Chapter 1: Southern Party
One crisp fall morning the sounds of morning birds chirped to welcome the day, that would soon be filled with cheers and flirting. The hunting dogs howled to call to their master as they claimed his prize. The plantation stood of two stories and many acres of lands. It's white southern exterior showed the owners wealth and good taste for design. Gardens that reached out to the ends of the world, tended by the best gardeners. The fresh green grass showed its health in the fall air. The owners of the plantation were two brothers, both fine young men who cared for their servants. Known by all in the great southern town.
Vash walked down the back facing, spiraling stair case, dressed in his very stylish black suite. His hair nicely tied back into a pony tail and his bangs gave his sleek look a very dashing look. His butler presented the daily paper and Vash took it, then proceeded to the dinning room. There he sat at the end of the 12 setting table, he was brought out his usual breakfast and coffee. The butler opened the windows to let the fall air seep into the room.
" What is today, Legato?" Vash asked as he turned the page
" Friday sir," Legato replied in a monotone voice
" Today is that Masquerade ball thing is not?" Vash questioned
" Yes, sir," Legato responded
Vash folded his paper and took a breath of the fresh air.
" Ah, the fresh air, don't you like this wonderful air," Vash said
" Very nice sir," Legato agreed
" Legato my boy you should show some excitement. It will lighten up the atmosphere," Vash said
" Your right master," Legato said
The sound of the door shut and scratching paws came from the distant.
" All the thrill of a hunt, gets the blood running," Knives' voice rang
The two basset hounds quickly skidded across the floor tripping over their long droopy ears to get to Vash. Knives walked in and snapped his fingers for Legato to attend to his hunting equipment.
" Dear brother don't forget that tonight is the party," Knives said
" Yes, I know, I was just discussing that with Legato," Vash replied
" That brain washed idiot can never remember is own name much less the day that is so important in this household," Knives said
Knives sat down and looked out the window. Vash narrowed his eyes at Knives after he had insult their butler. He shook his head and drank his coffee.
" Today you will meet the woman that has caught my eye…isn't that right Legato," Knives said messing around
" Yes, sir," Legato said
" Never mind," Knives said, " He knows nothing."
Vash rolled his eyes and looked out.
" So, did you catch anything?" Vash asked
" Sadly only two ducks," Knives said, " it's rather depressing."
" Ducks are always good," Vash replied
Once more Knives caught an attitude towards the help.
" Legato stop being yourself and get me coffee," Knives said
" Very well sir," Legato said leaning the gun against the wall
Legato soon returned with two fresh cups of coffee and placed one down for Knives and the other for Vash.
" Feed the dogs while your up," Knives ordered
" Very well sir," Legato said
Knives turned back to Vash and said, " Help these days are hardly worth what we pay."
" Perhaps they would work better if they were treated better," Vash suggested
" Come now Vash you can't be mad about what happened two years ago. She was hardly worth anything," Knives said
" You still can treat them better," Vash said
" Please, don't give me your love and peace crap," Knives said, " You never grow up."
A sudden knock aroused the help and the two brothers in their argument. Legato walked to the door and opened it. Vash and Knives looked over and Legato turned to them.
" Mr. Midvalley sirs, about the tonight's music," Legato said
" Well, don't let him stand there. Let him in," Knives growled
Legato invited Midvalley in and he stomped his feet on mat, then removed his top hat. Knives and Vash rose from where they sat and walked over to greet their visitor.
" Good day Mr. Knives, Mr. Vash," Midvalley greeted
Knives shook Midvalley's hand and said, " Good to see you. Legato be a good butler and get this man a cup of tea or coffee."
" Very well sir," Legato said
Across miles of land rested another very well known plantation in the southern town. The family very wealthy and their daughter very hard headed and at the right age for marriage. The Strifes', are a very powerful family do to their ways of bargaining and gambling.
" Ms. Meryl it's time to wake up," a servant said
Meryl opened her eyes to the sounds of birds on her windowsill. The fresh fall air filled the room and Meryl stretched, she then got up and began dressing in her flowing dress. Her servant tied the back slip of the dress and then slipped the full length blue and white dress. Meryl's hair was put up then she joined her dear friend Millie down stairs for fresh tea on the screen porch.
" Oh, Meryl this day is sure beautiful," Millie said
" Why yes it is, it's filled with excitement and freshness," Meryl stated
" Oh, Ms. Meryl you and Ms. Millie have been invited to Mr. Knives and Mr. Vash's Masquerade tonight. Your dresses are being prepared," the servant said
" Why thank you. Oh, Millie a Masquerade by two of the finest men in this south," Meryl said
" You know Meryl I've heard they throw the most beautiful Masquerades," Millie said
" Millie this is very exciting," Meryl said, " I can actually go out on my own."
" Are you sure your father will approve?" Millie asked
" Oh, of course he will, my father's always looking for a reason to marry me off," Meryl laughed
A visitor came that morning, and who would it be, but the towns pastor, Mr. Nicholas D. Wolfwood. Coming to preach the good word to the Strifes.
" Why good morning ladies, I see you both get prettier each time I see you," Wolfwood said forking out his flattery
" Why thank you Mr. Wolfwood, we appreciate your complements," Meryl said
" I always try to," Wolfwood said, " Now, is your father about Ms. Meryl?"
" Why yes he is, he's in his study, I'm sure you know where it is by now," Meryl said with a smile
" I will see you ladies later," Wolfwood said
Wolfwood walked into the house and Meryl and Millie giggled a girlish giggle.
" He's such a dog," Meryl said
" Very kind," Millie said
" Yes, preaching the good word of flattery," Meryl said
" It works sometimes," Millie said
Meryl sighed and said, " I'm not that easy to flatter."
Meryl sipped her tea and looked out.
" He's out there somewhere," Meryl thought, " The man that will steal my heart and take me away."
Knives walked around the ball room and organized it with servants following behind. Vash leaned against the stairwell and listened to his brother order the servants. Legato stood awaiting another order from any of his masters.
" Legato, what say you on the issue of these balls?" Vash asked
" They're very nice sir," Legato said
" Come now speak up," Vash said, " I am very open to hear your opinion."
" Vash," Knives said
Vash looked up at his brother and awaited to hear what he needed.
" See to the gardens brother, make sure those lazy servants have everything ready," Knives said
" Alright," Vash said
" And take him with you, he's pissing me off," Knives said speaking of Legato
" Alright," Vash said, " Come on Legato."
" Yes, sir," Legato said
Knives looked at the house seeing the maids cleaning the floors and other dressing the ball room to fit the evening's desire. It was nearly noon when Knives had the cooks prepare the endless entrees for the evening. Knives sat down and then one maid asked him about what he was to wear. Knives walked to the large room upstairs and the maid pulled out several outfits. Knives, one man of material things, told her to go buy some new things for him to wear tonight.
Vash stood in the middle of the garden and saw the large candles being set up, he picked a rose smelt it then placed it on his vest.
" Mr. Vash, what do you attend to wear to this occasion?" a young maid asked
" I tend to wear my red attire," Vash said, " Prepare it for me would you."
" Yes, sir," the young maid said
Vash looked at the sky seeing clear skies for the whole day. He smiled and walked in after attending to the garden's decorations.
" Lunch is served," the head maid called
Vash nodded and clapped his hands.
" Take a break," he called to the workers
He walked in and walked to the dinning room. Knives sat on the other end of the long table. Legato and a maid served Vash and Knives their light lunch. Knives removed the cover and looked at the food. He lifted his glass and Legato poured fresh wine in his glass then offered some to Vash, who shook his head.
" Tonight will bring this poor town alive, the finest plantation owners here in our house to dine with us," Knives said, " It should be marvelous. Wouldn't you agree dear brother?"
" Yes, of course," Vash said
Vash sighed and ate and then pushed out from the table.
" Where are you going?" Knives asked
" I think I'm going to take a ride, don't worry, I'll be back," Vash said with a smile
" Don't get lost," Knives said
He whistled and the two basset hounds came to his beckon call. He tossed the dogs some scraps and entangled his fingers together, then leaned his chin on his hands.
" Sometimes I don't understand you," Knives said
" Finished sir?" Legato asked
" Yes, now hurry up," Knives said
He sat back and reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a pipe and lit it. Vash saddled a pure breed black stallion and the stable hand handed him the reigns.
" Have a nice ride sir," the stable hand said
" Thank you," Vash said
Vash tapped the horse and the horse started a full long trot then a gallop. Vash sighed and enjoyed the countryside ride, he watched the field workers tending to the crops and the maids washing the clothes. Vash waved to them and then continued on as he entered the town where the busy towns people were working hard. Vash reached into his pocket and pulled out pouch of money to deposit in the bank. He got down from his faith stallion and tied him up. He then entered and all the women waiting to be called on stared at him. Dreamy eyes watched his every move as he walked up to a teller.
" Another deposit Mr. Vash," the teller said
" Yes and deed, there will be more soon," Vash said, " For some reason people just keep giving me money."
The teller laughed and counted the money to add to the account. Vash waited as the teller wrote out the receipt. A woman stared at him and then turned and whispered to another.
" Oh, my that's Mr. Vash the plantation owner. He's the twin brother of Mr. Knives, the brother, Ms. Dominique is seeing," the woman whispered
" Well, I wonder if Mr. Vash is taken," the other woman said
" He's probably is, but you wouldn't hear anything, those two fine men keep to themselves," the first woman said
The women chuckled as Vash stuck the receipt in his coat pocket then left. The two women watched him as he untied the stallion.
" Go on, you can ask him," one woman said
The young woman smiled and she grabbed her purse and walked out. She pulled out some coined money and walked up to Vash.
" Excuse me sir," the young woman said
Vash stopped and said, " Why hello."
" I believe you've dropped some money on the ground, I wished to return it to you," the young woman said
" Oh, I did? Why thank you miss, I didn't even realize I did," Vash said
She placed the coin money in his hand and smiled.
" You're a very honest person miss," Vash said
" Why thank you sir, I always try to be, that is how I was raised to be honest and trust worthy. My name's Lina," the young woman said extending her hand to have him kiss it
" Pleasure to meet you Ms. Lina, I'm Vash," Vash said taken her hand and kissing it
Vash looked at her and then smiled, it seemed this young woman was no ordinary woman to Vash.
" Can I buy a drink?" he asked
" I don't drink sir," she said
Vash nodded with a typical smile at her responds. She was quite the woman that truly spoke out.
" I should be going, but it's a pleasure to meet you Mr. Vash," Lina said
" As it was meeting you," Vash said
Lina turned around and started to hid off and Vash watched her then it occurred to him about the Masquerade.
" Ms. Lina," he said quickly
" Yes, Mr. Vash," she responded
" It would be a great honor if such a fine young women would come to my Masquerade," Vash said
" But sir, I have no invitation," she said
Vash pulled an invitation out and presented to her.
" Your are officially invited," Vash said
Lina took the invitation and thanked Vash, he then saddled his horse once more and took off.
" Why Mr. Vash I believe you have just taken the first steps in capturing my heart," Lina whispered
By the evening there was music in the background, directed by Midvalley as he warmed up the orchestra. Vash gulped down a glass of whiskey as he was dressing.
" Easy Mr. Vash it's not good to drink it fast," one servant said
" Yes, I know," Vash said, " But it will ease the tension."
The servant giggled as she placed his red black vest over his white shirt.
" Does it fit alright sir? I can take it out a little," the servant said
" It's fine," Vash said
She placed the tie on him and he turned to her and she tied it.
" You look stunning Mr. Vash," she said, " I'm sure you'll find a fine young woman that's suits you."
" One can only hope," Vash said
Vash stood in front of the full length mirror and made sure everything was alright. His hair was once more slicked back and tied into a red piece of leather.
" Master Vash, your brother calls," a servant said
" Tell him I'll be there in a second," Vash said
" Very well sir," the servant said
" Alright my coat please and mask," Vash said
The servant placed the coat on, the tail of the coat draped further down then a typical coat he would wear, but it suited him well. Vash button the middle button then he placed on the mask. He walked down and slipped on the white gloves presented to him by another servant and then walked to the ball room. Vash saw a beautiful young woman, she wore beautiful purple and white dressed and the sleeves on this dress draped from the low cut straps that rested below her shoulders. Knives turned wearing a black suit and his black mask laid in his left hand.
" Brother I heard you called," Vash said
" Ah, there your are, Vash please meet Ms. Dominique," Knives said
The woman Knives called Dominique removed the purple satin mask and extended her hand.
" How do you do?" Vash replied kissing her hand
" Your brother speaks so well of you Vash, how do you put up with him?" Dominique said with a smile
" Very patiently, sometimes I have the servants lock him away," Vash joked
" Those are the kinder days," Knives said
Vash smiled and then excused himself, then walked towards the gardens to see the servants beginning to light the candles. He poured another glass of whiskey and sat down in the foyer. Legato walked in carrying to glasses of champagne one for Knives and the other for Dominique, Vash downed another whiskey and handed to Legato as he walked by.
" Thank you," Vash said
" Your welcome sir," Legato said walking by
The basset hounds barked and Vash sighed.
" He forgot to put out those flea bags," Vash sighed
He got up and walked to where the dogs were.
" Come on Argus, Bella," Vash said dragging the two dogs towards a fenced area
" Mr. Vash, I'll do that, you shouldn't be getting your clothes all dirty," the head maid said
She called the dogs with some bacon, Vash sighed and walked too the front.
" This is going to be a long night," Vash whispered
Meryl and Millie prepared for the masquerade, both dressed in only the finest made dress that a plantation girl owned. Meryl's gold satin dress draped around her, she gently lowered it though it was not very lady like, but who would notice? The servant tied the long tailing bow that gave the dress more of an appeal to it.
" Why it's just beautiful," Meryl said
" Ms. Meryl do you wish to wear gloves?" the servant said
" Of course I do, I can never show off these hands until it's time," Meryl said
Her make up was applied and she painted her lips a fine lushes red, her eyes glittered with the shadow placed on them. Meryl lightly powdered her face and sprayed a very zestful perfume. She walked down stairs and placed her gloves on and she looked around as her father and Mother stood there.
" Has Millie come down?" Meryl asked
" I'm coming," Millie's voice called
Millie's emerald green dress glittered as she came down, her hair pulled up with only small curls to add a soft effect to her features. The shadow on her eyes almost matched the color of her dress and her lipstick much like Meryl's. White satin gloves were given to her and they were ready.
" Don't be out two late girl," Meryl's father said with a smile
A white horse drawn carriage pulled up and Meryl and Millie climbed up. They took off and Meryl breathed in the air.
" My heart is already racing Millie, I do not even know what to expect," Meryl said
" Only the best Meryl," Millie said, " They are very nice men, their reputation is very high."
" I can not wait to meet them then," Meryl said
Guest started to arriving and Legato let them in. He was given their coats to put in a room on the far right. Smells of exotic perfumes filled the air, along with smoke slipping out once in awhile from the smoke room. Vash drifted around searching for Lina, he also greeted the guest as Knives ordered the servants around to circulate with wine and champagne.
More guest arrived, and with in that wave of guest were Millie and Meryl. The carriage boy helped them down and then the carriage took off. They slipped their invitations around their wrist as they entered.
" Shall we find the host and introduce ourselves," Millie said
" I do believe that would be wises," Meryl said
Meryl and Millie walked around and took in the beautiful well decorated home.
" Your shawls ladies," Legato said
" Oh, yes, thank you," Meryl said
Meryl slipped hers off and draped it over Legato's arm and Millie did the same. Then continued to enter further into the party. They watched as people danced with the beautiful music and people socialized. Meryl felt her heart beating as she walked around.
From a distance Vash looked around and two unfamiliar women caught his eye. He watched them for minuets before they were lost in the crowd of guest. He made his way through to see who they were. Vash came to a break in the guest and didn't see them any longer. Legato passed by holding a tray of champagne and Vash took one.
" Legato, there were two women, one tall and one petite, did you see them?" Vash said
" I'm afraid not sir, I have been doing as master Knives told me to do," Legato said
" Damn," Vash said
Two guest came and the other butler did his turn as the door man. Vash turned smelling the sweet smell of roses. He spotted Lina as she walked in and a smile caught his lips. He walked over towards the door to greet her.
" Ms. Lina," Vash said
" Mr. Vash," she said with a curtsy
He presented his hand and she took it. He smiled as he led her to the dance floor. Midvalley conducted a waltz and Vash bowed and Lina curtsied. Vash put one hand up and she met his hand. They waltzed together and then the song ended.
" Thank you Mr.Vash," she said
" It's my pleasure," Vash said
Two well dressed servants made the announcement that dinner was being served.
" Dinner is served out in the garden," the servants said
The honored guest followed the servant, ladies escorted by the men they came with, those who were single were picked up. Meryl and Millie seemed to be the only two that floated.
" Can I escort you ladies to dinner," A familiar voice came
Millie and Meryl turned to see Wolfwood standing there.
" Why yes you can," Meryl replied
" We would be honored," Millie said
Meryl and Millie wrapped their arm on each side and Wolfwood escorted them to dinner. Out on the garden two long tables were laid out with food and all the guest sat down to enjoy the meal. Knives and Vash sat at the end of each table and Knives looked to the guest. He rose and tapped the fine crystal glass and all stopped.
" Before we eat this meal, I have asked our Mr. Wolfwood to give the blessing over this fine meal," Knives said, " So please go ahead."
Wolfwood stood and looked over the guest that stared at him. He said a small prayer blessing the food. They then ate and once more the area around became full of laughs and talk.
" That was a beautiful prayer Mr. Wolfwood, now I know why my father is so religious," Meryl said
" It's just what I am told," Wolfwood said not taking any credit
Knives looked down the table at the guest enjoying themselves, it was a joy to have many people come because of their fine reputation.
" Knives, dear is there something the matter?" Dominique said placing her hand on his
" No, not at all my dear," Knives said grabbing her hand
Servants brought out the courses one by one and by the time the last meal was presented guest were feeling full.
" Midvalley, a little music, sir," Knives said
" Yes, sir Mr. Knives," Midvalley said
He once more directed the orchestra and music filled the air. Vash looked at Lina as she turned her fork over to say she was done. She gently dapped her lips with the napkin and Vash smiled.
" Is there something the matter?" Lina said
" No, not at all, just amused by your polite ways," Vash said
" I told you Mr. Vash I was raised by an honest family as well as a polite one," Lina said
Vash smiled and chuckled, then rose and put out his hand.
" Shall we dance?" Vash asked
" I would like that," Lina said
Vash took her hand and led her to a place outside to dance. As soon as they started to dance, other guest joined them. The cool fall was fended off by the warmness of all the guest. Knives and Dominique took to the dance floor for the first time that evening. Meryl and Millie watched in a hopeless manner as couples danced.
" It's nights like these that I wish I could just fade into the scenery," Meryl said
" Don't be down Meryl someone will ask you," Millie said
Wolfwood stood and Meryl looked over her shoulder and then he looked at Millie.
" Ms. Millie can I have this dance and Ms. Meryl if you so desire to dance I wouldn't mind dancing with you," Wolfwood said
" That would be delightful," Meryl said
Millie took Wolfwood's hand and he led her to the dance floor. Both seemed rather happy in one another's company.
" Oh, dear it's just one of those things I guess," Meryl said
Once the song was over Vash led Lina back to the table as did most guest and their escorts do.
" I am enjoying myself Mr. Vash, you and your brother have done a splendid job," Lina said
Vash smile and sipped the glass of champagne and then looked over at the other table, when he noticed the two women sitting by Wolfwood. He then looked over to Knives and Dominique. Vash looked at Lina as she enjoyed the music, he smiled softly then saw Knives place something on Dominique's hand.
" Well, what do you know, he actually pulled through," Vash said
Knives kissed Dominique and Vash saw the beautiful ring catch the light. Knives rose from where he sat and tapped the crystal again. The guest simmered down and the music played softly.
" I have an announcement," Knives said, " As of tonight Ms. Dominique has told me she wishes to become my wife."
The guest clapped and then there was joyous talk about the announcement. Vash took the opportunity as to go and personally congratulate his brother and Dominique.
" Very nicely done," Vash said, " I couldn't have put it in a better way."
" Why thank you brother," Knives said
He shook his brother's hand and then Vash turned and kissed Dominique on her cheek.
" You two will be so happy together," Vash said
" So, Vash is there someone in your life?" Dominique said
" There is always someone in my life, no women can keep their hands off me," Vash said
" Sit down before you hurt yourself brother," Knives said, " My brother is a complete ladies man and can't seem to decided which ones he desires."
" Then your not ready to settle down," Dominique said
" I have all the time in the world," Vash replied
Knives ordered Legato to serve up a fresh bottle of champagne.
" I believe that I will find that special woman, when it's meant to be," Vash said
" He's such a dreamer," Knives said, " Love is a fools game my dear brother remember that."
" Is it now Knives?" Dominique said
" It's a gamble," Vash said
Vash once more got up and in the process, past Meryl sitting by herself. He stopped and then turned. He presented his hand and Meryl looked up at Vash.
" If you wouldn't mind, may I have this dance," Vash said
Meryl smiled and took his hand and he led her to the dance floor, this dance they danced to, switched partners often. Meryl watched as Vash continued to stare at her from the distance. Their eyes met through their mask leaving a mysterious side to both. Once they met up again they stared at each other for quite awhile.
" What is your name?" Vash asked
" Does one ask to dance with a lady to only ask for her name?" Meryl said
Vash smiled and said, " Intriguing you are. So, you won't tell me your name, but you will accept a dance from a stranger."
" Tell me sir, when a man is intrigued by a woman, does he not know who she is right away?" Meryl asked
" Ah, fine point my dear, but I assure you by the end of this ball, I will know you by name," Vash said
" Are you gambling on a woman's will power?" Meryl questioned
" I certainly am," Vash replied
He past her to another partner and the two began their own waltz. Once the dance was over Vash kissed her hand.
" Thank you," Vash said
She walked off and looked at Millie.
" Do you see that man Millie?" Meryl asked
" The one dressed in red with the black and white mask? He's rather dashing isn't he," Millie replied
" He and I have made a bet," Meryl said, " He gambles just like my family."
" Did you accept?" Millie asked
" Of course I did, it's time a cocky man is shown, who has the best will," Meryl said
Wolfwood walked over and sat beside Millie.
" Mr. Wolfwood," Meryl said
" Yes, Ms. Meryl," he replied
" I ask that you don't give my name to any even if they beg," Meryl said
" As your wish," Wolfwood said
So, it began the game of finding out who Meryl was. Meryl smiled each time she past Vash by and he whispered a name in her ear.
" I'm afraid your just not good at these games," Meryl said
" Such an angel must have a name," Vash said
" Such an angel does have name, but does not wish to speak it," Meryl replied
Vash smiled and continued on his way talking to Lina, whom was just attached to Vash. Meryl sat and watched the guest mingle with one another. She came across a group of women speaking of certain mystery girl.
" She refuses to give her name," one said
" She must be pretty to have such a man running after her," another said
" Oh, she must be a woman of such high standards, that she would play a game," a third woman said
Meryl smiled and walked around the gardens and then in the shadows stopped. A rose was presented to her.
" Is your name as sweet as this rose madam," Vash said, " Or perhaps it is what this beautiful flower is called."
" You don't give up," Meryl said, " I won't give you my name and you would do well to respect that sir."
" Ah, perhaps I am mesmerized by such a woman," Vash said stepping in front of her
Meryl smiled and took the rose and smelt it, its scent was magical. The color matched her lips.
" You ask my name, but you haven't given your name," Meryl said
" You haven't asked," Vash replied
" So, may I have it?" Meryl asked
" Perhaps, when I have yours," Vash said, " I shall ask around, those who took your invitation should know your name."
Meryl smiled and then Vash presented his arm. She wrapped her arm around his and they walked through the miles of garden. They stopped and stared at the bright stars and moon. They gave off just enough light to see one another.
" We should return to the party, we are probably missed," Vash said
" No one misses me," Meryl said, " I'm apart of the scenery."
" If I were a painter I would bring you out," Vash said, " Your much to colorful then this."
Meryl blushed and Vash smiled and they walked back to the party. Meryl looked at Vash as they walked and then turned to face the guest at the party.
Later that evening the guest were leaving, it was late and time was going to fast to last. Meryl and Millie prepared to leave and Legato gave them their shawls. Meryl slipped hers on and Millie did as well.
" Shall I escort you ladies home?" Wolfwood asked
" Please," Meryl said
Meryl, Millie and Wolfwood walked out and the white carriage came up. Wolfwood helped them up and then they took off.
" Oh, I have won in the battle of wits Millie. My name was not even spoken by that young man," she said
She sighed and Millie looked at her.
" He was very handsome," Meryl said, " Such a dream."
" He seemed very interested in you," Millie said
" I've got him where I want him," she thought
Knives untied his tie and drank a shot of whiskey. Dominique walked over to him and sat beside him.
" Dear Knives," she said, " Shall I stay with you?"
" No, my dear, I shall have a carriage take you home," Knives said
Knives snapped and Legato walked over.
" Get the stable hand to take Ms. Dominique home safely," Knives said
" Yes, master," Legato replied
He walked off and Vash walked downstairs and held a glass of whiskey at hand.
" Women are such intriguing beings," Vash said
" Your drunk again," Knives said
" Drunk with love," Vash replied
Vash slightly danced around with the bottle at hand. Knives sighed and looked at Dominique.
" He's an idiot," Knives said
Legato walked back and waited for Knives to acknowledge his presence.
" Is it ready?" Knives asked
" Yes, master," Legato replied
" Good now go make my brother a place to fall asleep on, he's drunk again," Knives said
" Very well sir," Legato said
Vash pushed the swinging doors open and the maids and cooks looked up.
" Oh dear not again," the head maid said
" Mr.Vash," one maid said
Vash took the maid by her hands and danced with her around the kitchen.
" Mr. Vash, you better be careful, I don't want to clean up anymore whiskey messes and stains on those fine clothes sir," the head maid said
" Don't worry," Vash said, " I have no way of creating a mess."
He stumbled back and the head cook pulled a chair up and Vash fell back into it.
" Goodness," the head maid said
" She must be some girl if he took up a whole bottle," Rai-Dei said
Vash sighed and then the head maid rang the bell to call the butlers. Legato walked in and the head maid pointed to Vash on the chair.
" I believe he's out," she said, " please take him, he's messing up my clean floors and preventing us from cleaning the rest."
" Right away," Legato said
Legato lifted the passed out Vash and the head maid took the bottle from his hand. Legato took him out and carried him up to the first room to the left of the hall. There he just sat him down and a servant came up to dress him in his night attire. Vash clung to his pillows and the two walked down.
" Legato, what woman is she?" the maid asked
" I don't not know," Legato said
" I see," the maid said
Meryl sat down on her vanity, she sighed and washed her face with a cloth, she then undid her hair and brushed it.
" The man of mystery, this should fun," Meryl said
She got up and danced around little and the servant watched her. Meryl stood there and the servant undid her dress. She slipped it off and slipped her nightgown on.
" Ms. Meryl did you have a good time?" the servant asked
" Yes, I had a wonderful time, I believe I have an admirer," Meryl said
" Oh, Ms. Meryl that's wonderful," the servant said
Meryl finished getting ready as another servant warmed her bed. She sat down by the window and looked out.
" Who are you?" she asked