Harmony could feel the silent rumbling of her stomach calling for to deliver substance, her nose inhaled the maple colored liquid with a warm and savory aroma placed before her in its bright red round open-container. Bits of chunks slowly floated to the top bobbing up and down. There were carrots she could smell them or was it potatoes? She wasn't sure, she should know it being one of her favorite vegetables to eat. Her sister always loved making any dish involving it for her.

Her sister, May. The thought made her flinch and shoulders slowly drop as she began to drown in the soup. Drowning out the other voices that weren't her sister. She wasn't here, she wasn't at the table eating like the rest. She was taken away. Glass, glass everywhere...and red. Red liquid mixed with another color crashed to the floor. It seep from her sister, her little eyes weren't sure what to make of it. Seeing this, her sister down like that. Even though she rose with a smile, it happened so fast. A blank slate formed in Harmony's mind. What was she suppose to do again? What was it? How should she act now? Her sister wasn't here...here to show her. She didn't...she didn't...

Though she knew her sister was alright, Harmony's eyes saw something else. Something else when she was lead away by the maid. There was something wrong, painfully wrong. Her feet wanted to run after her, but a hand held her back. And led her in an opposite direction. To a new area, one she knew the name but blanked it out. Fighting back her burning tears building, bits down on her teeth to stop them from grinding and lips from pressing too thinning. She had to remain well and proper. It was what a lady was to do, it was what her sister would do.

Harmony.

Was she coming back? Was she done? How long was she going to be gone for? Should she go and check? What was that odd voice calling to her? Why was it saying her name? Where was her sister?

Gripping her the bottom of her dress squeezes it to relevant what she was building up inside, ignoring the numbness of her knuckles as they whiten. It was hard, her amber eyes started to sting, was from the onions in the soup? Feeling the liquid building up in the corner, she tries to squeeze the corner of her eyes to stop it. Shutting them right now would be rude and she'd surely be chided by her aunt Francis for doing so in a home of another and especially in public. Ciel, he'd be mad too. Lizzie wouldn't think it was cute. Mr. Sebastian wouldn't be happy either. And most importantly...May she would be...with all her lessons she was going through...she just wanted to make sure her sister was alright. She had too. Then she could smile and follow. What should she do?

Remember a lady must always present herself well and delightful. Tears should never be shown it is unheard of for a lady. Madam Red's words pull her out. Remembering them Harmony stops her drowning and slowly comes out when she felt something quick lightly wipe away her tears. Her head snaps up looking around finding no one, only Edward by her side calling. It took a second for her to hear his voice and respond.

He places a comforting hand on her hand. He knew what was troubling his young cousin and gives her reassuring smile. "Come now Harmony, I am quite sure you are rather hungry. It would be rude not accept our hostess gracious food."

Listening and hearing his words, they didn't have the effect he wanted that is until someone else spoke. "You know," Ciel took over, she looks to him sitting on her other side. He eats a spoonful and dabs his lips. Before sliding his eye to her. With a rather strange relaxed look. But still stern. "Finnian and the others have been wondering if you are doing well. It would be a shame should they find out otherwise."

"They would?" Her eyes widen. He nods taking another spoonful. Her eyes watch him for a few more seconds before looking at her own soup seeing the others faces. Hearing their voices. "Mr. Finnian...Mr. Snake."

Edward wasn't sure what game Ciel was playing or doing, to bring up his help like that when clearly her mind was concerned about her sister. What would the mention of them do? To see the result, Harmony picked up the spoon and slowly began to eat. Blowing a little after being warned by Ciel to do so. Her little hand looked adorable holding it, as she did her best not to spill a single drop. The determination lightly gleaming in her eyes, Edward saw how dear Ciel's words where. How much she valued them.

"Slow down." Ciel whispers to her, she does so doing her best to match his speed. "Good."

Hearing that Edward saw a bit of brightness flush on Harmony. He was quite amazed by this, it brought a smile to him. Opening his mouth he gets ready to praise her. To be beaten. "Wonderful Harmony!" Soma praise pushes Edward's aside. "I am so very proud of you."

It made her brightness start to beam and she started to relax. Edward was happy, he was with his eyes quickly looking at the floor. "Excuse me." A voice breaks through. Lifting his eyes finds one of the handmaids, the woman quickly bows to them. Keeping her eyes respectfully down, with her head lowered just a bit. "I have come to inform you, Madam May is near done."

Hearing that Edward a slow smile appears. "She is doing well, that is good to hear." And stands at the same time as someone else. "I will come with you to escort her here." He hears Soma speak the same words too and sees him standing. Both quickly lock eyes though Soma releases himself first and focuses back.

The maid looks at both unsure what to say or if she was in the position to say. So she said what she thought was right. "Well, the Madam May has not stated she needs to be escorted, I, ummm..." She begins fumbling over her words flustering. Feeling the pressure from both males to choose. She steps back when she bumps into something solid. That when she looked up made her red as a pepper.


The water was warm and comforting. The soap and oils like silk on your skin melted away the pains and aches your body. As well the smell of wine. It felt like a spell of slumber was cast upon you, your lids slowly started to become heavy as they fluttered to remain open. Leaning your head back on the rim of the claw tub, inhale the steam of vapors. Lavender...yes there was some lavender you could tell. Rose too...the other one you weren't able to make out as your mind drifted from its spell on you. The steam rose to the top as your mind went with it, relaxed run your finger through your hair as droplets fall off from your arm on it. Libby did a wonderful job. She left you to fetch something better or was right. Leaving in this calming tune. Not a single sound. Not a single care. Everything just...melted away.

Inhaling again softly open your eyes finding yourself back at the cottage. It was spring, everything was green and healthy. The sun was right and the sky was glowing in warm blues of joy. Harmony, she was playing close. Chasing well actually waddling after one of the chickens, she was only two going on three mimicking it. Made you laugh as she flopped on her face to get up and laugh it off. She was fine. She was safe, turning around back to the garden pick up your dark brown skirt getting on your knees begin picking the herbs and fresh vegetables. While thinking of what to make, the berries were ripe and fresh. Maybe some tarts? Harmony enjoyed those, Madam Red would most likely be coming this week, she would enjoy some nice ones as well.

Yes, she would. She always enjoyed whatever you baked. With some tea, you remind yourself. She enjoyed it, this time you'd make sure to add honey. With a touch of something special. She loved that too. While she enjoyed her treat, Madam Red would bring gifts of stories for Harmony or actual gifts for her. Spoiling the girl. Her vacation away from everything.

Oh, you also had to set up her room should she want too. Make sure her linen was clean and well. Yes, you would make sure. Humming merrily to yourself listening to the calming and joy of Harmony's laughter echo all around. Just the two of you and no one else. Just peace. Just protection. Just you and her. You and her forever, in this simple life. That kept your smile on.

The wind blew just a little, playing with your hair. So you tuck it behind your ear picking the berries off filling up your basket, stand, and call for Harmony turning around find her gone and in her place one you thought you wouldn't see. Your eyes widen trembling as they stood there, their long grey blew in the wind with their smile...that calming smile of end. Cloaked nothing but black, their unusual eyes stare at you with a gleam that made you flinch that curled their smile more. Slowly you step back clinging to your basket when you remembered. "Harmony!" you gasp dropping it baring your teeth at them. "Where is my sister!"

They just stood there in silence, their eyes flash you a warning and silence. It only lasted for a second. "Where is she? Tell me?" you demand. They spoke not and only held out their black-nailed hand. Shrill rushed through you as you shook your head refusing. "No. No, I will not. Go away!" You shout for it to sink. "...No.." you whisper. Shaking your head, shut your eyes. Fade to darkness. "I..I won't let it."

"I will not...Ten Shen, I promise," you mumble strongly slowly opening your eyes find yourself no longer back in peace, instead here, in the bathroom. In current time. Still soaking. It was just you and silence and the night of frost outside. That for some reason you felt a chill and...something else. Lightly touching your lips something felt...present. But you sensed no presence, none at all. Even as you stood up looking around. It was just you, same as before. Same as the other times. Everything was still beside the droplets of water sliding off your skin back. The steam concealed much and the aroma it held spelled you. Rising your arm gently rest your hand on your chest, feeling its pinching tightness crush your lungs. Clenching your hand over it hang your head hide behind your fallen hair covering your eyes like drapes. Fall to your knees slowly, burying your eyes in your hands stop and lift it quickly hearing a clicking sound.

Your eyes quickly look in the direction of the door. "Hello?" You call. "Libby?" No answer. So you call again getting nothing in return, once more you do stepping out, stopping midway feeling something draped over your head. Looking up find a towel, that wasn't there before. Grabbing it take off and stare it. It was soft and made of fine texture. And..there was something else, lifting to your nose get ready to take a whiff when a knock came to the door. "Y-Yes?"

"Madam May, it is Libby." Libby answer from behind the door. "I have managed to find you a new attire to wear. May I proceed?"

You give the okay and she enters with her arms full of fresh clean towels. Sets them down on the stand, takes one opening it up and wraps it around you, begins drying you off. She was very efficient and quick before you knew it she was applying cream upon your skin to keep it smooth and moist. She then wrapped you back up in a towel.

"Please, this way." she leads you out to another room, where she continued her work. Stripping of the towel. Like a busy bee, not a single of her light colored hair came out. Her focused brown eyes remained on task. Your mind was trying to keep up with her.

She had you soon in your undergarments and soon in your new gown. It was lovely, satin Libby told you and chiffon as well. It fell on you well, the neckline was square and deep enough. It had sort of corset design in around the midsection. Laces wrapped around it like laces, that tied in the back. Sleeves long and draped, she even had matching shoes of color. A color you wished she did not pick, a color that both troubled and pained you. With little time to take it in as she had moved onto styling your hair, she but it back the way it was, even adding light a few feathers of the same color as the gown.

Finishing a few things, she steps back making sure. Giving slight nods a few times stopping when she felt something was wrong and went to fix it. Stepping back gives her approval nod. And finally a smile.

"There, you look well. Madam." She tilts her head to you. "You are more than welcome to look and see if there is anything in which I did not do to your liking."

You didn't want to look in the mirror but go, she did all this work after all. Inching your way look at your reflection and remain stunned at the person staring back. This couldn't be you, this just couldn't. Slowly your hand reaches out and your fingertips just barely brush the mirror before you quickly drop them and avert your eyes away dropping your chin just a bit. This was not right.

This was not right was all your mind kept playing over and over again. This was nothing but a false skin. You couldn't...not this color. You weren't her...you weren't. Forcing yourself to look and stare back try to swallow the large lump in your throat but it would not go down. This color...it was her's it wasn't yours. Not even her name. Was this what came with it as well?

Lifting your heavy chin force a pleased smile on and turn to Libby. "Thank you, I do enjoy it."

Her cheeks rush with relief. "I am pleased to hear such, are you ready to return?"

You give a nod turning your back to the reflection."Yes, please." Giving another nod and hurry to her side though make sure it did not show. She opens the door for you to step through. The second you find yourself in an unfamiliar hall that seem to stretch on for miles...endless. To be reminded it was not when the click of the door shutting snapped you out.

Turning around find Libby by your side ready to escort you. "Madam."

Taking a step find it weighed down like lead, force it to move and move. Following the maid all the way to the stairs and down it where you find to your surprise waiting for you mid-way. Ciel.

His hand out for you. "I shall escort her the rest of the way." he tells Libby who nods and leaves. He takes your hand and leads you down carefully. Reaching the bottom before you and just as you took the last step felt his eye carefully watching and his hand carefully holding yours solidly. Seeing you made it fine keeps going, it was quiet between you both. But, it was a nice kind of quiet.

Strangely.

There was something leaking off him, you could sense it. That he was denying, but quietly craving or was it seeking. So you broke it. The silence wall he put up. "Harmony told me she sends you her work of art."

"You mean those crude lines of color."

You smile softly to yourself. "If you must call it such, then yes. She sends one to everyone, I hear her at times when she writes to you."

"Yes, her words are loud even on paper. It was if she was still back at the manor. It seems no matter how far she is, she seems to irk me." The curling of his words to mask no suppress another. "She is having a wonderful time away, from her letters. But," his voice drops a bit pausing.

"But what?" you raise a brow.

He stops completely collecting his thoughts. "Wonderful is not as good as fantastic." Was all he said and left with an air of vagueness. "Come," he starts walking again.

What did he mean by those words? And that hardish sort of look? What went through his mind to focus on such? These questions needed an answer, opening your mouth to seek them. Put on a smile instead as you enter the dining room with the other guest. Who welcome you back.