Coming to Senses. (O)

I was out and about this evening. I had been wearing my favorite back and white suit. If I was going to die, I would be looking my absolute best. I would never be caught /dead/ wearing something for... commoners. It was just not my /style./ As Stefan and myself strode around town, I would poke my head in random places. After all, I was a curious one.

"Stefan, stop the car. I must see it."
5000 feet later:
"Stefan, I need to walk around."
10200 feet later:
"Stefan, please. I must... I just need out, if you will."

Each time, I opened my own door. It was very unlike me, but if i was in fact being hunted, I neede to maintain a low profile. Although that didn't really matter did it? I was driving around in my Karma Fisker, the car my father had gifted to me just before he passed. Also, the man hunting for me, my own uncle, would surely know this car. He would know who I was and he would know how to find me. He had known me and tried to get close to me ever since I can remember.

On one of the stops, I saw a young woman walking. At first, I wanted to turn away. I wanted nothing to do with these low lives. These adolescent teenagers that were liars, thieves, murderers... Commoners. But at the second glance, I saw her cheeks were stained with tears. My heart pulled and I motioned for Stefan to bring the car around to her side as I walked up. It was what Teufel would have done, was it not? I needed to be more kind. I needed to care about others. If I did not, what would I do with the people I would lead back home? How would I be a good leader if I did not care about my people? 

"Pardon me, Madame? I hope I am not frightening you. I just noticed you walking alone. This is not a good neighborhood. Please, may I escort you home?" My accent was thick indeed. However, this what was to be expected from a french nobleman.

I stepped forward. I was close enough to feel she was cold. Normally people ha a heat radiating from them. She had been out here far too long. I gestured to my car.

"Please, please let me get you something warm. Please let me help you."

I gestured to Stefan. He got out of the car and made his way to the trunk. Pulling out my extra jacket, he would wrap it around her shoulders and nod once at me before taking a step back and folding his hands neatly behind him. I opened the side door and held out my hand or her to take. If she took it, I would move to the door's edge and help her into the vehicle. Once she was inside, I would make my way to the other side.

"Back to the hotel, Stefan. I need to get her warm."
"But sir-"
"I know the risks. She will not be spending tonight sleeping on the ground. Either do as I say, or you are released from your duty."
"My apologies, sir."

I knew I was being overly harsh, but for some reason, this girl's life mattered to me. I needed to help her. I needed to. Stefan nodded once and moved to open my door. His face was devoid of life. I felt bad only momentarily. Once I was inside, Stefan would move to the driver's seat and make his way back to the hotel.

"I hope you do not mind, but i would like to help you. You told me you have no home. Please allow me to invite you to stay in my guest room. If it would make you more comfortable, I would purchase you a room of your own?"

I took one of her hands in mine and held it for a moment.

"You are too cold, madame."

I reached to my side in the hidden chest between our legs and pulled out a bottle of Jack Daniels. Taking a small glass in my other hand, i would pour a small amount and hand her the glass. Putting the bottle back, I would lean back to my side. A worried look crossed my face.

I hope she will be alright.

I nodded at her and smiled. I was happy she had somewhere to go.

"What were you... How did you..."

I didn't even know how to start. How would I ask her how she got into this situation without prying into her business?

"Might I ask..." I started out slowly, thinking about each word before I said it. "How you arrived in this... predicament?"

My eyes flicked over to her then back to the seat in front of me. I didn't want to seem like I was demanding answers, but I kind of was.

My brows pulled together. Abandoned? How cold anyone...

"That sounds awful. I lost my father not too long ago. I am sorry to hear he was not a man of honor. If you like, You may stay in my room for as long as you like. I am sure I will not mind. You would be safer in the same room with me as well." I paused and my cheeks flushed. "I-I mean the same over all room. We won't be sharing the same room..." I let it drop.

My god, what is wrong with me tonight?

I smiled briefly before she began coughing, I pulled a bottle of water from the chest and handed it to her.

"I wish I had seen you earlier. I am sorry."

I looked back out my window, we were nearly there, just a few more streets.

I looked around the streets. I wasn't surprised to see a few snow flakes. It was cold. Too cold for anyone to even think about staying the night outside. I looked back at the girl. She was thankful. I was as well. She had begun to teach me a lesson, one i would not soon forget. I started to say something but the car stopped and my door opened. I looked up at Stefan and climbed out of the car.

"Thank you, Stefan. Please bring the things up. I will take.... our guest upstairs."

I placed my cane down on the ground in front of me. Stefan looked at it then back up to me and nodded. I didn't know her name. The thought had only just crossed my mind. Some gentleman I was. I would wait for introductions until we were inside. She needed to get warm first.

"Yes, Sir. Right away, Sir."

He went to the other side of the car and -if Mizi hadn't opened her door- would open the door and offer his hand to help her out. He looked at her crossly for only a fraction of a second before his face went blank. The life of a butler was such cruelty at times.

"Madame."

His voice was calm, flat. There was no indication he had any resentment toward her whatsoever. I made my way to her side of the vehicle and put my elbow out for her to take.

"My lady? Shall we go inside? It is quite chilly out this evening."

Whether she took my arm or not, I would lead into the Four Season's Hotel and directly to our room. I gave her a moment to take in the room before speaking to her again.

"Have you had anything to eat?" I suspected the answer was no, so I made my way to the telephone to alert the room service of a very specific need.

"What would you like? I am requesting a large pitcher of hot cocoa. What would you like to eat?"

I waited to hear her answer before speaking onto the phone again. I handed her a menu of the things they normally brought.

"Feel free to get anything from this menu. I have no limit to how much I can spend. If there is anything else you would like that is not on the menu, Please let me know."