Chapter 8 Scene VIII

Similar to the tent they had arranged, her bedroom was luxurious and wide.

The addition of refined furniture and unique fur as sheets. The thick rug and the aroma of the candles along the humid stone were all exotic yet pleasant to the senses.

Even the old wood of every piece filling her chamber ought to be made of was exquisite.

Ewelina stepped slowly inside and observed the place overwhelmed by the different sights her eyes have been witnessing ever since the day she was sent here.

'Mother's castle was small... I did not know ceilings could be this high.' - She first thought.

Ewelina's gaze came down from the roof above her. Tracing the nude stoned wall decorated with lovely fabrics of beautiful artwork, to then find her round mattress near a night table that possessed a familiar object on it.

'... My room at the Barony... Only the candle clock is alike...'

"I shall send hands to help Her Ladyship. Until then, please make yourself comfortable. Be at home, Archduchess."

"..."

The sound of her door, clicking as it closed, lightly echoed as Uth left the woman by herself.

"... home..." - Ewelina repeated. Blankly driving her gaze to observe her chambers again.

"Is it truly?... He's not here... But what about when he arrives?"

Dubious at the warden's statement, the woman stood at her spot restless. Holding the edges of her cloak, in an attempt to feel fake reassurance at the uncertain present and worrying future awaiting her.

*******

A modest wooden tub was prepared for her.

Heated by fire, the water felt nice on her tense body, relaxing her overworked limbs from the knots gained on the long move.

Throughout her travel, the dark bruises her stepfather had craved in her ivory skin had disappeared almost fully. And now, in her lonesome soak, she could see clearly the remaining green and yellow, even some yellowish-brown that was yet to forfeit her shade.

The days on the route did not permit much leisure to treat her wounds. And at this time, not only was Ewelina relieved that her meeting with her husband had yet to occur because of the uncertain character he held... But because he would not witness these marks that refused to leave her skin.

Slosh...The sound of the water welcoming her body resounded splendidly as some escaped the nooks of the tub.

Splitter... platter...

"... Sigh..."

Diving her hands into the water, she dipped her visage into the liquid they held, exhausted, yet happy. As the long forgotten sensation was once again felt as if a first.

"How long has it been since I have last used a tub? This is much better than the wash basins I used at the Barony..."

The water had changed its colour to a darker shade. Nonetheless, she continued to wash herself as she also massaged her body in leisure.

The sent women offered to help Ewelina, yet as she was still unfamiliar with the hard-faced servants and aware that the dirt covering her was sure to taint the now murky water, the shy woman had dismissed them, wanting to keep appearances in front of the eyes she found judgemental.

Hence, on her own, Ewelina soaked in the tub until the water had grown cold enough for her to notice within the relaxation.

It was only when a shiver traversed her that she stood from the humble water and wrapped herself in the prepared dressing gown.

Her curly hair dripped cold drops as she moved. The oils the servants had delayed made the unruly strands find a nice shape in the midst of its wildness and its darkened colour had turned back to the light–brown she missed.

A variety of drinks had been served.

Ewelina then came to the sole table to eat the hard bread dipped in thick herbal sauces, ecstatic at its flavour after eating sweet potatoes and jerky for so many days.

Thick and aromatic wine, pure fresh water and the tea she has been craving ever since she received it from the Headmaid Cora were ready to be enjoyed at her table.

As night had fallen the woman drank her gifted tea. Calmly, for this time she did not need to hide to get a taste of it and was pleased by the thought of who had given it as a farewell.

Her stomach was filled and satisfied under the unfamiliar roof. And lastly, Ewelina tucked herself under the fur of sheets on her mattress.

The strange sentiment of feeling foreign to her present did not leave her chest, yet the woman's lids still closed to fly her into a necessary slumber...

For her arrival to the South East nooks had finally been achieved.

*******

"... Have you sent the grey hawk?"

"Tsk... Ugh, Nu is busy."

"It is Uth, child. And... How is ripping my scripts being busy??"

"... Nu sent the hawk." - Standing from the ground, the child released the next scroll to be torn, and added. - "Master should receive the notice in one or two days. Nu told grey to hurry, but grey is silly, so Nu thinks Master may learn it later."

"... Did you write what he asked for?" - Dubious, Uth glanced at the child while he picked the pieces.

Nu was one who felt talkative when it came to who she admired and his Lord was at the top of her scale.

"Of course! Master will be happy! Nu told him everything!"

"... How much did you write, child?"

"? Three pages."

"... Send another letter as soon as the grey hawk returns in an hour."

"?!? Why would it return so soon?? I sent it far! Far away, Ugh!"

"I trained him since I comprehended you would do this. Send this. Nothing else, child. Our Lord cannot read a large letter where he is."

"..."

Pouting, the girl's hand took the piece of paper without responding to her enemy.

And once the time Uth had stated had passed, the grey hawk came back, leisurely holding a prey to eat and with the attached casket that not only kept long sheets but a few stones Nu had picked on the few rivers they passed.

Uth had not left the highest tower and as she felt the surveying and also reproaching eyes of the strict man, the mainglousse child silently attached the agreed piece to the hawk's feet, sending it off with a sour whisper.

"... take long, traitor grey."

The wings of the creature flapped their way at the beginning of a waking morning. Securing that its job would be done in its bestial natural time.