UPLOADED BY: ANONYMOUS

>> I’m pulling double-duty today, but I think you may find it valuable to read this little conversation. I want to know who “Julianna” is just as much as you do, and this might help.

The Reasonless Tower – as I believe it to be called. Julianna stood waiting for her latest victim to materialize. As the dark, stooped form of Charles Baudelaire began to form in front of her, she couldn’t help but crack a beautiful smile. “Mr. Baudelaire, so soon? I would have bet that you most of all would want to keep on fighting! You know, to avenge your lady love?”

Charles stood looking at the floor, his expression unseen. “You’re quite mistaken. I’m done with your game. Just kill me and get it over with.”

Pouting, Julianna toyed with the drawstring of her hood. “Where’s the fun in hunting a lame duck? Not even a little fight from you, Charles?”

“None.”

“What about now?” Pulling on the strings, Julianna let her hood fall down behind her head. Her long golden locks cascaded down over her shoulders. Well, at least they did on one side.

“Is that what this whole game is about? You’re mad because you got a crappy haircut?”

Julianna smiled innocently sweet. “Precisely.”

Charles’ eyes widened. He knew. “You!”

“Don’t say it out loud! I want to savor the moment for someone who’s not five seconds away from death!” Julianna’s smile gave way to her signature giggle. “Care to impart me with a few parting words?”

Ever the poet, Charles couldn’t resist. He thought of Christina Rossetti in his final moments.

“O Death, old captain, it is time! weigh anchor!
This country confounds us; hoist sail and away!
If this sky and sea are black as ink,
Our hearts, as you know them, burst with blinding rays.

Pour us your poison, that last consoling draft!
For we long, so the fire burns in the brain,
To sound the abyss, Hell or Heaven, what matter?
In the depths of the Unknown, we’ll discover the New!”

I’m sure you can guess the rest. Farewell, Charles Baudelaire.