The day was warm and sunny, without a cloud in the sky and the smells of roasted boar and fresh pie filled the small kitchen. With a glance up from her mending, Rossiath watched for a moment, a gentle smile on her face as her mother bustled about the room, humming to herself. “Mother, really,” Rossiath said, for about the hundredth time, “There's no need to make a big fuss. It's just another day.”
“Just another day? My daughter, my only child, turns 17 and it's just another day??” Rossiath laughs merrily as she dodges the dishcloth her mother playfully snapped in her direction. “Not to me, it isn't. And if I want to cook you a fine supper, invite a few neighbors to share it, then it's my decision and my work. And you,” she adds, pulling the shirt out of Rossiath's hands amidst her protestations, “should not be working today. You should be out, having fun with you friends. Or picking flowers. Something other than work. Now off with you!”
Exasperated, Rossiath stood up and hugged her mother, heading for the door to go outdoors and do – well, what was she going to do? She could go down to the town square and meet with Dellanae and Sandironna, her two best friends, but then she'd be stuck listening to them gossip about their neighbors and the travelers than came into town. As much as she loved her friends, she couldn't abide idle chatter and gossip was the worst sort.
But still, that left her at a loss for what to do. Birthday or not, she'd had her day carefully planned out, and going off on a lark while her mother fussed over her birthday dinner had certainly not part been of the plan. She shook her head and reached up to brush the hair back from her face, before stepping off of the small porch and down the path to the road. At the very least, she could maybe head down to the stream and see about gathering some of the spring flowers that had bloomed along the banks. 'Yes, mother will love them,' she thought to herself, moving quickly down the road.
As she approached the stream, the edges carpeted with a riot of colorful blooms, she glanced across the water at the old Morleson place. Old man Morleson had died a couple of years back and his children lived out in Bree-town now, rarely coming out to check on the property. Rossiath furrowed her brow, noting the disrepair of the house at this point – the old man hadn't been able to keep up, even with the help of his neighbors – and, now that he was gone, the result was a dismal sight. She'd be surprised if the house could be saved at all.
Rossiath was in the middle of crouching down to pick a few bluebottles when she caught a glimpse of movement from the old house. Freezing, she watched as a couple of men came from around the corner, one of them motioning towards the front gates.
Had the house been bought then? She'd heard that someone new had moved into the neighborhood but, not really paying too much mind, she didn't know the details. Curious, she moved along the banks to see if she could hear anything.
“Dun know why ye wanted this particular place lad,” she heard one of the men say, his voice filled with disdain. “Sure it's got a nice view, near th' stream an' all, but th' house is fair t' fallin' down, an' it'll take plenty o' gold t' get things squared away.”
“The stream is one of the reasons I chose it,” a deep voice rumbled back, amused. “And I intend to tear the house down and build new, something that will match the ...” The man's voice tapered off as he looked across the stream and saw Rossiath. “Well, good day to you Miss Rose,” he called out with a wave. “Out enjoying the day?” He nodded to the flowers in her hand.
Rossiath looked down at her hand, her face turned pink with embarrassment at having been seen, and she nodded. “Gathering them for my mother, who's cooking a large dinner for a few people this eve.” she said.
“So I've heard, something about a birthday?” he asked, moving closer to the edge of the stream so he wouldn't have to shout.
“I … I ...” Rossiath stared at the man, flabbergasted. Clenching her jaw, she mentally swore. Did mother have to tell everyone, including complete strangers, that today was her birthday? All she had wanted was a nice, quiet, normal day. But her mother simply had to make a fuss over her.
No. This wouldn't do at all. Rossiath suddenly felt closed in, scared. “Miss Rose?” she heard the man ask, concern and bafflement laced in his voice as he watched her expression change, but she paid him little mind as she backed up, looking towards the road. Away. She'd simply go away for the evening where no one would find her.
'Away to … of course,' she thought, her legs speeding up with each step, until she was running. 'No one will think to look for me there …'
Dropping the flowers, she lifted the edge of her skirts and ran.
