“I don't know darling. I told you last night that we'll have to continue reading for anything to become clear.”

“But, but—it's just really sad, because aren't they supposed to be happy together?”

Lucy was rather persistent in her questions today She'd been asking every little question that popped in her head every since she opened her eyes. She'd asked why Karosfky was so mean to Kurt, a question that her mother had to guess on, which only made Lucy ask another thing. Why people didn't like a boy liking a boy. It was way too early in the morning for that conversation, but the question just made Lucy's mother realize how innocent her daughter is. She doesn't know the horrors of the world yet, but her perspective is so open. She'll be a lovely mother one day.

Throughout the rest of the day, Lucy continued to persist, trying to steer back into that one topic. How do you explain homophobia to a child? How do you explain anything to a child really? The questions were thinning out. It was during dinner that her mother finally answered. She's had plenty of time to mull it over.

“Lucy, in the world, there are some people who...don't like people who are...different, in a sense. Those people are afraid of change, and will do anything to stop said change. Do you understand what I'm saying?”

Lucy nodded, although hesitant, and the older woman could tell that she was trying to decipher what was just said. She'll understand, when she's older. This innocent child will be exposed to the horrors of the world, but she'll fight through it. This, her mother is sure of.

“Are you ready to go and read?”

Lucy's eyes brightened, and she nodded eagerly. “Just go and put your dishes in the sink. I'll be up there in a few.” Lucy bolted to the sink, placing her dishes delicately in the deep basin, and ran up to her room. Her mother followed suit after cleaning off the dishes, putting them in the dishwasher, and grabbing their late night snack. They were soon in the same positions they were the night before, with Lucy leaning against her mother's arm, looking at the illustration next to the page that said “Chapter Three” with the same swirling letters.

The illustration was of a house, a rather large one at that, with flags of a crest that seemed to be swaying in the breeze. The crest was of the Anderson household. After careful inspection, Lucy's mother began reading.

“We now bring you to the estate of the Anderson's, one of the closest houses to the castle. It sat at the base of the mountain, a little ways off from the rest of the high level houses. It was possibly one of the largest ones out there, but the size doesn't matter. What does matter are the people who reside in it. There is Mr. and Mrs. Anderson, both who attend the high court. The father is uptight, strict, and is very forceful when it comes to laws, especially in his own home. The mother, however, is the opposite. She is a kind, and gentle spirit, an adored woman. She's also one for parties, and is always more joyful than usual when they get their annual invitation from the King and Queen. Next, we have the Anderson's eldest son, Gabriel who has the nickname of Gale, who aspires to become a scholar one day. He was such a bright child, that his father was going to pay all his funds for him to go to the Historians college. There are the servants who also reside in there, but they don't have much importance to our story. The last resident we have is, of course, Blaine, who's rather looked down upon by his father. His plans to become a Bard were sneered at by his father and called 'poppycock' and a 'fool's dream'. No, his plans were set before him. He was to take his father's place in the high court, once the man retired. He was also set in an arranged marriage with the Fabray girl, Quinn. She was attractive, and a well-mannered citizen, that he will admit. But other than that, he has no possible attraction to the girl. He has no attraction to any girl for that matter. No, Blaine is, in fact, gay. He is out to his family, and the only one who was phased by such news was his father, who quickly hit him after his coming out. His mother and brother did nothing for fear the same fate would happen to them if they were to speak out against the man. That was probably the time when the family became even more secret then they had been before. Blaine was to be surveyed at all times, guards kept by his door, and was he, in no way, to be alone with a boy at any time. The guards at his bedroom door no longer stood there. They dissipated after the years had gone by, and the servants only followed him during day light, when he was going to the high markets. Whenever any of his own plans were brought up, however, Blaine was hit by his father yet again. He actually had a recent darkening bruise, just below his collar bone, near his left shoulder. One of the guards must have told his father of his short meeting outside the castle, since it was when they got home that night. That could be the only explanation that Blaine could think of.

He didn't regret his short talk with the boy. In fact, this Kurt fascinated Blaine, for an incomprehensible reason. The only things he knew of him were his first name, and that he was apart of the middle-class, because that's where all the servers came from. Blaine does do his research on many topics, including that one. He didn't even know the boy's last name. That hardly seems fair, considering the other is knowledgeable of his.

It has been a month since their meeting, and Kurt's existence has been gnawing at Blaine for quite some time. He hasn't mentioned him to anyone, especially not his father. Blaine has been wanting to know more, and tonight, he might be able to ask his friends if they know anything. Sure, they reside in the lower levels, but word gets around rather fast there.

Just as he was getting dressed, and grabbing the perfect necessities, he heard a knock on his door.

Crap. “Yes?”

“Don't be alarmed Blaine, it's just big brother.”

“Oh. Well, come in Gabriel.” The knob turned and in stepped his brother, dressed in his night clothes, his reading glasses perched on his nose. His brother's eyesight had faded over the years, from all his time spent reading. The doctor told him to cut down the time he spent with a book open, but he just refused, and continued with his pleasure of the written word. He won't let his dreams be crushed simply by failing sight.

“I see you will be leaving soon.”

“You are correct.” Blaine turned around, away from Gabriel. He continued to mess with the few gold pieces in his hand, not daring another look at his brother.

“You have to stop torturing father with your late night escapades, little brother.”

“Father knows nothing of my whereabouts at night. He thinks I'm still here, safely resting my head in this room.”

“Are you so sure about that?” Meager curiosity was his brother's goal, not to torture him. Blaine turned around anyway, fear beginning to spread.

“Have you told him something?”

“No need to worry your little head.” Gabriel started crossing over to his dresser, picking up a brush that had belonged to their recently deceased grandmother. Blaine didn't use it, for it was a woman's brush, but he kept it in memory of her. The two had been rather close, a times. “I'm only just saying that I have viewed father's looks at you. He notices something, that I can tell you, but I doubt he knows where you go almost every other night. I bet that he just sees the dark circles forming under your eyes that are so hard to hide. You can't hide those, like you can the many scars that you have.” Gabriel placed the brush down, and turned to his brother, a simple smile on his face. “Just watch your back, little brother. I would suggest cutting down how many times you visit that inn.”

With those final words, his brother turned and left, closing the door behind him, leaving Blaine to mull the words over in his head. His brother was just being paranoid. There was nothing to worry about. The servants only escort him to the markets, during daytime, and the guards only guard the front entrance now, no longer his room. There was no need to worry. Blaine just shook his head, and made his way towards his window, where he later climbed down the ivy wall that had grown over the years. It was strong enough to support his weight, and his noises were muffled by the evening breeze. No one would ever suspect a thing.

***

“I'm just saying, Santana, that I highly doubt that I'll be able to get you into one of the royal parties. Only permitted guests and honored families are allowed to attend.”

“I agree with Blaine. It was the same way in my homeland, and probably is everywhere.” Rory said this, as he carefully sipped some of the inn's specially made meed. There was a Bard playing in the corner, his wife singing along with him and a few couples danced to the tune. The rest of the people were sitting at tables, and the bard, conversing with their friends, munching on legs of goat and downing bottles of meed. It was a normal night.

“You agree with everything Blaine says, magic boy.” Rory blushed, and continued to drink in silence. Santana turned her attention back to Blaine. “I'm just saying, I want a change of scene for once. My clients are getting way to revolting these days.”

Blaine sighed. It was hard to say no to the Latina, since if you did, you'd either wake up in some ditch somewhere, or wish you've never been born. Still Blaine tried to get the silly notion out of her head that she had a pass into the party. New guests were always a struggle to get in, especially one of such class. The parties were rather seclusive, and the only way she could get in now was if she was in the middle level, where the only hope she had of getting in was being a server. Which reminded Blaine, he needed to ask her about Kurt. Maybe he could use Santana's request, and turn it into a benefit for both of them. Blaine smiled at the thought of that.

“Tell you what. If you give me some information, then I will see what I can do about getting you into one of the parties.”

“I'm not going to tell you my dancing secrets Blaine, if that's what you're asking for.”

“It's not that. I want information about a person that you might know.”

He could tell Santana was thinking it over in her head, trying to weigh out the outcomes. She took a sip of her wine, and then looked back at Blaine, a devilish smile on her lips. “Alright. If you can get me into the next party, and the following one, then I will tell you what you need to know.”

“I will only guarantee this if you know the person in question.”

“Who is the subject of your curiosity?”

“His name is Kurt.” Another devilish smile, this time paired with an even more devilish gleam in her eyes. Blaine gulped, but still having focus on the courtesan.

“I've heard of him, but not much. I heard that his mother had passed years ago, when he was eight, I believe. Everyone heard of her passing.” Odd. Blaine had no clue of the event, no insight. Barely anyone in the high levels talked about the lives of the ones below them, unless it was an issue in court. It was sad, how separated their city was.

“I also used to see him around in the school halls, but I soon left, when my family's situation with wealth became rather too much. We were already part of the lower parts of the middle level, but we soon crossed the border. That was years ago, and I haven't seen him since. We weren't that civilized with each other. I believe he was often annoyed with my witty personality.”

Blaine smiled at that. With a small shake of his head, he went back on focus. “Do you at least know his last name.”

“It's been years since I've last seen him, and I have a rather...drifting mind. I believe pony boy's name was Hummel, or something.” That was something to go off of. Blaine thanked her, but she added something else. “His step-brother was one of my clients, but that was only a one time thing. They weren't brothers at the time, but you might find something if you search up on him.” Blaine asked for a name. “Finn. I'll always remember him, and not in the most pleasant of ways.” Another thank you, and Blaine took a swig of meed. Rory was looking at him in a strange way, though, a look of knowledge. Blaine knew the look well, considering his brother always had that look. Blaine asked his friend a simple 'what'.

“The farmer that I'm staying with, they know a merchant named Burt. Burt Hummel.” Blaine raised an eyebrow at this, even Santana looked intrigued by Rory's statement. The younger boy continued. “Burt comes by, almost every two weeks, depending on the supplies he buys. I don't know his son, but if you visit the farm when the merchant comes, I bet he could tell you the information you need.”

Blaine was astonished by this information. It was more than he could ask for, and for Rory to share it so willingly. He gave a big thanks to his friend, making the next round on him. The next shipment for Burt would be in two days, but that required him to travel by daylight. He bet with a little bit of his brother's help, and the servants being preoccupied, he could get out, no problem. The planning must start immediately.

“If you two will excuse me, I have a client to please. Keep up on your promise, my little hobbit. You know what happens to people who don't give me what I want.” Blaine nodded, knowing the details included by Santana's statement. With the two flashing bright smiles at each other, the girl went off, towards the upper floor of the inn, and Blaine's night continued as usual, with pleasant conversations with Rory, as well as planning. By the end of the night, he was walking home with a smile on his face, part of the reason being the influence of alcohol. When he went to sleep that night, the plan was still brewing fresh in his mind.

***

It had been two days, and the plan had proved to be quite difficult. His brother was still holding up his argument of their father figuring out Blaine's stupid visits to the lower levels, and for some reason the servant staff seemed to be doubled that day. The plan seemed to be crumbling, which made Blaine fume. This was not supposed to be the turnout, and Rory was expecting him. Blaine was even foolish enough to not even think of a back up plan, which he was pounding himself on. His mother noticed his sour mood during her tea time, asking him to join her in the parlor room, which overlooked the valley between their house and the mountain, as well as the woods to the left, which led into uncharted territory. Blaine traveled there often, because it was a border of every level. It surrounded each level, even though it was quite a long ways from the actual border. The boy often cleared his mind there, for there was this lovely grove, that was surrounded by trees, but you could peer up into the sky and look at all the stars. It was his hideout, unconscious of the bandits that may be residing there.

They were sitting in the parlor room now, both sipping tea that had been made fresh. His mother always added a bit of honey to her tea, which warmed his heart.

“What has been worrying your mind, my son?”

“What makes you ask that, mother?”

“You've been awfully quite today, and you keep on looking at your brother like you wished he were dead.” A little chuckle came from her mouth, as she set the cup down on the table, and looked at her son with genuine care.

“It's nothing, really. Gale just beat me at another round of chess. I just wanted to win for once.”

“Oh, no one can beat your brother at chess. But if that's all, then you may take your leave. If you wish to be alone, I will order the servants to do so.” Would his mother really do that? Let him be completely alone for once, without a person by his side? No, one will follow him, in the shadows. His father would make sure of that. He couldn't reach Rory after all.

“Thank you mother. I think I should head into town. The tea was lovely.”

“Oh, don't thank me for the tea, thank Agatha. She knows how to make it just right.”

With a smile, Blaine walked off, out of the house, and towards the markets that were in the very center of the high levels. There were many people bustling about, going to each stand, most of the woman were looking at the jewelry, pointing at the ones they fancied. Someone caught his gaze, and started walking towards him, her blond curls bouncing, her blue sundress swaying in the light breeze. She was wearing an emerald encrusted necklace, outlined by diamonds. “Hello, Blaine.” They walked side by side, Blaine glad for the distraction, and cover. “Hello, Quinn. How are you this fine day.”

“Oh, I'm just lovely.” She said a a quick hello to a passer-by, as she latched arms with Blaine. They were supposed to be married, but they only had a mutual friendship. Quinn had always fancied someone else, as did Blaine. Well, now he did. But, they had to put on the facade that they were completely, and utterly in love. Quinn was always a good actress.

“Well, I'm glad that you're doing well.” He flashed a smile to a young girl, who was giving out flowers. Then he dropped his voice to a low whisper. “Do you know anything of the child?” It was supposed to be a secret, one that was to be buried deep in the ground, never to be spoken of. It would ruin their family if anyone learned of the girl giving birth to a child who was not his, as well as her giving birth in her mere teens. No one wants a smear on their reputation, especially not the Fabrays.

Quinn matched his level of tone, as she led him to a little bakery, one they both fancied. “No, they won't even let me see her. I had to give her away, or else my father would disown me, and drop me off where Rachel resides.” Rachel. They were both friends of hers. Well friends his a bit of an overstatement. Blaine liked her well enough, but barely spoke to her. Quinn, on the other hand, only tolerated her. That is, until she learned that the girl and her family were banished from the high levels, and now only serves as a food-carrier at the parties, never an honored guest anymore. Quinn was also envious of her, and her aspiring dreams. Quinn thought there was nothing for her now, and Blaine always tried to make her think otherwise. There's always something out there for someone.

They ordered some crumpets, and took their seats in a corner seat, away from any prying ears. They ate in comfortable silence. When they finished up the sweet food, Blaine decided to ask a question that he could use to some value.

“Quinn, your father is one of fair trade, correct.” Quinn nodded, wiping her mouth and answering.

“Yes, he deals with a lot of trade to the middle class, and sometimes helps with the donations to the lower levels. Why do you ask?” They were now staring at each other, Blaine knowing that Quinn would understand. He was the first one she told when she was with child, which only led Blaine to tell her his secret. They were understanding of each other, never spreading any gossip to on lookers about the other. Quinn may come out as a needy child, a snob, to most people, but Blaine knows she's caring and kind beneath that tough exterior. They were a great pair of friends.

“At the masquerade, last month, I met this person, who lives in the middle levels. I only know a name and that his father is a merchant. I was wondering if you knew anything of this person, and if you do, it would be of much help if shared it with me.”

Quinn rested her head on the top of her hands, her elbows propped up on the table. The look she gave was on of mere interest. “My father's trades are usually kept secret, but I know a few of the transactions. I don't know if I'll be of much help, but I can try.”

“Do you know anyone of the last name Hummel?”

“Burt? Yes, I know of him. Some of his trade stopped for awhile a few years ago, but the reason was not given as to why. It started back up though, after maybe a year and a half. I also heard that the man had remarried a few months ago. There was a small celebration up at the Temple of Tivona.” She tenderly smiled at him, a gleam in her eyes. He knew that she was playing the lover act again, because he could feel eyes searing into his back. He decided to reciprocate it, looking at her in the same way. She got the message, and looked away to take a sip of her tea that she had ordered, speaking in between sips. “I also know that two brothers were bonded through the ceremony. Step-brothers now. I know one of the sons' name, for I used to be smitten with him. I bet you can guess as to who.” It was probably Finn, who attended the Fallinggale school from time to time, when it was most convenient for him. They never conversed though. “The other brother,” Quinn continued, “now, I might not know his name, but he is often stationed in my section at the royal parties.” She smoothed out her dress as she spoke, which was a distracting method for her. Blaine caught on to many other little perks that people had, noticing how their movements matched with certain emotions. Quinn was getting a bit uneasy by the prolonging conversation of something that is rarely breached upon. Blaine quickly switched the subject, knowing that this conversation should no longer be spoken of. This boy was even more shrouded in mystery than he let on that night in the gardens.

Blaine will be sure to find out everything there is to know about Kurt Hummel if it's the last thing he does. “I want to go and find the flower girl. I think a rose would look lovely in you hair.”

A simple flower is the perfect way to find what you're looking for.”

As her mother read those last few words, Lucy drifted off into a peaceful sleep. Closing the book, and kissing the top of her daughter’s head, the elder woman knew that there will be even more questions in the morning. She has enough time to think of the answers, after all.