To be a harlequin is to be a fool

To be a harlequin is the be a fool

Prologue

Like the start of an old film the sound of frames clicking back and forth as they take rapid. Soundless pictures of the present. And yet.. were watching the past. Aren't we?

Clack, clack clack clack the sound of metal rattling and a flick of the switch.

The wind bristling like needles to my right, of course. began to make my skin tear. If only minutely if nothing else

The Queen, dark in her ever black beauty was calm and collected.

But not when she was looking at me, those few glances when she allows herself to stare at me. Openly challenging me to provoke her I begin to wonder.

Why did she choose me.

And so her sideline glance to which was noticed as always. I clicked my tongue making the noble crowd gasp as I. my maskless self began to dance. But first as I was taught. Always start the performance with a bow.

For it puts the nobles at ease. And so it did just that, except with a twist. For i gave a mocking curtsy a woman's bow more often given to a man. Which made the crowd gasp. Then once a few quick glances noticed the vile smile of my queen. Turned to chuckles. Nervously made, hastily born chuckles.

And then the true performance began, as i began to click and clack. Sparks falling from my hands like that of a marital parade for. the queen. The sparks fell like lavish lights at the night ball, she host a daily. And I began with a flick of the wrist to. Spin! Click, a twirl of the toe tipped foot, clack a step towards the edge of the risen stairs. Its upward arch beginning to look like the wall we rose.

Thunk, and fallen towards the pleblians that one. Gruesome time.

the switch for the flooring no stairs to move up and down began its unruly descent.

Groaning and steaming with effort the stones dencention beginning to glow tan orange. With the copper piping that flowed the interior of the floor below us.

That single action that lasted a total of five seconds alone made the crowd gasp with suprise. For i just committed to a rebellion against the queen—

And thats.. were this half baked performance was ended with the queen roaring at the sound of a boom.

Crack! Boooom

A flash! An explosion of hailed blue light. And the queen. Dead lightning arking across her mangled corpse. A few, stones throw away. Her face snarling in rage, and divine wrath. As her corpse to the dismay of the crowd. Stopped. Twitching.

Sparking flames.

i had to perform for her sake.

And she died. Because of me.

This is a fools game. Isn't it.

Chapter 1

Cordelia

"Yes this is the moment you close your eyes oh observer. For my pain is not your pleasure."

My body shivering. painfully from the whiplash of my gift.. my eyes flicked away from her, just for a moment.

The crimson atmosphere making it clear, i was hers. But that wasn't enough, as she forced my face towards hers. Her body hidden behind her black and white striped dress. Flowed with the warm artificial wind, as it blown against her.

The soft silky smooth linenlinen and cloth. Spilled from her revealing hints but tantalizing skin.

My eyes dance around her, as her skin sparkled. A prepared show, for a prepared guest.

Her left white eye and right black eye staring dead into me. Watching my very soul.

Ahh right, this is just an act to her. A way to take all thats me from everyone el—

She twitched in irratation our breathes colliding. As her stare drove over me, up. And down. Hearts pumping, my arms entangled with hers. Our mouths coming close enough to feel. But not enough to kiss.

And then right as we were about to finish. She stopped dead. Leaving me, alone with the warm air. My body wet with sweat. The Band tight.

Right. I am but a slave to please her every whim.

That includes what comes next.

The carrot.

Get your clothes on, jack. You know what to do next.

And I did.

Her dress fluttered my heart beat like a drum. Waiting for it to end this painful reprieve.

But she didn't. . .

"As anger roiled within me."

Not because I expected that from her.. but because— then i saw a hint of amusement in her eyes as i slowly dressed. My muscles tight as she likes it.

The lack of water somehow not apparent due to.. the maids who care for me and their long line.. of ointments and herbs.

Now dressed in my black pants and furled shirt, this Gothic white shirt made clean with lace around the cuffs and neck.

I thought on the future if she dies again.

I dont know what.. ill do to those who done it this T. I. M. E.

Still hot, and flushed red. And unusual sight, she finally did the only thing id ask of her. She gave a motion of tilting my head, and I did. Up and up till I met her raised gaze.

Someone is going to kill the Queen. The one who saved me from the filth. Flashes of the slums below the nobles district and our merchants district at the bottom of the mountain.

And yet.. somehow. They were richer than us.

of the pleblian life, as i starved, mother beat me. Then apologized to me, father simply ignored me but never mother.

The cycle of abuse in that district.. was animalistic as Gothic decor was rigide with angles and curves.

Everywhere!

And now, my now dead family.

Can know if at all. That their son lives the good life, as the queens pet harlequin.

Although it has its risk. The queen makes it worth it, as i was finally blown that windfall of a kiss. The hot air beginning to wrap around me as if she were their. Right in front of me.

Not sitting on her brown wooded drawer, looking down on me as she manipulated the winds to give me.

What j desire.

Gods.

TO BE A HARLEQUIN IS TO BE A FOOL.

For all the queens before has chosen woman. Not men. I smiled at that, silently making the crowd discomforts obvious to the queen. Making her with a quick flick of the eyes. Saw her black and white eyes. Scowl. At me.

And hour later, I was dressed like a male who was made to be gawked at in the black light district.

To the amusement of the nobles, whispers floating on how my body suited that role.

Their eyes both male and female full of a heat that brought me despair.

Then the queen began her courtyard dance of words. Starting with.

A flash of a warm. depressed smile.

making them laugh in great volumes.

Words spread of thats my queen.

oh my her eloquence is as high as ever

My what a smile of— that mouth was quickly shut. For she had no husband to defend her honer.

And thus, her ire would be directed at the stone head who'd spoken that.

Beging was heard. But the queen simply smiled and said, " you are mistaken to believe that I can be offended.

"By such. A small. Man."

Laugher roared from that, and the joke of the crowd was found.

But I ignored their laughter. My eyes flicking dangerously fast.

For i was looking.. for hidden daggers.

Part 1

The fools parade.

Be warned for i am about to everwhelm you.

A sweet soothing voice spoke to me in waves.

"One doth not wonder why one seeks pleasure."

She she smiled at that last word, now over me in a her usual dress she wore for the crowed. Amung hundreds of dresses at least.

But just like waves, she gave me a lecture with the stick. In the form of crashing weight of her ire.

"However. to not question why one seeks that pleasure, is a sign of the fool."

She now stared at me eyebrow raised amusement fluttering across her face.. she was playing with me.

"So what are you? A fool? Or something else. jack."

Her last word rolled off her tongue like she was left wanting. Yet held back, at least.. thats how it sounded to my ears. For it was as husky as it was sundering. Cutting straight to my heart. Me courtisan like, Gothic style white dress shirt, And black trousers. Made her give a glimer of her real smile, one I rarely see amungst her plethora of faces.

And as i swallowed, myself sitting on the bed she laid me bare of all. I am.

I said one word my mask slipping back on. A quiet rebellion beating in my heart.

"Fool"

A few hours later.

The Queen and her ever black beauty, calmly flowing hair that flowed with the winds like.. an old doll of foreign design. The crowd in all its glory of ancient Gothic design. Was beginning it's nightly ball, per the queens usual. Forced. Attendance. And yet they did seem to enjoy it. and all its vast pleasures. The moon blue with its evil gaze shown upon the queens. Absolute black. Hair. A hair so black that even the white light of the sun barely made her silky hair shine.

She was like that of our sun, in all its black and white glory.

Sound, was like that of an echo of nights blue haze. Admist the halls of harlequin domed court.

"Final warning dear guest. Read at your own peril."

Yes. for this us the court of harlequin.

The true throne room lay in.. another country.

And she knew it, I could tell from the glare she gave each of her knightly subjects.

For their families failed her bloodline.

Who lost their rare, patriarchal male.

In a kingdome ruled by a matriarchy, it is cruel and unusual for a male to take the lead.

But when it does. Great change is born, that of the conquering.

But alas, our queen was not found of said bloodshed. At least.. not openly, for the people's sake of course.

she, the queen had duties to maintain. That includes a visage in a world ruled by males who loved to sack each others kingdomes for a quick fix.

The air of peace was an important image to maintain.

And thus she was greeting the very people who serve her every whim.

That was the trade she gave them. You want peace? Serve me well and ill think about it.

From her noble, knights, in ancient puffing. steaming armor. it actively shook with the intent to move, its parlerons shaking. and clatter as its scalemail beneath the plated armor was given a crimson light.

if given the right.

If she's provoked. Or worse. Threatend properly. She had the right to execute, the whole ball if she wished for the simple act of.. letting. It. Happen.

But enough of the rules of the court. What truly mattered was the performance I was to play.

So with, avid permission, the steel born knights above on pillars up high. They began their hourly precariously careful march. Releasing hidden steam.

For upon the platnum white pillars to a frozen march of movement. Making the the metal move and steam release. Is integral for a constantly ready armorment.

For their very armor was a weapon.

But the crowd as oblivious as it was clapped with mock praise.

Yet they barely did just enough.

A quiet rebellion against the queen it that it was.

Even. Knowing they could die. They barely clapped. Just as they knew that the knights above could from the fall alone. at any moment. Die.

"This a moment in which you pause and reread. No? Fine then no more warnings."

But with that height i saw, came with its own advantages.

Namely one being that of a air compressed rifle. Ready and willing to fire. Their guns aimed far below. Their eyes gleaming crimson stained glass,For eye covers. Amidst their black and white armor.

Chatter from the great court proceeded me then. Both in power. And in Angst.

And too that?

I chuckle. soundlessly.

making sure, they could hear the laughter in my deep amber eyes.

The crowed as naturally observant as they are. Noticed. And I could see the hint of.. Quick glances that were aimed towards me.. turn to glares.

I then accomplishing my daily announces and grievancesof the crowd. Releaving the pressure from Cordelia. And after a moments respite, gave the queen and opportunity to take the reins and appease them.

But then she did something strange.. and dangerous.

She didn't appease them. Their glares continued to a point were the audience of our quiet affair began to take notice of the lack of control.

at first. I thought she went mad, then I realized with panicked glee, she was waiting for me to look at her. To care for her, to want her to feel well..

And for some reasons that. That fact alone made me angry enough not to do just. That.

The crowd began to dance around, their feet lighting up the now, i realized whats she just did.

The floor was made flourcent but I did not notice due to my usual. Courtly duties of managing the crowd. For her. Ease of pleasure.

And then I caved, not willing to let the queen, become a laughing stock. I flicked an amber glance towards her hatred full in my eyes. And without even looking, she smiled.

Making the crowd relax.

And stop their pitying prance of nerves.

And with a suttle nod of permission i was given the idea to rove my eyes of my surrounding.

So as i began to look around me. The ever changing scenery still amazes me till this day.

For it showed an airy look dispite its metal confines. A pleasant surroundings this was, and yet.. The Gothic decor, made of hard and sharp angles. Full of Black stained steel, blew deep smoke billowing below towards the guest. from the walls.

Creating and internal insolation, despite the open balcony. Upon the right. I noticed.

My eyes squinted at that.

I swear, nobles are so strange. If they want it warm.. just. Get. A. Hearth.

But I suppose they want to be with the Times. Up the stones walls and not on the draw bridge bellow as they say.

After all. Thats where the pleblians lay. And they couldn't stand being near them

And so with great pleasure, I disturbed the whole court with my newest performance.

I yelled breaking the quiet chatter that always laid bare before the true start of the ball.

But this time, I interupted it.

"Ladies and gentlemen in honor of our queen Pelagia i hereby honor you with a quaint performance. Of the arts!!"

Whispers of my daring ventures and whiles beyond belief began to blow around. Like smoke hitting a mirror. They couldn't stand their own reflection. Could they?

As i begun, to riiiiiip off my face. Tearing gourging my very eyes out making them gasp in freight and terror. And I laughed all the while, but then I realized why exactly they gasped.

The queens hand laid on my shoulders, squeezing ever so gently yet looking ruff from the crowd.

I coughed in mock pain, as I spoke. "Wh–what a grip you have their. M–My queen!!

She smiled at that, but her eyes showed that it was false.

As she leaned in giving me my daily command.

"Perform the true act, or die wailing like your poor family. As i smashed them, below the wall. Like a boot upon a moondrenched ant."

I swallowed hard, knowing she spoke some of the truth. But not all.

I chuckled loudly mania clear in it, and I simply began to cleanly rip off. The mask. I was wearing. The crowed and all its masquerading selves nearly fainted at what they saw.

For i have finally accepted that postion. The one she gave me years ago the day we met.

That, of a harlequin. My white mask gleaming blue with the moonlight. The the black and white stripes of my long twin tailed bells below end hat. A mouthful I know. My clothes an ancient Gothic suit stripped from shoulder to foot. Curling shows with bells displayed clear as i began to rip my clothes. Showing. That of a harlequin made male.

The first since the emperor fell to his subjects.

And our.. small but steampunked nation were given right to live.

Should we nay ever rebel. Against this.. my mask smile shown clear.

This worlds super continent.

Though. Their were other. Smaller continents. They mattered little compared to here.

In the court. This was true.

All who live here must live under the false guidance of the FOOL.

And then the crowed relaxed. And went back to their complacent lives. Living like the rats they are.

Then, something.. familiar started, my fears beginning to reel in ever arching pain!

Clack, Dread sprung too life. clack, the sound made my skin begin to itch with nerves. clack, a nervous chuckle began

Spring to life at that noise.

clack.

the sound of metal rattling and a flick of the switch. As the observer began the soundless show.

"EVEN MY VERY WORDS ARE BEING WATCHED BY YOU"

The picture of those words fluttered passed like turning the page of the film.

And the show began. again!!

For the wind began bristling. like needles upon the skin to my right, of course. It had to be the right. The place were luck is left wanting. The south. We're the heat lay, is where ones natural luck disapears.

That of course began to make my skin tear. If only minutely if nothing else

The Queen, dark in her ever black beauty was calm as she recalled herself back to her throne of black steel. and collected.

Her debt from me.

But that didn't matter.

not when she was looking at me, those few glances in between words as she played. The dance of nobles. Her tongue being made to move when it should rest still.

Her body to remain stressed despite the ever growing need to stop, and to slow down.

BUT.

when she allows herself, to take a breather. To stay her course of rest that so desperately needs.

She begins to stare at me. Openly. challenging me to provoke her.

And so, I began to wonder.

Why did. she choose me?

And so her sideline glance to which was noticed as always. I clicked my tongue making the noble crowd gasp as I. my masked self began to dance. But first as I was taught. Always start the performance with a bow.

For it puts the nobles at ease. And so it did just that, except with a twist. For i gave a mocking curtsy a woman's bow more often given to a man. Which made the crowd gasp. Then once a few quick glances noticed the vile smile of my queen. Turned to chuckles. Nervously made, hastily born chuckles.

And then the true performance began, as i began to click and clack. Sparks falling from my hands like that of a marital parade for. the queen. The sparks fell like lavish lights at the night ball, she host a daily. And I began with a flick of the wrist to. Spin! Click, a twirl of the toe tipped foot, clack a step towards the edge of the risen stairs. Its upward arch beginning to look like the wall we rose.

Thunk, and fallen towards the pleblians that one. Gruesome time.

the switch for the flooring no stairs to move up and down began its unruly descent.

Groaning and steaming with effort the stones dencention beginning to glow tan orange. With the copper piping that flowed the interior of the floor below us.

That single action that lasted a total of five seconds alone made the crowd gasp with suprise. For i just committed to a rebellion against the queen—

And thats.. were this half baked performance was ended with the queen roaring at the sound of a boom.

Crack! Boooom

A flash! An explosion of hailed orange light. And the queen. Dead lightning arking across her mangled corpse. A few, stones throw away. Her face snarling in rage, and divine wrath. As her corpse to the dismay of the crowd. Stopped. Twitching.

"Sparking flames."

" i had to perform for her sake."

"And she died. Because of me."

"This is a fools game. Isn't it"

"But even fools know how to spin."

I pulled the string holding the camera still.

"The wheel of fate herself."

And I began too laugh.