The plush red and gold lining of this room is almost dizzying.

I drink in the deliciousness of my surroundings. Gorgeous velvet curtains drawn back with golden tassels drape in front of a massive window looking out to a forest that stretches for miles.

The train rolls along slowly, the grey steam slightly visible through the window.

I take a seat. Inspect the room.

“Look for two roses.” His command whispers in my thoughts.

There are no visible roses in the room.

I sigh, lean back. It was a very vague statement. No other instructions, just look for 2 roses.

Moments later, a woman enters the room.

She is incredibly striking. Her thick black hair is done up, she wears a red hat with a single rose.

I wonder if she is what- or whom I am looking for or if this is merely coincidence. She smiled at me, takes a seat, and removes her hat.

I eye the rose, deciding this is probably coincidence.

We sit in silence for a while before she opens her hand bag, removes a notepad and a pen.

A pen with a rose on it.

Bingo.

She began to write, what I’m not sure.

Finally I speak up. “I like your pen.”

She looks at me, pale skin a contrast to her red lips. “Thank you sir, a friend gifted it to me.”

I nod, then again speak up. “May I inquire as to the name of this friend?” She smiles again. “Lamb.”

That’s the code word. I give her a grin. This is whom I am supposed to meet. Though I believe my boss forgot to mention the she herself in a rose.

So dainty, yet there is something about her. Something guarding secrets. Like a thorn.

She says something that snaps me out of my transfixed thoughts.

“What name do you go by, if I may ask?”

I answer my code name. “Hawk. Mr. Hawk.”

That seems to be enough for her. “It appears we were both set out to find each other. She offers me her hand. I shake it.

“Pleasure to meet you Mr. Hawk. For now, you may call me Ms. Willow.”

I nod, smile a bit. Phase one, complete.