I spent the next few minutes watching my breath swirl and fade. My shoulders were vibrating rapidly, struggling to keep my body warm. I felt a hand firmly steady my shivering. A deep, smooth, taunting voice rang behind me,
"You must be cold, boy."
I slowly craned my neck to turn towards the speaker, the cold stiffening my movements. He brought his face close to mine, wearing a lopsided smirk. His long locks of lavender hair were loosely pulled back in a low ponytail, and a few loose strands framed his fair face. Mischievous eyes still stared into mine as he whispered,
"You seem useful." He pulled back, laughing, "What's your name?"
`I was silent, paralyzed, and confused. My lips were moving, but made no sound. A perplexed look formed on the man's face,
"So you're dumb, are you?" Relief flooded over me and I nodded vigorously. The smirk returned, "Well then, come with me."
He grabbed my hand and pulled me off my bench. Refusing to move, I stood, staring into his deep purple eyes. He returned my glare and said,
"You need work. I'll give work. With pay. Now come on we haven't the entire day."
His smooth voice had frozen, now harsh and rigid. My pain soon came rushing back to my senses, and I stifled a whimper of defeat. I let the strange man lead me through the streets, using my free hand to steady my cap. We stopped before a wooden carriage, clearly worn, with age or with use I couldn't tell. I stepped in, the interior air suffocated with the sour stench of smoke. I sat down on the bench opposite my employer, and leaned over my knees, resting my elbows in my lap. Trying my best to avoid the awkward stare if the man, I closed my eye, feeling the vibrations of the road rock me to sleep.
When I woke we were still in the carriage, and I found his stare still focused in mine. This time, I returned it; keeping my eyes on his while the rest of me was being jostled by the jerkiness of the vehicle. Finally he turned away,
"Call me Master Gakupo." He whispered. His eyes glanced over at me, "got that?" I bowed my head in acknowledgement. "And you," he rested his chin in his palm, "What to call you?"