Dark colored wine was filled two glasses and given to the two male sitting across from another, one dressed in a long black robe with long gray hair under a long top hat which they sat on the chestnut desk that provided as a divider between, the other male dressed more sophisticated and clean, his hair swept back, he dismisses the cloaked servant who bows and leaves them to their business. Waiting until the doors shut and locked both pick up their glass, though only one swirled their wine gently around before taking a sip.
"Sweet and robust. A wonderful blend, my grapes are fairing well and ripe in my vineyard."
The elegant man leans the glass close under his nose and takes in a deep whiff. A delicious sigh escapes his lips. Quickly leaves, his eyes shoot across to the other, who lounged back in their comfortable seat, using one of their black painted fingers circled the rim of their glass. "So it seems your grapes have, everything is proposing well for you. You have built a rather sturdy foundation."
Narrowing their eyes at their guest, resist the growl in their throat. "Enough, you have delayed long enough, I seen it with my own eyes the two are growing and you still have yet to make your move. I get strange feeling you might be taking your time. I have given you the right amount of time you have asked and yet it seems you need more."
A coyly chuckles comes from other. "So it seems that I have, but, I have my reasons. So impatience you have become and with all this time you've acquired, giving a bit more surely will not hurt you?"
"Time is like money, it must be used carefully not carelessly. Which you are doing." The gentleman stresses between his teeth.
Unfazed the other rests a hand on their chest as if hurt, only to crack a smirk behind their dark sleeve. Clicking their tongue shake a naughty finger before their friend. "Tsk, tsk, now we both know that is not true. Just a lie you've made yourself to hurry everything along. I'm sure," their chartreuse eyes slide to the wine. "you do not rush your grapes to be ready for this wonderful wine. Which I am sure will make a killing sell coming up. Besides," they stand. "the holidays are arriving, it would be a shame to cause any sort of discomfort. It is their favorite time of the year, well second. But, do not worry everything has slowly begun to seep. The Queen's Watchdog is on a scent, he has even collected the help of our dearest flower. While my little mouse will sadly be delivered a rather..painful sting."
Frustrated as it may be, their words coated with twist and turns, what other choice was there? They clearly seem to have a plan behind that smooth smile. If not for their partnership started before and now, if neither needed the other, then this would have already been done. Sensing their thoughts, the robed figure lifts up their glass.
"Shouldn't you enjoy the holidays? I know your family sure does."
With no words left they lean glass in and clink.
There were so many wonderful things to see, so many different colors that captured Harmony's forever lighting eyes. Her face nearly pressed on each glass store window she passed on the street. If it really caught her attention she'd go right in and following her seven-man band. Finnian and the others, the extra additions, Soma and Agni.
The two meet and surprised Harmony when she left the Theatre House. And the latter who insisted they go and spend the remainder of the day about the city. Something Harmony couldn't refuse. Since her status spoke for the others, they had no choice but to join. Soon became caught up in the joyful adventure.
"Let's go in this one!" Harmony rushes inside one of the stores, taking hold of Soma's hand who cheers inside with glorious tears. Flashes a quick thumbs up to Agni who returns with proud tears of his own.
The store was a homey and decent size, filled with toys and sweets for the season. It seemed like...the scent was so very familiar. It smelled like warm ember and sweet cider, with just a hint of spider-lilies.
Auntie Red, Harmony stops and looks around the store. Finally seeing it, there was so much red, of all shades meant for the season, but her eyes saw different. Much different.
She saw the woman that remained a hidden pulse inside. Smiling at her with love and joy, a smile that Harmony loved to return. The woman appeared before her with tenderness in her eyes shining on the girl. Her hand held out just for her. And her only. Calling her name like a sweet melody. It hadn't changed, her voice hadn't flattered, it hadn't changed. It was still the same. Even when she was younger, much younger.
"My sweet little Harmony, " Madam Red on her knees on the floor her arms open and stretched to the waddling Harmony. "Come here my dearest girl. Come to your Auntie Red."
Her voice put a smile on little face, the sheer sound of her voice gave Harmony the strength to waddle over to her. Her stubby two-year-old legs stagger and stomp over to the woman dressed in red. Doing their best to not fall, but with the encouragement from Madam Red's voice throw aside any of those thoughts. Stretching out her own arms to the woman, Harmony giggles and laughs brightening Madam Red's warm smile more. Eager to reach the woman, who patiently waited. Scoops Harmony up the second she brushes against her fingertips. Holds her niece close, close enough for Harmony to inhale her scent.
It was so warm. So soothing. She knew she was safe and loved. In her Auntie's embrace.
This store gave the same effect, one Harmony longed to feel again. "Everything is red, like Auntie Red."
The name froze Finnian and the others, having overheard her small whisper. Their eyes fall to her, rushing with what to do. She hadn't asked a question nor had she said that name in so long. The merriment quickly vanished in them. Watching the young girl long for the woman, pained them feeling hopeless and torn. Soma who was busy pointing out different toys didn't realize the sudden change. Even as he pulled Harmony through the story, she followed like a drifting cloth, the light in her eyes became wet.
Baldroy and the others knew they had to do something and fast. Though not the rightful thing, they were bound not, orders from not just their master but also from Harmony's sister. They couldn't say anything no matter how they desired to. If they could just speak and tell her, they would be there to catch her tears. Finnian would hold her tight, Snake and his friends would wipe away her tears. Each of them had what they'd do for Harmony, to help her through it. Ready to act on it.
Swallowing, Finnian takes the first step. "Lady Harmony," he reaches out. "Lady Harmo-"
Yanking her hand away from Soma she runs from his side to his surprise and the others. "Harmony!" He hollers running after her, with the others following. Each calling after her, she didn't stop burst out the door down the street.
Caring not for the icy sidewalk, picking up and clenching her dress weaves her way through others. Her eyes frantically searching each window she passed, shaking her head. No, none of it was right. None of it was. Clenching her dress more, ignoring the light burning fuming from it. Her little feet pounding hard on the ground, her eyes filling rubs it away with an arm.
The others kept on her trail, Agni being the fastest and most agile close the distance between herself and them. He was rather impressed at her speed she had for someone her age. His hand reaching out pleading. "Lady Harmony! Lady Harmony, please stop! Please!"
Hearing his voice it didn't stop her it only made her more determined. Giving quick glances at the vendors and windows, see nothing. See no one. What was she searching for? The others wanted to know, they wanted to know why she suddenly ran. Though some had a feeling why. Bit their tongues hoping it wasn't what they thought. Then again considering how hectic she was running, seem likely to be the answer.
Picking up speed Harmony felt something inside, she was getting close, she knew she was. Just a little more, giving it one last jolt of energy pushes off without looking and straight into the street the same time a carriage came to an abrupt stop. The others stop dead in their tracks except for Finnian. "Lady Harmony!" His voice pierced the clamoring crowd getting a few heads to turn.
A horrific gasp escaped their mouths a hard screech caused many hearts to drop and Harmony's frighting scream laid everything silent. Mey-Rin clasped a hand over her mouth trembling. Soma stood there in pure shock, his legs gave out and he falls down, barely managing to catch himself.
How could he...what could he say? What could he do? She'd be...biting back the surging pain apologizes internally over and over again. Stopping when he hears a soft whimper. His eyes never shoot up so fast. There well and unharmed in the safe arms of Angi, Harmony. Clinging to the man on the other side of the street. "Harmony!" Pushing up he races over and quickly takes hold of her. "Harmony!"
He cries. The others hurry over ignoring the scene before them and the eyes of others. His lower lip quivered with tears of relief flowing down Finnian sighs heavily. Wiping his eyes goes over. "Lady Harmony, are you alright?" Mey-Rin holding her breath asked.
Earning nothing but a frightened whimper and trembling nod from her. She didn't look up keeping her face buried in Soma's chest, clinging tightly to the prince. Crying so no one would see or hear. Her poor little body shook like a leaf in the cold. Quickly Snake takes off his jacket covers her, just as two comforting arms come and take her from Soma.
"Come here, Lady Harmony." Tanaka in his normal form cradles hers, doing his best to sooth the child. "Let us head to the townhouse, as instructed." He begins to walk back to where the carriage was. Lightly patting her back. "I will make you something warm, alright?"
Burying her face to hide her tears more, his hold on her tightens a bit.
It took around 45 minutes to reach the townhouse, the others hurried inside right away. Mey-Rin put on some water, Angi hurried to get the bath started. Baldroy took to making a comfy and safe place for her with Snake's help. Everyone made sure everything was well, Finnian though took outside picking a few things, coming in carrying them. He watches the others busying themselves as Tanaka took Harmony upstairs to the bath. By blocking out everyone, he could hear Tanaka humming a soft melody to still petrified girl.
Instincts told him to follow, but something else told to finish is this important task. Looking down at what held in his hands rushes to the kitchen finding Agni busy away making soup, slipping in he fills a vase filled with water and puts what he had taken from outside in it. Doing his best to use a careful and gentle touch makes sure it looked well. Takes the vase and makes his way to her room.
Carefully walking by the bathroom, stopping for a second peering in at Harmony. Her eyes remained fear stricken despite Tanaka's best efforts. Her body, he noticed hadn't stopped shaking, making little ripples in the still water. Feeling eyes, Harmony locks with his and what he saw broke his heart. Made him angry he nearly cracked the vase. Shutting the door he drags his feet to her room. Enters turning on the light finds a little spot on her nightstand by her bed that was made extra plush. Sets the vase full of frosted flowers there.
Standing back his eyes dryly stare at the flowers watching slowly defrost, the water dripped off them like tears. Tears that filled his own eyes again. Thinking of the look Harmony gave him. Thinking of sadness swimming in the eyes of Harmony, that only filled more and more. She was drowning in it and there was nothing he could do. Thinking of promise they made, just the two of them.
Wiping the tears away, they didn't stop. "I-I'm so sorry, Lady Harmony."
