CHAPTER 10: MASTER OF DISGUISE
" How long was i out?
where did you find me?
How did you find me? " Ravenna threw questions, the moment the older woman asked.
" Easy now, one at a time" The woman smiled, before answering her questions.
" you have been unconscious for more than 15 days, Maurice found you floating by the river bank. we thought you were dead but your heart was still beating" She stretched her hand and felt Ravenna's temperature, the girl just wore a distant look all through.
" speaking of hearts, what happened to your chest?" The woman asked, her eyes carefully observing the girl even though she knew better than anyone what happened to her.
At her question Ravenna pulled the sheets down a little to take a look at what the woman was talking about, she creased her brows further, fearing that at this rate she might just die of confusion.
" I'm guessing you don't remember too, it's fine get some rest I'll come back after a while"
she watched the woman leave while her daughter entered the room with food and herbs.
she introduced herself
" Hi, Ravenna, I'm Maurice" a goofy grin plastered on her lips
" Hi" she murmured back in reply staring at the tray in Maurice's hold
"You need to eat and take medicine, don't worry nothing too bitter" she assured , gently dropping the tray of food beside her before seeing herself out.
As soon as she was left alone, Ravenna began gobbling the food. poor girl hadn't eaten for weeks and it felt like her insides had been scrapped out.
The food was indeed delicious and she didn't stop until the plate was empty. Staring at the green herb wierdly she forcefully drank it in one gulp before putting the bowl aside. Feeling a little dizzy she lied back in bed and fell into a deep sleep.
.......…....
***
Green liquid hue, floated around. It was like a sea of green liquid, and Ravenna found herself falling out of nowhere into the green hue. The lack of air had her fighting for her life, and as if triggered, images began flashing and Zapping around her. Lost memories, swarming around like flies, a disturbing ringing sound, almost driving her nuts.
Her head felt as if it would explode when the images began filling her head. The ringing sound intensified and the pain that came with it wasn't bearable. She without thought opened her mouth to scream, but that only reduced the amount of air inside her, green liquid filled her mouth.
***
And for the second time that day Ravenna awoke with a sharp gasp fighting for her life while still reeling in the moment of pain.
She felt a hand hovering over her face and immediately grabbed it out of reflex exerting strength. A loud cry followed this action.
" I was only helping out" Maurice cried in pain and disbelief.
" !!! "
Even Ravenna was shocked at her own reaction.
" sorry " she apologized and gently released her grip on the girl's wrist.
Maurice continued to wipe her body with a cold wet towel as she had been doing earlier before she woke up.
" Are you alright ? , "
" you have a fever , mother has gone to find herbs " Her soft voice filled Ravenna's hears but she was too zoned out to make sense of whatever the young girl was saying.
Her gaze was fixated on the window but anyone could tell she was lost in thoughts,
Those sharp eyes,
the brooding expression,
One glance and anyone who knew her well could tell that the cold and wickedly smart Raven was back.
Ravenna, short for Raven had a big secret only she knew of. The ability to disguise as a male, all she needed to do was concentrate hard enough and her facial features start to morph and shift into that of a male, the rest of her body was well hidden under huge male clothings so no one suspected anything even though she had a frame too small for someone posing as a male, her hair always packed upwards in a bun like the men did theirs.
Not even her Master, Leo knew. she had managed to fool everyone for years not until the big incident that almost claimed her life. As she wasn't conscious her face had returned to it's original state, The beautiful green eyed Ravenna
Ravenna was the master of disguise, she had mastered this art at a very young age, it was something she discovered by mistake the night she was being chased by some perverted men. The fear and utter helplessness triggered something in her.
** 8 years ago **
******
Ravenna's small feet ran and ran, in the harsh rain. It was dark, everywhere was deserted except for the thumping footsteps of two men running after the small girl. The rain drowned out her cry for help, she shivered as her feet came to a stop at a dead end, there was no way out except she turned back. she couldn't, she was trapped she knew it, hot tears smeared her eyes as she closed them shot in desperation.
She just needed something, anything to happen.
A miracle ?.....
probably not.
She stilled as one of them raised a lantern to her face after forcefully grabbing her by the neck.
" what the... Jill, are you fucking insane ? "
The man glowered angrily at his partner,
" what are you ? gay " he shoved the girl away
" you made us chase a small boy in the rain, i thought you said fresh meat..... you fool ! " He dealt the one beside him a heavy slap.
He whimpered in pain, a little confused at how he had mistaken a boy for a girl.
Ravenna just stared at them in fear her small frame shrinking away. The man turned to face her again and she almost died of heart attack.
" Get out of here, you rat " He shoved her a kick angrily and she immediately stood up and ran like never before, as Soon as they made way for her, she didn't stop until she was sure she had gotten as far away as possible. Standing in front of a puddle, panting and breathing hard she stared at her own reflection surprise and anxiety crossed her face as it slowly morphed back into her female face........
***
Ravenna stared at the bowl of water on the stool watching her own reflection.
Recollecting memories where one of the things she hated the most.
Maurice just stared at Ravenna, a little worried of how moody and cold she looked since she had woken up.
" Are you alright ? " this was the one question she had been asking the girl for a while now.
Ravenna just nodded very slowly before laying back down.
' she had to recover, fast. she had scores to settle ' Ravenna thought to herself, her eyes squinting dangerously low at the memory of Ryles stabbing her by the edge of the cliff.
" whatever had she done to Leo? " .......