The Queen of Demons

[Agnes]

QUEEN OF DEMONS



Chapter one

Beginnings

Mary’s view / Present day



`My name is mary. I am 16 years old. And this is not real.`

I kept repeating those words in my mind, over and over, trying to convince myself that this was all a dream. It didn't work. I was really standing in front of those enormous gates that led to the mansion of the local baroness, Evelynn. I took a deep breath in and noticed a faint smell of roses, yet I couldn't get myself to enjoy it.

`My name is Mary. I am 16 years old and this is a dream.`

I tried it again, but I still didn't awake. Even though those beautifully crafted gates and those intricate decorations and the pristinely white walls seemed surreal to me at best. How was it possible that me, a simple girl that grew up in a farm, was standing in front of such a building?

I stepped forward, closer to the doors that would maybe open to a new life. I had been offered to work as Evelynn`s maid, the letter had arrived last evening and since then my entire family had been panicking.

I had no issue gathering my courage and knocking on those doors, since I was still thinking that this wasn’t reality. Even if all my senses tried to tell me the opposite.

I gasped in surprise as the doors swung open without a sound, and revealed the darkly lit main hall behind them. I could barely see anything in the dim light, but I could discern a faint outline of someone waiting for me. I held my breath and walked inside, my heart beating faster than ever before.

Behind me the doors once again closed, though I didn't even notice. I only had eyes for the impressive figure of a women that stood before me, which I could see only now that the torches had ignited and doused the room in a almost romantic light.

She was tall, with keen eyes that sparkled with curiosity. Her quite perfect body was wrapped in a simple, yet stunning black dress. Despite all of that, the thing that irritated me the most was the warm smile that curled her lips. Why was it a warm smile? What had I done to give her a reason to smile warmly at me?

I must have looked incredibly stupid, staring at her with such obvious curiosity and astonishment, that I thought it to be a wonder she didn't kick me out of the room right then and there.

She spoke and her low, almost suggestive voice echoed within my being. It was music to my ears, literally and figuratively. Too late I realized that I hadn't even payed attention to what she had said. I was dumbfounded by my own stupidity. With a stammer and a faint blush of embarrassment I asked:

„Ex-excuse me… what – what did you say?“

I was surprised that I could even speak at all. My throat felt like a dozen of frogs were stuck inside and I heavily swallowed as I saw her smile fade to one of amusement. She leaned in. Instinctively I wanted to take a step back, but I found myself unable to move. I was paralyzed, yet by what? Fear? Astonishment? Fascination? I couldn't tell, I could only focus on her lips as they moved and formed the fatal words.

„I said, close your mouth“

I immediately flushed bright red. She spoke with a chuckle in her voice, but that didn't reduce my embarrassment in the slightest. Quite the opposite actually, it only made it worse. Quickly, I closed my mouth, still staring into her gorgeous eyes, that were only inches from mine.

Her smile widened even more, which lead my resolve to crumble. I averted my gaze and stared down, at my own feet, which I only realized that I was barefoot. My steps had left a trail of mud on the floor and the edges of my precious blue dress were dirtied. My mother's finest dress that I had begged her to let me wear it. And I had dirited it.

I heard her chuckle and even though I didn't think it possible, I got even more embarrassed. I at least listened to what she said next. I had learned my lesson.

„So Mary, I think you know why you're here? You are to be my maid“

She stopped for a moment, no doubt to add even more drama to the situation. From the corners of my eyes, which were still staring at my toes, I saw her starting to walk up and down. Every step of her black leather boots echoed through the hall. I couldn't help but be reminded of a predator, waiting to pounce on its prey.

„Before you say yes or no to my offer, I need to explain a few things. Our relationship will be far more complex than just servant and master. There are too many facets to it that I could list them all, but you can think of it like this. I am like a husband to you and you are like a wife to me. You prepare my meals, wash my clothes, clean my house and take care of my garden. While I will take care that you have every comfort I can spare. I will not order you around on a whim, like others do with their servants. I want you to be the one that does the work on her own, that you don't wait for me to order, but that you get to know me well enough that you'll be able to predict what I want of you. Of course this is going to be a process taking months or even years. I take it you haven't worked for someone else as a maid yet?“

The walking stopped. Slowly I lift my head and looked into her smiling face. Id finally be rid of my father. No more ordering around. Finally, I could work for someone that appreciated my work. And the most important of all, no one would beat me for a job that I didn't do. The way this women spoke and acted, her supernatural beauty. She made me want to serve her. Made me want to follow her every command.

I was about to scream at her that I‘d love to work for her. But at the last moment doubts overcame me.

I had never done any maidmork. Would it really be a good idea to start working here, only to be thrown out a few days later because I was bad at my job? I hated to ask the question. To allow for the possibility that I had to go home again. I whispered:

„But… but im not a maid“

A long pause followed. I could feel the tension. I didn't even notice it happen but I once again was staring at my toes. Finally the silence was broken by a hearty laugh. I flinched, not expecting that response from her. I had no time to process the happenings, then she was already speaking again, lulling me in with her beautiful voice.

„Ever cleaned, dried and folded clothes as precious as the dress im wearing right now?“

All I was able to do was shake my head.

„Ever cooked for more than 5 people, at every time of day, a 3 course meal?“

Once again I shook my head, getting even more embarrassed by her obvious joy in telling me what I couldnt do.

„Cleaned an entire house as big as this mansion in under an hour?“

I didn't even know how anyone would manage such a task, so naturally my answer was the same as the last two times.

„Ever helped someone else in their clothing and with their morning routine.“

I was too ashamed to even answer anymore. But she didn't stop. She kept asking me things that I had no idea off, and I just stood there, ashamed of myself. Ashamed of my hopes I had had when I came here. That I had expected to actually become a maid. At last I couldn't take it anymore. She had simply ordered me here to make fun off me. And I wasn't going to let someone play with me like that. In a pause, in which she waited for any kind of answer of me, I whispered:

„I`ll just go home then. I can't do any of those things. I`m not a maid. Im sure youll find another… goodbye“

I scolded myself. How stupid of me to get my expectations this high. Of course it was too good to be true. I sighed in dismay. While I was pitying myself, I didn't even notice two black shoes stepping into my field of vision. Only when I felt the warmth of her finger under her chin did I grow conscious of how close the baroness had gotten. Evelynn, a beautiful name for a beautiful woman.

Once again I was filled with regret at my own naivety. But to my surprise she was lifting my head. Something about the warmth of her on my chin and the gentle way with which she was touching me, was quite caliming. For the third time now, the two us stared into each others eyes. Only now there was no blinking of curiosity or glint of amusement. I was convinced that my mind was playing a trick on me. That my subconscious hadn’t given up on becoming a maid yet.

I thought that the way she was looking at me now, was a caring one. Not even my own mother had ever looked at me the way she- I just remembered that she was a stranger- was looking at me now.

As she spoke, all doubt was cast from my mind.

„Don't worry Mary. There is a good reason that I chose to invite you today. As I already said, the bonds between master and servant are way tighter than any other kind of relationship. And the best way to forge this bond is that the master teaches the servant. You may look at your own inexperience and think that you will be a horrible maid. Yet the very reason that you are new to this kind of work, was a reason for me to choose you. The other reason being the one that I have watched you for a long time. I saw your determination to escape your life. So I decided to give you a chance to improve your life. Do you accept my offer? Will you be a good student? Are you willing to learn how to serve?“

There is was again, that warm smile on her lips with which she had greeted me. That softness in her eyes. Her warm finger still under my chin. I was overwhelmed. My mind wasn’t playing some kind of trick on me. This baroness, this incredibly powerful lady really did care about a simple girl such as me.

With amusement in her voice, she silently added:

„shut it“

and I closed my mouth which had been gaping wide once again. I closed it just to open it again, trying to agree to her offer, but no words left my mouth. My jaws opened and closed a few times, but I had lost my voice. Embarrassed that something like this had to happen in a situation such as this, I flushed red and finally shut my mouth for good. At last I decided to simply nod in agreement.

Slowly the baroness stood straight again, a bright smile on her lips. I had to bend my neck quite a bit to still be able to look at her face, as close as we were standing together.

„Then it is decided, maid Mary. From now on you will call me `Mistress`“

I nodded, and to my own surprise found my voice having returned as I whispered.

„Yes Mistress“

My new master nodded approvingly, then took a step back and turned around. Before I realized what was happening, she had already crossed half the hall, heading towards a small door in the back of the room. When I had recovered of my paralysis, she had already reached it and put a hand on the doorknob.

One thought was still plaguing my mind. As much as I hated my Family, I couldn't leave them just like that. I despised my father for how he treated me and I was always stuck by sadness when I thought of how detached I was from my mother. Yet I had been the one to keep them alive. I had been the one to do most of the work on the fields, and got up the first to care for the farm animals. Me leaving would mean they'd die next winter. My little sister wasn't strong enough to do any work yet, and she was too frail for any work anyways. I took a deep breath and gathered my courage, then I spoke as loudly as I could. It still was only slightly above a whisper.

„M-mistress… My family… I… They need me...“

The baroness seized all movement. A terrible fear suddenly gripped me. Maybe I had gone too far already, demanding just a thing just seconds after my employment. Maybe shed rethink her decision and throw me out.

`No` I thought to myself. I shook my head and steeled my resolve. She had been watching me, and knew how desperate I had been to escape my life. Of course she would also know how Essential I was to my family. And indeed, it was like she had read my mind.

„You need no longer worry about your family. I will provide them with just enough food so they won't starve, but not enough that they can live a life in sloth. Does that suit your needs? After all, how can you focus on your duties here, when you worry about your family all the time?“

Evelynn had turned to me and gave me a reassuring smile. I absolutely believed her. Besides, I had to trust her, didn't i? She was my mistress now, and her word was law to me. At least that's the way that I thought about it. On top she gave me now reason to complain. Quite the opposite actually, She gave me exactly what I wanted.

„Yes… mistress. Im… i'm quite pleased“

I could see her nod in response, she motioned for me to follow through the door as she opened and stepped into the other room.



Chapter two

Proper Garments

Mary’s view / Present day



„Now that you are my maid, you need a proper dress, that suits one of my servants“

My mistress led me into a long hallway. To the right were strong doors made of a dark wood and polished beyond compare. All of them were the same distance from each other. From the left bright sunlight flooded the room, making the white walls much more welcoming than the dark main hall. As I took all of this in, I noticed a faint scent. That of cherry blossoms. And indeed, when my eyes got accustomed to the brightness, I could see the pink blossoms of many cherry trees outside. I must have been too excited to arrive here to even notice them. I took a closer look around as we walked through the wall, me and my mistress, side by side. I noticed that the intricate wooden patterns, were more than just patterns. I had to stare at the carvings for quite some time, to notice that it showed different figurines and humanoid shapes. It told a story, which I had only heard off. The great war. My father wasn't one that told stories, and my mother didn't speak at all. Yet I had heard rumors about it from other women around town. A brutal time, in which every had fought each other, and son slaughtered father. I quickly avoided my gaze when I realized how gruesome the scene I was studying really was.

The only other attraction in the room was my mistress evelynn. And I examined her closely, since she was busy staring straight, not seeming to even pay attention to me. I noticed her irresistible grace, with which she carried herself, and got a little envious. My next instinct was to feel ashamed of myself, walking behind such an elegant woman when I could barely walk without stumbling over my own two feet. On top I was barefoot and in a dirty dress. I tried my very best to imitate her way of walking, even thought I knew myself that it was a pathetic attempt. I swore myself, that I was going to practice until I could walk as gracefully as she could.

I felt like an eternity had passed since we first entered the hallway, but finally we reached the very end of it. To the right of us were stairs, leading up and down and directly in front of us was another wooden door, looking the exact same as all the other doors.

With an, as I thought, overly dramatic gesture, Evelynn opened the door and revealed what was behind. I gasped in astonishment.

The room that lay behind was a gigantic closet, to the brim filled with maid dresses. There were black and white ones, Traditional maid clothing as I thought of it. But also pink and purple, as well as red and blue ones. Even a few brown and green ones. I was pretty anxious. Hopefully Evelynn would choose one that I liked.

There were so many options and variations. With small white and had and without. With skirt, or trousers or a full blown dress. I was still standing in the doorframe and, looking at all of this in awe, When I looked over my shoulder, at my mistress, waiting for her to walk in and choose a dress for me. But she just stood there, smiling at the wonder in my eyes.

Finally she seemed to realize what I was waiting for and placed a hand on my back, in the same caring manner as the simple touch before. Bot now with the quickness of a woman that has a goal.

„Go on, choose one“

She whispered into my ear and gave me a slight push. I stumbled forwards, a few steps into the closet, and looked back at her with amazement in my eyes.

„B-but you're letting me choose? What if I choose something you don't like… or… or...“

I stuttered and stopped my protest as I saw a hard glint replace the caring softness in her eyes. And with a still gentle but stern voice she spoke.

„You first lesson shall be to follow orders when I give them. Never question my decision, there are always good reasons for them even if I won’t always tell you those. Do not worry, I trust that you will choose something that looks good. Believe in yourself. Go on“

I wanted to protest again, but held back at the last second.

She was right. She gave the orders and I followed. The very principle of being a maid and I was trying to overthrow it just minutes after getting accepted as her servant. I swore myself to never argue with my mistress again.

Now, I focused on the task at hand and took a closer look at the dresses around me. I discarded most of them immediately since they were too colourful or had some sort of accessory or decoration that I didn't like at all. Black and white was really the only option. Lucky, most of the dresses were of those colours. I wasn't sure if I was allowed to touch them, so I looked to my mistress, a hand stretched out to take one of the nearby dresses. She gave a reassuring nod and I pulled the piece of cloth from its shelf.

I held it in front of me and at first I found the stitching patterns quite pleasing. It was only once I took a closer look that I realized them to be made of silver strings, that glistened in the light, with small gems stitched into the cloth that gave it a very supreme appearance. I overly carefully folded it again and put it back. I knew that I would Never feel comfortable wearing something as expensive as this.

I waded deeper into the jungle of this luxury and pulled one dress down after the other. But they were all either as precious looking as the first, or with even more ornaments. Gold and diamonds were littered over these clothings, as if someone had them to give away and didn't know what to do with them. The longer I spend in this room, the more uncomfortable I got. Even a single gem that id rip from one of these dresses could feed my family for ages. But I wouldn't steal. No, not for them. At last, in a corner and hidden behind a stack of brown skirts, I found what I was looking for. A simple black maid dress, with a skirt and a white collar, white sleeves and simple black shoes. I could understand why it was hidden away, it looked cheap and dirty compared to all these other clothes. Yet it was the only one that I could see myself wearing.

I turned around to look at my mistress and presented what I had chosen. There was a weird expression in her eyes. What was it, Triumph? Had I fulfilled her expectations in some weird way? Or had I proved myself to actually be the stupid farmers girl that I looked like? No, I had to stop doubting my decision. Mistress Evelynn would understand why I chose it. She knew me, probably better than I knew myself. I put on my most determined look, to show that my decision had fallen and I watched her smile in response.

„This one, Mistress“

I said with the loudest voice I could muster and held the dress in front of me. To my surprise she didn't even protest, or question my choice, she simply nod and as I kept standing there dumbfounded and didn't do anything, she added.

„Go on, try it on“

I was so excited that she would let me try it on, that it took three attempts to open the knots that held the blue dress I was wearing. Suddenly I grew conscious that I was standing in front of my Master, in only underwear. I blushed furiously and hurried to put on the dress, even though Evelynn didn't seem bothered in the slightest. Yet neither did she abuse my half nudity and examined my body, she simply kept looking at my eyes, with a amused smile, which only made me hurry more.

I had a few issues, since this was a lot more complicated then the simple dress I had worn until now. There were leather straps and strings and many other curious contraptions that I didn't quite understand the purpose off. My blush kept intensifying, as I struggled with the dress, but I tried my best.

After what I thought to be an eternity, I had finally finished. It didn't fit perfectly, The skirt was a little too wide and the sleeves were a little too wide. I also noticed that it had been made for a girl with a bit more `bust`, which made my instinctively cover my chest by resting an arm on it. I followed an intuition and twirled around in it the dress, like a little girl. Instantly I scolded myself for my immaturity. I forced myself to stand still and Evelynn judged my appearance with a vigilant eye.

„You look absolutely adorable“

Once again, I blushed, only now it was because of the unexpected compliment.

„And from now on, that very dress shall be the one worn by every maid I put under my services“

My jaw dropped. The amount of trust that Evelynn put into me was enormous.

“A-are you… sure? M-mistress?”

Was all I managed to stutter. Overwhelmed as I was I simply watched as she quickly closed the distance between us, and once again closed my gaping mouth with a quick touch. Her eyes once again carried that glint of amusement.

“I’m very sure of it. And now i'll give you a needle and some string and you will sew your new outfit so it will fit like a glove, understood?”

And another shock. This beautiful dress and I would lay hand on it. I had sewn before, but this was a different dimension entirely. The stitches that I could spot were so masterly done, one could think it was sewn with magic.

“I… I will ruin it”

She responded with a smile

“I trust in your abilities. And if you do ruin I’ll be able to fix it with magic. But remember, that i'll only do that if I there is no other solution. Give it your best”

I simply nod. I wanted to assure her that I would definitely give my best, yet no sound would leave my mouth. She didn't give me time to catch myself, but simply kept on talking.

“But first of all, you need to be cleaned. You will bather then groom yourself. I will not tolerate anyone looking as dirty as you walking around this house. You need to be washed. In this time I won't be here. I have an appointment to attend to. Feel free to wander around and explore the mansion, but you shouldn't try to enter any locked doors. There is a reason those are locked. Now go”

I was speechless, felt stupid, as all I could do was nod again. Slowly but surely I recovered from the shock. Then, suddenly, excitement gripped me. I was in a hurry to get out of the dress, so I could go take a bath. In my hurry I managed to get caught up in a loose leather strap, which wrapped around my wrists. Somehow I had managed to tie myself up, with no way to free myself. There I stood a few awkward moments, until finally my mistress realized what had happened. She broke out into a hearty laugh and I smiled myself as I heard it. She quickly stepped behind me and undid the strap binding me.

“You really are adorable”

She whispered with a small giggle and stepped back. I quickly freed myself of the dress, yet slow enough so I would not repeat my mistake. Then finally the dress laid to my feet and I was in my underwear once again. I turned around to pick up the blue dress, of my mother. But a gentle touch of my mistress made me stop mid movement. She walked to a small shelf, and pulled a small bundle of clothing down from it.

“here, you won’t need that old dress anymore. Some fresh undergarments and a nightgown”

I was thankful and yet at the same time it felt like I was leaving behind an old friend. That dress had been my mothers pride. It had meant so much to me that she would give it to me. Seeing it here, among those pristine dresses and clothes, it really only was a dirty bundle of cloth. And suddenly I realized, it really was only a dirty bundle of cloth. Something, that should I cling to it would only keep reminding me of my dark past. A new life was before me, and I was going to embrace it. What had my mother ever done for her to deserve me honoring her heritage? In fact, I didn't even want her heritage.

Another wave of excitement filled me, as I felt a heavy weight being lift off of me. I was free to do what I wanted, and that something was to server evelynn. The women that had saved me.

I quickly threw over the nightgown that my mistress gave to me. At least that was easy enough to put on. I picked up the maid dress and clutched both it and my new garments to my chest. Evelynn must have seen the excitement in my eyes, since she quickly told me, in her usual gentle yet stern tone.

“The bath is up the stairs, the 3rd door to the left. Take your time, I won't be back before sundown”

I couldn't hold back any longer. I tried to run out of the room, and immediately stopped when I felt Evelynn grip my shoulder.

“Lesson number two. As my servant you share my reputation. If you do something that would hurt yours, you are also hurting mine”

She must have seen the panic in my eyes since she quickly added in a gentler tone:

“Now it is alright, since no one has been looking. I'm just telling you for the future. And especially keep it in mind should we ever get any visitors, alright?”

I sighed in relief. Then, slower but still excited and with a spring in my step, I left the room.

“until tonight mary”

“until tonight… Mistress”

I repeated her and felt incredibly stupid for it. I scolded for being so unoriginal. But she didn't seem to be bothered. I her graceful way, she walked out of the room and through the corridor. I stared after her, until she was gone, almost like I was in a trance. I stood there staring at the spot where my mistress had vanished, then with a broad smile, I ran upstairs.



Chapter 3

An old Friend

Evelynn’s view / present day



I felt a little troubled leaving Mary behind. Such a young, innocent and adorable girl. She would make for a good servant, I was certain of that. But I had to tell her the truth, earlier or later. Most people associated with me quickly gained a bad reputation. I would tell her before that, so that she could choose if she wanted to stay, knowing the consequences and not once it was too late.

I was confident that the spells I had put in place to protect the mansion and its inhabitants would suffice, but a few doubts still plagued me. I took a deep breath and spread my arms,. Out of my shoulders grew black feathered, enormous wings. Both of them at least 10 feet in length. Two strong beats and I was already soaring high in the sky.

I enjoyed the feeling of rushing past my face. Such a shame humans couldn't fly. A lot of them would give up their tiny and miserable fights if they could see how tiny everything was from up here. And how big the world really was.

I sighed in resignation, giving up my day dream and hurring up a little. I absolutely despised being late. 3 quick wing strokes later I was heading towards my destination and let the winds carry me. I groaned in playfull annoyance. Fyrn had once again tried something fancy and had laid a thick fog over the entire forest.

Only the tips of the largest trees poked through. I couldn't even imagine how much strength this little, useless trick had cost him. luckily I had spent a lot of time in this damned place to know the exact location of our meeting place. Flying high above the clouds I tried to spot the trio of ancient oaks that encircled our old hiding spot, and once I had found it I dove straight down, piercing the layers fog and letting the wet air swallow me whole. My suspicions were confirmed, as the fog didn't move an inch, when normally it would have split in two. it was supernatural. I stopped my fall at the last possible moment and with satisfaction felt the air bellow my wings. Annoyed, I muttered a small incantation and a snake formed of fire make quick work of the white sea, evaporating the tiny drops of water.

“Weak, I had expected something smarter from you, Fyrn.”

I addressed the man standing at the edge of the clearing, leaned against a tree. Head low and staring at his feet he had his signature playing card between his fingers, performing his usual sleight of hand tricks. And it was always a king.

“My my, if it isn't the queen of demons herself. her highness honors us by arriving to the appointment that, the worm that I am, asked for”

he spoke in his smoky, low voice. The sound of it would have charmed any ordinary human girl, but not me. I knew all his little tricks.

Though I did have to admit that his way of talking had something attractive about it. I liked it when you pretended to be some lowly slave that feared punishment. Certainly, he knew how to dress- With his Fedora and black trenchcoat he looked like a proper gentleman.

“And I have the pleasure of talking to the king of thieves as I can see”

I responded in the same singing voice as him and coldy added.

“Let's quit the formalities. What is it you want? Make it quick”

He was trying to provoke me. of course he was. So he took his sweet time to respond and didnt waste the opportunity to once again show of his little card trick. I didn't pay any mind to it. To me it was obvious that he was using magic for his little trickery. I despised him for it. Using such a great gift to brag with such small things.

Finally he spoke:

“Why the hurry? I assume you want to get back to that little girl you invited to your place. I wonder how you'll torture this one.”

Now all calmness left me. My usual tell showed, my hair glowing like burning embers. I saw him raise his head and just for one second I saw fear in his eyes, then he regained control over himself. In fact I was panicking. If he already knew, how many others did as well? I knew it was foolish to leave her behind alone. He definitely could guess what my silence meant and with only a slight tremble added.

“Oh don't you worry my highness, we won't touch her. Were only curious what you will do to her. It’s been so long since you tried to lure someone in. you must be near death from hunger. So i'll ask again. How will you torture her? we’ll find out either way.”

I had to admit, he was right. I was hungry. Oh so hungry. Mary would be a feast. But I had sworn that I wouldn’t touch another human.I had sworn that my demon days were over. Even if it meant my death. I couldn't hide the anger in my voice as I responded.

“I. Will. Not. Hurt. Her.”

After a quick pause, in which he finally looked me in the eyes, I saw his eyes glistening with surprise, and a little amusement. A knowing smirk curled his lips, as I added:

“And if that was the only reason you ordered me here, to taunt me because i've employed the service of a maid, we have nothing more to discuss. I didn't come here to let you accuse me”

his eyes went back to staring at his feet as he responded, obviously scared as he saw my hair flare up.

“calm now you highness, I didn't think that you would be that offended. Of course there is a larger scheme which needs to be discussed. I hope you can forgive me for wanting to strike up a friendly conversation”

He had changed. We had grown apart. For the first time ever I heard actual regret for making me angry in his voice. Or he had simply gotten better at controlling his voice. My heart felt as if it ripped apart as I realized that he no longer was that weak boy I had met 600 years ago. No longer was the lover which I had loved. Now he was more. All my anger faded and was replaced by regret and many other bad feelings.

“Fine. I’ll forgive you. But if there is something actually important to discuss, we should get rid of our unwanted listeners”

I stomped my heel into the ground and resumed the fire serpent. all the fog immediately disturbed and revealed hundreds of woodlands beings and shadows hiding in the fog, listening in on our conversation. Every single one a spy that had been sent after me. Even after so many years they still didn’t trust me. Fyrn who had summoned the fog in the first place, seemed troubled.

“I thought it would cover us enough to prevent anyone finding out where we are. Noone should have even known we were here.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at his naivety.

“You may be as old as me and you may be a master thief, but in politics you are an absolute novice”

I wanted to take a step towards him, wanting to close the distance and seem a little more threatening, yet I found my heel stuck in the soft dirt. annoyed I pulled it out in a hurry and sprayed dirt all over my dress.

“How I hate nature… and this dress”

I muttered to myself. I could almost feel Fyrn’s judgement. His opinion was that any women not wearing a dress wasn’t a proper woman. But then again, he had fallen in love with me, so maybe it was only one of the things he liked about his prey. He was a love demon after all, and There was no human whose heart he hadn’t yet broken. Still, he had never worn a dress, only his comfortable trenchcoat. He didn’t know what kind of torture it was to move in one of these.

“Now that we are actually alone, what was it you wanted? Why do you have to order me out here, a lonely clearing with no explanation but ‘this meeting will decide thousands of lives’. Pretty Vague don’t you think?”

Now we were getting serious. His jaw muscles tensed and the card vanished. He thought for a long time, obviously debating whether to tell me or not. His hands empty they went to stroke his half an inch beard. I was patient. The way he behaved told me it was something really serious. And finally he spoke, actually dropping his usual singing tone.

“I’m certain you remember long ago, how we two caused a war, fought over an artifact that didn’t exist”

I nodded in response. We both went silent for a while. It was a painful memory, for both of us. Knowing that we caused so much suffering. Now, years later, when we had found our humanity, we both wished we could undo what had happened.

“Well, i’m pretty certain that the real version has surfaced. And it has real powers. I plan to steal and destroy it, but I need your help”

That was quite a shock. So there really was a real one. I suddenly grew conscious of the fact that my mouth was gaping wide open. Was I really that quick to adapt Mary’s habits? I quickly closed my mouth and regained my composed appearance with some effort. As I gazed into his eyes I saw my own fear reflected in them.

“Are you really sure? Did they really find it?”

“I saw it with my own eyes”

His voice was barely above a whisper now. I knew he told the truth. Fyrn may be a trickster, a thank and betrayer, but he wouldn’t dare lie about something like this. Not to me. To my own surprise my voice was trembling as I once again spoke.

“So there is going to be another war…”

i could sense that he was nervous. The card reappeared and he twirled it around, faster than before.

“Maybe… maybe we can prevent it still. The lord that has found it doesn’t yet know of its power. Some old senile fool that has devoted his life to digging up old artifacts. By chance he found the orb. If we’re fast enough we can steal it without him even realizing how catastrophic his found is”

The possibility. It was incredible. We would atone for all out misdeeds should we manage to prevent this second war. or second great massacre as I preferred to call it. Yet another part of me, the primitive part, wanted me to let it happen. So much bloodshed. I would regain my old power. How long it had been since I had felt it. So long since I had been the queen of demons. And it wouldn't even be me doing the harm, Id just be a spectator. It would be a feast. I knew what I wanted was wrong, yet the fatal words still left my mouth.

“I will think about it…”

“but Eve…”

“DO NOT CALL ME BY THAT NAME”

he had crossed a line. I screamed my throat out, and he seemed really frightened now. I knew that my reaction wasn't justified, but I couldn't bear those old memories.

“Let the past die…”

I whispered. For the first time in a long time, he was so intimidated that he lost control over his face. And I saw the weak lord return, that he had been when I first met him. Old memories returned and I had to close my eyes for a few seconds, Banishing them to the back of my head again. As I opened my eyes I again, I realized that I had wrapped my arms around myself. I felt lonely. I remembered Mary, and the feeling slowly vanished. Fyrn knew how to read me. he understood now, why I had hired mary and why I had gotten that angry.

“I will think about your offer”

I repeated, then spread my wings one more. In an instant I was high up in the air, on my way back to the mansion. As I turned I saw Fyrn smirk. I hated him, at least I told that to myself.





Chapter four

Discoveries

Mary’s view / present day



After my mistress left, I tried my best to follow her instructions. but I still was a little too excited to walk calmly up the stairs. I rushed through the corridors until I reached the door that Evelynn had told me and entered it. I had my new clothes clutched to my chest and took a moment to catch my breath, then examined my surroundings.

By my definition, this wasn't a bath, it was a lake. The entire floor was one gigantic basin. The walls were lined with shelves that carried many curious bottles and flasks. Across the room were two big halls, inlaid into the wall. I was dumbfounded. To my own relief there were no windows and the key was in the lock. I quickly closed the door behind me and turned the key. Yet the silk sliding over my skin made me shudder. I wasn't used to this kind of pristine silk, only rough linen shirts and trousers. A little clueless as to what I should do now. I spotted a shelf that was a little larger than the rest and completely empty, So I assumed it to be for putting down my clothing. So that's what I quickly did. I unrobed, not without once again making sure that there was no possible way someone could watch me, and dumped all of my luggage on the shelf board. I cautiously approached the two large holes in the wall, and took a closer look at them. I could see that there was some kind of tube, but it simply went downwards, with no way for me to see where they lead, without crawling inside. After a few moments of examination I saw that one of the tiles above them was slightly raised. formed to a circle and about the size of my hand. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, I told to myself and carefully pushed down on the tile. I gasped and jumped back in surprise when water shot out of the holes and started to flood the bath. There was a rumbling sensation that shook my entire body. I was surprised that the water was warm. Never had I had a warm bath in my entire life, but I had to admit that it felt a few hundred times better then cold water. more and more water came out of the two holes and slowly the basin filled. I giggled a little, this was starting to be fun. I wode to the middle of the room, where the water was the deepest, yet still only reached to my hips. It took a few more minutes, then the water reached my chest and the flow finally stopped.

My entire body was filled with warmth. it felt incredible. I could almost watch the layers of dirt and grime leave my skin. Definitely a bewildering experience.

After my enthusiasm had ebbed off, I simply sat in the water and watched the ripples of water rickochet across the surface. My gaze once again fell on a small purple bottle that stood on a nearby shelf. For the last few minutes I had kept looking at it without realizing it. Like some part of me was screaming at me to use whatever it contained. Only that I didn't even know how to use it. Then again, why would this flask be in the bathroom, if it wasn't meant to be used during the bath? I had heard some of the wealthier women in the village talk about soap and what it did to the skin. Could this mysterious liquid, be soap? The longer I thought about it, the more certain I got. I wanted to find out what it was and wanted to use it.

So I reached out and grasped it. The tiny bottle was surprisingly heavy for being the size of my fist. I watched the purple liquid slosh around on the inside as I kept tilting the bottle from one side to the other. Finally, I carefully opened it. The air was instantly filled with the heavy scent of orchids. a sweet, yet intense aroma. On top it was my favorite flower. At home I had a small pot with a single orchid that I had taken care of like it was my own eye. I took a few deep breaths of the heavy scent, then, very carefully, I let a single drop of it hit my finger.

instantly, I felt my skin absorb the oily substance. All the old skin, suddenly shed off. The new layer of skin below the old was pink and soft. As I felt the surface with my other hand, I felt how rough my old skin was. Without hesitating I let another drop hit the same spot. Only now my was already right with oil, so the drop did not get absorbed by the same spot, yet slowly crept into the rest of my hand. An actual layer of skin, like a snake that just shed its old hide, left my hand and dropped into the water. I watched it swim away, astonished, then hurried to cover my entire body in the substance. I still was very careful with it, always just a little hesitant to let it touch a new bit of skin. I marveled at how amazing this liquid was. It felt like I had spent my entire life in a cage, and this oil set me free. Even the slight ripples of waves now made me shudder, that's how sensitive my skin was now. It took me almost half an hour to apply to the purple liquid to all of my body. The only thing I had not done yet, was apply it to my hair. I carefully let a few drops gather in my right hand, then dipped my lift index finger into it that way I would only apply the slightest bit of the substance to my hair, and it wouldn't do much damage, if any at all.

Yet my worries, were completely without reason. The moment the oil made contact with my hair, I gasped in astonishment. Every single knot that was in my hair opened and it gained an incredible silken texture. on top it felt absolutely light and weightless now. almost as if it was floating. Without hesitation I covered all of my hair in the liquid, and sighed with bliss as I felt it take effect.

i was quite pleased with my discovery and went to close to the flask, when I realized that it was half empty already. a bit of guilt plagued me, having used such an obviously precious thing that didn’t even belong to me and without a second thought. After a few seconds, I shook it off. There were so many flasks here, my mistress surely wouldn’t notice one missing some of its content. With a long sigh I leaned back in this lake and recalled what had happened all day. It definitely had been a rollercoaster of emotions and probably the most exciting day I had ever had. I closed my eyes and used the opportunity to think about every single thing that had happened today.

I had walked into this mansion, thinking it all was a dream and to be honest I wasn't quite convinced of the contrary yet. The kind way with which she had greeted me and my overwhelming glee as I got accepted to work as her maid. Just the memory of it made me smile brightly. Afterwards the many doubts that had plagued my mind, which I now realized to be insecure and without reason. After that the nerve wracking experience of getting to chose my own maid dress, which was followed by the revelation of me having chosen the maid dress for every other maid that would work here. And finally this relaxing bath. Today definitely was the best day of my life.

After enjoying the warmth of the bath to its fullest and once I had finished collecting my thoughts, I was ready to embrace the day with new energy. I got up, very carefully so I wouldn’t slip on the wet tiles, I went over to the raised plate, once again pushing it. I sighed in relief when I felt the water being drained. Calmed as I was, I slowly walked over to the bundle that were my clothes. It only dawned on my now that those were my clothes. I would have jumped for joy, if I wasnt that afraid of slipping.

Even before that oil had made my skin soft as silk, I had thought of the clothes as soft, but now it overwhelmed my senses. It pretty much felt like a second layer of skin, which I was quite thankful for, since the dirt and grime leaving my skin had made me feel weirdly vulnerable. Like something was missing all of a sudden, yet just to be replaced by these silken clothes. I took my time with actually putting it on and actually noticed, that what I had thought to be incredibly complicated, really had a surprisingly simple system behind it.

First was the corset around my hip. I had a few issues pulling the strings tight, but my waist was already pretty slim, so it didn't cause that big of a problem. Then came the top. it had a few leather straps on the inside, which was what was actually holding it in place and in which I had managed to get caught up in earlier. The buttons that were on the outside only fulfilled a decorative purpose, which was to hide the leather straps underneath. once again I couldn't reach around my back all the way, meaning I had to leave some of the latches open. The top was a little to wide and loose anyways, so I didn't really mind nor did I notice. Finally the skirt, my favorite part of the whole uniform. incidentally it was also the most complicated. a complicated contraption of iron hooks and various other mechanism connected it to the corset, which were pretty small and hard to get in the right place. I gave up halfway, already pretty frustrated with my inability to get the tiny hooks into their rings. The skirt held in place, even though it was a little loose. I had to pull it up either way, since it was too long and would scrape over the ground otherwise.

Finally, dressed at least somewhat, I felt ready to leave the bathroom. Another wave of excitement came over me as I realized that I had an entire mansion that needed to be explored. My enthusiasm quickly ebbed off when I tried the first 3 doors and found all of them to be locked. At the 4th door however I got lucky, and it swung open, revealing a study behind it. The walls were lined with high shelves, filled to the brim with books. At the end of the room stood a small table, over and over covered in parchements and papers. Even the floor was covered with all kinds of papers and strange looking diagrams.

All in all the room was quite messy and dirty.

Some glittering on the table caught my attention. With my curiosity peaked I decided to risk the journey through this kind of jungle, to inspect the curious item I had spotted. I raised the skirt as high as I could and with careful steps worked my way through the chaos, until at last I stood in front of the table. I quickly spotted what I had seen from the doorframe. A ring. A simple golden ring, with a blood red gem inlaid into it. it's simple design immediately appealed to me. I reached out to take it. What was wrong with trying it on?

A lot. I seized all movement, my fingers only inches from touching it, as I realized that the ring laid on a parchment that was written with blood red ink. That in combination with the blood red colour of the gem made a shiver run down my spine. on top I only now realized that this was the only piece of jewelry amongst hundreds of books. Something wasn't right. Suddenly terrified I turned and ran back out of the room as fast as I could without risking to knock over something. I only stopped once I could slam the door behind me. I would definitely ask my mistress about it later. Now back in the hallway, another wave of excitement gripped me. I had found a mystery, that I intended to uncover, what else would be hidden in these rooms? I opened the next door, happy to find it was unlocked, and found a room over and over covered in intricate glass vials and other contraptions. Everything looked to frail that I was scared to even enter the room, yet the many colorful fluids that sloshed around in the pipes made me want to go inside and investigate. A thought crossed my mind. If Evelynn had made the soap herself? A deep breath told me the answer. I could smell hundreds of different flower scents in the air, all combining and mingling with each other. The soap definitely was self made.

Another room had many different symbols scraped into the floor. I carefully stepped inside, taking care not to step onto any of the symbols, which proved quite difficult. Amongst the walls stood many flasks, only that these looked a lot scarier then the soaps from before. Body parts and small lizards as well as eyes floated around in clear liquids. The very center of the room had a small dent, which I assumed to be for burning ingredients. A Ritual room exactly as I had imagined one looking. content with my discovery I turned and left.

At last, I opened the last door of the hallway, which lead into a long room. A table took up most of the space and chairs were placed around it, each and everyone with a carving in the massive wood that symbolized some sort of animal. Snakes, lions, eagles and various other predators. Their purpose stayed mysterious to me. On the walls hung many portraits of serious looking men and mischievously smirking women.

To my left was a small wooden door, that looked almost frail compared to the heavy, massive doors that the rest of the mansion had. Just this simple fact already made me eager to enter the room. As I got closer, I caught a faint scent. Some sort of spice, heavy yet sweet in its aroma. This most likely was the kitchen. My tummy once again growled, in anticipation of a meal and I opened the door. As suspected the room was a kitchen, if not an entire restaurant at once. The room was just as large as the last one, yet the walls were covered with different stone constructs, the only one of which I recognized was the stove. Every single one obviously was for cooking something one way or another, yet their individual purposes kept secret to me. I gazed to my right and found a large cupboard, filled over and over with small boxes. The scent I had noticed previously originated from somewhere there.

I pulled one after the other of the small boxes off of the shelf and opened them, finding hundreds of powdered spices and exotic herbs.

I did the mistake of sniffing on some sort of powdered hot pepper, making my nose burn. I sneezed three times in quick succession, clearing my nose of the spice as best I could. With my nose cleared I realized that the heavy scent of orchids still hung in the air. Thinking back to my bath I recalled my skin having absorbed the oil. I quickly smelled my elbow to confirm my suspicion. I smelled of orchids. My body was what carried the scent. The thought of being a walking orchid made me giggle loudly and it kept making me smile whenever it crossed my mind. Finally I spot what had peaked my curiosity in the first place. A weird white powder which I had never seen before. It smelled strangely sweet yet also sour. The only dish I knew how to make was soup, and only really simple soup. Nonetheless I wondered how soup with this powder as its main ingredient would taste. I gathered some vegetables and found a barrel with water to fill the pot. Shortly after a fire burned under the stove and got the water to cook. I cut the carrots and potatoes which I had found into fine cubes, though I was unable to manage a uniform look, they kept being slightly misshapen. I even managed to find half of a chicken.

I hungrily watched the meal stew, with nothing else to do. My grumbling tummy actually started to hurt now, thats how hungry I was.

At last the soup was ready to be eaten, at least by my judgement. I didn’t know how much I should add, so I simply gave about a teaspoon of the white powder into the mix. I was eager to eat and grabbed a bowl, filled with soup and put out the fire. Then I hurried into the previous room, which obviously was the dining hall and sat down at the head of the table. The meal couldn't cool fast enough for me, so I tried to drink it while it was still half cooking. a terrible mistake as my tongue suddenly burned. I kept my composure, treating the situation as if there were countless lords and ladies watching my every move, even though I simply wanted to jump up and run around, screaming my heart out.

Proud of myself that I had managed to hold back and stay seated, I continued my dinner, which had actually cooled down quite a bit in my moments of torment.



Chapter Five

Reunion(s)

Mary’s view / present day



When I was half done with the soup, a door closed, accompanied by a loud stomp. I looked up to see my mistress standing in the doorframe.

“I see you've managed to find the kitchen”

She took a closer look at me, then a deep breath.

“And you used my Orchid oil. Fantastic choice. After a proper bath and in that dress you look like an actual maid.”

“Thank you, mistress”

I whispered, slightly intimidated by the compliments. She gave me a hearty smile, though I did notice that she wasn't as cheerful as in the morning. Something must have happened during that appointment that concerned her. her smile quickly faded and she sat down with a heavy sigh. I didn't dare ask what she had on her mind, but she actually told me either way.

“The man I met today revealed a terrible secret. But that need not bother you, it is my concern and my concern alone. Besides, information can be dangerous and I would never dare endanger my only and best maid”

Evelynn gave me another warm smile. I realized how smart she was, using compliments to disarm my curiosity. On top she must have noticed the concerned looks I threw her way and concluded what I felt. Not that it was terribly difficult to guess either way. I was ripped out of my thoughts, when I heard my mistress chuckle

“My my, no spoons? you aren’t a villager anymore. Yet I guess it is my fault. I need to be the one to teach you manners.”

I wanted to stand up and go fetch some spoons, embarrassed that I hadn't thought of it myself in the first place. but Evelynn was faster. She quickly hurried into the kitchen and returned with two spoons and a bowl of soup for herself. She sat down right next to me and handed one of the spoons to me. we both ate in silence, until I heard my mistress whisper.

“You barbarian, you grip the spoon like this”

I held it with my entire fist, like one would hold a pitchfork. Evelynn instead held it with only 3 fingers, which actually looked a lot more elegant. I tried to imitate her, but took a while until I managed it properly. My concentration was suddenly interrupted when my mistress burst into laughter. My self esteem crumbled, as I watched her giggle. I didn't even notice that I had once again gripped the fork with my whole fist. Finally, after almost 5 minutes, she calmed far enough to be able to explain.

“You… ehrm… you put in some kind of powder didn't you?”

I nod.

“Well, that was a tea. Dear god, I really need to teach you everything don’t I?”

A smile curled her lips and she spoke with a ring of amusement to her voice, yet I was ashamed of myself. Ashamed that The baroness had to deal with someone like me and couldnt have found someone better suited for this kind of work. I was surprised to hear her add.

“Well, I guess not everything. At least not me. After all you'll get her as a helper”

She raised her right hand and I spot the ring, which I had previously seen in the study. The blood red gem playfully sparkling in the candlelight.

“You stumbled over this one before, didn’t you?”

i simply nod, slightly overwhelmed with this situation. her smile changed shape into a mischievous smirk. I realized that I had said nothing all evening, so I forced myself to whisper.

“Yes mistress”

Evelynn pulled the ring from her finger and placed it in front of me, then leaned back and crossed her arms.

“Put it on”

She ordered. I hesitated. hadn’t it rested on a pergament written in blood? My mistress had worn it without any issues, so it couldn’t be that dangerous now could it? Besides, she had ordered me to take it and I was to follow to orders without questioning them. I trusted evelynn, but that didn’t stop me from being cautious.

Slowly and carefully, as if I was approaching a wild animal, I stretched out my hand to take it. I glanced at it, not really trusting this whole situation. Evelynn smiled and nod reassuringly. Then in a quick motion to get it over with, I put it on my left ring finger. I kept my eyes closed the whole way through, and let about 3 seconds pass before I dared to open them again. Something got to happen right? A moment passed and then another and absolutely nothing happening. I very slowly opened my eyes. What I saw made me feel incredibly stupid, as well as immediately making me blush.

I looked into my mistress’ eyes, who had gone red as hell, trying to hold back her laughter. I quickly averted my gaze and glanced at my left hand. There it was. just a regular old ring.

“but… but… that pergament. It was written with blood right?”

Evelynn couldn't hold back any longer. She burst into loud laughing. As weird as it looked, she still was absolutely graceful. I stared at her in awe, wondering how any one person could be like that. it took a while but she eventually calmed down once more.

“That, oh that. I had simply run out of blue ink, so I used some red ink instead. No worries, it's made of berries”

my blush brightened as I heard those words. I wanted to vanish on the spot. After another few failed at attempts to suppress a giggle, my mistress added:

“You're wrong if you think that ring to be anything normal or regular”

her tone regained some of its sternness as she talked.

“inside that gem is a small being. A punishment that I thought of. Any small ne'er do well that annoys me suffers that fate. Yet do not worry, being turned into a gemstone doesnt hurt and neither is it an actual punishment. In my mind fitting though. Oh, and no, those are real gems.”

She had seen me glance at her small bracelet she wore at her right hand, which was over and over covered in small green gems. I looked at my left hand. Someone was in there. In that small ring. Suddenly I felt overwhelming pity, with whoever was in there. I wanted to help them, free them.

“How… how do I get out whoever is in there?”

“All you have to do is whisper the name of the trapped person while you're wearing the ring. I believe the one trapped in there is called ‘Maike’”

“how curious…”

I mumbled to myself. I held the ring in front of my mouth and whispered the name: “Maike”

I was no prepared for what happened next. Something yellow shot out of the gem, which turned a faint grew. The golden shining thing flew in quick circled around Evelynns head. A high pitched sound filled the air. With its ups and down it could have been a melody, yet it only hurt my ears. It took a full minute for the flying light to slow down and it was only now that I could take a closer look. In fact, the tiny thing was a person, with wings. At first I quickly averted my gaze when I realized that the female figure didn't wear any clothes, yet once I dared a second look I realized that there was nothing the creature needed to wear clothes to cover. I still couldn't look at her for too long, as the bright light hurt my eyes. They stopped circling my mistress’ head and instead floated in front of my face. I was thankful to see the light damped enough that I could keep looking at her now. Yet this weird melody increased in volume by quite a bit. Was this tiny creature the cause for it? I couldn’t tell. The sound kept getting louder and louder, and my ears felt like they would burst any moment, when in the last moment Evelynn spoke and interrupted whatever it was.

“Maike, this is Mary. My maid. I'm afraid she can't speak Fae. And if you keep hurting her ill just lock you back in the ring. So I advise you to stop”

The glowing basically vanished and the melody like feeping stopped. I sighed in relief. Slowly it dawned in me that this was a Fairy. Maike was a Fairy. her body was only as tall as my index finger and both her wings were about the size of my hand. her arms were crossed and her face had an incredibly annoyed expression. Maike, which I actually thought to be a rather strange name for a Fairy, Made a sound I could only interpret to be a ‘hmph’ and looked away, apparently feeling insulted.

“Mary, This is Maike, one of the last Living Fairies. And from today onward, She will aid you in your duties.”

My jaw dropped. Evelynn once again had managed to completely overwhelm. A Fairy. And she was to teach me? Mike seemed to be just as surprised as me. As she forgot to beat her wings. I felt the tiny weight as she landed in my lap. I quickly scooped her up with my right hand. There she sat, staring at me. Then at Evelynn and back at me. Then suddenly, hear high pitched screaming continued, louder than ever- It really hurt my ears. I placed my index finger on her tiny face, and muffled her screaming, though she didn't even seem to notice. if anything she got even louder, venting her agressions and frustrations into my finger.

Evelynn in the meantime smiled, pleased with out reactions.

“Would you mind turning your ring Mary? I think our friend may need a little more time to settle down. And that gem should suit that purpose.”

The screaming immediately stopped. I watched in awe as the tiny wings started beating again and Maike flew in front of my face. I felt her tiny warm hand as she placed them on the tip of my nose. Then, for the first time, I heard her speak words I could understand.

“Please, Please, please please please don't. I’ll do anything you want, just don't lock me back in there again… ”

Her face took a sour expression as she spoke the last word.

“... master”

A long pause followed. An incredible long pause in which I simply stared at Maoke. here she was, a real Fairy. my person Fairy. I followed an instinct and pat her on her tiny head with my finger. Carefully.

I could see her pout, but she let it happen. It took all my self control to not burst into cries of cheer and happiness.

“You… will… help me sew my dress”

Maike blinked at me twice. Then she decided that my nose was a great place to sit. my eyes already hurt from having to look at her this up close, but now I couldn't keep them crossed. I had to look at evelynn, who held a hand in front of her face, holding back a giggle.

I only spot a faint movement and guessed that she had crossed her arms and that she prolly was pouting still.

“Fine”

i shook her through by jerking my head and she quickly added.

“...Master”

I smiled, satisfied. Then Evelynn announced.

“The sun has already set, it’s time to head to bed. Sewing needles are in my study, third drawer from the top. Since you don't know where you bedroom is yet, I will wait in the main hall and wait for you. After you've fetched the needles, you will meet me there. And don't forget, carry yourself with grace. Maike. you will make sure that she does.

“Yes mistress” both me and Maike responded. While talking Evelynn had got up and walked to the door the lad to the right wing of the mansion. The one I haven't explosered yet. I hurried to get up, almost knocking over my chair. I could almost feel the judgemental look that my mistress was looking at me with. I mumbled an apology, more to myself then to anyone else. ‘Shoulders straight. Stretched back. Lift you feet.’

I told to myself, trying to walk as gracefully as I could. It must have looked pretty hilarious as I heard my mistress suppress a chuckle. As soon as I closed the door behind me, I saw Maike trying to escape. She flew high up to the ceiling and hid as best she could, yet the faint yellow glow betrayed where she was. ALl I had to do was clear my throat and slowly start turning the ring and she instantly returned to my side, this time sitting down on my shoulder.

“No escaping from me little Fairy”

I was probably being pretty mean calling her little Fairy, but seeing her adorably angry look was definitely worth it. I couldn't help it, I simply had to pat her tiny head once more. of course she pouted, but I thought that for just a second she smiled. At least I now thought that she secretly enjoyed the pats. maike tried to escape another two times to escape or hide. I just had to repeat the procedure and she came back in an instant. We reached the study and I quickly got the needles that I needed. Then, trying to walk as gracefully and calmly as I could, I made my way to the main hall. The Fiary had in the meantime decided that sitting in my hair was a good idea. I had to admit that I would likely want to do the same, as soft as the oil had made it. Neither of us had spoked a word until finally I decided to break the silence.

“How long have you been in that gem. Did it hurt?”

once again silence. I understood that it was a touchy subject. I thought she wouldn't answer at all - something I would have accepted - but at last she spoke.

“If I had to guess, a few centuries. When you are encapsulated in an object you lose all feeling for time. Neither do you really feel anything. But you perceive everything. I just couldn't tell when what happened. I remember you wanting to take me, but I for all I know that might have been one hour ago or 2 years ago. but no, it doesn't hurt.”

That was a more in depth answer then I had ever hoped to get. We both stayed silent until we reached the door. Then maike suddenly screamed out.

“STOP”

My hand was on the doorknob, ready to enter the main hall. Curious as I was, I stopped.

“If I understood correctly, all I have to do is help you with some trivial tasks and stay near you and I won't have to go back into the ring?”

“Yes, but you can only give me advice. I need to do the thingy myself. After all I want to be the best maid that I can be, for mistress Evelynn. I still have much to learn.”

I waited for an answer, but she didn't seem to want to continue the conversation. So I tried to twist the doorknob, only to be interrupted a second time by a loud shout from maike.

“WAIT. so you're telling me, that you volunteered to work for that… that…”

She didn't seem to find the right word, but I could hear her question my sanity with those words. With a sigh I went and entered the main hall.



CHAPTER SIX

Cloth work and sewing exercises

Mary’s view

Present day







Doubts suddenly plagued my mind. Was Evelynn really that bad a person? AS I thought of today's events was certain, that my mistress was a good through and through.She had shown me so much kindness and the smile she carried. her hearty laughs. Maike had to be wrong. After it was only natural to blame the captor after having been imprisoned for as long as she was. I was certain that there was a good reason for this adorable creature’s punishment.

The last bits of doubt were washed away as I saw her standing in the maind hall. her formal attire had been replaced by a blue nightgown. In the dark gloom that fell through the curtains, she could as well have been a ghost. She offered me her hand and whispered.

“Shall we?”

Without hesitating, I took her hand. She lead me to the back of the hall, where she opened a hidden wall. The Mechanism was simple but well hidden. in the wooden carvings was a gigantic snake, at least in comparison to the tiny wooden people around it. The actual snake was about as long as my arm. One had to close the mouth of the snake and push aside that section of the wall. Behind it was a room, about the same size as the hall that we just left. On the opposite side of the room stood my masters bed. Just by looking at it I could tell how comfortable it was. Along the walls stood countless closets and shelves. All covered over and over with clothes. Without giving me much time to stare in awe, I was lead to a small door in the right wall. Evelynn motioned towards it, signaling me to enter.

“This here, will be your bedroom and of any maid that I shall hire after you”

I stepped forward, almost like in a trance and opened the door. It led to a rather small room, at least in comparison to the rest of the mansion. Just big enough to fit 4 single beds and a shelf for each bed. This was more than I could have hoped for. At home I had to sleep on the ground, so this pure luxury to me.

I remembered the countless, sleepless nights and now I had my own bed. I remembered that Evelynn was watching me, so I held back from jumping onto the bed and cheering loudly. I still smiled at her brightly and saw my mistress smiling back just as brightly.

“Welcome to your new home Mary”

I felt my eyes get wet. Tears of happiness. I had finally realized, for good, that This was no dream. This was real. and I was in the middle of it. I could hear maike sigh, who was still sitting in my hair and was certain that she was rolling her eyes. I put as much of my gratefulness into the words as I whispered, with trembling voice.

“Thank you, for everything”

She gave me a nod of acknowledgement and another warm smile. Then wished me a good night and closed the door. Now Maike was the only source of light in the room. Before I could ask her to, she had already brightened a bit so the room before me was brightly lit. Of the four beds that were available, I just the one just to my left. The one that was the closest to the door.

I put my clothes away on the shelf, realizing that I still carried my sewing needles I put those down on my bed as well. My fairy friend sat down on my pillow and curled up into a tiny ball.

“Maike?”

I asked as I started to disrobe, feeling a little uncomfortable with her watching me.

“What is it?”

“Will you help me with sewing my dress? you won't have to do anything, just give me some advice”

I had been pretty mean to her before, so I wanted to be nice nose

“Fine”

i finished disrobing and threw over the nightgown. Then I took the little metal box with sewing needles. Inside were 3 needles, a few rolls of string and patches of cloth, for fixing holes.

“What needs to be done?”

And so I explained it. Which parts needed to be longer, shorter wider or smaller. we discussed details until late into the night and then finally started sewing. It was simple but slow work. I knew how easily the cloth could rip and ruin the entire dress, so I worked even more carefully. Slowing us down farther. She insisted on having a ´hiding place beside the ring, so I left my sleeve a little wider.

In this short time maike managed to teach me multiple different stitching patterns. It was well after midnight when we finally finished our work. I was too tired and exhausted to try on the dress to see if it fit, so I placed in my shelf, overly careful, like a mother handles her baby.

Maike seemed to share my exhaustion, since she loudly yawned. her glow had dimed so it was barely visible in the dark. Nonetheless I could still spot her lying next to my head. So looked so incredibly fragile.

I was already half asleep, when I decided to pick her up and place her on my chest, wrapping my arms around her. I felt a little resistance that quickly stopped, then I was out.



CHAPTER SEVEN

Rough awakening

Mary’s view / preset day / Evelynn’s mansion



I heard some high pitched scream and woke up. Or at least pretended to be awake. As soon as I realized that the sound had vanished, I turned over and closed my eyes once more.

I almost fell out of my, as the next scream was right into my ear. I also realized in the same moment that it wasn't some sound but Maike yelling

“GET UP!”

I panicked for a few seconds and suddenly was wide awake

“There we go, now, dress up. We have to wake Evelynn up”

I gazed at her with a stern look. As sleepy as I was, my first instinct was that something was missing.

“... Master”

She sighed after a few seconds.

I got out of bed, a little grumpy due to the rude awakening. As I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes, Reality slowly dawned on me. My mistress. I was in her mansion. I had to wake her up. Once again I was in a panic. Falling over and crashing into the shelf as I hurried to grab my dress.

“Calm down. You have an entire hour till dawn… I…”

She saw me angrily glint at her.

“i thought that… .That I need a little longer to wake you up. And… maybe the dress doesn’t fit properly yet and we might still have to change it.”

my anger vanished. That was actually pretty good thinking on her part.

“Th-thanks”

Was all I could stammer. I truth, I was pretty thankful. Without Maike I would have overslept and missed out on my duties. Now that I thought about it, I didn't really know that I even had to wake my master until Maike had told me. I definitely had to treat her better then I had. As I changed my clothes, she asked in a casual tone.

“What are you? Demon? Vampire or Werewolf? or maybe you’re a witch. If you’re a vampire, I hope you know that my blood would kill you, if you tried to drink it.”

I just stared at her. None of the things I just heard made any sense to me

“What?”

“Well you need to be some sort of nonhuman being. Otherwise you wouldn’t be able to see or hear me. Which you obviously can. But your scent alone doesn’t tell me what you are…. except… are you a shapechanger?”

“No… no i'm just a human. Mind helping me?”

I was trying to put on my corset, but I had lost one of the strings. Maike quickly helped me get it back and kept helping me with the leather straps as well. She wasn't strong, but she could help me reach and close the latches.

“Though, you need to be something. O heard that werewolf genes sometimes go unnoticed for generations. Maybe yours just has to be activated.”

She spoke in a casual tone, like this was a normal conversation, yet her words deeply disturbed me. I was somehow supposed to be something supernatural? My entire life I had thought of being a human and I had been proud of it.

“or a Vampire. I hear that almost every 10th human is a half vampire.”

her suggestions kept getting crazier and crazier. I definitely knew that I wasn’t a Vampire. My only hope was that she was wrong and that humans could see Fairies without needing to be somehow not a human.

“... and about half of all shapechangers think that they are human just because they never tried to change their shape.”

Slowly but surely, I realized. She was only repeating rumors and making up things on the spot. This was her variation on small talk. Just to be sure I closed my eyes and tried to become a Fairy. Without success. I kept listening to her wild theories, now knowing that they were only theories and not facts.

“Still Almost half an hour till we have to wake my mistress…”

I murmured to myself. Maike was still happily talking. She seemed to have brightened quite a bit since she started telling stories. Sadly, she now swapped to Fae. Though instead of the harsh shrill it now was a gentle melody. Something I could probably get accustomed to hearing. nonetheless I didn't understand a word, which was probably for the better. I think Maike even forgot that I was there. My gaze fell on the bit of cloth in the shelf that we had cut off of my dress. I knew what I was going to do now. Just to be sure I looked over my shoulder to see The Fairy flying circles around the room, singing her little song of Fae to herself. I was sure she wouldn’t notice. So I started my work.

i was done just in time. Looking out of the window I saw the first light on the Horizon, announcing the dawn. maike in the meantime had gotten tired of flying and was now walking in circles. I smiled, this must be her first real opportunity to move after all that time in that ring.

“maike, would you come here for a moment?”

i asked as politely as possible. She gave a nod and flew over. My hands were tightly clutched to a fist. When I was certain that I had her attention, I opened my hand. She gave a cry of excitement.

I had made a miniature version of my own dress. The stripe we had removed from the skirt was more than enough to make a small one that could fit Maike. What had previously been part of my sleeve now was its own sleeve. The top was only a bit of white cloth, cut out of the chest area to make it fit. I would have loved to make it look identical with the same kind of stitchings, but it was so tiny. I had enough trouble to sew the pieces together at all. I even remembered to make two slits in the back so her wings would fit through.

“For you. Your…ehrm… your nudity was starting to bother me.”

I didn’t know why I had to make up such an arbitrary reason Why couldn’t I have just said that I wanted to do her a favor? She did however see the glint in my eyes and I think she understood.

“Thank you”

her tiny eyes glowed with Happiness as she put it on. It was a little big and too long, but that only added to it’s adorableness. I smiled, satisfied with my work.

“You know, you're actually quite strange. Why are you so nice all of a sudden? not a single person would ever make a fairy a present. We’re known to be mischievous tricksters. Only looking out for ourselves.”

I could tell that she was embarrassed to have gotten something that she thought she didn’t deserve. I was reminded an awful lot of myself just yesterday, when I had gotten my own dress. I responded with a chuckle.

“Then you must be the nicest fairy there is. You helped me sew my dress and woke me up in time. And you helped me into my dress. If you’re such a mischievous trickster, you’re bad at your job.”

I saw her blush brightly and even I felt slightly embarrassed at my own words. So there the two of us stood and neither dared to break the awkward silence.

Then the first rays of sunlight fell in through the windows.

“Come, It’s time to wake Mistress Evelynn”

Maike nod and leapt onto my head, where she made herself comfortable.

i braced myself for a moment, then entered Mistress’ Evelynn’s bedroom.