Once in New Orleans (A dream came true)

To start a snowball

The night isn't kind.

The night's certainly not any kinder in good ol', crime ridden New Orleans.You knew what places to avoid, but that didn't stop the petty criminals from seeping out of the alleyways like the shadows of that witch doctor. They hunt for people like you: they hunt the lonely, the rich, the slightly drunk; you were all three.
You trudged your way back home, trying your best not to look ossified. Your damn friends and their too-good-to-pass-up offers, it's not every day you get to relax and throw away your problems with giggle water.

You've got to admit that the night was gorgeous: the sound of music, the hustle and bustle of people walking about Bourbon street, mixed in with the coolness of the night, it was a perfect bundle. If only that peace would last longer.

Whether it was your drunk state, or you had been foolish enough to let your guard down, you stopped paying attention to your surroundings. That didn't matter though, as you ended up bumping into someone. This someone had his back to the light, so you couldn't make out any defining features, you could only tell that he was tall. You took a short step back, you didn't want to take any chances. This could be them

But, like the Dumb Dora you are,

you didn't run

"I-I'm sorry" you said, stuttering slightly. The person stood there for a second, neither of you moved, before they shook themselves out of the trance they were in.
"Not to worry doll" they- he said, "after all, accidents do happen" his voice was smooth but something was off about it; it was uninviting, sly, and had an undertone of malice. He grabbed your hand and shook it hard, "Doll, enchanté. A tip of the hat from Dr. Facilier." dropping your now aching hand, he took off his hat and placed it to his chest in another greeting.

That name seemed all too familiar to you...

Wait a minute

Tilting your head, you asked: "The shadow man?"

That got his attention. You still couldn't see his face too clearly but you could just about make out his grin growing bigger. He quickly grabbed onto your arm again, took out a card and firmly, placed it into your palm. The Dr talked at you for a solid two minutes, trying to convince you to come down to his voodoo emporium, but you knew better. You've heard of his devious ways, and his disdain for the upper class-which you just happened to be born into. You had a feeling he knew of your status and was just trying to lure you into a trap. What kind of trap? You had no clue, but with him-it wouldn't be good. With nowhere else to turn and just wanting to go home, you agreed to go sometime in the next week. Pleased by this, he let go of your arm and slid back, deeper into the shadows. A shiver ran up your spine, that was creepy. His reputation surly preceded him as the infamous shadow man, praying on unsuspecting foreigners; your father among them.
Doing your best to suppress your unease, you walked back home.

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The next morning was a nightmare. The maids were frolicking about the mansion, whispering news of a handsome bachelor coming to town. Said "handsome" bachelor became a household name in New Orleans in recent years; an eccentric young man by the name of Alastor (no last name given). Nobody- minus: his coworkers, friends and family- had ever seen his face, there were only rumours of his charming appearance. Alastor was a charismatic (or so he appeared) young radio host, who's voice was "heaven sent" as the girls described it. That stuff was all applesauce to you. The city sang his praises, as he was one of the few hosts that kept everyone up to date with the killings. Even if you hate to admit it, he is very good at reassuring the public.

The story behind Alastor coming to your neighbourhood, is to celebrate Eli La Bouff becoming the king of the Mardi Gras parade, for the 5th year in a row. You know the guy, he's a very kind man, but you just wish someone else would be named. But I guess that's the advantage of being the wealthiest man in New Orleans.
Trotting down stairs, breakfast was already laid out ready for you on the dining table. You absolutely adored the dining room, the table was an ash colour, eight seater; with pretty little patterns carved into the matching chairs. Opposite you was a fireplace, on top were four paintings, one of your mother, brother, father and you. The wallpaper in the room was a beautiful shade of green, with an eggshell white pattern of diamonds and flowers inside the diamonds. You love this room, just as your mother did.