Date - My bloody valentine.

MY BLOODY VALENTINE

It was almost sixteen years ago when she arrived in Isla de Juegas. And in these sixteen years she never left the island. She was bound to her duties as a courtesan and therefore not allowed to leave the island or even the town. However, a few days ago Charlotte asked her to go in her place to Brightwater Keep. Sierra reacted surprised. Did they really trust her to go? It would be a great opportunity for her to leave Isla de Juegas for good and flee to another place. Build up a new life without a master who owned her and told her what to do. Nevertheless, Sierra still didn’t know what do to. It seemed to logical to stay escape from her old life the moment she arrived in Brightwater Keep, but it would be weird not to live in The Rose and on the island. The circumstances at the pleasure house weren’t that bad. Moreover, escaping from slavery would mean she probably would never get to see Asher again.

It was the day after she arrived in the capital of Rhoynar. It was dark when the ship sailed into the harbour of the city, so Sierra and some others that were employed by her master went directly to a stay in the centre of the city. Today she had some appointments. The first one was not part of her tasks here. She was going to meet a man. Sierra had no idea who this man was and how he looked like. The only information she had was the location and time where she could find him. Dressed in one of her most gaudy dresses she walked through the city. She arrived at the agreed location. Now she had to find out who this man would be. There weren’t too many people around, so it shouldn’t be that hard. Her eye fell on a man sitting on a low wall holding something in his hands. He had to be the one she is supposed to meet right now. ”Are you Vladmar?” she asked him, not sure if she pronounced his name correctly.




 

MY BLOODY VALENTINE

You could say that dating men was her job, and therefore maybe her expertise. Nevertheless, it was different this time. Not only because the date wouldn’t take place in The Blooming Rose and end up in bed for sure, but also the setting was completely different. Sierra had no idea who she was about to meet. She only knew his name. At least, that was what she thought.

When she finally saw him sitting on a wall she was kind of relieved. At least it was not an old man who was looking for a young girl to wed. The guy noticed her and smiled, while he jumped of the wall he sat on. Apparently she mispronounced his name, as he wasn’t Vladmar, but Valdimárr. ”I am sorry, my mistake,” she admitted. Remembering names was definitely not a talent she possessed. Valdimárr brought her a small package and told her it was a small Valentine’s gift. Men that bring gifts, that wasn’t something she was used to. Normally, the only gift she got was a bit of money for her services, which eventually ended up in her boss’ pocket. Sierra accepted the gift, which was packed in a box. She once heard that it was disrespectful towards the person who gave it to open a present right away. Therefore, she decided to leave it packed and open it after the date. ”Thank you, but it wasn’t necessary.” Sierra never thought of bringing a gift herself.

Unlike Sierra, Vladimárr knew her name and also how to pronounce it correctly. ”Yes, I am,” she confirmed. Sierra wondered where he came from. Vladimárr did not really sound like a Rhoynish name. Also, his looks weren’t typical for this area. Despite of that, Vladimárr was definitely good looking.  


 

MY BLOODY VALENTINE

So far, so good. Until now, Valdimarr seemed like a nice and friendly guy, which was a relieve to her. Sierra was kind of stressed before she came her. Scared that she would end up with an old and crotchety man, but Validmarr appeared to be neither of them. Still, this could change as she only knew him for a few seconds now. But the first impression was always the most important one.

Sierra was still holding the unopened gift she received from Valdimarr. She desperately wanted to know what was inside, but didn’t want to be rude, and especially not in front of her date. Till now, she could only guess. Valdimarr mentioned that the content of the gift could be a bit wet, but it was fresh, really fresh.  She didn’t notice it before, but the package felt indeed somewhat moist. What could it be? There was one way to find out. With one hand she tried to untie the ribbon that was holding the gift together. Now she had to remove the lid of the package. For a few seconds she questioningly stared at Valdimarr, but he was just standing her, probably waiting for her to open his gift. He seemed to be very confident about what he was giving her. Finally, she removed the lid of the box and took a glance at what was inside. ”What the fuck is this?!” she said a bit startled. Whatever is was, it was covered in blood, which could only mean one thing, it used be from a living being. Sierra didn’t know what to think of it, but realized it could be a normal gesture from whatever he came from.



 

MY BLOODY VALENTINE

It took her a while before she realized that the gift was a heart. A heart that used to belong to someone. As far as she could judge it looked fresh. Like it was ripped out of someone just a few hours ago. Why would someone give her a gift like that? Maybe it was a normal gesture in some regions.  Nevertheless, it wasn’t a gift she would hope for. A glance at Valdimar showed her that he could only grin while looking at her. He told her that he borrowed it from someone, as ripping it out of his own body was kinda difficult. Sierra didn’t really know what to do. Was he a psychopath? A murderer? Or was this part of his culture? It was probably better if she would never find out. ”Thank you,” she murmured. Sierra walked to the wall and placed the gift on top of it. Although she wasn’t afraid of blood, she didn’t want to hold it any longer. ”What is the plan?” she asked when she faced him again. Leaving was what she wanted right now, but she didn’t want to be rude. How often did she have the possibility to meet a man like this outside her work. Maybe it was something she had to get used to.