sweetie
Refugee
Good morning!! 
Thank you all for hanging on--its a bit long
Disclaimer: A load of poo-poo. Complete fiction
For the next two days Bono spent a lot of time with Aisling. She had many ideas of what should be put in the poem. She knew how Creide would react to the lines. Bono allowed her help without question. Again, he had no idea what she had to gain from helping him but she was helping him so he let it go. If she had true colors to show then they would surface soon enough.
Creide had formally issued an ultimatum to him. Produce the poem within 3 days or she would send Gioia away to return the necklace without him. Bono was annoyed with this declaration since he knew that Creide had no intention of ever letting him leave with Gioia . He was tempted to call her out for her obvious lie, but Aisling had assured him that she had a way out of this mess. He would help Creide and in turn he and Gioia will be set free. Unmarried and hopefully, alive.
He still had trouble believing that he could die as a result of not producing the ultimate poem. Oh the pressure! Aisling chided him one afternoon for taking this lightly. But after she did she noticed the concern in his eyes. She knew then that he joked to cover his worry.
“Bono”. She leaned in close to him and put her hand on his knee. “Please do not worry. You have an amazing talent. You will succeed.”
Bono cleared his throat and looked uncomfortably at her. She was smiling sweetly at him. He wondered about her again. She said she was a fairy. Other than her disappearing and reappearing act, and occasionally turning men into frogs, he didn’t know the extent of her powers. He felt that she wasn’t dangerous and was sincere in her efforts to help him. Though why that was he still couldn’t fathom.
“Why are you helping us? What have you to gain by this?”
Aisling stood up. “I do have something to gain. But nothing that you’d understand, so therefore I cannot explain.”
Bono ran his hand through his hair and sat back heavily in the chair. “Aisling. Try me.” He was so confused. Was she in love with Fletcher?
Aisling shook her head. “I am a fairy. I cannot fall in love with a human so you can remove that from your line of questioning.” She chuckled at Bono’s shocked look of surprise. “I will tell you this. I am here to help you and Gioia . Plain and simple. I have nothing to gain nor am I looking to gain something. Life can be that simple.”
“Fair enough but I still don’t understand how or why you are involved.”
She sighed and sat back down. “You don’t give up do you? Andrew needed help. He wanted revenge upon Aine and the best way to have it is to release someone that she despised from a spell that she custom created just for her. I knew exactly how to do it and there was only one person that I knew of that would be perfect. You. My very brilliant and talented Bono. I already knew of you and knew much about your abilities. You fit in perfect for my plans to help Andrew and perfect for – “
Aisling never finished her sentence for there was a loud knock at the door. An instant later, it opened to reveal two guards. Bono stood, angered at the intrusion. He looked over at Aisling and wasn’t surprised to find that she had vanished.
“Can I help you?”
The guard grinned at him. “You’re to come with me. Her Majesty, Queen Creide wishes you to join her for dinner.”
“Do I have a choice?”
The guard smiled. He had actually come to befriend Bono over the past few days. Yesterday they talked for most of the morning after he escorted him from the morning meal in the Great Hall. “I’m afraid not.”
Bono shrugged and followed him out of the room.
*****
Andrew took a sip of his drink while gazing up at the starry sky. He was alone on his balcony for he had just received word that Creide was dining with Bono this evening. That was unexpected and it annoyed Andrew. She was falling in love with him, he was certain. Either that or she was getting used to the idea of Bono becoming her husband. Either way, the thought made Andrew miserable. In retrospect, the idea of releasing Creide from her enchantment had turned into a horrible plan. He was losing her and there was nothing he could do about it. Yes, he would finally get his revenge upon Aine, but part of him didn’t care anymore. He loved Creide and somewhere along the way they both had forgotten about that.
When did it all go amiss? He had done so many wrongs. His callous treatment of Aine cost his sister her life. His very brief romance with Aisling left him feeling disgusted and used. His skin crawled when he thought back to when Gioia fell into the river. He had been relieved that dealing with her had been taken out of his hands. It shocked him that he could be so cold-hearted. He never did find out who was responsible for that accident. Thank goodness Bono had been there to save her. He could still remember the look of horror on Bono’s face when he saw Gioia plummet into the water. He had taken off like a bolt of lightning and dove in after her without pause.
“A piece of silver for your thoughts, Andrew.”
Andrew didn’t turn around. “Good evening, Aisling.” He greeted her dryly. “Why aren’t you also worshipping at the temple of Bono along with Creide and Gioia ?”
Aisling chuckled and rubbed his back. “Jealous Andrew? There’s no need to be. Bono loves Gioia . He would like nothing more than to be done with this place and go home. And that is why I’m here.”
Andrew turned around and raised an eyebrow in curiosity.
“We need to figure out a way to prevent the wedding should Bono fulfill his part of his indenture.”
Andrew laughed sardonically. “That is your idea?” He sneered. “There is nothing to figure out! It must be done. There is no way around it. They must marry or else the spell will be restored. Besides, it seems as if Creide is pleased with the notion of marrying that man.”
“Creide is merely making the most of a bad situation. She loves you, Andrew, but the terms of the curse states that she will marry the one that releases her from the spell. But where is it written that she must remain married?”
Andrew frowned, trying to follow her line of thinking. He finally understood and a slow smile crept across his face. “Tell me what you had in mind, my sweet.”
****
Gioia was walking through the gardens. The sun was starting to set and the colors that dashed across the sky were a sight to behold. She breathed deeply of the crisp cool air and the flowers that lined the garden path. She thought of Bono. Wondering what he was doing. She wondered how he was and if he thought of her. It was a foolish thought. Especially when she knew that the pressure was on him to produce the poem soon. She had heard talk that it would be soon. That he would be called upon to recite the poetry to the Queen. There was also talk that he was spending his evenings with Creide and his days with a beautiful girl with honey blond hair. Each time she heard this she suffered a stabbing ache in her heart.
She missed him so much. She missed their talks, their conversations, and the laughter they shared. She constantly relived the deep gazes of longing that they had experienced together. Was it all lost, never to be experienced again?
She knew that they had been separated for a reason. Andrew told her that she was a distraction to Bono. He needed to concentrate on the poem. The sooner he was finished the sooner they could get out of here.
But who was the girl he spent his days with? She refused to give into the jealousy. So she hadn’t asked Andrew about her. She hadn’t asked and Andrew never offered the information. In fact, Andrew offered very little information. She was starting to feel detached from her situation, almost sheltered from what was going on with Bono. She knew she was still very much a prisoner and the only moments of freedom she experienced were these few minutes before dinner. She always dressed quickly to give herself extra alone time, which she spent outside, in the gardens.
Tonight she was dressed in a gown of deep burgundy silk. The neckline was slightly off the shoulders. From the waistline to just below her breasts, the dress was tied up with corset-like lacings. The skirt was full and for a slight moment, when she first put it on, she felt like twirling.
“You look lovely, Gioia .” Came a voice from behind her.
Gioia smiled and turned to greet Andrew. “Thank you. You look handsome.” And he did. He was dressed in dark navy blue. She noticed day to day what a compellingly attractive man Andrew was. He was tall, with a long lean body. His long sinewy muscles were apparent beneath his clothing. She had spent so much time with him and she was starting to get to know him personally. He was sweet and funny and he had a fun, engaging laugh. The dimple in his cheek was charming even though she hadn’t seen it too often over the past few days. Yes she did like him. She sighed to herself. But he wasn’t --.
“You think so?” He looked down at himself and grinned. “You should see me without my clothes on.” He winked at her.
Gioia laughed. “No offense but I’ll pass. Besides, won’t Creide be jealous?”
Andrew sucked in his breath. He realized that Gioia had no idea that their loves may soon be married to each other. The knowledge was killing him. He didn’t know how to tell her so he decided not to. She would know soon enough.
“Let’s go to dinner.” He said gruffly.
****
Bono’s nerves were stretched raw and his stomach was churning. He hadn’t felt this anxious in a long, long time. There was so much riding on this night. His life for instance. Gioia ’s life was also of consequence. He tried not to think of what would happen to her if he failed. He did, however, have a bit of control over what would happen if he succeeded. He had spent many hours discussing his options with Aisling who promised that she would talk with Andrew. Bono hadn’t been able to communicate his plans to Gioia . He hoped that all would run smoothly and cause her minimal upset.
He looked around the Great Hall as many guests entered and made their way to their tables. He wasn’t sure what he expected but it certainly wasn’t all this fanfare. He had pictured simply walking into Creide’s chambers, reading her the poem, and hoping for the best. He was dismayed that many would be witness to his failure or his triumph. Most of all he was worried about Gioia for he had no doubts that she would be there.
He grabbed a tankard of ale and downed it quickly. He felt slightly better. He would like to be drunk, but he knew that would be foolish. He’ll get drunk after. If there was an after! He cleared his mind. Of course there would be an after. Why the f*ck wouldn’t there be!
He looked up just as Gioia entered, escorted into the hall by Andrew. She was a vision. She had been his muse throughout this. Although Aisling had guided him and helped him understand Creide’s mind and heart, the poem was written with Gioia in mind for she was never far from his thoughts. He knew this and he hoped it wasn’t his ruination when he presented the poem to the Queen.
He smiled to her when she finally noticed him. She was clearly surprised to see him. He didn’t blame her. He had rarely left his chambers these past few days. But then he saw what held her attention. It was the parchment he held in his hand. The scroll held the poem that would either doom him or free him. He saw the fear on her face and he realized that she hadn’t known that tonight was the night. The cold grip of panic started to thread its way through his body. He had been relatively calm until he saw Gioia ’s terror.
Bono ran his hand through his hair and nodded to her. How would it happen? Would he simply vanish? Would he fall to the ground in a heap? Would he feel pain?
He watched Gioia who was now seated at a table next to Andrew. He was chatting to her but she wasn’t paying any attention. Her focus was completely on Bono, looking at him with an unfaltering gaze. Oh God! He never told how he felt about her! He couldn’t go through with this without telling her. But how could he without Creide seeing it or noticing that every word he spoke was for Gioia alone. He had to regain control. He had to or all would be lost!
Gioia couldn’t think. She was so worried that she was virtually sick with it. She had no idea that tonight was the night of the poem. She knew that eventually this evening would arrive but she had hoped that she would be able to speak with Bono again. To tell him how much she loved him. It just couldn’t end this way. It just couldn’t! How did they get to this point? Why was this happening to them? She feared the worst. She prepared herself for the worst.
“Darling, you must eat something or you will fall ill.” Andrew nudged her.
Gioia pinned him with a look of pure venom. “You better pray to all you hold dear that he does not die tonight.”
Andrew was shocked by her calm fury. He didn’t blame her. Everything that was happening to them was his fault. Without his involvement they would’ve never found their way here. He nodded to her, unable to voice his regret.
Creide stood and all conversation and music stopped. She raised her goblet and nodded toward Bono who now stood on a raised platform facing her. Gioia swallowed hard as she looked at him. He looked heart-achingly beautiful. He was wearing a dark plum shirt and black trousers. He stood with his feet planted apart with his hands in front of him. His right hand gripped his wrist while his left held the scroll. His eyes were downcast, looking at a point in front of the queen.
“Welcome my friends, my honored guests.” Creide began. “Tonight you are all here to bear witness to the very real possibility that the many years of being under Aine’s curse are at an end. For almost twenty years I have been tormented and punished for something that was not my fault. And now—now I have a chance at happiness. And my happiness will directly affect you, my people. For tonight, not only will I be freed from my imprisonment but also, thanks to Aine’s own decree, will find myself with a new husband!” The guests applauded and cheered and toasted with their wine goblets and tankards of ale.
Gioia sat up straight at this announcement. She was surprised and looked to Andrew, fully expected him to be pleased. But instead he was looking up at Bono with hate. Bono was still not meeting anyone’s eyes. Gioia was perplexed for only a moment. Then she gasped audibly and grasped Andrew’s sleeve. “No!!!"
Andrew turned to her and nodded.
Toodles til tomorrow!!
Thank you all for hanging on--its a bit long
Disclaimer: A load of poo-poo. Complete fiction
For the next two days Bono spent a lot of time with Aisling. She had many ideas of what should be put in the poem. She knew how Creide would react to the lines. Bono allowed her help without question. Again, he had no idea what she had to gain from helping him but she was helping him so he let it go. If she had true colors to show then they would surface soon enough.
Creide had formally issued an ultimatum to him. Produce the poem within 3 days or she would send Gioia away to return the necklace without him. Bono was annoyed with this declaration since he knew that Creide had no intention of ever letting him leave with Gioia . He was tempted to call her out for her obvious lie, but Aisling had assured him that she had a way out of this mess. He would help Creide and in turn he and Gioia will be set free. Unmarried and hopefully, alive.
He still had trouble believing that he could die as a result of not producing the ultimate poem. Oh the pressure! Aisling chided him one afternoon for taking this lightly. But after she did she noticed the concern in his eyes. She knew then that he joked to cover his worry.
“Bono”. She leaned in close to him and put her hand on his knee. “Please do not worry. You have an amazing talent. You will succeed.”
Bono cleared his throat and looked uncomfortably at her. She was smiling sweetly at him. He wondered about her again. She said she was a fairy. Other than her disappearing and reappearing act, and occasionally turning men into frogs, he didn’t know the extent of her powers. He felt that she wasn’t dangerous and was sincere in her efforts to help him. Though why that was he still couldn’t fathom.
“Why are you helping us? What have you to gain by this?”
Aisling stood up. “I do have something to gain. But nothing that you’d understand, so therefore I cannot explain.”
Bono ran his hand through his hair and sat back heavily in the chair. “Aisling. Try me.” He was so confused. Was she in love with Fletcher?
Aisling shook her head. “I am a fairy. I cannot fall in love with a human so you can remove that from your line of questioning.” She chuckled at Bono’s shocked look of surprise. “I will tell you this. I am here to help you and Gioia . Plain and simple. I have nothing to gain nor am I looking to gain something. Life can be that simple.”
“Fair enough but I still don’t understand how or why you are involved.”
She sighed and sat back down. “You don’t give up do you? Andrew needed help. He wanted revenge upon Aine and the best way to have it is to release someone that she despised from a spell that she custom created just for her. I knew exactly how to do it and there was only one person that I knew of that would be perfect. You. My very brilliant and talented Bono. I already knew of you and knew much about your abilities. You fit in perfect for my plans to help Andrew and perfect for – “
Aisling never finished her sentence for there was a loud knock at the door. An instant later, it opened to reveal two guards. Bono stood, angered at the intrusion. He looked over at Aisling and wasn’t surprised to find that she had vanished.
“Can I help you?”
The guard grinned at him. “You’re to come with me. Her Majesty, Queen Creide wishes you to join her for dinner.”
“Do I have a choice?”
The guard smiled. He had actually come to befriend Bono over the past few days. Yesterday they talked for most of the morning after he escorted him from the morning meal in the Great Hall. “I’m afraid not.”
Bono shrugged and followed him out of the room.
*****
Andrew took a sip of his drink while gazing up at the starry sky. He was alone on his balcony for he had just received word that Creide was dining with Bono this evening. That was unexpected and it annoyed Andrew. She was falling in love with him, he was certain. Either that or she was getting used to the idea of Bono becoming her husband. Either way, the thought made Andrew miserable. In retrospect, the idea of releasing Creide from her enchantment had turned into a horrible plan. He was losing her and there was nothing he could do about it. Yes, he would finally get his revenge upon Aine, but part of him didn’t care anymore. He loved Creide and somewhere along the way they both had forgotten about that.
When did it all go amiss? He had done so many wrongs. His callous treatment of Aine cost his sister her life. His very brief romance with Aisling left him feeling disgusted and used. His skin crawled when he thought back to when Gioia fell into the river. He had been relieved that dealing with her had been taken out of his hands. It shocked him that he could be so cold-hearted. He never did find out who was responsible for that accident. Thank goodness Bono had been there to save her. He could still remember the look of horror on Bono’s face when he saw Gioia plummet into the water. He had taken off like a bolt of lightning and dove in after her without pause.
“A piece of silver for your thoughts, Andrew.”
Andrew didn’t turn around. “Good evening, Aisling.” He greeted her dryly. “Why aren’t you also worshipping at the temple of Bono along with Creide and Gioia ?”
Aisling chuckled and rubbed his back. “Jealous Andrew? There’s no need to be. Bono loves Gioia . He would like nothing more than to be done with this place and go home. And that is why I’m here.”
Andrew turned around and raised an eyebrow in curiosity.
“We need to figure out a way to prevent the wedding should Bono fulfill his part of his indenture.”
Andrew laughed sardonically. “That is your idea?” He sneered. “There is nothing to figure out! It must be done. There is no way around it. They must marry or else the spell will be restored. Besides, it seems as if Creide is pleased with the notion of marrying that man.”
“Creide is merely making the most of a bad situation. She loves you, Andrew, but the terms of the curse states that she will marry the one that releases her from the spell. But where is it written that she must remain married?”
Andrew frowned, trying to follow her line of thinking. He finally understood and a slow smile crept across his face. “Tell me what you had in mind, my sweet.”
****
Gioia was walking through the gardens. The sun was starting to set and the colors that dashed across the sky were a sight to behold. She breathed deeply of the crisp cool air and the flowers that lined the garden path. She thought of Bono. Wondering what he was doing. She wondered how he was and if he thought of her. It was a foolish thought. Especially when she knew that the pressure was on him to produce the poem soon. She had heard talk that it would be soon. That he would be called upon to recite the poetry to the Queen. There was also talk that he was spending his evenings with Creide and his days with a beautiful girl with honey blond hair. Each time she heard this she suffered a stabbing ache in her heart.
She missed him so much. She missed their talks, their conversations, and the laughter they shared. She constantly relived the deep gazes of longing that they had experienced together. Was it all lost, never to be experienced again?
She knew that they had been separated for a reason. Andrew told her that she was a distraction to Bono. He needed to concentrate on the poem. The sooner he was finished the sooner they could get out of here.
But who was the girl he spent his days with? She refused to give into the jealousy. So she hadn’t asked Andrew about her. She hadn’t asked and Andrew never offered the information. In fact, Andrew offered very little information. She was starting to feel detached from her situation, almost sheltered from what was going on with Bono. She knew she was still very much a prisoner and the only moments of freedom she experienced were these few minutes before dinner. She always dressed quickly to give herself extra alone time, which she spent outside, in the gardens.
Tonight she was dressed in a gown of deep burgundy silk. The neckline was slightly off the shoulders. From the waistline to just below her breasts, the dress was tied up with corset-like lacings. The skirt was full and for a slight moment, when she first put it on, she felt like twirling.
“You look lovely, Gioia .” Came a voice from behind her.
Gioia smiled and turned to greet Andrew. “Thank you. You look handsome.” And he did. He was dressed in dark navy blue. She noticed day to day what a compellingly attractive man Andrew was. He was tall, with a long lean body. His long sinewy muscles were apparent beneath his clothing. She had spent so much time with him and she was starting to get to know him personally. He was sweet and funny and he had a fun, engaging laugh. The dimple in his cheek was charming even though she hadn’t seen it too often over the past few days. Yes she did like him. She sighed to herself. But he wasn’t --.
“You think so?” He looked down at himself and grinned. “You should see me without my clothes on.” He winked at her.
Gioia laughed. “No offense but I’ll pass. Besides, won’t Creide be jealous?”
Andrew sucked in his breath. He realized that Gioia had no idea that their loves may soon be married to each other. The knowledge was killing him. He didn’t know how to tell her so he decided not to. She would know soon enough.
“Let’s go to dinner.” He said gruffly.
****
Bono’s nerves were stretched raw and his stomach was churning. He hadn’t felt this anxious in a long, long time. There was so much riding on this night. His life for instance. Gioia ’s life was also of consequence. He tried not to think of what would happen to her if he failed. He did, however, have a bit of control over what would happen if he succeeded. He had spent many hours discussing his options with Aisling who promised that she would talk with Andrew. Bono hadn’t been able to communicate his plans to Gioia . He hoped that all would run smoothly and cause her minimal upset.
He looked around the Great Hall as many guests entered and made their way to their tables. He wasn’t sure what he expected but it certainly wasn’t all this fanfare. He had pictured simply walking into Creide’s chambers, reading her the poem, and hoping for the best. He was dismayed that many would be witness to his failure or his triumph. Most of all he was worried about Gioia for he had no doubts that she would be there.
He grabbed a tankard of ale and downed it quickly. He felt slightly better. He would like to be drunk, but he knew that would be foolish. He’ll get drunk after. If there was an after! He cleared his mind. Of course there would be an after. Why the f*ck wouldn’t there be!
He looked up just as Gioia entered, escorted into the hall by Andrew. She was a vision. She had been his muse throughout this. Although Aisling had guided him and helped him understand Creide’s mind and heart, the poem was written with Gioia in mind for she was never far from his thoughts. He knew this and he hoped it wasn’t his ruination when he presented the poem to the Queen.
He smiled to her when she finally noticed him. She was clearly surprised to see him. He didn’t blame her. He had rarely left his chambers these past few days. But then he saw what held her attention. It was the parchment he held in his hand. The scroll held the poem that would either doom him or free him. He saw the fear on her face and he realized that she hadn’t known that tonight was the night. The cold grip of panic started to thread its way through his body. He had been relatively calm until he saw Gioia ’s terror.
Bono ran his hand through his hair and nodded to her. How would it happen? Would he simply vanish? Would he fall to the ground in a heap? Would he feel pain?
He watched Gioia who was now seated at a table next to Andrew. He was chatting to her but she wasn’t paying any attention. Her focus was completely on Bono, looking at him with an unfaltering gaze. Oh God! He never told how he felt about her! He couldn’t go through with this without telling her. But how could he without Creide seeing it or noticing that every word he spoke was for Gioia alone. He had to regain control. He had to or all would be lost!
Gioia couldn’t think. She was so worried that she was virtually sick with it. She had no idea that tonight was the night of the poem. She knew that eventually this evening would arrive but she had hoped that she would be able to speak with Bono again. To tell him how much she loved him. It just couldn’t end this way. It just couldn’t! How did they get to this point? Why was this happening to them? She feared the worst. She prepared herself for the worst.
“Darling, you must eat something or you will fall ill.” Andrew nudged her.
Gioia pinned him with a look of pure venom. “You better pray to all you hold dear that he does not die tonight.”
Andrew was shocked by her calm fury. He didn’t blame her. Everything that was happening to them was his fault. Without his involvement they would’ve never found their way here. He nodded to her, unable to voice his regret.
Creide stood and all conversation and music stopped. She raised her goblet and nodded toward Bono who now stood on a raised platform facing her. Gioia swallowed hard as she looked at him. He looked heart-achingly beautiful. He was wearing a dark plum shirt and black trousers. He stood with his feet planted apart with his hands in front of him. His right hand gripped his wrist while his left held the scroll. His eyes were downcast, looking at a point in front of the queen.
“Welcome my friends, my honored guests.” Creide began. “Tonight you are all here to bear witness to the very real possibility that the many years of being under Aine’s curse are at an end. For almost twenty years I have been tormented and punished for something that was not my fault. And now—now I have a chance at happiness. And my happiness will directly affect you, my people. For tonight, not only will I be freed from my imprisonment but also, thanks to Aine’s own decree, will find myself with a new husband!” The guests applauded and cheered and toasted with their wine goblets and tankards of ale.
Gioia sat up straight at this announcement. She was surprised and looked to Andrew, fully expected him to be pleased. But instead he was looking up at Bono with hate. Bono was still not meeting anyone’s eyes. Gioia was perplexed for only a moment. Then she gasped audibly and grasped Andrew’s sleeve. “No!!!"
Andrew turned to her and nodded.
Toodles til tomorrow!!
Holy shit!! This is good, more please!!!
