At first it seemed to be an angel. It spoke with soft words full of promise, enthused the mind, and sang to my soul with sweet nothings. Promise of greatness and a second chance allure those close to the end. For me it was a fire. It burned our village and boiled bodies whole. The fire had a great hold of me, keeping me snared in beams too heavy to be lifted. It was then I heard the sweet call of the siren. It told me of possibility and gave false proclamations of grandeur. I was a boy ready to taste the sweet honey of a new life. But, now I know that honey came from the suffering of my own doing.
Now I sit in rooms filled with men banking on drug induced calms. Like her, I find my own sweetness in their suffering. They beg for more, steal for more, and sell horrible things for more. Of course, I can't take all the credit. There are plenty others like me with their dens of smoke and prostitutes. I've merely made myself known among this community of dealers and nobility.
For me it was simple to achieve what I currently lay claim to. She helped me with the money, the transports, and the connections. She had been there the whole time.
"You're going to be late at this rate." a voice reminded the boy.
"Does it matter?" he sighed as he finally decided on attire.
"Gatherings like this are important for social standings. So, yes, it does matter I'm afraid." she quickly began to dress the younger boy.
"I don't need another lecture." he rolled his eyes.
"Then don't ask questions you know the answers to." she tugged harshly on his collar for a moment. She always had a firm hand.
"You look beautiful in your dress." he redirected.
"And you will undoubtedly look dashing in your suit." she felt like a mother in some ways.
"Maybe a handsome gentleman will sweep you off your feet." she rolled her eyes at that. While Torio knew better than to appreciate her beauty, he had to admit she looked pretty in her dress. With her hair done in a low ponytail and long bangs framing her face, any man could easily be swayed.
"We best head out." nodding they made their way out the door.
Given the hour poured into selecting a dress for the night, it was no surprise when men took double takes or dragged their words. In her red dress outfitted with black lace and bows, she followed the young man also dressed the part. The pair made themselves known within the first step of their arrival.
"I don't see the Viscount." Torio commented as he eyed the crowd of guests. Although, his gaze fell upon a pink dress and a rather captivating young woman. A small blush crossed his features before he impulsively made his way to greet the girl.
Surprised at the wordless departure of her master, Kaoru quickly followed. As she looked for what had so suddenly whisked her young Lord away, she gave a small smirk when her eyes rested upon a young girl donned in a pink dress and raven pigtails. She was rather cute in an innocent way.
A few steps away from this lovely girl, he stopped now realizing he had no clue how to approach a girl. In his line of work there was no need for smooth talking and charismatic gestures.
"Can I help you?" the young girl turned. Her right eye was strangely hidden by her bangs.
"I..." his mind went blank "You, well, what I mean to say is that, uh, you look pretty in your dress." both parties fell to a rather awkward silence. The maid stifled many laughs and forced her lips to stay as straight and indifferent as ever. Her insides begged to burst out in laughter, but, she clenched her fist and instead headed to assist.
"Ah, my Lord, there you are. I believe the Viscount is waiting to speak with you." gently she ushered the dumbfounded boy past a few men and women. His face flushed, he shook his head.
"Don't speak of what just happened." he muttered rather disappointed in himself. She merely notes his deep blush and dejected brown eyes.
Turning back to the young girl who had been victim of her master's poor pass at her, she noted a man bringing lemonade to the girl. With glasses and his hair tucked behind his ear, she couldn't help but admit he looked rather... Appealing.
"My, my, what a lovely color of red." a voice broke her thoughts. Immediately she recognized the man approaching her.
"Viscount Druitt," Torio smiled at the blonde dressed in a white suit "it's good to see you on this charming night." he brought his hand to meet the Viscount's.
"With all of these lovely maidens dressed to the nines, charming doesn't begin to describe this night! But, I am very happy to see you my little Lord." he smiled as he shook Torio's hand.
"I was wondering, are you having another one of your shows tonight?" the boy smirked as Aleistor seemed rather shocked such a young boy knew of something he had put effort in concealing.
"I'm afraid I don't understand..." he gave a slight tilt of the head.
"I am interested in buying goods and I heard you had a rather fine selection. As a customer, I will leave a poor review of your services if you refuse to help me." he threatened. Frowning, the Viscount turned and directed the pair to a hallway hidden by a thick drape. As no one paid mind, both the woman and the boy descended down a flight of stairs.
In a dimly lit room filled with other nobility, the Lord fastened a thin veil around his eyes in order to hide his true identity. The maid followed suit.
