((forgive me, pardon the rough edges - this is a work in progress))
A girl lays upon a field of bearded wheat – the long golden stalks swaying gently in a breeze laden with scents of smoked meats and cedar wood. Addiel cracked open an eye as her name was carried upon the wind along with the aromas of the bustling village below. Sitting upright, she stretches her arms up towards the sky releasing a groan of protest. Still in a daze, she looks up at her outstretched arms, peering through her splayed fingertips at the wisps of clouds above.
Her name is called again, this time with a shrill tone of annoyance prompting her into action. Standing up, she brushes the grass from her skirt and begins to descend from the hilltop towards the buildings below. The pungent smells of horse manure, rotting food, and stinging sulfers from the bellows of the blacksmiths becomes stronger with each step. With the sun positioned upon the apex of the sky to herald he mid-day market, the town square is crowded with carts and stalls, tended to by a variety of trade merchants: from carvers to jewelers, cutlers to poulterers, and the occasional huckster with oddities from distant lands. Addiel weaves through the merchants and townsfolk, looking ahead as the steeple of her house slowly emerges into view.
The house is large – facing the market place on the edge of the town square. It stands three floors tall; the ground floor dedicated to the family business, and the rest serves as home to the moderately wealthy family of five. The front door is large, carved from a dark heavy wood and sits elegantly atop a 3 step stone landing. It is flanked upon the left and right by large multi-paned bay windows showcasing the merchandise sold within.
The left window displays rich elegant fabrics draped over opulent furniture; chairs and ottomans lushly stuffed and upholstered by the same intricate fabrics. On the right are several wooden manniquins clothed in lavish dresses; the deep rich dyes and patterns catching the eyes of rich and prosperous customers. The dresses are ostentatious, it's features having no practical purpose with billows of fabrics gathered upon the shoulders, or sashes dripping with gold thread and gems. To the common folk, it would be foolish to spend hard earned coin on such a thing. To the nobles - it was a necessity to herald one's status.
She arrives to a scolding elder sister, Telsa who stands upon the cobblestone landing, arms crossed, and a scowl upon her face. The woman stands taller than most men; an impressive tower of femininity with a wraith like frame and wiry limbs. She stamps her foot in at the sight of Addiel, "I've been calling you forever Addie, Father has been looking for you". She begins to turn, but abruptly pauses to add, "And Tidy up; it looks like you've been romping in the fields with the stableboy"! She completes her turn, tight curls of sandy colored hair set upon the crown of her head swinging wildly as she disappears into the open doorway.
Addiel looks down, turning the folds of her skirt in her hand to inspect and pluck off blades of grass. Although she wears the lavish dress of her family's making, she chose the most modest of the designs that was created with some sense of practicality. She nods to herself in approval before stepping into the door.
((to be finished))
