Thread: Original Sin - Cast in Stone

His words, full of lavish and praise, only made her blush deeper. In all her years of life, she had never been spoken to in such a way. There had been men whom had sought her hand, all of whom had spoken flattering words to her, but she feared their words were only compliments to further their own interests. If it was to get ahead in the political ladder, or simply to speak airy words to impress her, none measured to the sincerity of this man, Ciro. As he continued speaking, she realized that he did make a valid point. She would have to be cautious when she left the confines of her home, seeing as the streets of Naples werent as safe as they appeared. Sure, they werent as dangerous at Rome, but it was still a large city. Even if she knew nearly all the merchants, their wives and children, people couldnt be trusted. Alessandra swallowed hard, in her mind thinking about how she would slip through the back door, over the hedges of the small garden and climb the stone wall that surrounded the perimeter of the home. Though it wouldnt be her first time making the stealthy escape, it had certainly been quite some time. She decided that she would ask Tomas, the family landscaper and routine handyman to help her out. For his secrecy, his word and assistance, she would give him his months salary for every night he helped her. I will find someone to accompany me, she assured him, pleased to know he cared for her despite having just met her. This and the vow he made to her, to keep their secret, made her trust him all the while. With her back still against the wall, her innocent eyes gazing up at his towering figure, she watched as his lips grazed her hand once more. She could feel her pulse quicken and as he released her hand, she instantly placed it against the velvet fabric of her dress, holding herself as her breathing became tense. She stood there, not moving as he departing and noting the effect the man had on her. It seemed impossible that she had met him five minutes prior and already she had instilled such a deep trust in him. Bringing her gaze to the floor, she pondered the idea. It may have been his kind words, the way he spoke to her as though she was a saint, a true daughter of Eve in all her beauty, that made her feel the way she did. It was exhilarating, the thrill of their surreptitious affairstrictly business of course, and for the sake of his art. She had never felt so accepting of committing sin, believing that the good outweighed the bad. Until then she whispered to him, though he had been long gone by now. Four long days and nights passed before the night finally came. The few days she had spent in waiting she had made arrangements with Tomas, making him swear to secrecy for his task. She had retreated back to her room early in the evening, claiming she had been overcome with a horrible headache. Her mother suggested going to bed early, a suggestion she did not hesitate to take. That night, she threw on a heavy black cloak over her the crimson silk dress she had been wearing earlier, using the hood to cover the darkness that was her hair. When the house had fallen silent and her sisters had gone off to bed, she stepped out into the starlit sky, waiting for Tomas on the corner of the property. She hadnt waited long before he appeared, helping to hoist her over the wall, and joining her soon after. Little words were exchanged between the two, which she actually preferred as they walked briskly through the abandoned streets. Though it appeared deserted, she was wise enough to know this did not mean it was safe. Her eyes shifted over at Tomas for a moment, admiring his young appearance. Through the dark blanket of the night, she could still make out his large size alone of which would intimidate anyone who dared approached the pair. She was in safe hands, she was sure of it. Once he had escorted her to the art district, her eyes gazed upon the brightly lit streets with people whom didnt seem to sleep. These people were enjoying themselves, indulging in acts of sinlike her. They were in and out of bars, drinking merrily, singing and dancing. Merchants were selling their artwork, inviting those who passed to gaze upon their hard work. She smiled at the sight of everything, taking a moment to take it all in before turning to Tomas to thank him. Moments later he departed, she went into the lively street, searching for the pub he had instructed her to meet him at. It hadn't taken her long to find the source of noise, hearing the clanking of glasses and the sound of drunks singing merrily into the night. She entered, and to her surprise, no one paid much attention to her. Her greatest fear was that of being recognized by the people of the town, but everyone was too busy indulging to worry about her. Sighing softly, she walked over to a small table where her clear eyes scanned the dimly lit room for him.