Rings of Topaz
"I see before me, a strong, determined young woman with a fierce passion burning within her Topaz eyes, an ideal King's Wife." –Marak Bat-claw
Beware the Charming Ones
"Delilah, where did we put the silver?" asked her mother from the kitchen. "They're on the dining room table." Replied Delilah from the dining room. "Oh, thank you dear. I swear I'd lose my head if it weren't attached to my neck." Flustered Linda, Delilah's mother, as she bustled about the small house. They'd just moved to Hollow Hill the previous day, they'd come all the way from Ireland. Delilah's father had gone ahead to America to begin building a new life for the family over five years ago. He still had not returned, nor sent as much as letter to his wife and daughter. Delilah was now by all rights a woman, of sixteen. And a pretty one at that, Her dark chestnut hair fell in waves down her back, her skin glowed with a sun kissed luster and her eyes were a beautiful golden color. It was those eyes of hers that got men's attention, though she never paid them any attention. After it became clear that her father had abandoned them, Delilah acquired a deep hatred for men. She was content in living her life alone with her mother and dying an old maid, perhaps she'd become a nun someday.
Delilah stared out the window at the sparkling waters of the lake as she folded one of her mother's quilted masterpieces. "Isn't the lake breathtaking." Breathed Linda, putting her arms around her daughter's shoulders. "I used to love swimming in the lake when I was younger." Linda had grown up in the Hollow. She'd moved to Ireland upon marrying George Winters. "It's beautiful, mother." Delilah stated without much feeling. Linda took some money from the pocket of her apron and handed it to Delilah, "Could you please go to town and buy us some vegetables for dinner tonight." Delilah hid the money in her bodice and headed out the door, grabbing her favorite maroon cloak on her way out.
Delilah walked slowly down the cobblestone streets of the village marketplace. The street was crowded and noisy and it was all biting at her nerves. She looked about at the many merchants' stands and stopped to watch a gypsy woman dance to a lively song. Once the dance was over she continued down the patch until she came to stand with beautiful jeweled rings on display. One ring in particular caught her eye it was made of twisted silver encrusted with three golden jewels. "You have a good eye." Said a pleasant voice. Startled, she looked up into a shadowed opening of a black hooded cloak. The man picked up the ring she'd been admiring and carefully looked it over. "I believe this ring suits you. The topaz stones are the same color as your eyes." He complimented. Despite herself, Delilah felt flattered. The man offered her the ring, "Try it on." Delilah declined, "Oh, no thank you. I really shouldn't." The hood slanted to the side, "Surely there's no harm in trying it on." Reluctantly, Delilah took the ring from him and slipped it onto her finger. She was so full of delight, a beaming smile lit up her face. "Wow" said the man, snapping her back into reality. "You're even more beautiful when you smile." A strange heat crossed her cheeks. "This just gets better and better." Chuckled the hooded man. "Pardon?" she asked, not knowing what he was talking about. "Nothing…I tell you what, I'll give this ring to you for free in exchange for your name."
Delilah was in a loss for words. What was with this man? The rings he peddled were all very beautifully crafted. They appeared quite expensive. Why was he giving them away. However… She looked down at the ring on her finger. It fit perfectly. She wanted it so badly. "Delilah." She blurted out, "My name's Delilah."
Delilah burst through the door with a big smile on her face, "Mother, you'll never guess what happened at the market!" she giggled showing her the ring. "My word child, where did you get the money to pay for this?" asked her mother. "A merchant gave it to me for free." Linda's brown eyes narrowed, "Certainly there must be a catch. You didn't promise him any favors did you?" Delilah blushed, "No of course not, he just wanted to know my name." Her mother's eyes doubled in size, "You told a complete stranger your name!" she shrieked, horrified at her daughter's actions. "Not my full name. Don't worry so much mother, there must be a thousand Delilahs in the world."
Linda ran her finger's through her black hair in frustration, "Still, you shouldn't do that kind of thing." Delilah sighed, touching the jewels on her ring, "I'm sorry, mother. There was just something about him. I couldn't say no." Linda rolled her eyes and plopped down in a chair, "It's called charm my dear. I couldn't say no to your father either. Now look at where I am: in this pitiful little shack, with barely any money, raising you all by myself. Beware the charming ones for their sweet words are as deadly as snake venom."