hooked her arm through Octavia’s elbow and they skirted around the crowd to an alcove.

“Come to the race with me.” Claudia whispered as she fussed with the dark curls.

“Skip the race and come flying with me instead.” Octavia faced the crowd, searching for someone to stand in her best friend’s place and usurp Hubert.

“I’m being serious, why don’t you come?” Claudia insisted. From behind she had missed the earnestness in Octavia’s eyes. “You deserve to be there after all the work we’ve put into this ship.”

“It is your airship, Claude. I was only too glad to help. I wouldn’t be able to stand it, staring up at the sky as you fly away. Its better I don’t go at all. I’ve been looking at the schedule. The race starts at eight. You’re allowed on the field to light the fire at six, what time will you be getting up?”

“At five,” she answered. When Octavia’s laughter died down Claudia added “I’ve been practicing a month.”

“I know, but you won’t be able to sleep for nerves. If the telegraph office was open, I’d wish you good luck at four thirty.”

“You won’t be up at four thirty.” Claudia poked her with a hairpin to tease.

“How do you think I can possibly sleep?” Octavia exclaimed “You’re going to master the whole race. You’ll win a swarm of wooing sponsors. Next year, your ship will be even better.” Octavia exclaimed in excitement and Claudia practically squealed.

“Can’t you come to the finish line at least?” Claudia begged leaning her head over the short woman’s shoulder.

“I doubt it. Herbert is going to be a bear this week, I can already tell.”

“How? Can’t he decide which hand to hold his drink in?” Claudia asked shifting beside her to look through the crowd but catching Octavia’s wrist and pulling it away from her hair. “Herbert is not the one picking at his scalp. Is something bothering you?”

“I still have a bit of a headache from polishing all your brasswork. I’m going to talk to a few more people before I disappear for the night. But good luck, I know you’re going to fly beautifully!” Octavia hugged Claudia and squeezed her extra tight for a few moments. Would she ever be allowed to help with Claud’s airship again after this week?

“I promise not to crash,” Claudia whispered lifting her nose out of the way of Octavia’s head. When she pulled away and looked down at her friend “I’ll think of you at four thirty in the morning.” They parted laughing.

The Stars of Soot

Memo to self: if at all possible send Clude telegram about sponsors BEFORE the race

the hunter and her prey(a cursed human story, a beauty and the beast alternative to a cursed vampire story)

The creature had made its way to a stream high in the hills. It shifted rocks and lay down to sleep. He let the water clean away his dark blood as he shifted uncomfortably in the night. A daybreak he had debated going up or down stream, and chosen to go down. That would lead him to a river, and rivers had better hunting. Whenever he slipped he howled and growled as he slowly got back to his feet. He did not expect to be followed and forgot about the troubles of yesterday. He thought only of his thirst.

Andrew had been able to see the creature's tracks led to a stream, but as far as Andrew could tell, there they disappeared. It would take a real hunter to follow the creature from there and he stood back and let Angel lead the way. He didn't realize how close they were to the creature mumbling and groaning and sloshing down stream.

the hunter and her prey(a cursed human story, a beauty and the beast alternative to a cursed vampire story)

Andrew wondered if her manner had more of a tease than he had originally thought. But better not test it, she could probably make good on her vague threats.

He followed along with her today as they hurried through the forest. It didn't seem like he needed to be as distant from her. She had been right, even Andrew's eyes could track the monster by looking for the trail of destruction behind it.

He wondered if the water had made the beast more creature than man. He decided as soon as this was over, he needed to go back to his castle and eat salads and drink one cup of water at a time. Even if it was harder to quench his thirst, even if his skin itched, even if it took longer to heal, he would rather remain human-like. Tend to his grass, play with the dog, read his books, and hopefully walk down to the village now and then. He missed people.

But the water in the spring had healed him so quickly. Overnight.

"Angel, I think that spring has magic in it. I think it makes the beast more of a creature than the man it started as. And I think that includes physical strength. I know you're prepared, I don't doubt you, just...I guess... Don't take this the wrong way or anything, but be careful. I hope you defeat him without without, being hurt yourself."

He found himself stammering and clamped his mouth closed before he could say anything more. She probably wasn't going to like that speech, but it was true. And it needed to be said while he was as human as possible.

the hunter and her prey(a cursed human story, a beauty and the beast alternative to a cursed vampire story)

"I'm ready to go looking again," Andrew confirmed. He stood up and brushed himself off. "Don't let me stand in the way," he said casually. Secretly he was pleased she thought of it as their mission, not just her own.