::Disclaimer: Gorgeous Carat belongs to You Higuri::
Their gravel-voiced host brags of treasures, pointing out exotic trinkets. Florian hears another voice instead – silver-tongued and terrifying. The heat of the fireplace becomes burning sand and merciless sun.
A fragile construct of finely carved wood and colored glass is thrust into Florian's hands, the host waiting expectantly for Florian's appreciation of the item. Only Ray's quick thinking saves the curio from meeting its fate on the hearthrug when Florian's hands begin to tremble.
"Migraines," Ray explains, shoving the object at its owner and taking hold of Florian. He makes their excuses as quickly as possible and guides Florian out.
XXXXX
It's the uncertainty that torments Florian, no matter what Ray believes - not knowing which memories are real and which are opium-induced.
As a child Florian delighted in exploring dark spaces. But these corners of his memory don't suggest adventure – they promise fear and shame and he has too much of them already.
He's ashamed that Ray must carry the burden of Morocco's truths, but Florian's terrified that his uncertainty will destroy them. He's afraid that, without Ray's vigilance, a moment's carelessness could leave them ruined - like a fragile curio that slipped through trembling fingers and shattered on the hearthrug.
XXXXXX
The servant backs out of the room, forgotten. In the fireplace the letter burns, its contents already memorized.
Azura idly selects one of the trinkets from the mantle, wrapping his hand around it with studied calm. Time to change his plan. If the letter is correct, Ray and his precious Amethyst are destroying themselves without need for any outside influence.
"Lovely," Azura purrs as he puts the curio back, admiring the fine cracks that now decorate its surface. The slightest touch will shatter it. Azura smiles, his gaze cold. He has no patience for fragile things – they break so easily.