Unlikely
This story is written from first person POV because I believe in the idea that I (as the narrator) am not all-knowing.
Note: This is the Prolouge- it is an attempt for the audience to get to know Jane a bit and hopefully develop her character- hopefully its not dreadfully dull (if it is, please let me know)- Chapter 1 will be up soon.
"Jane! Wake up!" God help me, I should not have stayed up so late last night. I thought as I rolled over in my bed, snuggly pulling the worn quilt over my head in order to protect myself from both light and sound. Unfortunately, my plan seemed to fail. "Jane, just because you can't see me does not mean I can't see you." Kierron chided, his soft accent rolling off his tongue.
"Uuuargggg." I moaned, pulling myself into a sitting position. Sunlight streamed through my bedroom, revealing six beds, already tidied, and a cradle in the process of being built.
"Breakfast is on the table." Kierron stated, turning to leave. " You get sheep duty today." That's right, sheep. While my dad does work in the mines, our family has had this farmland for generations- and with seven children in the family it's not too hard to manage- unless you have sheep duty. Sheep and barley, that's our business. It's no surprise really; most folk in Ireland tend to have one or the other or both- like us. My family and I live about an hour northwest of the harbor town Kinsale, which is along the southern coast. It's beautiful, lush, and green (very, very green)- and as much as I love sheep, I would often find myself dreaming of adventures past the rolling hills of Ireland.
"Aye, Ma, what's for breakfast?" I yawned, my barefeet padded against the groaning, wooden floorboards.
"Oh, dear, you 'avn't even looked at 'erself- No breakfast until we tame that creature feasting on your head." My mother said as she stopped stirring at the stove and hobbled over to me with a brush already in hand. She was seven months pregnant, but she still never failed to perform her motherly duties.
"Can't I at least eat? I 'ave sheep duty and need to be goin'- I'm already late. And it's not like anyone will be lookin' at me out there anyways." I complained, releasing an exasperated sigh. But nonetheless, I parked my bum on a chair at the table, and my Ma began the process of controlling my hair.
"Now, now- a bright red hairy beast will catch anyone's attention. Plus, you never know when the Whelan boys will stop by." My mother replied. Geez, my Da had bets on the older boy, while my Ma thought I'd fancy the younger. I love my mother, but I didn't want to be a farmer's wife- I had bigger things planned for myself. "Do I smell Guiness on ya? You havn't been hangin' around the bars again, 'ave you?"
"Course not Ma" I dutifully replied. I promise I don't go and get myself drunk- I'm far too good at holding my liquor for that type of folly. PIus, I go to learn. I can't be goin' around like some defenseless lil' girl now can I? I can fist brawl with the best of 'em.
When my mother had given up on my red, curly hair- stating that, "It must have a mind of its own today", I scarfed down a scone with homemade raspberry jam (so that's what she was stirring), and wrapped one to go before changing into my work trousers and tunic. I found the herd of sheep and began leading them to the next field, periodically counting them to make sure none had wandered off.
I saw the two youngest of my siblings, Liam was pulling on Miran's braids- until Kierron came over and scolded them for spilling the water in the buckets. Oh, Kierron, always the leader. The order went: Me, Ronan (who went with Da to the mines to help bring in some extra money this week), Kierron, Nessa, Niall, Liam, and Miran- and soon to be another.
I heard a sheep bleat from across the pasture and made my way over to it, and released it hoof from the crevice it had found itself in. I sat on a nearby rock, as lonely as sheep duty was- it gave me ample time to daydream. I never noticed the fraying edges of my tunics as the sheep nibbled away and my clothes- I only pat their heads and continued my fantasy.
A sharp pain entered my now conscious mind as I registered that a stone was just thrown my way. "Who's the prince this time?" Aiden yelled at me.
"Obvioulsy not you!" I called back. "I have sheep duty today, I cannot entertain you."
"Aw love, that hurt. Looks like I'll just take the prize then." He shrugged while approaching me, his dark brown hair framed his face and blue eyes. He was not handsome per say, but some would call him enchanting.
"What prize?" I asked, suddenly curious.
"Why the winner of the contest receives twenty in gold." He replied with a glimmer in his eyes, "Course, everyone must know by now that I can hold my whisky better than you."
"I do recall last time that you were the first to lose your stomach and I managed two more pints." I said, giving him a sly, sideways glance.
"I told you, I was ill that week!" He replied, his cheeks reddening in frustration. "Plus, I beat you at least five times before that." He finished smugly crossing his arms.
"It was only four!" I reminded him, "but like I said, I have sheep duty today- someone has to watch the herd."
"Scared." He replied.
"I told you…"
"Chicken."
"Aiden…" I growled.
"I understand, I mean, you are a sore loser." he said casually, and began to walk away.
"Ah, screw the sheep. I'm gonna teach you how to hold your liquor!" I exclaimed racing after him. Although I dream of adventure, my Ma was right- I did fancy the younger of the Whelan boys.
But soon that wouldn't matter. Soon there would be war. Soon everything would change.
But for now I was asleep on the floor of a train, only dreaming of the past. I felt a boot connect to my side and I instantly shot up.
"Get going, brat." The offender snapped at me, walking away, his long dark hair streaming behind him.