Yin, and Yang.

My forme held my mask in place, along with the veil that covered my entire head. my Qipao held my belt, along with the tools of my trade. Wrappings were what let my legs be covered, and were slightly warmer than I thought. Thankfully the air was already cool, and no wind bit into me.

Ah... How long must I walk?

The trail was already fading as I neared the ocean, cliffs jutting out over its deep blue mass. My eyes were sharp, and I happily took in my surroundings. As an artist, I would need them for my trade. Coming up to the castle that stood on the very tip, I smiled.

Finally... My destination.

Ever since I turned my Castle into a hotel, I felt like it was even emptier. As I was cleaning the rooms, I couldn't help but think that this was once the residence of all who wanted it, but, since the incident, very few were coming to this place.

My tasks finally over, I went to the balcony where I sat on a chair, looking at the horizon. a little lower, I saw a form approaching.

Sûrement another lost traveler...

Weary, I sat down on the path.

Surely this wasn't ALL in vain..

After a few moments, I got up before setting off faster. Phasing, I let my body grow lighter, and faster. Being unseen now, I quickly made it to the castles gates.

"HEY!!!"

Shouting as loud as I could, I wrapped my gloved hands around the bars, shaking it.

As a hotel, you'd think it wouldn't be LOCKED..

Apparently, the form, which I reckognized as female due to its tone, wanted to come inside. Since it was cold outside, it would have been harsh of me to leave her outside.

I snapped my fingers and got up, going to the main hall. In the meantime, the doors unlocked themselves and opened on their own.

Tranforming my suit into something more decent than my cleaning robes, I arrived shortly before the gates opened entirely, waiting for the visitor.

Walking through the gates, I saw a man dressed in a proper suit. Assuming he was the owner, I bowed.

"My name is Dare Styll... I wish to spend the night."

I stared at the ground, waiting for him to either accept or refuse my company.

I nodded with a smile. Finally, the rooms would have someone to greet in.

"Très bien, Mademoiselle. If you would follow me, I will lead you to a proper room."

I bowed and invited her to walk with me upstairs, where most of the rooms were.

"What would suit your needs, Mademoiselle? A comfy room? One with sight on the sea, maybe?"

"One near the sea, if you would please."

Following him, I was a little sad. I could hear his footsteps, but I was incapable of making my own. As we wound higher and higher, I could feel my forme brighten as we neared the moon.

One of the worlds wonders... Untainted by humanity's rage... Peaceful, beautiful...

My heart soared as I thought of my art, and how everything was as nature would have it.

Ah....

Noticing him lead me where I'd like, I offered him a small smile.

I opened a door and showed her a room with a balcony under which there was nothing but the sea. The soud of the waves was clear to my ears and the light of a few candles was making the room look good and comfortable.

I turned to her and saw her smile, to which I answered with one too. Bowing, I motioned that the room was hers.

"If there is anything you would need, it will be my pleasure to get it for you. Would you be hungry, or thirsty, maybe?"

"Do you, perchance, have art supplies?"

Smiling, I tilted my head down, my mask covering my face entirely.

I thought for a second at her request. I once had a lot of paint and canevas, I wondered if they would still be of any use...

"If Mademoiselle would give me a minute, I would go see if I do. Are you looking for anything in particular?"

"Anything. I already have the perfect view, and with that I can do almost anything. I just need something to make the scene portray itsself onto."

Smiling, I waved my hand at the ocean, and the Moon highlighting it to a silvery sheen.

"Look at it... How marvelous it is.. How beautifully carved from nature.. Look at it, and then think about where it belongs. Its beautiful, non?"

I nodded and looked outside.

"Oui. The moon and stars are but the very few things left unaltered by people. Such beauty always was, and hopefully will always be."

I discreetly snaped my fingers and a small Voidling appeared at the room's entrance. Mentally commanding him, I ordered him to get the painting articles I once owned. He returned shortly after, drooping the things on the entrance before he disappeared.

Picking them up, I asked:

"Would these be suitable for your needs? I apologize for some are a little ancients, but I think they would still be of some use."

"Ah, yes!"

Looking at the supplies, I carefully positioned them to perfection. Making the blue and silvers out of the paints, I began to do my craft.

"Anything in particular you would like in this scene?"

I shook my head in negation, but smiled and said:

"You are the artist, Mademoiselle. Your creations are your own."

Coming back on my decision, I continued:

"But, if it is not too much asking, maybe just reflect the purity of the night, the unhallowed presence of the stars and Moon in the night."

Nodding, I continued to paint. The waves were silver crests against the black backdrops. Moving onward to the moon, I made the highlights in the night, the rainbow ring that faded into the stars. Smiling, I turned the easel to his view.

"Like this?"

I was amazed by her talent. Nodding, I said:

"Magnifique. You have a wonderful talent, miss. It all looks so perfect, even the reality itself would be jealous of such beauty."

I clapped my hands together, showing my amazement.

Tout comme toi autre fois...

I carefully set the easel aside to let the paint dry. Looking around the room, I sighed.

"Am I the only one here?..."

Coming back from my thoughts, I nodded.

"Very few people come here. As for myself, I live here, but yes, there is no one else."

I bowed and continued:

"Which makes me your servant here, Mademoiselle. If you are in the need of anything, I will see that it is brought to you."

"Would you care to have tea with me?"

"Oh, but I would not want to be disturbing you any more than I already do, Mademoiselle. I can bring you some tea if you want some, but I would feel bad to disturb any further your tranquility. After all, you must be tired. Coming here is not the easiest trek there is."

"Regardless, you are my host. To not dine with ones host is to.. Ah... Be utterly rude."

Shrugging, I offered him a smile.

I sighed. Something was special with her, something that reminded me of...

Shaking my head to chase away these thoughts, I bowed.

"Very well. If so is your wish, I will happily have a cup with you. If you would excuse me, I would be going to get the necessary."

"Alright. I'll be here, unless you'd rather us dine in the commons?"

Politely, I tilted my head.

I got back up and said:

"Feel free to choose wherever you would like. The Castle is open to you. You can wander all ou want, I will know where to meet you when the tea is ready."

I smiled and turned to go to the kitchen, where I put some water to boil in order to make some tea.

Quietly I wandered the upper area. Finding the ballroom, I looked around in amazement. Grinning, I quietly closed my eyes before spinning, laughing quietly as I continued to move through steps along with the imaginary music running through my mind. Growing braver, I leapt, not paying attention to the folds of my clothes ripping slightly to let the light of my form escape and follow me in a trail. Joy ran through me, making the dance more and more frantic, making me put my arms above my head, and a hardy laugh escape my lips.