I belong to Caustic -- return me if I wander!
Trial's Blessed -- Twin to Luscious

The music had faded and stopped, the people were beginning to trickle out, and Scarlet was fully exhausted. She kept a sultry, mysterious little smile on her face as she watched the crowd dwindle; the only ones remaining at their tables were those who were too intoxicated to stand up without help. They probably didn’t notice her at all, but it was a chance Scarlet wasn’t willing to take. One wrong look could deeply embed itself in anyone’s mind.

It was impossible to disguise the sweat slicking her pale skin or the pounding of her heart against her ribs, though. She fought to keep her breathing even when she wanted to suck in air like she’d run a mile! The little smile on her face never wavered though, and by the time she managed to slip away and up the polished wooden stairs of the inn and to her room, she felt like she was about to faint.

Finally she let herself breathe, and panted like a dog. Shaking her head she went to her washstand and splashed water over her sweaty face from a porcelain basin, then stared up into the mirror.

It always shocked Scarlet what she looked like after a long night’s performance. She wondered how anyone could find her attractive, honestly… Her dark, wavy red hair was damp and matted in places and loose strands stuck to her skin, which was flushed a deep pink, her green eyes were developing purple circles underneath, and her throat was sore from singing - meaning her voice now would be hoarse. And yet inevitably…

A knock at her door. Scarlet sighed, looked in the mirror again to make sure her tired face was smoothed into a soft, welcoming expression, then made her way to the door. She peeked through a tiny mirrored hole in the top and frowned. Men always tried to visit her rooms after a performance, but she hadn’t seen this face in the crowd tonight.

He was tall - taller than Scarlet, which was saying something, as she hit the height of most men. His skin was dark, almost black, and his long, white-blonde hair was pulled back at the nape of his neck. He had broad shoulders and was dressed in the style of a well off merchant: navy trousers and soft leather boots and a crimson silk tunic with a carved leather belt inset with ivory, all obviously made with great skill.

Against her better judgment - and after snatching up the belt knife from underneath her pillow and slipping it onto her waist - Scarlet opened the door.

The man was muscular, she could tell now, even underneath his clothing. She stepped back and gripped her belt knife tightly. He noticed, and grinned, obviously unfazed.

“I saw you tonight, and thought I would drop by to offer my compliments,†he said, still smiling, and offering a bow that was almost mocking. Scarlet quirked an eyebrow, feeling her own temper rising - but she couldn’t anger a customer!

She forced her face into what she hoped was a warm little smile. “Thank you. I’m quite tired right now, however…-â€

“Ah, you don’t understand,†the man interrupted, and Scarlet’s teeth clicked shut audibly, “I’m not here for…that. Just this.†And quick as lightning he covered the space between himself and Scarlet and had her head in his hands.

It was as if fire was consuming her entire body. Her mouth opened in a scream but her throat closed shut, and she couldn’t breathe, and flames were scouring away her skin and melting her bones…-

Quick as it happened, it was over. Scarlet was released and fell to her knees, gasping and shaking with tears leaking from her bright green eyes. Slowly, painfully, she raised her head to look up at the strange man, who was smiling down at her. Smiling! After what he’d done!

“What…what…was that?†Scarlet stammered. The fire of anger was swiftly burning away her pain; she managed to get to her feet and glare at the man, though she was hardly a threat, bent and shaking as she still was.

“Ah…I do apologize, it probably was quite painful for a few moments but…you will be happy for it later, I assure you,†he said. Then he tilted his head, studying Scarlet quite openly, his eyes locked on hers.

Then she realized: his eyes were a bright, fiery gold. Unnatural!

Scarlet stumbled back, her own green eyes wide with fright. She snatched at the belt knife and brandished it pitifully, her shaking arms barely able to support the weight. The man stepped forward, shaking his head in a rueful sort of way, and gently pushed the blade aside. It fell to the floor.

“All you need to know now is my name,†he said, his voice surprisingly gentle, “it’s Trial. I will see you again, and explain more, but it wouldn’t look very respectable on you for me to stay very long, would it?†He bowed again and went for the door, and within moments had disappeared down the hall.

Scarlet managed to scramble up onto her bed. Her breathing was normal but her muscles felt like water; she could barely lift a hand to push hair out of her eyes.

It took a long time for her frazzled mind to calm enough to accept sleep, and even then it was fitful, full of dreams where she was bathed in fire and Trial watched on, laughing as she turned to ash…