A Day Made More Spectacular.

"Ha, I hope no one else got to him before I did." Theodore muttered to himself, as he nearly broke into a frantic run. His movements were highly incordinated, causing him to loose the usual graceful manner in which he moved. To add to his woes, the scabbard which he held fell to the ground with a loud clatter. "Damn it." He cursed frantically, as he picked it up. As soon as he got to his final destination, he swiftly pushed the door open, without any regards for courtesy. The scene which immediately met his sight was Diego staring at him, his face as stoic and as cold as usual, with Egiel by his side. The latter just gave him an awkward smile, as they both observed the young man who stood at the threshold, his clothes nearly wet from the perspiration of the little sports he just performed. 'It's your birthday, the world is not going to end If you smile at least.' Theodore thought in his mind, as he wiped his sweat and composed himself, before walking into the office with a large but stupid grin on his face. He dare not voice out his thought of earlier, who knew what Calamity might befall him? "Good mor.." He had to pause midway, for a fit of coughing came upon him. Now of all times, his throat just had to be parched. "Good morning, Diego." He said, as he drew out the chair from before him. "Happy bir." "Out." Diego said, as he went about his usual occupation. Theodore's right hand became automatically glued to the head of the chair. "I beg your finest pardon?" He inquired, while his left hand gripped the scabbard he concealed behind him tightly. 'Diego.. You are not kicking me out of the office because I am wishing you a happy birthday, are you?" Theodore thought, as he pondered on whether or not the man sitted before him was actually his cousin. "You heard me. Get out." Diego glanced up at him briefly, before flipping the document in his hand over. Theodore helplessly glanced at Egiel, who seemed to be mouthing words to him. Visibly frustrated, the mentally exhausted Egiel began to point frantically towards the Door. He however, immediately tucked them behind his back when Diego glanced at him. "I sincerely hope that you are not up to Any shenanigans, Egiel." "Of course not, my lord." Egiel humbly replied, his heart still palpitating from all the demonstrations he performed earlier. Theodore momentarily glanced towards the door. "There is no one there.." Theodore muttered, before a suddenly bolt of realisation struck him(If it was during the contemporary Era, he would have probably yelled Eureka!) "Are you seriously sending me out just because I didn't knock before entering?" He inquired as he stared at his older cousin with widened eyes. "You must be slightly retarded, if it is now you realise that." Diego told him off coldly. "You can do whatever you want to me, I honestly don't care." Theodore said, as he stubbornly insisted on doing as his heart said. He drew it out and Sat down. Those silver eyes gazed at him as though he were prey. "I only wanted to refresh your memory, since it seems like you have forgotten about all your basic etiquette." Diego stated, as he took his eyes off him. Theodore nearly exhaled out loud. It felt as though an invisible hand was strangling him the entire time Diego had his eyes on him. "By the way, happy birthday." Theodore said, as he dropped the scabbard on the table. Diego stopped scribbling for a moment, as he stared at the item on the table. Theodore mistook his speechlessness for something else, as he awkwardly scratched his cheek. "Another sword?" The monotonous voice drifted to Theodore's ears. He glanced at his cousin, only to notice Diego gaze at the sword with a light frown. "Isn't that the same thing as what you gave me last year?" Diego inquired, as he looked up. Theodore instantly broke eye contact, before sighing. "Listen, I know that it is the same as what I gave you the previous year, but I couldn't think of anything else." He explained himself, as he shifted uncomfortably on the chair. "A gift Is a gift afterall." Diego said, as he unwrapped the sword. He eventually drew the sword out of its scabbard, and the blade alone reflected the rays of the sun which streamed through the office window. Its hilt was colored a deep bluish-grey, and it was also engraved with several intricate designs. "Light, portable." Diego muttered to himself, as he stood up from his chair, into an open corner of the room. He gave it a few practice swings, before nodding his head in satisfaction. "It seems that this blade is stronger and more durable than the previous ones you have given me." Diego commented, as he majestically walked back towards his chair. "I am glad you like it; you don't realise how much I had to invest in this." Theodore informed him nonchalantly, as he lazily rested his chin on his hand. "Well, your funds did not go for naught." Diego stated, as he dropped the document in which he was initially writing on, and immediately picked up another. "But still, thank you." He added. Theodore couldn't stop the uncontrollable smile that came to his face, although the demeanor of his cousin didn't signify it, he knew that Diego was being honest. While a random stranger is more likely to doubt the veracity of that claim. "You are welcome." Theodore said, his mood currently ten times brighter than the sun. "Has you know who come over to say hello?" Theodore inquired, as he stared at his cousin knowingly. "She was still asleep when I rose up. So I just let her be." Diego replied. "But I most say, I am was quite astonished to find out that he didn't show up during the night of the carnival." Theodore mused, shifting the topic to one of an entirely different subject. "He didn't show up, but he sent an obnoxious threat letter, irregardless." Diego replied curtly, his countenance becoming somewhat clouded as he reminiscenced the events of that night. "Hopefully, he he stays in the west long enough for me to find a possible solution." He added, with a slight frown. "Till that time comes, I guess." Theodore uttered. "By the way, Diego who gave you that pen? It is quite fashionable." Theodore interrogated, as his eyes strayed to the black and Gold fountain pen his cousin was holding. "Oh, this." Diego began, as he glanced at the pen in his hand. "Egiel is the one that presented it to me this morning, needless to say, I was quite surprised." He commented, as he spun the exquisite pen around His fingers. "But It seems quite expensive, how where you able to procure it, Egiel?" Theodore inquired, as he turned towards the latter, who just humbly stood as straight as a pole, his hands behind his back. "Well, my lord Is right about it being expensive. If I hadn't used up some of my monthly allowances, I wouldn't.." "Just hold on there." Theodore interrupted, as he glanced at Egiel. "Is what I hear indeed what I hear?" Theodore asked, unsure of who to turn to at that moment. Diego nodded curtly. "I tried to convince him to return the pen back to the dealer and get his money back, but you know how obstinate he gets when he has fixated his mind on something." Diego exhaustively explained. "What a faithful servant you are." Theodore said, after a brief moment of speechlessness. But Egiel was no fool, and he could sense the hidden sarcasm in the undertone. "I guess I wasn't the first person to wish you a happy birthday then." Theodore began, a bit disappointed. "I believe Natasha has given you her present as well." Theodore added, as he looked towards the direction of a small black case, one which could easily fit into an adult's palm. "You are not quite wrong, but in order to clarify things, Lisa is the one who gave that to me, not Natasha." Diego explained, as he saw what Theodore kept glancing at. "Oh well." Theodore added, with a bored sigh. At Least he knew what to give Hsi cousin next year, or so he thought. "I hope you have a pleasant day." Theodore said, as he got up to leave. "Well, this is quite disappointing. I was hoping you would spend the rest of the day here." Diego's voice was like a chainsaw at that moment. "I politely decline." Theodore said, as he whipped around to observe his cousin. "I know perfectly well that it is a great impossibility to remain within the boundary of this office, without passing some of your workload to me." Theodore refuted, clearly seeing through Diego's antics. "On the bright side, I know what to give you for your next birthday." He added, intending to proceed with his footsteps. "I sincerely hope it is not going to be a fountain pen." Theodore nearly froze in his movement. "Just be expectant for next year." He managed to reply, as he pushed the office door open.

***********************************************

 "Good morning, my lady." A calm and gentle voice got directed to Natasha, just as she was contemplating whether or not to push open the door which lay before her. "Good morning, Dorothy." Natasha reciprocated back towards the latter, with a smile. "You were about to see the lady?" Dorothy inquired, as she approached her. "Indeed I was, but I was unsure if Diane had risen out of her bed yet." Natasha explained, as she took a few steps backwards, in order to allow Dorothy to gain access to the door. "Well, we will find out soon enough." Dorothy commented, as she pushed the door open.

 The room was quite dark, as the rays of the sun never once gained an opportunity to stream towards the room, since dawn arrived. The girl, who the two ladies were debating over earlier, laid contentedly on the bed, the entire bed covering drawn over her head. The two entities may not even have realized that someone has lain on the bed, if it wasn't for the way the blankets formed a somewhat grotesque outline, as well as the few strands of blonde locks that peeked out underneath. Dorothy went to draw the curtains apart, while Natasha bestowed herself the privilege to seat upon the marital bed. "I wonder how she doesn't suffocate at this rate." Natasha wondered, as she gently drew the covers away from Diane's head. But Diane give so much as a single stir. But she however placed her hands to shield her eyes immediately Dorothy was done with drawing the curtains. "I wonder how you will cope once you become a mother. You are so fortunate that my lord permits you to sleep as you please." Diane scowled lightly, as soon as She heard Dorothy's voice, coupled by a warm hand patting her head. "Stop it, Dorothy." Diane complained, her voice a but groggy. She was surprised to see Natasha beaming at her with gentle eyes, when she finally summoned the courage to open them. Dorothy, on the other hand, stood complacently a few centimeters away, observing both women quietly. "Good morning, Natasha, Dorothy." Diane said, as she sat up on the bed and yawned. "For how long have I been asleep?" She inquired, as she rubbed her eyes. "I believe the angle of the sun will gladly tell you that." Natasha explained. "I will gladly reckon that you would have slept some more, had I not intervened." Dorothy however, suspiciously squinted her eyes at her mistress. "My lady, do you even know what day It is?" Dorothy inquired. "What about today?" Diane innocently asked, her bright blue eyes giving off a childish tendency. As if her question did not turn the atmosphere awkward enough, her stomach growled suddenly, and loudly at that. "Oh my." Diane whispered silently to herself, her eyes not betraying how embarrassed she felt at the moment. "Dorothy, I am really hungry. Could you please get me something?" She politely requested. But instead of Dorothy to bolt out of the door immediately in Accordance to Diane's expectations, she stood there, shaking her head, hands folded, a dissapointed look on her face. "You are unbelievable, my lady." She sighed, apparently at a loss for words. "To be honest, with the degree of which you enthusiastically embraced the concept, I was not expecting you to be at a loss." Natasha quipped In, but she didn't seem irritated, but found the whole situation to be quite comical. Diane gazed from one to the other, her disheveled hair making her to appear all the more disoriented. "Today is Diego's birthday." Natasha finally revealed, when she noticed that Diane was not going to remember anytime soon. Diane clasped her hand to her mouth immediately. "I completely forgot!" She declared out loud, although both women could tell. "Dorothy, go prepare my bath, this very instant!"

**************************************************************

 After all the fussing and the confusion had been cleared out of the way, Diane stood at the front of the mirror, a determined look on her face. Dorothy meddled around with the hair brush, as she detangled the hair on her mistress's head. "Are you absolutely certain you do not want braids, My lady?" Dorothy inquired once more, as she looked down at her. "Braids will take too much time, Dorothy." Diane responded immediately. "And it is already as late as it is. I am yet to prepare a gift for him, anyway." Diane added. Dorothy complied, but the hair looked quite plain without the braids. Dorothy pondered for a while. "I believe a hair accessory will make it appear less plain." Natasha who had been seated on the bed this entire time, slowly walked towards them, taking the something out of her hair, and passing it to Dorothy. "My lady, are you sure?" Dorothy asked, after scrutinizing the item in her hand. "It seems quite expensive." Natasha gave a light laughter. "It is beyond alright, I consider Diane my sister afterall." She admitted. "What are you two contending over?" Diane quipped In, as the two women continued to speak in seemingly hushed tones. "A little something an acquaintance of mine present to me." Natasha explained, as Dorothy lowered herself, in order to attached it to her hair. "Ouch! Dorothy be careful.." Diane complained slightly, as she felt something sharp pricking her head. She stared in awe however, as she saw its reflection on the mirror, before turning to Natasha. "I believe it suits you better. Don't you agree, Dorothy?" Natasha mused, as the Golden hair pin complemented perfectly with Diane's blonde hair. "But your friend.." "I am sure he won't mind." Natasha interrupted, with a sigh. "Afterall, it is being put into good use." She added.

 "What did you give to Diego as a gift, Natasha?" Diane inquired as they went down the hallways, the helm of her Sapphire blue dress dancing around her ankles. "A pocket watch." Natasha curtly replied, as she stode beside her sister in-law. "You know he always likes to be business oriented and time conscious. That was the only thing that came to mind." She explained. "You truly have an in-depth understanding of your cousin." Diane complimented now, causing the latter to smile. "What about you, Dorothy? You have gotten so fond of him, I doubt highly that you would fail to present him with something." Diane said, as she turned to the woman on her left. "Why not indeed?" Dorothy said, an arrogant tone evident In her voice. "My lord always likes to dress formally and with dignity, So I presented him a set of cuff links." She said. Diane instantly felt intimidated. Both Dorothy and Natasha's gifts were thought about with due consideration. What could she possibly give him that he would appreciate? "I will bake a cake for him." Diane declared suddenly, causing Dorothy to halt awkwardly in her footsteps. "But my lady, you have never once touched the ladle since you were born." She stated, before a slight frown came to her face. "And I heard rumors that my lord doesn't quite fancy pastries." "He will, if his wife prepares them." Diane stated blatantly. "And as for that, you will have to teach me." "Oh, goodness me." Dorothy could only mutter in amazement as she stared at her mistress, feeling very sorry for herself.

 The three ladies stood before a long wooden table, staring at the ingredients which were laid on it. All around them, women could be seen bustling about, the sounds of frying and Chopping merging together and becoming quite indistinct. "Here you are, my lady." Lisa made her appearance suddenly, as she passed an apron to Diane. "Thank you." Diane calmly replied, as Dorothy enabled her to the apron around her waist. Natasha had demanded for the presence of the former as soon as they had arrived, the mere sight of the kitchen bustling with so much activity immediately made her to feel dizzy. Lisa, understanding the urgency of the situation, immediately prepared some space for them, as well as all that they could ever need.

"Diane, Are alright staying in such an environment?" Natasha just had to ask. The heat from the oven made it seem like they were being roasted alive, and the aroma of the various cuisines both attracted and nauseated her. Diane nodded. "I am doing this for Diego afterall. He has given me what I yearned for so long, this is the very least I could do for him." Diane explained, although she had already began to feel hot as well. "All the ingredients required are here, I believe?" Natasha inquired, as she glanced at Lisa, of which the latter affirmed. "Are you sure you don't need me to help you, my lady?" Dorothy inquired worriedly, as Diane struggled to open the bag of Flour. "I informed you earlier on, I want to do this with my own two hands." Diane reemphasized. "Let me help you open it, at least." Dorothy said, immediately rushing over to her side. She opened within a span of seconds, what Diane struggled to open for so long. "By the way, where are aunt and Uncle?" She inquired suddenly. "They got summoned by My older cousin." Natasha curtly replied. "The duke?" Diane inquired. "Indeed. Though mother wasn't too glad About it because if coincided with Diego's birthday and all, but there was nothing she could do about it." Natasha further clarified. "I am sure Diego will understand." Diane mumbled quietly, as she reached out for the bag of flour. Just as she Poured the flour into the bowl, under Dorothy's careful instructions, a commotion suddenly arose in the kitchen. So great of a distraction was it, that even Diane had to momentarily pause what she was doing. When she noticed the source of the commotion however, she immediately felt overwhelmed. "Get back here, you two!" Alice yelled after the two miscreants angrily, as she chased after them In hot pursuit. But the two children gave her no heed, speading their muddy footprints everywhere. "The kitchen is not a place where children can play!" Alice added. "As if you aren't one yourself!" Leonia stubbornly refuted. "Leonia! Morris!" It was the sound of Natasha's voice that brought them to order. "Both of you come here, this instant." She added, but her tone was softer this time.

They both complied, head lowered submission. "My goodness, little miss, young Master, what in the name of the cosmos happened to you both?!" Dorothy exclaimed, as she looked at both children, who were covered in mud. Be it anger, worry, dismay or all three, no one could tell for sure. "What are you all staring at?" Lisa inquired, as she looked at the maids, who seemed to be taking a little break.(They were gawking at the scene). "Go on about your various occupations; whatever it is that occurred is of no interest to you." She said, as she told them. With immediate effect, the balance was restored. "Morris, why are you and Leonia so filthy?" Even Diane had to ask. "They were rolling around in the ground.." Alice began, when Morris remained mute. "No we weren't!" Leonia interrupted immediately. "We wanted to look give brother a gift for his birthday, so we searched for a four leaved clover! And in the process.." "You ended up staining yourselves." Natasha said, as she gazed at the children warmly. "But why a four leaved clover of all things? She inquired. "Because it is special, and Leonia said he deserves a special gift." Morris casually replied. "I see." Natasha said, as she stood up. "Dorothy" She began, as she turned to the maid. "You do not need to inform me, My lady." Dorothy said, as she seized each child by the hand. "Come on you two, let's get you cleaned up." She added, while Alice trailed behind them. Both Alice and Dorothy Bowed to Theodore as they saw him, on their way out, but the rest of them didn't seem to notice. "The both of Them are like twins, aren't they?" A voice called out(rather loudly) causing everyone to lift their heads. Those that were familiar with it, however, need not necessarily do so as they already aware of who the persona was. "Spare me the unnecessary respect." He waved his hands impatiently at the group of maids in the kitchen, making them halt in their tracks before they could bow to him in obligation. "What are you doing here?" Natasha inquired, as her brother stode towards then with a Care free attitude. "I came for my sister in law, not for you." Theodore replied, before turning to Diane, whose was under the strict guidance of Lisa. "I was wondering why you haven't shown up with your gift yet. Turns out, you are going the extra mile." Theodore told Diane, who was trying to stir the butter, flour, and sugar with much difficulty. "Aha, I actually forgot. And now I have to deal with this." Diane starined, having to balance between Making a cake and talking to Theodore. "Diane is currently preoccupied Theodore." Natasha told him strictly, as If she wanted him to leave. "I can see that." Theodore stated, as he leaned closer to his sister. "She is aware that Diego doesn't fancy sweet things, isn't she?" Natasha gave an exasperated sigh. "She is, but she still insisted, so what can I do? She hasn't prepared a gift for Diego yet, it would be too bad If she had to face him empty handed." Natasha advocated on Diane's behalf. There was a pause in the cake baking process, it seemed as though there was a bit of a squabble between Diane and Lisa. "I said I will do it myself." Natasha heard Diane say, as she watched Diane stride towards the kitchen cabinet. "Do one thing for me. I want you to keep Diego distracted until Diane is done preparing her gift." She ordered. But the way her brother gazed at her, made her wonder If he would ever take the task seriously. "Anything for my favorite sister-in-law." He replied lazily. "She is your only sister in law." Natasha immediately corrected. Both of them were distracted by a shriek, and a large crash. Gazing at the source of the noise, they beheld a figure, covered In flour from head to toe. What actually occurred-the obstinate, and completely ridiculous Diane, had strained to reach for a bag of flour that was well above her height, rather than asking for help. At the time her hand finally made contact with the bag, it immediately came crashing down(atop her) ripping apart in the process, as the one who needed it lacked the strength to bring it down. "Oh dear, my lady, are you alright?" Lisa inquired, immediate running towards her. Diane could not respond even if she wanted to- she kept coughing the entire time, it felt as though her lungs were filled with flour. Once more, the maids were distracted, and stood by like statues, murmuring amongst one another, not offering any support. "Do you all want to lose your jobs?" The irritation in Theodore's voice snapped them back to their senses once more. "I guess I have to get to business then." Theodore said, as he hurried out of the door. Natasha walked up towards Diane. "Dear, are you alright?" She inquired. Lisa had already shaken off most of the flour off Diane's clothes, and had made her to sit on a small stool. "I am alright." Diane admitted, as she sniffled. "But I believe some flour got In my nose. May I get a handkerchief?" Diane blinked. Natasha couldn't help but sigh in her mind, wondering if this child like innocence of Diane'swould strike her as stupid to others.

 Diego looked down from the terrace, the wind blowing through his Hair. He continued to stare far off into the distance, until he felt a hand tapping him on his shoulder. "I wonder what it is that has caught your attention like this?" Theodore inquired with a smile, as he stood beside him. "Nothing much." Diego told simply told him. "Keep on lying through your teeth." Theodore said with a smile, as he used his elbow to nudge him at the side. "You always end up thinking of your parents when your eyes get like that." He added, as he leant forward on the railing; not even afraid of the fact that he might fall from that height. "I wonder if things would have been much better if they were around." Diego finally admitted that he was indeed, thinking of his parents. "Why of course. Even the circumstance of your life would be quite altered." Theodore affirmed, as he rested his chin on his hand, while enjoying the warm summer breeze. "But Irregardless of fate, you still have us nonetheless. So quit being so reserved." Theodore stated. "Besides, it is quite the weather we are having, and on your birthday as well. Are you so blind that you can't witness how blessed you are?" Theodore throttled on non-stop. Diego, who could neither accept his statements as Sarcasm nor compliments, casually glanced skyward. "I wouldn't deem the weather so lovely if I were you." "Are you kidding me?" Theodore inquired, as he straightened his posture. "Can you not feel the summer breeze.." He paused momentarily, glancing at the very same direction Diego was staring at. Not so far away, were some bulbous looking dark clouds, drifting slowly from the west as much as the humble breeze would push them. "Isn't it too early for first rain of summer?" Theodore muttered, as a frown came to his face. "My goodness, they look as miserable as you.." He suddenly blurted out, with undue consideration. "I am sorry I didn't hear you clearly, what did you say?" Diego inquired, as he turned to Theodore, spotting a dangerous looking smile. "Forgive me sir!" Theodore immediately stood a great distance away, giving an exaggerated bow. "I didn't Mean to sincerely, I.." Diego ignored his cousin's antics, as he stared further down the passage. It was rather dark, so he couldn't see clearly. "I swear to always behave.." "Quiet, you clown." Diego snapped at him harshly, before calling out. "Diane?" While Theodore continued to ramble on like a fool, Diego's Sharp sense of hearing had picked up something like the swish of a dress. "Diane, I know you are here." Diego continued. "Don't you forget that I can sense your presence as well." No sooner had he said that, than the young lady stepped out of the shadow wherein she hid, her face pale white with baking powder. Her Sapphire blue dress also had a good amount of stains as well, like a scientist who failed to mix his chemicals properly, resulting in a perfectly orchestrated failure. Theodore had to hold himself from laughing out loud, Because Diane looked like an ideal spectacle at the moment. Her overly pale face, in combination with those blue eyes, as well as her demeanor at the moment, made her seem like a child who was aware that she did something wrong, and was trying to avoid the repercussions. "What on earth.. happened to you?" Diego inquired. But he did not expect Diane to burst into sobs. "I-I am sorry, I tried to make you something for your birthday and.." "Oh, my." Diego couldn't help but smile. The revelation that she went through great lengths just for him.. gave him a refreshing kind of feeling. "Come here." He told her simply. Diane stopped crying at this point. "My hands are covered in soot." She said curtly. "What if I.." But Diego was already walked up to her, embracing her gently. From the corner of her eyes, she could view Theodore sneaking out of the terrace, while grinning stupidly. "What were you trying to make?" Diego asked her. "I wanted to give you a birthday cake" Diane replied, as he released her. "My goodness, I doubt If you have ever been to the kitchen your entire life." "That is what Dorothy said as well, but she phrased hers differently." Diane said, as she looked up at him with infuriated eyes. "If the both of you were the same age, you would have made a magnificent team." She added. Diego couldn't help but smile, each facial expressions she made just had this splash of childishness In It. And for some reason, he couldn't resist it. "I must say, this tears of yours add to your charm." He spoke slowly, as he brushed a teardrop away from her eyes. "And you know that I don't fancy pastries." He added. "So where is it?" He inquired. Diane glanced at the passage. "It's burnt though." She informed him, her tone of voice rather soft. "I don't mind. You spent the whole day preparing it for me, afterall." Diane sighed, before walking down into the darkness. She later emerged, a trolley by her side, the cake concealed as though it was an exquisite meal. "You brought it here all by yourself?" He inquired, to which Diane nodded. She eventually released it, and on the brown cake, was a 'Happy Birthday, Diego." Sprawed on top with frosting, as though it was the handiwork of a child. "A chocolate cake huh. Natasha must have a hand in this." Diego mused. "She told me you were fond of chocolates when you were little. Why the change?" Diane inquired. "When you eat something too often, The taste becomes tiresome." Diego explained, as he cut the cake up with a knife and fork, before placing a piece in his mouth. Diane stared at him, but the man's face remained just as stoic from start to finish. "It's not that burnt, but it Is nice still." Diego commented, Slightly nodding his head. "Want to taste?" He asked, of which Diane nodded. He gently fed her with his own fork, her hands were still filthy after all, nothing could be done about that. For some reason, sharing the same fork with Diego, made her recall the time they first kissed. No, that wasn't a kiss. Wait, could it even be called a kiss? "Goodness knows what is going on in that head of yours." Diego observed, as he placed another piece in his mouth. Diane smiled sheepishly. "Another bite, please." She demanded. It turns out, the cake wasn't that bad afterall. 

***********************************************

 The stars twinkled dimly in the night sky. Even the silver rays of the moon couldn't pierce through the cloud, despite it being full. The winds howled in vexation, causing the windows to tremble upon its shutters. All that noise couldn't wake up the lady who laid on the bed as though she performed a laborious task. On the other hand, her partner laid awake on his back. He eventually sat up, staring at her face intently. Just then, a bolt of lightening flashed, lighting up the room for a while. He could view her face much More clearly now. She was more attractive when she was asleep, he thought. After confirming that she was indeed asleep, he quietly stole out of the room.

 He continued to move at a moderate pace, while looking behind him cautiously. No one in his family had to know where he was headed. He got to the terrace, and gazed downward, while the night breeze ruffled up his hair. Without any hesitation, he jumped, and landed on the ground with a soft thud. He stood erect, critically scrutinizing his surroundings-it would be too much of a headache if either one of the knights discovered him. He continued to move on just as stealthily, unperturbed, until he slipped out of the manor's gates.

 He wished he had brought a horse along, but It would have been too risky, as it would Raise too much suspicions. On a more optimistic note, he was closer to his destination, he had walked quite a good deal from the manor, currently treading on a somewhat deserted land. This land was none to anyone as 'the land of blood.' Anyone who tried to occupy it would end up dying mysteriously, so much so that the name alone brought great dread to the civilians, and the imperial crown had declared it off limits. The Civilian, unable to satisfy their curiosity as to why it was so, began to formulate theories such as it being used for occultic practices. But as they say, the answer depends not on what lies on the surface, but rather what lies within. If one would sojourn deep into this particular land, they would find a cave, and Diego Was currently standing before this cave. He looked around, as though he were searching for something, or rather, someone. The agitated wind continued to howl, and lightning continued to flash rthymically, yet not a single drop of rain fell. "I have been expecting you for quite some time now." A masculine voice spoke, causing Diego to whip around. A man with black messy hair, his upper body bare, his sculptured muscles proudly declaring his masculinity. His Lower body however, seemed to be crudely covered with rags. "How will you compensate me for your delay, hmm?" He inquired with a smile, his black eyes flashing as he looked at Diego. "Causeatus." Diego spoke, as he returned the smile. "It has been quite some time." Just at that point in time, a thunder clap could be heard. As though on cue, the rain began to fall, drenching both men.