1 Ville Marais

A light fog blanketed uneven cobblestone steps. Wisps of evaporating morning fog danced and swirled toward the morning sky as orange and pink rays of light warmed the chilly, narrow street. The subtle change of seasons had begun its ritualistic magic - returning warmth to the earth, breathing life back into the town of Ville Marais.

The sound of townspeople carrying out their morning routine filled the air. Brooms held by steady hands swept entrances of modest buildings. Horses snorted as they pulled carriages headed for the market. Friendly nods, cordial waves, and brief greetings were exchanged between passing neighbors.

A deep contented sigh escaped Cordelia's lips. Breathing in, she could smell salt and earth on the wind. The cool morning air mixed with the dissipating fog swirled around her heels as she walked with confident steps down the street. A large wicker basket hung delicately in the crook of her elbow. Seagulls called overhead, and she heard the faint sound of buoy bells coming from just a few streets away. She adjusted the large black hat atop her carefully braided black hair as a small burst of wind whipped through the narrow street. A few carefree locks escaped and flew gracefully around her face. She carefully tucked the rogue pieces behind her ears when the gust passed.

"Careful there Cordelia,' said a cheerful voice, "Winds 'bout to pick up this time of year. Don't wancha losing that pretty cap." A bountiful older woman paused her sweeping as Cordelia approached. Balancing the flimsy broom on the lip of her windowsill, she wiped dew and sweat away from her brow with the back of her strong arms. The morning fog clung to her round, wrinkled face. Tiny beads of moisture made her beautiful dark skin glisten in the early morning light. Her wiry black hair was peppered with grey and was expertly braided into a large bun on the top of her head. She wiped her hands on a well-worn but clean apron wrapped around her large waist.

"That would be a shame, Delphine." Cordelia smiled at her as she walked over quietly. "This is my favorite hat."

"Child, I don't know why you wear those big things." Delphine's voice was warm. Her accent is thick, with a voice inherited from her native tongue. "It's like you're trying to hide your beauty from us all."

Cordelia VonElise was indeed a beauty, but not one of meek graceful femininity. She was slightly taller than the average female and lean but athletic in stature. Her high-collared, long-sleeved dark green dress hugged solidly lean arms and shoulders. It was cinched delicately around her firm waist with a thin black ribbon before flaring out, fluttering around her firm, long legs. She had subtle curves and a delicate pale, feminine face highlighted by light grey-green eyes. She looked no older than 25 but carried an air and grace about her of a much older woman.

"You even wear those heavy, haunty dresses in the ungodly heat!" Delphine threw her hands up as if to chastise her like a child, "Let me make you something more comfortable, for god's sake!"

"You know the heat does not bother me in the slightest, Miss Delphine." Cordelia laughed. Her voice was confident and sweet, like bees humming happily around a ripe honeyed hive. "I appreciate the sentiment, though. You shall be the first I ask if I need lighter apparel."

The older woman glared at her like a mother scolding an unruly child. Cordelia couldn't help but smile at the thought. When she arrived in Ville Marais, Delphine was barely 50 years old. Now, the woman was nearing 80. Her body showed wear and age, but her attitude and quick wit had not. Cordelia saw the woman open her mouth to continue her protest. Cordelia spoke again before the old woman could scold her further.

"How is your back feeling? I brought more salve and tea for you." Cordelia reached into the large wicker basket pulling out a small cotton bag tied closed delicately at the top with a piece of twine.

Noticing Cordleia changing the subject, Delphine glared at her, crossing her broad arms across her ample chest. She contemplated reprimanding her for interrupting and grumbled something before snatching the bag from a smiling Cordelia. She paid the woman no mind - this was a frequent occurrence. In their decades of friendship, Cordelia knew Delphine was kind and charitable despite the older woman's harsh and overbearing exterior. Her needless worry and frequent scoldings were how she showed affection. Cordelia's smile grew as she chuckled to herself, the feeling filling her with warmth.

"The back is feeling better, and the tea is helping with my sleep." The elderly woman shoved the bag into a large pocket in her apron before returning her arms across her ample bosom.

"I'm so glad to hear that. And your husband? How is Abel feeling? Has his fever subsided? Is his wrist better? I do have more…." Cordelia reached back into her basket to pull out a thin brown glass vile of small irregular pills. But she was interrupted by a scoffing laugh.

"That man would rather die than admit he needs more help." The large woman rolled her big brown eyes in disgust. But she took the vile from Cordelia, "These the same as the last ones?" Cordelia nodded before closing the fraying lid of her oversized wicker basket.

"Yes, ma'am. Please let me know if you don't see any improvement in how he feels. That salve I gave you for your back will also help relieve any pain lingering in his wrist and arm."

As she was talking, Delphine disappeared inside briefly. "Right, right, child. I will try to get the man to cooperate." Her loud, slightly muffled voice could be heard as she moved around inside the large building. "One sec while I fetch your things."

Cordelia heard curses and dampened grumbling from inside as Delphine searched for her things.

Cordelia stood a few steps from the doorway of Delphine's storefront. She and her husband ran an established shoe store down the road from Cordelia's apothecary. Mr. Abel Decuir was an accomplished cobbler and made an array of fine goods out of leather - though his specialty was shoes and boots. Their son, Jonathan, had inherited the store from his parents due to their recent decline in health and physical ability. She heard him bickering with his mother from deep inside the building. The smell of leather and rust emanated from the door. It was a charming scent mixed with salt on the wind coming from the bay. It made Cordelia feel slightly sad and nostalgic. Delphine and Abel were declining in health, and while she did her best to help make their lives more comfortable, she could not save them from old age and death.

Cordelia turned to look down the cobbled street. Multi-storied buildings lined either side of the red and brown stone street. Each building was unique but showcased the iconic architecture of Ville Marais. Balconies hung sturdily over the structures- some two or three stories tall. Delicate iron banisters with intricate designs framed the terraces. The thin iron looked far too fragile to hold such heavy platforms. Luscious ferns, other hanging plants, and colorful flags hung from the railings. Arched glass windows were framed with wooden shutters and oil lamps. As the sun rose, the flames inside the glass lamps were snuffed out by tenants and business owners.

The town was an attractive, one-of-a-kind place. Each building was painted a different color - beiges, pinks, reds, oranges, teals. Exposed brick and stuccoed walls contrasted nicely with black iron, heavy wood doors, and green ferns embedded in cracks between bricks. Despite the buildings being crammed together, the atmosphere felt light and open. The street became busier as the sun rose in the early morning sky.

"Madame VonElise!" A cheerful, youthful voice yelled out at her from a balcony above her from across the street. "Good morning!"

Cordelia looked up to see a familiar face beaming down at her. The young girl of 18 years leaned over the railing waving at her, still dressed in a nightgown. She smiled back, "Good morning, Gabrielle. You're off to a late start this morning, aren't you."

Gabrielle blushed, her face as red as her hair. "I apologize, Madame! I shall be down quickly." And she turned to disappear back inside as quickly as she had appeared.

"Ah! Here they are!!" Delphine's voice rang like a bell as she returned to the front door. She easily balanced two loaves of golden bread, a glass jar filled with red jam, and a handful of vibrant limes, oranges, and grapefruits the size of a newborn's head. In the other, she carried a small linen bag tied shut with twine. Due to the humid and mostly hot climate of Ville Marais, it was not uncommon for residents to grow various fruit trees and plants in their back courtyards. Neighbors often shared and traded their goods with one another.

"Here are the empty bottles back, and take these with you," She said as she shoved the barrage of fruit and bread she had gathered at her before Cordelia could protest.

"I appreciate it, but you know I don't need all this, Delphine. This is simply too much." But her words fell on deaf ears as the grandmotherly woman carefully placed everything in the wicker basket on Cordelia's arm, quickly filling the space.

"I don't care what you do with it all, but I won't have you leaving here with nothing. Not another word from you unless it's to express thanks." As Delphine placed the cotton bag in the basket, she grabbed Cordelia's hand and shoved a handful of coins and crumpled paper currency into her open palm.

Cordelia shot an annoyed glance at the older woman, who stood a head shorter than her. Seeing the glint of mischievous happiness on her wrinkled face, Cordelia smiled and graciously took the payment.

"You are too good to me, Miss Delphine."

A small smile tugged the corner of her large lips before Delphine returned to sweeping the front steps. Handling the broom in her wrinkled hands with far too much aggression.

"Hush, child. I'll have none of that. I'm paying you for your service. Nothing special 'bout that." She said, waving her away.

"Yes, of course." Cordelia laughed sarcastically, "I shall see you in a few days to check-in. Please stop by if you need anything."

At that moment, Gabrielle burst through the front door on the opposite side of the street. Her red hair in wild, untamed curls, her modest tan dress disheveled, and an undone boot string threatened to cause an accidental trip. She was adorable. Thin, dainty. But what she lacked in physical substance and strength, she made up for in personality. She worked hard and was a diligent student. She was loud, curt, and unafraid to speak her mind.

Gabrielle had worked for Cordelia as her apprentice since she was 10, learning about healing and helping her run her small holistic apothecary. In exchange for her help, Cordelia taught her how to read and write, filling her head with knowledge of wound care, healing, herbal medicine, gardening, botany, and history.

"I'm here, Madame. I apologize for the delay!" Gabrielle slid to a stop next to Cordelia, running her fingers through her unruly hair in a feeble attempt to tame it.

"This won't do, Gabrielle." Cordelia looked down at the frazzled redhead, who gleamed up at her. Shock filled her wide emerald green eyes, afraid she had angered Cordelia. "We need to stop by the market before we return." She leaned down to whisper in Gabrielle's flushed ears. "What if we run into Damas?"

"MADAME!" Gabrielle gasped and blushed even redder. But Gabrielle took a moment to consider her rushed appearance and, feeling embarrassed, started straightening her dress before leaning down to tie her small ankle-high boot. Cordelia straightened her back and started walking down the street casually. Unfazed by Gabrielle's cries to wait.

It was only a moment before she caught up. Still running her fingers through her hair, not making any progress on taming her curly red mane. Gabrielle was flustered. She was silent and lost in thought. Her gaze focused on the ground. It was as if the young woman was trying to bore a hole through the stone street with her eyes. She started ripping the knots out in frustration as they walked along. Exasperated sighs and grunts escaped her freckled face. Cordelia sighed and stopped turning to look at the young girl. Gabrielle paused and looked at her with pleading eyes.

"You know, Gabrielle, this wouldn't happen if you woke up just a little earlier." Cordelia hovered an open palm over the cloud of red hair in front of her. Gabrielle was still yanking her fingers aggressively through her locks. "Stop ripping out your hair. It's far too pretty for you to treat it this way."

Gabrielle pouted and crossed her arms over her chest, "It's too much. I hate it…."

"Oh? But I thought Damas said he loved your hair."

Gabrielle looked away, blushing. Cordelia loved her innocent and carefree nature. The 18-year-old felt all her emotions fully and expressed herself openly and unapologetically. In a way, Cordelia was a bit jealous of her young apprentice. She carefully placed her open palm atop the red mane of hair. Silently, the air around her hand distorted ever so slightly, like heat rising from pavement in a mirage.

The thin black ribbon around Cordelia's waist unfurled in an elegant sweeping motion. Gabrielle's hair quietly and quickly untangled itself. Her curls arranged themselves in neat spirals along her back. The black ribbon twisted and pleated strategically around the locks until Gabrielle's crimson hair was in a neat and shiny braid. Her unruly mane now gracefully laid down the length of her back. The whole process took less than a full breath. Cordelia removed her hand and continued to walk down the street but was stopped as Gabrielle, beaming with pride, snatched the wicker basket away from her.

"Madame! Allow me, please."

Cordelia rolled her eyes before continuing to step down the cobblestone steps. This was not the first time she had used magic to fix Gabrielle's hair, and it wouldn't be the last. In the back of her mind, she wondered if she was spoiling her apprentice too much.

…

Ville Marais was a bustling port city in the country of St. Rese, where the murky Soleil River met the ocean. The whole city was essentially an island, surrounded by swamps, rivers, and bayous. Due to giant aggressive reptilian monsters living around the island, travelers could only reach the city from the ocean, the Soleil River, or by paying the local rivermen to ferry them across the maze of swampy canals from the mainland.

Two thousand years ago, the native population had lived on the water in houseboats and small huts directly on the river, using canals and waterways to get from place to place. As the ancient city grew, the native population built large artificial islands for growing crops and raising livestock. It became a large and profitable stretch of land.

But due to its ideal geographical placement, Ville Marais was a highly sought-after city. For many years, the town was plagued by war and conflict. It was a turbulent and disgusting time. Lords and conquerors came and stole the land from the peaceful native population. Then they went after each other, enslaving many local and native people.

About 500 years ago, the emperor of St. Rese, His Majesty Juliet de Toussaint, unified the continent. As a result, Ville Marais grew and became an important trading center. It was busy, especially around the port, where a large marketplace was established. Merchants from all around the world came there to sell their wares. Many flocked to the city.

The marketplace and Cordelia's apothecary were located in the Central Quarter of Ville Marais, along the busiest quarter in all of Ville Marais. Cordelia and Gabrielle quickly finished their errands at the market just as the sun peeked over the surrounding buildings. Their arms were full of fresh and dried herbs, flowers, rolls of clean linen, and other goods.

Gabrielle's stomach growled hungrily as the marketplace filled the morning with delicious smells. The young girl pretended to ignore the sounds grumbling from her stomach. It was her fault she was hungry. If only she had woken earlier. But seeing her apprentice practically drool as they walked by the open booths filled with mouth-watering delicacies, Cordelia sighed. She glanced at the sky, gauging the time. They had time for a quick stop.

"I could go for a beignet and cup of coffee." Gabrielle's eyes sparkled up at her, nodding in agreeance.

The pair, arms full with their morning haul, walked along the wide dock towards Cafe Lavigne. Rows and rows of ships of varying sizes and builds lined the edge of the water. Their colorful flags were waving proudly in the salty wind. Sailors, soldiers, fishers, and dockhands were loading and unloading wares and goods from their large stately ships.

"W-We aren't going to Cafe Lavigne, are we, Madame!?" shock and fear suddenly raced across Gabrielle's face as she gauged their direction.

"What's wrong with Cafe Lavigne?" Cordelia asked, lifting a delicate eyebrow at her.

Teasing Gabrielle was always too easy. Of course, Cordelia knew that Damas worked at Cafe Lavigne. He was the son of the owner and Gabrielle's boyfriend. The young man of 20 ran and worked at the cafe with his family since Damas was a young boy. He was an accomplished business manager and a talented baker. Gabrielle and every other young woman in Ville Marais swooned over the young man. It was apparent that Damas had his eyes set on the redhead since a young age. It had caused Gabrielle a lot of grief and bullying from the other woman as she grew up. Not that it phased the young girl. Cordelia laughed at Gabrielle gawking at her, her mouth opening and closing like a fish, unable to answer her question.

For whatever reason, Gabrielle had avoided the topic of Damas for weeks. This was a stark difference from her usually talkative self, taking every chance to gush over him. Cordelia had been curious about this recent behavior change. Still, when she mentioned Damas or probed deeper, Gabrielle quickly changed the subject.

The cafe came into view. Perched beside the water sat a modest establishment on the spacious cobblestone dock. A quaint two-story with a beautiful front courtyard overlooked the bay. The soft pink exterior was meticulously clean, and the windows shone brightly. Patrons could sit outside and enjoy the best pastries and coffee in the city. Cordelia had always loved this cafe. Damas's grandparents were close to Cordelia and had been one of the few families to welcome her wholeheartedly when she arrived in Ville Marais many years ago.

Gabrielle became increasingly distraught the closer they walked to the establishment. She ducked her face behind the wicker basket. The bouquet of fresh flowers hid her entire head from view. Cordelia, unphased by her apprentice's obvious discomfort, sat in her usual corner of the courtyard and placed the contents in her arms at her feet. Gabrielle continued to hide her face as she sat down. Rigid. Small. Her freckled ears were bright red as if they had burned in a fire. Aside from her hair, her ears were the only things visible.

"I'm not sure what this is all about," Cordelia finally acknowledged her discomfort, "But this is no way to handle it." Gabrielle ignored her but shuddered at her words. Cordelia continued, suddenly worried, "If he hurt you…."

"He would NEVER!" Gabrielle shot up from behind her flower fortress and whisper shouted at Cordelia. A petal stuck to her forehead.

Cordelia laughed. She noticed a bunch of movement from behind the cafe's window facing Gabrielle's back. Damas had seen their arrival. The tall, powerfully built boy had undoubtedly grown into an attractive young man. His white shirt hugged his tan skin. He had large brown eyes and soft ashy blonde hair tied in a small but loose bun, and his lean muscles were chiseled from years of lifting heavy bags of flour and coffee beans.

She could see panic and excitement on his face. He paced around briefly, dropping the tray he was holding in his exasperated state. Cordelia noticed his mother, Mauve, lean over the counter to peer out the window. Cordelia gave her a quiet nod and a faint smile. His mother rolled her eyes and laughed. It seemed like both she and Cordelia felt these children were being overly dramatic.

Noticing his frantic state, Damas's mother quickly walked over to him. She gently tapped his cheeks before patting him down and straightening his clothes and hair. Cordelia saw her mother laughing gently at Damas's downtrodden and fearful gaze that occasionally glanced at the pair sitting outside.

"You better deal with this, Gabrielle. You cannot ignore him forever. Unless that is what you want…."

Gabrielle shook her head vehemently. She lifted her gaze, looking forlorn and conflicted at Cordelia. Through whispered breaths, she said, "He wants to get married…."

"Ahh…" Cordelia had figured as much. Gabrielle and Damas had been inseparable since a very young age. She had watched them grow from tiny, fragile babies into fine adults. Now that Gabrielle was of marrying age, she wondered when the day would come. Everyone knew it was only a matter of time before the two would be wed. What surprised her was Gabrielle's reaction. Cordelia had never seen her look so torn or apprehensive, especially when it involved Damas. She had expected the young girl to be thrilled.

Before she could press further, a tall figure stepped beside them, blocking the light from the sun. Damas cleared his throat before placing a small tray of two square-shaped bread, fried to golden perfection, covered in powdery soft white sugar. A piping cup of hot coffee tinked as he placed it in front of Cordelia.

"G-good morning, Madame VonElise." He placed a tiny pink teacup in front of Gabrielle, filled with a steaming crimson-colored tea. A single pink rose petal floated on top. He looked down at the girl, her head completely buried in the bundle of flowers she held in her lap. As if she were trying to disappear forever into the heap of petals.

"G-gaby… I brought you your favorite." He choked on his words. "I'd like… I'd like to speak with you later…." He paused, waiting for her response.

Cordelia was already dunking a powdery beignet in the black coffee, breathing in the familiar sweet scent, unaffected by the palpable tension between the two lovesick birds. She blew on the steaming hot black liquid before bringing the cup to her lips.

He continued, "I mean… only if you aren't busy… You've been busy lately…." The last part of his sentence trailed off quietly as Gabrielle stifled a sob. He rubbed the back of his neck gingerly, his large puppy dog eyes filled with sorrow and worry.

This was too pathetic a scene for Cordelia to handle. Though it was none of her business, she couldn't help but feel she needed to intervene.

"Damas.." She started as she wiped powdered sugar from her lips with a napkin, "Would you please swing by the apothecary this evening? I have a whole crate of tea that is about to go bad. I think you'd make better use of them here than I."

Damas snapped out of his sad and silent trance. Gabrielle flinched.

"Oh, of course, Madame. I'll stop by this afternoon."

"Thank you, dear. Please give your mother my regards." She reached across the table to pull a small pouch out of the wicker basket that Gabrielle had been using as a barrier. Causing the girl to flinch, sending petals scattering everywhere. She pulled four large brass-colored coins from a black velvet bag before handing them to Damas. He looked down at Gabrielle briefly, the hope seeping from his eyes, before turning to walk back inside.

The bell of the cafe door opening and closing rang out. Gabrielle looked up from her flowery fortress and hissed at Cordelia. "You liar! There's no crate! Nothing goes bad in the apothecary!"

Cordelia shrugged, taking a sip of coffee and another bite of her beignet, savoring the excellent contrast of bitter and sweet. She waited a moment before speaking.

"Gabrielle… what's going on? I thought you'd be happy to marry Damas."

The girl sighed, poking the tiny pink teacup with a dainty finger, plucking the rose petal out of the cup, and bringing it to her lips as if to kiss it.

"Marriage… is stupid." The sound of her voice was soft and defeated. "I want to be me. Who will I become when I get married? Just another woman used to have babies? To satisfy her husband? Property?"

Cordelia understood the situation well. Marriage had been used as a bargaining chip throughout history. Women were essentially bought and sold by men to obtain or secure status and wealth. While people in positions of power still used the archaic practice, ordinary people were likelier to wed out of love. Especially in a city like Ville Marais, where ideals and cultural practices blurred and molded over the years. Generational traditions and societal expectations were tossed aside in the face of love.

But still, Gabrielle came from a traditional family. Her grandmother began discussing dowries and prospective husbands when she was 10.

Gabrielle constantly fought with her grandmother for a say in her own future. The experience had made her bitter towards any traditional courtesies. It took an enormous emotional toll on Gabrielle, who fought tooth and nail to become Cordelia's apprentice. Cordelia could understand why marriage would feel like a collar around her neck. Why would she willingly chain herself?

"Hmm… Well… Of course, you could turn down his offer. But what happens when he pursues another? It is fairly obvious marriage is important to him and his family."

Gabrielle's eyes opened wide. Tears filled the corners of her large green eyes. She was unable to say anything.

"Let me ask you something, Gabrielle." Cordelia pushed the plate holding the powdery treat closer to her. She waited until she gingerly picked it up and nibbled on a corner.

"Do you love him?"

She nodded slowly, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"Do you think he loves you?"

Again she nodded, the tears falling like large diamonds into the flowers tucked into the wicker basket on her lap.

"Do you trust him?" There was a slight pause before she eventually nodded again.

"Then you must talk to him. Ignoring this won't make it go away. It will only drive him from you. Express your concerns and reach a solution together. Marriage does not need to be a chain around your neck." Cordelia spoke softly and matter-of-factly as if this was hardly an issue to become so distraught over. "You can determine your destiny."

Gabrielle sipped the rose tea before carefully bringing the petal to her lips with delicate fingers. She seemed to settle a little at this comment, which relieved Cordelia. After finally finishing the pastry and the coffee Cordelia stood up. Gently sweeping her wares off the ground next to her, she placed a comforting hand on the girl's shoulder.

"It's time we get back. There is much to do." She glanced over at the cafe window. Damas glanced away, pretending to wipe the window clean. She laughed under her breath. The two of them were quite the pair.