Pages from a diary ((Closed))

[dana]

It keeps raining... Feels like it will enver end. I race as if I was being chased by nightmares from the whole world and the horse carrying me runs faster with every step he takes. Lighting flashes and for a moment lights up the abandoned highway before me before I’m covered by darkness once again...
I bow low over the neck of the horse and in answer to my wordless prayer he goes even faster. I race... flee... but there’s only darkness....
Where will I find shelter in this stormy night? Who will greet a lost soul when the only things outside are the moaning wind and hungry wolves? Where will I find a shoulder onto which I can lean my shoulder for a moment and forget my worries? Who will hold me close and dry my tears with soft kisses? Who will help me win this darkness in my soul?
Without hope I race in the rain... Down the endless highway... The rain on ym face mixes with my tears. Once again lighting rips open the sky and the horse I’m riding rears in fear, yet I barely notice. I race as quickly as possible, but I’m lost in this labyrinth... Who will open a door? Who will reach out a hand?
My tears flow and my shoulders shake with sbos... Yet I race even thought all feeling has long since left my body... The horse underneath me is flying but I don’t see anything – I’m lost... So I just keep racing...
Without finding my heart...

Dana smiled lightly as she closed the old diary. It’s pages weren’t turning yellow and the ink was still as fresh as if the words were written today. But she knew that the diary was old. The date pressed into the back cover of the leather-bound book that looked as good as new thanks to protecting magic placed onto it. But the text was interesting. One of her ancestors had written it. Raeanne Oceana Coran. A young woman who was forced to marry a sheik she did not wish to marry by the looks of it. At least that was the kind of effect Dana received from receiving the previous entries. A strong-willed woman who had her dreams and wishes… that weren’t really allowed to come to life. Dana smiled and looked at the family-crest on top of the diary fondly as she used and owned the same crest on her things. She had a knack for somehow dramatizing things while never loosing contact with reality either. It was a curious mixture. Even if a rather pleasant one.

Raeanne had been only 19 when she wrote this diary. But Dana had already learned to know the girl. She had made a very clear statement to show how much she didn’t want to marry. Running away always brought along an uproar even if it didn’t work at most cases. It certainly hadn’t worked for Raeanne who had been caught within 3 days and still married off to the sheik. But things hadn’t ended that badly really. On their wedding day Raeanne had been promised by her husband – who wasn’t as old or bald or fat as she had imagined him to be – that Raeanne would always stay her only wife and partner in life. And the words came true. In the course of time Raeanne had learned to respect then trust her husband. And love was born from the gradually growing friendship as Raeanne was soon glad to bear the children of the sheik from who she had once tried to run. Dana had to respect that. Dana appreciated the courage it took to flee against her families wishes and the clear sense to follow through with her duty to the family-line in the end and marry. Dana herself had pondered over the positive aspects of a marriage for only logical reasons. She might very well go through with this plan one day herself as well.

Dana smiled lightly placing the diary to the side and raising to her feet. She had just wanted to read through that one page once more because in some ways it described how she had felt in the beginning of the year. How she still felt sometimes. But actually meeting Gareth, who had became sort of like a surrogate father with his grouchy attitude and harsh sayings, and finding fencing had almost made Dana find a piece of herself again. Not exactly find it again perhaps, but rather it helped her get in touch with her soul yet again. She was still in the attire she always wear for fencing class. Maybe it wasn’t the post practical decision, but Dana liked it. Black silk pants, high heels and a tight black top. And over everything a white male silk-blouse that was pulled tightly together at a waste with a leather belt twice as wide as Dana’s arm. True, it was flashy all together. But it suited Dana. And she didn’t mind the way the clothes brought out the very best sides of her appearance. She was a little bit vain after all, even if all the other students had already left the fencing hall and Gareth didn’t luckily mind leaving Dana here alone.

Picking up the sword she had bought after the very first glance Dana unsheathed it feeling the handle that was decorated with ravens and wolves feeling the sword fitting comfortably in her hand. It wasn’t too big or too heavy, meaning that Dana could be graceful while fencing with it. Stepping onto the thin mats Dana raised her sword straight before her for a moment before lowering it. Dancing on the mats with the sword gliding through complex movements along with her hands, the sword felt as if it was a natural extension of her body. In some ways it was. So Dana forgot her worries and just danced battling demons that only existed in her mind while practicing different moves and practicing them until they turned out perfect. In a way it let her pour out all her frustration and stress about exams and life in general so Dana forgot himself in the dangerous dance with the blade.

[mandarb]

The house had been rather unlit with the only light coming from the windows of the training hall. Mother had most likely gone to bed already which was good. Mandarb didn’t wish to meet him tonight anyway. He had left the house that early just because her mother just couldn’t pass up on the options of telling how his birth had messed up her life and that his father had not been worth anything. His nerves just hadn’t been able to take it as all he remembered from his father was good. Mandarb smiled lightly as he crept up the staircase knowing from experience how to avoid the creaking step. No, he would be glad to stall meeting with his mother, but he would love to see Gareth yet again. Sometimes Mandarb wondered why Gareth didn’t come to live with him. He had made a name for himself in the wizarding world and while still young his company had establish itself firmly. He would have been happy to receive Gareth into his house, yet the man did not wish to come. In some ways Mandarb even understood why not. He would have hated to live out of someone’s else’s mercy at someone else’s house. But that didn’t change the fact that Mandarb always invited Gareth to live with him. Mandarb could make his days pass comfortably.

The door wasn’t fully closed and as Gareth took good care of the hall the door glided open soundlessly. Mandarb was surprised, even if pleasantly surprised, upon seeing a girl here. Maybe not exactly a girl anymore either. From a completely personal point of view Mandarb couldn’t help but admire the girls slim waist and long legs. He had to admit that he eyed the girls movements with the sword that was one of Gareth’s finest with a little bit of curiosity. Flowing movements when the sword seemed to be part of you were rare to come by. The girl must be someone who Gareth trusted. He wouldn’t have given his Raven-sword to just anyone. Nor would he had left the hall into just anyone’s guard but evidently the girl was the only one here. Mandarb had visited the last time four months ago and then Gareth hadn’t mentioned anyone especially. Yet here was this call. It worried Mandarb. Had something important that he didn’t know happen while he was out of the country? IT was worth finding out. Mandarb moved forward wanting to make the girl speak and at the same time see exactly how good she was.

Mandarb picked up a rapir Gareth always kept for his nowadays rare visits to here and withdraw the sword slowly so it wouldn’t make a sound. He didn’t want to startle the girl. He didn’t want to startle her yet. Mandarb smiled almost coldly as he picked the exact time to jump closer and block the attack on air with his own sword. The swords clashed loudly the other sword gliding down the blade of his for a moment. Mandarb could almost physically tell when the girl concentrated on him. Blueish-grey eyes. The candles around the walls that were kept bruning did not suffice to show Mandarb enough of the girls face but he could see her eyes. Cold, calculating. Naturally startled but she kept a firm reign over her emotions. Mandarb toed off his shoes that would only hinder the movement and stepped onto the mattress on the floor. Letting his knees loose Mandarb bent them lightly shifting his weight so that he could move on his toes for lighter steps and support himself on his heels if he wished for more power in his attacks or defence.

He tried to guess who the girl was. She certainly had an unorthodox dress-code but Mandarb really wished that he could see her face clearly. He could tell the main shape of the face and that let him guess about a rather pretty girl. But he wanted to be sure of a how fimr opponent he would be facing in this duel. How much would he have to work to win? Mandarb didn’t doubt that he would win, but depending on how determined the girl was it might take a little bit of work.
Mandarb stepped to the side one of his legs going behind himself watching the girl mirror his movement. Feeeling a grin tug at his mouth-corners Mandarb decided to raise the stakes and untying the swords flashed out starting a series of attacks and surprisingly enough for Mandarb defensive moves as well.

[dana]

Dana tried to figure out what made her happy or sad. Well, there were lots of things that did that. But something that would matter to her that much that she would abandon everything she ever appreciated or respect and just ran. Not to escape marriage Dana guessed. She was independent enough – financially, physically, mentally – to not allow anyone she really despised use an advantage to force her into some union of marriage she did not wish. She would pick her husband herself. So that wouldn’t work at all. So what would make her fight for things with the same way Raeanne had fought for her freedom? She wasn’t exactly sure. But she wasn’t even sure if she wanted to know the answer. So Dana just pushed her thoughts aside and concentrated on her sword. Even without an opponent you could hurt yourself as Dana practiced with a sharp blade.

Dana was startled when out of nowhere an other sword appeared seemingly out of nowhere stopping the arch her own was drawing in the air. Dana hadn’t even been aware of anyone else in the room so she almost jumped as she stared a bit frightfully at the figure. The candle-light floating over the room that had previously been so comforting had now somehow gotten a new and almost dangerous edge. Really, who would be scared when a male figure appeared out of nowhere with a sword in hand and attacked you? Dana had to admit that the guy hadn’t exactly attacked her just yet just blocked her practice, but Dana was wary. Even if she controlled herself to the best of her abilities as if she had a chance of getting out of this situation with her skin and wits still with her. Dana squinted trying get a closer idea of the guy. Not that squinting helped him. The only thing Dana did saw were the shape of shoulders, lean hips. The guy seemed to be a couple of years older than her and most certainly taller than her as well, even if the heels raised Dana a couple of inches higher.

The man stepped and Dana didn’t really have a choice but to move along lest she lost her fingers. She was rather fond of the small silver ring around her index finger as well. Dana thought about saying something to use words to maybe stall time or talk the guy out of robbing this place or whatever he was planning, but she didn’t have time because the guy attacked. Dana had to take a couple steps back as she blocked his quick attacks having to fully concentrate on protecting herself rather than trying to weasel her way out of the situation with the help of words. Rhythm. Gareth always said that if you wanted to win you had to fence to a rhythm quicker than your opponents.
“Well I can dance with you honey
If you think it's funny
Does your mother know that you're out?
And I can chat with you baby
Flirt a little maybe
Does your mother know that you're out?”
Dana hummed the song in her head being careful to keep her lips from moving and by that giving away the rhythm she started to fence to. It actually helped in some way cause Dana could know throw in a couple of her own attacks as she managed to advance a step.

Dana still knew that she was going to loose. The guy had obviously been fencing for a long time. Dana needed an advantage. Something she could use. Dana glanced out of the corner of her eyes to the candles and formed a plan. She might not win in a fair fight. But who said the fight had to be fair? Dana turned slightly and carefully picking a moment before her right leg moved quickly forward throwing one of the burning candles towards the man hoping to gain an upper hand this way.

[mandarb]

The girl came along with the game. And this whole situation was a big game. Mandarb had been fencing ever since he was old enough to hold a sword and swing it. At first the sword had been made of wood and light but as he grew the swords he used grew. Even if the girl had talented she could hardly compete with the experience Mandarb had. And he overpowered her physically. The out come of the match was obvious yet the girl didn’t back down and tried to work to the best of her abilities. Which Mandarb had to admit with respect weren’t that bad at all. But the girl would still loose. It was just a matter of how long it would take. Mandarb kept his eyes on the girl as he pursued his lips. He pondered quietly what the girl herself might be thinking. Curious but interesting situation to be in. She seemed to go into her own private world. Almost a void when fencing. Mandarb knew the tactic all too well. It helped you concentrate and block out any surprises that might startle you cause your downfall in a fight.

Moving on his toes much like a cat would Mandarb felt a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth yet again. He was actually enjoying it. This was a far more pleasant welcome than what her mother could cook up for him. And Mandarb was far from underestimating her mother. She was a manipulator. A squib who poured her bitterness out on Mandarb because he was a strong wizard. What better surprise could a man want other than a pretty girl? Mandarb caught a flash in the girl’s eyes and tensed up immediately. He couldn’t possibly know what she was up to but by the way her legs had moved it couldn’t be anything good. His suspiciouns of it were affirmed a moment later when the girl made a sudden movement forward. Mandarb was confused as it wasn’t an attack with her sword. A moment of time that Mandarb had to pay dearly for as a burning candle flew through the air aimed directly towards his face.

He hated fire. Being caught in a burning house once had left scars. The girl was talented in guessing what might bring her an upper hand. Mandarb pulled back trying to turn away at the same time raising his right arm to protect him. His jacket saved him from a big burn but for a moment the heat singed through the layers of clothing to his bare skin. Mandarb swore loudly. Mean words brought out with venom in them. This was it. The duel had been fun but the girl had just broke the rules. Grabbing one more sword Mandarb began attacking with both of his hands wielding the sword with equal skill. He was angry now. Mandarb jumped forward attacking with pure force. He could play without rules too. Reaching out his leg at the same moment as attacking Mandarb got the advantage he had been looking for. Jumping forward Mandarb threw one of his arms around the girls shoulders pulling them both out of balance while twisting himself so that his back landed against the wall. This worked for him. The girl could not attack over her shoulder now as the wall would stop all hand and sword movements without harming Mandarb.

Crossing the blades Mandarb placed the created X over the girl’s neck before catching his breath for a moment. “You narrow-minded twit. Burning down the house might be just a tad more dangerous than me,” Mandarb snarled into the girl’s ear without moving his swords that were steady just barely touching the skin of the girl. One careless movement from either of them and the girl’s throat would be slit as the blades were sharp.

[dana]

The man reminded Dana of a big carnivore. A panther who had picked up a prey and was now merely playing with the prey. Dana had the rather alarming suspicion that today she had been picked into the role of the prey. And she did not like this. Well, at least cannibalism wasn’t practiced in England. And there were no exceptions. Right? Naturally Dana’s consciousness chose exactly this moment to stay silent. At least the trick with the candle worked. The guy turned trying to block leaving Dana for a moment to catch her breath and to attack. Not that it lasted for long. The poor candle fell onto the ground broken and not burning anymore and a moment later Dana was almost sorry for the idea. She practically ran backwards trying desperately to block the attacks the guy was launching towards her with now two swords. How could he move so fast and precisely?

Dana let out a loud yelp her sword falling from her grasp when the guy actually pounced on her. For a moment a flash from some national geographic show where a jaguar pounced on a poor antelope. Loosing her footing Dana really didn’t have a choice but to be pulled along with the guy. And then she didn’t have any choice. She instinctively pulled back from the crossed swords over her throat only to stop as with her back at the guy she didn’t have far to pull back. So Dana merely froze except for her left hand that found the long dagger at her belt that she pushed at the guys stomach not really daring to cut. It was a dead-end situation really. If it came down to it who would get away alive? Dana decided that this was a time for words as she pushed down a flare or anger at the man’s words.

“I don’t usually make a habit of finding out how dangerous random fellows who appear out of nowhere and just attacks me with a sword,” Dana said her tone of voice rather low with tensions and controlled. Why won’t you try to have polite small-talk with two razor-sharp blades at your throat? “For all I know you might be a Death Eater, some thief or who else. Now unhand me before I will be scarred forever after pushing the dagger into your stomach.” Despite her rather brave words Dana stood absolutely still. In reality she wasn’t sure if she could pull off her bluff. And she wasn’t really looking forward to the thought of testing it out in reality. She just really want this evening to end with her hopefully still in one piece. Because the man was dangerous. Dana's nerves were all buzzing. The only thing that kept her from shivering with fear was fear. She didn't want to let on how scared she actually was.

[mandarb]

So the kitten had claws. Mandarb froze at the sharp blade of a dagger pushing at his stomach. Mentally swearing rather harshly at himself for not noticing the dagger before Mandarb tried to find a safe way out of this trap he has backed himself in. Not that there was one. Should it actually come to testing reflexes Mandarb could slit the girls throat. He would do so reacting only by instinct. But it seemed rather guaranteed that the girls reaction would be to push the dagger promptly into his gut. Quite a greeting to the house he had been born in really. It wasn’t a greeting home. Mandarb had never considered this place as home. But it was a curious greeting none the less. His mind working quickly Mandarb glanced at the girl standing pretty much in his arms. This could be mistaken almost for a lover’s embrace if not at the swords at her throat.

She had decided to speak. And her voice wasn’t even wavering. Did this girl have steel in the place of nerves or was she just an idiot? No, not an idiot. While throwing the candle had been a stupid move that made Mandarb still snarl quietly in her ear her words hinted at sophistication. She even made a valid point. It really might be scaring to have someone random just engage you in a duel in the middle of a night.
Using one of the blades Mandarb pushed back his sleeves and leaned slightly forward so that the girl could see the inner sides of his wrists: “I’m not a Death Eaters. Never will be either.”
Before he could utter an other word the room lit up in lights making Mandarb let out a nasty word as his eyes adapted to the sudden light.

“Mandarb, let go of my best fencing student. Dana, remove the dagger from my grandson’s stomach.” Gareth’s voice was gruff and by his look he wasn’t very happy at this situation either. So the girl was a student. Must be quite something to having already gained Gareth’s sympathy. The old man had a very difficult character. Mandarb knew that from personal experience. Gareth had raised him more than his actual mother. Mandarb glanced at the girl thoughtfully: “Funny. I always had the impression I was your best student.” But who would surrender? Who would back up first? Mandarb glanced at the girl once again and slowly retrieved the blades from her neck. One deep breath was the only thing signalizing his relief when the knife left his stomach as they separated from each other.
“Gareth. I wished to speak with you,” Mandarb said quietly as he walked over the room placing the rapirs back into their rightful positions before going to the window and leaning himself on the window-ledge comfortably as he half-sat on the wooden blank.

[dana]

Dana glanced down without moving her head and managed to glance a glimpse of the mans’ wrists. It was curious that he showed both. But then again maybe Voldemort marked Death Eaters at some other places but their wrist as well? Dana didn’t know. She didn’t really want to know either. But she was still a bit relieved to see only pale skin of the strong wrists. And the tone of voice, the venom held in his voice was so strong when he spoke of Death Eaters that somehow Dana found herself believing him. She didn’t trust him. And she most certainly wanted to gain an upper hand in this situation, but at the same time Dana didn’t really fear the man very much either. There just was something… secure… about him.

Or maybe secure had been a wrong word to use Dana decided a moment later wincing slightly from the harsh word sounding in her ear as much as from the sudden light. Blinking and trying to remove the white spots form her eyes Dana felt herself freeze from shock. This was Gareth’s grandson? The guy Gareth always talked about with pride in his voice? Pride Dana never heard when Gareth spoke of his own daughter and Gareth’s mother. The shock from this shadowed even Dana’s happiness from the praise Gareth almost never gave.
“You rather appear like a stalker attacking random people with a sharp blade without any warning,” Dana said with a sneer in reply to Mandarb’s words somehow finding the name suitable for him. And she felt a bit better hearing the breath MAndarb released if Dana stepped forward placing her dagger back into it’s hiding-place at her belt.

The man’s – because as Dana now saw her first hunch had been right and MAndarb wasn’t a boy anymore – words were quiet but almost forceful. There really was something forbidding in him. Black eyes, his face consisting almost solely of sharp angles, the black hair. He wasn’t that muscled but yet somehow Dana decided that she wouldn’t want to be on opposite sides of a battlefield with this man. “Gareth, I will see you tomorrow,” Dana said with a quick flash of a smile and a nod to Gareth before she fled. Dana walked out of the room without a backwards glance and she made sure to only walk… but in reality Dana knew that she was fleeing.
Grabbing hold of Kris’s Firebolt that she had borrowed to get here Dana walked outside glancing up at the lighted window of the fencing hall once again. Her eyes met Mandarb’s and held his gaze for just a moment. And again it was Dana who broke the gaze as the man seemed to see a bit too deep. Turning Dana threw her leg over the broom and pushed off flying back towards the Hogwarts castle and the relative safety of it’s walls.