"There is darkness in light, there is pain in joy, and there are thorns on the rose."
― Cate Tiernan
Arthur stepped off the boat and breathed in the fresh salty air. The night air, although shrouded in a thick fog and chilled by sea winds, was still so much cleaner than that of the day. This country, so different from his own, still reminded him of home. A smile didn't appear on his face, such emotions had been robbed from him. Along with his heart. He grimaced as the pain in his chest stabbed him again. No. He mustn't think like that. Not any-more. Business, that was safe. No strings or feelings attached, just cold hard facts and a purpose.
"There you go Monsieur" said the bag carrier putting down Arthur's luggage "Is there anything else I can get for you?"
"Yes, where can I hail a cab?" The small man smiled politely and pointed to the street corner.
"Over there Monsieur, would you like me to take your bag?"
"No, I can manage. Thank you." The little man gave a small bow and said
"Enjoy your stay in france, Monsieur Kirkland, and good luck." before jumping back onboard; out of the dingy street, which was now drizzling with rain.
Pulling his coat collar up against the cold Arthur picked up his luggage and walked down to the end of the road. His large hat protected him from the rain, preventing the use of an umbrella. His three brothers Allistor (scotland) Gavan (wales) and Connor (n Ireland) were supposed to join him but a recent argument over family money meant he was traveling to Paris alone. He thought about his had lost his mother a long time ago, he used to be the leader of the house until his sister undermined him. Not to mention the attempted murders. He had barely talked to Bridget (R. ) in years. His brothers only stayed with him out of family loyalty, but he guessed they didn't like taking orders from the youngest of the household.
After a five minute wait a taxi drove up and he hopped inside the back. He took off his hat and told the driver to take him to the hotel de louvre. He sat back in his seat and enjoyed the ride. It was too late to drive all the way to Paris and, if he new frenchmen, the taxi driver would not be very happy to do so. Also, worryingly, there was an open bottle of wine on the passenger seat and Arthur was not sure if the driver was in any fit state to drive that far without crashing. Out of the window all Arthur could see was blackness, occasionally priced by a fancy street lamp. In the distance he could here the soft sounds of the ocean. He was used to living by the water, he,himself, lived in an expensive flat in London. It had a great view of the Thames and was rather large. But the river barely made a sound, he wondered if this new sound would keep him awake. He checked his watch, around 22:30. He felt his eyes get heavier, no sleeping would not be problem.
Finally Arthur arrived at the hotel, he paid the driver the fair and hurried into the building. He managed to get a room and refused to let the porter take his luggage. He was only staying for the night. when he got to his room he got out his mobile set an alarm for the morning. Alfred had got him the little gadget for his birthday, and he was actually quite impressed by it. Alfred was like a brother to him, Arthur had practically raised the boy. He was surprised to see he had a message. It was from his brother Gavan of all people. it read -
"Sorry we can't be there with you little brother, Alistor hasn't quite forgiven you yet. But he will come round. Have a nice trip, call if you need us." Arthur shook his head and put the phone on the bedside table. He quickly got changed and went bed. He didn't read, he was too tired for even that. He let his eyes close slowly, dreading the day to come.