Chapter Text
Research Journal AD March 8-
After much discussion and debate I have decided to undergo an operation in an attempt to harvest a portion of the parasite giving me my gifts. It is my belief that splitting my own parasite will cause me no harm, and the removed tissue can be utilized to create more Cadou for study or experimentation.
I am hopeful that this process may allow for the replication of some of my gifts, as my daughters and I find ourselves in need of another with my strength at times.
Mother Miranda disagrees. She would prefer to supply the cadou samples I use in my tests, and that the subjects remain under her control. In this I am conflicted. Mother gave me these gifts, and I owe her my absolute loyalty and obedience. Yet as her search for the perfect vessel continues, I feel her mania growing. She is quick to anger, pointing out my failures as a vessel, and questioning our loyalty, though I do nothing to undermine her. I fear she may one day call for my destruction. I must be prepared, or my daughters will follow me into ruin.
I require more information before we attempt harvesting. Lady Beneviento may be amenable to offering suggestions for sustaining the parasite pre-implantation, though I must question circumspectly. Mother Miranda has called a meeting of the Lords, perhaps I may be able to obtain the information then, if I use the difficulty of obtaining suitable sacrifices as the cause.
Irina grimaced as she shifted her weight under the lamb in her arms. “For such a helpless little thing, you require so much work” she thought as she lifted the tiny body onto the scale on the workbench. Taking note of the weight, she allowed a grin to stretch across her face as the small creature lifted its head and began to bleat pitifully. “Ah, there’s the spirit I was looking for!” She laughed as she placed her charge back in its makeshift nest of blankets and focused on writing her notes down.
She paused to run a hand down the side of her face, trying to warm the scars that always bothered her on these cool mornings.
Lambing season was nearly done, only one ewe left to go. The holdout was an old pro, so Irina allowed herself to not worry. Thankfully, only one of the new mothers had rejected their lamb, and the baby had been swiftly removed into her care with little issue before being given to a more experienced ewe who could handle feeding multiples. It had been an ambitious year. Their small flock of 20 had exploded to nearly 50. “35 lambs” Irina thought in wonder “Mother would never believe it!”
A loud groan from the front of the barn brought Irina from her musings. “Calm yourself Mara, breakfast is coming” she called out as she made her way to the end stall where Mara was making her displeasure known. The dairy cow was new to the farm, her red and white coat standing out among the sea of white when they were in the near pasture. She was relatively quiet, and usually easy enough to care for- today she seemed grumpy, nothing a quick trough of her favorite mash wouldn’t fix.
The sound of a carriage coming up the drive made Irina pause. Visitors typically don’t come this way, and few had the luxury of a horse drawn cart. Fear briefly raced down her spine at the thought of one of the lords visiting. Stepping out of the barn, she quickly noted the large dark frame of the carriage and rightly realized its origin- Castle Dimistrescu. She wasted no time before sprinting to the outdoor water pump and frantically scrubbing her arms and hands removing what she hoped was the worst of the barn smell.
She had just made it to the porch step when her husband, Matthias, stepped outside. His thin frame trembled slightly as he shoved his terror down. Crutch in hand, he eased his way down the porch step to stand next to Irina as they patiently waited for the carriage to arrive. She tucked herself into his side, using his tall frame and her hair to hide the wreckage of her ear and the scars that trailed the side of her face.
Irina hated visitors on the farm, especially since the incident. They looked at her with pity, and acted as if Matthias had done some grand act of service in marrying the village charity case.
Wide eyed, Irina watched the carriage come to a stop before her. The sheer size nearly caused her brain to stop. Even the horses were massive. Huge black draft horses with hooves that looked as big as her head.
The driver climbed down. A tall wiry frame wrapped in a black overcoat, with a set of scars stretching across his face. They were closer together than Irina's, no doubt caused by a creature with smaller claws, but the jagged nature told her they were given just as viciously. The man caught Irina’s gaze and gave a slight nod, before moving to the side and giving a sharp knock.
A large, gloved hand emerged from the depth of the carriage and gripped the doorframe, soon followed by the brim of an incredible black hat. The lady was a commanding presence. Her height was certainly intimidating but more so her intense gaze. Golden eyes cast about, going over the barn, their little house, and finally landing on the couple in front of her. An intimidating grin crept on her face as she fully stepped down from the vehicle, twirling her quellazaire.
With each step closer Irina felt her heart begin to pound in her ears. The lady was on her farm. The lady she had found herself drawn to every time they had to visit the village altar. The lady she had spent her entire teenage years trying to learn everything the village knew about. The lady who’s picture had led her to question whether she could ever consider marrying a man in the village, or if she’d rather offer herself to the castle, even knowing that no one comes back. The roiling in her belly began, and Irina quickly recognized the double barrel feelings of attraction and fear. She looped her arm around Matthias, who was beginning to tremble from being stood for too long.
“My lady” Matthias began, leaning against Irina as he attempted a respectable bow, “an honor to have you at our farm.” His voice was calm and steady, showing no sign of the fear that trembled in his hands. His breath hitched slightly as he pulled himself back up, allowing Irina to stabilize him while he put his weight back on the crutch. “How may we be of service today?”
“Why Mr. Croitoru, you are delightful.” She was smiling now. Pearlescent teeth shown between bright red lips. “I was just coming back from visiting one of the other lords. Lady Beneviento tells me you have been providing her excellent materials lately.”
Matthias straightened as much as he could. “Thank you, my lady. It is truly an honor to hear such praise, both from yourself and by extension, Lady Beneviento.”
Lady Dimitrescu stared down her nose at the couple, a slight smirk on her face. She let the moment linger as she considered the pair.
“This farm has been here for decades I believe, on the very edge of what is considered my domain.” The lady stated. Irina felt her gaze pass over her form before turning back to Matthias. “I have no record of a Croitoru family living here. How did you come by it?”
Matthias tightened his arm around Irina’s shoulder. “Of course my lady. The Ciobanu family were the previous owners. I came into possession through my wife, Irina, when we married last summer” as he said her name, Irina felt the Countess’ gaze turn towards her once more. “Unfortunately, her parents passed over the winter. They had been kind enough to allow us to remain on the farm while they were still living, so we stayed here to keep it running. I apologize for not notifying the castle of the change.” Golden eyes shifted toward the man again. “There was an accident over the winter that made it very difficult for me to get around.” He shifted on his crutch again before finishing. “Irina and I thought it best to focus on the lambing, and to report the change when we reported the summer offering at the Easter celebration”
The countess regarded the man coldly. Seemingly digesting the information before sighing. “I do despise not being aware of what happens in my own territory.” Terror gripped Irina as the lady lifted a gloved hand, seemingly inspecting her fingernails. “However, I appreciate your honesty with what you have told me.” Irina felt her heart stop as the golden gaze turned to her once more. “A pity dear girl, that your name is no longer on the door. Your parents had a contract with the castle. They were good about their offerings, always bringing well fed, well cared for lambs.”
“Thank you my Lady” Irina was fighting tears at the memory of her parents. Her voice was shaking and her throat felt so tight. Matthias simply tugged her closer. Offering comfort with a gentle squeeze.
“To business then” the Lady took control again, flicking her lighter to life and lighting her cigarette. “Castle Dimitrescu has a need for lambs as you know.” A drag of her cigarette and an exhale. “Will you be able to supply?” The countess zeroed her gaze on Matthias, who stiffened for a moment.
“My lady, I’m afraid I must defer to Irina. While the farm bears my family name, Irina manages the flock. My knowledge is mainly on the cloth we can create and some tailoring.”
“Oh” the lady had a look of surprise on her face “well then dear, do tell. Can I expect the same level of service from you that I received from your parents?”
Irina felt her face begin to flush. “Of course” she stammered out, before finally getting a handle on all the emotions threatening to spill from her body. “We were able to add ewes last summer, and have nearly finished lambing. We will be able to meet the need at the same level as last year.” Irina felt the beginning of pride as she answered the countess. “Please my lady, if you have need of more, we may well be able to offer that as well. We were able to acquire a dairy cow, we would be happy to offer some of her supply if needed.” Irina offered her best awkward curtsey, which looked more like a bow of the head since she was half supporting Matthias.
“My my, quite the illustrious shepherd, '' the Lady grinned as she took in Irina’s enthusiasm. “Is the cow producing yet? I find my daughters enjoy milk when I can get it.”
“She has not begun yet, though her calf is due at any time.” Irina paused, “I have some sheep’s milk I could send with you today if you wish, my lady.”
“Oh how wonderful.” The Lady smiled fully. “Expect a contract in a few days. Henri, please get the milk for my daughters.” At that the tall woman turned and boarded the carriage.
Matthias slowly pulled his arm from her shoulders. “We shouldn’t keep the lady waiting” he said as he gave her a gentle nudge toward the barn.
Irina felt odd as she ducked into the barn and gathered a quart of milk. The lady knew her parents, and she seemed upset that they were no longer the owner. Lady Dimitrescu was an overwhelming presence.
She came back to herself as the carriage began to make its way down the lane. She had just started to breathe a sigh of relief when she noticed one of the horses had an odd gait. Without thinking Irina sprinted towards them calling “Wait!”
Miraculously, the driver had heard Irina, and slowed the carriage. The door to the carriage opened as the lady leaned out. “Be careful child. My fondness for your parents will only go so far before my patience will wear out.” A sneer stretched across her face. “Explain yourself”
“The horse” Irina panted “my lady, your horse has an odd gait” righting herself, “I simply wished to call it to the drivers attention, before this beautiful animal could be lamed” glancing at the driver, who shook shook head as if to say he didn’t know, Irina continued. “May I check their feet? If it’s a stone, then it’s an easy fix, and the ride back to the castle will be no problem”
A nod from the countess and Irina moved to the horse. She couldn’t quite reach its muzzle, but she was able to lay a hand on the shoulder, before running it down the leg and lifting its foot. Sure enough, a stone was caught in a way that surely hurt. Quickly she pulled it free, before checking the others and stepping back.
“Thank you for indulging me my lady, may you have a good trip home” she bowed slightly and then watched as the carriage once again took off down the lane.
Matthias had sat back at his workbench, his agile fingers flying as he wove. He said absolutely nothing as Irina walked into the room. She loved watching him work. She loved being able to smooth out the crease that formed on his brow when he was concentrating on a project. She loved the way his dark hair would curl around his ears as he worked late into the night. He offered safety, she realized, so she would offer comfort in return.
“Are you all right?” She asked, setting down the water she had brought in and bringing a hand to his shoulder.
“I think I stood for too long” he sighed, leaning into her “but otherwise, I’m fine.”
A grin took his face as he leaned back to catch her eye “I survived without a single death threat!” The pair dissolved into nervous giggles before eventually he caught her attention again.
“You were amazing love.” He took her hands in his. “She’s sending a new contract, all because you were able to speak with her!” His eyes shone with excitement.
“She was here. She was at my farm. Matthias, THE most beautiful woman in the world was at MY farm, spoke to ME.” Irina sighed as she allowed herself a moment to bask in the warm feelings from Lady Dimitrescu.
“She called me dear. She knew my parents! I need to find that contract!” Suddenly all business once more until Matthias squeezed her hand gently.
“Are you sure you like being married to me? No hard feelings if you’d rather run to the castle and romance the lady, oh illustrious shepherd.” Matthias said, teasing Irina.
“Oh Tias, I told you when we decided to get married, as long as you accept that my heart lies with her first and foremost, I am happy here with you. Besides, you and I both know the man you crush on couldn’t handle running this place, he can barely manage to deliver the mail” Irina teased back, as she leaned in and kissed his cheek. “Call if you need me, my love. I’m going to spend some time going through mothers records. I’m curious about the previous agreement.”
“How ever will I manage?” He was getting into his dramatic act now. “First you make fun of me, now you go to find a reason to leave me!” He grinned widely at Irina.
“Reason to leave?”
“You’re looking for proof that your parents signed you away to her, so you can run off and live your wildest sapphic fantasies!”
He put his hands under his chin and batted his eyelashes. “Oh please my lady, let me be your servant. I’m not like the other maids. Let me take such good care of you that eventually we fall in love and completely ignore the blatant power imbalance because the sex is that good”
“Maybe I am, I won’t apologize for it”
“Oh how I have pined for you my entire life! Please, my lady, pin me against the wall, destroy my dress and bite me before you break me in half” he pressed the back of his hand to his forehead and pretended to swoon.
She shook her head and laughed at his antics. “I will be sure to let you know before I leave. I know you and the postman will be happy together.”
The rest of the afternoon was spent going through her parents' things. Memory after memory played through her mind, as she sat in their office. It smelled of pine and hay, the same smell she associated with her father.
Finally, she found an old strongbox in the very back of the house. It took a crowbar and Matthias’ assistance to open, it was so old and rusted, obviously forgotten to time.
There was very little inside. A small leather pouch of lei, a photo of her father as a young boy, and a yellowed piece of paper tucked into an old journal.
The contract. Carefully she removed it from the box and started to read.
This document hereby states the agreement between Lady Alcina Dimitrescu, Countess of House Dimitrescu, First Lieutenant of the Holy Mother Miranda (hereafter referred to as The Lady), and Vilhelm Ciobanu (hereafter referred to as The Farmer).
The Farmer agrees to provide the following:
- One half of the lambs born each year, delivered to the castle as soon as they are weaned.
- Loyalty to House Dimitrescu
The Lady agrees to provide the following
- Market price +50 lei per lamb
- Protection of House Dimitrescu and adequate reparations should the protections fail.
- The Ciobanu family shall be excluded from the yearly reapings of the Black God, and upon their death, shall be allowed interment on castle grounds.
This agreement will hold until the Farmer is unable to provide the required services, at such time, The Lady will withdraw all protections, and may take The Farmer as servants of House Dimitrescu.
Irina stared, wide eyed as she read the page. The contract was signed by her Grandfather, over 70 years ago. She was in disbelief. Her family had been under the protection of House Dimitrescu her entire life. Today, the Lady had come herself, and was going to offer a new contract. Irina would sign herself to House Dimitrescu with her own name.