Prelude

A girl about 17 in age woke up like every other normal day. The sun pured in the small open window that was partially blocked by a tree. She felt a good deal both bored and sad. There wasn’t much to do alone in the 19th century. It had been a few harsh months for her and her sisters. They were quite a family these triplets. Gabriel was the oldest; she was the boss of everyone.

Next came Camrie, she couldn't tell Gabriel what to do but it was beyond easy to tell Aeriel, the youngest by a mere three minutes, what to do. When Aeriel was five, they put worms in her birthday cake and forced her to give them all of her presents. Including Aeriel’s music box that played her favorite lullaby. When Aeriel was eight, her sisters and their friends set a trap for her near a tree. When she walked by, a net caught her and lifted her up in the air. Aeriel had to stay all night and got a whooping for being so late by the time she managed to get home. The worst time, however, was when they took her most prized possession. It was a locket containing a picture of Aeriel's grandmother. Her grandmother, Irene, was her idol for as long as she could remember. Aeriel loved the flowery scent of her short gray hair, and the way her blue eyes sparkled with pleasure at her. She departed when Aeriel was four. Aeriel remembered how she was sick in bed for many long months. It was only five, but it felt like eight.

Camrie and Gabriel took the locket one day and stuck it in a pile of trash in the town. The pile was quite large and it was like finding a needle in a smelly haystack. A boy helped her. Aeriel couldn‘t remember anything about him except that at first she was afraid of him. He outstretched his pale hand and gave her the locket. Aeriel was crying and her throat was too cramped to say her gratitude, but it didn't seem needed. He started to run away despite Aeriel‘s protests. She finally caught up to him and he stared at her as if deciding she was worth something. They continued running. Finally, he brought her to the Birch and Aeriel ran, sobbing still, into her nurse's arms. When she turned to thank the boy, he had left. It was a good memory, but the grudge of her sister's cruelties didn't change. She looked, but never saw the boy again. She didn't have a voice nor name to go by.

Aeriel grew up in a large house. The house was white and everything was of solid oak. In addition, the area around it was surrounded by a white forest. The trees were solid white and quite fine. It was unknown what they were, but some guessed it was a form of oak or birch based on some simple facts. Aeriel was a bit fascinated at how the leaves never changed all year. It wasn’t unheard of, but still somewhat amazing. They took a wondrous effect to rain and the moon if you bother getting close enough to examine them. Thus, the name of her house became the Green Birch.

It was a very fine house and had dozens of large gardens surrounding it. The Birch was only a bit far from town, but for the most part everyone stayed away form the town. Aeriel's mother and father were respected members of the government. They were almost never home, always at parties and with their friends having a great time. They passed away a few months ago and things were almost the same. The atmosphere grew paler, but there wasn’t exactly a lot to miss.

Aeriel's sisters still acted horrible and she was still lonely. However, Aeriel found comfort with her nurse Johanna. Johanna didn't have much time for play and fun but she had always stood as a motherly figure for Aeriel. She was dark skinned and always smiling. She was more patient than a mother dove. She had kind brown eyes that crinkled when she smiled. She helped her when Aeriel's sisters began their usual rudeness. She couldn't do too much though; she supposed it was lack of authority. Around here the better position you have, the more you matter. It was always that way. “Keep your chin up and your head high.” Johanna told her on numerous occasions always smiling still.

Ever since Aeriel was small, it seemed no one could hear her. She and her mid-back blonde hair didn't belong. It was pretty enough, though it did take a horrid greenish-blue hue in moon light. She had crisp blue eyes that looked like pure ice when she was angry. She had a small temper when annoyed, but was very polite and kind on a regular basis. She was straightforward and didn't waste time stalling before she spoke. She loved to read and was quite smarter than most boys around. She also enjoyed sports and could swim with ease, which wasn't necessarily good. Girls were only good for few tasks like threading and having children. Some pig-headed men acted like women could reproduce upon command-as if they do it many times. It was quite insulting, but those men were usually of too high importance to do much about the dilemma. She had no intention of getting married and losing what little freedom she had.

Aeriel mostly wore a simple blue walking dress without a bonnet. She loved the way the wind smoothed her hair. Her sisters however were of a different opinion.

They were as frail as a rose and enjoyed sewing and stitching. They had stunning green eyes and light brown hair that bounced as if they attached springs to it. They wore their best afternoon dresses of the same yellow shade. The also had a large yellow bow that tied their hair back. Gabriel and Camrie weren't as interested in education as Aeriel was. They prefered to look beautiful then to be smarter than a rock. They didn't inherit Aeriel's beautiful, almost dreamy; sort of voice but instead an annoying high-pitched voice that sounded quite exasperating when they giggled. They tend to giggle far too much.

"Aeriel be a dear and go to the market. John will escort you." Said one of the many house maids. Aeriel nodded politely to the maid and allowed John to escort her. He was a stiff boy with black hair and brown eyes. He didn't suit Aeriel's personality at all. It was wonderful when she was in the store and got rid of him. As she stepped inside, she accidentally ran into someone. "Oh! Sorry!" She apologized to the hooded figure. He seemed just as surprised to see her as she did him. He nodded and walked out stealing glances at her.

Strange, but no time to think about it, Aeriel thought shrugging slightly as she continued her shopping. As she stepped outside, she saw him again looking in her direction. What in all of the heavens is his problem? Aeriel snapped at herself. She peered at him but he began to walk away. She quickly walked home and immediately shut the door. All day she was distracted and kept wondering who he was and why he was wearing a cloak and why he kept glancing at her so oddly. By midafternoon she still didn’t have an explanation. Perhaps it was just her own paranoia driving her to this insane madness. Aeriel had her doubts about that.

"Aeriel, lunch time." "Coming Johanna!" Aeriel called back and hurried to the dinning room. The dining room was quite large with a solid oak table and matching chairs with red cushions. There was a large chandelier directly in the center and the walls had red and cream wallpaper lined with oak cabinets and decorations. Unfortunately, the room tended to be far too hot in the summer and much too cold in the winter. As of now, it was plenty too hot. Aeriel pushed her hair back as she walked forward. An arm blocked her from continuing. "Let me escort you to your seat madam." John said politely. "Thank you." Aeriel said uncertainly. John helped her in her seat and then sat down in his.

"We invited John to stay for a few weeks; his room is the one next to yours." Lorelei explained. Lorelei was Aeriel's aunt. She had high cheekbones and a sharp figure that matched her personality. Lorelei had a harsh voice and preferred to be in charge. If someone was on her bad side, it was best to leave as soon as they possibly could. Surprisingly enough, she wasn't the triplet’s guardian. That responsibility belonged to Mr. Nohreds, the grounds-keeper. Gabriel sniggered at Aeriel’s surprised expression, but scowled when Camrie started to shovel food in her mouth as though she hadn't eaten for days. Aeriel hid back her own grimance as she quickly glanced in that direction.

"And what do I owe such a wonderful visit?" Aeriel asked recovering herself. Lorelei and John exchanged glances. "I am getting a new house. Erm…the other house was a bit…to dreary for my taste." John said with a tiny smile crossing his face. Aeriel shot him a distrusting glance but didn't dare to do anything. The more “dreary” it is the more it would suit you. She thought highly annoyed.

Conversation resumed and Aeriel remained silent. After dinner, she headed to the library. She loved the library, it always seemed like something new was waiting to be discovered if she read enough. Usually she would curl up in the cushion by the window and let the sun light her book as she read it in a dreamy, glassy-eyed, state. This time though, she wasn't alone.

"You must be...one of the twins." Said a man with autumn brown hair that was steadily fading to gray. He had dark eyes that seemed to be studying her like a hawk. "Triplets yes. I'm Aeriel." "Of course, of course, my mistake. It's nice to meet you. I'm Ronald Nohreds." Aeriel didn't think it was a mistake but she pushed the thought back. He had taken her and her sisters in when Lorelei didn't after all. He is getting old, and triplets are rather unusual. She silently decided to herself.

"Oh! Thank you so much for taking me and my sisters in." Aeriel said politely. "A pleasure." He said with a sour look crossing his face. Aeriel tried and failed to make a good conversation and went to her room. Before she could get there, she found herself cornered by her sisters. "Aeriel. We have a surprise for you." Gabriel sneered. "Yes, go in your room to see it." Camrie added with a sly grin.

Aeriel, suddenly afraid, ran to her room. As soon as she pushed back the door, she was sorry for going in. The room was in absolute disarray. The bed sheets were thrown off the bed, the curtains were ripped down, the vanity and its objects were spread out, clothes everywhere, papers were tossed over the floor in a ver unfashionable way. Moreover, when Aeriel walked in she was cut by a piece of glass from a broken vase. "Do you like it? We took the liberty of redecorating it." Camrie smirked. Aeriel turned looking monstrous. Before she could say anything Mr. Nohreds came in. "What on Earth happened here?" He ordered, his face already reddining. "I don't know. Ask Aeriel, she did it." Gabriel said routinely making her eyes large and he eyelashes flutter. Almost as though she planned it all this way. Most likely. Aeriel thought steaming.

"Aeriel?" He asked now taking on a shade of rushed purple.. "I did not they-" "Don't lie Aeriel." Gabriel said. "It's rude." Camrie added. Aeriel couldn't believe this. They had done terrible pranks in the past but they never sunk this low. Aeriel was outraged. "How could you say-" "Aeriel. You are to stay in here and clean up. You can't come out for anything until it is finished.“ With that he locked the large door and all Aeriel could hear was the click of the lock and her sisters' laughter. Aeriel sighed and sat on her un-sheeted bed. Not even the thought of silently teasing his bulging blue vain seemed to make matters better

It will take all night to clean this! She said and cursed to herself. How could I have let this happen!? Suddenly she heard a tap on the window. She began to feel eerie as she unfastened it. Nothing. It must just be her imagination; there was no possible way anyone was watching. Was there? She shivered and locked the window shut. Nothing she could do but continue her work and try to overlook the thought.

The clock struck midnight and the mess was nearly cleaned. She unexpectedly began to feel tired. She laid on the bed and fell into an uneasy sleep. In her dream, she was by a lake that was so perfect it was unearthly. There she saw a beautiful girl with red hair and aqua blue eyes. Her face was a flawless creamy white. She smiled serenely at Aeriel and began to dance. Her dance was graceful and ideal. She moved in rhythmic motions but her eyes...they were soulless. They held no emotion or feeling. "Who are you?" Aeriel asked. Instead of an answer, the lady said something else:
"Listen sailors
Hear their song,
Screams of death
Lives lifelong,
Whisper thy last breath
Soon shall die with the rest.”

What was going on? This whole thing was absurd. The song repeated itself until Aeriel could no longer stand it. Her eyes popped open. She looked and saw that someone put a blanket over her. She stood on the floor then winced remembering about the mess, but she felt nothing. She slowly opened one eye and gasped in surprise. Everything was clean! Completely spotless! Even the broken items were miraculously fixed. Looking at her foot she couldn’t see the cut.

Surely, Mr. Reynolds didn’t do it. He locked her in here in the first place. Lorelei announced last night at dinner that she would be gone for the night yet again. Johanna was much too busy. Also, she never did clean Aeriel’s messes. That was Aeriel's responsibility alone. Gabriel and Camrie were far out of the question. John went to sleep hours ago.

Aeriel went to her vanity like every other morning and saw a small bracelet. It was the finest bracelet she had ever seen. It was a thin gold band with every type of gem Aeriel knew dangling from it. It was even light as a feather. Only a king could afford it. No one from the Birch could even have seen such a fine jewelry. Aereil mused over the possabilities.

Finally, she went over and tried the door. Locked. A cold breeze made her shiver. Wait, a breeze? It couldn’t be possible! Steadily her head turned to the window. A wide opened window. Didn’t I lock it the night before? Yes I must have. Perhaps it’s just older then I thought. She shook her head and pondered her dream. Who was that girl and what was that poem. Aeriel softly repeated the words and licked her lips in deep thought. It was a nervous habit she couldn‘t seem to break.

A door from outside her room creaked open. "Hello? Please let me out. Everything's cleaned up!" "Aeriel, is that you? And what in all the Heavens are you talking about. Not even the gods understand you." John's confused voice wafted through the air. "Just get me out." Aeriel said annoyed and wanting no time for simple-minded talk. "Very well. Let me get Robert." As he left, Aeriel fingered the bracelet. It truly was beautiful. She jumped as the lock clicked open.

"It's clean" Mr. Reynolds gaped in amazement. "What's clean?" John asked exasperated and oblivious to what had happened the night before. “'Her room. She got in a fit over something and ruined it like the fool she is." "Don't you dare talk about me like so! I'm not a fool and I didn’t ruin my room!" Aeriel stated haughtily. He looked disapprovingly at her but said no more. "You're late for breakfast." He stated with an air of importance. Steaming, Aeriel left.

All day she tried to avoid John's pestering questions and his annoying habit. No matter who he talked to, he had a need to smooth his hair back every minute or so sometimes causing it to stick up in such a way that it made Aeriel want to iron it down. Avoidinghim proved more difficult than expected because he would catch up to her in the halls complimenting her or asking to escort her for no reason whatsoever. Not only that, but she had to face her sisters’ bantering whenever she walked by them.

When evening came, she couldn't take it anymore and wanted nothing more than to be alone. Is a little privacy too much to ask for? She thought glaring at the grass as she walked up the large hill next to the Birch and laid down staring at the stars. “Stars are truly wondrous thing. There were so many up there, seen and unseen. They made patterns, shapes, words, each calling out to you. If you listened you could hear them singing of the wondrous sky. You could lose yourself in their endless song.” Her mother once told her when she was little. That was the only time her mother had ever paid any attention to her or even acknowledged her existence at all. Of course, you couldn't watch them forever. Aeriel thought bitterly taking a sour attitude. It slowly started to get late and Aeriel picked her self up and started down the hill again feeling slightly better. Only, the Birch wasn't there. Curious, she went to the other side of the hill. It wasn't there either. Instead, a wooden fence blocked her path. Stumbling in the dark, she ran alongside of it.

As she went along, she noticed a hooded figure. The same one from the market! "Excuse me sir. I think I'm lost." She stated sheepishly and fingered her new bracelet by habit. The cloaked figure said nothing but stared at the bracelet. Noticing this Aeriel put the bracelet inside her long sleeves and stared at him rather iceyly. He seemed to recover from whatever he was feeling and said, "I'm Vaderrick." with a air of natural commanding and a tint of...amusement? Over her silliness of getting lost or perhaps Aeriel herslf. Vanderrick held out his hand to shake but Aeriel felt something odd. For some unknown reason, she didn't want to shake his hand. She put her own firmly behind her back. Vanderrick studied her coldy. "It isn't polite to act so warmly for a stranger." she said trying to conceal her negative thoughts about him. "Really Aeriel?" he asked cold-heartedly. "My hands...their dirty. H-how did y-you know my name?" She stammered. "Lucky guess." he said with his tint of amusement that annoyed Aeriel to brinks. Before she could protest he stopped her.

"Humans" he mumbled to himself sounding somewhat annoyed. "Excuse me?" Aeriel wondered if she heard right. Surely, he too was a human, why would he talk about them so awfully if he too wasn’t so? "Never mind your little cute head." He taunted. "Well sir, I would hate to be rude-" "Then why do you act so?" He pressed. Aeriel glared at him. Who did this silly boy think he was to talk to her like that? He continued walking the direction Aeriel came from.

"Wait! Come back!" She shouted and ran to catch up with him "Oh, you changed your mind?" He asked containing his laughter. "No." "You're lying." He stated simply, almost expecting her too. Aeriel scowled at this and retorted, "I'm am not a little lost girl who can‘t think for herself!” He smiled inwardly and said with the same sarcastic yet reserved attitude. "This isn't the first time you were lost…” Aeriel stopped in her tracks. “What-” “Hurry up now. Don’t want to be too late” He cut in before anything else could be said. Aeriel looked at him strangely and wondered if it was just an odd coincidence that he knew about when she was little. He’s probably just teasing. She reasurred herself

Slightly shrugging it off, she hurried ahead. It was pure dark and Aeriel found it hard to see where she was going. A small tree root was sticking up in the ground and Aeriel clumsily tripped over it. “Ah-” Her head collided with his shoulder blades.

It wasn’t until then that Aeriel realized how tall and dignified he was. He stood and walked majestically as though it was a second nature to act so well…perfect. “Oh. I forgot humans have a hard time seeing in the dark.” He mused and without further ado-, he picked her up with one arm under her legs and the other on her back. Aeriel always dreamed of being picked-up bridal-style, but this wasn’t quite what she had in mind. “Wait-” “Shh.” Aeriel remained silent as he peered into the darkness. “What is it?’ She inquired. “Nothing. I just wanted you to shut-up.” “Why you! How dare you! Put me down!” Aeriel demanded, fuming. “All right.” He responded cheerfully. Aeriel looked down and saw a mud pile. Just as he was about to drop her she hastily said, “No no! I’ll be quiet!” He laughed harder and continued walking tightening his grip. Aeriel idely noticed that though they were walking in mud, it seemed to have no effect on his clothing what-so-ever. Feeling a bit creeped-out she swallowed and didn’t make a comment.

“So, where are you from?” Aeriel asked to break the silence. “Amorina.” “Oh...I never heard of it.” “Of course you didn’t.” He said with an absentminded sound in his voice. He didn’t give any more details when Aeriel pressed him for curious information. Aeriel looked around, but couldn’t recognize anything in the dark. Suddenly-it hit her. How could he see in the dark? There was no light that could be seen. “How can you see?” She inquired. “I was wondering when you were going to ask that.” He replied chuckling slightly. Yet avoiding the question. She fingered her locket. Staring he told her, “I wouldn’t lose that if I were you.” “Yes. Of course.” Aeriel said, but her thoughts tracing back to the day she DID lose it.

Finally, they reached a small camp. “Vanderrick!” Said an old lady with light purple hair and milky skin. Her amber eyes looked at Aeriel as though she couldn’t be happier for her. “This is Aeriel. Aeriel, meet Neshele.” He gently put Aeriel down and made a gesture with his hands to Neshele. “Here darling. You look worn, take a drink.” And she handed out a glass cup full of a red mixture that was too thick to be wine. Uncontrollably Aeriel reached out to drink it. Her thoughts became scattered. All that mattered was the drink. If she didn’t drink it terrible things would happen. Terrible, terrible. Her hand was inches from the cup. She had to drink it. That’s all that mattered now.

“NO!” She stopped herself. Neshele’s kind amber eyes looked cold and fiery all at once. “I mean…I’m not thirsty but thank you.” She faltered. Neshele turned to Vanderrick. “You have a smart one there.” She said distantly. “Yes….” He replied half listening. “I’ll take you home Aeriel…” He lifted her up and set her on a fine white horse with gray specks. After he hoisted himself behind her, he waved goodbye cheerfully and things became just as happy as it was before. Aeriel flushed at her bad behavior but didn’t really feel sorry. Something went wrong back there. She could feel it chill her bones. “Here we are princess.” “Um...thanks.” Aeriel uncomfortably said and invited him inside. “No no…It’s nearly sunup… Well goodnight Aeriel. Pleasant dreams.” “Yes, you too.” She said as he rode off. She could only wonder if he heard. Noone seemed to notice she was gone. Drowsily she pulled on her pink nightgown and went to bed. However, she did not have pleasant dreams.

Credits