Pestilence

[Vintagedarling]

Basic concept: Biblical plague traversing the world with a reluctant companion in Frontiers time. *Gross warning*

This is inspired (mega loosely) on the novel by Laura Thalassa Pestilence.

 

Waiting until the evening had finally cooled and the sniffs and snorts were replaced by slow breaths and eventually steady congested snoring. Easing her back from the Horseman’s, Elaina paused with a jolt when a loud snore had her fearing he’d woken at her absence. When the next snore followed on it’s heels she eased just a bit. She wasn’t stupid enough to think she was out of danger yet. Scooting to the end of the horse she listened to the steed’s steps, hoping she had the rhythm just so. Elaina jumped down, her crunching sound of gravel echoing far louder then the horses, but she’d luckily stuck the landing. Turing her head to see if the Horseman noticed, Elaina smiled as his massive broadside was still to her and not that vile red schnoz pointed in her direction. The horse however took notice, it’s head turning back for a moment to look at her before swishing indifferently back. Horse is happy to lose the passenger not the precious rider, Elaina mused as she waited just a bit for distance to accumulate before dashing in a direction the Horseman wasn’t headed.

 

She wasn’t sure how long she’d been walking in the dark desert but Elaina soon saw a few oil lamplights lighting up a town. “Oh thank God,” she gasped. Making her way, the first few shops were dark and closed. The next building with light was the undertaker’s. “How fitting,” she murmured as a chill raced up her spine. The one she decided on entering happened to be the tavern. The floor was full of tables and chairs with a handful having any occupants. Making her way to the bar, “Anywhere I can get a room?” She asked feeling eyes on her back.

In answer the woman behind the counter slapped a key down, “Pay when you leave,” she said with a flick of her head.

 

With a grateful nod Elaina grasped the key and headed down the hallway that had been ‘shown.’ Not wanting the first room she walked down farther, about to try the knob of that door when the sounds of passion drifted through. “Very much occupied,” she murmured as she went down a few more doors and finally found one she could enter. There wasn’t much just a bed, and a chair to a lopsided table, but damn if this wasn’t heaven compared to the endless riding. Thoughts of survival still driving her Elaina shoved the back of the chair against the doorknob, for added security before allowing herself to settle on the bed. Mind finally slowing she reached into her pocket, the first thing she touched made her wince and chuck it to the ground in disgust.

“Ugh,” she groaned as she glared at Pestilence’s used handkerchief. Next she pulled out the few coins to count before putting all but one away. Laying back she flipped the coin through her knuckles until the repetitive gesture and flickering glimmer put her to sleep.

 

As consciousness stirred her Elaina stretched out smiling as daylight lit up the space showing her to still be the only occupant. She laid there for a bit longer before nature urged her to move the chair and open the door, once she’d freshened up she padded to the front with a growling stomach.

 

“G’Mornin,’” smiled the man now behind the counter. “Hungry?” He offered setting out a plate.

 

Elaina nodded stepping forward. “Goo-“

 

“H'DSSCHH'Ue!!”

 

The rest of her early greeting finished with a scream as she whirled around to the occupant sitting against the wall. Spray from the sneeze glittered in the light as it headed her way. Another shiver ran up her spine as she had nowhere to run. 

 

“God bless ya,” the server politely called to the Horseman.

 

“Oh he does,” he sniffed derisively.

 

Though he was talking past her the Horseman’s eyes was only for her. Elaina turned back around and fetched her plate and the additional one that had been offered up.

Oh God. Elaina couldn’t help but fret as she looked back to Pestilence, his stern features softening.

Eyes glazing over dreamily though they fought to remain steadfast on her, the feeling it invoked made her stupid heart patter all that much faster. If only it wasn’t for his flaring pink nostrils displaying how very cold ridden his nose was, lips parted in a quivering snarl, and the shaky rise and fall of his massive diaphragm. All parts of the Horseman building up to another expulsion. Elaina hesitated leaving the bar, knowing to keep her distance as the beast was readying to fire.

 

“H-H—DSSHeSscHh’OO!!”

 

Cords of release shot out from the depths of Pestilence’s twin caverns accompanied by droplets that scattered with the uncovered sneeze. A couple at a table not too far made faces of disgust that mirrored her own. Even with the grand amount distance between them Elaina could swear she felt wetness and the breeze.

 

With lead in her legs she approached the Horseman of the Apocalypse and set a plate of food down in front of him even though they both knew he wasn’t going to touch it.

“I’mb n’dot goin-“

 

“I know, I know,” Elaina sighed. Placing her own plate at the edge of the table, so she could keep her eyes as far from the Horseman as possible, “That ‘Holy vessel’ of yours might not require it, but you’re ill, and you and your God serviced me to care for you and I say ‘you need it.’” She reasoned plainly. Picking up her fork she poked at the toast appetite now replaced with mild nausea.

 

“L’oogk at m’be.”

 

Damn Reluctantly Elaina answered the demand her own meeting his distancing eyes. Again she fumed. It was now or not at all. Forking her plate the rushed utensil barely grabbing any eggs to shove in her mouth as she slid her toast off the plate and under the table with her other hand. 

 

“You left.” Pestilence growled, nose darting side to side.

 

Everything about him was irritated but there was a difference. And just as Elaina was about to put a name to it the Horseman’s head reared back before snapping forward with another uncovered sneeze.

 

Seated so close Elaina was coated. Swallowing quickly she managed to keep her nutrition down, barely.

 

Pestilence rubbed a long finger generously along the saturated underside of his nose, looking for all like he was enjoying himself with his ministrations, and Elaina had to watch with cheeks a flame. “I-I didn’t leave I just had to relieve myself,” she stammered.

The wide flaring of his nostrils against his finger had her nervous and for good reason.

 

“H-hih—hehhh—-“

 

The bastard was teasing his sensitive nose.

 

“H-ZZIsSSHEUH!!”

 

No more eggs, “—and I didn’t want to wake you up-“

 

“M’HeEgEhHh—“ Pestilence hitched. With his finger still held up against his septum it for all appearances looked as though he was really trying to keep his forceful discharge back. But Elaina knew better and she realized her mistake just a bit too late as she pushed a napkin across the table for him to use.

 

Teary eyes looked to the napkin and Pestilence lowered his hand to go and grab it. “EeEASHHuEH!!” He sneezed immediately forcing Elaina to flinch. Plucking up the napkin he delicately wiped his finger clean before tossing it aside.

 

A deflated breath escaped Elaina as she glanced over to see the other patrons staring at them with hushed murmurs. She had it worse. Looking to the point between Pestilence’s eyes and not the rivers running down his lips. “-and when I was done you were gone and it was dark…” that last bit she wasn’t too sure on. The Horseman could easily call her bluff if he’d woken up before the sky had fully darkened. Shit she didn’t know how long he’d been waiting here for her. Just that he obviously found her. Which now only drew out more frustrating issues such as, Pestilence observing her through dark circled eyes. How hard had he ridden to find her.

Hard her deceitful inner musings whispered.

 

“Why didn’t you call out?” The Horseman queried.

 

Cause I was hoping to ditch your cold ass briefly flitted through her mind but in answer she gave a small shrug. Elaina could sense Pestilence’s expectation for the actual answer but he wasn’t going to get it

 

Once he realized that that was all she was going to give Pestilence rose from his seat with a deep set frown. “You got a room here didn’t you?”

 

“End of the hall,” Elaina sighed as she stood to follow gasping as Pestilence took her by the hand and lead her before him, his body once again encasing her comparatively petite backside. Taking the toast from her hand as he did.

 

“You’re ridding in front of me from now on. N’ I clearly d-don’t give a rat’s ass anym’bore that you don’t like get’n sneezed on that’s where you’re stayin’,” he snapped taking a bite. 

[SleepingPhlox]

This is incredible. 😳

[SneezyHolmes]

Oh wow! I'm in love with Pestilence! Can't wait for more! 😍😍🥵🥵

[Jettous]

This is great. I hope you continue it. 

[starpollen]

Might there be more of this?  It’s very good. 😊

[Snez gud]

Oh my god the descriptions on this are just incredible!

[Kolen]

This is amazing.

Simply fantastic!!!

[Vintagedarling]

Thank you everyone!!! I’m stoked that you like it!! 

 

pt. 2 

*Gross// mush // domineering male warning* 

 

Air displaced by the heavy footfalls of the Horseman on Elaina’s heels had her quickening her steps, not to mention the sounds of hitching echoing down the corridor to be a good motivator. Hurrying to open the door Elaina stepped in and out of the way just in time as a sneeze barreled out of Pestilence. Entering her small room Pestilence took it all in with a distasteful glance, closing the door behind him. The bed was disheveled not that it seemed to matter as the Horseman grabbed the end and dragged it over to place in front of the door before plopping down. The frame creaked in protest but held the mass of contained plagues. Stupefied, Elaina stood there. “W-What are you doing?” She finally managed. 

The cot wasn’t capable of holding all of him comfortably, “Thought this would be obvious,” Pestilence huffed, rubbing his long index finger against his nose, “sleeping.” 

 

“But you don’t need it,” Elaina fussed realizing that she’d just been trapped. 

 

“Ah, but you did ‘prescribe’ it.”

 

“Now you decide to listen to me?” Elaina bit out as she looked about the room. There was a window but it looked too small to squeeze any of her admirable parts through. Probably.

 

“Hehh…hH”

 

Elaina grimaced as she looked back in time to watch the Horseman sneeze, the poor cot was forced to yield with his expulsion. 

 

“H’AHISSCHE’UE!”

 

“Bless you,” Elaina grumbled as she stepped over, grabbing the discarded handkerchief up off the ground. “You ought to cover when you sneeze, so you don’t get others sick…” she realized how pointless that last part was just as Pestilence eyed her wearily as she tossed the cloth over his face.

 

“That’s what I do,” the Horseman sniffed indignantly as he removed the fabric with a swipe of his hand. 

 

“Wipe your nose,” Elaina ordered. 

 

Pestilence stilled at the command, gaze challenging Elaina’s. “You picked this up off the floor and expect me to use it?”

 

“It’s not like you’re going to get sick—er,” Elaina reasoned.

 

“S’pose not,” Pestilence said letting the cloth go and fall to the floor anyway. 

 

Elaina fumed, knowing he was intentionally doing nothing to disgust her and make her act, but she was strong, she would not give in and tend to the sick bastard. So instead she paced. This is ridiculous

 

The brute looked as comfortable as could be with an arm lay shielding his eyes the other draped above his head. The expanse of his chest lead down to a well muscled stomach and waist that left no room on the bed for anyone else and legs, one bent, foot planted firmly on the ground while the other dangled off the end of the bed. There was no way she was getting passed him. It had been a miracle that she’d been able to escape his presence in the first place. With a wave of defeat washing over her Elaina pulled the chair out legs scraping only slightly and sat at the table. “How’d you even find me?” 

 

Pestilence must’ve just fallen asleep for the goliath jerked with a suddenness at her voice which caused Elaina to jump too. Pestilence was quiet for so long that she didn’t think he’d answer her. Maybe he hadn’t heard her. 

 

“I can sense those I keep from infecting.” 

 

Meaning smacked Elaina upside the head the Horseman had known exactly where to find her, that and he was purposefully keeping her healthy. Latter took you long enough A sudden rush of heat flooding through her veins had her feeling flustered. Sliding the chair back she staggered over to him. “Can I go get a pitcher?” And naïve. 

 

Pestilence’s hand shot out and wrapped around her wrist, the action was a blur. “S’that all you’re gonna do?” He chuckled as he brought her hand closer. 

 

Elaina tugged but Pestilence’s unyielding grip guided her hand to itch his nose. “Yes,” she frowned feeling his heated flesh, her fingers forced to rub away the mess that clung to the underside of his nose. 

 

“HihH… P-Promise?” 

 

“Yes.”

 

“H-iZZCHEIUE!” The release forced Pestilence up just a bit but as he settled back he pulled Elaina down. 

 

An indignant squawk slipped through Elaina as she unceremoniously flopped down and was then pinned as Pestilence’s other arm came over her. Stunned as to just how she’d ended up in this position Elaina was now yanking at her limb, trying to put some distance between herself and the abomination. 

 

Pestilence’s gaze watered, “That’s w-whHiHh—what you said in Ludlow.” 

 

The Horseman almost appeared doleful if it wasn’t for his nose ruining it for her. The protuberance before her wrinkled, it’s twin caverns swelling  shakily with filling depths.“I-I’m gonna be sick,” she panted ducking her head down and flush to his shuddering chest to avoid getting sprayed. But rather then the sneeze, hitching breaths continued met by desperate snorts as Pestilence’s once sentient hand at her back moved along her. 

 

“Y’a don’t h-haH-ave any infection.” 

 

Her disgust retracted and cooled deep in her belly. This can’t be good Pestilence was checking her for illness and that was nice.

Don’t do it Against her better judgement Elaina snuck a glance up at Pestilence, surprised his nose hadn’t erupted and damn did it look angry about it. Don’t do it swallowing thickly, Elaina looked just a bit higher. Too far Pestilence’s bleary eyes locked her flustered one’s to his. “I feel warm,” she stated bringing her free hand to her cheek to check. Hot as hell Curious, Elaina moved it next to cup the Horseman’s cheek to check his temperature. “Jesus Christ!” Elaina yelped, immediately withdrawing her hand, weight shifting so suddenly she’d’ve fallen to the hard floor if it wasn’t for Pestilence’s crushing hand splaying wide to keep her in place. Elaina was trying to shake out the heat from her hand when Pestilence swelled Don’t do it

 

“H’GESSHHMMPFT!!” 
 

Elaina managed to get her hand over the blast just in time to avoid getting much of the release in her face. Her hand no longer burned but the fire reignited in her bones. “Why must you be so revolting!” She spat. Pestilence’s lips moved under her hand, as he hummed an answer. “What?” Elaina huffed, stretching to reach the abandoned handkerchief from the ground to wipe her hand. 

“Surely, you meant to bless me.” 

 

Elaina’s gaze slowly slipped over to look at Pestilence’s steely one. How could she forget he hated being described as gross, “O-Of course,” bringing the cloth delicately over his nose to wipe. “Bless you.” The cot’s frame creaked, tension slowly leaking out of the Horseman as he settled under the caring touches. His hazy eyes grew distant and Elaina fretted the Horseman was gearing up for another sneeze when his lashes fluttered to a close.

“Hey!” Elaina patted Pestilence’s chest shocking him back to consciousness. Making his lips curl back with displeasure, and before he could voice such, “You’re sweltering, can I please go get some water?” She asked again. 

 

Pestilence’s nostrils flared with a sucking labored breath that seemed to be damming back more then just his patience. But he relented and got up, moving the bed out of the way and even going as far as opening the door for her. Giddiness had Elaina slipping through before the Horseman even had the door fully open. “You’re welcome,” he drawled out. 

 

Elaina didn’t bother commenting as she hurried back down the corridor again to the front of the tavern.

 

The man behind the counter lacked all of his prior luster when his eyes landed on her. Skin now splotchy with fever. “What can I do for ya?” He asked tiredly. 

 

“Water, please.”  

 

The man set down a canteen on the bar, “There’s a pump ‘round back.” 

 

Ever eager as Elaina stepped forward, taking up the jug only then did she see she still had Pestilence’s handkerchief with her. “Thank you,” she offered a bit grimly to the bartender before finding her way to the pump. Get it over with Elaina mused making a face as she struggled to scrub the fabric clean under the pump of water. Pump. Scrub. Pump. Scrub. 

She’d just gotten into a nice rhythm when a shadow eclipsed her. And before she could process that she should get out of the way. 

 

“H’AHIISSHEEH’UE!!”

 

Elaina’s back went rigid, dragging a calming breath through her teeth, “Bless you,” she said, her cleaning technique a bit more vehement now.

 

“We’re leaving,” Pestilence sniffed.

 

Sighing Elaina stood up and accepted the offered hand to assist her up onto the steed, Pestilence joining on behind her. The hoof falls crunched the dirt as the horse took them through the town and out of it. Sighing Elaina folded the wet square and turned to place it on the Horseman’s forehead, turning right back around to avoid the heat she’d seen enter his eyes. 

 

[Dc1]

This is amazing!

Can't wait for the next update 😄

[Jettous]

Great chapter. I love the dynamic between the two characters. 

[Snez gud]

On 5/18/2022 at 12:27 AM, Vintagedarling said:

The protuberance before her wrinkled, it’s twin caverns swelling  shakily with filling depths.“

Once again, those descriptions are just lovely

[rockbell]

absolutely loving this so far!

[Vintagedarling]

 

Pt.3

 

Pestilence’s hand came around, securing Elaina to him, further cementing she wasn’t going anywhere, what she hadn’t been prepared for was the rope that came around her next. “Jesus Ch-“ she didn’t get to finish her fury when she and the Horseman were yanked from the saddle. Pestilence grunted as he hit the ground, taking the brunt for both. Elaina stared straight up at the bright cloudless sky, content to take a moment to ponder just how she’d gotten where she was, before wincing as the Horseman wasted no time in getting up. Rolling them over, the pinching rope dragged Elaina up with him to face the posse. 

“What the f—“ was all Pestilence got out before gunfire rang out and hit the dirt just to their left.

 

“Shut the fuck up,” said the gunman as he rustled a paper from his person. “You’re one a ‘em Horseman an’ yer ass thought ya could just ride through all easy like?” 

 

Elaina blanched at the image of the Horseman on the Wanted poster. The monster was finally getting apprehended, and she was going to be free. Turning from the page to the man, Pestilence’s scowl shot a chill her down her damning the blistering heat. She wasn’t the only one, the horses of the riders started to get antsy. 

 

“I’m one of the bringers of the apocalypse,” Pestilence stated flatly. “Did YOU think over how hard it was going to be to stop me?”

 

Well that blew her chance of freedom to high heaven, Elaina knew these men didn’t have a chance in hell. 

 

“Pretty fuck’n easy so far,” one of the rider’s chortled. 

As the group whooped their agreements a gleeful smile spread across Pestilence’s face. The only person aside from Elaina who didn’t appear to be having a good time was the rope man as he began retching. 

 

“What the Hell’s wrong w—“ was all the next posse member could get out before he too succumbed to sicking himself. 

Unceremoniously all the riders had soon been dismounted by the invisible plague wrecking havoc within them while the bringer slowly approached. 

Elaina slipped free of the slackened rope binding her to Pestilence as he made his way over kicking a pistol away from the bounty man’s reach. 

 

“Think I’m still easy?” Pestilence roared down at the recumbent men.

 

Elaina thought that challenge funny as it brought forth her first encounter with Pestilence. 

—

Job done, her sights now were set on getting a stiff drink and some peace to herself but as Elaina stepped off the bottom step her boss whistled for her and nodded to a man seated alone at the bar. Elaina sighed, grabbing a bottle and two glasses as another girl passed her on her way up to a room with a nod towards her next patron.

“That one don’t look so well…”

Rounding her way from the bar setting a glass down in front of the newcomer. Not wanting to let Shelly’s words get to her Elaina plastered a believable smile. But as she took in the pale, clammy appearance of the man before her, she didn’t feel it, but she still had a job to do. “Hi there handsome,” she purred as she poured him a glass then her own. “Looks like you’ve been on the road a bit and can use some tending to,” drinking her glass before continuing, “can I tempt you in a ‘caring’ evening?” When the man hesitated Elaina offered her hand which he took up with only a moment’s more hesitation. Taking the bottle as she guided him off the bar stool and towards the staircase “I’ll be working a Holliday,” she said cooly to her boss as she passed him. Her guest stopped just as she was about to lead him in.

“Are you s-shUhH-sure you want to do this? I-It-IhH- hH won’t EhHh— I w-won’t be easy.” 

Elaina smiled at his unsure tone as she tugged him into her room. “Come in Sweetheart let me be the judge of that, hmm?” Leading him to sit on the bed Elaina took his jacket off to hang on the post next to the door. 

“Hi-IHHShEEHUEE!!”

His sudden sneeze had her jumping and dropping his coat. A trill swept through her as she quickly picked up his garment, dusting it off. “Sorry about that,” Elaina mumbled a bit weary to turn, “Bless…” she said as she did finding Her John still looking miserable rather then upset at his mishandled attire. Elaina rather quickly let her guard drop, she could handle this one, even if he tried any funny business. She was about to close the distance when-

“HhH…hiH-!”

But the only thing funny at the moment was the face he was pulling. Brows knitting over the broad raw nose, giving her the full display of the messy contents clinging to the agitated walls as his mouth livened into a snarl.

“HIIH-EEISHHEHUE!! …heEh—HEASHHESHEEOO!!” S-SSnNFKT

Even with the space she felt a bit of the man’s sneezes hit her exposed flesh. Keeping her disgust from her expression Elaina finally closed the distance, kneeling to take off his boots she offered her own handkerchief from her bosom to him. “Doc says, ‘You should cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze to stop the spread of disease,’” she hummed the saying that had been recited by the doctor that visited. The smile that spread across his wary appearance warmed her, as he took the pocket square. His damp fingers grazing hers, “Mister?”

 

Smiling as he took the offered cloth to blow his nose. “Pestilence. And that’s why I’m here.”

—

“P-Please wh-what’s hap—“ One of the gunmen sputtered before heaving, the contents a grisly red. 

 

“Happening?” Pestilence finished for the man as he gingerly felt his cheek with the back of his hand, not minding the bile that clung there. “Well I’d say that there are a multitude of illness right now buzzing through your pathetic system. Viruses from different times and parts of this world you’ve never even seen…” Drawing himself back up Pestilence returned to his mount, bringing Elaina silently up when he held out his hand. Casting a thoughtful look up, “All of which won’t be fully cooked under this glorious sun by the time the carrion creatures are making work of you.”

 

They rode in silence for a few minutes before Elaina realized their direction. “We-We’re headed back?” 

 

Nose threatening to run, “Seems I’ve made the mistake of showing some of your kind mercy… and now mankind thinks they can profit off trying to kill me. Have to put an end to that,” Pestilence said with an emotionless sniff. 

[BCCLX]

WOWOWOWOWOW I LOVE THIS??💗💗💗💗💗