Blind Faith - A Clannibal Fanfiction

Chapter 1

AN: I am aware that this is terribly written and lacking so many things. I would like to thank Louise for the writing inspiration, Miles for returning my muse, and Jenna for constantly putting up with my fangirl venting. I hope you enjoy the first chapter, and wait in anticipation and excitement for new, well written ones. Bear in mind that this was written after a long birthday, so my writing may not be up to it's normal standard - but I am so excited to release this new fanfiction. I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it. -Bee

Here is a link for the property that has inspired the story. I will be using this as a base and adding parts onto it that aren't there.. IE: a balcony, kitchen island, etc.

https://www.homeaway.co.uk/p1256205vb

23rd July, 1992.

Clarice Starling's nimble fingers tentatively twiddled with the band on her left ring finger. She turned it to the gentle chugging of the train's engine in the background - a monotonous sound that lulled her into a state of daydream. The trees whirled by, the birds soared freely above the carriage, and the sun was slowly settling on the horizon. She had promised Ardelia that she would keep safe when she was away, and also had been entrusted not to get into any mischief. The agent was to spend a week in France on paid leave from the Bureau - a break, if you will. Her small frame settled back into the blue material of the seat that seemed to wrap around her, and a soft breath left her parted lips.

On the table before her was an envelope, smoothly opened with a knife; a red seal once holding it closed. Hooded eyes glanced over it before dragging back to the window, gazing out longingly. It was an invitation. Beneath the parchment, a folded piece of Smythson paper had curled, cursive script upon it. It read:

"Dear Clarice,

Are you still willing to embark on this mad adventure? What of Uncle Jack and the nobility and justice of the Bureau? Do they mean nothing to you now?

Perhaps you'll find they do, indeed, mean more to you than the promise of my company. Should that be the case, I trust that you shall continue with your reservations. The accommodations you have chosen in Paris are not what I would choose for you, alas they will fit within your limited budget.

If you are not tempted by the prospect of a week in Paris in solitude, Clarice, I do hope that you will find the enclosed train ticket more to your liking. Does it excite you, Clarice, to know that I am waiting for you? Would you tell me if it did?

Pleasant journey, dear Clarice.

Fondly,

Hannibal."

The butterflies had soared around in her stomach upon first reading the heavy letter, however, Clarice had tamed those wild tendencies and taken a grip of reality. She was to spend a week with Hannibal Lecter. No more, no less. What could possibly happen? Naturally, her mind went to the worst prospect first - but after convincing herself that nothing would go wrong, she had made the decision to bid him company.

So here she sat, on the train to Castelnuovo Berardenga, Siena, where she was to be within the company of a cannibal for a week at the Cappella Di Pancole. Totally normal. Morally acceptable. That's what Clarice convinced herself into thinking, anyway. The train was to arrive in Siena at 9:15pm that night; half an hour from now, and Starling found herself glancing at the elegant wrist watch on her arm every few minutes. Anticipation itched at her fingertips as she continued to twist the ring on her dainty hands. Seconds felt like minutes. Minutes felt like hours. Finally, driven mad by the inability to sit still, Starling reached forward for the envelope, and she began to read over the delicate inked words once again - her smile fluttering across her pink lips.