For Evie, the night was unusually long. A series of relentless thoughts embedded in her head coupled with the constant tossing and turning in bed, consequently led to her inability to sleep.
Morning wasn't long to arrive, and immediately the sun rose to its horizon, Evie quickly washed herself, picked up a decent looking dress, and stepped out of the house.
During mornings, the town of Brooklyn, one of the nine main towns consisting of the land of Velmont was a busy scenery, one reeking with liveliness. Buildings of varying heights and sizes arrayed the streets, creating winding alleys at every turn, but the most compelling structure was the town's clock tower, towering over every other building in the town.
Coupled with the footsteps and chatters of bustling passer-bys which audibly resonated, the laughter of playing children and the compelling voices of traders wanting to sell off their wares laced the entire atmosphere.
At a corner of the scene, Evie's grip tightened on her satchel containing her letter. Her eyes intently focused on trying to navigate her way through the crowded streets. With calm and careful strides, she quietly walked through the streets trying to avoid attention on her, but her scarlet hair, swayed by the soft wind, like a moth to a flame, didn't falter in attracting several types of gazes on her.
"PHOENIX TOWN!! RIDING FOR PHOENIX TOWN!!" one of the coachmen crossing Evie's path announced.
Evie flagged down the grey local carriage, running through the streets, having the coachman pull the reins to a halt.
"What part of Phoenix might you be going to, Lady?" Fitted in a long black hat, his livid eyes fixated on her.
"Silver Lake estate," Evie responded. The letter had stated so.
At her response, she noticed the intense stare, emanating from coachman's eyes for a couple of seconds, before he uttered, "Ten pennies"
Though for a girl of her status, it was expensive for a carriage ride, but it was unavoidable. The coachman didn't seem like one willing to negotiate for an affordable price with her and she had no intention of stopping so many carriages for a better price which would only result in tardiness.
Appearing late at her work place on the first day would give off a bad impression of her. She nodded undisputedly, handing him the coins from her satchel, before opening the carriage door and stepping in.
Stepping into the carriage, Evie's gaze met the carriage's open window and graceful leather seats. But another second didn't pass by before she instantly felt two pairs of piercing gazes on her.
Slowly, her eyes turned, sighting two seated females seemingly casting judgemental looks at her. Dressed in exquisite clothing and jewelries, their dresses were a contrasting comparison to the plain pink hand-sewn dress she wore, barely fitted.
Being familiarized with such scrutiny, she tipped an awkward smile, inclining her head towards the carriage door to ward off their stares.
As the carriage commenced riding, one of the girls whose eyes almost bore a glare at Evie, finding it hard to keep her lips sealed, asked, "Did you say, silver estate?"
Wondering why she inquired, Evie paused for a moment before nodding.
"Isn't that where the lord resides?" The brunette girl raised an eyebrow, her gaze lingering on Evie with a hint of amusement.
A scoff erupted from her companion, a blonde with practiced sneer curling her lips. Her icy blue eyes swept over Evie from head to toe, as if sizing up a particularly stubborn insect. "Must be such a desperate dream to think someone like you would ever get to see the Lord's Mansion. I bet you'd be swatted like a fly the moment you get to step your feet at the gate." She leaned back against the carriage seat, crossing her arms over her chest in a clear display of disapproval.
Evie, oblivious to the reason she held a sudden animosity, bit the inside of her right cheek, "Why? Do you have a problem with me getting to see the Lord's mansion? Isn't it everyone's desire to see the residence of the one who rules Velmont?" She asked patiently, trying to avoid trouble.
However, her response was accompanied by a sardonic smirk, "Such filthy feet do not belong in his paradise. Do you think you are worthy to even touch those gates, let alone step in?"
"I don't think the Lord would have a problem with me touching his gates," Evie's murmur went heard by her, triggering a glare from her and if looks could kill, Evie would be dead.
"Dirtiness is contagious," She said, her expression darkening, "Who knows what disease you might inflict on the poor gate just by touching it. I would advise you to stop whatever ridiculous fantasy you have in there and scurry back to your rat hole before you get on the Lord's bad side."
The brunette chuckled. "Don't waste your breath, El. She's probably going to beg for a coin or two. Everyone knows how desperate peasants tend to be. Especially when it comes to needing money from the rich," Her eyes threw a glance of ridicule at Evie, "Unless, she plans on becoming his slave."
The blonde girl huffed, "A slave would be in a more honorable position. She could serve as a carpet for the Lord to step on."
Gritting her teeth, her voice laced with irritation. "I wonder why she has to ride in the same carriage with us. The unbearable stench of dirt has been assaulting my nostrils and I feel like throwing up. If not the stupid butler who couldn't do one job right by fixing my carriage's tire. I wouldn't have to ride in the same carriage with a peasant."
Evie wondered what had triggered the sudden bitterness and hatred towards her. Though she would never attain their level of wealth, she still knew she wasn't worthless as they tried defining her to be.
"It isn't too late to get your fancy carriage fixed and stop bleeding our ears." Amidst the unsolicited dispute, a voice laced with subtle annoyance suddenly spoke.
Monotonously, all three girls turned to meet the opened eyes of the female, who had been passive in the carriage until now. Her daring voice was a contrast to Evie's gentle tone.
"And who do you think you are?" offensively triggered, the blonde girl shot back.
"Just someone who doesn't see the need to belittle others to feel important. You know, it wouldn't hurt a fly to be polite." Her blue eyes remained unfazed by the intimidating glare shot at her.
"How dare you?!! I won't forget today." The blonde's face burned with indignation.
A sarcastic smirk displayed on the female's lips,"Today is pretty obvious. It's a Tuesday morning. It can't be that difficult for an elite mind like yours to grasp."
"That's it, I'm sick of having to deal with commoners. I'm out!!" The blonde female ordered the carriage to a halt. Tensed, Evie watched both females haughtily exit the carriage, walking towards a certain grand estate's entrance.
It seemed like they had arrived at their destination and were only making a fuss for drama. Watching them leave, she turned back with a smile of gratitude, "Thank you." Evie whispered.
The female merely shrugged. "You don't have to be. It must be quite a hassle having to encounter such petty and problematic creatures."
"It's fine, I'm used to it." Evie politely nodded. Compared
"You know," The female mused, her head slightly inclined. " I think you're really pretty. Your hair is so beautiful. I bet she couldn't help but lash out her jealousy."
"Thank you, You too" the smile on Evie's lips intensified at the unfiltered compliment. Hardly did any female compliment her looks, except the sleazy males harbouring lewd intentions who approached her.
"I'm Kaitlyn, by the way,"
"Evie Winchester," she responded. The once tense air within the carriage dissipated, settling into a friendly atmosphere.
The carriage had ridden for nearly forty minutes and once it arrived at the route leading to the Silver Estate, it pulled to a stop.
"I hope we can see each other again someday, Evie." Kaitlyn wishfully said as Evie stepped out of the carriage.
"Me too," she responded warmly, glee etching over her features. Gently closing the carriage, she waved at Kaitlyn through the window, until the carriage drove out of sight.
Once the carriage was out of sight, Evie took a deep, calming breath for relaxation. The coachman had dropped her off on the route to the silver estate, as he intentionally avoided dropping her right at the gate.
"Here we are," She muttered, an overwhelming anxiousness rippled within her which she tried eliminating. Anxiousness of finally getting to encounter the lord's mansion, rumoured by so many.
From a distance, Evie's gaze took in the silvery high rooftops of the mansion, which was the only visible thing from the distance she stood, yet mysterious and inviting. Carefully, her feet began making its way down the floored streets, but as she walked, it felt like other than the mansion she was yet to see, she was in for more surprises.