The Beginning of a Mess (1)

Erin's sleep was heavenly, and the new day was young. Or at least to Ezra on the former, the day was young and his new mistresses appeared to be enjoying some form of divine activity through her lapse in consciousness.

He stood by her bedside, watching the snoring girl with jaded interest. Despite the tear streaks on her inflamed cheeks and her sealed eyes displaying slight puffiness, she appeared to be sleeping as the phrase would entail, like a baby; a sleep uninterrupted and too refreshing to leave.

It was then, and only then when she was asleep, she exuded a glowing bright peaceful, heavenly aura. She was a sleeping beauty at that moment. Rays of golden morning light delicately caressed lovely features, short kinky obsidian shiny black hair coddled her feather pillow, and her delicate curves snuggled in the comfort of her sheets. It was certainly true that in those few brief lapse moments she may have looked like an angel. But when she awoke, every comparison died with it.

But he was hoping she would not yet wake, he turned away from her and resumed his exploration of her quarters he had only been shown just the day prior. 

The quarters were massive, and it was a palace of luxury with its velvet carmen carpeted floors, intricately patterned walls, and expensive expertly crafted decors and furniture. There were various strategically placed couches, lounge chairs, and petite round tables that matched the deep pigmented shimmering color schemes. And from the glass windows, morning sunlight rushed in, working to illuminate the room's glamour and grandeur.

Despite the room's elegance, he was more focused on surveying the personal possessions of the room's owner. He quietly pulled open dresser drawers, examined the makeshift trinkets and objects on her vanity desk, and flipped through incomplete diary entries poorly hidden in garter and stocking drawers.

His eyes probed and combed through every inch of her belongings and every corner of the floorboards and walls before his scrutinizing sight landed on one inconspicuous bloated leather satchel bag. It sat atop the bed chest that was positioned at the foot of her bed. Deep dark bold words in proud capitalization were stamped onto the bag; MAIDS, BUTLERS, AND ALL SERVICE DOLTS ALIKE DON'T TOUCH UNLESS REQUESTED.

He looked back at her. She was bundled up in her covers muttering nothings in her sleep, so his attention landed back to the large satchel.

"How could I not accept such an invite?" he murmured to himself, striding to the foot of the bed.

It took little effort before he untied the complicated knots on the satchel handles, opening it to find a mass of letters stuffed inside. Hundreds and hundreds of them were ready to explode from the bag. Some of them were in pristine condition while others were crinkled, crumpled, and worn. He carefully and quietly plucked one out. Slowly, he read disorderly, sort of blotchy, and bold lettering and cursive words.

'Dear Saby,

It's me again, you know, Erin, your niece that you most certainly haven't forgotten about, right? I'm writing to you because I was wondering how you were doing? Are you well? Are you unwell? I would know if you penned me back any time soon. I'm worried about you. I've asked Daviyd and Anya if they received anything from you, but they tell me the same thing. You how much that worries me---worries all of us. Please write back soon. I miss you.'

He picked up another letter.

'Dear Saby,

Nier---that grand arse, wrote back to me. He says that you are unwell and he asked me not to write to you. He also said that you want to left alone right now. Is this true? Please, if this reaches you, write back to me soon. After your ordeal from that night, it left me more questions than answers. You scared me…But, I am more concerned than I could ever be afraid of you. Please don't misunderstand these words. We have too much to talk about. Write me back.'

He read through the letters without swift precision before moving onto the next.

'Dear Sabina,

I will be leaving soon for a short time and I have tried visiting you again, but they only say the same thing. Please, what is this about? You no longer write to me? You no want to longer see me? Are you truly that frustrated at me that you would have Nier speak to me and have the capital guards keep me from your home? 

I understand I may have overreacted that night you came over, but you understand you attacked Daviyd and you almost strangled me---Sabina, I have no judgements on you. And I have never seen you as crazy like they have. I will always be on your side. 

You must understand, I'm just…worried. I worry so much about you and yet it's like you've just disappeared from my life. Please, write to me. This uncertainty…it hurts me more than you know. Tell me you're alright. Write back, soon, although I'm not sure I will be able to reply as I earned the anger and ire of Daviyd again. 

Wherever he's sending me it's awfully far, and awfully secluded. I don't have much time before I go, and I need you to write me. I know I may have said some harsh things and I realize now I shouldn't have let fear take me over. I am sorry and I know you may not fully forgive me, but I promise you, I will never have doubt in you. I am consistently on your side and here for you. Write back to me soon, please.'

He found another letter, and recognized the familiar crumple to it from last night. It was the same letter Lord Sutherton had thrown to Erin before she took it fled. 

'Dear Daviyd and Anya, 

I am well. Do not worry. I do not wish to see anyone. I am staying at a retreat away from the capital. 

Do not let Erin see this other page. 

To be clear, I do not want to see her, nor do I want to speak to her. I would like to be left alone. Please ensure she does not bother me. I know she will worry, but this is how it shall be. I need time. 

Goodbye.' 

The sound of rustling interrupted his reading.