Blackfield Trading Company is a name that holds renown across the world, and is held dear by merchants all around. The family that owns it is well known for their hospitality, charity and fairness, as well as their remarkable holding in society. They were a family to be envied and adored, but also one held with fear and loathing.

Under everyone's breath were whispers of a hidden side to the family. They were said to be practitioners of the dark arts and death magic, and indeed, many a gypsy and clairvoyant claim to have learned from them. More still, the rumors said they worked for a special branch of the queen's government, the Ministry of the Supernatural. Many names were tossed about: Witches. Alchemists. Heretics. Cursed.

Still, despite the slanderous talk, they were a blessed family, happy and without a care in the world. But, like all fine things in the world, they were not to last.

In the early morning hours of a beautiful autumn day, their estate was ransacked, the library torn apart. The family was murdered, and two of the five children were missing, the eldest and the youngest daughters. The older one's body was soon found, mutilated and abused, but the younger remained missing. She was proclaimed dead after two weeks.

Only three days after this was stated, she reappeared, seemingly rescued by one of the house's butlers, but none of the other servants recognized him. Refusing to explain her rescue, she started to pick up the tattered remains of her father's estate, naming herself heir and head of the company.

She also refuses to tell anyone where the mysterious and somewhat dangerous looking butler came from, telling anyone who asks that it does not matter, he is only a servant, after all. She tells others that it does not matter, but the truth is it shapes her very life.

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Inside the fancy mansion, a black haired girl awoke with a start and tried to calm her thundering heart as she sat up and ran a hand through her long, long black hair. Getting out of bed, her black nightgown fell around her ankles as she peeked through the curtains and realized it was time to wake up anyway. Sighing, she made her way to her wardrobe and got out her outfit.

The room was the same one she had when she was young, finally getting the courage to sleep in there again a little over four years ago but nothing about her would be the same from the girl she was when she was young. Taking off her night gown then standing in front of a long mirror, Raven looked at herself and stared for a moment, seeing a shell of what her family wanted for her. Closing her eyes, the white dress went on first, slipping her arms through the lace but leaving it untied for the moment as she fixed the back of the double layered skirt. All the white on her was broken up by ribbons of black that trailed the edge of the frills on her layered dress. Fixing the stripped portion of it, she deemed it well enough to continue and put the striped corset on, expertly tying it herself. After all - she didn't want to pass out from lack of air; the thought made her laugh as she finished, liking how snug it was yet she could still breathe. Nodding happily, she got the black ribbon down from the mirror and pulled it behind her hair and around her neck, tying it. Though Heiro might be picky and retie it again, but she tied it anyway to the best of perfection she could.

Slipping on black webbed gloves that she stitched herself then cut to be finger-less, Raven was almost ready to face the day as she tied the black ribbon to her sleeves just above the stripped cuffs that she so adored. Sitting at her vanity, she combed through her hair, making sure it was nice enough to pass off as she put on her mini hat then went to get her socks and boots on. All of this was done in a haze, the Lady of the manor so used to her morning customs that it shocked her but then again, five years of doing the same thing kind of made one get used to it. Crossing her legs and folding her hands on her lap like a lady, she awaited official word that her day began.

Heiro stopped before the door to Raven's room, hearing her moving inside. He patiently stood there as she dressed herself once again. When he heard the movements cease, he knocked thrice then opened the door. "How many times must I tell you to not do that, Raven." He said, addressing her as only he could-In privet, at least. He looked her over as he walked towards her. "There is a reason I am supposed to dress you." He walked to her side, leaning so he could reach the ribbon at her neck. His long fingers deftly untying an retying the bow at her nape.

After adjusting the small hat on her head, he stepped back again, looking to her ocher eyes. "Breakfast will be Mille crêpe with seasonal fruits and berries. An Irish red tea has been prepared as an accompaniment." He said, tone almost bored. Frankly, he hated acting as a butler, the position far from suiting him. The day to day monotony was nearly unbearable. It was only when a letter came from the royals that this job was any fun. Well... almost only.

Suppressing a sigh and a smirk, he gave a bow, sleek hair falling from the silk that held it back for the third time that morning. "Is there anything you wish of me before I return to the dinning hall?" he asked, straightening to look to her face again, his eyes once more drawn to hers.

Raven resisted the urge to roll her eyes at her perfectionist of a butler but she had been dressing herself for the past several years, despite him telling her eighteen-thousand twenty-five times -and yes, yes she did count- that 'this is the reason I should dress you,' and fix almost everything on her. But the Lady let him do as he pleased, not minding him invade the space she so rarely let others invade.

"Perfectionist." she told, chuckling lightly after he was done. He began telling her what the breakfast was and she noted the slight tone of boredom but didn't remark on it. She stood and looked at Heiro, waiting to see what he'd do next. He gave a bow and his hair fell over his face and Raven had to resist the smile that wanted to pop on her face. Making her way over to him, she fixed his hair for him without commenting while she did so, but after she was done was another matter. "For someone that's a perfectionist, Heiro, your hair goes out of its way to mess with you." she gave an attempt at joking before shaking her head. "No - nothing." she added before making her way out of the room and toward the steps to greet the day and everything in it. Or at least - try to without having the temptation to stab someone with a fork or order Heiro to do the very same.

Miyuki brushed her curly blonde hair out of her eyes with the back of her hand, Heiro had given her a whole list of what to make for breakfast today. She rushed over to the tea, she used a strainer to make sure the tea leaves didn't follow into the pot when she poured the tea in. Miyuki had worked here long enough to know that the Miss was super specific about her tea, she didn't like much of a strong flavour to tea, unless she had a headache or was suffering from a cold. Miyuki smiled to herself as the beautiful scent of the tea wafted through the kitchen, her teal eyes were gentle as she glanced outside to the garden. The flowers needed watering, she made a mental note to remind Heiro to tell the gardener.

Miyuki had woken up earlier than usual to prepare the Mille crêpe, she had used half a dozen eggs, milk, cream and other ingredients to make the batter for the crêpe. She had been trained to make fine exotic cuisines, just as the Miss liked. It was a real honour to work for the Blackfields. Miyuki had gone into the garden and personally handpicked the ripest berries, juiciest black and blue berries she could find. She had washed the berries, making sure they all the dirt was gone. Miyuki had gone to town the other day and bought some fresh mangoes, they were in season right now and they smelled just too delicious for the cook to give up.

Miyuki opened up the fridge and pulled out the stacks of crêpes with cream in between. She had put it in the fridge almost five hours ago, glancing at the clock she knew it was time for the Miss's breakfast. Miyuku quickly washed the berries once more and cut the mango into perfect slices. She placed the berries and mangoes beside the crêpe. Miyuki grabbed a silver tray and put the tea pot and the beautiful crêpe onto it. She carried it out carefully and put it on the table. She arranged the table just the way the Miss liked it.

She had the Miss's cup ready and had brought out extra freshly whipped cream just in case the Miss desired some more. After the table was set Miyuki stood back with her hands folded in front of her.

Friseal moved around the garden, touching each plant as he passed. Once he made the first round of the gardens, as the sun was just breaking free of the horizon, he went over to the well, drawing up the water that they needed. He worked his way from one side of the building to the other, distributing it as the plants asked for it. One particular rose bush was late blooming, he pushed just a touch of power in, the buds swelling and bursting open to reveal crimson blossoms. He smiled, tugging his dress out of the way of the thorny branches and moving on. The manicured gardens weren't as appealing to him as natural ones, but he understood what people saw in them.

He moved on to the plants inside, watering can filled from outside. The smells of the Lady's breakfast reached him as he was watering, and his stomach made a noise. ignoring it for now, he moved to the next plant. They all had to be in perfect health, make the Lady look as good as possible. How did he get caught up in this? Oh, right. There was honey in the kitchen most of the time.

Reseda surveyed the linens, then nodded in satisfaction. They were all crisp and clean, folded neatly in stacks. Then the head maid began walking trough the halls, sometimes pausing here and there to wipe dust from the furniture of the grand mansion. Each painting, carpet, or piece of ceramic decoration had it's place. All was supposed to be held in perfect condition at all times, lest the lady of the manor be displeased.

The uniform she wore was crisp and well cared for, while her blond curls were held back with a well placed ribbon. Upon her shoulder rested a butterfly, blue as could be. It might have been a simple pin, if it's wings hadn't betrayed it's life from time to time with a small movement. As Reseda walked, her eyes checked over the work of the others automatically. Each plant was well tended, bringing a small smile to her face. The smell of breakfast made the young woman veer off to the kitchen in order to check the preparations. Heiro had notified them of the menu for the day, so now Reseda went to check over the preparations. Though she knew very well that Miyuki would have cooked everything to perfection and set the table to meet even the highest standards.

Heiro stayed still as Raven reached up to tuck his hair back, a small smirk curving his lips. He refrained from retorting, instead bowing slightly. "So it would seem." he said dryly as he righted his posture again. "I shall accompany you if you are dinning now, my lady." he said before stepping back an allowing her to pass. He turned an followed her closely with silent steps, opening the door for her and closing it behind them. Even so far from the kitchen, his senses allowed him to smell the fragrant tea and sweet cream that was being placed on the table, along with various other scents that wafted through the halls. He found his mouth starting to water at the strong smell of an exotic fruit. Ah, mangoes, one of his weaknesses. He smiled to himself slightly, he would have to steal one from the kitchens later.

Raven smiled softly as Heiro accompanied her, though she didn't mind and nodded her head in thanks as he opened and shut the door for her. The woman spaced out as she went down the steps, surprised she didn't fall down them but it wouldn't be the first time she did so. Waking up enough to sit at the table on her own and thank Miyuki for the tea and the food. Taking a sip of the tea, she smiled over at Miyuki in extra thanks. It seemed as if the girl had grown to know exactly what Raven wanted in her tea over the years, and the Lady didn't mind one bit, she enjoyed that about her servants. A frown came to her lips at the thought of the word. She didn't treat them as servants - she asked and said 'thank you' to every task they did without hesitation.

Pulling herself out of her thoughts, she slowly began to ate, letting her mind wander about what she'd have to do that day, who she'd have to meet, and other miscellaneous stuff. Finding it hard to focus, she sat back half way through her food and held her tea, sipping it as she stared off into space yet again. Before long she was finished with her tea and forced herself to finish her food, thanking Miyuki again before slipping -as best as she could- out of the room and out to the back so she could hide away in the garden for a little while.

Heiro stayed silent, a shadow at Raven's side as per usual. He had only glanced at the food, knowing he did not have to worry about the quality. Miyuki was a wonderful chef and knew quite well how Raven liked everything, and it was obvious by the look on the Mistress of the house's face that it was all delicious. While she was eating, the sound of the brass doorbell echoed through the hall. Heiro bowed and excused himself, making his way to the door with long strides.

At the door was a narrow, severe-looking gentleman accompanied by a young servant. "Good day, Heiro. I apologize for bothering the lady Raven at such an early hour but there is an urgent situation that has caught the eye of the ministry." he said, handing his servant boy his cane. He unbuttoned his coat and took of his hat, handing both to Heiro

"Good day, Baron Bernstrom." He said, giving a bow before taking the hat and coat. "I shall let my Lady know you have arrived, please follow me to the drawing room." he said, carefully folding the coat over his forearm. "I shall arrange for tea to be brought to you as well."

"Very well, but do it quickly." he said, holding his hand out for his cane. The young boy held it out, but let go too soon, the expensive ebony and silver cane slipping from the Baron's fingers and falling to the ground. The Baron turned to the boy in anger, backhanding him hard. "You insolent whelp! Be careful of what you are doing or I'll see you back to the streets you were plucked from!" He snapped, the boy trembling before him as he carefully picked the cane back up and held it out in silence, eyes watery.

Heiro's face remained empty save for his jaw clenching. A hint of anger showed in his dark eyes but it faded quickly, his neutral "working" persona covering it. Once the Baron turned back to him, he started to lead him to the drawing room. As they walked, he forced a small frown of concern. "Pardon me for asking, Baron, but where is your butler, Johnathan?" He asked, glancing to the boy.

The Baron huffed, "I shall explain that to Lady Raven, not her servant, no matter how much you know." he said, tapping his cane hard on the wood stairs as they ascended them. Heiro's jaw set again, but he said nothing, opening the door to the study.

Once Heiro had the Baron comfortable in the Drawing room, he made his way to the to the kitchens, stopping for a moment by Miyuki. "Baron Bernstrom has come for a visit, please prepare a tea. I think a Ceylon should be fine." he said, quickly exiting the kitchen through the back, the door leading straight to the vegetable gardens. He slipped through the rows of well-tended plants as he squinted his eyes and let out a sigh. Why did the sun have to be this bright so early?

It did not take him long to find Raven, as he knew her favorite spots of the garden. Soundlessly he walked up to her, bowing slightly. "Sorry to disturb your solitude, but the Baron has come for an unexpected visit. Judging by his foul mood, I think there is a new case for us." He said, his voice clearly showing his displeasure now.

Reseda moved from room to room, and after some time heard the door opening. Her eyebrows rose in consternation. No guest had been scheduled for the day. Hastily moving from her spot in the upper part of the manor, the young woman marched down into the kitchens. Spotting the cook, she smiled. "Has Heiro stopped by yet? I heard the bell ring, which means there's a guest... Hopefully it isn't anything horrifying!" Easily finding a beautiful porcelain tea set, she began placing it on a tray with great care. Reseda could brew tea when she had to, but preferred by far to leave it to professionals like Miyuki.

Friseal finished his round of the houseplants, heading out to the back as the doorbell rang. He was sorely tempted to run and see who it was, but he knew better, continuing to go put away the watering can. He walked through the herb garden, stooping to pull the occasional baby weed from the beds. When that was clear, he moved on to the other gardens, his daily vigilance making this part easy. Well, easier than it could be. There were a lot to the gardens, and that meant a lot of weeds, even if they were all barely sprouted. He thought about the time he asked why people pull the little plants, getting a strange answer about them not being pretty enough for gardens. He still thought that strange, but he complied, plucking them when they were still small so they wouldn't suffer needlessly. A smile came to his face when he passed the roses he had pushed to bloom, they were truly beautiful. Surely the Lady would love to see them sometime today, while they were at their freshest.

It was the precise reason she did not expect guests that Raven ventured into her gardens in the first place. That, and its overwhelming beauty and comfort to her. Raven made sure to note to thank Friseal twenty times over for keeping up with it as she expertly wove her way through the garden to spot that she didn't hesitate to sit down at, ground or not, and take a book out, opening it to the marked page.

Honestly - she expected a rather usual day: silence, relaxation, and absolutely nothing to fret over. But -as usual- the fates seemed to defy her every expectation as Heiro came out. Raven didn't directly acknowledge him, seeing as how she assumed he was going to lecture her about how 'unlady' like she was being though she was in the confounds of her own him. Who would really look at her within these pants as walls? Apparently - she was to be a lady all the time, but telling that to Raven is like telling a cat to bark.

But an apology was the first thing out of his mouth and that made Raven's attention be drawn from the book to her butler, eyeing him as he spoke. "The Baron?" she asked in surprise, standing up and brushing off her dress, noting his intense displeasure at the news to her.

And the fact that he came with a case made her blink. Usually - he made plans to notify the house that he'd be coming, not just show up on her doorstep out of the blue. The queen must be really desperate.

"Did he do something to you?" she asked, jumping to conclusions but it was her job to be mindful of those that worked for her. And if he did - so help her - she would rip him a new one in more than one way. She was already at odds and ends having to deal with the fact that he was here and Heiro wouldn't let her poison him.

After getting his answer, she nodded and began to make her way to the drawing room, putting the book on a table on her way in and tried to look presentable and not like she was ready to strangle him. "Ah Baron- what brings you to my home this lovely day?" she asked, smoothing out her skirt to sit down in the chair at her desk.

((Just letting you all know, I am out of town for a few days so I will not be on very much, if at all. On a side note, I hate laptops ><' ))

Heiro couldn't help but give a slight smile at Raven's bluntness. "No, he did nothing to me directly." He said, though his tone was still sour. He was trying his hardest to dismiss the incident, but despite his best efforts it still stirred unpleasant memories. He suppressed a bitter sigh and followed Raven as she quickly made her way to the drawing room, his long strides easily keeping up with her.

Once they entered the room, he stayed as a silent shadow behind Raven, seen but not heard, as was the rule of serfdom. He tried his best to not look to the boy, keeping his expression neutral and posture as unimposing as he could. He seemed to be tuning out the conversation, ignoring important matters as a mere butler should, but he was paying rapt attention to every word and fidget the Baron gave.


The Baron's anger was still clear on his face, though he did try to settle as Raven walked in. He stood quickly, giving a brusque but gentlemanly greeting before sitting down as she did. He seemed to regain some of his levelheadedness as he addressed her. "I am deeply sorry for arriving unannounced this early in the day, but there is a urgent case that has struck close to home. The queen has yet to give formal notification of our intercession, but we do expect it to arrive any moment now." he said, licking his lips nervously. "It seems to be a case of kidnapping, perhaps even murder, with two known victims, but perhaps as many as four." He continued, holding out his hand to the boy he had with him. The boy jumped a bit, then reached into the satchel at his side with shaking hands. He quickly produced a thin folder and carefully handed it to the Baron, relived when it transferred hands without a problem.