Corina paused briefly, feeling a change in the mist she stepped into. But shrugged it off as she continued on her way. No light to guide but instincts gave her directions as she now passed through the fragmented barrier to where she had first entered the city's outskirts. Corina hummed her quiet tune in her head as she now recalled her recent conversations with her sister Veta. It was obvious she did not give too much information, just yet to Corina. But in time she figured Veta would give in and tell her story, perhaps in bits and pieces, much like a puzzle as to why she would reopen the tavern and her dire interests of the Family she had run from.
Corina came to a small clearing, this place seemed odd but nonetheless the pathway to where she needed to be, soon. Her footsteps were timed to the tune playing in her head. Every once in a while she would pause, take a half step and twirl herself, stop in mid motion as her coat would come to a complete halt before she would continue her walk towards the mansion. The area darkened and lined with trees older than she, Corina edged closer, her trained eyes catching sight of the guards patrolling the grounds. She chuckled to herself thinking they were the proper soldiers of their Fathers empire. They were dressed accordingly for the night watch. As she now reached them, three of them stopped, turned and realized who she was. A light nod of their heads to her, she returned the same to them as she walked through one of the many doorways inside.
*Hm..this should be good* Corina thought to herself as she now removed her long coat and took off her fedora, giving it a light tap as she now let down her long braids. *Home*..she said quietly as she glanced around the entryway, looking in all three directions. Lifting her head to take in those roaming about, not taking notice of her presence just yet. She would now walk into the large greeting room where she met with Lorenzo, their Fathers right hand man. Lorenzo knew all the going on with their Fathers business. Corina now stood before the man dressed in his black business suit. He didn't seem to be aware of her until Corina spoke.
"Lorenzo..its good to see you again" Corina's voice spoke like a whispered song, a tune haunting to ones ear. Lorenzo glanced up immediately as his eyes met Corina's piercing purple eyes. He froze for a moment seeing her slightly changed, but mustered up a smile of greeting to her. She then offered her right hand to him, as he now took it ever so gently in his bringing it halfway up and leans in to kiss the topside of her hand, then gently lowering it as her hand now back at her side. She smiled as she watched him. thinking to herself..*Always the Gentleman this one, I like him* she smiled stepping closer towards him, leaning to the left side of his face, breathing him in, then leaning back she said.."I have missed you..Where and How is my Father, tis been quite some time since I visited."..Corina now looked around the room, seeing the bookshelves, the fireplace and large sitting chairs around the room.
Lorenzo watched her, heard her words and spoke.."He is away at the moment and doing well"..Her questions answered she moved now to turn away as she had nothing more to discuss, but he took her left forearm in hand, stopping her causing her to turn to look at him. He was a handsome Italian man. Good looks, intelligent and not moody as many men she had known in her Fathers' services. "Wha..Lorenzo How"..but before she could finish her sentence he closed into her whispering .."You are changed girl. Your Father will not be pleased" with that said he released her arm, asked for forgiveness of doing such a thing to a daughter of the Boss. Corina stood there motionless, speechless but knew he spoke the truth. Corina lowered her head, her eyes on the floor seeing his shoes..and replied..."Yes, In time , possibly sooner than I'd like, will have to explain this.." She looked to him, at that moment she actually seemed to show emotions. "Lorenzo, I came Home for a few things, not to stay and face my Father.. I fear both he and I are not ready for the fallout. I came only to report on Veta..Please" her voice quiet.. "I will leave a note that I had met and spoken with Veta..and that I was here and soon he and I will talk" Lorenzo nodded his head to her as she now turned to quickly hurry upstairs to her room to pen the brief note to her Father, and take her leave before his return to the mansion.
Lorenzo watched as Corina disappeared from sight and turned back to the papers he was working on before she came in. But his thoughts were of Corina, the changes he'd seen, she was as he knew her, yet not. For now Lorenzo would keep this quiet and say nothing on it when his Boss returned, it was after-all a Family matter and it was going to be Corina to do the explaining. Though, as Lorenzo gathered the papers, placing them neatly upon the large oak table for signing, he couldn't shake the thoughts of the outcome, knowing how his Boss felt of the..Other kinds. A few minutes later he'd hear the main door close, knowing it must be Corina, he sighed a quiet sigh, he had feelings for her long ago, and still to this moment. But he'd never dare express it outwardly for it would cause him to lose his position or his life. The predawn was fast approaching and the fireplace logs replaced, continuing to burn, keeping the room warm and welcoming for the Boss's return. As Lorenzo gave the room a last look over before heading to his room, he looked out the glass windows..thinking of Corina, where was she going too now..why and is there someone waiting for her..These questions will have to wait to be answered, he thought to himself, all in good, safe time.