Lutin’s Heir

From Phaze

(c) 2008

After Mass, I wandered in the St. Germain. Riotous crowds, jostling merchants, thieves, and beggars; God, I loved the place. Every level of society could be found wandering among the stalls. During my boyhood I had seen a hand full of dismal fairs raised for a few days amusement. This was permanent pandemonium and it was marvelous.

In one stall a small dog was bringing cards to members of the crowd when they called out a number. So far he'd missed not a one. Slipping into the space vacated by an overfed bourgeoisie, I took a quick glance at those nearest myself. Habit, not so long ago I would have been after taking a few purses in a place like this. Due to my earlier profession I tended to be more observant in a crowd.

To my left was a trio of young students. Fine looking young men dressed in lace and stockings and shoes. I caught the flash of a knife, watched the quick movement as the cut-purse worked. The eldest of them lost his coin to the slick fingers of one of my street brethren… he had yet to notice his misfortune. C'est la vie. On my right was a striking redhead. Freckles danced across the bridge of her nose and her laughter still carried the delight of a child within it. I would guess her not long into womanhood.

The young woman was also staring at me. That happens sometimes. My one good eye and pointed ears draws peoples' attentions. Her yellow silk dress was a little out of fashion, but good quality and new enough. That and her bearing spoke of class. I flashed a smile. Pretty girl; I wondered where her escort was.

The little mongrel was at her feet, head down and tail in the air. A short bark was meant for her notice. "I think he wishes you to choose a card."

A blush spread across her cheeks. "The bon ace." It came out as little more than a whisper. Her accent was cultured but provincial; petite noblese, perhaps, come to Paris to be presented at court as she was of age. The dog bounded off to rifle the pile of cards on the street in front of his master.

"Do you play?" Flirtation is an exhilarating game. I looked at the dog but smiled at her. My smile is quite winning when I choose it to be.

The thieves were still at work, I felt the slightest touch at my hip. Without breaking my gaze, I reached behind me and caught a hand in mine. I bore down on the palm clutched in my own. As I continued to smile at her, I used all my strength to crush the offending fingers until a small whimper sounded. Then I released. It took but heartbeats and I doubt that she even noted it.

"Your question is very forward, Monsieur." Her voice was anything but indignant.

That it was. There was nothing wrong with being forward, so long as the other party was interested in you being forward. I responded with a bit of offence. "I was not the one staring."

>"Forgive me." She blushed again. It was a very enduring trait. "You look so much like my cousin, Jacque. You could almost be his twin. I was very much taken aback."

Zut. I would rather she were interested. The little mongrel made his appearance before us, dancing about on his hind legs and offering up the card in his mouth. The face showed the Ace of Spades. "Your card." The crowd clapped and I tossed a coin for his efforts. Turning my attention back to her, "So your cousin has pointed ears and a ruined eye then?"

"No." She laughed. "Your features, your height, I do not believe his hair is quite the same mix of red and blonde, but very near. His eyes are the same blue." Her gaze dropped to the ground for a moment before sliding back up to mine. "My cousin is a very handsome man." Ah, we were flirting then.

I moved a pace nearer. "If I am to be stared at, may I at least have the name of the woman who stares at me?"

"Marie deBussy."

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