Chapter 9 New beginning

Weeks turned into months, and with each passing day, twelve-year-old Zazriel felt a restlessness she couldn't shake. Though she loved the orphanage and the warmth of the small, familiar world of Ellsmere, a yearning for something more had grown inside her. She dreamed of life beyond the village-a life where she could work, learn, and maybe even make a difference for herself and the others who had raised her. She wanted to give back to the sisters and the priest who had shown her kindness, and to the other children who looked up to her as a big sister.

One warm afternoon, as Zazriel was helping Sister Liana feed the younger children their midday meal, the sister pulled her aside. Her gentle face looked thoughtful, her eyes studying Zazriel with a mix of pride and warmth.

"Zazriel," Sister Liana began, her voice low and calm. "I've noticed how you look out the window lately, as if searching for something just beyond these walls." She paused, smiling kindly. "You have a heart that's ready to explore, ready to see more of the world."

Zazriel looked down, her cheeks flushing. She hadn't realized anyone else noticed her longing gazes. "I... I just want to help," she murmured. "I want to be able to do something for myself... and maybe find a way to help everyone here, too. It's just-there's so much out there, isn't there?"

Sister Liana nodded, her smile widening. "Indeed, there is. And perhaps this is your chance to find out. We received word that Baron Helmond's household is looking for maids. They're willing to hire young women from nearby villages."

Zazriel's eyes widened with excitement. "Really?" she asked, hardly able to contain her eagerness. "They'd take someone like me?"

"Of course," Sister Liana said, resting a reassuring hand on Zazriel's shoulder. "You have a good heart, and you're hardworking. They'd be lucky to have someone with your kindness and determination. And I know you'd find a way to help us here, too."

Zazriel nodded, her mind already racing with possibilities. "I could send money back every month! To help with food, clothes, or even medicine for the little ones," she said, her eyes shining.

The sister's smile turned warm and proud. "I thought you might say that," she said softly. "The priest and I will help you prepare. You'll have a letter of recommendation-one you've earned."

That night, as Zazriel packed a small cloth bag with her few belongings, a mixture of excitement and nerves filled her chest. She would be stepping into the unknown, leaving behind the familiar faces and walls of the orphanage. But this was her chance to grow, to learn, and to take control of her future. With each item she tucked away, she reminded herself that she was carrying a part of Ellsmere with her-a place she would always consider home and people she would always work to support.

---

The morning sun cast a golden light as Zazriel stepped through the grand iron gates of Baron Helmond's estate. Her eyes widened as she took in the sight before her: the sprawling mansion with its grand marble steps, towering columns, and intricate stained-glass windows. She'd never seen anything so opulent, and though she was in awe, her admiration was laced not with jealousy but with pure curiosity. This was a new world, and she was determined to understand every corner of it.

The head maid, Mrs. Hensley, met the new maids at the entrance. A tall woman with sharp gray eyes and a stern but fair expression, Mrs. Hensley wasted no time in setting the tone. She spoke with authority, her voice clear and crisp as she began their introduction.

"Now listen carefully," Mrs. Hensley announced, her gaze sweeping over each of the new girls, including Zazriel. "Baron Helmond and Lady Helmond expect order and respect in this house. You will keep your heads down, complete your work efficiently, and speak only when spoken to. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Mrs. Hensley," the girls murmured, Zazriel among them. She nodded earnestly, taking in every word.

Mrs. Hensley led them inside the vast entry hall, where the marble floors gleamed beneath their feet, and crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead. Zazriel's gaze was drawn to the intricately woven tapestries adorning the walls, each depicting a scene from the estate's history or a moment of significance to the Helmond family. Her heart raced with excitement-she'd never been surrounded by such beauty before.

"Look around carefully," Mrs. Hensley continued, her tone firm. "This estate has been in the Helmond family for generations. Each portrait along this hall represents one of the former masters or mistresses of this house. And here-" She stopped before a portrait at the center of the grand hall.

It was a painting of a young woman with soft brown hair, gentle eyes, and an elegant, kind smile. "This is Lady Stella, the baron's daughter," Mrs. Hensley explained, her voice softening slightly. "She's around your age, though I expect you to treat her with the respect due to a member of this family."

Zazriel stared at the portrait, captivated by Lady Stella's kind expression. Unlike the stern faces of the older family members in the other portraits, there was a warmth in her gaze, as though she would be the type to show kindness to anyone she met.

Unable to contain her curiosity, Zazriel leaned slightly toward Mrs. Hensley. "Lady Stella... she seems kind, doesn't she?" she whispered.

Mrs. Hensley raised an eyebrow but allowed herself a small, approving smile. "You're perceptive," she acknowledged. "Lady Stella is indeed kind. She doesn't care for the rigid lines of class that others see so clearly. But don't take that as a reason to slack off. You must still earn your place here."

"Yes, ma'am," Zazriel replied, determination sparking in her eyes.

With the tour complete, Mrs. Hensley led them down a grand staircase to the servant's quarters. The rooms were simple but clean, with enough space for each maid to have a small, private corner. As Zazriel settled into her spot, placing her few belongings in the little cabinet by her bed, she felt an unexpected wave of purpose fill her chest. This was a new world, daunting and vast, but one filled with opportunities.

Zazriel promised herself she would work hard and learn every corner of this estate. She would send back as much as she could to the orphanage-to Sister Liana, the priest, and all the children who looked up to her. And perhaps, someday, she might rise above this role, find her own place in the world, and make the orphanage proud.

For the first time in her life, Zazriel wasn't just dreaming of her future; she was taking the first steps toward it.