Dinner

Her name that she had used when donating was "Miss H." and the photo she had provided was of her wearing a brown wig and glasses. Yet, there was something that made her, her both in her present and in her past and if you had learned enough about her, it was clear that there was something special about her that identified her. This donor's name and identity had been whispered to many and unlike many others, they actually wished to honor her and now she was standing right in front of them.

One of the women who had curled dark brown hair at about shoulder length and green eyes and was wearing a pair of brown loafers, a white button up shirt, and formal black pants walked forward from the group and put out her hand to shake, "Hello Miss. H, I didn't expect to see you here."

Clarimond smiled gracefully, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss…?"

"My name is Scarlett Griffin. I run "The Rising Wings", it's an organization which helps orphans from "The Cherry War." I really appreciate your help."

Clarimond took the hand shake, "Thank you, I enjoy helping in the community. I'm just passing by on my way to Theron."

"Theron?" Scarlett said in surprise, "Well, perhaps, you might see the Duchess. It's quite awful to see how she is treated, just completely being taken advantage and all her power is being slowly taken away. I wish I could do something to help her, after all, her parents have helped me and so many other so much."

"Well, I'm Duchess Clarimond Harridan of Selemont."

Scarlett and all the other people curtsied or bowed and Scarlett quickly spoke again, "Please excuse my rudeness, your ladyship, and my offer remains true."

"What you said was true, though," Clarimond quickly scanned the room, looking for suspicious figures but they all were people who would be a part of the renascence, "I just want to be my own person."

Dinner was called then and they all went to eat dinner which was a hearty winter root vegetable soup and crispy home-made bread topped with freshly made butter. The dinner conversation was quite amicable and Clarimond joined in lively conversation with everyone. Seated at her sides was James Ashford and one of the three men who introduced himself as, Sinclair Castellan. James was quieter but she gradually roused him to conversation with the topic of "The Cherry War." It had been a war where many were killed or still missing and James had a missing brother who had been a rising solider. From then on, he had taken care of his younger sister, working as a banker during the day and training to fight during the night. He longed to get revenge for his brother.

Hearing his mission, Clarimond could relate to it as after rebirth, revenge was her main goal. She also began to realize that even if she was not able to recruit these people, she wanted to help them, to truly make the world a better place. When dinner was over, she went up to her room where Louise was waiting.

"Are we doing this for real?" Louise asked.

Clarimond nodded back curtly in reply and pulled out a jet-black cloak and an ebony black mask embroidered with white roses. Louise changed quickly and spoke quietly to confirm that the voice-changing technology was working. Her voice had deepened and was now much more serious. Clarimond then handed her the gun which Louise hid in the folds of her cloak and a grappling hook.

"Good luck, I'll be a waiting for you," Clarimond said intensely.

"Yes, my lord," Louise said kneeling.

Louise then climbed out of the window to visit the other guests at the inn, leaving Clarimond waiting for what she would say when she replied.