((Some characters are NPC characters created by me for these stories. Any resemblance to actual in-game characters or player characters is strictly coincidental))
Aethelrien wakes and looks around, the bed chamber is filled with light. Her window is slightly ajar, the sunlight and sounds of Bree town filtering into her room. A gentle breeze blows in, bringing with it the sweet scent of honeysuckle and mint. She stretches and climbs from her bed. Aethelrien dresses quickly, and pulls on an old dress, one she hasn’t worn in an age. She pads barefoot out into the main room. On the dining table Aethelrien finds a pot of tea, still warm to the touch, a slice of toasted bread and cheese, and a bowl of berries, “the Zoela?” She calls out.
“Ah, mornin’ m’lady! I din’ hear ye rise.” Zoela smiles as she comes into the room from the kitchen carrying a tall vase of purple flowers. “Sit yer self down an’ eat.” She motions to the meal and pours Aethelrien a cup of tea with her free hand, balancing the vase on her hip.
Aethelrien does as instructed and takes a large bite of the bread. She is surprised by the delicious flavor coming from the warm cheese. Between bites she asks, “Where is Liam?” She sips the tea.
“Sent ‘im to get a new broom, ‘tis worn clean through.” She chuckles as she places the vase in a corner of the room.
Aethel sets the tea cup down, “Zoela, if you are need of any tools or supplies, please let me know. I will provide you with all you need.”
“‘Tis very kind, m’lady.” She bows slightly.
“Later, tell me all you require and I shall draw up a list.” Aethelrien stuffs the last bite into her mouth and nearly chokes when the front door bursts open and slams against the wall, startling her. She turns to see Liam coming in holding something squirming in a sack.
Before she can inquire of his parcel his mother shouts, “Mercy boy, what has ye got ‘ere? An’ where be me broom?” She places her plump hands on her round hips, her dark brown eyes flashing.
Aethelrien looks at the boy, one eyebrow raises in question, “Show me Liam, what creature did you bring?” Her elven hearing catches the sound of frustrated breathing and muffled cries from inside the sack.
Liam places it down onto the floor and gently pulls the sack open. Inside are two small kittens. He pulls the first one out, its paws wriggling against his grip. The fur is a soft grey, and it has bright green colored eyes. He lifts it up, his face bright and hopeful. Aethelrien takes the kitten and looks at it as the boy pulls out the second kitten. This kitten cries out in soft mews, its white and brown fur thick. “Are these for me, Liam?”
The boy fervently nods, his face bright.
“Will you take care of them for me?” She smiles down at the boy and places the grey kitten on a cushion near the fire.
Zoela scoffs, “m’lady, ye’d ‘ave them mangy beasts stay ‘ere?” She fans her face, attempting to calm her nerves.
Aethelrien rises to her full height, “Yes, Zoela, these creatures will have a home here with me.” Zoela nods curtly and reruns to the kitchen. Aethelrien smiles down at Liam, “What shall we call them?” Pointing to the grey kitten she says, “He is grey as a cloudy and rainy day, let’s call him Rain?” Intentionally choosing a common word. She quirks an eyebrow at the boy. He flashes her a toothy smile. Looking at the brown and whit kitten in his arms she says, “This little one is light shining through the clouds, shall we call him Sunny?” Liam nods and bounces in glee on his toes. She smiles, “Very well. See they are well taken care of.” She affectionately ruffles his black hair.
Aethel smiles as she watches the boy places the kittens together on the cushion and lovingly stokes their fur. Her heart fills with adoration for the young boy.
When she enters the kitchen she hears Zoela mumbling to herself, “Tha’ child, he best not be costin’ me work.” Her agitation clear in her tone and posture.
Aethelrien folds her arms and leans against the doorframe, “Everything alright in here, Zoela?” She speaks to the woman, whose back is turned to the doorway.
Startled, Zola jumps and turns around, a hand against her chest, “Aye, m’lady.” Her face contorts as she wrestles with what more to say, “I hopin’ tha’ me boy don’ cost us to lose this work.” Her eyes grow fearful and are shiny with unshed tears.
Aethelrien approaches the woman and smiles, “Liam is a treasure, there is never anything HE can do that will cost you to lose this work.” Placing emphasis on the “he”, she attempts to make her message clear, her face grows stern,. “I expect my personal business and choices that take place in this house are kept private AND not questioned.” She points with a long finger, indicating herself and her home.
Zoela nods frantically, “Aye m’lady. I understand ye. My apologies for speakin’ out o’ turn in there. I shan’t go ‘round tellin’ yer business neither.”
Aethelrien places a hand on Zoela’s arm, “Forgiven and forgotten.” She smiles, “Now, what is left to unpack?”
Zoela lets out a sigh of relief, “Just them crates o’ books and tha’ fancy metal box.” She walks into the main room and guestures to the corner of the room.
Aethelrien nods, pushes up her sleeves, “Well then, let’s get started.” Aethelrien approaches the crates of books. She bends down and pulls one out, gently running her hand over the cover before placing it on a shelf.
The women make quick work of putting the books and scrolls away. They pass the time chatting and sharing stories, while Liam scurries around the house fetching things and playing with the kittens. As Zoela places the last book on a shelf Aethelrien dusts off her hands, stands, and arches her back to stretch. She looks out the window, “Where did the day go?” She squints as she looks at the sun’s rays casting its fading light across the front of her house.
Zoela chuckles, “Aye, time did go by fast. Tends ta’ do in good comp’ny.” She gathers up her items and places them in her basket, preparing to depart. She takes Liam’s hand and pulls him to his feet. Reluctantly, he stands and casts a loving glance at the kittens playing on the floor. “Don’ worry, my boy, them creatures shall be ‘ere tomorrow.” She opens the door and gently pushes him outside.
Aethelrien waves to Liam as he runs down the path, his mother strolling behind him. She closes the door and joins her new kittens on the floor, relishing in the soft feel of their fur and the relaxing sound of their purrs.
