"You're our new servants?" asked a soldier suspiciously, guarding the doors to Graf Dumas's splendid manor.
"Correct." Dampierre dusted off his black uniform and grinned at the soldier. Behind him, Giselle was dressed as the maid and his other two henchmen were wearing their uniforms as well. "We apologize for coming late but my dear friend here..." Dampierre pointed to Ludovigo, his skinny and blonde henchmen. "His mother died so we had to attend to her funeral. Anyway my good sir, here are the papers that stated that we have been hired." Handing over the fake papers, Dampierre smirked as they were allowed into the manor and away from the hot sun glaring down on them. The head servant showed them around the beautiful mansion and started explaining to them about their duties for the first few hours until they were left alone to attend to their new chores.
"Hey boss, are we really going to do this?" asked Alphard, looking at a lovely painting of a field of roses. His bushy eyebrows rose up in admiration and he lumbered around to see the entirety of the huge sitting room with its splendid paintings and comfortable sofas.
"Of course we are. Do you know how much money I owe Hilde?" He shudder at the thought of having to pay her back all that money. Clapping his hands together, he said snidely,"But I'm going to see if I can kill two birds with one stone..."
After a thorough investigation that had cost him alot of time and money, he found out that Graf Dumas was currently at Odenburg and that Talim had somehow escaped her execution during the chaos when the some rebels and invaders from the Ottoman Empire attacked. While wandering around the city to search for her, imagine his surprise when he met one of the servants who was out shopping for women's clothes and after alot of smooth talk, he noticed some very interesting points.
Apparently, the graf had spent alot of times in his bedrooms these days and sometimes, one could hear a woman singing. All of the servants believed that their lord was smitten with a new mistress and for some reason, he didn't want anyone to know. That might have been a reason why not many people knew that he was even in Odenburg. After searching the entire city for Talim, Dampierre was starting to wonder if this mysterious woman could possibly be her.
Reasoning amongst themselves, Ludovigo raised his skinny arms up in confusion. "But the graf is the one conducting the purge to rid the world of the malfested. Wouldn't he assume that Talim is one? Since she has wind powers and all?"
"And she was going to be executed because everyone thought she was one as well," added Alphard.
Dampierre only sighed at their stupidity. "My good gentleman... after everything I've taught you, I thought you would be smarter then this." Striking out a leg, Dampierre ran a hand up his legs in mock seduction. "A man still has urges you know. We can all agree that Talim is very lovely right?" The two nodded dumbly and Dampierre continued. "It's not too far-fetched to believe that the graf might have fallen for her. So just to make sure, we're going to investigate. As for how the plan goes, leave it all up to me and just follow my orders." Dampierre was grinning from ear to ear on how much profit he could reap if he played his cards right. It was time to use those lock picking skills once more...
When their boss strode off, Gisele, Ludovigo and Alphard huddled together and Alphard said, "Do you think we should just cause a huge disturbance and run into the room and check out if the woman is Talim? And then grab her?"
"Are you stupid?" hissed Gisele. "Do you want to be executed by the graf if we get caught?"
"What do you three think you're doing?" Dumas said coldly as he noticed the three slacking off. When they quickly bowed and apologized, he arched an eyebrow at them. They didn't seem familiar at all but then again, he never paid much attention to the servants. "I'm not paying you three to chit chat when there's plenty of chores to take care of."
"We-we're sorry my lord," stammered Ludovigo nervously as the tall man narrowed his eyes. "We'll get to work immediately."
Dumas snapped, "Then get a move on it." The three jumped and hastily ran out of there and he cast a final disdaining glance at them before heading to his study to take care of some papers.
Three hours later...
Talim tilted her head up as the door opened. "So soon? It's only been a few hours."
Dumas smiled slightly. "I finished my work earlier than expected, but now I can spend the rest of the day with you. Here, I've brought a classic fairytale for you. I thought you might enjoy it."
Straining to hear what they were doing in there, Alphard continued sweeping back and forth in the front of the door. But he could barely hear anything since the walls and doors were so thick. Curse it!
Talim was delighted to have him read to her again. Storytelling was a favorite past time of hers back in the village, to have him do this for her meant alot to her. "But first, do you have a hairbrush? My hair is alittle tangled since I haven't brush it in two weeks."
He looked at her long hair carefully. "Hmmm... I think you'll need to wash your hair as well."
"I guess that wouldn't be a bad idea," agreed Talim hesitantly. She had really wanted to wash herself but she wasn't allowed to get her burns wet. All she could do was wet a towel and wipe the parts that weren't covered in bandages.
Dumas got off the bed and said, "I'll prepare the water for you then. Oh, and I'll get your old outfit as well." Stepping out of his room, he immediately slammed the door shut when he saw Alphard. "What do you think you're doing?"
A drop of sweat rolled down his forehead as Dumas glared at him. "Sir! I.. I was just sweeping." He backed away and sweeped with renew vigour. Giving the graf a forced smile, he hoped he would be able to get away with this one. Too bad he didn't notice that he was heading towards the stairs. "Ahhhh!"
Dumas quirked an eyebrow as the burly man bounced down the stairs like a fat ball. It was kind of amusing though. When Alphard rolled to a stop, he drawled, "I'll let it go since I am in a pleasant mood. But... do not come near this door. Ever. Again. Understand?"
After awhile, he glanced up as Talim exited the bathroom on shaky legs. She was back in her traditional outfit before the execution and he had to admit, she looked much more comfortable garbed in her old attire. He glanced at the symbol on her hat and smiled. It was the same symbol that marked her as his lady seventeen years ago. Getting up from his recliner, he carried her to the bed and noted that she smelled like lilies. He did put alot of petals in the bath and he was glad he did.
"Do you have a brush?" asked Talim.
He smiled and reached for the brush. "Why don't you tell me the story while I brush you hair? There is quite a few tangles in it that would be difficult for you to untangle."
Talim shook her head shyly. "I can do it myself my friend."
"But I insist," he said smoothly as he began brushing her silky green tresses. He loved the feel of her hair in his hands as he gently brushed it out for her. Even after cutting away the burned ends, her hair was still quite long since it flowed to the middle of her back like a glorious waterfall.
Talim silently sighed at him. He was very dominering and bossy and he ignored her wishes quite a few times. But... she did appreciate the care and devotion he had shown her so she remained silent. Suddenly her mouth opened in surprise. What was Dampierre doing here? Talim shook her head slowly. "My friend... there is someone who is uninvited here at your mansion. It's best if you stay on your guard."
Hearing this, Dumas knew immediately that she must have sensed something from the wind. "Is that so?"
Tilting her head, Talim murmured, "I do not know what he is after but he is outside our doors at this very moment." At that, he quickly got off and rushed over to the doors, pushing it open, he looked around quickly but there was no one there. "It looks like he's gotten away," remarked Talim from her bed as she read the wind once more.
"I believe I might know who he is," said Dumas, closing the doors and returning to her side. "Humph. It looks like my dungeon will have a few more prisoners today.
Talim bit her lips in worry. "I do not get along very well with him but I doubt he's a threat so please don't hurt him or his companions. I believe that he's just searching for valuable information on you my friend. He tries to ally himself with powerful men alot of the times and no doubt, he wishes to curry an alliance with you. I'm sure he has gifts for you but I'm positive that he's also looking for secrets that he might use against you."
Dumas narrowed his eyes at that. "This is unwanted trouble... and I cannot to look weak by showing such mercy to these intruders. However, I think I have an idea on how to draw him out and spare him from being punished."
Relieved by his words, Talim smiled. "Thank you."
Dumas grinned mischievously. "But you'll have to play your part as well my dear."
"Huh?"
That night...
Fiddling with his mustache Dampierre gestured to his henchman as they looked at the mansion they have been ordered out of earlier today. It was beyond strange and that meant something fishy was going on. Well, nothing was going to stop him from finding out this juicy secret that may be worth alot of money...
Drugging most of the guards, they stealthily invaded the place and crept around silently. They all went their separate ways to cover more ground and Dampierre glanced around at the rich Persian rugs, elegant sofa, heavy red tapestries and shining candles. Moon light streamed through many of the mansion windows and quietly, Dampierre heard music playing from the music room. Climbing up the elegant stairs, the con artist held his breath and sneaked over to the door before pushing it slightly open. Peeking in, he squinted hard.
Sensing Dampierre, Talim whispered to Dumas, who was playing on the white piano, that the plan was working. The beautiful room held many different instruments and the pale blue tapestries, along with the light of the stars and moon made it seem even more beautiful than usual. Only a few candles on their holders were lit so it was still quite dark.
"Ah, so our sneaky little friend has finally shown up," remarked Dumas. He wore a V-neck white shirt that had a bit of lace at the cuffs and once again, he wore his red mask and knee high black boots with black pants. Beside him, Talim was wearing her short green dress since she didn't want Dampierre to recognize her because of her traditional outfit.
Stopping, he sidled closer to her as they sat on the piano seat and replied quietly into her ear. "If you feel uncomfortable, feel free to tell me alright?" When she nodded hesitantly, he smiled. "Let's continue shall we." Leaning over her, he pretended to kiss her but he made sure one couldn't see anything really clearly if they were peeking in from the doors. His hand traveled to her small waist while the other one braced her neck and he made a fake sound of pleasure in his throat.
From the doors, Dampierre eyes widened. So the graf was smitten with some mysterious woman! But who was she? Was it Talim? He tried to see if her hair was green but there wasn't enough light to tell. When the graf stood up and picked up the slender woman in his arms, Dampierre scrambled away from the doors as fast as possible. Picking the locks of a spare bedroom, he hid behind it and when he was sure the graf walked past, he opened it slowly and sneaked a look. The woman's head was resting against the graf's shoulders and it was still quite hidden because of the shadows and her hair.
"He's still following us," whispered Talim softly as she planted a shy kiss on his cheek. Little did she know how much Dumas was enjoying this as he pecked her on the forehead and Talim smiled slightly. "I must say... I can't help but look forward to seeing how he'll react when we catch him. He's always the one doing the tricking and it'd be nice for him to be on the receiving end for once."
Dumas chuckled. "Then we'll have to put on a good show to con the master of deception." Seeing his opportunity, he held her alittle closer to him and rubbed his cheek against her soft hair longingly and inhaled the sweet scent of lilies.
Talim stiffen at this and her heart pounded. It felt strange to be held so close to a man other than Raphael, even if she was starting to develop feelings for him. Her heart fluttered as his hands adjusted the weight under her knees and brushed her skin and she wondered if he could feel how nervous she was.
Noticing this, Dumas whispered, "Now now Talim. Remember, we're need to make this look as realistic as possible." Leaning down, his lips almost brushed against hers but he made sure that there was no contact as he pretended to kiss her. But this close, he felt rather excited as her breath caress his cheeks and he hungered for the taste of her mouth. Restraining himself, he asked, "Are you embarrassed?"
She nodded slightly. "I am quite embarrassed but this is one way that'll hurt my friend's pride more than his physical being. After all, I wouldn't want you or your soldiers to capture him and throw him into the dungeon."
"Whatever you say Talim. Ready for the next act?"As they arrived at his bedroom, he opened it with some trouble since he was carrying Talim as well. When it opened, he entered the room quickly and closed it shut with a loud bang.
From a short distance away, Dampierre eyes widened and he knew what the two were going to do. But he still didn't get a chance to see her face! He can't go back empty handed like this. Apparently, it was extremely difficult for anyone to come close to Dumas's bedroom and this was the best chance he'll have. Picking the lock, he opened it quietly and leaned his head in. Staring at the bed that was covered by the canopy, he saw the outline of a figure which looked like Dumas. Straining his ears, he heard something interesting.
From the bed, Talim huddled against the headboards and said, "Oh my lord... how awful it was of you to kidnap me like this."
With the light shining from the windows, Dumas knew that the man could see their shadows behind the canopy well enough so he pulled Talim into a tight embrace and said loudly, "My dear... you're so beautiful that I could not help it. You know that since I am from the Holy Roman Empire, your father would never allow me to have you." He caress the top of her smooth back and added, "You know that I love you very much my love."
"I know, replied Talim, adding a husky tone to her voice as he pretended to kiss her. "But my lord... my father has offered a grand reward for my return. If you return me, you'll become a very rich man."
Dampierre drooled at the sound of the reward and he leaned in alittle further to listen.
"Why would I need money? You're the only thing I need. My hunger can only be satisfied by you my love." With that Dumas pulled off his shirt; he threw it away and he chuckled at how good they were acting this out. "Nothing will stop me from making you mine forever. I know that your father is very powerful and if anyone found out about this, things will certainly get ugly. But I cannot help myself! The feel of your voluptuous body against my own, your soft lips, and your beautiful eyes drive me mad with need." Shifting slightly on the gold blankets, he pulled Talim towards to him and whispered, "Come now my dear. Let's see if you can make this alittle more convincing." And he smiled when Talim blushed and began purring against his chest nervously.
"I'm sorry... I'm not really good at this," she said quietly.
"Don't be silly, you're doing fine." It was true since her shy touches made his spine tingle and he leaned down to nuzzle her neck, producing a quick gasp from her.
Talim squirmed alittle as his lips brushed her neck but she did her best to hold still. Still... she felt extremely guilty as she thought about Raphael and how he would react if he knew. Afterall, she hadn't decided yet. When his hand slid down alittle too low down her back, she grabbed it and moved it back up.
Dumas chuckled at the apparent pout on her lips and merely kissed her on the forehead. "You're pure and chaste. Truly, you're a maiden of the heavens..."
Who the hell could she be! Who was this important father of hers? Dampierre mumbled to himself furiously. Knowing this secret, he wouldn't need to give Dumas any gifts and he could save himself lots of money by using this as blackmail. If only the man would say her name already! By now, Dampierre was sure that this wasn't Talim and he edged alittle closer inside the room to listen.
"He's coming closer," thought Talim as she read the wind. Turning back to Dumas, she pulled away from him and faked a protest. "My lord! If my father found out-"
"I don't care," said Dumas, leaning in for another pretend kiss. "And haven't I taken care of you all these days? Why don't you give yourself to me already?"
"Please stop this my lord," said Talim, continuing this sham as she edged backwards and into the headboards. The pillows curled beneath her weight and she grabbed some blankets and held them up to her chest. "I... I love you but if I willingly give myself to you, I feel like I'm betraying my father."
"I am so happy to hear that you love me my dear." Pulling off his boots, he laid them beside him and smirked as he caress Talim's cheeks.
Talim let out a fake moan as Dumas sidled closer and trapped her against the headboards. "Please... stop this my lord. It's not right."
He put his hands against the headboards and leaned in alittle closer as he inhaled the scent of her hair. "You love me don't you?" He leaned against her and whispered into her ear, "Talim, am I making you uncomfortable?"
"Alittle..." Talim blushed slightly as his warm breath caress her ear and she turned even redder when she pressed her hands against his chest and realized that he wasn't wearing his shirt. "I think we should end this soon."
"Alright then." Taking a deep breath, he made sure his voice carried as he said, "I know that you value your virtue my love. So I want to say this before I make you mine tonight. Will you marry me, lady..."
This was it! Dampierre shook with excitement as he listened for the name.
Struggling to contain his laughter, Dumas eyed the mysterious man that could now be seen. "Lady... What do you think you're doing in my bedroom you mongrel?"
Curse it! They found him! And then two heavy black boots struck him as Dumas threw it at him and leaping out from the curtains, he tackled Dampierre to the ground. His eyes widened and he gasped, "You!"
"What? I don't know you Graf Du-"
But Dumas quickly clamped the man's mouth shut and hissed, "Don't say my name. Understood?"
"So it is you." Talim blindly inched over and opened the canopy. Her long green hair swept to one side as she tilted her head. "It's been awhile, Dampierre."
Even though the bandages covered her eyes, Dampierre realized who it was now that he saw the necklace she always wore. "Talim! You... You tricked Le Bello?!"
"It's your own fault my friend. You shouldn't have sneaked around like this. I almost can't believe that you would peek into the room like this," said Talim, dangling her bandaged feet over the bed.
"Talim told me you wish to offer your service to me as an ally," said Dumas, holding up Dampierre by the scruff of his neck. Gazing at the con man with slight disbelief, he said, "You will have some explaining to do Dampierre."
"Boss!"
Gisele, Alphard, and Ludovigo rushed into the room and they were about to tackle Dumas but Dampierre stopped them. "No! It's alright! I'm fine." Removing himself from Dumas's grip, he smiled and gestured to the doors. "I have somethings I would like to discuss with you my lord. Something very important... Shall we?"
Dumas eyed him suspiciously but in the end he nodded. "Your minions will be coming with me as well. I can't let them tread around here with a loose tongue. Talim, will you excuse us for a few minutes?"
Talim nodded slowly. "I still wish to talk to Dampierre after if you don't mind my friend."
He consented to her simple request. "Of course. Well then, let us get going Dampierre."
Inside his large study, Dumas sat down in his ornate chair and waited for the four to start talking. Candles from their holders on the wall lit the room but it was still rather dark since Dampierre couldn't read any of the papers scattered on Dumas's desks. Shelves of books leaned against the walls and a large window showed a lovely moon hanging up in the night sky.
Dumas eyed them warily. "Why have you sneaked into my manor like this? I expect a good explanation for this intrusion..."
Dampierre let out a nervous chuckle at the threatening tone of voice. "Le Bello merely wishes to offer you his services in the upcoming war with the Ottoman Empire."
"And what are this services that you speak of?" asked Dumas nonchalantly.
Bowing slightly, Dampierre smirked. "A cavalry of elephants and some very fine cannons. I shall also assist in any other matters that you'll require. As well... I have some news regarding the lovely maiden, Talim."
This peaked Dumas's interest and he sat up slowly. "Continue."
"I have been hired by the Schwarzwind, a mercenary group led by Siegfried and princess Hilde, to bring Talim back to them. But..." Dampierre made a vague gesture and said, "I can see that she is in very good care. And maybe Le Bello is assuming too much but you seem rather fond of her my lord. I do not want to separate such a lovely couple."
Dumas slowly relaxed as he realized that Dampierre has betrayed the Schwarzwind. "I see... so you truly wish to be on my side then?"
"If you would allow it my good graf." Dampierre bowed and said, "And if you agree to make Le Bello a very rich man."
A wide smiled crossed Dumas's face. "If money is all you seek, then you have nothing to worry about Dampierre. Now... about the Schwarzwind who hired you here. I can assume that they will not rest until they have Talim but I will never let them have her. She is mine..." Standing up, Dumas strolled over to the window and pushed aside the heavy gold curtains. "Go and tell Siegfried that she is in my hands. And then, you will tell them that you have a plan to go and rescue her. I will give you the directions so that we may proceed with getting rid of them."
"My... my lord." Dampierre licked his lips nervously. Hilde was still an old friend of his and he did not hate the Schwarzwind enough to wish them death. Speaking up, he said, "Must we kill them? They're nothing more than a bunch of ragged mercenaries. Surely you can spare them their lives. They are Talim's friends after all."
Dumas reconsidered it for a moment. Siegfried and Hilde were once his allies seventeen years ago and they were merely doing what they thought best for Talim. He supposed he could spare their lives. Thinking hard, an idea hit him and he nodded to himself. It was time he returned to Denever Castle anyway. There were important matters that needed to be taken care of and he had been away for too long. And ever since Tira's appearance, he had been on edge. Back at his castle, Talim would be well protected.
Dumas cleared his throat. "Very well then. I shall spare those wretches their pitiful lives. Go and tell them that I have Talim and tell them that you know that I'm planning to take her somewhere. I shall use a decoy to lead them away from me while you point them in the direction of my soldiers. In the meantime, I shall head to Denever Castle with Talim. Once the plan has succeeded, meet me there for your reward."
"Thank you my lord," said Dampierre as he bowed low.
"Oh, but do give me the location of their hideout. It would be useful information to have," replied Dumas.
"Of course. Le Bello understands perfectly."
"Ah Talim! You're looking as lovely as always."
Talim sat alittle straighter and tilted her head in Dampierre's direction. "You know that your words have no effect on me Dampierre. I've never cared much about the way I look."
"And it is a great shame," said the con artists as he wagged his finger at Talim. "It's no wonder you're not married yet Talim. A women needs her appearance to attract a husband."
At that, Talim merely shook her head at him. "A man who judges a woman by her looks will not bring her happiness in their marriage. Also, you know that I have no wish to be with any other man beside Raphael."
Dampierre sighed softly at her words. Although he was still slightly mad at her for freeing his slaves, he knew she was a good person and she was still sort of... a friend. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he asked, "How are your injuries?"
"They're healing quite well. My friend has taken very good care of me and he's quite talented with medicine so I believe I shall be able to take off these bandages soon. But..." Talim put a hand to the bandages wrapped around her head; covering her eyes. "I am scared about my eyes. If I become blind, I will not be able to continue helping the malfested or look for Raphael and Amy."
"After all this time, you're still more concerned about helping others than yourself. Le Bello does not understand you sometimes Talim," said Dampierre, looking away from her and at the moon shining outside the window instead.
Talim answered, "You can not live for just yourself Dampierre. All that money that you've acquired will not make you happy. Money is only required to survive. If you spend your whole life chasing after it, you will miss out on all the good times you could have spent with your friends and family."
"Ha, you know that Le Bello is going to live for quite awhile yet," smirked Dampierre.
"I may have sealed the low level of Soul Edge energy inside you to stop you from losing control, but that does not mean anything. Even though your age has slowed down, you're not immortal," warned Talim.
Dampierre stayed quiet for a moment before saying, "Le Bello has reasons for doing these kinds of things. You should worry about yourself Talim. You... should forget about Raphael."
Talim didn't reply, but as always, her hand went to her necklace.
"He's dead Talim. After all these years, how can he possibly be alive?" Dampierre rubbed his eyes tiredly and adjusted his weight on the bed. "You still have time to start your own family and be happy. Stop wasting your time on living in a dream. Raphael is dead. That girl who kidnapped him seventeen years ago must have killed him by now. Move on and find someone else and stop being so stubborn. Let yourself heal."
"Dampierre..." Talim softened when she heard the concern in the con man's voice and said, "I saw him with my very own eyes. The day I got captured, I saw him. No mistake, it was Raphael."
"What if it takes another seventeen years for you to find him again?"
Talim's lips trembled as she lowered her head. "I'm afraid of letting go. We truly loved each other, Dampierre." Covering her face with her hands, she tried not to cry, otherwise she would soak the bandages and they'd have to be changed again. "I'm so confused, Dampierre. My feelings are all over the place. When I saw Raphael, he didn't seem to recognize me and I am scared that I won't be able to find him a second time. That, and the man currently taking care of me seems to like me."
"Do you like him?" Dampierre asked with interest.
"I... I owe him alot. Lately, I do feel something when he's with me. But I feel that it's wrong, especially since he reminds me of Raphael." Talim shook her head. "It's not fair to him if my heart is only seeing him as a replacement."
"You know... the man who rescued you looks alot like Raphael," said Dampierre thoughtfully. "But since he's wearing a mask, I can't really tell."
"Really?"
"Oh yes. His hair, eyes, height, and manners are very similar to Raphael Talim." But then Dampierre shrug. "But I suppose that if he was Raphael, he would have told you by now instead of hiding behind a mask."
He's alittle shy about his appearance..." Talim remembered the mask she touched on his face and thought that he must be ashamed of his looks. "But no matter what he looks like, it's his heart that matters to me."
Dampierre coughed hesitantly and said, "I think he's attracted to you."
At that, Talim blushed. "I know, and I do like him somewhat. But I'm reluctant in coming closer, he seems to be hiding something. I don't even know his name for wind sake." This was starting to frustrate her, as the secrets he kept stopped her from wanting to fully commit to this potential relationship. "You must know right? Can you tell me Dampierre?"
"My apologies but he has forbid me from telling you. Since I'm now working for him, I can't go against his orders."
Talim was alittle saddened by this for she really did want to know who he was. "I see... But tell me Dampierre, why have you come here to ally yourself with him."
"Le Bello is afraid that he cannot tell you. But there is something you should know..." Dampierre licked his lips nervously as he lied, "A group of people are after you Talim. I have warned your friend and he'll be taking you with him to leave this place." Before she could ask who, he quickly said, "You've made alot of enemies by helping the malfested. Sooner or later you knew that this was going to happen right?"
"I... I suppose so. Dampierre... thank you for warning me. I may have been wrong about you." And Talim gave him a small smile.
Dampierre merely shook his head. Talim was always one of the easiest person to lie to. But the guilt he felt afterwards was always the worst...
"My dear, you're still awake at this time of night?" asked Dumas, walking over to the bed. Dampierre had left about an hour ago and as for him, he had began arranging for their departure from Odenburg so when he headed back to his bedroom, he had expected Talim to have fallen asleep already.
"I couldn't really sleep so I decided to wait for you my friend," said Talim as he chuckled.
"Awww, you missed me didn't you my dear?" He loved teasing her. After all these years, she was still quite sweet and innocent.
As predicted, she blushed and said, "I... I just thought that it would be good if I stayed up to ask you something. When he sat down on the edge of the bed, Talim continued. "Dampierre told me that some people are after me correct? Is that why we are going to leave soon?" When he answered yes, Talim sighed softly. "But what if Raphael is still here?"
Dumas held her hand gently and replied, "I've sent my soldiers to search and by now, I believe he has already left this city. But I give you my word I will continue to look for him and Amy. Oh... and Pyrrha," he added reluctantly as she reminded him. "Well, we should both get some sleep now my dear. You must be quite tired from all that happened tonight."
Talim laughed quietly and nodded. "Yes. But it was also kind of fun... I laughed when Le Bello screamed."
"You should laugh and smile more often Talim. It makes you look so much more beautiful," commented Dumas.
Talim's lips quivered and her tears started to fall even faster. But Raphael leaned in close and whispered, "Don't cry Talim. You're so much more beautiful when you smile. I want to see you smile again."
The sudden memory startled Talim and she stayed quiet for a moment. The tone of voice in the memory and in his voice... was exactly the same. And the feelings in it shook her. "Tell me the truth my friend... are you... in love with me?"
He was startled by her question and his eyes widened slightly. "I... I know that you love Raphael my dear. I..." Closing his eyes, it took alot of self control to hold back the truth as he said, "I am willing to wait. Even if you decide to stay with him, I would still be happy for you."
Listening to his words, Talim said gently, "For some reason, you remind me of Raphael. If he was here, he would have taken care of me the same exact way you did. I have been thinking that you might be him even though the wind says otherwise." Talim paused for a moment and reached for his warm hand, starting to wonder if they were the same man. "Tell me the truth. Who are you? Why do you hide your name from me?"
He felt his heart beat painfully in his chest as he said, " I can't tell you for now. But believe me, I really wish I could." He could see her shoulder slump down with disappointment and he tilted her chin up. "I really do care about you..."
Instead of drawing away like usual, she held still and nodded. "I know you do. And I'm very grateful for your love and friendship."
He whispered softly, "I am grateful to have met someone like you."
I would like to thank BlackInkedPen for the kind praise on my descriptions (I still stink at settings ; A; ) as well as diegofu and ThalieXVII, who are her favorite readers for their continued support.
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