Devil's Cub
Chapter 10
"Hey Irvine."
The auburn haired cowboy sat down in chair beside his friend, handing him a glass of water. They were in the well-known gentleman's club Watiers. The room was a dark green and the furniture was a dark mahogany. The late afternoon sun streamed through the bow window. Other men were in the room, grouped round the small tables, sitting in the green leather chairs, talking amicably. "Hey Seifer. If you're interested, Martine's still alive."
Seifer looked up from contemplation of one of his boots. He was sitting in a chair, his arms draped over the back and one leg balanced on top of the other. "Promised Raijin I wouldn't kill him." he said simply.
"Hm, well as long as he decides to stay alive it won't do you too much harm. D'ya think he go as far as die to spite you?" said Irvine thoughtfully, flicking the rim of his hat up absently.
Seifer got up and stretched languidly, cat-like. "Theoretically, he probably would but I severely doubt he'd have the balls to do so." He walked around the room. "I'll still have to go to Esthar though." Seifer commented almost conversationally.
"Ah yes. Isn't Rinoa there at the moment?"
"Yes, packed off so she doesn't commit any- indiscretions- here."
"Indiscretions?"
Seifer smirked "Marrying a nobody." He waved his hand. "By the name of Leonhart or something."
"The one at Drakes?"
"Yes."
"Damned boring, this place." Remarked Irvine with a sigh.
"Hm."
A small silence proceeded. Seifer leant against the wall with a sigh and raked a hand through his hair.
"I need to go. See you around." Seifer pushed himself off the wall. Irvine had his hat tilted low over his forehead and seemed to be trying to sleep. He said nothing but waved his hand in a small salute.
Seifer left Watiers.
Once back at his own lodgings he asked his valet to pack his belonging for his stay in Esthar, and scribbled a few notes absently. Some were to friends and tradesmen to tell them he was leaving, some were paying bills. One was a small note addressed to small house in the good part of town. Not the best part, but a good part.
Quistis stood with a sigh. Her mother and sister were hardly exciting company. Mrs Trepe was reading a magazine about the latest fashions and Saria was humming to herself and staring absentmindedly out the window. "I'm going for the shopping." She stated walking towards the door "If anyone cares.." she added under her breath.
She walked out the door and shut it quietly. Turning around, she jumped as she came face to face with Jessie. The girl worked as a maid in the house. The girl smiled tremulously and handed her a note. Quistis smiled and thanked the girl, who bobbed a curtsey and walked away.
Quistis frowned at the writing. It wasn't any hand she was familiar with, with bold strokes with wide loops. The note was simply addressed, Quistis assumed it was some traders note. Quistis shrugged loosely and stuffed it in her pocket. She walked outside and breathed in the fresh air. Taking the note out of her pocket she automatically began tracing the steps to the market. She got out the note again and ripped it open casually. She unfolded the single sheet of paper and scanned the hastily written lines.
Saria,
Everything is prepared and ready, I shall meet you tonight at the bottom of your road at twelve midnight. Do not bring anything; I have all you should need.
Yours etc
Seifer
Quistis gasped and re-read the note. It was as she had suspected, they were to run away together. She stopped and leant against a nearby wall, breathing deeply. She clutched the letter and sighed. She didn't know why it was such a shock. What confused her was how Seifer had neglected to remember that she, being the elder, would receive the note. Looking down at the envelope, she examined it closely. There was a small 'S' before Trepe. In the dim light of the hallway, it would have been easy for Jessie to miss.
Quistis gave a breathless laugh and shook her head, looking down once more at the letter. For a proposed runaway, the letter seemed strangely caustic. There was nothing lover-like about anything in the letter. She moved away from the wall, thinking hard. She still wasn't entirely sure whether the letter proposed an elopement to Winhill or a shameful runaway to Esthar.
The letter crumpled slightly as she gripped it. To her, it was obvious that Seifer did not mean marriage. Suddenly she suffered a moment's doubt, what if he did mean marriage? What if she ruined Saria's chances of happiness?
Her doubt only lasted a moment. She was sure that neither Saria nor Seifer were in love. Saria craved the finery and idle enjoyment being with Seifer gave. Seifer loved the chase and obviously wanted Saria. Quistis knew that they wouldn't feel any agony of thwarted love.
She felt helpless; she had no idea what to do. She could just hide the letter and pretend it never existed, and Saria would never know. But Seifer would know that Saria wanted to go to Esthar and would probably just arrange another journey to Esthar, this time with Saria.
Quistis wandered along the pavement, hardly noticing her surrounding. Suddenly, her head jerked up. She had the perfect plan.
Heh, ok I lied. Action starts NEXT chapter when Seifer comes for Saria. I think he may have a bit of a surprise...Anyway I know this chapter was boring and for that I apologise. The chapters should come out faster now theres something that's actually going to happen. Not to mention wall to wall Seiftis! And I think this story might be quite long. Please review, comments suggestions etc etc. I like encouragement!! (HINT HINT)