Dark Promise - One
Allura and her cousin Rommelle were laughing, enjoying themselves at the annual Bainbridge Fair near the village of Leon. They had snuck out of the Castle of Lions to attend, eluding Coran, Nanny, and Alfor. They were both sixteen and seventeen years old, respectively, and they were confident in their youth and beauty as all beautiful young girls seem to be.
They were strolling around in disguise, their trademark blonde hair covered. They stuffed themselves on forbidden food-junk food as the Terrans called it-and checked out all the men that were out at the fair.
Rommelle nudged her and whispered, "How about that one..wouldn't you hate it if you had to sleep with him?" She gestured to a portly fellow chowing down on a turkey leg.
Allura shuddered and whispered back.."I bet he crushes his wife.."
Rommelle laughed and said, "yeah - if he can get it up!!" "Or, or FIND it!!" Allura whispered between giggles.
They both erupted in giggling laughter, causing the man look at them.
Allura looked wide-eyed and gasped, "Oh god, Rommelle, he's looking at us!"
Rommelle screamed, "EEuuuwww!! C'mon! Let's get out of here!"
The man stared at them, wondering what in the world their problem was.
She and Rommelle strolled around some more until they reached a fortune-teller's tent.
Rommelle squealed excitedly, "Hey, Ally! Look! Let's go in there and get our fortunes told!"
Allura frowned and said, "Rommelle, I don't believe in that stuff."
Her cousin grabbed her arm and said, "Come on, Ally.Don't you want to find out who'll you'll marry? Maybe it's a handsome prince, or maybe..." she grinned, "It's a big fat bald guy!"
Allura groaned and said, "Rommelle..." Her cousin knew she would give in sooner or later. Rommelle always could talk her into things.
Rommelle dragged her into the tent. It was dark in there, lit by candles.
Rommelle said, "OOOoo..spooky!"
Allura whispered, "Grow up, Rommelle!!"
Suddenly, an ancient woman came out from the back of the tent. She had been behind a curtain.
She saw the two cousins and cackled, "Well, I am honored to have such two fine ladies here in my humble tent! Sit down! Sit down!"
Allura and Rommelle sat down on two stools that faced a small rickety table. The old woman sat down behind the table. A candle near the table made her old face looked positively ancient and frightening, but the old woman seemed anything but that.
Rommelle, in her impulsive way said, "We want to know our futures, ancient Mother...how much?"
The old one laughed and said, "For you pretties, it will be one credit each- a bargain!! Usually I charge two credits each!"
Allura whispered, "Rommelle, you're paying, it was your idea!"
Her cousin grimaced and said,"Ok, ok, Uncle Alfor gave me this anyway."
Allura thought resentfully, ..yeah, and everything else too.."
Rommelle handed the old woman the credits and the old one smiled happily. "Ahh, thank you, pretty...I am an old woman you know, and I need all the credits I can get. You will get your credits worth here, pretties.I know all that was, is, and is to come-for a price that is."
She grabbed Rommelle's hand. "You first, pretty." The old woman closed her eyes and appeared to be concentrating.
She said, "You...you are her twin. Her cousin, but you are even closer than you think.You were exiled to Arus and you will stay there until a marriage is secured."
Rommelle jerked her hand angrily. "I know all that! I want to know my future!."
The old one continued as if she didn't hear her. "You seek to marry a half-sibling."
Rommelle gasped. Avok! How did she...
"He dallies with you indecently and you enjoy his play,but you will not gain what you desire.You will rule Arus for one day,wearing the attire of the rightful ruler, thus preserving what you had wished to destroy!"
Rommelle glanced at Allura who remained silent. She would rule Arus! Rommelle didn't hear for how long, she was too excited.
The woman gripped her hand tightly. "You dally with many here...an older man will next be your lover,then you will meet your end through a mistake."
Rommelle frowned...meet my end? She is lying....she probably wants more credits.
Rommelle ground out, "You're lying, old one! I'm not giving you any more credits!"
The old woman's eyes opened and her fingers bit into the soft palms of Rommelle's hand. She said cruelly,"Don't doubt me, Princess.I do not take to being called a liar."
Rommelle gasped and jerked her hand away. She looked and saw the imprint of the woman's fingernails in her palm. The Polluxian princess scowled.
The old one laughed and then turned to Allura, who had remained silent all this time. The old woman said brightly, "Now you, my pretty bird..."
Allura reluctantly extended her hand and the woman clasped it in her own. As before, the old woman closed her eyes and spoke. "You are a spoiled, willful one, but you are strong. Through suffering, you will grow."
Allura thought,..suffer? Who wants to suffer?....
The old one continued, "You will rule a planet of ghosts.".The old woman gripped her hand tightly and said, "Two men will vie for you.One who is close to you desires you.The other will be a dark one whose name is feared. He will make you his own....and he will end your reign.I see Death is his companion."
Allura looked startled...Death? Here on Arus? Ridiculous! We have no enemies."
The old woman opened her eyes and said, "That is all I see."
Rommelle jumped up and said, "I want our credits back!"
The old one smiled and said, "I never said that my fortunes were all good, my dear....now get out!!"
Rommelle yelled as they went out of the tent, "I'll see that King Alfor hears about this!" Rommelle stomped out with Allura behind her.
Rommelle fumed, "Stupid old woman...we got gyped.." Allura laughed,relieved to be out of the tent and away from the old woman.
"I told you!" Allura replied.
Rommelle glared at her and then she brightened. She nudged Allura and said, "Look at that gorgeous guy!" She pointed at a handsome dark-haired man who smiled at them.
Allura giggled, "Rommelle, you think every man's gorgeous!"
Rommelle laughed, "...except for that fat guy eating the turkey leg...he was looking at YOU, Ally! Bet he wants to jump your bones!"
Allura squealed in disgust. "Ick!"
Rommelle laughed and said, "Come on, Ally! Let's meet that hunk.Maybe he has a friend."
Allura giggled as Rommelle dragged her over to the smiling young man,their encounter with the witch forgotten.