Oh How the Mighty Have Fallen

Chapter 4: Memories


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[i]My Dearest Twin Brother Abel,

I believe that it may be of some interest to you that we have in our care the life of a certain young redheaded queen. I do believe the two of you have made an acquaintance before, and I am sure she would be delighted to see you once again. Obviously you do not need to accept this invitation, but I am sure that the company of Isaak, Dietrich and I can become quite...abrasive...at times. She is currently sleeping peacefully in my manor, but I am sure you can guess how sweet her blood must taste. Isaak is just dying to partake, and I’m sure that many more Methuselah would be in line. However, if we were wrong, and you hold no tender feelings towards the Terran...or you simply hold your own life above hers, then I hope that this letter finds you well and I will tell Her Highness that you regretfully cannot make the party. It is sure to be a “ravishing” delight.

Sincerely,

Your Dear Twin Brother Cain[/i]

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Abel Nightroad crushed the piece of paper in his large hand and looked down. For a few minutes, he had to remind himself to breathe, as feelings overwhelmed the Crusnik. Without opening his eyes he heard Ion come into the room. They were currently staying with Seth in Byzantium, and Ion was visiting with his grandmother. Not fifteen minutes ago Abel had received a handwritten letter delivered by Tres. After thanking the mechanical man, he had opened the envelope to find that his worst fear had been realized. Cain had Esther. Cain had Esther...Cain had Esther... The more he repeated that phrase in his head, the more emotional he became. Anger boiled to the surface, and he had to fight down the Crusnik threatening to break free. Willing his eyes to stay blue instead of turning crimson, he tried to keep the tears from falling in front of Ion. No doubt Ion would be rash and heroic. He would want to go to the manor this very moment and rescue his love. No doubt Abel and Ion both loved the girl, although in different ways. Although Ion is still quite a bit older than Esther, his body was still in human adolescence. As Esther was now a fully developed woman, the two of them could never share a successful physical relationship. Ion refused to admit this, but Abel knew. Abel also knew that he loved Esther with every ounce of his being. He hadn’t put a lot of thought into the future, as he knew that if he ever wanted to live a relatively normal life, he would have to get rid of Cain first. He had hoped that Esther would be safe in her palace in Albion, but obviously he was mistaken. Sadness threatened to engulf him as he pictured innocent Esther in the den of lions. Fear overtook him as he thought of what they might have planned for her...Anger, Fear, Sadness and Guilt...Guilt in the fact that he hadn’t been there to save her like he usually was. He knew that this was simply a trap, as Cain hadn’t even been subtle. However, no matter if he was leading a suicide mission, Esther deserved to live more than he did. After all, he had lived for over 1,000 years and Esther was just now past twenty.

Remembering that Ion had entered, he noted with despair that he was laughing and happy from his visit with his family. Abel almost wanted to make up some excuse so Ion could stay here and Abel could go alone...however, he knew that wasn’t possible. Ion would notice the change in his demeanor immediately, and the young Methuselah would never forgive him once he found out. Deciding that it would be best to get it over, he simply held the note towards Ion without even looking toward him.

Ion’s laugh died off as he realized the atmosphere in the room had considerably darkened. Moving forward hesitantly to take the note from a noticeably troubled priest, he unfolded the crumpled piece of paper and read. No more than a minute later, Abel heard a scream of pure rage erupt from the rash young man.

“I’ll kill him with my own bare hands!”

Tossing the letter on the ground, Ion started towards the door outside. Abel was quicker though and blocked his exit.

“Father, move out of my way.”

“No...Ion, if you go there right now you’ll both die. It would do no good for Esther. Now, listen to me. I want to rescue her just as badly as you do, but we need to go about this logically. I agree that we need to leave no later than tomorrow, but we’ll need Seth’s help and a plan. Cain is more powerful than you can imagine and his cruelty knows no bounds. If we want Esther to escape from this unharmed, we need to be smart.”

Ion’s red eyes were glowing with anger that he hadn’t even felt when Radu betrayed him. His fists were clenched so tightly that blood formed beneath his fingernails. The only thing present in his mind was Esther laying on the ground... laying on the ground and being... well, he couldn’t even picture it without wanting to vomit. The only woman he had ever loved was in danger and very instinct in him told him to fly to wherever she was and kill anyone in his path. However, Abel’s voice was able to barely break through the red haze and calm him down slightly. He knew the priest was right, but it didn’t make accepting it any easier. As if the emotions were too much, Ion collapsed on the floor in a fit of desperate sobbing. He screamed at the heavens and muttered nonsense.

Abel was not surprised, but he had to admit that he felt the same way...he just had years of experience dealing with grief. Kneeling beside the young man, he did what he had seen Esther do many times. He gathered the boy in his arm and tried to sooth him. Hearing Ion’s scream, Seth and Mirka came running into the chamber with equally worried faces. Seth spoke first while Mirka went to her grandson and relieved Abel of his position. As the two generations embraced, Abel stood and faced his sister.

“Abel, what has happened?”

Pointing to the tossed but far from forgotten letter, he indicated for her to read it. The small girl picked it up and in a moment, she too dropped it. Raising her small hands to her face, she gasped. Mirka turned and left Ion briefly to read the letter as well. Seth went to her brother.

“Abel...what can I do? I’ll do anything I can to help you.”

Abel looked at his little sister and swallowed lest he break out in tears as well.

“Help me think of a way Ion and I can save her without risking her life. I...I...I can’t lose her Seth...”

This last part he said in a near whisper that Seth was the only one who heard. She nodded and wrapped her arms around Abel’s legs.

“Don’t worry, brother. We’ll save her. You have the entire empire behind you.”


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Back at the manor, Esther had chosen a teal evening gown that fit her curves perfectly. She was slightly disturbed at this, but she decided she had much bigger problems than clothes. Sitting at the old-fashioned vanity, she picked up an ivory comb and ran it through her hair. She had allowed it to grow out in the time she had been crowned, and it had developed a slight wave to it. It was past her shoulders and it hung in loose waves that framed her pretty face. Seeing some cosmetics and perfumes, she passed the time waiting for Isaak by beautifying herself. After all...for years as a nun, she had gone without a lot of make-up, so once she had become queen, she had become slightly addicted. It was an art, really...She chuckled sadly at the fact that she was in the home of the most dangerous man...no, creature...on earth, and yet she was doing her make-up. It wasn’t so much ironic as it was a testament to the fact that her situation hadn’t really sunk in yet. She hadn’t even cried, and she cried easily. Walking over to the window, she noticed that the house was in a beautiful section of countryside with the ocean and mountains within view. She had no idea where they were, but it was beautiful no matter. Finally forgetting about the situation at hand, she touched the window and smiled in an attempt to forget her situation and focus on the scenery.

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Isaak once again walked into Dietrich’s workplace and snapped his fingers. Dietrich turned around and looked at him quizzically. In response Isaak grinned and spoke.

“Master Cain has requested your presence at dinner tonight, and he has also asked me to have you fetch our little nun.”

Dietrich swallowed nervously and nodded stiffly.

“Of course, my lord.”

Isaak said no more and left. The puppetmaster stood and decided that he needed to get this over with quickly. She was a captive...nothing more...


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As he entered, Esther was still staring out the window, and he was relieved to see that she hadn’t noticed his entry. The sunlight was pouring in, so all he could see was her silhouette. Her hips and waist were shown beautifully in the satin dress she had chosen, and Dietrich’s hands nearly itched with the desire to touch her. He wanted to taste her...feel her...know her. With all the taunting and false promises, he had never dreamed that he would see her in a bedroom...alone, with him...in a form fitting dress. It was beyond his wildest expectations, and yet he knew that Cain would not hesitate to kill him if he interfered with their plans at all. Self-preservation kicked in and Dietrich cleared his throat in preparation for the act he had perfected years ago with Esther.

“Ah...Sister Esther...or wait, it’s Queen Esther now. I do believe it has been a long time since our last...rendezvous.”

Esther was startled and whipped around fast enough to lose her balance. She caught the window sill and brought her hand to her heart. Not only was she surprised to find someone in the room without her knowing it, but to hear that voice...after all these years...the voice that had caused her so much pain when she was still just a teenager. That voice was the main reason her heart beat like a drum. She had hoped that she would go her entire life without ever having to see or hear Dietrich von Lohengrin, but fate was not kind to her in these past 24 hours. Her answer came out on a soft exhale. Not intimate or distant...not cold or friendly...not sad, angry or happy...just acknowledging.

“Dietrich...”

The undeniably handsome young man walked slowly towards her, and she didn’t move a muscle. All the miseries he had caused came crashing down around her mind like a waterfall of horrific memories.

Flashback~

The young man threw open the church doors and revealed a troop of firing soldiers. Esther realized what they were going to do only too late. The bullets went right through the slender man’s chest and he collapsed in a heap of blood and broken flesh. Crying in rage Esther ran and grabbed his fallen gun in preparation to fire at anyone who had harmed her friend, Dietrich. However, before she could shoot, Father Nightroad grabbed her hand with the gun and let her struggle until she ceased. Tears were now flowing freely as she knelt by Dietrich’s body.

“Oh, Dietrich...I killed you...it’s all my fault... I’m so sorry.”
End Flashback

Esther closed her eyes at the painful memory.

Flashback~

Gyula and Esther were looking at the large screen when the visage of her “dead” friend appeared.

“Dietrich?”

“Ah, Esther. I’m so glad you could come for the party as well...”

End Flashback


She opened her eyes and saw the realization of her nightmares standing before her still.

Flashback~

Thin strings trapped her wrists and held her body immobile in the middle of the crumbling Albion city. She struggled, but they only seemed to become tighter. Through the darkness came the familiar body of Dietrich.

End Flashback

Determined to show a brave face, she forced these memories away until she was facing him with dry eyes. Dietrich was now much too close for comfort and she could smell his familiar cologne. Reaching a hand up to lightly stroke her cheek, he had no sooner brushed the skin than she reeled back and slapped him. Hard. Stunned, he lifted a hand to cover the reddening flesh as his eyes threw daggers at her. Anger took over and he tangled his long fingers in her hair and yanked back until she whimpered as her neck stretched as far backward as it could. They were both breathing hard with suppressed anger and emotions, and Dietrich held her there for what seemed like hours...but was actually only a minute or so. Not willing to let any pain show, she just matched his stare with one of her own. He didn’t ask what the slap was for, he didn’t need to. She didn’t explain, she didn’t need to. Neither one talked, they didn’t need to.

Realizing that he was all too tempted to plant kisses down the pale column of her neck that was currently so deliciously available to him, he wrenched his hand out of her tresses and spun around to give distance between them. Gathering his wits about him, he spoke in a low tone.

“Master Isaak and Master Cain have requested your presence in the dining hall. We must not keep them waiting.”

Esther looked at the back of the man who said these words and thought about fighting him. However, what good would that do at the moment? She was hungry, and there was no way to escape in broad daylight. Going through the motions that they dictated may be her only way to survive for now. Nodding, even though he couldn’t see, she walked up parallel to him and waited for him to lead the way. He did.


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Isaak was already in the room with a lit cigarello in his slim fingers. Dietrich entered with a trailing Esther, and the three stood in a pregnant silence for a few moments. Isaak was the only one who smiled, and it did not reach his eyes.

“Mein Herr will be in shortly...he had some...business...to deal with.”

The way he said “business” made Esther shudder, and she was suddenly glad that they were putting on the masquerade of gentlemen versus the monsters they actually were. As if no one could move with the permission of Cain, they all stood for a few minutes until their leader walked through the large wooden doors. The room was beautifully furnished with ornate carvings and miniature marble statues scattered on elegant mahogany mantles and buffets. The table was extremely long (probably used for Orden meetings) and made entirely of ebony with various mythological scenes intricately carved into the wood. Esther had been staring at a stunningly detailed depiction of Hades’ abduction of Persephone when Cain entered. Immediately, all eyes focused on the Crusnik in their midst. His smooth voice was flawless and showed little to no emotion.

“Perfect. A lady’s presence at my dinner table has been long overdue.”

He smiled at Esther and she blushed. Cain had the remarkable ability to let his cold smiles reach his ice blue eyes, even though the educated observer knew he felt nothing, and experienced no warm feelings. As far as anyone knew...Esther knew he had been a decent man once, before the 100 Crusnik caused insanity, but that man was far gone. Abel and Seth were the only known witnesses to that. The blush that now appeared in her cheeks and down her neck was not due to any desire or virgin’s shyness, but instead with rage at this man who had so carelessly “killed” Abel. That, she could never forgive. She looked intensely at Cain and was still surprised, in spite of herself, in that fact that he looked so much like Abel...her angel of darkness... but was the polar opposite in every way. He was evil and manipulative, while Abel was good and honorable. His appearance was that of a heavenly angel, while Abel looked like the angel of death. Esther knew that looks were deceiving, and that Abel only killed out of the necessity for greater good...and he even hesitated at that. Cain may look like the innocent heavenly being, but his soul was black...if he even had a soul anymore.

Moving forward, she noticed that Cain wore a gentleman’s black suit and tails. It showed no white, and she could almost see the resemblance to Abel’s cassock. He reached her (she had not moved an inch), and took her small hand in his own. He lifted it slowly to his lips and placed a chaste kiss to the back.

“Your Highness,” he said mockingly, “please be seated.”

Cain pulled out a chair at the left of his own end chair, and after hesitation, she sat. He smoothly pushed it in and then moved to his own seat. There were two other chairs set, still on the same end of the long table, and Dietrich took the one across from Esther (in an attempt to sit as far from her as possible), while Isaak sat next to the quiet queen. There was a magnificent set of polished silver at each setting, and a white china plate with gold trim. The glasses were made of pure crystal, and the crest on each plate was the Rosenkreuz seal. The setting was elegant and beautiful, but Esther’s eyes widened when she happened to sight the centerpiece at the center of the table. It was a glorious bouquet of red and black roses. Normally, she would have been enchanted, but that was before Abel’s first death. His coffin was surrounded by roses, and while she mourned day and night for him, roses were all she could see and smell. The scent still made her think of Abel. And his final moments after she ran in and saw him and Cain fighting.

[i]“E-Esther...”[/i]

She still remembered his beautiful face...so peaceful... losing life as he repeated her name. It had been all her fault, and she would never forgive herself. Perhaps the man at her right would be six feet under if she hadn’t disobeyed Abel and descended once more into the ghetto. At that moment, a servant brought out the starter soup and proceeded to produce a four course meal. They served her, Dietrich and Cain red wine, while Isaak dropped a blood tablet into his water. They ate in silence, with only the clinking of silverware as music. The three men would look at Esther once every few moments, and Esther never let her eyes leave her plate. The food was delicious, and she ate every last bite. Cain was pleased and clapped his hand for the servant to clear their plates. Cain offered her his arm and Esther almost wanted to gag before touching the hated man, but she slipped her arm into his anyway. They walked down the corridor until Cain stopped and pushed open a door to their left. He gestured for her to enter, and she did. The room was already lit, and Esther gasped. The manor’s beauty continued in this room, as she stared at a ballroom complete with an ornate chandelier. Stunned by the gorgeous architecture, she smiled despite Cain’s presence and twirled around to see her flowing dress billow. She had a ballroom in the Albion palace, of course, but this was exquisite. She couldn’t help herself. Not caring who heard, she said absent-mindedly, “I love chandeliers...”

Isaak and Dietrich entered the room and both smiled at the childish sight before them. Isaak coldly, and Dietrich in memory of the girl he had known once. Cain was smiling broadly and said with amusement, “I can tell.”

Suddenly aware of his presence, Esther stopped and sobered. She schooled her features and waited for an explanation. She wished that Abel was here to share this with her, but that was impossible. She didn’t want him to come...she needed to remember that...she wanted him to be safe.

Cain looked to Isaak and the vampire nodded. He walked over the corner of the room and opened a violin case before taking it out. The trained musician tuned the instrument and began to play. It was a beautiful melody, and before Esther had a chance to register the piece, Cain had swept her into his arms and led her into a waltz. She was unfortunately forced to follow and let her feet trained by the Albion royal dance teachers begin the dance. They fell easily into step and Cain was visibly impressed at her skill.

“I see that becoming royalty has been of great benefit to you.”

She nodded without smiling and continued to dance. Finally listening to the music closely, she smiled weakly.

“Strauss... but this is not the Danube... I don’t recognize it.”

“Very good... this is another of his waltzes...I asked Isaak to play it. He is quite the knowledgeable musician.”

Without going on, he pulled her considerably closer and she could feel his black gloved hand splayed large and warm on the small of her back. She felt like she was betraying Abel by simply dancing with his brother and regained her senses. She tried to pull away, but Cain simply tightened his grip. She sighed and resigned herself to finish the dance. As they continued, Cain leaned down to murmur in her ear.

“You look lovely, Esther...”

The intimate way he said her name made her shudder, and she turned her head away from him. She knew he was trying to manipulate her, and she needed to keep her guard up. Cain saw this and chuckled, the rumble deep in his chest and vibrating to her own breast. They continued to dance in sync until Isaak played a beautiful ending note. Cain stopped moving, but he did not loosen his hold on Esther. Leaning forward again, he inhaled the scent of her hair. Lilac. Enchanting... He kept his face close to her ear and she turned to the other side. She was surprised when she felt his warm lips place a small kiss behind her ear. The spot was especially sensitive on her, and she didn’t know how often she had dreamt of Abel doing that exact thing. She shivered, but not from cold, as this man reminded her so much of Abel in his appearance. It was hard not to fantasize that it was in fact Abel that had just kissed her. Trying to regain her senses, she turned away and asked huskily, “What is the name of that Waltz?”

She could feel Cain smile against her skin and answer, “The Kiss Waltz.” He then placed a full kiss on the side of her neck and she moaned slightly, to her dismay. Abel...Abel...Abel... She repeated his name like a mantra and tried to pull away. However, Cain still wouldn’t allow her freedom. He lifted a hand, dropping hers, and turned her face toward his own. She looked at him with large blue eyes and kissed her soundly on the lips. It wasn’t passionate, but it gave her goose bumps just the same. It was a light brushing of the lips against hers and then a rhythmic moving of his against her own. Her eyes closed, and she lost any train of thought in her brain. His lips were moist and warm, and she was seeing Abel in her mind. Abel...her disoriented state made her want to kiss Abel back, but her senses returned when Cain requested access with his tongue softly. Immediately she remembered that it wasn’t her beloved priest kissing her, but his murderer. Whimpering in dismay, she was able to get free by the element of surprise. She pushed hard against his chest and put a shaking hand to her lips. Cain regained his composure and smiled confidently once more. She pointed an accusing finger at him and stated her next phrase firmly.

“It won’t work.”

He laughed and tried to look genuinely puzzled. “What won’t work, my dear?”

She stumbled toward the door with confused determination, “This...this thing...whatever you’re trying to do to me! It won’t work.”

At Cain’s self-assured smile, she huffed and stormed out of the room. She had completely forgotten Dietrich and Isaak’s presence, but Cain looked to Dietrich now, “She won’t be able to find her way back to her chambers. Go help her.” Turning back to Isaak, he smiled. “She’s falling into the plans perfectly.” Isaak nodded respectively and smiled back.


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Esther would never admit it, but she was already lost. She knew that this manor was gargantuan, and she had already wandered down a hall that seemed longer the farther she went. Letting out a sigh of frustration, she sat down on the ground against the wall and laid her forehead on her knees. She didn’t cry or talk, just sat in order to gain whatever composure she had lost in that ballroom. She heard someone approach, but she didn’t even bother to lift her head.

“Yes?” She asked icily.

“Come. I’ll take you back to your room.”

Although he wasn't the man she wanted to see right now (the man she wanted to see had silver hair and glasses that he didn’t need ) she nodded in defeat and looked up. She took his offered hand and followed him down the hall and through the corridors until she reached the familiar door. She realized that she should have paid attention to the route he took, but she didn’t have the energy to worry about that tonight. He went before her into the room and she despaired that no one seemed likely to grant her any time alone. She followed and went over to the vanity. Taking off her diamond jewelry (she had found a jewelry box in one of the drawers), she took the pins out and let her waves tumble free. Dietrich came up behind her and she looked him in the mirror. He had no smile, and she wondered what he was thinking about. She didn't dare ask him, and she also didn't bother to thank him for directing her to the room. Why be grateful to an enemy?

Dietrich reached to the back zipper of her dress and began to unzip her. She gasped and turned quickly to slap his hand away.

"Just what on earth do you think you're doing?"

He laughed and threw his hands up in mock surrender. "So sorry, I thought I was trying to help."

She frowned. "Well, I can undress myself, thank you very much. Now, can you leave me in peace?"

He smiled devilishly and sighed, "I am sorry, milady, but I have direct orders to make sure you do not escape before you fall asleep." This wasn't true, but she didn't need to know that.

She rolled her eyes and moved over to the far side of the room. Trying to preserve as much modesty as she could, she looked in the wardrobe for a nightgown. She only found filmy short things that should be in a lingerie shop, not an actual wardrobe. She took the most opaque pink one out and brought it over to the wall. With her back facing the wall, and keeping an eye on Dietrich at all times, she reached back and unzipped her dress with the hand not holding the nightgown. Letting it pool around her waist, she left her bra on and slipped the nightgown over her head immediately. Once she was covered, she let her dress pool around her feet. She stepped out of it and slipped her shoes off. Taking off her hose, she hung up the dress, but left the rest where they lay. After all, the room was huge...Satisfied that she was modest enough now, she noted with disappointment that Dietrich had never looked away. He didn't even seem to blink. Walking over to the bed, she pulled the covers back and slipped beneath them. Exhaling in pleasure at the luxurious sheets, she watched Dietrich come closer and eyed him warily. He just grinned and turned off the light next to her bed that she had left on before dinner. Kicking herself for forgetting that, he turned to leave.

"Goodnight, dear Esther. Sleep well."

Although his words were innocent enough, he seemed to say them so smoothly that they came out like chocolate. She was sure girls just melted at his words and touch. It was a good thing that her taste ran more toward the tall, goofy priestly type. She turned on her side toward the window and let herself fall asleep dreaming of the man that fit that description.


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Dietrich had never let his dedication to Cain waver, but watching him dance and attempt to seduce Esther brought out the primal male urges to defend his woman. Luckily, he pushed it down, but he never wanted to watch anything like that again. He wouldn't let anyone know how she had gotten to him, but watching her take down her hair had been torture. She was so beautiful. Then, watching her innocently try to cover her womanly body was beyond painful for him. He longed to undress her himself and kiss every inch uncovered. When she slipped beneath the covers, he wanted to slip in beside her. He just hoped that Cain's plans ended soon...he wasn't sure he could keep his hands to himself much longer. Standing silently in her room by the door, she had assumed he had left. He waited until his acute hearing picked up her even breathing and then inched back toward the bed. Her back was to him, but one shoulder was out of the covers and her hair revealed a section of her graceful neck. He bent down and brushed his lips against her smooth shoulder and whispered, "Sweet dreams, darling." After inhaling her lilac scent for a moment longer, he quietly left the room and closed the door slowly to keep it from waking her. Leaning his back against the door, he had a vain hope that she dreamt of him. Pushing himself off and heading to his room, he decided he needed to pull himself together. She was a naive virgin that he didn't have time for. Nothing more...


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Author's Note: Well this one is a bit longer...hope it makes sense. Maybe I should have named this story "Nothing More." But I promise that the story isn't about Dietrich/Esther...it just seems that way. I know...this is another Everyone loves Esther thing...but you have to admit that it seems that way in the series...so I dunno. I know I use "..." WAY too much...SEE! There! I just did it. Sorry guys. I'll try to get better. Kinda like I use "lol" way too much in IM conversations. Oh well... AAH! Sorry. I also want to get some links up for some fan videos, songs and pictures that I think could go along with this story, but I can't do it here. Maybe in my profile...we'll see. Feel free to e-mail me at HistoricMusique @yahoo.com(obviously without the space), to ask for the links. Good stuff...I can give you the music to Strauss' "Kiss Waltz." Yay for music nerds!! I REALLY want to know if there's a way I can put bold and italics in the text box. It looks so dumb to write the "flashbacks" that way.

Love and Chinese Shadow Puppetry,

~Christa McGinn*