Sorry for the wait, but I was having some troubles writing this chapter (it's not even that long). But please enjoy anyways.
Chapter 10. Normal POV.
The group of thieves rode in an open carriage. Not as pleasant as the girls wanted, but practical, for that large of a group would suffocate in a roofed carriage. It was drawn by two horses (ponies), coloured a muddy brown. They looked old and worked, but strong, and steady. A tall fellow, with prominent cheekbones, and white hair, directed them. The actual carriage itself was nothing spectacular. It was white-painted wood, with a bronze lining, but no intricate swirls or gold inlay adorned it. It had no roof, and the air blew Amu and Rima's hair all over the place, earning vexatious comments from the two, the whole ride to Calothstine's mansion.
As the caravan of seven arrived at the gates of Roderick's home, a much more elaborate carriage was leaving. It was lead by two black horses, young and powerful. The person who controlled them wore a white mask with gold patterns. His hair was all over the place, blonde and wind-blown. Well dressed, though he was just another driver. The carriage was black, with white and gold patterning, similar to that of the driver's mask. It was roofed, and white curtains covered the glass windows, showing nobodies face. The white haired driver nodded at the masked one, and he returned with an inclination of the head. The horses neighed at each other quietly, when they passed, and the wheels of the roofless carriage hit stone, making for a much smoother ride.
The carriage stopped, and the seven got out, girls fixing loose strands of hair and wrinkles in their dresses. They waved a brief farewell to the driver.
"Shall we then?" Amu asked, motioning to the front of Calothstine's house. The boys gawked at it.
"My god." Ikuto muttered, astounded. Amu smiled at the house, Rima noted, a tad to enthusiastic.
The thieves walked across the pavement and towards the door. A few steps away, Amu suddenly skipped forward, and her hand eagerly reached for the ringer. Rima's eyes rolled, and Ikuto cocked a brow. Nagihiko smiled…no, smirked. Tadase looked the other direction with a frown, and Kairi fixed his glasses. Kukai nearly broke out laughing at the ridiculousness of it all.
Amu, noticing everybody's reaction, put her hand down swiftly.
"Amu, could you be a good girl, and knock?" Ikuto suggested, and smirked when she glared at him. But, he noticed, she complied anyways, sending a musical ring through the house.
****
Marionette, who had just finished escorting two senators out, frowned when she heard the ringing. Calothstine's second appointment; Lady Alice and her wonderful friends were here. She headed towards the door, sighing.
Her hand grasped the golden handle, and she paused before opening it, wondering if they would go away if she didn't answer.
Marionette sighed again, and opened the door, letting in rays of sunshine, which would normally cheer her mood, but she didn't feel like putting on a fake smile today.
****
Amu, who was closest to the door, was the first to see Marionette's face. She saw something…a look of accusation, perhaps. But the look disappeared quickly when the maid laid eyes on the thieves. Kukai and Ikuto's eyes widened slightly at Marie, and her beauty. They were all curious as to why she was wearing such fine clothing.
"Welcome, Lady Alice, Lady Constantine. These must be the famous doctors." Kukai and Kairi nodded briefly. "And the workers you had mentioned earlier. Come in." She stepped aside to make room for the small crowd, and the door fell closed with a loud bang, that startled them all.
"My apologies, but that butler is out doing some un-butler like activities again, and it seems as though I'm not well versed in proper door etiquette." Marie half-heartedly apologized. Kukai took that as a cue to look up and announce:
"Well I know how to open and close doors." And they were all obliged to roll their eyes at him.
"May I take your coats, hats, gloves, wallets?" Marionette mumbled the last word.
"Pardon me?" Amu asked, eyes squinting slightly. Mari smirked.
"I'm only playing with you. See? I told you I don't make a very good butler. But I do make an excellent thief."
All became suddenly quiet, until Mari started chuckling, covering her mouth.
"You are all to gullible." She laughed, and they all relaxed. "You stuff then?"
"Hm? Oh, yes, thank you." Kairi handed his light jacket and hat over to the maid, the rest following his example, though still a little uneasy. Mari smiled at this, then looked down at the clothing, as it was given to her.
"Ah, Lady Constantine, I can't help but notice what a wonderful new pair gloves you have." Then, before anybody could say anything, Mari bowed slightly and said:
"I'll place them in the cloak room then." Kukai stared after her, a small smile forming on his lips.
"Wow…" He mumbled, seemingly in a trance.
"I do hope you mean the house." Rima scolded, lightly.
"Why would you care whether I mean the house or her?" He retorted, eyes flicking to hers.
"Because Utau would be incredibly disappointed if she heard about this."
"Why does she care…?" He murmured, almost to himself. Rima frowned, feeling sorry for her old friend. She smiled at him, almost reassuringly, and then turned her eyes back to the approaching Maid.
"Normally, Sir Calothstine would come down and do the interview in a tea room," Says Marionette. "But, in the state he's in right now, he'll do it in his study." She looked hard into the eyes of all the guests. "Please, follow me."
Any ideas for the following chapters? (Don't worry, I know where i'm gonna go with this story, I just think new, original ideas help) : )
