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fellowshippers2008-12-19 12:28 pm
cesi-19.livejournal.com) wrote in fellowshippers2008-12-19 12:28 pm
Entry tags:
Fic: Whoever You May Be Ch.6
Title: Whoever You May Be
Characters: Karl Urban, Liv Tyler, Orlando Bloom, Viggo Mortensen
Genres: Angst, Drama, Romance
Rating: R
Warnings: Violence, AU
Summary: Liv enjoys the power and pleasure of nobility, while Orlando suffers the harsh life of a commoner. The arrival of a Danish Lord may put them in their rightful place. Can you live a life, and keep a love that's destined for someone else? AU. VM/OB
Beta: My sister at heart, NJ
A/N: Thanks to everyone anyone who is reading, I hope you enjoy : )
Chapter 6- Promises
“Poor man! Someone should help him…the poor thing…”
“Are you serious? You saw what he did to that boy! Wenham was better off in prison if you ask me! The jail suits his kind…”
“I don’t know why they didn’t just execute him!”
“Wenham is just a harmless beggar...leave him be.”
“Harmless? Harmless! He has more blood in his hands than the butcher!”
“You don’t believe those rumors do you? Nothing was proven…”
“Believe me, innocent people aren’t cursed like Wenham! That insanity must come from guilt I tell you….”
“It would have been more merciful to keep him in prison. The poor man has no family left after…you know…”
“He’s just a poor beggar!”
“A mad murderer!”
“Don’t say such things! Just leave the man to his misery.”
The townspeople gossiped madly, bickering back and forth as Wenham sobbed beneath his shaggy cloak. Muffled pleas of mercy were often overcome with frightening outbursts of fear as he cried insanely.
“Let’s go home Orli,” Dom said kindly as he turned Orlando away from the deranged figure who cowered into shadow. Dom supported Orli until he could walk by himself, but even then the Monaghan stood close by.
“Wait,” Karl called to them, “You forgot this.” He ran up and handed the bottle of ointment to Orli, their hands touching once more. Four seconds is way to much time, Dom thought as he moved Orli away from Karl’s touch. Dom didn’t fail to note Karl’s annoyance.
“Um…thanks…again…Karl,” Orlando managed to say, his head still down. Dom took a hold of his arm and began leading him out of the village, a little more determined and definitely more agitated.
“Do I know you? I mean…have we met?” Orlando asked suddenly before Dom could interrupt. Karl saw the invitation and accepted. Dom groaned as the older boy walked on the other side of Orlando. This kid wasn’t going to leave them alone anytime soon.
“No,” Karl answered as he brushed a few of Orlando’s hair strands from his face, “I would have remembered you.”
Dom didn’t like how this kid was talking, or moving! It wasn’t jealously that Dom felt, but more of the overwhelming protectiveness that comes with being a brother. He felt this way about all his cousins, and Orlando was his brother in every way but blood. If this creep tried anything Dom’s eyes narrowed while Orlando turned shyly away from Karl’s touch.
“It’s just I think I’ve seen you before…never mind…”Orlando said nervously. It felt like he encountered Karl before, or at least someone like him. But Karl was completely different. One moment he was another stranger, the next he became a protector. Now, he was acting like some sort of…suitor? Orlando didn’t know what to think. A part of him was suspicious and untrusting of Karl, but the other part of him wanted so much to have another friend. And Karl never did anything but defend him. Yet Orlando feared the strength he displayed. Karl appeared accustomed to settling a lot of things with brute force.
The three continued to walk in silence for a long time, Orlando’s eyes towards the ground, Karl’s eyes on Orlando, and Dom’s eyes on Karl’s hands.
“Do you live nearby?” Karl asked innocently, but to Dom the simple question conjured crazy images.
“I think that’s enough. Thank you …um…Karl…but we really have to be going.” Dom pointed at the bridge straight ahead, “And since I’ve never seen you…ever in my life, I assume you’re not from Riverdale so you’ll have no need to follow us.”
“Riverdale? Is that where you live?” Karl asked Orlando, completely ignoring Dom’s efforts to be rid of him.
“Um…look, it’s going to rain,” Dom said desperately, shooting a finger up at the sky in wonder, trying to cover up his stupid mistake, “Yes…rain, um…we better go Orli…bye Karl.” He started to pull Orlando across the bridge, more annoyed than ever as Karl eagerly took Orlando’s hand to support him from sliding.
“I’ll walk you.” Karl offered, once again wiping the falling bangs from Orlando’s face. He gently lifted the shy boy’s face up, seeing pass the bruises that marred the young face.
“You shouldn’t cry.” Karl said. He knew. He was a complete stranger and he knew. Maybe not the whole truth, but Karl had seen enough in his young life to recognize the suffering of others, even when they wouldn’t admit it.
“I’m not crying.” Orlando said as he broke free of both Dom and Karl’s hold. He pulled his hair back down to shield his face, embarrassed that a stranger would take so much interest in him.
“Stop that!” Karl said, combing Orlando’s hair back with rough fingers, “Keep your head up.”
“Karl I…”
“And don’t look down at the ground all the time. Your eyes are more appreciated here.” Karl said as he met Orlando’s eyes with his own. Orlando saw kindness and concern, and it was different from the kindness anyone had ever shown him before. Orlando smiled awkwardly.
“That suits you better.” Karl smiled back. Dom was ready to push him over the bridge, but decided reluctantly against it for Orli’s sake. That was a first time…he actually thought before he acted…Dom shook his head. A strange day indeed. So instead he pushed Orlando quickly off the bridge, and with a grip of the arm he ran.
And Dom was a fast runner, especially when he was irritated. And Karl was definitely irritating him.
“Dom! Quit it!” Orlando protested as Dom clenched his arm, racing away from Karl.
“I don’t like him Orli! We don’t even know him! I’ve been back and forth to Talbothays for years, and he never showed up before! He could be a thief, or a run away…or something else.” Dom hissed.
“If Karl really is a run away he probably has a good reason for leaving home…and people only steal when there is no other choice.” Orlando argued.
Dom rolled his eyes. Orlando sometimes was too good for his own…good! The boy could probably meet a serial killer and feel pity for him!
“Fine Orli!” Dom released Orlando from his grip, “Do whatever it is you see fit! I’ve got to go home. A plague to stop remember?” He waved the medicine around, reminding Orlando of their original purpose. Orlando smiled as Dom’s playfulness peaked in despite his frustration.
“I don’t want to leave you alone with him.” Dom said quietly as Karl caught up with them.
“You have to go Dom…I’ll be alright. I don’t want your mother banishing you if you show up late.” Orlando said as Karl came up behind him. Dom looked at the two for a moment, then thought about his family with the weight of illness bearing down on them. Karl liked Orlando, that was for sure. Karl would keep his friend safe from anyone, but then again Dom wasn’t too happy with leaving them alone. But his poor family…Dom cursed himself.
“Just be careful Orli,” Dom said as he headed reluctantly to his house, still a little uneasy.
“He will,” Karl answered, “I’ll make sure of it.”
“Bye Orli.” Dom said, shooting Karl a warning glare before finally going home, a bit hesitant in his steps.
“Your friend…is he always like that?” Karl asked once Dom was a way off.
“Only when he’s concerned…but really, he’s a good friend.” Orlando said as he led the way.
“I can see.” Karl said as he followed Orli, never taking his eyes away from the boy, “He has to be. Don’t loose him.”
“I-I won’t…Me and him are like brothers.” Orlando said nervously as he felt Karl’s gaze linger, “So...are you from Talbothays?” Orlando said in effort to change the subject.
“No.”
“From Marlott?”
“No.”
“From Willington?”
“I’m not from here,” Karl answered and Orlando was surprised to hear a hint of sadness in his voice, “At least I don’t think I am.”
“You don’t know?” Orlando asked curiously. How could anyone not know where they came from?
He looked at Karl’s rough appearance once more and thought about Dom’s warnings. Karl certainly did fit the description of a runaway. He was messy and rough, as if he didn’t care at all what people thought of him. The manner in his step, and the gleam of his eyes were urgent and shady. Yet at the same time Karl possessed an uncommon gentleness and fondness for Orlando. And right now he wasn’t sure if he should be pleased or frightened.
“I’m trying to know,” Karl said. What drove him to this boy, he did not know. He did know that he wanted to know this Orlando boy…Something about the younger child stirred a dormant part of Karl’s heart. All his life Karl looked out for no one but himself. He fought, stole, and bribed his way through life, the pressure of survival constantly driving him to move on. But since he saw Orlando through the noisy streets of Talbothays, he felt something utterly foreign awaken within him…and it felt nice.
“I wish I could help you,” Orlando said meekly, not sure of what else to say, “Are you here by yourself?”
“Yes,”
“Where’s your family? They must be worried about you.”
There was an uncomfortable silence between them as Karl tried to word his answer, Orlando sensed his new friend’s distress and regretted even asking the question.
“They’re dead.” Karl said finally with a faint choke, “I-I hope they are…I mean…no…I…”
“You want them dead?” Orlando suddenly missed Dom more than he ever had before. He was alone with someone who wanted his own family dead! The sky became incredibly dark, and drops of rain soon began to fall quickly on them, hastening Orlando’s steps. There was a horrible feeling in Orlando’s stomach as Karl tried to make up for his slip.
“I didn’t mean it like that…I just like to think that they’re dead because…then I won’t have anyone to hate.” Karl confessed, afraid that he had scared Orlando, “I know you can’t understand…I have problems…Orli,” he tried the nickname nervously.
“Are you a runaway?” Orlando asked softly.
“Yes…I was just passing through Talbothays when I saw you…I…I’m going away soon… I was going to leave until I met you…I’m not a bad person Orli, just a bit…I-I don’t even know…” Karl didn’t realize he was rambling until he ran out of words.
“Alone?” Orlando said kindly, “I know what it’s like too. I don’t think you’re a bad person…”
“What I said about my family before…I didn’t really mean it. I don’t know what I’ll do once I find them…I don’t even know who they are really…”
“You’re an orphan?” Orlando felt strangely guilty. He wasn’t expecting Karl to tell him all his problems, and it made him feel awkward that such a strong person could be so alone and uncertain of himself.
“An orphan, a thief, a runaway,” Karl said, “And now because of you…a friend.” There was a distant longing in Karl’s voice, to Orlando it sounded a lot like a plea.
Orlando didn’t know how to respond. This boy thought of him as a friend? All he knew about Karl was that he was a criminal…a young and confused one at that. Karl was showering Orlando with attention ever since their first meeting only an hour ago, and it was unnerving. But he could sense Karl’s loneliness, he knew the feeling all too well.
“I-I’m glad Karl…that you’re my friend…”
“Me too. I’m glad that we met,” Karl said softly as the rain poured down, “You know, all my life people would look at me and see a street rat. You’re different. I think I like you…”
“Do you like Dom too?” Orlando asked as his wreck of a home came to view.
“If that lunatic attacked him, I would have helped him for your sake,” Karl said darkly, “But if he were alone Orli…I wouldn’t give a damn.”
“I-I have to go the rest of the way alone.” Orlando said.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes,” Orlando nodded, “My family doesn’t like visitors. I want you to come but they—”
He feared what his uncle and mother might do if he brought a runaway to their doorstep. He was even more afraid of what Karl might do if saw how they treated him.
“They might not be so welcoming—”
“Will you take this?” Karl interrupted bluntly. Orlando watched curiously as Karl removed a cord from around his neck. Tied to the cord were two very simple wooden pendants, equally alike in design and size. Karl took one of the pendants and placed it into Orlando’s surprised hands.
“I didn’t steal this,” Karl explained as Orlando tried to push it back into his hands, “Keep it for me.”
“I can’t…” Orlando looked at the pendant closely. Even in its humble simplicity the craftsmanship was beautiful. Orlando gasped when he realized the image that seemed to pop from the design, “It’s a horse.”
“Yes…they both are,” Karl looked down on the remaining pendant on his chest, “I’ve had them since I can remember. They’re the only thing I have to find my family…or what’s left of them.”
“Oh no Karl! I can’t take this from you! It’s too valuable!” Karl held Orlando’s hands firmly away before he could return the treasure.
“You’re not taking it from me Orlando. I’m letting you keep it until I come back…,” Karl said gently, turning his eyes towards the road, “I’m leaving tonight. Some merchants from Talbothays are moving on to Marlott, and I plan to join them. Maybe I’ll find answers there, but if not…If I find that I have nothing left to go to…I’ll return for this…” His dark brown eyes turned back to Orlando.
“Orlando, as long you keep it, I’ll be sure to come back for it…I don’t know when, but someday I promise. Just keep it safe for me, please Orli? I’ve never had many friends…but this is what they do right? They trust each other? I’m trusting you with this.”
Orlando was speechless as the rain threw torrents down on them. He could barely see anything but the vagabond before him, grasping his hands with unreadable eyes.
“Take care Karl,” Orlando finally managed as his friend slowly let his hands slip away, “I promise to take care of this for you,” he said tucking the precious pendant in the coin purse.
“And I promise to come back for it,” Karl said.
Both boys jumped as lightning and thunder tore the sky overhead.
“I have to go home. Take care Karl. I hope we’ll meet again,” Orlando said sadly.
“I promise…we will…”
Orlando watched as the ragged figure turned away and disappeared into the storm. Orlando blinked as another lightening bolt shot through the sky, and for a second he though he saw Karl looking over his shoulder in a final goodbye. Orlando touched the coin pouch, reassuring himself that it wasn’t all a dream.
He felt incredibly lonely as the cold rain ran down his face. Orlando missed him. They had only known each other for merely an hour, and still it felt like such a heavy loss. Karl was unnerving to be around with yet now that he was gone Orlando felt empty. He trudged through the dirt and mud as he saw the dim light from within the house getting closer. He could almost hear voices cutting through the rain as he neared. He continued slowly, unsure of what his mother and uncle might think once they saw him in this state.
Then he heard her scream.
“Mother?” Orlando ran frantically towards the noise, mud splattering all over him as he cut through the rain.
“Mother!” He cried as the door swung open. Miranda was thrown to the ground, her whole body covered in mud and rain as she wept bitterly. Bernard stormed out of the house and yanked his niece up by the hair, shouting curses and abominations.
“Don’t…please,” Miranda sobbed hopelessly as Bernard struck her down once more.
“No!” Orlando screamed as he pushed Bernard away with all his might, swinging his fist and feet blindly. The man was knocked down as his foot slipped from Orlando’s onslaught. Miranda looked up to see her son at her side, trying to help her up. They both slid as the mud slipped and shifted from beneath them, causing them both to collapse. Bernard pushed himself from the ground and with a roar targeted the accursed boy.
“No! Orlando!” Miranda cried as Bernard grabbed the child from the collar, twisting him violently around, “Enough! Uncle!”
“When did you learn to fight against me?” Bernard spat as he shoved Orlando, “When boy?”
“Stop!” Miranda pleaded in frantic cries.
“So the two of you are against me now? Is that it? Both ungrateful, pathetic shits!” Bernard crashed Orlando down, knocking the very breath from him.
“And you…”Bernard sneered as Miranda tried to back away, “After everything I’ve done for you…you shameless slut!” He stuck her again, drawing blood from her lips.
“NO! Leave her alone!” Orlando screamed as he hit his uncle in full force, “Don’t hurt her! Don’t ever hurt her!”
“Get out of my way before I kill you boy…” Bernard grinned as his hand gripped around Orlando’s neck.
“I’ll tell! I swear I will! If you hurt her a-a-again…I…I’ll tell everyone! They’ll take you away!” Orlando gasped as his uncle began to choke him.
“You can’t. You won’t.” Bernard said, tossing Orlando back as he released him.
“I will…y-you can’t stop me a-anymore. I’ll l-leave…I’ll take m-m-mother. Or you’ll go to prison…I don’t care…As l-long as you can’t hurt her.” Orlando said painfully as his throat burned desperately for more air.
“Where will you go?” Bernard said darkly as he grabbed Orlando by the collar again, “You have nothing.”
“I don’t care…far away! Far away from you!” Orlando shouted as he struggled to get closer to his mother.
“Far away…is that what you really want Orlando?” The boy cringed as Bernard’s face twisted into a sick grin. “Do you really want to be far away? Far way from the manor? Far away from your sister?”
Miranda looked up in horror as Bernard’s eyes shone demonically, a cruel smile plastered on his dark face. Orlando shook from neither cold nor fear, but by complete and utter shock.
“S-sister? What are….what are you saying?” Orlando whispered brokenly, his heart dreading the answer.
“Where is your voice? Where did all your brave plans go?” Bernard mocked as he watched Orlando crumble once more, “Your sister…,” He pointed towards the manor. Orlando felt his own burning tears mingling with the cold rain.
“Liv?” Orlando choked through his tears. He couldn’t believe it. How? Why? He looked down at Miranda who was crying miserably, and for the first time in his life, he hated her.
“Your slut of a mother here had you through our wonderful, noble, ever faithful lord.” Bernard said wickedly, “You’re a genuine bastard…” Bernard laughed as Orlando wept silently.
“Would you really want to leave Orlando? Do really want to abandon her, especially now that her very life is in danger?”
“W-what? What’s wrong with Liv?” Orlando sobbed as his whole world shattered. He had a sister…Liv was his sister…Lord Hugo…Orlando cried openly at the thought. He was a mistake, he shouldn’t be here! He had no right! He was sin incarnate….
“Her poor weak heart…would you really leave her like that? You know…she can’t take much stress, it’s very, very, bad for her…her heart constricts and she goes into uncontrollable fits…she suffers so much…image how upset she would be if she found out that her father betrayed her most beloved mother? And that you, her bastard brother…left her?”
“No! Orlando, come back!” Miranda wept as Orlando ran into the darkness, her heart screamed as she realized it was the first time he ever disobeyed her.
“How could you say that?” Miranda screamed at her uncle, anger overflowing her entire being, “How could you?”
“To keep the bastard quiet…he won’t say anything, not after this. Orlando is weak, his own stupid heart, his foolish misplaced love holds him back. He won’t leave Liv…he loves her too much.” Bernard said, a tint of disgust cutting through his words, “He could condemn me and everyone in the manor would take his side…The stupid boy has a strong hold on people and he doesn’t even realize it. The fool! He doesn’t even know his own power!”
“That lie…what if he tells?” Miranda said through frightened eyes.
“He won’t say a thing…and Miranda,” Bernard said as he stepped into the house once again, “You know your sin, live with it as I have.”
********
“What!”
“Orlando please, calm down…”
“What do you mean? People are supposed to be watching her, right? What happened?”
“Orli, just sit here dear alright? We’re all worried, just calm down.” Fran said frantically, trying to calm the frightened boy.
She had never seen Orlando this upset before in her entire life! She found the boy wandering outside the kitchen in the pouring rain just as she herself was venturing out. She invited him in quickly, shutting the door behind him barring out the harsh rain. Orlando was greeted with urgent voices and rushing servants, all of them calling out Liv’s name. When Orlando has asked her what all the commotion was about, she didn’t expect him to react this way.
“Liv can’t be missing! She has to be here right? She can’t be outside!” Orlando panicked. He wept as he thought of Liv, his sister, lost in the torrents of rain, crying as pain ripped through her heart. He couldn’t just stay here! She needed him! He broke free from Fran’s hold and ran into the hall, desperately asking anyone if they had found Liv. He stopped as he heard shouts from a secluded room.
“How could you! Hugo how could you say that to her?” Orlando crept closer to the door as he recognized Lady Cate’s voice, usually filled with kindness, now overpowered by rage.
“She needs to be told Cate!” Orlando stepped back as his heart raced at the sound of Lord Hugo’s voice.
“Hugo, you know about her heart! You know what could happen if she ever gets upset!”
“It’s no excuse Cate! She still has to learn! She has to know when she has done something unacceptable!”
“It was a simple mistake! You condemn her as if she committed an unforgivable crime!”
“Cate! She is not a baby! She knew better! I love her Cate, you know I do…I don’t want her to be hurt but she has to grow up!”
“Just find her Hugo! I want my daughter back! Find her….please…find her…” Orlando summoned his courage, daring to watch as Hugo held Cate in a tight embrace. He turned away quickly as servants ran by him, all arguing about where to look next.
Orlando searched his mind wildly, thinking of where Liv might hide. A place that nobody knew about….Orlando sped out the door into the dark curtain of night and rain. He knew where she was.
*******
Liv wrapped her arms around herself as best as she could. Another gust of wind raced through the treetops, ripping leaves off the branches and sending them whirling down to her. She huddled tightly at the roots of a great tree. In daylight the mighty roots bundled at the base like a nest, by night it was the perfect hiding spot. Liv moaned as she felt her heart beat faster. She was cold...very cold. She shivered as the wind blew her hair from her face and as lightening threatened to give her hiding spot away.
“Liv? Liv are you there?”
Liv got up in surprise. No one knew about this place, this was her own secret hide away…hers and…
“Orlando?” Liv said as she saw him emerge from the shadows, “What are you doing here?”
It hurt Orlando to hear the anger and resentment in Liv’s voice, but it hurt even more to see her. He came down to where she laid at the base of the tree. Gently, he wiped her hair from her face, amazed by how cold her skin felt.
“Liv…Liv…You have to go back, you’re sick…” She pulled away from him in annoyance.
“I don’t want too!” Liv cried as her hands flew up to her heart.
“Please Liv,” Orlando begged as he wrapped an arm around Liv’s shoulders, “Let me help you…please go home.”
“NO! My father hates me! I don’t ever want to go back!” Liv screamed as Orlando held her tighter, “He hates me! He doesn’t want me! He hates me!” Liv cried as she threw a glittering object from her hands.
Orlando picked up the shimmering object, carefully wiping off the mud. His breath was caught when he beheld the sheer radiance of the necklace. The pendant was intricately designed and shone luminously in the darkness, as if it created a light within itself. He had never touched something so gorgeous and so rich before.
“Pretty isn’t it?” Liv said softly as Orlando admired the gem, “Like a star.”
“Did your…your father give this to you?” Orlando asked. He ran his fingers through the chain, stopping as he reached the broken end.
“No. It was a present Lord Mortensen’s grandson gave me…I did that,” Liv explained, pointing to the broken chain, “It was an accident…I wasn’t supposed to open it right away, but it was my present! Daddy said so himself! It’s mine! I should open it whenever want right? So I did and the chain broke…Daddy found out and he…he…got mad at me! He hates me Orli.” Liv cried.
“He doesn’t hate you Liv! He was just…a bit disappointed maybe?” Orlando tried his best to comfort her, but only succeeded in making it worse.
“Disappointed?” Liv pushed Orli away in rage, “He always finds something wrong with me! Always! No matter what I do it’s never good enough!”
“Liv! No, I didn’t mean it like that honest…”
“Shut up! I’m never good enough because of YOU! My Daddy hates me because I’m not you!”
“What?”
“Whenever I do something wrong, he always brings you up. Whenever I do something right, he says that you could have done better. He’s always talking about you. He favors you Orli! It’s always about you! How smart you are, how wonderful you are, what a charming, dear boy you are! You’re always the star! Always the hero! Do you even know what you do Orli? Or do you really try to make me second-best? Are you trying to take everyone from me? My mother, my father, even the servants, they all favor YOU!!! Always you!!!”
All Orlando could do was hold her as she collapsed in exhaustion and anger. She trembled in agony as her heart fought against her, she wanted to rest so badly…to get away from everyone, but Orlando wouldn’t let her go.
“Liv…I-I’m sorry…I didn’t mean to do that! I never wanted to be better than you! I…Liv, please come home…please…you’re shaking….”
“No! I’m not going back there! It’s humiliating! The only heir, the only child being second to someone like…like…you! I want to win for once…I want to be the best…” Liv confessed selfishly between staggered breaths.
Orlando hated himself. He hated his mother. It was his fault that Liv ran away! He was taking over her place without even realizing it! Was he such a horrible person that he could do that to his own sister? To the rightful heir? He had no right! He was nothing…and now she might die because of him!
“Go back to the manor…please Liv…return home and I promise…I promise to stay away.” Orlando cried as he held his sister. Liv raised her eyes in disbelief.
“W-what? What did you say Orli?” she asked weakly, searching Orlando’s eyes for any hint of deception, she found none.
“I didn’t realize I was taking your place, I’m so sorry Liv…Please go home! I’ll distance myself, I’ll hold back…just please go home! Everyone’s worried, they’re all looking for you!”
“Really? Everyone?”
“Yes, especially your parents. You father really loves you Liv…please go back. I don’t like seeing them upset. Please Liv…I promise that from now on…you’ll be the best. You’ll always win, I’ll make sure you’ll always win…Whatever you want I’ll give it up, I promise Liv…just please go back home…” Orlando brushed the necklace again as he handed it to Liv, “Please Liv…”
“Why? I thought that you were trying to show everyone that you were better than me…,” Liv gasped as her heart constricted violently, “Why do you care about me?” she asked in the frailest voice.
“I love you Liv,” Orlando said as she leaned into his embrace, “You’re…you’re the closest thing I have to a sister…and that’s what brother’s do right? They care for their sisters?” Orlando smiled as Liv embraced him intensely, a faint smile on her tear-stained face.
“Thanks Orli…,” Liv said gratefully, her heart feeling lighter and relaxed as the rain died down.
“Let’s take you home,” The heiress smile grew wider as Orlando helped her up from their hiding spot. She looked down at the necklace in her hands then back at Orli.
“Do you really mean it? Will you give up anything just to let me win?”
“Yes,” and he lead her out into the night. They continued in silence as the weather calmed around them. Suddenly Liv brought the necklace up to her eyes.
“I can’t wait to meet him,” she said excitedly.
“Who?” Orlando asked. He was happy that Liv was returning to her usual self, now at least she had something to look forward to.
“The one who gave me this necklace…Viggo, Lord Mortensen’s grandson.”
“Viggo…” Orlando tried the name over and over again in his mind. His hands reached for the coin purse that held Karl’s remembrance, and thought about where his friend was right now. Then he looked at Liv, dirty and drenched, but happy. Orlando thought about the strange name once again.
“Viggo…”
TBC…
A/N: I’m so sorry if this story is getting confusing…If something’s not clear, please let me know, and I’ll try to fix it. I hope you still enjoyed regardless… : ) Thanks for all your support : D Viggo shows up next chapter!
Characters: Karl Urban, Liv Tyler, Orlando Bloom, Viggo Mortensen
Genres: Angst, Drama, Romance
Rating: R
Warnings: Violence, AU
Summary: Liv enjoys the power and pleasure of nobility, while Orlando suffers the harsh life of a commoner. The arrival of a Danish Lord may put them in their rightful place. Can you live a life, and keep a love that's destined for someone else? AU. VM/OB
Beta: My sister at heart, NJ
A/N: Thanks to everyone anyone who is reading, I hope you enjoy : )
Chapter 6- Promises
“Poor man! Someone should help him…the poor thing…”
“Are you serious? You saw what he did to that boy! Wenham was better off in prison if you ask me! The jail suits his kind…”
“I don’t know why they didn’t just execute him!”
“Wenham is just a harmless beggar...leave him be.”
“Harmless? Harmless! He has more blood in his hands than the butcher!”
“You don’t believe those rumors do you? Nothing was proven…”
“Believe me, innocent people aren’t cursed like Wenham! That insanity must come from guilt I tell you….”
“It would have been more merciful to keep him in prison. The poor man has no family left after…you know…”
“He’s just a poor beggar!”
“A mad murderer!”
“Don’t say such things! Just leave the man to his misery.”
The townspeople gossiped madly, bickering back and forth as Wenham sobbed beneath his shaggy cloak. Muffled pleas of mercy were often overcome with frightening outbursts of fear as he cried insanely.
“Let’s go home Orli,” Dom said kindly as he turned Orlando away from the deranged figure who cowered into shadow. Dom supported Orli until he could walk by himself, but even then the Monaghan stood close by.
“Wait,” Karl called to them, “You forgot this.” He ran up and handed the bottle of ointment to Orli, their hands touching once more. Four seconds is way to much time, Dom thought as he moved Orli away from Karl’s touch. Dom didn’t fail to note Karl’s annoyance.
“Um…thanks…again…Karl,” Orlando managed to say, his head still down. Dom took a hold of his arm and began leading him out of the village, a little more determined and definitely more agitated.
“Do I know you? I mean…have we met?” Orlando asked suddenly before Dom could interrupt. Karl saw the invitation and accepted. Dom groaned as the older boy walked on the other side of Orlando. This kid wasn’t going to leave them alone anytime soon.
“No,” Karl answered as he brushed a few of Orlando’s hair strands from his face, “I would have remembered you.”
Dom didn’t like how this kid was talking, or moving! It wasn’t jealously that Dom felt, but more of the overwhelming protectiveness that comes with being a brother. He felt this way about all his cousins, and Orlando was his brother in every way but blood. If this creep tried anything Dom’s eyes narrowed while Orlando turned shyly away from Karl’s touch.
“It’s just I think I’ve seen you before…never mind…”Orlando said nervously. It felt like he encountered Karl before, or at least someone like him. But Karl was completely different. One moment he was another stranger, the next he became a protector. Now, he was acting like some sort of…suitor? Orlando didn’t know what to think. A part of him was suspicious and untrusting of Karl, but the other part of him wanted so much to have another friend. And Karl never did anything but defend him. Yet Orlando feared the strength he displayed. Karl appeared accustomed to settling a lot of things with brute force.
The three continued to walk in silence for a long time, Orlando’s eyes towards the ground, Karl’s eyes on Orlando, and Dom’s eyes on Karl’s hands.
“Do you live nearby?” Karl asked innocently, but to Dom the simple question conjured crazy images.
“I think that’s enough. Thank you …um…Karl…but we really have to be going.” Dom pointed at the bridge straight ahead, “And since I’ve never seen you…ever in my life, I assume you’re not from Riverdale so you’ll have no need to follow us.”
“Riverdale? Is that where you live?” Karl asked Orlando, completely ignoring Dom’s efforts to be rid of him.
“Um…look, it’s going to rain,” Dom said desperately, shooting a finger up at the sky in wonder, trying to cover up his stupid mistake, “Yes…rain, um…we better go Orli…bye Karl.” He started to pull Orlando across the bridge, more annoyed than ever as Karl eagerly took Orlando’s hand to support him from sliding.
“I’ll walk you.” Karl offered, once again wiping the falling bangs from Orlando’s face. He gently lifted the shy boy’s face up, seeing pass the bruises that marred the young face.
“You shouldn’t cry.” Karl said. He knew. He was a complete stranger and he knew. Maybe not the whole truth, but Karl had seen enough in his young life to recognize the suffering of others, even when they wouldn’t admit it.
“I’m not crying.” Orlando said as he broke free of both Dom and Karl’s hold. He pulled his hair back down to shield his face, embarrassed that a stranger would take so much interest in him.
“Stop that!” Karl said, combing Orlando’s hair back with rough fingers, “Keep your head up.”
“Karl I…”
“And don’t look down at the ground all the time. Your eyes are more appreciated here.” Karl said as he met Orlando’s eyes with his own. Orlando saw kindness and concern, and it was different from the kindness anyone had ever shown him before. Orlando smiled awkwardly.
“That suits you better.” Karl smiled back. Dom was ready to push him over the bridge, but decided reluctantly against it for Orli’s sake. That was a first time…he actually thought before he acted…Dom shook his head. A strange day indeed. So instead he pushed Orlando quickly off the bridge, and with a grip of the arm he ran.
And Dom was a fast runner, especially when he was irritated. And Karl was definitely irritating him.
“Dom! Quit it!” Orlando protested as Dom clenched his arm, racing away from Karl.
“I don’t like him Orli! We don’t even know him! I’ve been back and forth to Talbothays for years, and he never showed up before! He could be a thief, or a run away…or something else.” Dom hissed.
“If Karl really is a run away he probably has a good reason for leaving home…and people only steal when there is no other choice.” Orlando argued.
Dom rolled his eyes. Orlando sometimes was too good for his own…good! The boy could probably meet a serial killer and feel pity for him!
“Fine Orli!” Dom released Orlando from his grip, “Do whatever it is you see fit! I’ve got to go home. A plague to stop remember?” He waved the medicine around, reminding Orlando of their original purpose. Orlando smiled as Dom’s playfulness peaked in despite his frustration.
“I don’t want to leave you alone with him.” Dom said quietly as Karl caught up with them.
“You have to go Dom…I’ll be alright. I don’t want your mother banishing you if you show up late.” Orlando said as Karl came up behind him. Dom looked at the two for a moment, then thought about his family with the weight of illness bearing down on them. Karl liked Orlando, that was for sure. Karl would keep his friend safe from anyone, but then again Dom wasn’t too happy with leaving them alone. But his poor family…Dom cursed himself.
“Just be careful Orli,” Dom said as he headed reluctantly to his house, still a little uneasy.
“He will,” Karl answered, “I’ll make sure of it.”
“Bye Orli.” Dom said, shooting Karl a warning glare before finally going home, a bit hesitant in his steps.
“Your friend…is he always like that?” Karl asked once Dom was a way off.
“Only when he’s concerned…but really, he’s a good friend.” Orlando said as he led the way.
“I can see.” Karl said as he followed Orli, never taking his eyes away from the boy, “He has to be. Don’t loose him.”
“I-I won’t…Me and him are like brothers.” Orlando said nervously as he felt Karl’s gaze linger, “So...are you from Talbothays?” Orlando said in effort to change the subject.
“No.”
“From Marlott?”
“No.”
“From Willington?”
“I’m not from here,” Karl answered and Orlando was surprised to hear a hint of sadness in his voice, “At least I don’t think I am.”
“You don’t know?” Orlando asked curiously. How could anyone not know where they came from?
He looked at Karl’s rough appearance once more and thought about Dom’s warnings. Karl certainly did fit the description of a runaway. He was messy and rough, as if he didn’t care at all what people thought of him. The manner in his step, and the gleam of his eyes were urgent and shady. Yet at the same time Karl possessed an uncommon gentleness and fondness for Orlando. And right now he wasn’t sure if he should be pleased or frightened.
“I’m trying to know,” Karl said. What drove him to this boy, he did not know. He did know that he wanted to know this Orlando boy…Something about the younger child stirred a dormant part of Karl’s heart. All his life Karl looked out for no one but himself. He fought, stole, and bribed his way through life, the pressure of survival constantly driving him to move on. But since he saw Orlando through the noisy streets of Talbothays, he felt something utterly foreign awaken within him…and it felt nice.
“I wish I could help you,” Orlando said meekly, not sure of what else to say, “Are you here by yourself?”
“Yes,”
“Where’s your family? They must be worried about you.”
There was an uncomfortable silence between them as Karl tried to word his answer, Orlando sensed his new friend’s distress and regretted even asking the question.
“They’re dead.” Karl said finally with a faint choke, “I-I hope they are…I mean…no…I…”
“You want them dead?” Orlando suddenly missed Dom more than he ever had before. He was alone with someone who wanted his own family dead! The sky became incredibly dark, and drops of rain soon began to fall quickly on them, hastening Orlando’s steps. There was a horrible feeling in Orlando’s stomach as Karl tried to make up for his slip.
“I didn’t mean it like that…I just like to think that they’re dead because…then I won’t have anyone to hate.” Karl confessed, afraid that he had scared Orlando, “I know you can’t understand…I have problems…Orli,” he tried the nickname nervously.
“Are you a runaway?” Orlando asked softly.
“Yes…I was just passing through Talbothays when I saw you…I…I’m going away soon… I was going to leave until I met you…I’m not a bad person Orli, just a bit…I-I don’t even know…” Karl didn’t realize he was rambling until he ran out of words.
“Alone?” Orlando said kindly, “I know what it’s like too. I don’t think you’re a bad person…”
“What I said about my family before…I didn’t really mean it. I don’t know what I’ll do once I find them…I don’t even know who they are really…”
“You’re an orphan?” Orlando felt strangely guilty. He wasn’t expecting Karl to tell him all his problems, and it made him feel awkward that such a strong person could be so alone and uncertain of himself.
“An orphan, a thief, a runaway,” Karl said, “And now because of you…a friend.” There was a distant longing in Karl’s voice, to Orlando it sounded a lot like a plea.
Orlando didn’t know how to respond. This boy thought of him as a friend? All he knew about Karl was that he was a criminal…a young and confused one at that. Karl was showering Orlando with attention ever since their first meeting only an hour ago, and it was unnerving. But he could sense Karl’s loneliness, he knew the feeling all too well.
“I-I’m glad Karl…that you’re my friend…”
“Me too. I’m glad that we met,” Karl said softly as the rain poured down, “You know, all my life people would look at me and see a street rat. You’re different. I think I like you…”
“Do you like Dom too?” Orlando asked as his wreck of a home came to view.
“If that lunatic attacked him, I would have helped him for your sake,” Karl said darkly, “But if he were alone Orli…I wouldn’t give a damn.”
“I-I have to go the rest of the way alone.” Orlando said.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes,” Orlando nodded, “My family doesn’t like visitors. I want you to come but they—”
He feared what his uncle and mother might do if he brought a runaway to their doorstep. He was even more afraid of what Karl might do if saw how they treated him.
“They might not be so welcoming—”
“Will you take this?” Karl interrupted bluntly. Orlando watched curiously as Karl removed a cord from around his neck. Tied to the cord were two very simple wooden pendants, equally alike in design and size. Karl took one of the pendants and placed it into Orlando’s surprised hands.
“I didn’t steal this,” Karl explained as Orlando tried to push it back into his hands, “Keep it for me.”
“I can’t…” Orlando looked at the pendant closely. Even in its humble simplicity the craftsmanship was beautiful. Orlando gasped when he realized the image that seemed to pop from the design, “It’s a horse.”
“Yes…they both are,” Karl looked down on the remaining pendant on his chest, “I’ve had them since I can remember. They’re the only thing I have to find my family…or what’s left of them.”
“Oh no Karl! I can’t take this from you! It’s too valuable!” Karl held Orlando’s hands firmly away before he could return the treasure.
“You’re not taking it from me Orlando. I’m letting you keep it until I come back…,” Karl said gently, turning his eyes towards the road, “I’m leaving tonight. Some merchants from Talbothays are moving on to Marlott, and I plan to join them. Maybe I’ll find answers there, but if not…If I find that I have nothing left to go to…I’ll return for this…” His dark brown eyes turned back to Orlando.
“Orlando, as long you keep it, I’ll be sure to come back for it…I don’t know when, but someday I promise. Just keep it safe for me, please Orli? I’ve never had many friends…but this is what they do right? They trust each other? I’m trusting you with this.”
Orlando was speechless as the rain threw torrents down on them. He could barely see anything but the vagabond before him, grasping his hands with unreadable eyes.
“Take care Karl,” Orlando finally managed as his friend slowly let his hands slip away, “I promise to take care of this for you,” he said tucking the precious pendant in the coin purse.
“And I promise to come back for it,” Karl said.
Both boys jumped as lightning and thunder tore the sky overhead.
“I have to go home. Take care Karl. I hope we’ll meet again,” Orlando said sadly.
“I promise…we will…”
Orlando watched as the ragged figure turned away and disappeared into the storm. Orlando blinked as another lightening bolt shot through the sky, and for a second he though he saw Karl looking over his shoulder in a final goodbye. Orlando touched the coin pouch, reassuring himself that it wasn’t all a dream.
He felt incredibly lonely as the cold rain ran down his face. Orlando missed him. They had only known each other for merely an hour, and still it felt like such a heavy loss. Karl was unnerving to be around with yet now that he was gone Orlando felt empty. He trudged through the dirt and mud as he saw the dim light from within the house getting closer. He could almost hear voices cutting through the rain as he neared. He continued slowly, unsure of what his mother and uncle might think once they saw him in this state.
Then he heard her scream.
“Mother?” Orlando ran frantically towards the noise, mud splattering all over him as he cut through the rain.
“Mother!” He cried as the door swung open. Miranda was thrown to the ground, her whole body covered in mud and rain as she wept bitterly. Bernard stormed out of the house and yanked his niece up by the hair, shouting curses and abominations.
“Don’t…please,” Miranda sobbed hopelessly as Bernard struck her down once more.
“No!” Orlando screamed as he pushed Bernard away with all his might, swinging his fist and feet blindly. The man was knocked down as his foot slipped from Orlando’s onslaught. Miranda looked up to see her son at her side, trying to help her up. They both slid as the mud slipped and shifted from beneath them, causing them both to collapse. Bernard pushed himself from the ground and with a roar targeted the accursed boy.
“No! Orlando!” Miranda cried as Bernard grabbed the child from the collar, twisting him violently around, “Enough! Uncle!”
“When did you learn to fight against me?” Bernard spat as he shoved Orlando, “When boy?”
“Stop!” Miranda pleaded in frantic cries.
“So the two of you are against me now? Is that it? Both ungrateful, pathetic shits!” Bernard crashed Orlando down, knocking the very breath from him.
“And you…”Bernard sneered as Miranda tried to back away, “After everything I’ve done for you…you shameless slut!” He stuck her again, drawing blood from her lips.
“NO! Leave her alone!” Orlando screamed as he hit his uncle in full force, “Don’t hurt her! Don’t ever hurt her!”
“Get out of my way before I kill you boy…” Bernard grinned as his hand gripped around Orlando’s neck.
“I’ll tell! I swear I will! If you hurt her a-a-again…I…I’ll tell everyone! They’ll take you away!” Orlando gasped as his uncle began to choke him.
“You can’t. You won’t.” Bernard said, tossing Orlando back as he released him.
“I will…y-you can’t stop me a-anymore. I’ll l-leave…I’ll take m-m-mother. Or you’ll go to prison…I don’t care…As l-long as you can’t hurt her.” Orlando said painfully as his throat burned desperately for more air.
“Where will you go?” Bernard said darkly as he grabbed Orlando by the collar again, “You have nothing.”
“I don’t care…far away! Far away from you!” Orlando shouted as he struggled to get closer to his mother.
“Far away…is that what you really want Orlando?” The boy cringed as Bernard’s face twisted into a sick grin. “Do you really want to be far away? Far way from the manor? Far away from your sister?”
Miranda looked up in horror as Bernard’s eyes shone demonically, a cruel smile plastered on his dark face. Orlando shook from neither cold nor fear, but by complete and utter shock.
“S-sister? What are….what are you saying?” Orlando whispered brokenly, his heart dreading the answer.
“Where is your voice? Where did all your brave plans go?” Bernard mocked as he watched Orlando crumble once more, “Your sister…,” He pointed towards the manor. Orlando felt his own burning tears mingling with the cold rain.
“Liv?” Orlando choked through his tears. He couldn’t believe it. How? Why? He looked down at Miranda who was crying miserably, and for the first time in his life, he hated her.
“Your slut of a mother here had you through our wonderful, noble, ever faithful lord.” Bernard said wickedly, “You’re a genuine bastard…” Bernard laughed as Orlando wept silently.
“Would you really want to leave Orlando? Do really want to abandon her, especially now that her very life is in danger?”
“W-what? What’s wrong with Liv?” Orlando sobbed as his whole world shattered. He had a sister…Liv was his sister…Lord Hugo…Orlando cried openly at the thought. He was a mistake, he shouldn’t be here! He had no right! He was sin incarnate….
“Her poor weak heart…would you really leave her like that? You know…she can’t take much stress, it’s very, very, bad for her…her heart constricts and she goes into uncontrollable fits…she suffers so much…image how upset she would be if she found out that her father betrayed her most beloved mother? And that you, her bastard brother…left her?”
“No! Orlando, come back!” Miranda wept as Orlando ran into the darkness, her heart screamed as she realized it was the first time he ever disobeyed her.
“How could you say that?” Miranda screamed at her uncle, anger overflowing her entire being, “How could you?”
“To keep the bastard quiet…he won’t say anything, not after this. Orlando is weak, his own stupid heart, his foolish misplaced love holds him back. He won’t leave Liv…he loves her too much.” Bernard said, a tint of disgust cutting through his words, “He could condemn me and everyone in the manor would take his side…The stupid boy has a strong hold on people and he doesn’t even realize it. The fool! He doesn’t even know his own power!”
“That lie…what if he tells?” Miranda said through frightened eyes.
“He won’t say a thing…and Miranda,” Bernard said as he stepped into the house once again, “You know your sin, live with it as I have.”
********
“What!”
“Orlando please, calm down…”
“What do you mean? People are supposed to be watching her, right? What happened?”
“Orli, just sit here dear alright? We’re all worried, just calm down.” Fran said frantically, trying to calm the frightened boy.
She had never seen Orlando this upset before in her entire life! She found the boy wandering outside the kitchen in the pouring rain just as she herself was venturing out. She invited him in quickly, shutting the door behind him barring out the harsh rain. Orlando was greeted with urgent voices and rushing servants, all of them calling out Liv’s name. When Orlando has asked her what all the commotion was about, she didn’t expect him to react this way.
“Liv can’t be missing! She has to be here right? She can’t be outside!” Orlando panicked. He wept as he thought of Liv, his sister, lost in the torrents of rain, crying as pain ripped through her heart. He couldn’t just stay here! She needed him! He broke free from Fran’s hold and ran into the hall, desperately asking anyone if they had found Liv. He stopped as he heard shouts from a secluded room.
“How could you! Hugo how could you say that to her?” Orlando crept closer to the door as he recognized Lady Cate’s voice, usually filled with kindness, now overpowered by rage.
“She needs to be told Cate!” Orlando stepped back as his heart raced at the sound of Lord Hugo’s voice.
“Hugo, you know about her heart! You know what could happen if she ever gets upset!”
“It’s no excuse Cate! She still has to learn! She has to know when she has done something unacceptable!”
“It was a simple mistake! You condemn her as if she committed an unforgivable crime!”
“Cate! She is not a baby! She knew better! I love her Cate, you know I do…I don’t want her to be hurt but she has to grow up!”
“Just find her Hugo! I want my daughter back! Find her….please…find her…” Orlando summoned his courage, daring to watch as Hugo held Cate in a tight embrace. He turned away quickly as servants ran by him, all arguing about where to look next.
Orlando searched his mind wildly, thinking of where Liv might hide. A place that nobody knew about….Orlando sped out the door into the dark curtain of night and rain. He knew where she was.
*******
Liv wrapped her arms around herself as best as she could. Another gust of wind raced through the treetops, ripping leaves off the branches and sending them whirling down to her. She huddled tightly at the roots of a great tree. In daylight the mighty roots bundled at the base like a nest, by night it was the perfect hiding spot. Liv moaned as she felt her heart beat faster. She was cold...very cold. She shivered as the wind blew her hair from her face and as lightening threatened to give her hiding spot away.
“Liv? Liv are you there?”
Liv got up in surprise. No one knew about this place, this was her own secret hide away…hers and…
“Orlando?” Liv said as she saw him emerge from the shadows, “What are you doing here?”
It hurt Orlando to hear the anger and resentment in Liv’s voice, but it hurt even more to see her. He came down to where she laid at the base of the tree. Gently, he wiped her hair from her face, amazed by how cold her skin felt.
“Liv…Liv…You have to go back, you’re sick…” She pulled away from him in annoyance.
“I don’t want too!” Liv cried as her hands flew up to her heart.
“Please Liv,” Orlando begged as he wrapped an arm around Liv’s shoulders, “Let me help you…please go home.”
“NO! My father hates me! I don’t ever want to go back!” Liv screamed as Orlando held her tighter, “He hates me! He doesn’t want me! He hates me!” Liv cried as she threw a glittering object from her hands.
Orlando picked up the shimmering object, carefully wiping off the mud. His breath was caught when he beheld the sheer radiance of the necklace. The pendant was intricately designed and shone luminously in the darkness, as if it created a light within itself. He had never touched something so gorgeous and so rich before.
“Pretty isn’t it?” Liv said softly as Orlando admired the gem, “Like a star.”
“Did your…your father give this to you?” Orlando asked. He ran his fingers through the chain, stopping as he reached the broken end.
“No. It was a present Lord Mortensen’s grandson gave me…I did that,” Liv explained, pointing to the broken chain, “It was an accident…I wasn’t supposed to open it right away, but it was my present! Daddy said so himself! It’s mine! I should open it whenever want right? So I did and the chain broke…Daddy found out and he…he…got mad at me! He hates me Orli.” Liv cried.
“He doesn’t hate you Liv! He was just…a bit disappointed maybe?” Orlando tried his best to comfort her, but only succeeded in making it worse.
“Disappointed?” Liv pushed Orli away in rage, “He always finds something wrong with me! Always! No matter what I do it’s never good enough!”
“Liv! No, I didn’t mean it like that honest…”
“Shut up! I’m never good enough because of YOU! My Daddy hates me because I’m not you!”
“What?”
“Whenever I do something wrong, he always brings you up. Whenever I do something right, he says that you could have done better. He’s always talking about you. He favors you Orli! It’s always about you! How smart you are, how wonderful you are, what a charming, dear boy you are! You’re always the star! Always the hero! Do you even know what you do Orli? Or do you really try to make me second-best? Are you trying to take everyone from me? My mother, my father, even the servants, they all favor YOU!!! Always you!!!”
All Orlando could do was hold her as she collapsed in exhaustion and anger. She trembled in agony as her heart fought against her, she wanted to rest so badly…to get away from everyone, but Orlando wouldn’t let her go.
“Liv…I-I’m sorry…I didn’t mean to do that! I never wanted to be better than you! I…Liv, please come home…please…you’re shaking….”
“No! I’m not going back there! It’s humiliating! The only heir, the only child being second to someone like…like…you! I want to win for once…I want to be the best…” Liv confessed selfishly between staggered breaths.
Orlando hated himself. He hated his mother. It was his fault that Liv ran away! He was taking over her place without even realizing it! Was he such a horrible person that he could do that to his own sister? To the rightful heir? He had no right! He was nothing…and now she might die because of him!
“Go back to the manor…please Liv…return home and I promise…I promise to stay away.” Orlando cried as he held his sister. Liv raised her eyes in disbelief.
“W-what? What did you say Orli?” she asked weakly, searching Orlando’s eyes for any hint of deception, she found none.
“I didn’t realize I was taking your place, I’m so sorry Liv…Please go home! I’ll distance myself, I’ll hold back…just please go home! Everyone’s worried, they’re all looking for you!”
“Really? Everyone?”
“Yes, especially your parents. You father really loves you Liv…please go back. I don’t like seeing them upset. Please Liv…I promise that from now on…you’ll be the best. You’ll always win, I’ll make sure you’ll always win…Whatever you want I’ll give it up, I promise Liv…just please go back home…” Orlando brushed the necklace again as he handed it to Liv, “Please Liv…”
“Why? I thought that you were trying to show everyone that you were better than me…,” Liv gasped as her heart constricted violently, “Why do you care about me?” she asked in the frailest voice.
“I love you Liv,” Orlando said as she leaned into his embrace, “You’re…you’re the closest thing I have to a sister…and that’s what brother’s do right? They care for their sisters?” Orlando smiled as Liv embraced him intensely, a faint smile on her tear-stained face.
“Thanks Orli…,” Liv said gratefully, her heart feeling lighter and relaxed as the rain died down.
“Let’s take you home,” The heiress smile grew wider as Orlando helped her up from their hiding spot. She looked down at the necklace in her hands then back at Orli.
“Do you really mean it? Will you give up anything just to let me win?”
“Yes,” and he lead her out into the night. They continued in silence as the weather calmed around them. Suddenly Liv brought the necklace up to her eyes.
“I can’t wait to meet him,” she said excitedly.
“Who?” Orlando asked. He was happy that Liv was returning to her usual self, now at least she had something to look forward to.
“The one who gave me this necklace…Viggo, Lord Mortensen’s grandson.”
“Viggo…” Orlando tried the name over and over again in his mind. His hands reached for the coin purse that held Karl’s remembrance, and thought about where his friend was right now. Then he looked at Liv, dirty and drenched, but happy. Orlando thought about the strange name once again.
“Viggo…”
TBC…
A/N: I’m so sorry if this story is getting confusing…If something’s not clear, please let me know, and I’ll try to fix it. I hope you still enjoyed regardless… : ) Thanks for all your support : D Viggo shows up next chapter!