Elizabeth.. Elizabeth..!
..
Elizabeth..! C'mon get up.. you've to leave soon.
.
.
What? Now!? Isn't it midnight Mrs Killian?
Precisely, dear.
[A feeling of unease crept upon Elizabeth.
As the only daughter of a ruined house, she had no way to survive other than being sent to her aunt's house in Greenville, where the trees were said to be rotting, the forests dangerous and grizzly, the water stagnant and the weather cold and gloomy, just like the people.]
Of all places, why Greenville? Why not down South by the beautiful shore in Lustros bay?
She sighs
I've heard horrible things about that place, and we've not spoken to aunt Elena since eons. This is so sudden! I've no clue where Father is, how can I just leave?
Elizabeth, do as you're told.
These borders of steel aren't going to protect you anymore, as per master's orders, all I know is that I have to make sure you arrive safely to your aunt's place. Do not ask me any further questions, as I won't be able to answer them.
[Mrs Killian had always been blunt and curt with Elizabeth. It wasn't due to lack of respect, rather, it was because she thought Elizabeth was too sheltered and did not know much of the real world, which was true. By always being blunt and honest with her, she thought Elizabeth would eventually get used to the real world once she was out in it, and now was the time she was finally going to get to experience it.]
Fine. Please give me a few minutes before we leave.
Alright,but remember to hurry, ms Bloodrose, the night won't last forever.
[Walking towards the large window, Elizabeth put her hand against the glass. She wished she could stay here, or atleast get to ask some questions about what was happening. She didn't know the exact details, but she did know that something was terribly wrong, that her father would just disappear without telling her, or leaving as much as a letter for her.
Glancing back one last time before she left, she turned around and shut the door.]
Mr. Dominic won't be joining us today?..
She asked shyly.
No.
It's just going to be you and me, till we reach the East.
Oh.. Where's he gone?
M'lady, what did I tell you about questions?
Oh, I'm sorry.. it's jus-
No need to apologise.
Mrs Killian said as she patted Elizabeth's head.
Let's leave.
Elizabeth had fallen into her deep slumber, but was awoken by Mrs Killians warm hands on her shoulder. The moving carriage had finally stopped.
We've arrived, Ms Bloodrose.
Getting down from the carriage, Elizabeth took in what was the beautiful, but somehow gloomy and dark mansion before her.
Before she could say anything, Mrs Killian said out loud
"Stay alert,
Stay awake,
Be curt and remember to stand up for yourself. The residents over here don't take too kindly to outsiders"
Elizabeth already knew that, so there wasn't much for her to say.
Where's aunt Elena? Where are the servants? No one's here to greet me?
No. There's no one here,your aunt Elena is sick, which is why she's living elsewhere. The only "people" that live in this mansion are her step sons. They will take care of you and have been informed of your arrival.
Pardon me? How am I going to survive here alone? Step sons? How come I've never heard of them?
I can't answer these questions ms Bloodrose.
It's time for me to leave.
Take care, farewell.
I shall meet you someday.
She said as she got back into the carriage.
Someday..?
[It started to rain as Elizabeth thought the situation couldn't get any worse.
Mrs Killian being so vague,
Her having to live with strangers
Although she wondered why Mrs Killian used such a weird tone while calling the residents of the mansion "people", but then again, she wasn't allowed to ask questions.
Maybe the "people" living in the mansion could answer these questions, she thought]
She knocked on the hard wooden door twice and stood there waiting for what felt like 5 minutes
Why isn't anyone opening the door
If not the rain, I feel this darkness will get me soon..it's so col-
*Greetings, Liz.
I was expecting you sooner.
Standing there, was a tall, handsome gentleman with an eerie smile and eyes that were devoid of any sort of life.
He took his time taking in all her features, her innocent doll eyes, earth coloured hair, wheatish skin and apple coloured lips.
You're much prettier than the last time I saw you, Liz.
Excuse me? What?
She said as her face flushed bright pink
We've met before, Mr..?
Auril. Ishid Auril.
I'm so very sorry, but I do not remember you, Mr Auril
Ofcourse you wouldn't, but I do, my dear Liz.
Call me Ish,you shouldn't need to call me Mr Auril.
A-alright.. Ishid.
He shot a smile that seemed completely fake, but also intriguing and let her in.
Would you like to have a cup of tea, Liz?
Um, I'm sorry I've to refuse, I can't trouble you that much, Mr Auri-
Ishid.
It's Ishid.
Her nerves ran cold as he stood directly behind her
She could feel his breath on the nape of her neck,
Turning back she looked at him with her wide brown doll eyes
Only to be met with those dead eyes, but this time he wasn't smiling.
My apologies, dear liz,
Anger seems to get ahold of me too soon these days, how un-gentlemanly of me, isn't it? I just don't like it when pre-, uhm, when people don't listen to me.
He took a step back .
Uhm..well..it-it's alright, Ishid.
Can you please show me to my room, I'd really like to rest.
Ofcourse, Liz.
Behind me.