living skyward

Femio awoke to mellifluous song of a morning bird, atop silken blankets within an opulent, yet dusty bedroom. 

How peculiar! He had no memory of lying down anywhere but his humble bedroom in the boy's dormitory and indeed, he would have been quite fretful over his lapse in memory, had he not taken a moment to ponder over his circumstances. And after a moment's thought, Femio was able to come to the logical conclusion.

"Monton," Femio announced to his servant, who happened to be there, "There is only one possible explanation for our current situation. The owner of this castle must be one of my many love-struck admirers! So overcome by their passion, they have restored to abducting me during my slumber, and carrying me off to this castle! How tragic it is, that my sinful nature has made them resort to such sinful measures! Oh heaven! Pour judgement upon this sinner!"

There was a pause.

"Master Femio," Monton said, "It seems that your bull has not been abducted along with us."

"Well, that is a dilemma," Femio said. "How am I supposed to repent for my crimes against love without mon mignon Escamillo? But in that case let us part ways for a time while we look for him. I'm sure Escamillo is around here somewhere."

So it was agreed, and after smoothing down his hair and clothes Femio set out thru' the dismal castle hallways.

It took a bit of time, for the castle was vast and the layout seemed quite inconsistent, but eventually he happened to spy someone going about their business. Femio quickly moved into the spot where the light was best and struck a pose (What a pity that Monton and Escamillo were not present to aid him!) and called out a greeting:

"Bonjour, mon amour! Are you the master of this castle?"