Elizabeth Wylde wandered around Widu without really taking any notice of what was going on around her. She was deep in thought, so many things running through her mind, her thoughts elsewhere. In the past few weeks so much had changed for her.
Elizabeth had travelled north from her old home, lands that were far far away from where she now found herself, amongst many races she had never heard of, let alone considered could live together. She had left behind her family, her mother and six sisters, her adventure just starting. Elizabeth was the youngest, and while her sisters were dark haired and beautiful, she was fair haired and so different. While her sisters preened and prepared themselves for marriage to the eligible young men their mother would find. That was not what Elizabeth wanted for herself. She wanted to see the world, to meet people, to have a say in her own life. Elizabeth avoided the fuss, resorting to taking herself off with a book or her journal to her favourite place along the riverbank. She spent hours there, sheltered from view from anyone passing along the track by shrubs and trees.
It was when one after another her sisters began to be betrothed, the first two married, that Elizabeth began to be noticed more. Her sisters laughed that with how different she was Elizabeth would never get a suitor, and following one sister planting the idea into their mother’s head that there was one young man Elizabeth began to wonder how to escape. Hearing their suggestion Elizabeth stubbornly refused to consider it, that while he was a nice enough person she could not, and would not. She sought counsel with her mother, and following much debate and many tears she was given permission to travel, but to stay in touch. So it was that with an old nag pulling her small cart, her belongings all packed into several boxes, her money on her person, Elizabeth left her home.
After wandering for several weeks Elizabeth had arrived in Fenia City, finding board and then quietly looked around. She had liked this city, and had met various people, races, at first nervous, but deciding very quickly that she would watch and learn. Elizabeth was friendly, her social skills polite and unobtrusive. However Elizabeth kept to herself for the most part, wanting to work out what she would do next, to travel elsewhere or stay. After a week in Fenia City, Elizabeth heard of an opportunity in a neighbouring area and after thinking it over she decided why not. It was not as if there was anything keeping her where she was. Shaking off the negative feelings Elizabeth wrote to her mother to tell her where she would be going, and then packing her things Elizabeth Wylde left Fenia City on the next stage of her adventure.
[RP] A Wylde Adventure
Moderator: Community Team
-
Silence
Re: [RP] A Wylde Adventure
Alder noted the newcomer as he did all newcomers, and was about to simply move on, when he noticed something... different about this one. Most newcomers either looked bemused, worried or excited about their new town, this one... well, he couldn't quite tell. Certainly leaning more towards the bemused and worried side, but there was definitely something different. Something that Alder couldn't quite put his finger on, but something that reminded him of his own manner on a day to day basis. Curious, he pocketed the small coin that was currently dancing between the fingers of his right hand, pulled up his hood and follows this curious newcomer, relatively confident that nobody will notice him. After all, who ever notices young Alder? He forgets of course, after so long of being ignored, that a newcomer won't know that he is always around as he pleases, and so might take notice of him.
Last edited by Silence on Mon Sep 02, 2013 5:34 pm, edited 1 time in total.
-
Elizabeth_Wylde
Re: [RP] A Wylde Adventure
The journey from Fenia City took her through Imperius, the capital of Fenia, and onward to the province of Kiene and to Widu. Walking beside her cart, making sure the old nag pulling it kept moving, at times wondering if it would just stop and keel over. It's movements were so slow at times Elizabeth compared it to a snail.
Elizabeth had been almost sorry to leave Fenia City. It had been quite a peaceful town, the people all keeping to themselves for the most part. When she reached Imperius Elizabeth had looked around with some awe, feeling very small compared to the many she saw and passed. Elizabeth had gazed up at the castle and wondered. Later she had the opportunity to meet the Fenian King abd had been pleasantly surprised by his informaility, and how nice he had been.
Leaving Imperius the next morning Elizabeth had walked beside her cart, seriously worried by the nag's efforts to pull it with her boxes obviously weighing heavy for her old back. The road seemed more winding as it passed from Fenia into Kiene and with relief late that evening Elizabeth had seen the lights of Widu in the distance. She had moved forward, encouraging her nag to keep moving, promising it no more walking for a long time. As Elizabeth spoke she knew in her heart this animal would never make another trip.
Entering Widu Elizabeth had enquired of a passing creature if there was a tavern in the town that had rooms and was greeted with an unintelligible grunt and pointed along the road that led into Widu centre. Thanking the creature Elizabeth continued a little way ad with much relief reached a tavern.
Elizabeth had been almost sorry to leave Fenia City. It had been quite a peaceful town, the people all keeping to themselves for the most part. When she reached Imperius Elizabeth had looked around with some awe, feeling very small compared to the many she saw and passed. Elizabeth had gazed up at the castle and wondered. Later she had the opportunity to meet the Fenian King abd had been pleasantly surprised by his informaility, and how nice he had been.
Leaving Imperius the next morning Elizabeth had walked beside her cart, seriously worried by the nag's efforts to pull it with her boxes obviously weighing heavy for her old back. The road seemed more winding as it passed from Fenia into Kiene and with relief late that evening Elizabeth had seen the lights of Widu in the distance. She had moved forward, encouraging her nag to keep moving, promising it no more walking for a long time. As Elizabeth spoke she knew in her heart this animal would never make another trip.
Entering Widu Elizabeth had enquired of a passing creature if there was a tavern in the town that had rooms and was greeted with an unintelligible grunt and pointed along the road that led into Widu centre. Thanking the creature Elizabeth continued a little way ad with much relief reached a tavern.
-
Elizabeth_Wylde
Re: [RP] A Wylde Adventure
When Elizabeth had arrived in Widu two weeks before finding a tavern had been her main goal, concern for her old nag being well found as two days later it had keeled over and died. So now, a room rented Elizabeth had rested a day before presenting herself at the castle to the Queen. Two days after her arrival in Widu, not yet having explored the city, she became Viceroy, a role that would give her a challenge and a purpose.
The weeks since arriving passed slowly. Her new tasks taking a few hours each day of Elizabeth's time. She walked about the town during a day when not working looking around, watching the many creatures, amusement as she watched how they interacted with each other. This would never have been done where Elizabeth came from. She had written home to her mother as promised, telling of her job, of the town she now lived, where she was staying, and pages about the many creatures she had met. While Elizabeth was occupied for part of her days she had plenty of time for other things, and after a week she got braver and joined those that frequented the tavern rather than either working or in her room, or out walking. She began to make friends, a dark elf with wings who made her smile and called her comrade. She chuckled thinking how she had given Mercutio a hard time getting to know her, but knew she could trust him. There were others too, like the dragon Balerion, an elf, a fairy and several others.
Yet it was during the first week Elizabeth had received a letter back from her mother, in hurried response to her own that she had sent full of excitement, Elizabeth wanting to share every detail of this new world she found herself in. Breaking the seal of the letter as she walked out of her room Elizabeth read, her steps faltering to a halt, disbelief at what she read. Her mother had promised, Elizabeth thought, becoming angry. Turning she hastily returned to her room going to her writing things and taking some parchment began to pen a reply, almost angry. Once written she left her room to find a messenger, knowing the consequences of her letter, and yet this one time she was standing her ground.
The life continued for Elizabeth with visits to her office, messages back and forth to the Queen, and a half hearted search for a cottage to suit her stay. During this time she met the same faces in the taverns and it was to the dark elf she confided in about the letter from her mother. Elizabeth told how her mother did not like her being in Kiene, and wished her to return home to marry the young man she had adamantly refused to marry already. Elizabeth told of the threat that she would be ostracised from her family if she did not return home. The dark elf had asked Elizabeth what she wanted and she had replied 'to stay'.
The weeks since arriving passed slowly. Her new tasks taking a few hours each day of Elizabeth's time. She walked about the town during a day when not working looking around, watching the many creatures, amusement as she watched how they interacted with each other. This would never have been done where Elizabeth came from. She had written home to her mother as promised, telling of her job, of the town she now lived, where she was staying, and pages about the many creatures she had met. While Elizabeth was occupied for part of her days she had plenty of time for other things, and after a week she got braver and joined those that frequented the tavern rather than either working or in her room, or out walking. She began to make friends, a dark elf with wings who made her smile and called her comrade. She chuckled thinking how she had given Mercutio a hard time getting to know her, but knew she could trust him. There were others too, like the dragon Balerion, an elf, a fairy and several others.
Yet it was during the first week Elizabeth had received a letter back from her mother, in hurried response to her own that she had sent full of excitement, Elizabeth wanting to share every detail of this new world she found herself in. Breaking the seal of the letter as she walked out of her room Elizabeth read, her steps faltering to a halt, disbelief at what she read. Her mother had promised, Elizabeth thought, becoming angry. Turning she hastily returned to her room going to her writing things and taking some parchment began to pen a reply, almost angry. Once written she left her room to find a messenger, knowing the consequences of her letter, and yet this one time she was standing her ground.
The life continued for Elizabeth with visits to her office, messages back and forth to the Queen, and a half hearted search for a cottage to suit her stay. During this time she met the same faces in the taverns and it was to the dark elf she confided in about the letter from her mother. Elizabeth told how her mother did not like her being in Kiene, and wished her to return home to marry the young man she had adamantly refused to marry already. Elizabeth told of the threat that she would be ostracised from her family if she did not return home. The dark elf had asked Elizabeth what she wanted and she had replied 'to stay'.
-
Elizabeth_Wylde
Re: [RP] A Wylde Adventure
Three weeks since being in Widu Elizabeth decided enough was enough. She needed somewhere to call home while she was in this town, somewhere she could go away from everything and one, not the room above a busy tavern where the noise carried on all night most nights, and where she had little privacy.
So Elizabeth set out, the day somewhat overcast, her shawl wrapped round her shoulders, heading nowhere in particular. She did not really have a clue how to go about finding somewhere to live, and nor did she know Widu well enough. Without thinking she found her feet carrying her towards the river and humming to herself Elizabeth looked around as she left the main area of Widu. It was nicer here, less people, the occasional building but the majority left behind. Elizabeth shrugged realising she should turn around and look properly, but her heart was not in it, her mind elsewhere, as would her feet be if allowed.
Reaching the river Elizabeth smiled, remembering her favourite place back home by the river where she would often escape during the day to read or draw, or just to think. Walking slowly along the bank, taking in the scenery, listening to the flow of water, the breeze in the trees on the other side, and the grass around her. As she walked Elizabeth thought about her time since arriving in Widu, acknowledging some things were hard to get used to, and others were disappointing. She had made a couple of friends there. Pausing Elizabeth looked ahead of where she was walking. Ahead was the most beautiful watermill. Elizabeth stopped walking, looking at the building, the wheel static, not turning, but the rest of the building looking well kept, clean on the outside, and it looked large. At that moment there was a clap of thunder and as if from nowhere the heavens opened and the rain began to fall. Stood beside the river, out in the open Elizabeth looked around, the rain already drenching her, the shawl offering no protection. Looking at the watermill Elizabeth made the decision as another clap of thunder followed in quick succession by a zig zag of lightening, and she ran for the only cover nearby that she could see.[/i]
Reaching the mill cottage Elizabeth knocked on the door, loud and clear, desperate to get out of the rain, water running down her face, her hair clinging to her head, the shawl heavy with water, and her dress feeling like she had been swimming fully clothed. There was no let up with the rain and shivering Elizabeth knocked again, her raps more desperate, looking around seeking shelter. With relief she heard the sounds of bolts being undone and slowly the heavy door opened to reveal an old woman who looked at Elizabeth then past her.
Inside girl before you drown, the old woman wheezed at Elizabeth, beckoning her inside. What is your business here?
Thank you so much, Elizabeth said stepping inside, water dripping from her onto the wooden floor, but preoccupied was she that she did not notice at first, her eyes taking in the hallway in which they stood, the old wood banister and stairs, several doors leading into rooms she assumed. I have no business. I was just out walking and then the skies opened and I... I ran for shelter, hoping someone might be home.
Well you're lucky girl, the old woman said, shaking her head as she surveyed the drenched young woman. If it had been tomorrow I'd be gone. Follow me...
Elizabeth did as she was bid, and as the old woman walked down the hall to a doorway Elizabeth followed, seeing a large room, a kitchen but a living area to one side also. She stood still as the old woman went across the room to a shelf, taking down a couple towels and turning round. Elizabeth started to remove her shawl when told to take the towels and dry herself. The wool was heavy with water, and the old woman took it from her, laying it over a rack and pulling a cord for said rail to be lifted aloft. Something to dry clothes, Elizabeth thought as she toweled her hair and face, wringing out her skirt, feeling pretty stupid.
Sit by the fire, Elizabeth was told as the woman went to the pot already above it, ladling something into a bowl and handing it to Elizabeth. It will warm you. She took the bowl realising it was a broth.
Do you live here alone? Elizabeth asked as she ate of the broth. I didn't see the wheel moving.
Since my man died the mill has been silent, the old woman told Elizabeth. I am going to live with my son and his wife. I go tomorrow.
What will you do with this place?
Leave it till my son sells it.
Elizabeth looked at the old woman, her mind going over this information, glancing round the large room. She knew nothing of milling but she knew how to keep something clean. But Elizabeth did not want to buy a property in Widu, not yet. She needed to be sure first. To buy something would mean no going back. Yet Elizabeth felt at home, sitting by a fire, the old woman muttering about this and that, listening to her as she spoke her long marriage, her various children, how she did not wish to leave Widu but was getting too old, and her children wanted her with them now. Elizabeth smiled and thanked the old woman for her kindness, apologising for her intrusion.
Would you be interested in renting your home to me until you sell it? Elizabeth asked, surprising herself as her words slipped out. I would keep it clean, and it would mean it doesn't stand empty and at risk of damage or invasion of unwanted guests.
The old woman had given Elizabeth such a stern look that she had expected to be thrown out then and there, and she waited, biting her bottom lip nervously for the old woman to speak. When the old woman did speak, coughing first a wheezy cough, Elizabeth was shocked to hear her accept the offer, telling her she did not want a lot, but did want the cottage maintained, the gardens too, and to not worry about the mill as it was all locked up. They talked a while and Elizabeth saw through the window the skies clear, and the rain move on. It was late afternoon by the time Elizabeth left and she did so happily, knowing she would be returning with her things on the morrow.
So Elizabeth set out, the day somewhat overcast, her shawl wrapped round her shoulders, heading nowhere in particular. She did not really have a clue how to go about finding somewhere to live, and nor did she know Widu well enough. Without thinking she found her feet carrying her towards the river and humming to herself Elizabeth looked around as she left the main area of Widu. It was nicer here, less people, the occasional building but the majority left behind. Elizabeth shrugged realising she should turn around and look properly, but her heart was not in it, her mind elsewhere, as would her feet be if allowed.
Reaching the river Elizabeth smiled, remembering her favourite place back home by the river where she would often escape during the day to read or draw, or just to think. Walking slowly along the bank, taking in the scenery, listening to the flow of water, the breeze in the trees on the other side, and the grass around her. As she walked Elizabeth thought about her time since arriving in Widu, acknowledging some things were hard to get used to, and others were disappointing. She had made a couple of friends there. Pausing Elizabeth looked ahead of where she was walking. Ahead was the most beautiful watermill. Elizabeth stopped walking, looking at the building, the wheel static, not turning, but the rest of the building looking well kept, clean on the outside, and it looked large. At that moment there was a clap of thunder and as if from nowhere the heavens opened and the rain began to fall. Stood beside the river, out in the open Elizabeth looked around, the rain already drenching her, the shawl offering no protection. Looking at the watermill Elizabeth made the decision as another clap of thunder followed in quick succession by a zig zag of lightening, and she ran for the only cover nearby that she could see.[/i]
Reaching the mill cottage Elizabeth knocked on the door, loud and clear, desperate to get out of the rain, water running down her face, her hair clinging to her head, the shawl heavy with water, and her dress feeling like she had been swimming fully clothed. There was no let up with the rain and shivering Elizabeth knocked again, her raps more desperate, looking around seeking shelter. With relief she heard the sounds of bolts being undone and slowly the heavy door opened to reveal an old woman who looked at Elizabeth then past her.
Inside girl before you drown, the old woman wheezed at Elizabeth, beckoning her inside. What is your business here?
Thank you so much, Elizabeth said stepping inside, water dripping from her onto the wooden floor, but preoccupied was she that she did not notice at first, her eyes taking in the hallway in which they stood, the old wood banister and stairs, several doors leading into rooms she assumed. I have no business. I was just out walking and then the skies opened and I... I ran for shelter, hoping someone might be home.
Well you're lucky girl, the old woman said, shaking her head as she surveyed the drenched young woman. If it had been tomorrow I'd be gone. Follow me...
Elizabeth did as she was bid, and as the old woman walked down the hall to a doorway Elizabeth followed, seeing a large room, a kitchen but a living area to one side also. She stood still as the old woman went across the room to a shelf, taking down a couple towels and turning round. Elizabeth started to remove her shawl when told to take the towels and dry herself. The wool was heavy with water, and the old woman took it from her, laying it over a rack and pulling a cord for said rail to be lifted aloft. Something to dry clothes, Elizabeth thought as she toweled her hair and face, wringing out her skirt, feeling pretty stupid.
Sit by the fire, Elizabeth was told as the woman went to the pot already above it, ladling something into a bowl and handing it to Elizabeth. It will warm you. She took the bowl realising it was a broth.
Do you live here alone? Elizabeth asked as she ate of the broth. I didn't see the wheel moving.
Since my man died the mill has been silent, the old woman told Elizabeth. I am going to live with my son and his wife. I go tomorrow.
What will you do with this place?
Leave it till my son sells it.
Elizabeth looked at the old woman, her mind going over this information, glancing round the large room. She knew nothing of milling but she knew how to keep something clean. But Elizabeth did not want to buy a property in Widu, not yet. She needed to be sure first. To buy something would mean no going back. Yet Elizabeth felt at home, sitting by a fire, the old woman muttering about this and that, listening to her as she spoke her long marriage, her various children, how she did not wish to leave Widu but was getting too old, and her children wanted her with them now. Elizabeth smiled and thanked the old woman for her kindness, apologising for her intrusion.
Would you be interested in renting your home to me until you sell it? Elizabeth asked, surprising herself as her words slipped out. I would keep it clean, and it would mean it doesn't stand empty and at risk of damage or invasion of unwanted guests.
The old woman had given Elizabeth such a stern look that she had expected to be thrown out then and there, and she waited, biting her bottom lip nervously for the old woman to speak. When the old woman did speak, coughing first a wheezy cough, Elizabeth was shocked to hear her accept the offer, telling her she did not want a lot, but did want the cottage maintained, the gardens too, and to not worry about the mill as it was all locked up. They talked a while and Elizabeth saw through the window the skies clear, and the rain move on. It was late afternoon by the time Elizabeth left and she did so happily, knowing she would be returning with her things on the morrow.
Last edited by Elizabeth_Wylde on Fri Aug 30, 2013 7:20 pm, edited 1 time in total.
-
Elizabeth_Wylde
Re: [RP] A Wylde Adventure
The evening following her discovery of somewhere to live, perfect for her in every way proceeded to knock Elizabeth sideways. One minute she was relaxing and then she received a message. Released from her role. She read, and re-read the message again and again, stunned. Elizabeth had come to Widu with the intention of working hard, and to help, and she had thought that was what she had been doing the last few weeks. Now it seemed it was not enough. Worst, Elizabeth was hurt by the dismissal. Go back to Fenia. If that was what she required then that was what Elizabeth would do.
Angrily she wrote a reply, clarifying something, before returning to a tavern she had been visiting just before the message arrived, going in search of someone she felt would help her. Finding the witcher, Reaver Silverstone, Elizabeth had immediately gone to him.
If your offer still stands I would like to take you up on it, she said quickly, not greeting him or anyone else, just keen to get this over with. I can leave tomorrow, if that's ok with you.
The witcher had nodded to her and then after a brief discussion she had sat down nearby, listening to the talk near her, not paying much attention to anyone.
The next morning Elizabeth woke early, packing her things and making sure all her boxes were together by the door to her room. Then she went to hire a horse and rode out to the mill hoping she would catch the old woman. It was relief and trepidation that the old woman was still there waiting for her son, and Elizabeth approached her with a sick feeling in her stomach. She explained what had happened, and what she now would be doing. She apologised, telling the old woman she had little choice. The old woman had looked at her and Elizabeth had remained silent. Seeing the kindly smile Elizabeth let out her breath, impulsively hugging the woman, telling her if she could transport the mill to Fenia City should would buy it from her. The old woman had sent her off with an almost affectionate farewell and Elizabeth had returned to the tavern she was staying to wait Reaver, unsure what time he would come for her.
Angrily she wrote a reply, clarifying something, before returning to a tavern she had been visiting just before the message arrived, going in search of someone she felt would help her. Finding the witcher, Reaver Silverstone, Elizabeth had immediately gone to him.
If your offer still stands I would like to take you up on it, she said quickly, not greeting him or anyone else, just keen to get this over with. I can leave tomorrow, if that's ok with you.
The witcher had nodded to her and then after a brief discussion she had sat down nearby, listening to the talk near her, not paying much attention to anyone.
The next morning Elizabeth woke early, packing her things and making sure all her boxes were together by the door to her room. Then she went to hire a horse and rode out to the mill hoping she would catch the old woman. It was relief and trepidation that the old woman was still there waiting for her son, and Elizabeth approached her with a sick feeling in her stomach. She explained what had happened, and what she now would be doing. She apologised, telling the old woman she had little choice. The old woman had looked at her and Elizabeth had remained silent. Seeing the kindly smile Elizabeth let out her breath, impulsively hugging the woman, telling her if she could transport the mill to Fenia City should would buy it from her. The old woman had sent her off with an almost affectionate farewell and Elizabeth had returned to the tavern she was staying to wait Reaver, unsure what time he would come for her.
-
Elizabeth_Wylde
Re: [RP] A Wylde Adventure
That afternoon, not having heard from the withcer Elizabeth went in search of him to find out when he planned to leave. When she eventually found him Elizabeth was shocked to hear his news. He could not go anywhere for three days. She had been unsure how to react, her plans all scuppered, her heart set on leaving that day. Nodding to his apology Elizabeth had gone off to find a way to still go, and in the end following some assurances she could trust the mage's removal guys Elizabeth had left her things in storage and set out quickly, hoping not to meet with anyone on the road, but knowing her things were safe if she did.
It was late when she had set out but Elizabeth reached Imperius the next morning, eating the small amount she had brought with her, and then resting a little while. When she woke Elizabeth had walked around the capital of Fenia taking in all the buildings, looking again at the castle. After a few hours exploring Elizabeth had again set off, this time in the direction of Fenia town. Impatience now controlled the pace, and Elizabeth pushed on. As Elizabeth followed the road she kept her eyes open, that though reassured the roads were safe, not quite trusting there was nothing lurking in the shadows. It was with relief that as the sun rose into the sky the following morning Fenia town stood in the distance.
At last, she said to the wind as it blew past her. Come on girl, leaning forward and patting the horse encouragingly, her heel lightly nudging it to walk forward.
Elizabeth watched Fenia town come closer as she rode until finally she was riding through the gates into Fenia town. Looking around she smiled to herself. It seemed pretty, and it was early yet so she was sure there would be people about later that day. Asking directions to a tavern where she could get a room Elizabeth slid from the horse, holding it's reins in her hands, feeling a need to walk, despite her tiredness. Finding the tavern Elizabeth had the horse stabled and then went inside.
It was late when she had set out but Elizabeth reached Imperius the next morning, eating the small amount she had brought with her, and then resting a little while. When she woke Elizabeth had walked around the capital of Fenia taking in all the buildings, looking again at the castle. After a few hours exploring Elizabeth had again set off, this time in the direction of Fenia town. Impatience now controlled the pace, and Elizabeth pushed on. As Elizabeth followed the road she kept her eyes open, that though reassured the roads were safe, not quite trusting there was nothing lurking in the shadows. It was with relief that as the sun rose into the sky the following morning Fenia town stood in the distance.
At last, she said to the wind as it blew past her. Come on girl, leaning forward and patting the horse encouragingly, her heel lightly nudging it to walk forward.
Elizabeth watched Fenia town come closer as she rode until finally she was riding through the gates into Fenia town. Looking around she smiled to herself. It seemed pretty, and it was early yet so she was sure there would be people about later that day. Asking directions to a tavern where she could get a room Elizabeth slid from the horse, holding it's reins in her hands, feeling a need to walk, despite her tiredness. Finding the tavern Elizabeth had the horse stabled and then went inside.
-
Elizabeth_Wylde
Re: [RP] A Wylde Adventure
Elizabeth was up and about early the next morning, and following breakfast decided to explore the town, find out what she could about available properties to rent or buy. That morning Elizabeth walked everywhere, looking at the market, wandering between stalls, tempted to buy a few trinkets she saw and that caught her eye as she passed. She wandered past the town hall and other buildings, going in to none, but pausing to look at a notice board to read. After she had left the town centre Elizabeth walked a way without really being sure where to go. When she had first been in this town she had not really explored much, and had made little effort to know the town.
Hearing water Elizabeth paused, looking around. Seeing no sign of where she assumed the river could be she continued in the direction she had been heading. Minutes later Elizabeth found where the river was as she came to a narrow path that took her to it's bank. Stood now she surveyed the view as she decided which way to walk, deciding to turn away from the town, wanting to see what the countryside was like in this part of the kingdom.
The sun was bright, clouds floating across the sky, and Elizabeth listened as the river's water lapped against the bank, the birds singing to each other, and watched butterflies fluttering between flowers and plants. Reaching a bend where the river seems to meander to the left, becoming a little wider, Elizabeth stood still and looked at the sight before her. On the far side of the river she saw a large cottage, a thatched roof, wooden beams, white walls and chimneys reaching up into the sky.
Behind it, from where she stood, Elizabeth saw a row of trees behind the house, varying colours all around. Just pass the cottage was a bridge, seemingly to a small island within the river. Elizabeth looked around, back along the far bank, and then she wondered how to get across, moving a few steps to see round the bend in the river, glimpsing something but unsure continued to walk forward, the path she was on unmarked yet there, firm underfoot as she moved, her eyes looking ahead. Not having walked much further Elizabeth saw another bridge, like the one near the cottage and she walked to it, resting her hand on the railing, wondering if she would be trespassing, and deciding to go on, the wooded slats underfoot creaking slightly as she went across till she reached the small island that would lead to the next bridge to the cottage.
What do you want here? a voice from her left asked as Elizabeth looked over at the cottage, causing her to whirl round in panic, her eyes searching for the speaker of the words.
I was just out walking. I didn't mean any harm... to trespass, Elizabeth hurriedly replied. The cottage caught my attention, she admitted.
Don' apologise to me girl, the person said abruptly, a man of fair years, hair whitening, skin weathered by years of working outdoors. No' mine, and the owner won' care once its sold.
Sold? Its for sale? asked Elizabeth incredulously, casting a longing glance over her shoulder at the cotage that in her mind was beautiful.
Aye girl, for sale, he nodded looking at her with interest now. If ye in'erested the town hall hold the deeds. Ask about River Cottage, and the three bridges.
Elizabeth looked at the man, making a note to do as bid, hoping she was not too late. Thanking him quickly Elizabeth turned and made her way from the small island, over the bridge and back to the path, hurrying back to town, wondering what he meant by the three bridges, having only seen two.
Hearing water Elizabeth paused, looking around. Seeing no sign of where she assumed the river could be she continued in the direction she had been heading. Minutes later Elizabeth found where the river was as she came to a narrow path that took her to it's bank. Stood now she surveyed the view as she decided which way to walk, deciding to turn away from the town, wanting to see what the countryside was like in this part of the kingdom.
The sun was bright, clouds floating across the sky, and Elizabeth listened as the river's water lapped against the bank, the birds singing to each other, and watched butterflies fluttering between flowers and plants. Reaching a bend where the river seems to meander to the left, becoming a little wider, Elizabeth stood still and looked at the sight before her. On the far side of the river she saw a large cottage, a thatched roof, wooden beams, white walls and chimneys reaching up into the sky.
Behind it, from where she stood, Elizabeth saw a row of trees behind the house, varying colours all around. Just pass the cottage was a bridge, seemingly to a small island within the river. Elizabeth looked around, back along the far bank, and then she wondered how to get across, moving a few steps to see round the bend in the river, glimpsing something but unsure continued to walk forward, the path she was on unmarked yet there, firm underfoot as she moved, her eyes looking ahead. Not having walked much further Elizabeth saw another bridge, like the one near the cottage and she walked to it, resting her hand on the railing, wondering if she would be trespassing, and deciding to go on, the wooded slats underfoot creaking slightly as she went across till she reached the small island that would lead to the next bridge to the cottage.
What do you want here? a voice from her left asked as Elizabeth looked over at the cottage, causing her to whirl round in panic, her eyes searching for the speaker of the words.
I was just out walking. I didn't mean any harm... to trespass, Elizabeth hurriedly replied. The cottage caught my attention, she admitted.
Don' apologise to me girl, the person said abruptly, a man of fair years, hair whitening, skin weathered by years of working outdoors. No' mine, and the owner won' care once its sold.
Sold? Its for sale? asked Elizabeth incredulously, casting a longing glance over her shoulder at the cotage that in her mind was beautiful.
Aye girl, for sale, he nodded looking at her with interest now. If ye in'erested the town hall hold the deeds. Ask about River Cottage, and the three bridges.
Elizabeth looked at the man, making a note to do as bid, hoping she was not too late. Thanking him quickly Elizabeth turned and made her way from the small island, over the bridge and back to the path, hurrying back to town, wondering what he meant by the three bridges, having only seen two.