Chrystos Voskrese!

[border_princess]

It is finally Easter and Helen's weeks of preparations have paid off. The kitchen is filled with food for anyone who wants it and Helen is walking around the mansion delivering eggs. Everyone she meets is greeted with a happy "Chrystos Voskrese!" It means "Christ is risen!" in Ukrainian and she isn't expecting anyone to know to say "Voistinnu

Comments

[hunt_theheart]

*why, look, Curio's actually in his own thread! and he's a lot more still and quiet than he was when last he met "Vasil"--he's taking finding Richard rather hard* Good morrow, Vasil, and good Pascha-day.

[border_princess]

She bounds up and gives him his egg. "Chrystos Voskrese!" After a moment she notices how he looks. "Are you all right?"

[hunt_theheart]

*a wide smile--even if it's tired-looking* I'm well. Ay ... well-a-day, methinks it were a weary Easter eve for all within the manse's confines, and I am but one--

[border_princess]

"Oh. You've heard about the dead."

[hunt_theheart]

Not only heard, but also helped to bear. *slightlyshudders* His stricken form did strike away my mirth ...

[border_princess]

"Who was it?" Her voice is calm and sympathetic. Helen knows death.

[hunt_theheart]

His name was Richard Carstone; so we guessed, for he did bear some tokens of that name. *littlesmile* I knew him not, good sir, but now I know the shade of death--more intimate and dear companion to my days than revelry, although she deck herself in ribbands gay. Thou hast my sorrow, that thou knowest death ...

[border_princess]

"I knew him, a little. Poor man. He isn't like the others."

[hunt_theheart]

*small nod* I did not mean to give thee aught but cheer--forgive me, that I seem so gloom-bestrewn.

[border_princess]

"It is all right. I was told by one of those who died that they will be back soon."

[hunt_theheart]

*looks up--hope on his face* Belike some men came to this place on death, and rose again to life within these walls?

[border_princess]

"I think so. He did not explain it in detail."

[hunt_theheart]

'Tis comforting--immortal, lordly Death doth show his mercy here, upon this place--permitting revels, hunts, and joyous feasts, returning us to join the dance again ...

[border_princess]

"Yes it is. But I am sorry you had to see it. Even if it is only temporary."

[hunt_theheart]

*shaking his head, as though to clear it* 'Tis well! Thou gavest me a beauteous egg--and here, for thee, I have another one! *he offers her one that, while not as pretty as the pysanky she makes, is nonetheless not unattractive*

[border_princess]

"Thank you!" She takes it with a smile and a bow. "It's beautiful."