Every Thorn Has Its Rose [Kard]

Facade didn’t fault Rose for not saying more as to what he had to say; after all, it was a lot of information all at once. But he didn’t regret what he had said either. Instead, a mutual understanding of things left best unsaid held between the two stood to reason. Now the conversation had drifted back to rooming. It appeared Rose really didn’t have a preference, which the shapeshifter saw as an opportunity to foster a new friendship. Gargoyle would be a great fit for the girl. Quiet, demure, and rather in need of a friend herself, the stone-skinned girl would do well with the young demon. “I’ll pair you up with Gargoyle for the night,” Facade noted, “and we’ll see how things go before we decide on anything permanent.” The German paused, thinking. There was ample time to talk before lights out, and he was enjoying their conversation so far, especially now that they could properly communicate. The future seemed to pull on the corners of Rose’s mind, so he decided to further that discussion. “That being said, do you have any questions for me? I’ve been around for quite some time I must admit, and could potentially provide counsel. You can ask me about anything, anything at all. This world must be quite a lot to take in."

Still in tune with Rose’s thoughts, Facade considered what she had to say. Or rather, what she wondered. As far as Gargoyle went, he had met the girl only a week ago but already had wonderful things to say. “She’s fourteen years of age and has the ability to turn herself into stone. A lovely individual, incredibly intelligent. Writes beautiful poetry beyond her years. She would have made a great playwright back in my day. I’m sure the two of you will get along grandly.”

As for what he was going to do after this, with ‘this’ most likely referring to their current conversation, it would be making the rounds in the theatre, checking up on everyone. His nightly ritual became a bit more complex, mostly having to do with an extensive beauty routine. Certainly, she wouldn’t want to hear about that. “Just some managerial things,” he answered her second question, “then it’s time for my nightly ritual. I won’t bore you with the details,” he chuckled. "That being said, I have something exciting to show you if you don't mind the cold."

Facade paused to address Rose’s concerns regarding Gargoyle’s welfare. Well, address it as well as he could while maintaining a sense of privacy. “Gargoyle’s personal affairs are her business to tell, not mine,” he explained simply. “You’ll have an opportunity to ask her later tonight. As for now, follow me.” The man stood up, stretched, and beckoned the girl to the back of the stage, then through a series of curtains. After doing so, he motioned to a door, opened it, and began ascending a flight of spiral stairs, up and up until they reached the rooftop. It was a quiet night, brisk and dark save for the spattering of stars alight in the sky. Toward the center of the rooftop was a small gazebo, and in the middle of the gazebo stood something covered with a black tarp. Upon further inspection, on could see that there was an opening in the gazebo’s roof, round and wide. Odd, it may appear, but the explanation sat beneath the tarp, which Liev removed with a flourish. There sat a state-of-the-art telescope, large enough that one had to stand on a platform and use both hands to maneuver the device.

“Ein blick auf den himmel,” he grinned, bowing out of the way. “A view of the heavens. Look to the west, and you will see lady Venus. The big and little Dippers are visible, as is the Coma star cluster. Much to see on this gorgeous night. I swear the cold makes them crisper.” The German clearly cared about the stars. They were one of the few consistent things in his long life, and wanted to share them with his new friend.

So Facade wouldn't talk about what was going on with Gargoyle? That's fair; concern for another's privacy was important. But he was wrong. Unless, Rose did another link, she wouldn't have the opportunity to ask Gargoyle herself. But you know what? That was okay. She didn't have to know everything, she already knew enough. For whatever reason she was here, it sounded like Gargoyle could probably use a friend and pleasant company. That was enough information to act on for now.

But enough about that, it seemed there was something else for him to show her? What was it? Whatever it was, it led them up to the roof, and to a cute little gazebo. It looked like a wonderful, quiet place to just come up and relax at times. Then she saw the sky.

Wow....that was a view. Just a huge, open, empty sky above. The moon was in full view, but what else was he talking about? Her expressions of confusion as he talked about dippers, Venus, and clusters brought a confused look to her face. What was he talking about.

...

Stars? What were stars?

...

You could see those from here? From this far away? She looked up, staring into the night sky.

...

Yes, that did makes sense. Sort of. The city had so much light in it already, drowning out all but the brightest of bodies. Obviously the moon was easily visible, but she had yet to see any real starts in her lifetime. Was this an opportunity?

Ah, might need to teach her how to operate a telescope. That would be simple enough. “You can certainly see stars from here, Rose, but this device can amplify your own power of sight.” He could explain in greater detail how it worked, but he wouldn’t bore her with such a wordy explanation. Instead, he demonstrated by stepping up to the telescope and peering in through the eyepiece. “See, by looking through this magnifier, you can see celestial bodies much more easily. Ah! And there’s Venus, a planet in our solar system. Venus is named after the Roman god of love. A powerful representation of feminism and beauty, I’d say she’s after my own heart.” He paused, looked at Rose, and winked before turning back to the telescope. After seeing the great view and potential of the rooftop, the German had purchased the telescope for all to use. Sometimes, it lent others perspective on their lives. Usually, there would be some saying about how insignificant one might be in contrast to the vastness of the Universe, but Liev saw it as being part of something bigger. He wondered how Rose would see things, literally and figuratively.

Standing aside, he beckoned her to take a look.

His nuances, complicated as they were, were understandably difficult to interpret. Facade was never one to be straightforward in her mannerisms, and the matter was complicated by Rose’s lack of experience with humans. He certainly did not aim to be flirtatious. The thought even churned his stomach. “Oh dear,” he shook his head. “Nein, not flirtatious; I winked on my own accord. Some people consider me to be feminine, not that I blame them. I’m simply très magnifique. Fabulous!” Liev did a turn on one toe and posed… not that Rose would see it, her being occupied with the telescope and all. At least the stars would see him, not to mention Venus. Everywhere he went became a stage to him, a playground for the ancient individual to strut about in any manner her pleased. Perhaps Rose wouldn’t be as thrilled about the gorgeous view, but that didn’t bother him. His love for the solar system and all its wonders would carry the two, come hell or high water.

Facade looked to his new friend with admiration. How wonderful it must be to be learning so many new things, experience situations for the first time. It was very few and far between that the shapeshifter came across anything new, but between meeting Rose and doing karaoke to Bohemian Rhapsody with a fire elemental, he could count at least two new situations amongst his thousands. Now he got to share the beautiful night sky with the young demon, an activity which he never got tired of. And damn, they sure were beautiful. He had just started to let his mind wander when his phone vibrated. Annoyed but understanding that if he was notified, it most likely took the form of being needed somewhere. Sure enough, Voodoo had clued him in on a problem that required his attention. Eventually the night would have to come to a close, and it was getting a bit late. “Well Rose, I hate to cut this short but I am needed elsewhere. You are free to stay here for a while longer, but make sure to report back a bit before ten o’clock so I can introduce you to Gargoyle.”

Would that he could stay, but duty called. “It was lovely to meet you. I hope you enjoy your time here, alive in a new light.” With that, he turned and left his new friend to the telescope and all its celestial wonders. They would meet ago in no time.