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Chapter 1: A
Chatterbox: Inkwell
Chapter 1: A
Chapter 1: A dark shadow
"Help!" I scream out. I sit up in my bed, shaking. "Just a nightmare, just a nightmare." I tell myself.
My maid comes rushing in, blurry eyed from sleep. "M'lady, what's the matter?" She murmurs, bobbing me a drowsy curtsy and nearly falling over.
"Another nightmare, Everly. I'm sorry, I have no need of you. Please go back to bed, I'm fine." Everly is too tired to argue with me. She goes back to bed quite willingly. I don't blame her; it is nearly two in the morning.
I have no such luck, going to sleep. I lay back, wide awake and aware of the cold sweat that makes me shiver and tremble. My nightmares are always the same. They start out beautifully. I am aware of great peace and happiness; then I watch helplessly as a dark shadow seems to steal softy across the land, taking my happiness slowly but surely. It finally reaches me and I am filled with a fearful despair. That's when I scream and wake up, fear clenching my limbs and filling me with a sense of foreboding.
Eventually, from complete exhaustion, though, I fall asleep.
~~~
Chapter 2: Joyous Notes
I wake up, Everly knocking at my door. "Milady? Are you wake?" She asks. I roll over. "No. I'm asleep!" I call back.
"I've been trying to wake you for 'most nearly fifteen minutes, miss. You must go to the sewing circle in a half hour. Please hurry or you'll be late."
I jump out of bed. I had slept in! "Come in and help me get ready, Everly!" I yell. "As you wish, milady." She calls back mildly and walks in. She carries my summer dress of light yellow satin over her arm, and helps me undress and shimmy my slim figure into it. She quickly weaves the green ribbons into my long, heavy golden locks with a practiced hand and stands back to admire her work. "Thank you, Everly." I whisper gratefully to the shy teen. She inclines her head gracefully. I smile and rush out to my carriage.
As I roll along the road, I think about her. She is the closest thing I've ever had to a friend. A true friend. She acts indifferent, but I know that she loves me and would do anything for me. As a young lady of nobility, I am companions with the other girls of breeding, but none of them are interested in me or my interests. I am a lover of music and the arts, while they are all into balls and dresses and young, eligible noblemen. All they want to do is get married to a rich young man of position.
I am not interested in that. And that is what separates me apart. As I arrive, so do many other girls. There are blondes, brunettes, and redheads among us, as well as light, dark, and medium skin. I walk over to my "set", and sit down to sew and listen to their busy chatter.
"Have you seen Zak Prissman?" One girl asked. "He is the most handsome boy I have ever met." Another girl laughed. "As well as the most eligible for you to marry?" She said knowingly. The first girl blushed. I sighed inaudibly and resigned myself to joining in the chatter, laughing and smiling foolishly. A fake me. At least this was only once a week. Once I was home, I could devote myself to my music. No one minded my practicing, although I played very frequently. I sang, too, my voice blending in with the music in a harmonious sound. I feel as though the music flows through my limbs, carrying them up in joyous notes and I feel lighter than air, as though I myself am the music, the instrument.
After the sewing circle started to dispersed, I made my leave and headed back to my home. Now I had the day all to myself. It was Saturday, so I didn't have any lessons. I planned to practice a new piece of music I had heard. Everly had gotten the music sheets for me, and I was eager to play them. It was a lively tune, full of glory and life.
Once the brief trip back had ended, I rushed inside. I glanced up and down the hallway to make sure there was no one to behold my awful deed; then I sprinted up the hall, holding my skirts up with one hand and pumping with the other.
I laughed ecstatically and closed my eyes. I was free! I was- BOOM!
Startled, I looked up. A boy a little older than me was standing above me, eyebrows raised in surprise. He was handsome and richly dressed. I gaped at him a minute. He shook his head, as if to clear it, then extended his hand to me politely.
"My apologies, miss-?" "Uhh... Oh, um, I'm Vanessa." I took his hand awkwardly and stood up, swaying on my feet a bit dizzily. His hand stayed on my arm, steadying it. "Vanessa Higute?" He asked, even more astonished. A blush rose to my cheeks.
"Yes, and you are?" He recovered quickly, and said gracefully, "Matthew Isapona. Pleased to make your acquaintance, Miss Higute. " He bowed. Now I blushed even more, and was painfully aware of it. I curtsied, and he laughed. I looked at him, half angry. "Please, ma'am, forgive me. I was not laughing at you. I was laughing at myself." He said apologetically.
"Why?" I asked. "Because my horse went lame on the road, you see, and I merely had stopped here for your farrier." "Why is that funny?"
"Because I was thinking just now of my luck, that I had avoided the young ladies of the sewing circle, and here I am, with you.” I glanced quickly at him. "The young- er, LADIES, of the sewing circle would love to meet you, sir." I said innocently. I am getting to like this boy. He laughed again. "Please, call me Matt. And I'm afraid you're right. I am glad, though, I met you. Can you help me find your farrier?"
"Of course, Matt. And please call me Ness. Everyone does. Follow me." I say, waving my hand. As we talked more, I learned that Matt had been on his way to visit his cousin, Miss Juliana Weber. The knowledge somewhat dimmed my excitement, but I hid it well. We found the farrier, who fixed Starbound, Matthew's horse. She was a spirited mare, all black except for a single black star on her forehead. "She's beautiful." I whispered in awe as Starbound was led out, pawing and tossing her delicate head. Matthew smiled. "Isn't she? She was sired by Auzen himself." He said proudly. "Wow." I said. I watched as he leapt gracefully into the saddle. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Miss Higute." He said. I curtsied. "The pleasure was all mine." I said, and I meant it. He rode off, straight as a soldier. I watched him go, and hoped he'd return.
~~~
Chapter 3: Ebony Keys
Everly laughed. "It seems you are quite taken with him, miss. Finally falling for a handsome, rich boy." She teased. I sighed dramatically. "He was quite much more than that, Everly. He was... Funny, kind, and noble! I wish you could see him. I wish I could see him again."
"I'm sure you will, milady." Everly comforted me. "I hope so." I stared out the window wistfully. Then I remembered my music. Matthew forgotten, I leaped up. "The new sheets of music, the sheets of music!"
Everly laughed again. She had been waiting for this, it seems. "On the piano, miss." She said, nodding toward the great instrument. I caressed it's smooth, polished wood surface, then slid my hands lovingly over the ebony keys. I struck a few chords, then leaped away into a thrilling piece of delight. Once finished, I paused, out of breath, but delighted. It was an amazing composition!
"Bravo, bravo!" A deep voice cried. "Uncle Theyf!" I shouted. "My girl!" He boomed out. I ran into his arms. My uncle traveled far and wide over the world as a merchant and was great fun.
"I have something for you, Nessie. A little fairy gave it to me on the road." He winked at me and pulled out a pink tissue wrapped gift from his worn, leather pocket. I carefully opened it and gasped. Inside was the most beautiful necklace I had ever seen. Each chain link was crafted separately with gold and sparkled with colorful gems. I put it on and admired myself. Then I flung myself at him. "Thank you so much, uncle! It's beautiful!"
"Glad you like it, dear. Now, Everly, please get us some tea. I'm starving and can't wait to tell you about my adventures." Ever,y hurried away to get tea and cakes, while I danced with impatient anticipation. Uncle Theyf's stories were quite as good as his presents.
Everly came back and set the food before us, then stood behind Uncle's chair, waiting on him. She loved him like a father. Everly had no parents.
"Ahem, thank you, Everly. Now, let me tell you about the mermaids we saw at sea." And off he went, telling a magical story about the beautiful people-fish whose sad singing lures sailors away to their drowning doom. I found myself breathing underwater as he described the ocean, and I imagined seeing the many colored fishes and chirping dolphins. I could almost see the beautiful cities of pearl that the mermaids built underwater. I could taste the strong saltiness of the coral reefs, and feel the waves lapping at my feet. On and on he went, until finally he ended the story.
I sighed with content. "Thank you, uncle. That was amazing. I wish I could come on some of your adventures." "Me too." He said, squeezing my hand. "I have a surprise for you, though."
Excitement tingled in my chest. "Really? What?" "Come and see." He said mysteriously.
~~~
(Please give me feedback about what you liked/didn't like about this! Constructive criticism welcomed! And don't be shy about guessing me!)
submitted by Unknown. For now.
(August 28, 2016 - 6:20 pm)
(August 28, 2016 - 6:20 pm)
This is a great story! So, is it fantasy, because there are mermaids?
(August 29, 2016 - 6:29 pm)
It's kinda complicated... but Vanessa doesn't believe in magic/mermaids. She thinks its just a tall tale. SPOILER! But yes, it's going to be fantasy later on. I appreciate the compliment!
(August 30, 2016 - 6:29 am)
Here is the next chapter!
Chapter 4: Pure Joy
Uncle Theyf leads me outside. I catch sight of it, and come to a dead stop. I open and shut my mouth like a fish. No sound comes out of me. "Do you like it?" He asks worriedly.
"Oh, uncle!" I laugh from pure joy. "Is it mine, all mine?"
"Yes, Nessie." I can hardly catch my breath, because there, in front of me, is a beautiful palomino stallion. He neighs at me softly, and I approach him in awe. Nervous, I let him sniff me.
"Hi, boy." I whisper. He nickers at me, then snorts and tosses his golden head. I smile and turn to my uncle. "What's his name?" I ask.
"His name is Maebnus."
"Is what?"
"Mayb-nuhs."
I chuckle. "What is that supposed to mean?"
My uncle is serious for a minute. "That is something you will figure out on your own. Once you do, remember it. It's important."
I want to ask why he can't tell me, but I have to accept his answer to me. Instead, I wrap my arms around Maebnus' neck. "Will you teach me to ride him?" I ask.
"That, i will. Come on, now. You have to tack him up, first." My uncle showed to how to brush my horse and how to pick his hooves. "Make sure there aren't any stones in his foot. Get all the dirt out." He instructed me. Sweating, I lift each of the massive feet up, into my lap.
"Good, good. Now, carefully swing the saddle onto his back... Gently, now. Good. Now buckle this girth, and make sure it's tight. You don't want to slip off." I tugged at the girth will all my strength. "Mmph." I grunt.
Laughing, my uncle helps me. "It will get easier." He promises.
I brush out all the snarls from Maebnus' cream, almost white, mane and tail. Uncle demonstrates how to put on a bridle. There are so many buckles and straps!
Finally, Maebnus is all tacked up and ready to go. With the groom's assistance, I climb up on the back of my beautiful stallion. I know the basics of riding, and touch my heels gently to Maebnus' side. He goes forward eagerly, and I have to hold him back to a trot. Frustrated, he tosses his head and prances sideways.
"Go ahead and go over to that field, Vanessa. Let's see what Maebnus can do." I swallowed my nervousness. If I got nervous, my horse would, too. Once I had trotted over to the filed obediently, I took a deep breath, grasped some mane, and loosened the reins. Underneath me, Maebnus sprung forward like a coiled up spring. I gasped, then laughed with exhilaration. So this is how it felt to fly! We galloped around the field several times, in which seemed but seconds to me. Uncle, however, flagged me down and reluctantly I reined him in.
"That was excellent riding, Nessie! What a horse!" He exclaimed, pride glowing from his face. "What a horse," I agreed.
Together, uncle and I worked with Maebnus. It was fun but I wished I could take Maebnus again for a gallop. But I had the patience to wait, and while i rubbed him down I hummed the new song I had played earlier. I couldn't wait to tell Everly about Maebnus! She was an animal lover, and we could go out for rides sometime. She could use a horse in the stables, and we'd talk and have great fun. While I planned all this, uncle watched me. After he showed me how to un-tack and wipe down Maebnus, he showed me how to muck out stalls, feed the horse, and water him. It was hard and dirty work, but I was eager to do it.
"We'll go out for a ride together, eh, Nessie?" My uncle said.
"Oh, yes!" I was so excited. I went upstairs and told Everly all about it. She said, with barely concealed excitement, "Oh, miss. He sounds wonderful. Why don't you show him to me tomorrow? Right now, you need to practice your sewing."
I sighed. Sewing was boring, compared to the wild ride I had experienced. But I said, "You are right, as usual, Everly. I will get right to it." And I did. Tomorrow, I would show Everly my horse and practice some more. If I did well, maybe Uncle Theyf and I could go riding before he left on another of his merchant trips.
(August 29, 2016 - 8:23 pm)
Is this hmm? Because it seems like her story :p
(August 30, 2016 - 7:27 am)
Yes, both are my stories. But they aren't the same. Similar themes, yes. But not the same. Expect elves, unicorns, fairies, goblins, and all manner of magic creatures later is fantasy!
(August 30, 2016 - 6:57 pm)
(August 30, 2016 - 8:27 pm)