A Passion, of Music and Love

A Sequel to my story: Love and Hate.
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    It had been a few weeks since that incident at the Earl, William Jon Smith's manor. I can still remember how angry I had felt at William and Richard. Now with Sasha, I felt something I hadn't felt before. It felt like a passion. He, himself, was the one to offer me the opportunity to share my songs with him. I've often written songs in the past. The problem with that, is I tend to be put down for them by several nobles. But I still continued to write them.

    Over the course of time since I had left William's manor, I had personally contacted the news agency. I had informed them of how critical and rude both Richard and William were towards other performers of all sorts. Plus they were a bit abusive towards some of the ones they considered to be, worthless. I had been fortunate that they hadn't treated me quite as poorly as some. Still, they deserved to be put in their place after all they had done. A lot of the other performers, slowly, stepped forward and shared their experiences with those two. It wasn't to my surprise, that their masked ball was canceled.

    These days, I had been gathering up a fair amount of my songs I had written. I was going to be heading over to Sasha's town house soon. I gave a small sigh as a shiver ran up my spine. The way he had held me close as we danced, his lingering kisses on my hands, just the way he was, it simply felt as though it took my breath away.

    I gave a small smile at those memories. I quickly finished up tying up my auburn hair in it's bun. I gave a small smile to myself in the mirror as I looked myself over. My hair was neatly tied back. I wore a pair of small silver hoop earrings. My blouse was simple, a soft lilac color. The skirt it self was a simple soft red, but it had several embroidered flowers on it. My shoes were soft purple flats. My hazel eyes seemed to shine a little with delight.

    Giving myself a final once over, I grabbed my bag with my songs in it, and finally left my home to go visit Sasha. I boarded a carriage from my parent's town house, and headed in the direction of his town house. I felt rather tense inside, nervous. I was starting to worry myself with fear of how Sasha would react to my arrival. But all too soon, the carriage arrived at the town house. I gave a small sigh, as the carriage pulled up to the front of the house. The door opened by an older looking gentleman. He extended his hand to me as I stepped out of the carriage. "Thank you very much." I gave him a smile.

    "You are quite welcome, Ms. Might your name be Necia?" He asked me curiously. I gave a small nod of my head. "Yes. That is my name." His eyes seemed to brighten up with delight. "Ah, welcome, Miss Necia! We have been expecting your arrival for a while now. We just weren't sure when you would show. My name is Istvan. I am the butler of this estate." He gave a small bow. I could see he had neatly combed out wavy, brown hair that reached his shoulders. His eyes were a soft blue. He was tall, maybe five-eleven, and slender as well. And he was dressed in a fine, black butler suit. "O-oh." I gave a small smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Istvan." "Like wise." He smiled. Gesturing towards my bag with his hand, he asked, "Do you need any help with your bag?" I shake my head, "No thank you."

    "Very well then. Please follow me. I will take you to the music room." Istvan began walking towards the front door. I was quick to keep pace with him. Once we entered into the manor, I was amazed with how the entrance way was. A chandelier hung from the ceiling with what looked like feather shaped glass. At the stairway at the far end of the entrance, there hung a beautifully painted portrait of Sasha, Istvan, and two others that looked like the household servants. One of which, a young woman in a maids outfit, looked a lot like Istvan. Another one, a man, looked like a younger, yet different, version of Istvan. The railing on the staircase was designed to look like a horse's main, that finished at the base of the staircase with a horses head, similar to that of a chess piece. There were potted plants against the windows, and at the base of the stairs.

    Istvan lead me up the staircase. But I stopped part way up, to simply gaze up at the painting. "This is such a beautiful painting." I smiled as I spoke. "Ah, thank you very much, Necia. Sasha had this painting done of us servants and himself together. He is quite a fine young man." I smiled as I looked at Istvan. "I can see that." "Father!" A feminine voice came out from the hallway on the upper level of the staircase. The young woman, the same one as in the painting, came skipping down the staircase and into Istvan's waiting arms. "Hello to you as well, Rosalie. Have you finished your chores?" Istvan's voice was filled with much joy as he wrapped his arms around her. I smiled as I watched them.

    "Yes I have, Father. And Uncle Alistair is waiting to show me how to tend to the garden more." Rosalie's eyes were a strong blue color. Her hair looked like it was a natural grey tone. And she wore a simple, yet beautiful, blue maid's outfit. They both looked quite a lot alike, even though she was only maybe five-three in height. "Well done." Istvan turned towards me as he let her go. "This is my daughter, Rosalie. Rosalie, this is our guest, Necia." I smiled at Rosalie as she gave a small curtsy. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Necia." She smiled at me. "Likewise to you, Rosalie."

    She smiled at me. "Time for me to go to the garden. Have a wonderful stay." She sounded full of energy as she skipped down the stairs. I gave a small chuckle. "She is full of energy." Istvan gave a small laugh. "Indeed she is. Usually she is much calmer. Now if you will follow me, please." He continued up the stairs as I followed him.

    Soon we came to a double door. I could hear a violin being played beyond it. It was a beautiful melody, filled with passion. Istvan gave a small knock on the door before opening it. The violin stopped playing as a voice spoke. "Ah. Hello, Istvan. What brings you here?" It was Sasha. A blush started to creep across my face a little. Istvan gave a small bow before stepping aside to let me in. "Miss Necia is here, Sasha." I walk in, almost hesitantly. But as soon as I see Sasha's eyes light up, I feel as though my worries melted away. "Necia! It is so wonderful to see you again." Sasha was quite thrilled to see me. He set his violin down before crossing the room to me. "It's wonderful to see you as well, Sasha." My face was a little heated up as I watched him walk over to me.

    He extended his hand towards me. I gently placed my hand in his, my eyes not really leaving his face. He smiled as he brought my hand towards his lips. He gave it a small kiss, that he let linger a moment. I felt my heart beat a little faster as he let go of my hand. I pulled my hand towards my heart and held it there. Sasha looked down at my bag, and then up at me. "I take it you have brought your songs?" He gave me a kind smile. I gave a small nod. "Yes I have." "Splendid." He gave me a bright smile before looking towards Istvan. "See to it that some tea is prepared along with a small snack as well, Istvan." Istvan gave a small bow. "Right away, Sasha." And with that, Istvan took his leave.

    I watched as Istvan left. It was when Sasha spoke, that I turned to look at him again. "Istvan is a wonderful man. He, along with his brother, Alistair, and daughter, Rosalie, have worked here for several years." "That is wonderful to hear." I smiled at him. "I've met Istvan and Rosalie already since my arrival." Istvan gave a small chuckle. "They are all wonderful individuals. Now then." He smiled at me. "Would you like to share your songs?" My face lit up with delight. "Yes, please." Sasha gestured with his hand towards the piano. "Go ahead then." His smile was kind and soft.

    I smiled happily as I walked over to the piano. I placed my bag on the piano bench, before pulling out a few folders. "I tend to keep my songs in folders. That way I don't get them mixed up." "That's quite alright. That makes perfect sense actually." Sasha replied as he watched me. I placed my bag on the floor next to the piano. Sitting down, I placed the folders where the music sheets go. I gently ran my fingers across the keys of the piano. "You have a beautiful piano." I complemented him. "Thank you. It belonged to my grandmother." I smiled up at him. "You are welcome." He smiled back at me.

    A blush was creeping across my face. Turning my attention over to the piano keys, I began to warm them up. I played for several minutes, getting my hands warmed up, along with the keys. I was playing quick paced notes, along with slower paced ones. As my warming up came to an end, I let a few notes hang. I reached up to one of the folders, only to pause. "Even for a warm up, you have incredible skill." Sasha complemented me. I feel my face blush. "Th-thank you." I could see him smile out of the corner of my eye. "You are quite welcome, Necia."

    I grab one of my folders and open it. Pulling out the music sheets, I set them down neatly. I stare at the music notes for a few moments. I could feel myself starting to feel uncertain about this. I was starting to worry if he would react like the others had. But, he was different, and I knew it. "Take your time, Necia. I am not going to rush you." I gave a small nod of my head. Taking in a small, but deep breath, I let out a sigh as I simply let my fingers gently play across the piano keys.

    The melody was a powerful one, as several low notes would be left hanging, while the higher notes were moving quicker. The mix of the notes were almost rapid at times. Yet, I never missed a beat. I slowly flipped through the pages, as I continued to play. Each note seeming to leave an even better lasting impression than the last. I could see Sasha standing at my side, with a smile on his face while his eyes were closed. As the song came to an end, I left the notes drift as they finished. I placed my hands in my lap as I looked up at Sasha. My heart was beating a little faster as I watched him open his eyes and look down at me. "Incredible." He smiled as he spoke. "I simply don't have very many words to describe your talent."

    I blushed heavily. "Th-thank you v-very much." I looked down a bit as I spoke. "I can clearly see that many of the other nobles have not seen, or appreciated, how much talent you truly have, Necia." My blush deepened as I listened to his words. I nervously brush a strand of my hair behind my ear as I look up at Sasha. He simply smiled at me. His soft, pale purple eyes looked deep into my hazel ones. I could feel my heart skipping a beat as we gazed into each others eyes. A sudden quick knock came from the door. I jumped a little as I quickly looked over towards the door. Sasha turned around and smiled as the door opened to show Istvan.

    "I have brought the afternoon tea, along with the snack." He smiled as he pushed a cart in. Rosalie smiled as she walked in behind her father. I quickly notice she had a beautiful red and pink rose in her hands. Another man, the younger, yet different version of Istvan, walked in behind Rosalie. 'Must be Alistair.' I smiled a little. Alistair had beautiful blond hair, which had a few leaves in it. And his blue eyes shined with joy. He stood at maybe five-four. Clearly, judging from his attire of a white shirt, brown trousers and boots, he was a gardener. Surprisingly enough, his attire was actually rather clean. It seemed he must have cleaned up after being in the garden.

    "Thank you very much, Istvan." Sasha spoke to Istvan with a kind smile on his face. "You are quite welcome, Sasha." He gave a small bow to him. "I have brought Earl Grey tea and some scones for you and Miss Necia." "Oh thank you. They both sound wonderful for this time of year in spring." I thanked Istvan with a smile. Istvan smiled at me. "You are quite welcome, Miss Necia."

    Rosalie walked up to me, the rose still in her hands. I turned my attention over to her. She gave me a smile before speaking. "I brought you a rose from the garden, Miss Necia." My eyes widened a little in surprise. "Oh... Thank you very much, Rosalie." I raised my hand to take the flower, but Rosalie quickly slipped it into my hair, causing my eyes widen once more. Alistair gave a small chuckle. "Rosalie wished to find you a beautiful flower." I gave a small smile as I gently felt the flower with my hand. "I take it you like it, Miss Necia?" Rosalie smiled at me. I gave her a bright smile. "Yes. I really like it. Thank you, Rosalie." "You are very much so welcome, Miss Necia." She grinned happily. I gave a small chuckle. "And please, I do prefer just being called Necia. No 'Miss' needed."

    Soon there after, the tea was poured and the scones were passed out. Everyone had a cup of tea and a scone. Everyone was smiling. Even myself. A light conversation was happening. That was until Rosalie sat straight in her seat and asked me, "Do you think it is possible for you and Sasha to do a duet on the piano and violin?" My eyes widened as my jaw dropped. I hadn't even considered doing such a thing. I saw that Sasha was a little surprised by the sudden question. He gave a small chuckle. "Well, I don't see why not." He turned in his seat towards me. "Would you like to play a duet?" He asked me, his expression kind.

    I looked at the cup of tea in my hands. 'I don't think I could refuse this one...' I raised my head up and smiled a little. "That would be nice." Sasha smiled quite happily. "Very well then," He said as he set his tea cup down on the table before us and stood up. He walked over to his violin and picked it up. I followed suit and placed my tea on the table before standing and walking over to the piano, where I sat myself down. I turned towards Sasha and asked, "What song shall we play?" "How about the one you wrote for that masked ball?" Alistair piped up with a bit of a scone in his mouth. My jaw dropped and I felt as though I was at a loss for words. Sasha chuckled as he saw my expression. "I hope you don't mind, but I had shared your song with my servants as I had truly enjoyed it."

    I looked up at Sasha a bit bewildered, he just smiled kindly back at me. "Sasha has actually been writing a violin part to your song." Istvan spoke up." I think the most of us are quite curious as to how it would sound with both the piano and violin played together." "Oh.." Was all that came out of me before I looked at my lap. I felt very unsure about this, but oddly enough, I felt okay with it. "If you don't wish to play your song, it's quite alright." Sasha spoke as he played a few notes on his violin. "O-oh.. It's alright. I-I was just surprised a bit.." I looked up at him before continuing, "We can play my song. I'm actually curious as to what you have written for it." Sasha smiled at me and nodded his head before walking over and standing next to the piano. "Then lets begin," He said to me with a smile, and with a slight smirk I think.

    I nod my head before turning to the piano. I take in a small breath, before starting to play the song. It started out just as it had before, rather soft. But soon it started to rise and fall with one's breath. Sasha soon joined in with his violin. The notes flowed very smoothly between us. Soon our voices started to sing in harmony. I felt as though I was loosing track of time as I looked up at Sasha. His soft purple eyes looked back into my own hazel ones. I smiled at him as we continued on. He smiled back. The melody was beautiful between us. But, all too soon, the song came to an end. We left the last notes hanging softly in the air.

    Sudden clapping caught my attention. I quickly turned around in the seat to see Alistair, Rosalie and Istvan all clapping. "Well done to the both of you," Istvan spoke up, a big smile lay across his face. "That was incredible! You two should play duets more often," Alistair spoke with a big grin across his face. "You two played so beautifully together. I simply love how you both were able to play in harmony," Rosalie added in. I was at a loss for words. I hadn't been complemented so much before. Much less with a duet.

    Sasha chuckled lightly. "Thank you all very much." He turned towards me with a smile. "You have such a wonderful talent. It was a pleasure to play your song with you." I looked up at him. I couldn't help but blush. Here was a man, I had only spoken with once before, and he had been showing me such kindness I hadn't always been able to experience before. "Th-thank you." I manage to get out in a soft voice. Sasha smiled kindly towards me. "No. Thank you, Necia." He gave a small bow.

    My eyes widened a little, as my blush seemed to deepen a little. "Would you care to see the garden, Necia?" Sasha asked me. I blinked a few times, trying to figure out what he was talking about. "O-oh. I'd be happy to." I smiled as I found my voice again. 'I really feel like I have fallen for him,' I thought to myself as I stood up from the piano bench. "I'll clean up the afternoon tea and scones while you two venture into the garden," Istvan spoke in a humble voice as he stood. "I'll help you, Father," Rosalie pipped up as she stood up as well. "Thank you, kindly, Rosalie." Istvan smiled towards her. Alistair gave a small chuckle. "Well, while everyone else goes off in their direction, I had best clean up a bit more." He said as he plucked a leave out of his hair.

    Sasha chuckled before offering me his arm. I looked at him for a moment. He just smiled back at me. Giving him a smile, I slipped my arm into his. "Alright. It's settled then. We shall see you three later, then." Sasha gave a small nod to the servants before leading me out of the music room. As we walked down the hallway, I couldn't help but smile. "What are you smiling about?" Sasha asked me as we neared the stairway. I blush a little as we start to descend. "N-nothing.." 'I'm actually smiling that I get to spend some time with you.' I thought to myself. Sasha chuckled before commenting, "It's got to be something, Necia."

    I remained quiet until we reached a fairly large double door. "Ah, we are here." Sasha said out loud before slipping my arm out of his. He then opened the doors to reveal a beautiful garden of various flowers and hedges. Sasha watched my wide eyes as I slowly, almost hesitantly, walk into the garden. My jaw dropped a little as I saw the stone fountain that was in the shape of a winged horse. Several trees also were planted around the garden. I continued to walk further into the garden. I turned around in a circle, admiring the garden in it's entirety. "I take it you like the garden?" Sasha asked from behind me.

    I nearly felt as though I had just jumped out of my skin as I spun around. My heart skipped a beat as he safely wrapped his arms around me. He pulls me close against him as he gazes deep within my eyes. My face heats up with a blush as I stare back at him. "You are very beautiful. I'm very glad I had the opportunity to have met you, Necia." He smiled at me, watching my expression. I smiled shyly at him. "Th-thank you. I'm happy to have met you as well." "So what were you smiling about?" He asked in a kind tone.

    I was a little surprised, but not completely, that he asked again. "W-well.." I paused as I looked down at his chest. "I was smiling because I was happy to be able to spend more time with you.." My voice shook a little as I spoke. 'I swear I sound pathetic saying that!' I thought to myself. "Oh, Necia..." Sasha started to speak. 'I hope.. I really hope he doesn't turn against me because of how I feel towards him.' He gently placed a finger against my chin and lifted my head up. I saw his expression was kind and fond. He smiled at me, before saying, "I am very happy to be able to spend more time with you as well." He gave a small pause, as if he was gathering up his own courage. He parted his lips slightly, as he leaned towards my face. "It's because of how fond I have become of you, My Dear Necia."

    I couldn't help but blush and let out a sigh of relief. I wrapped my arms securely around his neck as I gently press my forehead against his. "You really mean it?" I asked, a small hint of worry in my voice. He seemed to catch notice of it. Sasha gave a kind smile, his soft pale purple eyes seemed to shine with his smile. "Yes. I mean it." He gently placed his lips against mine as soon as those words left him. My breath hitched for a moment as my eyes widened. His eyes closed half way as he watched my face. I could feel my heart beating fast in my chest. I could have sworn he could feel it as well. My lips quivered a little as he started to pull away from the kiss. But I pressed my lips against his as I closed my eyes.

    The kiss lasted for several moments, before we parted. Sasha gently kissed my forehead before holding me closer against him. I closed my eyes as I leaned against him. A sudden whistle came from by the doors. My eyes shot wide open as I turned my head to see Alistair standing there with a big grin across his face. Sasha turned to look at Alistair as well. My face flushed a deep red as I turned my head the other direction. "Congratz to the two of you." Alistair cheered from where he stood. A sudden yelp of pain came from Alistair, causing me to turn my head back around to see Rosalie holding Alistair's ear. "You idiot! You swore to leave them be!" Rosalie scolded him sternly.

    I could feel embarrassment filling me to the brim. I felt like I wanted to run away as my body stiffened up. Sasha turned towards me with a smile, and said, "It's alright. They know I have missed you very dearly." I turned my head to look up at him with a look of surprise. "Y-you have?" I managed to get out. Sasha smiled at me and gave a small nod of his head. "And all of us hope you are willing to come by again some day to visit." Istvan spoke up from by Rosalie, who had let go of Alistair's ear, and Alistair, who were both smiling happily. I turned my head to look over at the three servants. Sasha loosened up his hold around me as he watched my expression. A smile started to slide it's way across my face. "I'd love to!"