As everything finally clicked, Toshiro could feel his face heating up, vivid blush gracing his cheeks. Taking a few deep breaths, he kept himself calm as he continued on. She poured countless hours into these paintings, and each was of him- the whole situation was a bit overwhelming. And the fact she had chosen to share such works at such a prestigious event left him at a loss for words. Even though she had yet to tell him, he felt as though he already knew her answer to his pledge.
While he circulated, all sorts of people pulled him this way and that. Previous patrons came to extend semi-heartfelt apologies, expressing regret they did not appreciate his talents sooner. Others, newcomers to the scene, peppered him with questions about who he was, what he made. All of them wanted to know where he disappeared to- and somehow, it popped into his mind [was Vendetta slipping her thoughts in there?] to perhaps create a bit of mystery, keep Crimson creations a well-guarded secret. After all, there was something to be said, for the charm of being a dark jewel of the art world... Too many people could ruin a beautiful thing, as he had seen before.
It had been decades since Toshiro was last at the centre of attention, so he did his best to remain calm as he was bombarded with questions. Taking the apologies from old patrons at face value, wishing to believe their sentiments were sincere, he handled them with elegance. Naming off a few of his more well-known paintings to those unfamiliar with his works, he couldn't help but wonder where said paintings resided now. When asked about where he had gone, Toshiro explained that while he was no longer working as an artist, he found other ways to leave a mark on the art world. As the mediums used for creating works of art were as important as the subject, allowing the artwork to transcend to another level- the cryptic nature set off more rumours.
Toshiro found himself with a drink in hand- surrounded by all the patrons who continued to bombard him with questions, he couldn't get a chance to finish looking at all the breath-taking art. One patron asked if there were any artists that he found himself a fan of. To which he admitted that even before meeting her, he had been following Vendetta's works for some time- which got much approval. Emotions seemed to radiate from her works, and there was a quality to them that he couldn't quite out his finger on- which drew him to them time and again.
~
Meanwhile, Vendetta was pulled aside- and unfortunately missed Toshiro's reaction. One of her main patrons found her- praising her works, inquiring about her relationship with Toshiro, whether he would return to making art, and purchasing certain pieces from her current collection. Elegant as ever, she demonstrated some of that geisha charm- while managing to reveal little. The praise taken with elegant acceptance, she wove a story of her relationship, love in darkness and unexpected places. She shared hopes for Toshiro to return as an artist, and promises to follow up with sales in the next few days. Her patron satisfied, she have an elegant bow and excused herself- seeking Toshiro out.
Feeling a familiar presence, Toshiro turned to her as a bright smile spread across his face. Giving a little bow to him, making it clear he was the honoured guest, it sparked some kind of subtle shift- especially among those familiar with Japanese culture. Everyone else followed suit, giving him space in some form of quiet reverence. Her presence did wonders to put him at ease in such an overwhelming situation.Just how potent was the influence she wielded?
"Forgive my sudden intrusion... it appeared you were almost overwhelmed by all the attention." She spoke in a customary soft tone, barely heard by the vampyric among them.
"With you, it's never an intrusion. Was it that obvious? It's been quite awhile since I was the centre of so much attention." He spoke in a similar soft tone.
Vendetta's glance fixed upon him. "I have something else to show you, if you would like to see it. Perhaps a quiet moment will help?"
Nodding at her offer, she would politely excuse the both of them- with instructions to enjoy the event. They would return soon. Vendetta led Toshiro away from the crowd, he following close behind.
Vendetta stopped and looked at him. "There has been a lot that has transpired between us over the centuries... I cannot deny some lingering feelings that are, shall we say, less than pleasant. Heart-break, over that tragic evening. Streaks of malice and cruelty do remain, fuelled by a dark and bitter rage that will not dispel so easily. I did want vengeance, and part of me still does. Were you anyone else, I'd have sought it in a heartbeat.
...I'm not like most, Toshiro. You will find a twisted darkness as you come to know me. Let's simply say, that my time in servitude, and time as an artist here in the rather open-minded Venice taught me some... interesting things."
"Only a fool would expect all those feelings to just fade away into nothingness. I'll embrace everything that you have to offer. The untold darkness is just another part of what makes you you. After all is someone cannot take both the good and the bad then their feelings were just all a farce." His words rang true, speaking from the heart in a confident manner.
"I said I would give my answer- and I am. I have chosen to accept your pledge to me, with the understanding that I'm rather unlike many. And that you can accept me, for whoever you discover I am. With that being said... I did make one more painting, to mark the moment I decided. This one, should you wish, is for you and you alone. If you do not want it, then I will set it into my archive."
Hearing that she had accepted his pledge, his smile seemed to grow even brighter. Taking a step forward, he kissed her softly. The feeling of her soft lips against his own, was a feeling that he found himself longing for over the previous weeks. After their brief kiss, Toshiro took a step back- and took a moment to regain his composure.
It was here, Vendetta reached over- and drew a black silken cloth away, revealing the hidden painting. It was one she made of the two of them. He was in his crimson swordsman guide, parts splattered darker with blood. She was in purple/black leather armour, a hooded cloak fluttering int he wind, glistened with blood. He knelt before her, in the classic Swordsman style to a beloved Lord- or in this case, Lady. She stood tall, regal yet deadly. Both of them wore smiles, eyes only for one another. Surrounding them, a field of blood-soaked snow beneath a frozen silver moon, evidence of a great battle- or perhaps slaughter- having taken place. The painting was titled 'Love in Darkness- The Swordsman and the Assassin'.