🌬🌬🌬🌬

Lyria....lyria....

Miss Cecil rested her hand at the door post, leaning for support.

With her aching aging back sore from the morning chores and kitchen duties she was glad knowing she was left with grocery and that would be all for the day.

Lyria..., she called for the umpteenth time already fuming at the little girl's lateness.

Lyr...,

Am here ...am coming,

Miss Cecil stood in the grand foyer, her eyes fixed on the staircase as Lyria descended, her silver hair cascading down her back like a river of moonlight. Her green eyes sparkled in the morning light, and her slender figure seemed to glow with an ethereal grace. The soft curves of her face and the gentle swell of her lips gave her an otherworldly beauty, belied only by the faint blush that rose to her cheeks as she caught Miss Cecil's gaze.

"Lyria, dear, you look lovely this morning," Miss Cecil said, her voice warm but tinged with a hint of reprimand. "But you took far too long to get ready. I told you we needed to leave early."

Lyria's eyes dropped, and she apologized in a soft voice, "I'm sorry, Miss Cecil. I didn't mean to dawdle."

Miss Cecil's expression softened, and she teased, "Ah, but I suppose it's hard to rush when you're as beautiful as you are. You'd stop the clocks themselves if you tried."

Lyria's blush deepened, and she giggled, her eyes sparkling with mirth. Miss Cecil chuckled and swiftly draped a shawl over Lyria's shoulders, saying, "Now, now, let's cover up that beauty, especially in this chill morning air."

Lyria looked down at the shawl, confusion etched on her face. "Why do I need to cover up, Miss Cecil?"

Miss Cecil's smile turned enigmatic. "Just remember, dear, it's always wise to keep your treasures hidden, especially in the cold season."

With that, she took Lyria's hand, and they made their way towards the back gates, Lyria asking, "But why must we leave so early, Miss Cecil?"

Miss Cecil's reply was curt, "We have a long journey ahead, Lyria. The roads won't travel themselves."

As they walked, the misty dawn air swirled around them, heavy with the scent of damp earth and mystery. Lyria's questions hung in the air, unanswered, but her eyes remained fixed on Miss Cecil, her trust in her guardian evident in the way she followed without hesitation,

What will we be getting from the market today miss Cecil..,

Lyria asked holding a bigger basket with both hands, her worn out leather shoes tapped on the floor .

Nothing out of the ordinary lyria...the usual, but I think it's about time we got you some decent shoes to wear.

Lyria smiled at miss Cecil concerned words and entwined her arm with hers.

Thanks miss Cecil, but I've been dieing to get those beautiful bows Mr. Klein sells in his store, every girl in town is talking about those.

She pouted her lips, the possibility that this grumpy old lady might turn her down were sure but there was no harm in asking for one.

No...., miss Cecil's answer were short and firm.

Please....I've been good all year and never skipped on my chores...pretty please.

A no is a no young lady, am not santa clause that gives presents for good behaviour and what could a fourteen years gain in those silly bows rather than some neat clean shoes.

She placed a hat on lyria's head and tied it up, by the corner Bruno their errands coachman brought the carriage infront of them.

Lyria's eyes sparkled, the same sparkle that warmed miss Cecil's heart whenever she told the little girl that they were off to town.

Miss Cecil the horses are so beautiful.

Yes they are the master of the house had them brought for the errands.

Oh.., lyria mouthed as she studied the rear breed.

You don't like them?

No, she shaked her head.

They just look too good to run errands for servants, their rare.

Indeed. Miss Cecil smiled as they got on board the carriage.

Good morning miss Caldewin, where are we off to today?.

Morning Bruno, we are headed for the market in town, take us there.

Sure ma'am.

*******

Lyria shields her eyes from the sunlight and wakes up ,feeling refreshed after sleeping abit. It had been three hours on the road and she felt sore all over, since Ormin had bad roads to travel on.

She smiles as she draws the curtains, the carriage was in ormin biggest market, the children running around and some little girls braiding their hair to pigtails, a couple stood outside the bakers shop receiving the huge bread they ordered for.

The buyers And sellers were at it.

The women laughing, giggling and whispering as the men entertained them.

A pretty lady covered her bare neck with a golden shawl and the merchant kept praising how she looked wonderful in it.

Miss Cecil was fast asleep, snoring with her head tilted to the side and constantly grumbling from sleep.

For a little girl like lyria , who spent all of her days toiling out in the Grand Manor of councilman Griffin, this was the life she would always dream of, a free life, to walk dressed like those ladies, play like the kids and enjoy the view.

But ....true there were just the dreams of a maid, fourteen and she hadn't had a chance to do half of her fantasies.

We are here...!, Bruno called as they arrived at miss Cecil's favourite fish shop, the one were the best were sold at high quality and price.

Oh..hoh....my goodness, so soon.

Miss Cecil composed herself as she woke up putting on her glasses.

Lyria sighed and dropped back on the carriage seat, her fingers kept gliding on the basket handle.

Get your basket lyria we are here.

She adjusted her hat and followed behind.

The shop was as busy as ever as noble ladies had their maid go get the best fish that morning.

The biggest fish shop was run by madam Serena Whitehall, its no secret that she was top game for owning one of the finest establishment and becoming the first commoner to play a big role in Ormin's business society.

But as strong and elegant as the fish shop was so was it prickly owner, madam Serena had a nasty temper and cut-on for little children.

Lyria dear, have these.

Miss Cecil put some silver coins into her small hands and smiled at her.

Now run along and get yourself a nice pair of shoes and one of those silly bows....we don't want madam Serena to see you next to her shop.

The last part she whispered lowly and pat her head.

Of course...is she really a witch that curses children like they say.

Rumours, get what you need and come back quickly. Don't go far...

Okay...

She watched as lyria ran off into the busy market and turned for the shop.

****

Hot breads...

Pricy hats.....

Buy two necklace get a free purse.....

The market was jammed and swelling.

Lyria took careful steps towards the shoe shop, a stick of melting popsicle in her right hand as she scanned the busy place.

Martins shoes, was hung on the top.of the shoe shop.

Here's the fantasy scene:

Lyria pushed open the door, a bell above it ringing out as she entered the cozy shoe shop. The owner, a kind-eyed man with a warm smile, looked up from behind the counter. "Ah, welcome to my humble shop, young one! What brings you here today?"

Lyria's bright blue eyes sparkled as she approached the counter. "Hi! I'm looking for a new pair of shoes, please. Something that fits me just right." She smiled, her long, curly silver hair bouncing with the movement.

The shop owner's gaze lingered on her face, his expression softening. "Ah, you have a lovely smile, young lady. Let me see...you're a size 5, if I'm not mistaken?" He nodded to himself, already moving towards the shelves.

Just as he disappeared into the stacks, a group of boys sauntered into the shop, their leader - a tall, lanky boy with a mean glint in his eye - sneering at Lyria. "Well, well, well. What do we have here? Little Lyria, all alone and shopping for shoes. How quaint."

Keal caldera was a pompous bully, and a old nemesis of lyria.

He had somehow always showed up everywhere she went like a disease.

The other boys snickered, their eyes roving over Lyria's slender frame. "Yeah, what's a pretty thing like you doing in a place like this?"

Lyria's cheeks flushed, but she stood tall, her voice steady. "I'm here for a pair of shoes, obviously."

The leader, a sneer twisting his face, took a step closer. "Oh, obvious, huh? And what makes you think you deserve a pair of shoes from this shop?"

But before the boy could continue, the shop owner reappeared, his eyes narrowing at the sight of the group. "Ah, Kael, I see you're up to your old tricks again. Leave her alone, and take your friends with you."

Kael's face reddened, but he didn't back down. "Or what, old man? You'll kick us out?"

The shop owner's expression turned stern. "I'll do more than that. I'll make sure you apologize to Lyria for your behavior."

With a flick of his wrist, the shop owner summoned the boys' parents, who appeared in the shop moments later, their faces stern. The boys were forced to apologize to Lyria, their faces red with shame.

As they slunk away, the shop owner turned to Lyria, a warm smile on his face. "I apologize for the trouble. Now, let's find those shoes for you.

Lyria's face lit up as the shop owner showed her a selection of shoes in her size. "Oh, these are lovely! But I'm looking for something a bit more...unique."

The shop owner chuckled. "Ah, I think I have just the thing." He disappeared into the stacks again and returned with a pair of shoes adorned with intricate silver buckles and delicate lace. "How about these?"

Lyria's eyes widened. "They're beautiful! But I was thinking of something a bit more...bold."

The shop owner smiled knowingly. "I think I have just the thing." He reached under the counter and produced a small, exquisitely crafted bow tie in a vibrant shade of purple. "I think this might suit your style better."

Lyria's face lit up. "It's perfect! I was actually looking for a bow tie just like this."

The shop owner smiled, his eyes twinkling. "Consider it a gift, Lyria. You brightened up my day."

Lyria's cheeks flushed as she took the bow tie, her fingers tracing the delicate patterns. "Thank you so much! I'll treasure it."

With a wave, Lyria left the shop, the bow tie securely tied around her neck. She strolled through the streets, the warm sun on her face, and eventually found herself at a sweet shop. She pushed open the door, the bell above it ringing out, and purchased a sweet pastry.

As she savored the treat, Lyria decided to head back to Miss Cecil at the carriage.

Lyria hastened her pace through the bustling market, her eyes fixed on the carriage in the distance. Suddenly, her heart sank as she spotted Keal and his gang of bullies lounging by a nearby stall. She quickened her steps, hoping to go unnoticed, but one of his friends caught her eye and sneered.

"Hey, isn't that the girl from the shoe shop?" he called out, his voice dripping with malice.

Lyria's heart raced as the group gave chase, their footsteps pounding the dusty ground. She weaved through the crowded stalls, dodging merchants and customers as she desperately sought an escape route. The bullies were hot on her heels, overturning tables and sending goods crashing to the ground.

Her breath came in short gasps as she darted between the narrow alleys, her eyes scanning frantically for a way out. But Keal and his friends were relentless, their taunts and jeers echoing off the walls.

Just when she thought she'd found a safe haven, they cornered her in a dead-end alley. Lyria's heart raced like a wild animal as they closed in, their faces twisted with cruel grins. One of them raised a hand, ready to strike.

But just as all hope seemed lost, a dark figure emerged from the shadows. His presence was imposing, his eyes gleaming with an otherworldly intensity. The bullies, taken aback by his sudden appearance, faltered for a moment.

"You shouldn't be here," the stranger growled, his voice low and menacing. "Leave. Now."

At first, the bullies sneered, but as the stranger took a step closer, his eyes flashing with an eerie glow, they turned tail and fled in terror. Lyria watched in amazement as the stranger's presence seemed to grow larger, his shadow engulfing the alleyway.

When the bullies had vanished, Lyria turned to her rescuer, her heart still racing. "T-thank you," she stuttered, her eyes wide with gratitude.

The stranger's gaze softened, and he nodded, his eyes returning to their normal intensity. "You're safe now," he said, his voice gentle. "But be careful, Lyria. The streets can be treacherous."

Lyria's eyes scanned the alley, expecting to see the stranger's tall figure lingering in the shadows. But he was gone, vanished without a trace. The only sound was the faint whisper of her name, echoing off the walls.

"Lyria..."

She spun around, trying to locate the source of the whisper, but there was no one in sight. The voice seemed to come from all around her, echoing off the buildings.

"Lyria..."

Her heart raced as the whisper grew louder, more urgent. She felt a chill run down her spine as she realized she was alone in the dark alley, with only the eerie voice for company.

Suddenly, the whispering stopped. The silence was deafening. Lyria's breath came in short gasps as she waited, frozen, for what felt like an eternity. But there was no further sound, no sign of the stranger or his unsettling voice.

With a shiver, Lyria turned and ran out of the alley, back into the bright lights and bustling crowds of the market. She didn't stop until she reached the safety of her carriage, where she collapsed onto the seat, her heart still racing with fear. What had just happened? And who was the mysterious stranger who seemed to appear and disappear like a ghost