fellowshippers | Whoever You May Be Ch.8

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

Chapter 8—The Invitation

“It’s always me!” Dom muttered to himself as he cut quickly through the grass, “Every single time!” He kicked the ground in frustration. Dom loved his family, they were everything to him, but right now they were the last people he wanted to see. He was almost nineteen for heaven’s sake! While others his age were already on their own and married with children, he was stuck in a pathetic little shack with three generations of his family. Much worse, he was stuck with three generations he was responsible for.

When someone got sick, Dom would get the medicine and care for them. When they need food, Dom had to look for it. When they needed money, Dom had to work for it. When the children fought, he would break up the fight. Everything was his responsibility, and lately he started to feel a tad bit abused.

“A life of servitude,” Dom mumbled as he passed through a patch of apple trees, “When it’s not Liv screaming orders in my ear, it’s my own family…what the?” Dom’s thoughts were silenced as an apple fell on his head and bounced off. They shouldn’t be falling off by themselves just yet. He picked up the apple curiously. Then he made the horrible mistake of looking up.

“FUCK!” A ridiculously heavy apple smacked him straight on the nose, “What the fucking….

“Who’s there?”

“What!?”

“Who’s down there? Are you alright?”

“A damn apple just broke my nose, what do you think?” Dom’s eyes were shut tight as he grasped his throbbing nose.

“Wait…I’m coming down,” Dom could vaguely hear the sound of someone climbing down and jumping off with a soft thud on the ground.

“Let me see.” Dom felt someone push his hands away from his nose, “It isn’t broken…I’m really sorry… I didn’t mean to hit you.”

“What the hell were you doing up…” Dom’s voice faltered as he opened his eyes. Before him stood a young, dark haired man dressed in rough, dirty, wrinkled clothes very much like his own. He was lean and fair, with the brightest eyes Dom had ever seen.

“I was…exploring.” The young man said after deciding on the right word.

“Exploring? You’re not from here are you?” Dom said as he wiggled his nose, training to bear the pain. He sought the heavy apple which nearly broke his nose, picked it up and took a huge bite of it, as if to retaliate.

“Thanks,” He waved the apple before turning away. He took another satisfying chuck of the fruit as a voice called after him.

“Wait! You’re right. I’m not from here, I don’t know my way…” The stranger ran after him, trying to catch up as best as he could. Dom stopped abruptly, causing the other youth to nearly bump into him.

“Do you see the furthest apple tree?,” Dom said, pointing back to where he came, a bit annoyed by this inconvenience, “Keep walking down that direction until you come to a road. Right of the road leads to a bridge, and from there you can get to Talbothays---”

“I’m not going to Talbothays…do you know how to get to the manor?”

“Manor?” Dom said suspiciously. This stranger was definitely no threat. He had a gentle aura around him, yet Dom couldn’t help but notice his confidence as well. Dom visually inspected him again, the man had to be a servant. But Dom knew every servant in the manor, and he had never seen this one before.

“I know where the manor is. I work there….and I also know everyone else that does. I’ve never seen you before.”

“You could say I’m a new arrival,” The youth smiled softly in explaination, “Please? I don’t want my absence to be noticed.”

“Sneaking out the first day?” Dom considered it for a moment, then with a slight smile of his own he answered, “Alright…follow me, it’s only a few minutes if we take this route.”

“Thank you.” Try as he might, Dom couldn’t help but smile at the man’s voice. The sound was cool and refreshing to his ears, and was unlike any other voice he’d heard before.

“Who did you use to work for?” Dom asked, disliking the silence that had fallen between them. For a second, the servant looked lost.

“Um….a….no one really…” He finally answered, “This is my first time here…my uncle visited this place often though. He would tell me how beautiful the country was and what wonderful people Lord Hugo and Lady Cate are.”

“Can’t disagree with him for not mentioning Liv…” Dom said flatly, “I don’t know who she inherited her…personality from.” Dom frowned. Somehow ‘personality’ wasn’t truthful or satisfying enough to say… ‘bitchy-ness’ was more like it. His companion spoke before he could correct himself.

“Uncle never said anything good about her…but he holds the Lord and Lady in high regard. I’m in no rush to meet them though…because once I finally do… I won’t have anytime for this” He said softly, admiring the scenery before him.

As the noon sun shone down upon them, Dom felt unusually at ease. He wasn’t one to make friends just for the sake of numbers. He had very little choices in his life, so when he had the privilege of finally making one, he was meticulous, especially when it came to friendship. So far his companion made him feel relaxed, a feat that at times not even his best friend Orlando could do. Dom smiled at the thought. Maybe this stranger could become another friend…and perhaps more.

‘No. None of that! There’s no way you’re getting anything more than friendship. Not with your family to care for…so just stop it while you can.’ Dom reminded himself, already regretting what could not be.

“Don’t worry. The Lord and Lady are kind masters. They’re not at all like all the other snob-nosed nobles who parade their wealth as if it makes them better than everyone else. I can’t stand the other nobility!…always bragging about their power and connections whenever they visit…and the way they treat us….”

“Not all nobility are snob-nosed, power hungry, abusive monsters!” Dom was surprised at how sharp and cold his companion’s voice became, he watched as the bright eyes darkened, and then in a flash regained their beauty, “And your lord and lady aren’t the only decent nobles in this world…”

“I’m sorry.” Dom said, a bit disturbed by his new friend’s sudden defensive streak, but even more disturbed that he said actually apologized. He could see the manor now, and from the looks of it everyone was busier than ever. He noticed that several unfamiliar carriages where being taken in and unloaded. There were more servants as well, all of them in foreign uniforms and debating amongst themselves.

“I guess those Danes have finally arrived,” Dom said, unaware of his companion’s sudden anxiety.

“Can we enter through a less crowded place?” He asked, stopping when Dom got too close within the foreign servants’ line of sight. Dom looked upon him curiously, then back at the other servants. He was probably scared about abandoning them to do all the work.

“Well…we can stay within the trees, go to the side of the manor and eventually get into the garden. That place is strictly off limits to anyone except servants who are preparing it for tonight…your friends won’t see you, and I could say you were helping me the entire time…maybe I could even get Orlando to side with us…”

“Orlando?” The other servant said as he fallowed Dom through the thick trees, “Your brother?”

“In everything but blood and name,” Dom smiled as they quickly made their way closer and closer to the garden, they could already see the colors from some of the decorations. “You’ll like him,” Dom said, “Everyone does…I hope he’s not to mad about me not showing up for the last week…”

“Dom! DOM!”

“I guess not,” Dom frowned. He grabbed his friend’s hand and led him quickly towards the cry. As the two sprung out from the trees, a splurge of very different emotions raced inside their own hearts with the scene before them.

“Dom! Andy! Dom! Dom!”

“Stop that! Are you trying to kill yourself?”

“Just leave me alone!”

“If I do you’ll fall! Is that what you want?” Viggo shouted back as he tried to steady the ladder. Orlando’s eyes were shut in fear as he gripped the top of the ladder with all his might. His feet were quickly losing their balance as the ladder swayed perilously to the side, threatening to topple completely.

“I’m slipping!”

“Stay still---just HOLD ON!”

“I can’t!”

“I’ve got you!” Viggo shouted as Orlando’s footing was completely lost, sending him falling down the ladder and into the Dane’s arms, “I’ve got you…” Orlando eyes slowly opened as the foreign lord supported him. The touch wasn’t exactly gentle, but it wasn’t possessive or unwelcome as their first meeting. Orlando looked into the blue eyes, and just as quickly threw his gaze to the ground. Viggo drew him even closer when a spark of recognition shone from some distant memory. There was something familiar about this boy, it was almost haunting. He tried to remember…he knew this servant! Before this morning! Before he arrived in Riverdale! He knew him, but he couldn’t remember where or how they met…those eyes, the touch, even the scent…who was this boy?

“Orlando!” Dom pulled his friend from Viggo’s embrace, eyes darting back and forth between them.

“Elijah!” Viggo barked as he pulled him away from Dom, “Where have you been?”

“Don’t treat him like that!” Dom said dangerously, now it was Orlando’s turn to hold him back.

“My cousin is none of your concern.” Viggo said, his eyes narrowing, “Remember who you are in the presence of nobility!”

Orlando tugged on Dom’s shirt, trying to get him to leave. But he stood there in utter disbelief. Dom was in shock, one of his most beloved core beliefs was just shattered…he actually liked and cared about…a noble? But this…Elijah…he was too…too….Dom couldn’t finish the thought. Whatever Elijah was, he couldn’t possibly be one of them! Dom liked his new friend, but to willingly like a noble was just sacrilegious…

“I did not permit you to leave.” Viggo said as Orlando turned away from him, “You will go when I say you can.”

“I will do as my master, Lord Hugo commands. My duty is to him and his family, no other.” Orlando answered back. Dom snapped out of his wonderings abruptly, doubting his own ears. Did Orli…his Orli…just talk back? What the hell? Nothing could ever cause Orlando to speak ill to anyone, and now he was being out-right defiant to a lord.

Orlando kept his composure as best as he could. None was more shocked at Orlando’s rebellion than himself. He was so soft-spoken and meek that it seemed almost against his very nature to ever speak that way. But this arrogant bastard who would dare call himself a lord ignited a part of him that he’d bottled up for years. He won’t just bow down to this bastard and let him have his way. He’ll have to fight first.

“You ungrateful peasant, how dare you speak that way to me!” Viggo said, his voice low and thick. No servant had ever spoken to him with such insolence. “I saved you from the fall, and as thanks for my aid you insult me? What have you to be proud of?”

“I do not will myself to those who are beneath me,” Orlando answered back, unable to stop. He didn’t care who this bastard thought he was, or what blood he had. Orlando was going to tell Viggo exactly what he thought… that he was a disgusting pig who had no right to take what wasn’t his! That he was the most horrible man he had ever met, and that he hoped Lord Hugo would see that and throw him out before he could harm Liv or anyone else. There was no way he would just stand by and let this bastard marry his sister! Not after what he almost did to him…

“Beneath you?” Viggo said, eyes darkening as he let go of Elijah and took hold of Orlando instead. Viggo pulled him roughly into a powerful hold, bringing their faces so close their noses nearly touched. Orlando didn’t run this time, he stood his ground and stared right into the lord’s eyes. There would be no surrender, and no escape.

Viggo whispered low and deep, “Beneath you? I? Lord Viggo Mortensen, in line for the throne of Denmark, heir to my grandfather’s estate, and your future master. Ask forgiveness now and I may forget your insolence.”

“If defending my honor is a sin, then I want no forgiveness.” Orlando hissed. He noticed that he had a tight hold on Viggo as well, his fingers digging deep into the lord’s sleeves with strange strength.

“Lord Viggo…Orlando?” Both men turned as Andy approached them, his face frowning at their tight embrace.

“What is it?” Dom said quickly, his mind still in a daze.

“Lady Cate and Mistress Olivia have just arrived from Marlott. They wish to meet Lord Viggo, they await him inside.” Andy said as calmly and politely as he could. Viggo whispered once more into Orlando’s ear before releasing him. Orlando felt where Viggo’s hands had just gripped him. The sensation was powerful, it almost felt as if he were still caught in the lord’s arms.

“Elijah, go to your room and change your clothes. Don’t appear before me again if you look anything less than a lord. It’s time you learned your place, cousin.” Elijah said nothing in return as Viggo led him away. He glanced back to see Dom, hurt and disbelief flooding his face, and turned away once more.

“Mistress Olivia also wishes Orlando’s presence. She has a request to make of him.” Andy added.

“Why would Liv call on you?” Dom asked.

“I—I don’t know, maybe she needs me to get something for her.” Orlando said as he followed Andy, “I’ll see you later Dom…we need to talk…”

“Yes we do,” Dom confirmed as he watched Orlando go into the mansion, leaving him in his confusion.

That Dane must have done something horrendous to provoke Orlando to act that way. Not even the worse insults by Liv could bring Orlando to raise his voice, but the very presence of this Viggo character seemed to infuriate him. From what Dom saw, the lord was actually trying to help Orlando from falling…how could Orli possibly be mad about that? There had to be something else….And then there’s Elijah…damn it!!!! He had actually enjoyed the company of a noble! Even thought of him as a new friend! What was he thinking? There was no way he could speak with Elijah now, especially after how Viggo reacted. Where they really related? Elijah was so easy going and calm, while Viggo seemed to have the biggest ego in the world with a temper to match. Right now, it didn’t really matter if they were related. Elijah was a noble, and that was all Dom needed to know that they were no longer friends. But he still liked him!…Dom did the only thing he could and kicked the fallen ladder in his confusion and frustration.

“Shit….”

******

“I’ve waited so long to meet you my lady. I once doubted the stories of your beauty. However, I must admit that they fail to truly describe you,”

Liv smiled excitedly as Viggo kissed her hand. She almost gasped softly as Viggo’s breath hovered over her skin. She withdrew reluctantly as he meet her eyes once more.

‘He has such captivating eyes…He’s more handsome than I thought he would be! And such a gentleman….and those eyes, those lips…’ Liv thought as desire quickly conquered her heart. A simple kiss on the hand was just a foretaste of what her future with this noble would be. He was handsome, good-mannered, rich, and extremely powerful…and he was hers. Her future lord and husband.

“You are far too kind,” Liv said aloud, “But I have no objection.”

Viggo smiled in return. She really was beautiful, far more than he had hoped for. Perhaps this marriage won’t be as unpleasant as he feared. Maybe he can eventually learn to love her…
He thought as she smiled back at him, her eyes bright and fiery.

“I only wish that we could have more time to speak, but I believe that your birthday celebration is tonight. I don't wish to intrude your preparations any longer,” Viggo said, “But perhaps you will grant me the honor of being your first dance tonight?”

“Yes,” Liv answered boldly before he even finished, “Yes, of course. And you’re not intruding, we still have the rest of the day to spend together, the party is still hours away and I do not want to wait that long to speak with you.”

“Olivia,” Lord Hugo said, gently resting a hand on his daughter’s shoulder, as if it would help her understand better, “Lord Viggo and his family just arrived this morning, they must be tired. It would be best if you allow them to rest even for a few hours.”

“Father…” Liv halted as her father’s hand became heavier on her shoulder, then changed her words reluctantly, “Father…is right. Forgive me, I’m just so overwhelmed with your arrival, and tonight…I will leave you to rest.”

“Thank you Olivia. And thank you for your hospitality and welcome Lord Hugo, Lady Cate. It is an honor to be your guest.”

“You are most welcome Viggo,” Lady Cate said as Viggo bowed and headed towards the door.

Orlando stood quietly at the corner, looking straight forward as Viggo brushed passed him with a forceful shove. If the noble family wasn't close by, Orlando would have tried to push back, instead he just stood still as Viggo disappeared into the hallway.

“Orlando come here.” Liv commanded, her voice transforming the instant Viggo left the room. It was bolder, sharper, and far more demanding. Orlando approached her slowly. She looked absolutely lovely in her gown, with her dark hair cascading down her flawless skin. To Orlando, she was almost untouchable. In her regal presence, Orlando became suddenly conscious of his own pitiful appearance. He cursed himself for not even trying to look decent before presenting himself before her. His former defiance and courage seemed to evaporate completely under Liv’s gaze. He kept his eyes locked on the floor, embarrassed to look at her in his state.

“Yes?”

‘He’s just like a dog,’ Liv thought as Orlando waited obediently for her orders. His complete subjugation to her every whim was utter gratification to her, at times even she believed it was medicine to her soul.

“I’d like you to come tonight,” Liv said, glancing briefly at her parents as she continued. “I want you to be my guest of honor.” She finished casually, as if she said the sky was blue.

“W-what? I don’t understand…” Orlando was shocked. Liv couldn’t be serious. She barely showed signs of affection towards him, and now she wanted him to be her guest?

“I’m inviting you Orlando, it’s not that difficult to understand.”

“Olivia,” Cate interrupted as she sensed Orlando’s distress, “I’m not sure if Orlando can accept such an invitation.”

“It’s his choice dear mother,” Liv answered rudely before turning back to her servant, “You will accept, won’t you Orlando?”

“I…I’m grateful for your invitation, I really am. But I know nothing about high society…” Orlando explained, his resolve crumbling every second.

“But Orlando, you have to attend as my guest!” Liv pouted in false disappointment, “Just think of my invitation as my birthday gift to you, and your attendance as your gift to me. I’m not asking for much, I just want to make sure you have a great birthday, you deserve it after all. Please Orlando?”

“I....um….yes…I’ll be…honored to come as your...guest.”

“Great! I’m sure we’ll have such wonderful time,” Liv said happily, “Spend the rest of the day to get ready…you need it.” Liv stepped around him, amused by his obvious unease, “You may go now, I can’t have you appearing like this in front of the other guests, it would be such a shame and we don’t want that.” Liv’s voice was sickly sweet as Orlando obediently bowed before her family and left the room.

“Olivia, what are you planning?” Hugo demanded once they were alone.

“Father, I thought you and mother would be pleased,” Hugo frowned at Liv’s sarcastic tone, “After all, he always was your favorite servant. I was only trying to reward him…”

“Did you even think about how out of place he would feel among nobles?” Hugo said as Liv fiddled with her necklace, “Did you honestly believe he would enjoy himself in their presence? The boy can’t even speak up to us, how do you expect him to mingle in their company?”

“Liv, your father is right,” Cate added, “Orlando isn’t like us. He’s a dear boy, but he wouldn’t know what to do if a lord or lady started a conversation with him, much less if he was asked to dance,”

“Mother, Father, don’t worry,” Liv laughed, “As if anyone would take interest in him! And I’m not trying to ruin my own party. I promise to make it a very memorable night, especially for Orlando.” Her tone of voice only raised Hugo’s suspicion.

“Olivia, I’m warning you…You invited Orlando as a guest, and he will be treated no different from the others. I will not tolerate you inviting him for the sake of entertainment.” Hugo said firmly.

“Father, Mother, ” Liv said playfully as he turned her back to her parents, her lips twisting into a wicked smile “No matter what happens, I can assure you this... Orlando will never forget this night.”

TBC…