Back to You

In the grand kingdom of Cerio, there lies a conglomeration of islands, of which the biggest three are controlled by the Monte, Veneto, and Lazo crime families respectively. The La Costra Lotta is an integral part of life and the people look to them as the true authority as opposed to their Prince, Amadeus Sforza III, who, in truth, lacked the will or intellect to be an effective ruler to the people under his jurisdiction. The people look to their local Costra for guidance and protection from the hazards, magical and mundane, that plague them.

The Foundation of our story is laid in Sikeloi, under the control of the Monte’s, in the thriving township of Ramo. In the westernmost region of Ramo lies Fortizza Pirduta, home to the Monte family and their most trusted captains and higher-ups. , All gathered behind those twenty-foot tall, gleaming, enchanted obsidian stone walls, with the best soldiers in Costra keeping watch 24/7. The fortress stands as a testament to the Monte family’s strength, integrated partially in and alongside the assassini mountains, The main house alone towers over the town at well over hundred-feet tall, with specially commissioned smooth obsidian walls glittering with enchantment runes, the Monte house colors of midnight and lapis displayed proudly alongside the motto printed in gold pi la vita, pi l’amuri, pi li me frati!.

Dumatho, the month of new beginnings and growth, is a time for the people of Cerio to celebrate the end of the long nights and fierce storms with song, dance, and good wine at the end of the week, an event commonly known as the flower festival. This brings us to the end of the first week of Dumatho, in the 189th year of the common age, predicted to be the year of the lovers, where the cord of destiny pulls two destined individuals a little closer to one another, so that they may begin their story once more.

Within the most decadent and lavish suite in the Monte main house, usually resides Don Monte’s young nephew and heir, Ivo Monte. Who at just eight years of age, was already considered quite an intimidating figure to the older kids, standing tall among his peers at a proud 145 centimeters, he has a tanned complexion, as is common on the south islands. He is blessed with elegant features of almost unearthly beauty. His angelic lineage is made apparent through the soft tan patterned feathers that lined the back of his neck into his hair, the bright gold eyes, and the aura of divinity that seems to naturally engulf the child.

Today, Ivo Monte donned his best attire, with his Aunt Viviana and Uncle Alessandro accompanying him, he climbed into a carriage of black because instead of boring lessons and training to be an heir worthy of the Monte Costra, he was on his way to the first Flower Festival of his life.

Ivo POV

The green-hilled landscape of the island was a blur in the window as I gazed outside, pushed back in my seat as the speed of the carriage pressed against my small body.

“I’m allowed to go and explore the festival on my own, right Aunt Vivi?” I press my Aunt Vivi incessantly, not quite believing that I really get to go by myself. “I can’t wait to grab the best gifts from the Gondolas and eat all the sweets there!”

Previously resting her head against my uncle’s shoulder, she straightens herself, and responds in an exasperated voice, “ Be patient until we arrive, Mi Cucciolo, and I promise that this flower festival will be everything you desire and more.”

‘‘There’s no need to nag him, dear! The boy is simply a Monte, showing off Monte men’s tenacity. Once a desire takes us we tend to become single-minded, obstinate, some may even say pigheaded’’ My uncle chuckled softly, tucking a loose chestnut curl behind her pointed ear, nibbling on her ruby earring, before focusing back on her. “Then again I may be unfair in the assessment that it only applies to Monte men since your tenacity could certainly rival that of any man I know, my sweet Vivi

“We are hurrying to the festival grounds now because of what you desired most the entire morning, me’ amuri avidiu“ Uncle purrs into my aunt’s ear, causing her fair skin to turn to a deep red all the way to her ears, and me to feel nauseous.

‘‘K-k-keep in mind there is a ch-ch-child present,’’ Aunt Viv splutters embarrassment lacing words, while continuously slapping his shoulder. “This morning is not an appropriate matter of conversation at the moment, Alessandro”, lecturing him soundly. Until grabs her wrist mid-slap and uses to pull her forward, using his other hand to cradle the back of her neck before bringing her mouth to his, quieting her complaints.

At times such as these, I decided to act as usual and avert my gaze swiftly, instead choosing to focus on the landscape outside the window, quietly grumbling to myself Is it not possible for him to keep his hand off her? At all? Could he not wait for the length of one carriage ride? Seriously, man, I am trying to talk dances and party favors.

Outside the enchanted stained glass window of the carriage, The hills appear sprawling and flourishing. In order to tune out the sounds of Aunt and Uncle’s “Adult conversation” I began to play a game where I challenge myself to see how many trees I can recall by sight alone, tragically, there were only three trees that I could identify, Wish I was a druid or a ranger right now, at least then I could grow trees and plants until we got there I think to myself, desperately wishing for a source of entertainment.

Twinkle Twinkle, Sparkle Sparkle,

As if the universe itself thought to answer my wish, a magical scene unfolds before me. Fairy lights cling to every tree, which peering through the stained glass window, began creating an almost hypnotic effect for me. A cacophony of beastly sounds ring out in a beautiful symphony singing to me of nature and the season. Craning my head toward the inside of the carriage to see if my Aunt and Uncle are enjoying this spectacle of lights and fey magic, also amazed by this world of magic and wonder that we inhabit.

My uncle continues to grope my aunt, unfazed, grasping her face firmly under the chin, pulling her close and kissing her deeply on the mouth, hands firmly groping her underside, then beginning to nip and lick all over the exposed parts of her neck, with her grinning and squealing for him to “Watch his hands, there’s children present!” and “not tear her festival dress again”.

Slowly but steadily the rockiness of the carriages subsides as the horses begin to slow from their breakneck pace. I throw up a quick prayer, thanking all the gods of Cerio for getting me out of this carriage before my uncle stopped caring that there’s a child in the carriage. Measuring the risk appeared mostly survivable, I swing open the door, catapulting myself from my seat, leaping out, ready to commence with the friend-making and candy-consuming.

A rough callused hand grabs the back of my collar before I’m more than halfway out of the carriage. My aunt is screaming in the background, what the big deal? It’s time to for me to enjoy being an adult and go out on my own.

“IVO!” My aunt shrieks, my face held gently between her soft, fragrant hands. “It’s dangerous to leave the carriage before it come to a full stop, Do have any idea how seriously you could have been seriously hurt!”

Removing her hands from my face, one goes to grip hard onto the seat while she pats the other to her chest against her chest to calm herself. Breathing heavily as if it had been her hauling him back into the carriage. Her lips puckered with disapproval and her hazel eyes glittered dangerously.

Sensing that my festival time may be derailed I bunch up my shoulders and peer up at her through my lashes, attempting use every ounce of charm and innocence at my disposal. ”I’m sorry, Aunt Vivi, I just thought that I should let you uncle play alone, since you two seemed to be having so much fun”

My aunt blushes deeply at that and my uncle laughs boisterously, clapping me on the back and rustling my hair, making me smile.

“I, for one, am glad the boy knows how to asses the situation and act accordingly!” Uncle Alessandro chuckles, “It’s a crucial skill in the costra, my love.” He sneaks a little kiss on my pouting aunts nose before turning back to me.

“Now, get the hell out of my carriage and go enjoy your festival, be back by first sunset, and make sure to leave an impression”, Uncle Alessandro grins, pulling my protesting aunt to his lap as the coachmen helps me down. I turn, waving back to them as my feet propel me forward, heels clacking as I rush towards the center.

Click, Clack,Click,Clack, Click, Clack,Click, Clack

The town plaza is awash in hues of green, blue, and purple, there are children gathered here than I have ever seen, all eating,playing, dancing and laughing. I deftly navigate through the crowd of children playing a game, reaching the front of the stage quickly. I pull out my special theater cushion from my bag of holding, and sit down for the performance.

There are over a hundred gazes, mine included, focused on the stage as the speaker for this week’s party, Don Armani, A handsome half-elf man of questionable reputation, walks onto the raised platform and my eyes can’t look away from his bright purple clothes, and white hair that was adorned with different precious gems. He looks incredible, I wonder why my aunt and her friends refer to him as “that fool with the fanciable face but atrocious manners”, like it’s bad. My uncle is always telling me that manners are only necessary for cowards who don’t say what they mean, so he’s probably pretty brave, ivo concludes.

"Benvenuti, amici mei!“, His voice echoes out across the plaza, “ I am the most charming Don Armani here to guide all you younglings, So first, all gather and experience through magic, the first touch of true love to ever touch these shores, the most ancient tale of ”l’amuri ca spartiu lu munnu”, He claps his hands together and fireworks start to explode across the sky, their colors seeming to burn ever more brightly with the three suns high in the sky. Once the fireworks fade he amplifies his voice with magic.

“After the performance, we shall set your little hearts free and you shall join hands with another in dance and joy for the first time.” he gives an exaggerated swoon at the end of his sentence.

“Should luck be on your side, you may even end up dancing with your Anima gemella this flower festival!“,He cheers with a glib wink and a wiggle of his eyebrows he elicits a few giggles from the crown.

“Then the young ones will be free to enjoy the festival, catch treasures from the gondolas, gorge on food from the vendor, enjoying all theres it to offer

“Without further ado I present, all the here from the capital of Cerio, The Videnti!” With a smile and a sharp clap of his hands, he vanishes in a puff of red and gold smoke.

In his place stands The Videnti, one of the best popular bands in my opinion, It’s quite intriguing to think about bards who travel throughout the islands singing songs for children and recounting the island’s many myths and legends through song. fix my gaze upwards as the lead bard donning an angel mask on his face, steps forward letting his fingers run across the strings of his chitarra, as he lets his voice ring forth beginning the tale ”l’amuri ca spartiu lu munnu”

Before when history was little more than words and dreams of man, there comes a tale of a love so great that it stood in defiance of the world.

In the Age of Apocalypse, The Celestial Plane faced annihilation at the hands of Asmodeus forces, but there was still a glimmer of hope yet for there was a great aasimon, known to many as Devo, the much-beloved son of Amuri the charming, ruler of Onieamuri. Whose inspiring figure rallied many to the cause and grew the celestial fighting force ten-fold. It was foretold that the coming war was not only inevitable but that the consequences would reach across all ends of the material plane. With the fate of the world in balance and all the beings of good as their ally, the generals of the celestial plane were confident in their ability to overtake the evil forces of Asmodeus and his Archdevils.

A searing light bathes the battlefield in the gold-red glow as each army lines opposite sides of the Great Valley of the First, the celestials and their heavenly forces on one side, the servants of Asmodeus on the other, They called forth their most powerful servants to do battle first and test the scales of battle.

The first to fight in the name of good is Devo, A being designed to embody and guard the concepts of love and devotion. He is positive that every choice that he has ever made has led to this moment and yet there is a disruption in the air that makes him unsteady, but then his eyes behold the source of his soul’s violent discontentment, Gelosa, the first daughter of Glaysa, and commander of the 3rd legion of hell

Pure white wings spread and take flight as he charges forward, letting his heart lead him to his one true destiny. Following behind their leader the first battalion of celestial charged the forces of Asmodeus, clashing in wave after wave of unseen death and carnage. Driven by their leaders’ seeming courage and fighting vigor the celestial forces push the fiends back long enough for him to face their leader in open combat. They wait with bated breath for the death of the she-devil and a victory for good.

Silence reigns. No shouts of victory, no swords clashing, many on both sides clamored to try catching a glimpse of the battle, that many to this day, do not believe transpired. On his knees, sword placed at her feet, Devo gazes at the she-demon, eyes dripping with pure adoration, and spoke softly to her, shocking everyone “I surrender to you, the one truth that has replaced the many I once held in my soul, ”

“Strike me down, if that be the true desire of your heart, you given me the honor of beholding the truest of all beauties and most marvelous of wonders that that there is to see in this or any plane, so if I am to be struck down this day, in this battle, Then I welcome it, my life, heart and soul belong are yours from this moment until the last of my last”

“I welcome any fate my love would give me” He confesses happily,

Gelosa, daughter of Glaysa, mistress of envy and doubt, and patron to the unfaithful, stood stunned for the first time in millennia, gazing at this odd, beautiful angel, emotions that had never touched her before stirring.This startled the she-demon terribly so she decides to bury her strange feelings and take his head since he seemed so eager to offer it, when, much to the surprise of all, the world itself split open, swallowing them whole, leaving a strange mountain, filled with liquid fire.

They spend well over two hundred years trapped in the underdark, ten of which are spent with Gelosa tending to Devo due to the injuries that he sustained protecting her from the fall, as she nurses him back to health he begins to open her heart to him. Winning her over with his unwavering faith and devotion. Together they planted many seeds hoping one would grow tall and sturdy enough to make an opening in the ground big enough for them, but alas all that would be left of the their efforts to escape were small pretty flowers.

Eventually, they managed to break through by riding Primula, the dragon who was slumbers deep within the heart of the world. The destiny that awaited the lovers when they came to the surface was rife with heartbreak and tragedy.

Upon hearing of his general’s return, Amodeus ordered Gelosa to kill her lover as punishment for her dereliction of duty or to be killed herself. Gelosa is ready to face the consequences for refusing when Devos, wishing to save her from the choice, impales himself on her spear.

Asmodeus laughs cruelly at his granddaughters despair as she hold him tight, trying to will her love to live. His hand in hers he softly speaks his last, ”do not weep, my hearts joy, we will find each other again, so please never forget, in every life, no matter who we are , or where we may be in the world, we have always been meant to love each other”, pressing a soft kiss to her lips before passing from her as she lets her pain go free, unleashing a torrent of strife and heartache into the world.

Gelosa, not able to handle the pain, begged her mother to end her life so that she may join him in another. She said she was willing to pay any price her mother asked. Glaysa, daughter of Asmodeus, granted her request with the price that she take the curse of hearts doubt in every life she enters. Desperate, she agreed and the deal was struck.

Now the lovers reincarnate to reunite with one another, now plagued by a terrible doubt that tests the strength of their love through lifetimes.

Ivo POV

’CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP

Swiping my hands across my face as hot tears fall from my eyes when everyone else in the audience leaps to their feet. I struggle to climb to mine, through the tears that wouldn’t stop and sudden weakness in my body. my heartbeat pounds so loud that it feels as if my head is being rattled by it.

Why would he kill himself for her? What kind of love is that?I love music and singing but I won’t die because of it. And I can’t imagine some girl making me feel better than I do when i’m on stage I think smugly to myself, the tears stopping leaving my face feeling uncomfortably wet.

It’s almost overwhelming when I feel a sharp tug on my sleeve and look up to see Vinny, My older half-orc bodyguard, standing arm-in-arm with Dion, my amethyst dragonborn best friend. Vinny holds out a black silk handkerchief to me and my face is hot with embarrassment at having been caught crying at such a nonsensical story.

I bet they came here to spy on me, even though I specifically ordered Vinny to keep a distance so I could socialize without him. Gods this is so like them! Just because they’re two years older they believe they can treat me like an infant! I ruminate, riling myself up at the thought of them doubting my ability

“You’re not supposed to follow me during the festival, Vincenzo”, I grumble, ignoring Dion as I snatch the silk cloth from his hand.

“Pardon me, oh his most rude and assumptive majesty” Dion interrupts, rolling his eyes while putting a hand on Vinny’s shoulder” For your information, I came here to be with Vinny and we just HAPPENED across you”.

“Yeah” Vinny responds, looking a little hurt at my curtness.

Their unapologetic response sour my mood further when Don Armani flounces back on stage, now donning tight black pants and an open white undershirt that made him look like the men on the cover of my Aunt Viviana’s “special readings”.

“Everyone please gather to the center of the square to get your partners name if it is your first time!” He exclaims, hands spread wide, magic causing his voice to project throughout the entire plaza.

“As the time for this most special part of the festival approaches, I hope that you all are granted partners you can grow to have a deep and formative friendship with beyond this day”, He finishes with a deep bow and a wink, causing an eruption of giggles from the women chaperones. I watch him jump off the stage and head over to the box where all the names were.

I turn back to Dion, who is still looking at me with a twisted look on his scaly face, so I decide to be the bigger person.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have assumed, I was being unfair”, I sigh deeply, hoping that this would be enough. After what felt like eons of silence and stoicism, Dion’s draconic face turns up into a small smile.

“I forgive you, dear, now will try not to scowl like that? Do it enough and it might start to detract from your charm, and let’s be honest, even with that face and voice, you don’t have enough to spare if you become a grouch” Dion chuckles, breaking the tension and leaning forward with his hands behind his back, gazing down at me amethyst eyes twinkling with mischief.

thud, thump, thunk, thwack

“I’M GOING TO HAVE YOU GUTTED, YOU STUPID BITCH!!!”

That shout is followed by sound of fist meeting flesh, Had all three of us running to the front of the square where there appeared to be a brawl going down.

“aah, it appears no one has informed this picciridda selvaggia on the proper way to show respect for her betters, so let me help, If you kneel and lick the heel of my shoe in apology, then perhaps I’ll be be satisfied stopping at a few blows” Antonio Ricci sneers loudly, every syllable dripping with anger and contempt as he angrily wipes his busted lip.I recognized the twelve-year-old human bully as the son of one of my uncle’s top enforcers.

“Antonio should be ashamed, twelve years old and harassing girls at the flower festival”, Vinny sighs, rolling his eyes, “At least this one’s giving as good she gets though”.

“It’s simply not fair to ask an ass to cease being an ass, it would be like asking me to stop being beautiful, or the sun to cease shining, It is tragically impossible” Dion sighs dramatically draping himself over Vinny.

“You are the most beautiful one here”, Vinny breathes, smiling haplessly at Dion, who smiles back while leaning his head against Vinny’s chest.

"Gabh transna ort fhéin!!”

A voice, clear and passionate calls out, angrily spitting curses in a foreign language, I shove my way to the front of the jeering crowd, desperate to locate the source of this strange and wonderful voice, and my gaze falls on her.

Everything ceases to exist at that moment, I can’t talk, move, or breathe as the rest of the world falls away and the only thing I see is her.

thump thump ba-thump thump ba-thump

My heartbeat is like a thundering drum in my chest, beating against it so violently at this moment I think it will come out. I see what appears to be a tiefling girl with her back to me, facing Antonio pulls his arm back and swings at her with the full force of his fist, she teeters on her feet with the force of the hit. Seeing an opportunity, his accomplice Romeo backhands her hard, she spins around and her gaze finds mine as the world around us fades.

Our eyes meet, gold into solid black. Everything stops as I am locked in place by her searing black eyes, so deep and dark that I feel hypnotized by them. Is this love? I think I understand why Uncle Al I ponder, transfixed by these strange feelings.

No breath escapes my lungs, no sound will creep from my throat, and my gaze is transfixed, as I behold the embodiment of charm and grace before me.

Bold, violently red wild curls fly free as the blow knocks her headpiece off, the burgundy of her dress contrast with her beautiful bright red skin and the red of her blood staining both. A small, round, delightful face morphed into an expression of fury, her adorable button nose battered and bloody from the blows. the red long, shiny 3-foot long semi-prehensile heart-shaped tail that peak’s out the back of her dress.

Antonio pulls his arm back again, only this time she deftly sidesteps his hit, kicking her short leg upwards between his legs, he drops to the ground, hands cupping his injury, howling in pain. Romeo instantly takes a step back from this avenging goddess, sensing danger.

I am going to marry this beautiful red goddess I smile to myself, dazed and in love for the first time.

“ANYONE ELSE!“, She roared, with a foot on Antonio’s hunched-over back, and her tiny fangs bared, daring anyone to come to her bully’s aid.

Ring-a-ding Ring-a-ding Ring Ring Ring

Bells echo throughout the courtyard, signaling the beginning of the dance. I’m suddenly overcome with a sense of panic over the thought that my sweet red angel may not be partnered with me.

well given that I’ve already found my destined partner I should just let the organizer know that she needs to be my partner I decide, rushing over to the organizer’s table.

Don Armani drops his turkey leg into his lap in surprise as I slap my hands on the table to get his attention. Wiping himself down, he fixes his bewildered gaze on me.

“How may I assist you, young Don Monte?“, he asks through gritted teeth.

“That red goddess roaring in the corner, as my dance partner” I answered quickly, not being able to calm down until I knew my love would be dancing with me.

“oh you see, The partners have already been selected, and that would be unfair if you were the only privileged child who got to pick”, Armani explains to me calmly.

“I see her as my partner,” I say calmly, gazing him directly in the eye as I exert my will as the heir to the Monte costra.“I choose her and no one else will do, do you understand my words, Don Armani?”

“Suono be praised! It appears that you have been chosen to dance with one Miss Maxima Russo”, He responds quickly, catching on quickly.

Maxima, Maxima, Maxima, Maxima Monte sounds Magnificent, I wonder what her hair feels like? Those curls look bouncy. Does she like music? I could sing to her every day if she asked I daydream to myself as I skip towards her.

She appears clean and unharmed, her cuts mended and the blood cleaned, when I approach. She eyes me warily, hands clenching the sides of her dress as I approach.

“How can I help you?” she asks cynically, her sharp voice like a melody that resonates throughout my soul.

“I’m your partner for the dance, Ivo Monte”, I proclaim proudly, bowing low while holding out my hand for her to take.

“I suggest you listen closely, Ivo Monte, One word about how hideous and red I am, you get hit, understand?” She threatens, ignoring my hand, circling me trapping me in place with her piercing gaze, looking so perfect that It brought a tear to my eye.

“You are red though, and pretty. So pretty and round and cute, like a tomato! mia pomodorina, you are the most beautiful girl I have ever seen ” I profess breathlessly, SHE IS SO CLOSE!!! I should probably just ask her to marry me. Uncle Alessandro always says that when a man knows he's found his one, he should lock it down.

“I swear to love you all my life, so please marry me?” I, halting her movement by taking her small hands in mine, looking deeply into her eyes as she stands stunned, “I swear to make you smile every day, to never make cry, and to love you the most”

“W-w-h-h", she splutters before clearing her throat, hmm-mm, you are very charming, Monte."

"But I am not some simple girl who will be swayed to wed by a charming boy who says pretty words" She quips, taking my hand, "but I will dance with you, and allow you to escort me around the festival grounds after".

She agreed to let me spend more time with her! Jumping for joy in my head, I calmly escort her to the dance square when I spot Dion and Vinny already dancing together, Their questioning gazes piercing my back but I had other priorities. The band starts playing a lively, plucky tune as Maxima and I take our places in line.

dun-nunu dudu dunun dun-nunu dudu dunnunun

We face each other as the music picks up, then I step forward and take her hand in mine, her small frame feels almost weightless in my arms, which makes spinning, dipping, and lifting her to our heart's content much easier. I hold her close and am unconcerned with anything and anyone that wasn’t us in this wonderful moment until we almost collide with another pair of dancers.

“it seems it might be in your best interest if you occasionally looked somewhere other than me?” Maxima teased, failing to hide the smile that grows across her face when I go sweeping her off her feet and spun her around.

“You, mia pomodorina, are the loveliest and most radiant being there is to behold, It’s not possible for me to look at anything else with you in front of me” I smile, delighted at the content look that spread over her face.

“When you talk about me that way, it feels too much like a good dream, and one I'm going to wake up from too soon” She mumbles gazing down at our feet

“Then I have no choice but to prove to you my love and devotion to you” I smile, pulling her into a dip as the song ends, a plan crystallizes in my mind, I’ll sing to her! then she’ll have no doubt,of my love, undeniable skills, and lyrical prowess.

“Stay right here, Mio pomodorino” I coo softly to Maxima before sprinting over to Dion and Vinny.

" Stage. Piano. Serenade. love. now” I panted pointing a finger the stage where all the instruments still stood, untouched from the bards' previous performance

“Don’t strain yourself trying to give a speech now,” Dion responds sarcastically, as he walked over, shooing the band away before signaling he was ready.

I rush back over to the edge of the dance square where I left Maxima waiting, grab her hand, all giggles and smiles, as we run to the stage. Dion helps me up the stage, I turn to Max, whose eyes are wide with bewilderment, ready for her to hear the words that formed in my heart the moment our eyes met.

rat-a-tatatara-a-tatat-a-tatatara-a-tat

Dion plays the piano and hums along as my backup, while I sing my heart out to Maxima. She is so perfect standing in the front row, her beautiful black eyes wide in astonishment as I sing of how she's rendered helpless without her, the magic power of my feelings enhancing my performance. I belt out a note, pointing directly at her, and she points back at me, blowing me a kiss, I catch it and wink, unable to stop the grin on my face as I look at her and I just know.

I am going to love Maxima Russo for the rest of my life.”