Ambling through the bustling street Ronové listened to the familiar sounds; zealous merchants trying to press their expensive wares into the grasp of those who could barely afford to eat and of course the elated voices of young children as they weave through the crowd, bumping into people every second step. He supressed a small laugh; not because he found their antics amusing but rather that their attempt to pickpocket him had failed because he simply had nothing left to offer.<br/><br/>The black attire he was adorned with was less like clothing and more like a dark shadow hung over his pale form. His fading red parasol looked as if it had more blood in it. He gave a tentative whirl of the parasol, repeling for a moment the chill wind as it licked at his spine. Utterings of a ghost with an umbrella were directed at him with scorn. He couldn't see these people but he could easily hear their ramblings.<br/><br/>Ronové hasn't been able to see in a long, long time.<br/><br/>It was a struggle living through oneself, without aid of vision. But years spent following the sounds, smells and tastes made him all too aware of what happened around him at all times. One had to be alert or risk losing his life, something Ronové was glad to curse at least once a day. He wished he could place his hands around life's neck and squeeze and take the breath of life from humanity if but for a second.<br/><br/>Reaching a turn on the town's pathway Ronové found his paled, grey eyes drawn away from the bustle and towards the west gate street which was currently devoid of unfavourables. His ears picked up something dull, distant, but he could hear it none the less. Beyond the walls it almost sounded like wheels, like those of a cart. Curiosity overcame the young man.<br/><br/>With his mind wrapped in steel, and his stone heart absent warmth, he took his footing on the other path until he reached the opposite side of the town gate. His sandals crunched through the thin veil of snow beneath his feet and let his legs carry him forward.<br/><br/>His trusted parasol kept the wind, and the people, from his back.