2 Scene II

"..."

The small and dirty room, dusty and cramped where she slept welcomed her with the dim light that entered through a broken nook in the cold walls that contained the rags that failed to warm her at night.

Standing, supported by the worn-out door behind her, Ewelina's body ached from the recent farewell given by her late mother's husband.

Gazing blankly at the spot she sat to sleep in, the painful throbs on the places the chimney's tool he enjoyed using to press on her wounds after striking her sides, was numbing her extremities; making the pain feel similar to the heaviness after a busy day.

... Although much more intense, as the palpitations of the emerging bruises were relentless.

"....." — Her gaze went through the small space too quickly. — "I have nothing to take with me..... Neither something to leave."

The humid smell filled her lungs, along with a twinge from the blows dealt.

'... If I leave... Maybe for a night... Will I rest on a proper mattress?'

Bending to take the sheet on the ground, Ewelina glanced at the candle she had at the corner along the empty plate she used to eat the food she sometimes received from Kelly, the one maid that sometimes treated her well.

Ants and new spider webs had appeared, even though she had cleaned that spot early in the morning.

"..."

Her Candle Clock, put out from the little flame was standing in its wasted wax and dirtied black by the nonexistent light that woke her today.

Its build saddened her.

Somehow, its melting and dirty head reminded the girl of herself at the time. For she had been stained black by the ink of her stepfather.

"... I should get ready."

Dropping the sheet, she turned to exit the room she had come to out of habit and went through the dull corridors of what should be her home to ask for a dress to wear on this journey she had to board in as the Baron had told her.

"Huhuhu~ I am certain Mother."

"Fufufufu. My~ my~ fufu. Dina! Mischievous child~ fufu."

The laughter of two unconcerned women reached her as she approached her stepsister's chambers.

Hearing the delight in the echoing giggles as she passed by the corridor, was simply a derision to the woman.

Given Ewelina's current situation, those giggles enhanced the awareness of her sadness.

'... How nice... Is it tea time already?' — She thought, envious of their carefree life.

"What are you doing here?" — The thick woman stopped her as they met in the hallway.

"Miss Cora... His Lordship... He told me to retrieve one of Lady Dina's dresses for my travels..." — Ewelina answered, showing respect to the old Housemother.

"... Then come over here. Don't interrupt the Ladies."

"..."

Following the strict woman, Ewelina was led to the Housemother's office and was made to wait on her to get the requested goods.

Unfamiliar, she fiddled anxiously in waiting. However, it wasn't for long.

"Here. These are some clothes you can use... We also prepared some of the tea you like. Take it from time to time... You can ask your Spouse for more later... Such is what Kelly wanted me to tell you."

"... Thank you, Miss Cora..."

Taking the wrapped package, she smiled... saddened.

The words the old woman had told her were the signal that Kelly would not show herself to say a proper farewell. But also the last goodwill she was demonstrating to Ewelina by gifting her the tea she secretly sipped on from time to time with Kelly's assistance.

"... Be sure to cleanse yourself, child." — Severe, the old woman stated.

"Yes... Thank you for your kindness."

Bowing to the servant, Ewelina left another room of her ancestor's castle and hid herself to prepare for the journey she was soon to take towards her new Spouse's Lands.

Splash! Trickle... Trickle... The sound of the water Ewelina took in her hands resounded.

"Huff... This feels surreal... Am I truly leaving this place?... How come I am already married without saying my votes?....."

Watching her reflection in the freshwater she pulled from the Castle's well, her tired countenance dripped off the black shade of the ink at the abandoned storage behind the humble castle.

Having nothing else but to convince herself of her reality, she began to cleanse her hair with a piece of old fabric. Combing it with her thin fingers that were now used to a servant's labour.

Gradually, her hair became clean and her body was wiped off the sweat she worked by enduring her stepfather's mishandling.

Carefully, she dressed up in someone else's dress, flinching at times from the prick in pain of her new bruises.

"Nngh... Fuuh..... I hope they truly disappear before I get there..." — The pitiful woman mumbled, twisting her body to place the fabric where it should, concerned to be seen with unnatural shades on her skin.

A simple dress of a fading peach shade with long sleeves going slightly over her wrists like waves of soft fabric came to cover her body.

Laced over her chest and abdomen, a luxurious string held the colourful cover together, over the cream-white gown underneath.

Humble in appearance even when wearing an old yet neat piece, the woman stroked the cloth wrapping her delicately with a soft gaze.

'... It's pretty...' — She thought, finally content.

"hmm... Maybe..."

Touching her voluptuous hair she pondered on how to arrange it to wear the newly acquired garments more beautifully.

Taking a seat on a near bench she began knitting her fur, carefully. Although her limbs ached from lifting them for so long.

Simply rolling a pair of strands, Ewelina joined them with a thread over her nape as the lower half remained loose.

It was an uncomplicated hairdo, nonetheless, her countenance that now was clean could be clearly seen by others.

Her light brown eyes and thin eyebrows along the thin nose she inherited from her mother made her appear proper even when nervous by the unfamiliar sensation of wearing something she did not accustom to.

Devoid of a looking glass, she observed herself on the remaining water again. Softly lifting her corners to the sight, revealing a forgotten dimple on one of her cheeks.

"Hum... I suppose this is better..."

Touching her heated ears, she continued to comb unruly strands, ultimately using the dark cloak she was given to cover her head.

Lacing the string over her neck she squeezed her own fingers and breathed deeply to find the determination she lacked.

"It's time I board the Carriage... Otherwise..."

Without enough courage to state what could happen, Ewelina looked at her feet and closed her eyes trying to find tranquillity in a deep sigh... before starting her way to the Castle's main entrance.