Winter Mansion

Of War and Peace

Chapter Twelve- Of War and Peace

Before me stand three men, one with a face covered in freckles, another with a more cocky expression, and one that is shorter and happily glances around the Mansion.

"Master's." Isabel greets happily with a low bow, I follow her lead.

"It's a pleasure to have you again." She says as she comes to a stand.

"Isabel, the pleasure is likewise," Says the freckled man. "Might I ask where are Tilly and Sam?" He asks while cautiously looking down the halls.

"They've have left the Mansion, most of the workers have." She says politely.

"Who is left?" Pipes up the smaller blonde haired boy. He has two books clutched to his chest, and a pencil tucked behind his ear, his bright blue eyes rest on me in question as he sniffs the air.

"There are only three, Farlan, and I, plus our Human edition, Eren." Replies Isabel.

The long-faced man takes a deep whiff of the air and draws closer to me, I can't help but shrink back, "A human servant, why?" He asks and slowly pulls back.

"I fear I can not says Master Jean, but Master Levi expressed his want to speak with you as soon as you are all packed away, would you follow me to your rooms?" She asks with a big smile.

I observe her, and give them the same smile still slinking away from this Master Jean, "Yes, we'll have our rooms." He responds finally pulling away and moving his gaze to Miss Isabel.

Isabel walks towards the West hall and I silently follow just behind her, both our hands fold behind our backs and standing tall. We lead them to the rooms closest to the large dining area.

"Master Marco." She says opening a door on the left, then father down, "Master Jean." She says.

Then she scoots to the right side and opens a set of door, "Master Armin." She says and bows.

The men have already moved into their respective rooms when Miss Isabel says in a normal voice, "Lunch is served in the hall, I trust you know it's at the end of this wing." She says, at first don't think they can hear her, then I remember they are Vampires, they can probably hear very well.

Armin pops his head out of the room, "Will Levi and Mikasa be joining us?" He asks Hopefully.

"Yes, I know I will." Says the deep voice of Levi behind us.

I keep my eyes forward as he walks around us, "I was just heading there myself, "Eren, take these to the dining room." He says and passes me a stack of folders with symbols over it.

I bow lowly, "Yes Master Levi." I say and make my way into the extensive dining room and away from the friendly chatter.

The dining room is more beautiful than I could have imagined. A pure black table surrounded by blue cushioned chairs surrounds a beautiful layout of food, jugs of wine and blood placed evenly across its surface, fruits and deep fried vegetable, fine meats; must have been the work of Farlan.

I walk further down, my shoes sinking into a thick plush carpet until I come to the head of the table, a spot that screams Levi, and place the folders down as gently as possible.

One slips off the top and topples to the floor, the contents spilling over the carpet.

Hastily I start to shove them in the folder, 'TITANS.' reads one paper. I stare at it for a moment, not understanding why the letters mean so much to me, and reach for it with intentions on slipping it into the folder, but my hand tingles and its as if I lose complete control of it;  I watch as my hand quickly folds the paper.  My ears start to ring loudly, to the point I want to yell, but my jaw is locked, it fades out and I listen to the chatter clear as day, "What a strange theory, but you may be right."