Cyprien: Chronicle 1

The winds always embraced the wheat fields tightly this season. The yield could dance forever in the eyes of its onlookers. A lone figure has sat in the middle of this endless field for hours. With arms folded in her lap, she shuts her eyes and ponders on the future. Her eyes flutter and flicker as the wind caressed her ivory skin. The music from her village played sweet docile tones from miles away. The children were about, playing with their linen streamers. The sounds seem to harmonize together as she looked over the harvest sky, deeply enamored with her thoughts. Her gaze was soon interrupted. 1

“Cyprien, the banquet’s about to start!” yelled Tiber.2

She came to when she heard her friend’s plea, shaking the dreams from her mind. She jumped up and brushed the debris from her blue velvet gown. Tiber turned from her smiling and trotted toward the village. Cyprien blinked curiously and strolled slowly. She continued to take in her surroundings with quiet enthusiasm. Cyprien stretched out her hand to feel the wheat glide through her willowy fingers. 3

“If only my Heaven could be this peaceful,” she stated to herself. 4

Cyprien entered in the village of Vechioraş through the cobblestone gate. Here in Vechioraş, people remained humble and jovial beings. Their hard work and daily interactions gave them high spirits that no person in Transylvania has ever seen. No man could ever talk ill repute of Vechioraş. The only group that didn’t mesh with the rest of the residence was the council above. They stay atop their towers, in their castle and survey the town. They see these people as if they were beneath them, like the insects they step on each time they leave their luxurious abode. To some in the castle, they see the residence as an investment, or an insurance policy. Here lives the Mayor and his family, the three Advisors, a mystic man, and their servants and slaves. Cyprien never cared too much for the idea of living there atop the castle with such people.5

Cyprien soon caught up with Tiber standing outside the banquet hall. The hall was filled with the same friendly people, drinking and eating in fellowship with one another. The musicians played vigorously and the people excitedly danced. 6

“Well aren’t you going to eat something?” questioned Cyprien.7

“Not after what happened last time,” scoffed Tiber.8

“Ah yes, you drank enough mead to take down a horse,” Cyprien remarked quietly.9

“Yes, and I ate like one too, which resulted in my dinner date being awfully mad at me.”10

“Well I would be to if my date retched all over my new gown,” chuckled Cyprien.11

Tiber flicked Cyprien on the shoulder playfully and remarked, “Well, I guess I could sample some of Elisabeta’s wares,” said Tiber gasping his stomach.12

“Well just don’t drink too much, or they’ll throw you in the water trough like last time,” Cyprien jokingly stated.13

Cyprien pulled Tiber into the party. Tiber pulled free from Cyprien to eat, and Cyprien continued to greet her friends, acquaintances, and family. She danced with the lot of them, and flashed smiles that caused the brightest of stars to envy her. As Cyprien danced robustly, there stood a man that caught her eye. Cyprien soon stopped, mimicking the look of fatigue and sat down, only to view this man closer with a steady eye. He adorned dark fabrics that looked too valued to be touched. He wore a cloak that swayed with his graceful frame. His hair was the blackest of black and fine like silk. His eyes were as violet as the irises in spring. His skin looked so very pale and cold, like snow. His lips pursed, reminded Cyprien of roses. 14

Cyprien’s childhood friend, Alina, flung herself from the dance floor, perspiring and winded. Alina landed on the chair next to Cyprien, laughing from her exasperated breathing. 15

“Why have you stopped dancing? Are you exhausted? You give up too easily,” Alina ranted.16

“Who is that man over there?” Cyprien questioned.17

“Who him? That’s Dragomir. He just came into town today. He says he’s hunting vampires,” Alina explained. 18

Cyprien’s expression changed from curious, to guarded. She gave a condescending scoff.19

“We have vampires here all of a sudden? I’ve never heard of this infestation until now. Either he can predict the future or he’s trying to con us.” Cyprien stated.20

“Maybe, but he said he’s a dhampir. You know, one of those vampire hunters,” Alina clarified. 21

“I find it rather redundant that someone is paid to kill their own kind,” Cyprien stated, drinking her mead.22

“Do have to over analyze everything? He’s not a vampire, he’s only half of one,” Alina corrected.23

“Regardless, even if he is a dhampir, it’s still a part him. He’s destroying half of who he is.”24

Cyprien then felt a presence behind her that sent the most bitter of chills up her spine. She turned to see Dragomir, sipping his drink. Cyprien tried to hide the humiliation from her face by giving him the look of intrusion. Dragomir let a demure smile creep across his face. 25

“May I inquire as to what you are gawking at?” Cyprien questioned in an irate tone.26

“I’m looking at a woman…I assume,” answered Dragomir.27

Cyprien looked immensely insulted. “How dare you!” she replied sternly.28

“Might I suggest that you watch my demonstration tomorrow evening? I think you might find your assumptions were inaccurate,” Dragomir wagered.29

“Perhaps I could receive something in return if you fail to prove who you say you are?” Cyprien challenged.30

“All right, what is it that you want?”Dragomir asked.31

Cyprien pondered for a bit, and then came to a resolution, “I want you to ride through town on a donkey with “tîmpit măgar” written on your back.”32

“That sounds…colorful. Would you like to hear want I want from this wager?” Dragomir inquired.33

“You can tell me when you fail. It'll give me a good laugh,” Cyprien simply stated.34

“Very well then,” Dragomir agreed.35

He reached out for her hand to shake in accord. Cyprien reluctantly took his hand, and couldn’t help taking notice of how cold his hands were, or how his nails looked that of talons. Dragomir gripped her hand gently and asked, “May I know the name of the woman who challenges me?”36

“Cyprien,” she answered ripping her hand from his grip.37

Dragomir gave an elegant bow and turned to leave. As he made his way to the door, he turned to Cyprien and stated, “By the way, the dog can look at the king.” 38

Cyprien rolled her eyes as she finished her mead in one fell swoop. All the townspeople witnessed the wager, and Cyprien demeaned by a stranger.39

“I can’t believe you made a bet with a vampire hunter, and an attractive one at that,” Alina said with amazement. 40

“So what he’s attractive? His offensiveness dulls his features to that of an ass,” mocked Cyprien.41

Alina laughed, “You’re simply mad because he insulted you in front of everyone, and that he might prove you wrong.”42

“Oh drink your mead and shut up!” hissed Cyprien as she stood to leave. The festivities continued without her as she made for the door. As she strolled home, she gripped her scarf and thought to herself, “At least Papa wasn’t there to witness that.” She briskly walked home with uncertainty and curiosity trailing behind her. 43