For the purpose of this story, Emma is Jefferson's daughter b/c Jeff is Sweeney Todd and Emma is Johanna (I know, I know I could've used Grace as Johanna but then I would've wanted to use Henry as Anthony and I really wanted Henry to be Toby…also this way I can put some SF in)
in this story, Nealfire is going to be Basil Cassidy (he'll go by Bae though)
The young man stepped lightly onto the docks, his eyes flitting from side to side as he took in the sight of London. At the sound of footsteps, he turned and his gaze fell on his traveling companion, a haggard man of almost fifty years with wild hair and weary bloodshot eyes. The older man's steps fell heavier as he joined the younger man on the docks.
"You know," the younger man began as the pair walked down a dank street, "I have sailed the world but I don't think any place quite compares to London."
"No…you're quite right Basil," the older man rasped, "there's no place quite like London."
The further they walked down the cobbled streets of the city, the colder the older man's eyes grew. Abruptly the older man stopped in the middle of the street, a haunted look in his eyes. Basil, who had walked a few paces ahead, turned and stared back at his companion.
"Are you alright, Mr. Hatter?"
Hatter gave his head a little shake. "Forgive me, Basil. My mind is…uneasy. Sixteen years I've been gone…," he glanced around, "…and these once familiar streets are now full of shadows…and ghosts," he said, whispering the last word.
Basil looked uncertainly at Hatter, "Shall we press on, Sir?"
"Yes…yes, of course." Hatter replied.
They walked on in silence, Basil still staring in wonder while Hatter's eyes nervously flitted around. Quite suddenly, Hatter turned to his young companion, a small smile tugging at his lips, "Would you like to hear a story, Basil?"
"If it pleases you, Sir."
Hatter nodded, a slight smile now on his lips as his eyes took on a faraway look. "Once upon a time, there was a barber and his wife, his beautiful, virtuous wife, and they were living quite happily…until one day when another man—a judge—noticed the barber's wife and he was quite taken with her. He pursued the lady, sent her flowers daily, waited beneath her window but she paid him no mind for she was happily married to the barber. So the judge resolved to do away with the barber so that the lady might be free…"
"What did the judge do?"
The older man glanced back his comapnion. "The judge used his position and power to accuse the barber of a crime he did not commit. And even though the barber was innocent, he was convicted of the crime and exiled…for sixteen years," Hatter sighed deeply. "With the barber gone, the judge was certain the lady would succumb to him…"
"And did she?" Basil asked after a beat of silence.
"I don't know, Basil…it was so long ago…I doubt anyone would know."
"Of course, sir."
Hatter contemplated the young man before him as his eyes once again took on the faraway look, "You're young, Basil, only eighteen…and thus far life has been kind to you but one day…," he dropped his head and sighed, "one day, you will learn how cruel the world can be…"
Basil gazed at his companion, curiosity mingling with uncertainty.
Hatter pulled himself out of his thoughts and shook his head as if to clear his head. With a small smile, he said "I owe you thanks, Basil. If you hadn't seen me on that ship, I might be lost on the ocean still".
Basil nodded in acknowledgement.
"So thank you, Basil...but this is where we part ways."
A slight frown creased Basil's brow, "Will I see you again, Mr. Hatter?"
"You might find me if you like," Hatter replied as he set off down a street. With the ghost of a wicked grin, he added, "Around Fleet Street, I wouldn't wonder."