Thread: A Devil's Game ::: {Ariamella & Prince of Smut}

RE A Devil's Game Ariamella Prince Balthazar tapped his fingers on a knee lightly as Macy spoke, all the while studying her intently with a pleasant smile on his wrinkled face. He was old, but apparently very energetic for his age vibrating with pent-up excitement as he sat with his back straight in an effort to help keep his body still. The lined and wizened face that regarded her had a natural haughty appearance due to its sharp, angular features, further accented by full, arched, and white eyebrows and prominent, high cheekbones. As a result of being paired with those severe lines, his smile could appear a touch condescending at times, although for now, at least, he was earnest in his desire to make his latest customer at ease. Oh, oui, oui . Books can indeed take you to another world. And they can most certainly make you a different person. I'm sure I can find ones that may tempt you, Balthazar replied in a soothing tone. His voice was raspy, almost husky, but also strong and confident in a manner that well suited his French accent. He sounded less like an old man, whose voice might quaver and falter, and more like a habitual smoker in some old black and white film come to life. A man from a different era completely. Oui , Mademoiselle. You have me right. I am a collector, first and foremost. My bookstore merely helps fund my passion. I have very refined tastes and enjoy pursuing rare and unusual items, some of high value and others that only I might value. Books are my first love, but art is my mistress. Most of the art here was actually... Balthazar began to reply and then paused, chuckling mysteriously, before he continued. It was gifted to me by my customers. That painting for instance, a very unique Renaissance piece by an artist of no real note, a journeyman painter that abandoned her career after what I believe is a one sublime masterpiece. An unusual triptych in that all three panels are separate and could be rearranged in order. The first panel, of the woman climbing, is actually of her standing and facing the viewer and she could be going up or down . You only think she is climbing because the next panel shows her atop the dais. One could rearrange, for instance, and have her start as a fallen woman, naked on the ground, and then have her climb to glory if you preferred. Or perhaps the reverse, going from being adored to climbing down and then being scorned by her people. I like this cycle, with the rise and fall captured, and I believe it was as the artist envisioned as well. The Rise and Fall of the Proud Woman, it is called. Balthazar's eyes settled on the Faust book in Macy's hand and he smiled, dark orbs twinkling. Another favorite of mine. A silly man really, Faust, but such a tempting choice he faced. Everyone that reads it must wonder if they would have made the same bargain, non ? Balthazar uncrossed his long legs and leaned forward, closer to Macy. His eyes were now intense as he studied her, peering deep and searchingly into her hazel orbs as if he could see beneath the surface of her skin, into her mind, or even deeper? I move my store quite often. My wares are unique and rarely can I find customers if I stay in one place for too long. I find the best customers find me, usually those that do have something in particular that they seek, Balthazar said as his smile disappeared suddenly. There was a questioning look on his face, one eyebrow arching up and a corner of his mouth twisting as his head tilted slightly. Come now, mon ange , I saw the look on your face when you entered. Something is bothering you. Tell me your concerns and I can find the perfect book to make you happy once again.