"Now wash up good and clean. We can't have you running around all muddy before our guests."
"......sorry."
Nodding, the helfty old woman buddled up the soiled clothing and rushed out the room. I was a little surprised, although I probably shouldn't have been, to find that Quatre had his own private bath in his chambers. Understandable since he was the owner of the place. Taking in a deep breath I let the warm water relax me. My eyes were closed and I was practically drifting off when all of a sudden a young girl with long wavy black hair ran into the bath.
"Young sir HURRY UP!!"
"Wah..???"
I slipped and desperately clawed the air reaching for the sides of the pool to save myself from drowing. The girl didn't seem to care one bit, opting to rush about bringing towels and laying out the clothing and felt shoes.
"By my word, I say make haste young sir!"
"Who the hell are you? And what the hell are you doing in the MEN'S bath????"
The girl rolled her eyes and grumbled, although it sounded much more like a growl. She motioned for me to get out of the water, to which to complied simply because she looked as if she would have a hernia if I didn't.
"Dinner will be served in 2 candles. We haven't time! And do not speak if you can not speak kindly."
".........."
She dried me rather roughly, the rush that she was in. I didn't know what kind of candles they had, but I do believe that they've been sniffing one too many incents. I said nothing, and the slight, but strong girl threw the clothes on my back like a whirl wind. She gave me quite the wedgy while helping with my pants, and I couldn't speak even if I wanted to.
"The young master has called everyone to the study where you will be presented. You simply can not be late! It's unfitting. You being new and all. You should be right glad that sir Allan is not in attendence, and won't be for a few good weeks. Mind you he is a saucy boy that Allan."
I could hardly keep up with the woman for the moment she had me dressed, she pushed me out the door. Hair still dripping somewhat, she pulled me through the corridors until we came to a large wooden door. There she finally stopped, adjusted her skirts, and knocked on the door.
"It is Bragitta, I have brought the young gentlemen."
"Enter."
My brows furrowed slightly. This all seemed so very.....formal. Nevertheless, the doors were opened and we entered into a grande room filled with stacks and stacks of books. I twisted and turned trying to take it all in. It was a beautiful library two stories tall with a winding staircase that led to the second story. No chandeliers here but there were many lamps that hung from the walls or candles held up on tall iron stands. A clearing of the throat brought my attention back to the people in this 'study'. Standing around a large maple table were 8 people plus Quatre. They all looked at me, some curious while others judging. Raising his hand the master of the house beckened us over, and with a nod and a curtsy, Bragitta, the girl who led me here, took her place amongst the others around the table.
They appeared a strange bunch. All were dressed in strange clothes. Much like what I was wearing, the males wore simple breeches and long shirts that laced together in the front. The women wore long, somewhat fluffy dresses and an apron around their waists. The decore varied some fancy with lace trimming and others plain. Looking at them, I felt almost as if....I had stepped into another world.
"He stands amazed. Strange fellow this boy."
"Frederick hush!"
"Well tis true."
"Not another word Indiana."
With another clearing of his throat, Quatre silenced them all and directed me to stand beside him. He gave me a reassuring smile and a light pat on the arm, then turned back to the others.
"Brothers and sisters. Tonight I present to you a new member to the family. This gentlemen is Trowa Barton. He will be living in, and lend a hand to whatever duties he is capable of accomplishing. I expect you all to treat him as you would any other. Show him the love and respect as you show me."
He nodded, and the others applauded in welcome. Then as one, they moved to form a line, from oldest to youngest, grandma Patty leading the pack.
"May I introduce to you, Merilynne's family. Grandma Patty you know, next is Paul he tends the stables. Afterwards its Marta, she manages the barn and you do not cross her if you know what's good for you."
The middle aged man and woman smiled and nodded at me. I nodded in return, figuring that his was the way of greeting around here. Next was another woman, about her mid twenties and a young man a few years her senior.
"She is Indiana, and that is Frederick. They mostly handle the guests and direct the floors. If you have questions go to them. Beside is Bragitta whom you've met, and beside her is Curt whom I've told you about. Last but not least is the lovely Scarlet. She has a beautiful voice and entertains the guests, but she is very capable with a strong head on her shoulders. Never underestimate her. Any questions?"
I looked the staff over one more time and mentally repeatec their names. Patty, Paul, Marta, Indiana Frederick, Bragitta, Curt, and Scarlet. I faintly remembered Patty saying something about them being a dish to look at. Now he can literally see why. They were all very attractive people. The ladies strong yet dainty, with immaculately styled or pinned hair and bright lively eyes. The men were all strapping lads or aged with wisdom that you could see through their eyes.
"What about this other guy? This Allan person Bragitta mentioned earlier."
The crowd very visibly showed their distaste scrunching their noses at the name, while others made gagging noises. Beside me, Quatre shook his head and huffed slightly.
"Allan is away on business ...."
"Off to no good."
"Making a fool of himself is more likely."
The others kept slipping in comment after comment, none of which were too flattering. The young master appeared slightly annoyed but was keeping his own opinions in check.
"He is off to purchase the spices that I have tasked him with. Thank you. (sigh) You will meet him when he returns. There are others in attendence but they do not live here, which is why they have not been called. I felt you should meet your housemates first and foremost. There is Ross, he minds the kitchens, the true master of the culinary arts. And several others who help out odds and ends. They come and go so it's not necessary to mind them as much."
Again he turned back at me to answer anything else I had in mind. I nodded in return gesturing that I understood everything he said. That done, he turned and clapped his hands twice before hollering in a clear commanding voice.
"Attention people. We only have about 2 candles before dinner is served. Time passes us. Move quickly. GO."
It was like the start of a race. The men and women practically dashed out the door, running to their respective tasks. I myself was put immediately to work. Not knowing what I could or could not do, I was assigned fairly medial tasks. First I was rushed to the kitchen where I met Ross the master chef. A tall, dark youth with curly black hair sticking out from under his chefs hat, he shook my hand heartily, then shoved a knife into it.
"Start peeling potatoes. Anyone can do that."
So I peeled. And peeled. And peeled. I don't believe I've seen that many potatoes in my entire life. Where did they get all of those? Luckily my fingers were dexterous and I made quick work of the starchy roots. Ross was quite impressed if I do say so myself. Although, that only earned me an level advancement to peeling carrots. Amusingly, after that was done, it was peeling pearl onions, and next apples and pears, and any other edible object that had a removable skin.
"Why don't these people just get a damn electrical peeler."
"Parden what was that you said Trowa?"
"Nothing."
At least while I was painstakingly removing the first layer of fruits and vegetables I found out that a candle, was the means by which these people tell time. A candle is, simply the time it takes for a candle to burn. When he explained to me by saying a person could burn no more than 24 candles a day, I sudden blurted out that it would equal an hour.
"What's an hour?"
That question had so sticken me that I couldn't answer. I had begun by saying that it was a division of the day, basically moving one spot on a clock. He had then asked me what a clock was and.......I could not answer him. The best I could manage was that it was a.....thing that keeps time. He wanted me to describe it and I tried to imagine one which, as suspected, I only drew a blank. I stayed quiet afterwords, lost in my own thoughts and Ross had let me be, continuing with whatever magic he was working on the other edible items. But when I had stayed silent for too long, he spoke encouragingly, trying to lift my spirits.
"Do not rush or *scare* yourself, young lad. The young master tells me you've lost your past. Let things be. It will all come back to you when it is time."
".......why...do I speak of things that I do not remember?"
At that he turned to me and smiled, "It is still within you sir. You just don't know where to look yet. Give it time."
I bowed my head thinking, then muttered my thanks. His reply was simple.
"Now peel."
********************************************
Dinner rolled around in no time at all and I found myself running from the kitchen to the dining room quite often carrying food and drink. When I wasn't rushing about I was changing stones, adding wood to the fire, clearing plates, washing and drying plates, or running to the bath to add hot stones to the water. And it wasn't as if they were working me especially hard. Everyone else was just as, if not more busy. By the time dinner was over, I was exhausted and wanted nothing more than to lie down and die. But that was not to be.
After dinner there was entertainment to be made. More chairs had to be added to the sitting room so all the guest could find a seat, impossible as it appeared. Most of the guests immediately headed for the sitting room once they finished their meal, which was good considering we had to clean up. By 'my' time, it would have been around 10 when Scarlet entered the room, dressed in a beautiful sparkeling gown and stood before the crowd slightly aside the grande piano. The others urged me to also sit in as she was suppose to be extremely talented and it was a custom for all the workers to enjoy the same luxeries as their guests at least once. So, brushing off my clothes and straightening it, I found a spot by the wall in the sitting room.
Quatre appeared, dressed in a facier tunic and presented Scarlet and himself to the audience. Then, to my surprize, he sat behind the piano, and began to play. A soft melody filled the air, setting the mood of the room to melencoly. The crowd completely quiet, waited anxiouslly as Scarlet closed her eyes.
[1]
//Who can say for certain, maybe you're still here
I feel you all around me, your memories so clear
deep within the stillness, I can hear you speak,
you're still my inspiration, can it be?
that you are my...forever love...and you are watching over me from up above...//
I found myself, as I am sure the others also, pulled completely into the music. Her voice was powerful, projecting to even where I stood, but still gentle as a cloud. But what took me, was the lyrics. A lonely, yet gentle ballad of loss.
//fly .......me up to where you are beyond the distant star,
I wish upon tonight to see your smile,
if only for awhile to know you're there,
a breath away's not far from to you are...//
She sang several more songs, some happy, others sad. Mostly about love, or home, but more importantly how she was missing both. The crowd was enchanted and gave a well deserved round of applause when it ended. I found myself pulled to her by the music, and just had to speak with her once the guest had emptied from the room.
"Yes young master Trowa. How may I help you?"
She smiled at me earnestly and I was dumbstruck no knowing how to express myself clearly. I suppose we spent quite a bit of time standing there, me gazing at her stupidly before I could finally find my words.
"That was just....amazing."
She laughed, the sound itself, a delicate melody.
"As I see. You do stand amazed before me."
"It was just....the music...your singing....is..the most beautiful thing I've ever encountered."
She bowed her head humbly, then lifted her skirts and curtsied. Her soft hazel eyes almost sparkled in the candlelight.
"Goodnight. Young sir."
With a nod, she glided out of the room, accepting compliments from the many guests she encountered on the way to her own chambers.
I did not realize that I was staring after her until I heard the light cough from behind me. I turned, embarrassed to find Quatre looking up at me, a knowing expression on his face.
"You are not the first, nor the last be enchanted by the lady Scarlet."
"....hn. No kidding."
He patted me lightly on the back and directed me over to the extra chairs that need to be moved back to their respective places. At first we worked in silence, I once again, consumed by my own thoughts while Quatre kept his opinions silent. But as the night wore on, we did start chatting as we continued moving some of the heavier chairs together.
"Before you set your heart on the fair lady, know that there are many who would woo her, and she is not easily won."
"Really."
"Quite so yes. One a many lads have had their hearts shattered beyond repair."
"hm....."
We lapsed back to silence, needing to concentrate on a particularly large piece of furniture, solid wood and accented by hefty cushions. I was surprised at the strength the young boy had. It was heavy even for me and we both huffed and puffed, although he seemed to carry more stamina within him than I.
"How is it that you're so strong?"
"Many years of work my pampered fool."
"Pampered? Me?"
"Your physic gives the wrong impression, but I can tell by your hands that you have not worked them."
"How can you tell just by looking at my hands?"
"ha. You have a lady's hand my dear. "
"A lady? Hn."
*******************************
"You sleep on the left, I'll sleep on the right."
It seems the people of Naire don't have much as far as sleeping attire. A mere robe and undergarments was all there was. Granted the comforter was very thick, stuffed with dawn from god knows how many birds. The candle was snuffed once we were both settled and comfortable on the king sized bed. The crackling of logs on the fireplace was soothing and cozy. I was drifting off to a deep sleep when Quatre's voice cut through the air as well as the darkness.
"Are you seriously considering....pursuing Scarlet?"
".......It bothers you."
"It doesn't bother me as much as it ......concerns me."
"How is that different?"
"One is that I mind, the other is I'm worried."
"....for who."
"Well.....the both of you. Scarlet is....well how should I say this.....you don't stand a chance."
I turned to him slightly perplexed. To his credit he was regarding me with a face full of worry and concern. Although I couldn't help but feel that he was hiding something.
"What are you trying to say."
"......"
"Come on. Out with it."
"Scarlet has already found love. In another man. His has not yet set his eye upon hers, but she is intent on getting him to."
"So...who's the lucky fella."
"His royal highness Prince Victor of Sphire. The next kingdom over. She saw his party ride to the royal palace. Loves arrow stuck before she could move a step."
"......I see."
"I'm sorry."
I thought for a moment, placing my hands behind my head and resting against the pillows.
"I'm enchanted yes, but by her music, not by her. I'll be fine."
"Are you sure?"
"................Yes."
**************************************
It seems that Frederick was a simple farmer's boy from outside the country with big dreams moving to the inner kingdom. He didn't make out to be a good merchant, lost all his money and found himself wishing for a simple life. That was when he came upon Merilynne's. He had stumbled upon the inn pennyless and hungry. The master of the house, Quatre, took him in without question. Gave him food and shelter, and let him stay for as long as he wanted as long has he worked his keep. That was 8 years ago.
According to him, the rest of the staff, or at least the live-ins have similar stories. Each had found themselves lost and alone and he would welcome them into this home. Scarlet herself had wanted to be a singer but nobody would hire her. If they did offer, it wasn't for her voice he said with a wiggle of his eyebrows. Merilynne's was the only place that believed she had talent which is why she swears never to leave until she marries.
Frederick was quite entertaining with his stories, and I ventured to ask him about that problem person nobody seemed to like.
"Ol Allan eh. He's quite a character. Thinks he's all high and mighty merely because of his birth. Given it's of a higher place than I but that's no reason to be saucy."
"Then why is he working here?"
Stopping to heave a some logs into already huge pile, Fred stretched and took a deep breath before putting his hands on his hips.
"Well that man is a little like you I must say."
"How's that?"
"Well, the young master found him washed up but the river one summer. Naturally, kind hearted soul that he is, took him in, gave him food and shelter."
"And why does everybody hate him?"
"Well.....he ..thinks a little too highly of himself. Thinks he's the apple of everyone's eye.. When he asked the master for a job here, we didn't know that much about him yet, and it's not like the master to ask. He thinks your business is your business and you can share if you want to or keep it to yourself. He doesn't mind. It wasn't until several moons later that we realized what a cur her really was."
"Hm...."
"Yes young sir, and if the master wasn't so kind, he would have thrown him out years ago. Although lately I do believe he is getting on the young master's nerves."
"Oh really. But I wouldn't worry about it. Quatre can handle himself. Quite well I should think."
"Aye, perhaps so. But Allan knows where not to cross when it's the master he's concerned with. You'll see when he returns. Draws back right when the master is about to give him a good thrashing. And I'd give many golds to see that. The way that boy chases him around, makes me want to smack him."
The wood cracked at his last sentence and I wasn't sure if I had heard him right.
"Excuse me did you say chasing him?"
"Yes sir I did. Here you go lad. Nice big block of wood."
Out of habit I swung and it, splitting the wood into smaller chunks before continuing.
"Chasing as in..."
"Chasing, pursuing, wooing.....all the same yes?"
That really caught me off guard. Somehow, I never imagined Quatre to be pursued by anyone. I couldn't really imagine it. Or imagine him with anyone.
"You seem surprised lad. The master is an attractive boy. And a kind one. Women and men from all around flock to him. It's one of the reasons why Merilynne's was so popular when it first started.
"Hm....I just can't really imagine it."
"You're not one bit interested?"
"Well no not in that way."
"Aye that's a shame."
"Why?"
I looked at him confused holding the axe while he steadied the next piece of wood on the block for me. He didn't answer so we just kept chopping. Eventually, the master himself came to call me to yet another task. This time, to accompany him to purchase more food at the market. As I hustled back inside however, Frederick called out to me and said something I couldn't understand.
"Don't look so hard boy. What you're looking for my be right beside you."
**********************************
"Trowa are you paying attention?"
"What?"
Sighing, Quatre shook his head then proceeded to repeat everything he was saying before. He pointed to several shops and inns in the city, identifying them as we ambled on. I tried to listen and mostly paid attention, but the cold wind and heavy load on my back kept stealing my attention.
"Trowa! Wake up!"
"um.......sorry. What?"
"Urgh. These are the places you can go to, to hear people sing. You said that you remember the person you were looking for was at the lake, and that they sung. They could very well be from Naire. The lake is not that popular but it is well known. Perhaps it was one of the singers that you seek."
"....I had almost forgotten about that."
"Quite. Well, take your time. I was simply pointing them out for you. Feel free to explore during your time off. Every 3 days of work you have 1 day off to do as you like."
"That's not bad."
"Good. We have much more to buy. Come on. And no whining."
***********************************
A part of me hoped that the beautiful Scarlet was the person who sang to me in my extended sleep. Or that ghostly voice I couldn't remember. But she doesn't act as if she knows me, or has any ties with me what so ever. And I'm sure if we were linked in anyway, Quatre would have told me already.
Quatre who is being pursued by Allan. A poor excuse for a man from what I've heard. But that is not my business.
+ + +
The day ended much too quickly and much of the same repeated itself in the days afterwards. I worked til I was ready to drop, then scouted the biggest city in Naire for a singer who's voice I could not remember. At most, all I can say is that I have adapted quite well to life at Merilynne's and the ways of this kingdom. The rest of the staff have proved to be kind and genuinely good people. Even Bragitta, whom I thought was eccentric before, turned out to be just a perfectionist who must accomplish everything as everyone expects. No less than that. Curt and Frederick were fast becoming my brothers, and Paul a sort of father figure for us boys. Marta is sort of like that scary aunt but she makes very delicious cookies and at those times, can have us practically eating out of her hands.
As far as Quatre, we continue to share his room since it's impossible to renovate Merilynne in the winter. Speaking of Merilynne, the cute little girl is the true darling of everyone's eye. With her bouncing chocolate curls, cute smile, she was an absolute doll. But the girl was smart too, and new not to get into trouble and could help around the inn. Prince Faylor continued to drop by as I very quickly found out, the two are the best of friends. The fact that he's the First Prince of Naire doesn't seem to impress or faze anyone else but me. It appears Quatre's inn is held in high regards even by the King and Queen and they trust their son's safety is in good hands.
This in itself never stops to amaze me. How is it possible that a boy at my age, could be so successful and held in such high regard without any help from his kinsmen? It's been a little over 2 weeks since I woke up here, and I've never seen any trace of family or parents, or blood of any sort. That is the one subject at the inn to which nobody is willing talk about.
At first it was just curiosity, but night after night of sleeping next to the boy turned my curiosity into a strange form of obsession. The fact that there was something about him, something deep and important about Quatre that I did not know about was driving me insane. For some reason, I felt like I wanted to know everything about him. And this want grew more and more intense each day. Perhaps it was the close proximity we lived in that caused this strange obsession. But it was there, and somehow seeking out his past became even more important than seeking mine.
Thus I decided. I will simply ask him.
And I will do it tomorrow when we go fishing.
Comments: Probably not the what you wanted out of the part eh? En.....have patience please. ^^;; It's going slow. Names. Yeah took it from my favourite classics, Sound of Music and Gone with the Wind. I'm short on names sorry. Hope you all liked the part anyways.
