MAIDENS WAY
The hinges squealing in warning of entrance, their plea is silenced by a wall of noise, belching of the loudly to signify a customer's entrance.
The tavern started out as a plank of wood suspended at heavy timbered walls in the big common-room, stone-flagged.
Conversations in swirl of the sharp smell of drink wafting in the air and clinking of pewter mugs filled with ale among the men seated on the square spaced out wooden oak tables in rows abundant with gorges of delicacies.
The patriots' classification regulars from traders, envoys, officials nursing their mugs, from varying social statuses to the tavern keepers pouring out ale, cider drinks bottles stocked and cleaning the wooden booth with wooden willow stools with occupants relaxing and maiden servants cleaning utensils in the open back kitchen space.
The space rows of oak tables divided by the platform for musicians with lyre playing to the audience of drunken stupors of men walking across, dancing, enjoying in leisure.
… "Any leads on the ring yet …"Dante stepping forward walking along the wooden passages beside the wall of private rooms covered with wooden lined sliding doors until he stood central to opening path way bordered by pine wood lined in stunted height of the center of the tavern.
"The Oracle?" he said. 'The house of Thalian neither have evidence of its appearance_____"
"Therefore we rule them out, that determines the other houses ?"Rubbing his narrow nose ,features like a blue-eyed hawk and piercing eyes.The head full dark strands and tanned skin visible on the shirt's opening.
Gaston voice trailed. "Galois and Xenia are the only places to probe?"
"We, have to find it! …"fists balled tightly ,Dante grimaced in annoyance.
"Send more informants in the town of Xenia?"
" Yes, l will scout the town with men"auburn long hair , held bound in a tail, Gaston agreed adjusting his baldric his sword strap twisting.
"The best way is to have our informants infiltrate some houses… that knowledge of our search will become prompt" his pale gray eyes fringed with dark feathery lashes.
"I agree that way we won't be headed all the way out here for nothing." voice low, tone with uncertainty.
"We will find ....it Gaston !"he said with quiet intensity. Remaining fixed with sable his lower leg boots in breeches in a vested naval cotton shirt with jerkins resolute on his aim conveying to Gaston.
.....
The Castle Manor
Young lady.... seems we have a lot to discuss now " across from her settled in uniform on the wooden high seat, interlacing his fingers together.
Sighing under her breath, bowing her head down now she was very nervous this man seemed worthy of respecting, being now ushered in the castle manor ,by an attendant of the residence.
Situated in the study which was a wall aisle of books, which is broken by a division of two opened wooden panel lined windows which brightened the room, an oak table with pilling sandal papers with feathered ink box and scrolls beside displayed all in the sinister side of the space in the room.
Felix sat down green eyes observed her "About ...the incident last time.. .the ring ?"
"Honestly, if I say that I don't know...why I am here would you believe me ?" seated centralized in one of the two guest wooden cushioned chairs ,nervously scratching underneath her chin looking upwards away from the eyes of the man in front of her.
"....Don't ...know ? Uuumm , you vanished my eyes witnessed?
"Beg your pardon ... however I assure you you better tell me the truth otherwise you might find it difficult.."Adjusting himself crossing his legs while sitting, eyes prolonged in conversation.
"The first-time when you saw me for example, didn't I seem a little lost"breaking away the eye contact, closing her eyes in thought and blinking them open.
"I still am in a way? Honestly I thought ,I was dreaming but when those men almost abducted me something felt wrong ..suffice to say ,l am not from here"
"Where are you from then ? your clothes and manner always seem strange..." Felix eyes narrowed, forehead furrowed.
"In a different time from here...c--- compared to here." Glancing at the ring she was circling with her fingers her eyes down.
"CiCERIO ...was the reason you were made to come here ?" Felix interest was picked his brow raising.
"C-C İCERIO? What is that ..l don't know"
"CICERIO you neither understand the ring ... on your finger ? ... surprise evident with the slite widening of his eyes " Best you hide it from others, my grandson has the same one as yours,I neither understand why you have a duplicate of it"
"What does that mean ?.. What does that mean for me ?I was brought here by this ring for what purpose. Uuuum ....A ....,ring isn't a mythic object? " she was frustrated.
"You haven't really noticed ,this environment here mythic magic realities exist here that ring has many realties , it brought you here hasn't it ?"
"How can that explain .." "I acknowledge it is quite overwhelming,yet you're still wearing something, you don't accept a reality of now?"
" I don't desire this problem either, it won't come off my finger as you saw previously I tried even using a rock to break it and believe me the thing wouldn't budge ! She muttered under breath "when I was home"
"Something made not of just iron would never budge however heed my words carefully a lot of people desire that ring's power now as your current predicament"
" They want it ….what does that mean? .."
" However in mind of your safety, something will be arranged"
"The fruits you pilfered is forgivable for now ,instead it's more acceptable to stay here while I try to figure out why this is happening"
"But .... I don't desire to be here .... I have a home"
" Do you know a way to go home ?.. unlikely since previously you neither understand a way to return where you belong? "
" So your suggesting.."
"To remain here while I seek for solutions to this matter ....
"Staying here ?"
"I don't think you have any options. I also need to observe how you can get back to your time."
"You are taking all of this well..how do you believe me ?, A lot of people would just think l am crazy"
"Lady…do you need a place for lodging neither you?" gesturing his eyes to the wooden pine door.
" ....No ....! I mean ,thank you "
"Pardon me let the stewardess show you around, get you settled with a place to stay and we can catch up later in the great dining."
"Yes" standing to her feet the door quickly swing closed as she left.
....
STABLE TRACKS
The landscaping green manicured grass with wooden stall seats adjacent to the center track for racing, attendants of the stable cleaning ,brushing the coats of the magnificent beasts from an array of colors white as snow to sable, and feeding horses well kept in their stands.
Neil was racing his horse beside Aiden who was in the same accelerated speed gaining an advantage over him.
After losing the race they turned back to the track starting point,hooves on the dusty cli-clopping along pathway.Two male figures on holding reins on each horse. The other Aiden same long height of the young man beside what was a distinctive the strands of short straight blonde hair combed neatly.
" Mind occupied Today . You weren't even paying attention on the track?"Aiden noticing the abscess of his friend's presence while they raced. Dressed in riding pants accompanied by white formal shirts with vests of paneled lined design.
"Nothing important next you won't so easily"
Those mischievous mesmerizing tourmaline brown eyes covered by languid velvet -black eye lashes.
"Please you won't win over me in a century to come" bothered him, those long coral black lustrous strands tumbling over her shoulders to her back complimented her beauty.
"Believing that your days of victory are but a figure, l will beat you soon enough…"
" There is a ball soon are coming, come help fend off boredom will you" Who was she ? In mind of the scene previously, he removed the thought in his consciousness.
"l was planning of not attending ...but since you asked after losing a match from the master" Wagging his brows in play.
"Get off Aiden…..." he laughed shaking his head,moving his horse forward in a challenge to his friend.
........................
The Manor
After getting some rest she animated awareness peering at the paneled windows she saw darkness sitting herself up ,it seem the daylight had gone,quit thump knock from the door directed her gaze to the door.
The entrance of short haired girl who was dressed in the same colour code as the stewardess before in uniform.
"My name is Whitney ...….assigned as my lady's hand maid ...…." She curtsied in greeting her brown long curly strands in tied at the back in a plait, two strands escaping the tied form in front of her face.
"Alright to mine is Chloe...…" glancing at the girl who seemed younger than her, of medium height in a cream cotton linen uniforms and facial expression blue nervousness glances.
"Lady Chloe clothes have been prepared although l just assumed you fit...… shall l draw a bath for you, and dinner will be served soon"
"Thank you ...." Everyone was calling her lady, it seemed strange to her own ears but she had to bear with until she returns back home.
"It's my pleasure, should l comb your hair ?"
" No l can manage" dismissing the girl who seemed younger than her.
"As you wish"
The bath was prepared, luxurious is what was in front with the scented roses petals , soaking into the warm water she got refreshed.
...
Hair wet dripping in ringlets of water dress in a wrap how was she going to wear the dress placed by the dressing table... as she it it up bindings, why was the so many pieces of clothes she thought?
The knock of the door started her, announcing entry and responding as the girl entered" Lady Chloe have you managed.."
Sighing in relief " Glad your here, how l am supposed to wear this dress ?"
" Lady Chloe let me assist you" after arranging each piece of clothing,she was dressed finally in the short puffy sleeved cut, long flared dress reaching the floor.
" So tell me how old are you? Fasten me up. Not too tight, though — I'll need to breathe tonight" She winced laughing as she spun around twisting back to where the bodice dress was being cinched at the back by Whitney.
"Apologizes l will adjust the ties loosen lightly, "Eighteen years of age my lady"
"Can you give me a tour around, l am quite unfamiliar with this place ?"
" Lady Chloe that would be a delight, however after l finished performing my duties"
" Alright" a smile broke on her face as bright idea came to her mind.
............….
DINER
The chattering of voices swirl in conversation and laughter echoed in the manor as she walked along the stairs assured by Whitney.
The manor maids busy performing their duties serving the first course of the meals, others in awaiting gave notice to her nudging each other. The other women openly staring at her in the flattering satin ruby laced bodice the skirt flowing in movement as she moved smooth around her ankles lifting up the dress made a smoother movement.
The great dining hall lay before her an array of clothed sandal wooden tables with silverware,dinnerware plates, glasses on each seat of the five individuals in swirl of conversation.
As the conversations stilled, on her arrival central on the head of the table. Felix inserted
"Lady Chloe ... will be under stay for a while please accommodate ,as she is not familiar to life here ...."
Glancing at each of them all four men had similar eyes with distinct features from each other, oldest to young.
Lord Dux who adjacent to him a mature well built man dressed formally in vested shirts and tailored pants next the him a beautiful almond hazel shaped eyed woman with corn silk long hair in blue gown with square neckline.
The opposite matured you man placing his glass back to the table clothed surface impeccably dressed in cotton v-shaped shirt trousers and the one which recognized way swiftly than all others dressed in uniform shirt in tailored pants glancing at her in an unappealing expression.
Ryan inserted " Lady Chloe is it ? Please ..have a seat " gesturing with his hand open palm to the seat near his son.
"T-t hank you" she breathed deeply in quiet rasp.
"Lady Chloe ...? We haven't been introduced my name is Amelia the boy's mother "
"Nice to meet you...."
"Pardon me ... Lady Chloe let me introduce you to the Cole family, adjacent by me is Ryan address him as Lord Cole" Lord Cole slightly nodding in agreement.
"Beside him his wife Lady Amelia" who smiled in greeting.
"The young men across Alec and Neil my grandsons "
" Lovely to make your acquaintance Lady Chloe" The young man she didn't recognized greeted in delight.
"Nice to meet you" was her repeated response to all of them except for the one silver headed young men who feigned ignorance.
"Brother no greeting to the Lady ? Do recognize her ,did you get aquatinted before all of us"
" Yes l witnessed her pilfered fruits from the garden ..."
Chloe coughed the liquid down her throat as she twisted up to his face, as she gestured him her disbelief of him bringing to light to her little fault.
Clearing her throat"It's a long story"
She corrected glaring daggers at him before smiling nervously at the recipients at the dinning table.
Alec burst out laughing when he noticed the tension on the room.
"Magnificent pardon please elaborate on this story" smiling in amusement lighting the sparkling green eyes that gandered at them.
Lord Dux concluded" Neil that misunderstanding has been cleared up when l spoke to Lady Chloe now bring it to light no more "
" Yes sir" glancing at his grandfather he nodded.
The conversation was brought to an end as the dining meals resumed as the servers came in with the second course of meals.