She mostly looked nervous rather than uncomfortable, but a bit amused. Despite being a thief, she seemed to have some nobility to her voice and posture. "I'm alright. May we meet again in better circumstances, perhaps."
There was an old house residing in the woods. It was creaky, large, and well hidden. Xavier was inside. This was where he lived, specifically in a master bedroom, the room bathed in warm light and maroon curtains with complimentary furniture. He opened the closet, revealing a collection of hearts. *** Scarlet got to the house, taking off her shoes and heading in, entering the den. It had shelves of hearts, as if they were knick knacks. She set her bag on chair with a sigh, going to the kitchen. *** Cyril returned to his horse a few hours later, taking the lock from his belt and looking down at it. He paused, noting the lack of heart. He felt his stomach drop as he looked around in a panic, swiftly jumping onto his horse and starting towards the bridge. *** Harper came out of the small shop. Her home was just upstairs. She had a box in her arms of a newly repaired heart, and she set out to return it to the owner.
Ellie was asleep not too far away from Xavier's home. She was in the woods, lying on her side as she dozed. * * * Burke had returned to his house, sitting in his chair and relaxing by the fire. * * * The girl had left, vanishing from the site. * * * As she walked down the street, she would see a young man offering a knapsack to a homeless woman. As she watched, she would see him sit down next to her, helping her with the bread and tearing it so that she could knaw on it with her toothless gums. He stood up after a moment, giving her a small bow before heading down the road towards her.
Xavier started downstairs, running a hand through his hair as he opened the door, calling out to Scarlet. "I'm going to check the traps. I'll be back soon." Scarlet gave a short nod. *** He raced in the direction she had gone, his expression quite angry. *** She tilted her head curiously, her gaze observant of the young man.
Ellie stirred before sitting up, blinking tiredly. *** There was truly no sign of her. Hours had passed since he had last seen her. She was gone. *** He looked over at her curiously as he passed. “it’s a little late to be walking by yourself, don’t you think?”
Xavier took his stroll through the forests, going to check his animal traps. *** He slowed down eventually, his eyes wide and panicked as he took deep breaths. He was completely unsure what to do at this point. *** She pursed her lips, clearly a little defensive. "You could say the same about yourself."
She stood up as he neared, not noticing him. Nimble fingers plucked dead grass from her skirt as she tipped her head back to look at the sky, bringing her cloak tighter around herself. * * * Up on the rooftop, she watches him, her face impassive and monotone, none of the emotion from earlier evident on her face. Unlike Scarlet, Athena made a habit of watching her victims react. If she was to commit the crime, at least she should see the effects of her work. * * * His laugh was low and warm and sweet. He came to a full stop, turning to look at her. "I don't mean to insult you, Madam. I only worry about your safety. I'm sure you know, but these streets can be perilous at night."
As he approached, he noticed her, his footsteps quieting as he paused and watched silently. *** He seemed confused, a feeling he wasn't familiar with. He didn't like it, his fingers brushing over the locked cage. He sighed in resignation, his gaze melancholy as he turned back, a frown on his face. *** She squinted at him. "I'm well aware."
Her hair was short, dark curls around her face. She stood almost birdlike as she considered the sky with a frown, her hands lifted from her sides ever so slightly. She dropped her head after a moment, looking down at a sketchbook on the ground before bending down to pick it up. * * * She remained still, considering his frame thoughtfully. As he turned and began to leave, she stood and began walking in the opposite direction. * ** He raised an eyebrow, looking as if he were slightly amused. "I could probably guess your answer, but would you allow me to accompany you, if only for my peace of mind?"
He approached slowly, observing her and looking for her heart. *** She frowned slightly, looking unsure. "I suppose if it brings you peace of mind."
He wouldn't be able to see the heart itself, but she was wearing a grey pack on her belt. She pulled her hood over her head just as water droplets began to fall from the sky. * * * He gave her a charming smile. "Thank you. Where are we headed?"
