Hello Everyone! I apologize profusely for this delayed update…it’s been really really really really really busy lately. It was quite refreshing to write again~. Please enjoy…and comment if you want to…

Happy Weekend!

-=Dansina Field=-

Chapter 13

My father was buried in my family’s cemetery. After the funeral, my sobbing mother and my two distressed sisters were invited to live with Madame Eleanor. When everyone finally left, I sat next to the mound of fresh dirt with Ulf. I wore black ornaments in my hair and I wore the darkest dress that I could possibly find. Only my grandmother, Ulf and I truly respected and felt the loss of my father.

“He was a very good person,” Ulf said quietly next to me.

Tears formed but refused to fall due to the cold autumn air.

Suddenly, I heard hoof beats coming from behind me. I looked and saw a beautiful black horse and its master.

I stood up and politely curtsied. For the first time, I was aware of my muddy skirts and wrinkled bodice. “Good afternoon.”

Ash Vulcan climbed down from his horse and came to look at me. “Good afternoon. I am so sorry for your loss. I am even sorrier that I wasn’t able to pay my respects at the funeral,” he bowed his head in sadness. The his riding cape flapped around in the wind but he didn’t shift from his stoic position.

“We all knew that he was going to leave soon. I’m happy that he is finally saved from his pain,” I said truthfully. My overwhelming love of animals caused me to look more closely at his horse. It was completely black, except for a white star on its forehead.

“And who is this?” I asked, already falling for the gorgeous beast.

“This is Shadow Star. But ‘Shadow’ for short,” he replied, patting Shadow gently.

“May I?” I asked reaching my hands out.

Ash looked uncertain. “He doesn’t take to strangers. But you can try.”

“Be careful. He’s pretty skittish,” Ulf warned.

I walked up to the horse from the side. He pranced around nervously, but he let me get close enough for me to whisper,

“My name is Marian Rose. ‘Shadow’ is a beautiful name,” I paused and waited for a reply. He didn’t say anything. But Shadow’s muscles began to lose their tension. I got a little bit closer and whispered, “Did I tell you how beautiful you are?” More relaxation. I was close enough to touch him. Very slowly, I reached out and patted him.

“You have a very soft touch,” Shadow said quietly. His voice was very low but kind.

Ash was watching silently as I petted Shadow’s forehead. I knew that I had his attention. I might not be as fashionable as Harriet or as pretty as Sarah but I was really good with animals.

“That is the very first time that he let a person pet him,” Ash finally said.

I smiled. “He’s just shy, but I think when he starts opening up more, he’ll be ta-,” I was luckily interrupted by a big meow from Ulf before I said ‘talking’.

“Nevertheless, I am impressed. Please, do you mind if I ride you home?” Ash asked, a little nervously.

“Oh, yes, please, but my cat needs to come, too,” I said, looking at Ulf.

“Hmm, yes, I see that could be a problem,” Ash said frowning. “Aha! You can place him in here.” He patted a large bag on the side of the saddle.

“You have got to be kidding,” Ulf scoffed.

“C’mon, it’s only for a little bit,” I whispered. Ignoring his undignified meowing, I picked the feline up and placed him in the satchel.

“He’s a beautiful cat,” Ash noted.

Then without warning, Ash came up behind me and gently placed me on the saddle. Laughing uncontrollably, I tried keeping my balance as he climbed up behind me. It was comforting as Shadow took us gently through the cemetery and out onto the dirt road. I actually forgot about my loneliness as I felt Ash’s warmth behind me. I could easily breathe in his gentle scent.

“How are you doing?” I whispered to Ulf, the clopping of Shadow prevented Ash from hearing me.

“Actually, it is very cozy in here,” I heard a muffled reply.

“I want to apologize for my mother’s behavior last night,” Ash suddenly said behind me.

“I deserved it. I-I’m not like other girls. You don’t have to apologize,” I replied, immediately thinking of my stained dresses, and dirty hands.

“No. Nobody deserves being humiliated. It wasn’t right.”

I smiled, and without looking back, said, “Thank you.”

After a few minutes, he dropped me off at the front of the mansion. I had to force Ulf out of the saddlebag because he loved it so much. I curtsied and walked back to my room. Ulf was walking next to me when I bumped into a servant. Gasping, she hurriedly tried to pick the dropped towels.

“I am so sorry,” I said, and stooped down and helped her pick them up.

“No, no, Madame, please don’t,” she exclaimed.

“Don’t worry, I can help fold them,” I argued.

When the last towel was folded, the maid, without raising her eyes, hurriedly walked off. I was somewhat hurt; I wasn’t used to having the servants so formal. At home, I scolded the servants who had kept curtsying to me. After a while, they only curtsied to my two sisters and mother. Quite suddenly, I felt someone watching me. I looked behind me but I saw nothing in the dark hallway. Believing that I was just skittish, I headed for my room where I found Grandmastanding next to the bed. There was a golden gown draped across the sheets.

“Isn’t it beautiful?”

“It’s not for me, is it?” I asked, tracing my fingers on the silky fabric. I had never seen such a finely-detailed garment. It had golden sequins on the bodice, and the sleeves of the dress came down to the elbows. The beauty had been sewn into the very seams and the fabric shone a gentle glow. There was even a golden mask that matched the intricate pattern on the dress.

“I found it here when I got back from the kitchen,” Grandmother said.

“The Winter Ball is coming. Maybe you could wear it then?”

I smiled. “Can we still light our candle?” I was referring to the ceremony that Grandma and I performed every time winter first came. We lit a white candle, and left it on until all the wax melted.

She frowned. “I don’t know. We have to be much more careful here because everyone is watching. They are growing suspicious because of my age.”

“I’m sure nothing will happen,” I said quietly.

We visited the marketplace the following day. Harriet and Sarah insisted that they needed new dresses. I wanted to do some sightseeing. Ulf sat on my lap as we squashed into the buggy.

“I heard Madame Eleanor has a red satin dress,” Sarah said, feverishly.

“Ash is so beautifully handsome,” Harriet replied dreamily.

I did not roll my eyes this time, for I was quietly agreeing. I thought back to the ride he gave me the past afternoon.

“Marian! You are blushing!” Sarah gasped.

“You’re smitten with the master now?” Harriet chortled. “I can’t believe that our sister, who has her eyes stuck on books, could ever find men interesting.”

“Be quiet. That’s not true,” I scolded, my face becoming redder. They laughed harder.

“Wait until we tell mother!” Sarah said gleefully.

“Ignore them. They’re just jealous. They know how he talks to you the most,”Ulf meowed.

I did not dare argue with him in fear of my gift being discovered.
“If you don’t get that animal to pipe down, I’m telling mother it bit me,” Sarah said, glaring at Ulf.

“Why don’t you? I can make him bite you,” I replied furiously.

Taking this cue with ease, Ulf stood up and hissed at the two girls. Their shrieking screams echoed and my eardrums were still ringing as the buggy door opened.

“What’s all the commotion about?” the carriage driver asked.

“They saw an insect,” I only replied. Ulf walked behind me, as I went through the different shops. I ended up buying parchment and some quills. I stopped short when I passed a clothes shop. I peered into the window, my nose just barely touching the filmy glass. There was a girl inside the shop. I could never forget her because of her beautiful raven hair. Her skin was quite white, and her shawldraped across her tiny figure. I didn’t know what struck me about her, but I continued to watch her movements. She turned and I saw a pair of black gloves in her hands. Then I saw her eyes--bright purple, just like mine. Although she was looking straight at me, she did not see me. Without consulting Ulf, I immediately turned towards the entrance and entered the shop. The lit lamps immediately warmed my cheeks. Apart from the shopkeeper, the shop was completely empty.

“Hello, Madame. Is there something special I can get you?” the shopkeeper said.

“I thought I saw a girl in here,” I said frowning.

“No, no one has come in except you Madame. This isn’t really the best time for people to shop for silver.”

*****

Harriet chose an emerald dress “to match Ash’s eyes”, and Sarah picked a satin blue dress. (I thought Harriet looked like one of those green shrubs that I read in one of my garden books, but I did not tell her so.) More importantly, I told Grandmother and Ulf about the mysterious girl.

“Turning 16 has probably made your senses sharpen,” Ulf said.

“But that was over 2 months ago,” I said, frowning.

“Our family has always had seers,” Grandma finally said. “Maybe your ability to speak to animals is just a small part of your gift. Seers have very strong magic.”

“You taught me that seers can cast spells,” I said quietly.

“Yes. And they can heal, too,” Grandma replied. Her face looked tired, and she rubbed her face with her callused hands.

“Grandma, is everything alright?” I asked, worried.

“Don’t give me that look. I’m not leaving spiritually yet,” Grandma said, smiling grimly. “I would write down this vision and just continue with life. You may have others, so write them down, too. One day you will discover what these visions mean. I can contact some of my friends, and see what they think,” Grandma said, closing the conversation.

“I found out from Shadow that Ash bought that dress for you.”

I couldn’t help but smile. “I wonder why he did that,” I said.

Ulf and Grandmother rolled their eyes at the same time.

I never was able to wear my golden dress for the Winter ball. Instead, my grandmother was accused of witchcraft. Right before the ball, someone had overheard my grandmother talking to Ulf. They were both going to a hearing; however, I knew that it was hopeless to believe that they would be safe. Once a witch went to trial, it was immediately to the gallows, or worse. I, of course, was not going to let anything happen.

“Hurry! You have to go far away from here,” I was breathing heavily. I had a blanket and I tucked it neatly on my grandmother’s lap. Her face was a mass of wrinkles, and her face was white.

“Child, I can’t go. I am too old,” Gran moaned.

“And you’re too wise to die this way. I’m not going to let you die, and have your ashes cast out into this cold world,” I replied sharply. “Now where is Ulf?”

“I’m right here,” a muffled reply came from under the blanket.

“You’re going with her. And I want you to take care of her with all of your being,” I said, tears filling my eyes.

“Don’t worry. I will,” he purred sadly.

“I love you,” I sniffled. I hugged my grandmother tightly, and kissed Ulf’s fuzzy head and breathed in his lavender scent. Once they left, I would be completely alone.

“May you be safe,” Ulf meowed.

“And you,” I whispered. I closed the carriage door, and nodded to the driver. “Take them away.”

With tears streaming down my face, I walked back to the mansion. (The carriage was waiting at the front gate) Suddenly, I felt somebody watching me. I looked up and saw two green eyes staring at me. My heart sank to the pit of my stomach. Not knowing what to do, I ran into the house. I knew what the penalty was to help an accused witch. If it came to death, I would not falter.

I knew exactly whose green eyes that were in the window that night, however, Ash never asked nor brought up the subject of my grandmother escaping. I knew in my heart that my grandmother and Ulf were safe. I was unable to go with them for people could have easily been suspicious of my eye color. Soon after they left, my mother disowned me, and left Greenville Manor with Harriet and Sarah to seek a new world. Unwillingly, and only on Ash’s persuasion, Madame Eleanor took me in as a servant at Greenville Manor. I was worked to the very bones of my fingers. Many of the workers left the household because I was supposedly the granddaughter of a witch. My eyes did not help matters. Madame Eleanor tormented me every chance that she had. She would make me clean the floors by myself and light the fires at night when everyone was supposed to be asleep. I was literally in hell every day that I stayed there. To my surprise, a light shone through my darkness.

Despite our seemingly different lives, Ash and I grew closer. He and I shared the same love for books, and he would never hesitate to tell me of a new book in the library. Before, when I lived as a somewhat equal at the Manor, Ash and I would sit in the library and read together. This tradition stopped, however, as soon as I became a servant. We were unable to see each other, except perhaps in the hallway. To me, those short meetings were the happiest times of my life. It was as though the very sight of him caused my day to be better. Ash would never hesitate to smile or say hello to me if no one was around. Quickly, that feeling of excitement and comfort turned into love. I would clean the whole house if I were able to see my first love! I kept my feelings to myself, because I was positive that he did not feel the same way. Besides, he would not endanger his social life for a servant in his household!

The light in my darkness grew, as Mandy--the servant whom I had helped picked the towels up--became my closest friend. Although she was timid when I was ordered to be a servant, she opened up to me as the days went by.

Visions of the young woman with my purple eyes appeared frequently, to the point that I became to know her. I decided to name her Helena, after--well—after grandmother. It is not my right to name any stranger; however, I felt it was worse to leave the woman anonymous. Helena gave me quite a fright when I walked past the silver mirror hanging in the hallway. The mirror was my grandmother’s and it was given to Madame when my mother and sisters left. The frame has silver vines with roses on them. I guess you could say roses are an emblem of my family! Anyway, I walked past the mirror, and instead of showing my reflection, I saw Helena’s figure! She wore the same uniform as I and she had raven black hair. Helena’s face was dirty, white and looked very tired. Despite that, her purple eyes were fierce with determination. Her reflection soon disappeared, however, and I stared at an empty mirror again. I was then caught by Mrs. and was scolded.

Days passed, and then months passed. Although my loneliness had disappeared, I was still treated terribly by the hands of Madame. Although she could not physically hurt me, she kept giving me pointless tasks to perform. However, Ash, to my surprise, confessed to me! I was washing the floor of the Reception Hall, when I heard him approach me. He sat right down next to where I was scrubbing furiously (maybe too furiously) and whispered, “I can’t help it Marian. I think I’ve fallen in love with you.”

Of course, given our statuses, we could not be seen together in public. I think Ash had the hardest time because he was always introduced to eligible women. When we did see each other, (which was usually when he went riding in the morning) he would always tell me that if he ever meets another “woman” he would scream to the high heavens. I finally found out a secret area where we could meet. The stable boy found out about our relationship and he was sworn to secrecy. He told me about a hidden garden that he had discovered in the forest. To my greatest delight, I happened upon it . I then told Ash about it in a letter, and we both would meet there late at night. If anyone had looked out from the mansion, they could have easily seen our escape, however, we were not scared. Together, we planted many rosebushes and we danced there.

Madame found out. She bribed the stable boy to tell her everything. I did not blame him. After hours of screaming and slaps on the face I was to be thrown out. When Ash finally heard what was happening to me, he came and intervened. He told Madame that we would not see each other but he would never banish me from the house. It was that moment that Ash became the master of his house. He stood with authority and rose against his mother. After spitting several names that I will not write down here, Madame stormed out of the room.

After that, Madame kept a sharp eye on my whereabouts. If I could not be found, I was scolded and punished. I only saw glimpses of Ash as I worked. I was cleaning the hallway that had Grandma Helena’s mirror when I lost my composure and cried. Sobs racked my chest and I clutched at my cleaning rag. I cried for my father, my grandmother, Ulf, and I cried for my love. More importantly, I cried for myself. When I was barely hiccupping, I stood and looked at my reflection in the mirror. My blonde hair was a mess, and my purple eyes looked as bright as ever. I couldn’t help but whisper “Will I ever be with Ash?” As soon as I had spoken these words my reflection wavered. And I saw my future. Events flashed before my eyes without stopping or blurring. Regrettably, I saw everything. Everything.