Chapter 2 'Strange Mission'

The Chateau de Aurum. In modern language, the House of Gold, or Castle of Gold. It was built originally in the 11th century for both of the Grand Duchy's residences, then renovated in the 13th century, and again in the 17th century with Renaissance Architecture. On the Ground Floor there is a reception area. 2nd floor the Living Room with nice furniture. 3rd floor is the grand dining room where they all eat and, or sometimes stay there for leisure. The kitchen is at the left side. There is a small door from the dining area connecting a huge room of the library connected to the 4th floor and has rooms called the 'study' also a secret staircase leading to the 4th floor where the rooms for the monarchy and entire retinue are located. On the right side corner of the chateau is the armory section where they practice their swordsmanship and archery as a sport. There is also outdoor archery outside the backyard and horse stables. Emerald has now entered the chateau through the main humongous orange acacia door and opened her eyes that were brightly shimmering glitter. Her eyes brightened even more with mesmerisation when she saw the fountain in front of her with two large staircases leading to each floor, and a yellow carpet on the floor. Her eyes fell to the ladies falling in one line on each of her sides, the maidens on the left bowed, "Welcome to the Chateau Lady Emerald!" And the right-side maidens bowed in reply. "Wow, a fab grand entrance!! I'm flabbergasted." She said, looking at the right-side maidens, "Umm where is my sister now?" Emerald asked. The First female attendant at her right side near her answered, "Your sister is at the library. I will be your lead attendant to escort you, my lady, for today. The butler of this manor has something to do with your 2nd brother in the county with your close brother." and Emerald answered, "I see." Emerald looked around and saw gorgeous interiors for she loves to look at designing stuff. So, she walked slowly at the reception area towards the right portion of the spiral staircase. "Wait a moment girl, I have brothers here?" Emerald said in her mind. Then Emerald tripped, she went to the side of the part of the stairs and held the handle. Inside of her chest went so fast like a war horse that's running with its owner "Owww '' she cried whimpering with the pain. "I almost fell," she said, sighing with relief. "Thank God." A young woman about Emerald's age held her lilac dress, with dark brown hair and dark brown eyes with her hair on an updo, with a pleasant look and pale rosy cheeks, light yellow skin tone. She rushed to go down to the stairs as she witnessed the happenings. "You okay there sister??" looking quite concerned. "Yes I'm fine. I'm distracted with the interiors, and not focusing on what I am climbing into." The young maiden that told her the whereabouts of her sister went upstairs and held the dizzy lady meanwhile the young girl picked Emerald's arms, hugged her and grabbed her right arm and guided her upstairs to the 2nd floor with the attendant. Now, they have reached the end of the staircase and are in front of the living room. The living room consists of a fireplace, large brown sofas and a marble table in the middle, with a mirror at the side, plus the paintings of nature including a forest painting that caught her attention with a river on it. They sat on the sofa while accommodating the guest. "Lady Emerald is going to the library to meet you, but it's good that you have already met her, my lady." Said the 1st attendant. The young lady smiled and said to the 1st attendant "I am grateful for what you have done to support my sister. Now, you are dismissed." the 1st lady attendant smiled and walked away from the living room and headed for the Servants Quarters upstairs. The Lady looked at Emerald from her face to her feet, "Are you sure you are okay? Pardon me on what I am about to say, you look like a scorched almost withered plant!" the lady told the girl. "A what?!" Emerald exclaimed. "See for yourself. Calm down first. Go to your room at this instant and take a warm bath. Ohh Oh, we have a study to do at the library, do you not remember? I have been waiting for you so I went down to see if you are playing archery in the backyard." The unknown Countess said to Emerald. "Archery? I didn't play archery. I was just in the field. I apologize if you have searched for me, I am really not familiar with this place." Emerald told the other Countess. "May I know what's your name?" Emerald asked. "Are you playing with me right now? Or are you serious" The unknown Countess asked sternly "Umm, please forgive me, because I don't know anything" then the young maiden looked down at the wooden flooring and was sad-faced. The young encouraging lady said "Hey, lift your chin, it is okay if you don't remember anything. I don't remember anything. Example: some important things, facts I need to know, remember or the exact date. Which is so irritating." "Wait, look at me" then the girl put her left hand to Emerald's head and twisted it left and right and went back to normal position. "That's good you're not injured." the countess sighed, "If there's suddenly some memories that popped up that you cannot recognize I will help you for you to understand. Understood dear?" "Yes, understood." Countess Emerald said with dignity, "If you don't mind me asking what is your name? you're pretty by the way." Emerald asked. "What language is 'by the way?' My name is Amethyst." said Amethyst. "Okay then," Emerald replied, "I have been to an unknown field that I can't explain why it felt too familiar, a young lad accompanied me here," told Emerald to Amethyst. "Understood, now, off you go to your room upstairs. Be careful because you might fall on the staircase and get hurt. I tell you now, be alert and watchful of your surroundings." Countess Amethyst warned her sister. "But I-" Emerald started to say but Amethyst interrupted and put her right arm on Emerald's shoulder and encouraged her "Heed this. Calm down. Don't panic, think straight, find it out and explore." Amethyst said and smiled "Okayy, I will take that to mind, sister." Emerald said. "Come to the music and fine arts room for I will tell you a secret. I think it is time for you to know about this." Amethyst winked at Emerald, "Okay then I shall leave first." Amethyst and Emerald stood up and the sisters waved bye to each other and before Amethyst turned her back while the other Countess waved at her retreating back. The young curious girl looked at the owl brooch on the left side of her sister's ruffled dress. "What's with these brooches??! And where is my room located?" Emerald wondered. Amethyst flew as an owl and transformed into a human and appeared on Emerald's side on the couch, "Near my room" and flew away again. Emerald touched her forehead with her left hand "Oh my, I'm going crazy my head hurts. Throbbing pain sucks.'' Amethyst left Emerald to find her room.