Mansion of the Fallen

The night air felt cold against her skin, and she knew that they had to find shelter—and fast.  The temperature of the night air was falling fast, before long it would drop below zero.  They couldn’t last the night outside in those temperatures.  She continued to crunch through the snow with a dragging step, hoping beyond hope that they would find something.  Her companion, a young male, had promised her that there was shelter this way.  Well, where was this accursed place!?  She couldn’t go on for much longer, she just couldn’t.  All was starting to fade before her eyes; she could feel death at her heals...1

She had met him earlier that day when she had wandered into the woods.  It had snowed the night before, so she had figured that getting out would be easy.  After all, she’d just have to follow her footsteps back.  Or at least that was what she’d thought.  Soon after she had wandered deep into the forest, it started to snow—and it snowed hard.  She couldn’t back-track fast enough, and her footsteps filled in and left her stranded in the middle of a forest she didn’t know.  Sure, she had been in before, but she had never let the sight of the old mansion leave her vision.  She had been curious today though, because it was said that there was the most spectacular ancient church long forgotten in these parts.  She had only to find it.  That was what she was trying to do, but it seemed that she would fail miserably.  Or would she?2

He appeared from the white abyss like an angel, his chin length chestnut hair being tousled around a slightly pale but handsome face.  She figured that he must be cold enough that the color had drained from him, even the rosy of his cheeks.  Steely blue-gray eyes gazed at her, but at the same time they warmed her soul.  She wandered over to the strange man, clad in expensive garments.  With all the ruffles on his layers of black and white silk, he must be a noble of some sort.  And the long, black trench coat certainly kept him warm.  At his side was a sword of magnificence.  She wasn’t sure where it came from, but she knew that he could protect himself with it.  Why else would he have it?3

He reached down and offered her a hand up.  She hadn’t realized that she had fallen, but she accepted the gracious offer.  Once on her feet again she brushed the snow from her skirt.  She didn’t want the snow to damage the navy blue velveteen of the gown.  By no means were the skirt tails overly boisterous, but rather they flowed nicely to her legs; all the way to her feet that were clad in black leather boots.  Around her shoulders was a heavy cloak to match the dress, and it did well to keep the heat to her.  She had deep honey eyes that were very intense with the depth of the color, and a shock of dirty blonde hair that was pulled back in a braid and fell to her mid-back.  Her skin was fair, but the cheeks rosy from the cold; she wore no makeup.4

“Fair maiden, what be thy name?” came a soft male voice that was as smooth as the wind.5

She gazed in awe at him from his voice before returning to her senses, “Why, my name is Mäelle, Mäelle Rose.” She replied with a voice as sweet as candy.  “What be your name, kind sir?” she asked into a hushed air.  For now, the storm did not exist in her eyes.6

“My name, Miss. Rose, is Serge.” He said as he gazed deep into her eyes.  Only when the wind blew snow between them was the sight broken.7

“Do ye not have a surname?” she quipped back quickly before delicately placing a small hand to her mouth.  It was rude for a woman to speak thusly.8

He gave her a soft smile, “My surname is not important.  What is important is that we find shelter.  Come now, step lively.”9

Following him into the distance, all she gave in reply was a gentle “Aye!”10

All this flashed through her mind as she lay in the snow once more.  She couldn’t go another step further.  Where was Serge!?  He was the only man in her life now.  Her husband had been killed in battle, and they had no children.  She was widowed at the young age of 19.  She had married her husband when she was 15 at the request of her noble father, and they had been given the caretaker’s house of an old mansion.  Rumor had it that the mansion was cursed, and so they never went in there.  The space they had was grand and plenty.11

Meekly she called out, “Serge!  Serge...!”  As the dark abyss closed in on her, she caught a glimpse of Serge entering the door of the grandest building she had ever seen.  It was a building that looked oddly familiar.  If she could only place it... where had she seen it before...?  With a final breath leaving her body, she closed her eyes and let the darkness consume her.12

Her body was found just before the steps of the grand old mansion no one dared to enter the next morning, dead.  She had frozen to death in the snow storm.  No one knew what she was doing outside, or why her death had occurred.  A priest was brought in and she was buried in the quaint graveyard behind the mansion.  Little did they know that she would forever wander the earth, stuck in limbo.  She had been granted no solitude in her death and her soul was lost.  She didn’t know what had happened; she just knew that she was dead.  The confusion would keep her from Heaven for many years to come.  But that was not the only reason she could not leave this plane of existence...13

Upon her tombstone it read:14

Mäelle Rose 1781-1800.15

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It was a gorgeous spring day, and Samantha was outside exploring the graveyard.  She lived in the caretaker’s house with her family, and it was always interesting to visit the graveyard that was behind the ancient mansion.  The people that were buried in the graveyard were all dust now though, because they had been buried hundreds of years ago.  It was now 2005, and most of the graves read from the 1700’s and 1800’s.  It was amazing that the mansion still stood.17

Samantha was a pretty girl with long red hair that fell to her tailbone and deep brown eyes, eyes that were almost black with the darkness of the color.  And when you gazed into them, it was as if she could read your soul.  Sometimes she preferred to wear violet contacts though—she thought they made her look mysterious.  Her complexion was fair toned due to her hair, and in these summer months she was constantly suffering from sunburn when she forgot her black umbrella that shaded her.  Sun block just did not cut it.  Today she wore a black skirt that draped down her legs in gentle pleats to her mid-thigh.  The fabric was heavy, so she didn’t worry about it flying up in a breeze.  Her top consisted of a black corset with a rose pattern embroidered into it.  This helped to show the gentle curve of her well proportioned bust.  Being that she was only 4’11.5” at the age of 16, this was a shapely thin girl.  She was proud of her figure.  She wore nothing else, because she despised socks and shoes, and let her hair fall free around her face.  Today she did not wear her violet contacts.  No, today was simply a day for communicating with the spirits.18

The other kids found it weird that she could communicate with the dead.  Most of them didn’t believe her and called her a witch and Satanist for it.  In reality, she did prefer Lucifer over God because Lucifer would accept her sexuality.  Or at least, that was how most religions put it.  She scoffed at the idea of religion.  It was just another form of brainwashing people in her eyes.  She didn’t dispose of the idea of God and Lucifer though; talking with the spirits had proven that they were indeed true.19

That was why she was so glad to live near a graveyard.  Here was a place where she could communicate freely and without observation.  No one came here to visit deceased relatives anymore.  It left the place free for her use.  Often she had spoken with the spirits about entering the old mansion, but they advised strongly against it.  Most said it was evil.  Well, at least the ones that answered her when she asked about the place.  Some seemed very reluctant to speak of it.  Or perhaps they were hiding something.  She wasn’t sure which, but she planned on finding out.20

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The man knelt before a grandly dressed person seated in a throne.  All around them was a lavishly decorated palace—it was as if the kings from the days of old had been resurrected.  The only thing was, it was a rather dark and evil kind of decorating.  Everything was done in crimsons and blacks.  Roses were the flowers that were most popular.  Everyone dressed as if that were the time period that they belonged in as well.22

“Sir, I believe that I may have found another to join our ranks; another woman.  Once again we shall prosper!” said the kneeling man.  He tired to contain his excitement but he could not.  It had been hundreds of years since anyone had inhabited this area, let alone a woman.23

“Hopefully not another fault like the prior attempt you made.  It was sheer luck that she ended up with us Serge, because you failed to get her inside these bloody walls!  I presume you have a better plan this time and that the girl is going to be easily charmed into helping us.” said the man who sat in the chair.  His voice was softly accented, and held a high degree of nobility.24

Of course, one look would let a person know that he was held high with respect.  His silky jet black hair was cropped at the nap of his neck and around his chin,  and smoothed back from his face grandly.  He had cool gray eyes that could peer into the depths of the very soul, and a pale complexion.  He was well built, and carried himself with honorable grace.  In short, his countenance was overpowering.25

“I do not think that we have any fears with this choice.  She already willingly converses with the spirits.  They will be our greatest obstacle, for they warn her of our beautiful home.” replied Serge, still knelt before his Lord and Master.26

“She converses with the dead?  Then she is not much like a normal mortal.  Do you think there will be any difficulties in gaining her trust and ushering her within these walls?” came the question, with undertones of ill happenings to occur should he be denied her.27

“Aye, but it is not impossible.  With the proper—“he started, but was cut off by the heavy closing of the doors to their home.28

“Go and see who has honored us with their presence.” said the nobleman.29

“Aye, I shall do so, Master Lucifer.” said Serge, who bowed and left the throne room to the hall; shoes clicking softly as he walked.30

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Samantha looked around in awe at her surroundings and doused her own candle.  There were plenty lighting the dark interior of the mansion she had entered.  For being such a run-down old building, it was well furnished and decorated.  She also admired the antiquity of it all as well.  It wasn’t often that you saw such a grand sight.  However, there was a deep foreboding in her heart that she shouldn’t be inside this place.  Perhaps the spirits were right, maybe this place really was evil.  Especially the one called Mäelle—she kept screaming of the dark master.  Who was this dark master, and why was he so fearsome?  She just had to know, and that was why she couldn’t leave; no matter how ominous the aura of the place was.  She decided that it was probably just her nerves settling from sneaking out at midnight through her window.  She was denying the truth that she knew—this mansion’s threshold should have never been crossed.  She had walked into something that was way over her head.32

With a start and her heart beat increasing to a pounding within her chest, she heard the clicking of footsteps in the hall.  They were coming towards her and with a quick gait as well.  Quietly panicking, she pressed herself to a large stone pillar that stood in the main hallway and clung to the shadows while straining to see around the obstacle without revealing herself.  Who was it that was walking her way?  And why was it that the closer the person came, the faster her heart beat and the more danger pricked at the nape of her neck.  Something was amiss here.  Her inner senses told her that this was no ordinary abandoned mansion.  She could deny the truth no longer, and felt sure of it as the man rounded the corner into the light and gazed right at her.33

She ducked back quickly and pressed herself to the pillar, willing herself not to be noticed.  Had he seen her?  The intensity of his blue gray eyes along with the footsteps that came closer with each movement assured her that he knew she was here.  But he couldn’t have seen her, because she couldn’t even see her own hands in the darkness that this shadow offered.  So how did he know that this was where she hid?34

He walked right up to the pillar, and she let out a muffled gasp as he touched her shoulder, her face looking up at him with a hand covering her mouth.  He had startled her, and her deep brown eyes told of this quite well as they were round with shock.  With a quick look, he saw that she was the girl he had noticed in the graveyard earlier.  His Master would be quite pleased.  Of course, she would have to be made presentable first.35

“Good evening Miss.” said he who had startled her.  She was amazed at his voice, but didn’t let it hinder her as the initial shock wore off.36

Brushing his hand aside she replied “Evening.  Who are you?”  It was curt, but polite as well.  She noticed his skin and the way he was dressed and that was when it hit her.  He wasn’t a living mortal being!  Thankfully, he didn’t have the soulless aura of a vampire, or she’d be in trouble.37

He bowed formally and then looked down at her once again.  He was taller than she.  “Forgive me for not introducing myself.  I am Serge.  What might your name be, Miss?”38

“The name is Samantha…” she replied, a bit leery of him and what his intentions might be.39

“What a beautiful name, Samantha.  Tell me, would you be interested in meeting the Master of this place?” he asked, luring her into what Lucifer would wish for.  They needed her badly.  It was a matter of life or death, which was rather ironic in their case.40

“Well, I suppose that it wouldn’t hurt.” She said after thinking about it for a moment.  She wasn’t sure if it was the safest thing to do, but she knew that she also had a duty to satiate the rising curiosity within her.41

“Then please, follow me so that you might have the privacy to change into an outfit more suitable to his tastes.  It is not wise to vex him.” said he as they walked up a flight of grand stairs in the foyer to an unoccupied bedroom.  “Here you go Miss. Samantha.” and with that being said he closed the doors behind her and left her alone in the room.42

His part was complete for now, and so he sat in a chair outside the doors to await her presence once more.  She was a young maiden, and so she needed her privacy to change.  Not that it would matter soon enough.  Eventually, he would see her in all her glory.  It was her fate now.  Lucifer would make sure of it.43

She gazed around the room in awe.  This must have been the bedroom of a very high classed person at one point in time.  It was so elegant and fancy—much like the rest of the mansion.  On the bed lay the most gorgeous dress as well.  With a nervous hand she touched the gently folding fabric, as it lay across the bed in its entire splendor.  It was deep violet velveteen etched with accents of black lace at the bell arms and draping around the flowing skirt tails of the bottom.  The lace was woven into delicate patterns of roses on vines.44

With a feeling of royalty she slipped out of the clothes she had worn earlier that day and into the dress provided for her.  It fit well to her body, and the neck wasn’t too high so it did provide a small amount of cleavage.  She didn’t mind though, because she was used to such dress elements.  She twirled carefully to fill the skirt tails with air, and smiled at is billowed grandly around her feet and fell back into place with a gently swish.  She was in love with the dress.  Perhaps she’d be able to keep it.45

He watched her emerge from the room and was awestruck at how becoming the dress was on her.  She was even holding herself with the proper etiquette someone of grand stature would have.  How she could understand to do such a thing he was not sure, but it was an additional bonus he had not foreseen.  He was glad that he had found such a wonderful young lady to be the giver of new life tonight.46

“Are you ready to meet the Lord of this estate?” he asked her after he overcame his initial shock of seeing how becoming she was.47

She nodded, “Yes, I am.  Might I ask though, who the Lord is?”48

“You may.” he replied, “His name is Lucifer.  You’d do well to show him the utmost respect.”  He smiled at the bit of shock on her face.  How expressive her eyes were!  “Come then.” he said, and she followed obediently and silently.49

They descended the stairs once more, and he led her to a grand ballroom that doubled as the throne room.  Still in his chair sat Lucifer, looking as grand as ever.  A small smile could be detected on his face as he saw Samantha enter the room.  She will be a fine woman to bear life... he thought as Serge drew her closer.50

When they were just about at his feet, Serge stopped and knelt; bowing before Lucifer.  He instructed Samantha to do the same, and she did with a subconscious grace that was not lost on the two men.51

With kindness in his voice, Lucifer spoke, “What is thy name, child?” he asked Samantha.  Though it was kind, it was commanding, and something about it sent a shiver down her spine.  The foreboding feeling had grown greatly since they had entered the room, and it only grew more with each word Lucifer spoke.52

He is hiding something from me, they both are, I just know it!  She thought to herself as she answered, “My name is Samantha.  It’s an honor to meet you, Lord Lucifer.”53

“As it is an equal honor to meet you.  Please, rise, so that I might bask in your beauty.” he replied with a smile.54

She did as she was asked, and rose to her feet.  A light blush had appeared across her cheeks at his words despite herself, for she did not want to blush in his presence.  As evil as this all seemed, she didn’t want to believe that he was all that bad.  But she knew that she couldn’t live in her dream world forever.  She had to think of a way out of here, and fast!  Oh, if only she had listened to Mäelle.55

As he gazed at her, he knew that she could create for him a strong heir.  She would be his daughter, and by doing so she would provide a long life for all who resided with him.  Women gave the gift of life after all, and they were the only ones who could.  Something about her though, something about the aura, rang familiar in his mind.  Then he had it, and knew why.  This woman before him was a reincarnation of one of the fallen from before.  She had been by his side from the beginning, and it was by his side that she belonged.  However, in punishment, God had taken her away from him.  He had not loved her as a mate, but as a daughter.  The same God that had cast her from the Heavens above had stolen her away to a mortal life.  He wondered if she remembered.  If not, she would soon enough, for the initiation ceremony was to start in a short time; just as soon as the moon reached its peak that night at 2:00am.  Only a half an hour to wait...56

“Serge...”57

“Yes my Lordship?”58

“Return her to her room.  She is to wait there until it is time.  See to it that all her wishes are granted, but she is not to leave.  Is that understood?”59

“Aye, it is.” Serge said, standing, and taking Samantha by the arm.  He led her from the room as she struggled to be free, and locked her in her bedroom.60

As he slumped down on the chair to wait, her fists began to make an awful racket as they pounded against the door.  Muffled screams to be freed came from the other side, and calmly he replied that he couldn’t do such a thing.  After a couple minutes, the banging and screaming stopped, and silence settled back among the mansion.  It was almost deafening.61

Softly came the voice from within, and it seemed tired.  “Serge, why must I stay here?” she asked, and it was almost like a child’s pleading.62

“You are here to restore life to this place.  You will give us yours, so that we can continue to exist on this plane.  We will not be mortals, but we will not have to return to the desolate place given to us by God either.” he replied, almost sadly.  He felt bad only due to the tones in her voice.63

“Do you mean Hell?  And does this mean that I shall die?  Never...” here, a soft sniffle, “Never to see my family again?” she asked, as silent tears snaked down the delicate features of her face.64

“No, there is no place called Hell.  There is merely a place of no existence where we can still exist.  It is a fate far worse then death.” having said this, he sighed before continuing, “No, you will not be alive anymore—“ a gasp from the room, and more sobbing, “but you will have your body still, and be able to see your family.” he finished, but the sobs persisted.65

“Thanks for telling me...” she said, and he heard the rustle of skirts as she moved away from the door to the window.66

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She was sitting in front of the window gazing at the moon when Serge entered with Lucifer.  She turned to face them, and a single tear still lay upon her cheek.  Carefully and with a gentle caress, Lucifer wiped it away.  Serge was shocked slightly at this, but said nothing.  He was a bit upset that he would not get to view the proceedings after all.  However, he didn’t feel as lecherous as before, not after hearing her sound so broken.  For once, he felt dirty about this deed.  Never before had Lucifer suggested keeping the sacrifice as an heir though either.  Normally, they were turned into nothing more than a slave.  There was something very special about this girl, and he wasn’t quite sure what.  But whatever it was, he knew that Lucifer would never make a bad decision.  With a curt bow, he closed the doors behind him, and left them alone in the room.68

“Must I go through with this?” she asked in a voice not much louder than a whisper.69

“Then you do not remember, my child?” he asked, with true concern in his eyes.70

“Remember what?” she asked, confusion seeping into the sorrow she already felt.  The foreboding had waned from before a considerable amount.71

“You are Shuista.” he replied.72

Recognition of the name came back very quickly, and he saw it in her eyes.  It was as if her true self had been revealed to her.  She remembered everything upon hearing her true name.  She remembered having her wings torn upon answering yes when asked if she followed Lucifer, the sensation of falling, and the power Lucifer had used after catching her to restore her wings to her.  It all came flooding back, and new tears brimmed, but they were of joy and not sadness.  Somehow, her life seemed complete now, more complete than before.73

“I remember now...  But what became of me?  Why did I not remain by your side?” she asked, wonderment replacing the sadness and confusion in her wet eyes.74

“God took you from me to leave me desolate and saddened myself.  But now I have found you again, my child.” he responded as he embraced her to him.75

She smiled, “It is good to be back.”76

“Well, then I suppose it is time to restore you to your truest form.” he said as he let her go, and stood.77

She stood before him, and closed her eyes as he spoke in a language not of this world.  The words were demonic, and they were an ancient invocation that would remove the life from the being before him.  This life could then be harnessed to allow those of the mansion who were fallen to remain in this plane of existence.  She could feel the life draining from her, and a pain growing in her back; right at the shoulder blades.  Her breathing deepened as she realized what it was that caused the pain, and prepared for the emergence of her wings.78

At precisely 2:00am he finished the invocation, and with it came an ear piecing scream for a brief moment as Samantha, or more properly, Shuista, fell to her knees in pain as two wet and semi-bloody white wings appeared on her back.79

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Lucifer left the room, and closed the doors behind him gently so that they didn’t make much noise.81

He saw the look of concern on Serge’s face as he turned to speak to him.  “Do not worry, she is resting.”82

“And the scream?” Serge asked.83

“Her wings.  She is from the original fallen, and my truest daughter.”84

Serge nodded in understanding.  The reemergence of wings was always painful after they had re-grown.85

Lucifer left for his own bedroom, and laid down upon his bed to think and to rest.  Day was coming, and that was their preferred hours to sleep.  As he drifted off, he thought fondly of his daughter.  She was like a new born, and he had carefully cleaned and preened her wings for her before letting her rest as well.  Soon, she would be able to do it herself again.  But slowly she was dying all over, and her life as a fallen was beginning again.  The strength would take time to return.  Already he could feel the effect her life was having on him.  She had a powerful gift of life, and he was glad that he had found her.  These were his last thoughts upon falling asleep.86

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They had thought her missing until the body was found, some distance in the woods.  It wasn’t easy to find though, because it was in a thicket of trees.  Strangely, no decomposition had occurred.  A funeral was held, and there were many mourners for the late Samantha.  She had seemed quite peaceful though.  Police figured that she had died due to blood loss though, for there were two large slices at her shoulder blades.  Murder was suspected, but no suspects were ever found and no one was ever convicted.88

She was buried in the old graveyard behind the mansion that she was so fond of, and a large tombstone was erected for her.  She left behind many broken hearted people, and her grave was often visited by those who loved her.  Her memory would never die.89

She never felt the need to return to her family though, because she had found her true home in the mansion upon receiving her true name of Shuista.  That was why her mortal body had been found, slain by the wings that had brought her back to her true self.90

She gazed upon the writing that was engraved into the stone before her.  91

Upon her tombstone it read:92

Samantha R. Gribelle 1989-200593

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THE END95