The idea for this story came to me when I was watching some movie or other… or maybe I was reading a book… Well, whatever it was, the story starts here. It's about Meliora Lothiar and Morgan Jenkins (is it Jenkins, or Jenkins? I can't find my HMC copy).

Please excuse my grammatical errors. I do go over the document when I finish it, but I don't have much patience for that kind of thing. I'm trying to be better about it, but that takes time. Sigh

Oh, and let me know if I didn't get a name, place, or something right (as I have said, I can't find my HMC copy at the moment). Thank you!

CONSTRUCTIVE criticism and reviews are welcome!

Declaimer: I can honestly say that I do not own Howl's Moving Castle or any other book by the talented Diana Wynne Jones.

ONE

Dinner Party

"Curse this blasted dress! I hope it turns orange with green stripes and is made into rags!" Meliora hissed. She had been trying for the better part of an hour to get herself dressed, but this complicated gown that was made far from Kingsbury and was very strange and far to detailed for Meliora's interest. It had more ties and pieces than she knew what to do with, and she was coming to the point that she wanted to just rip them off and choose another dress.

"Is something the matter, my lady?" asked a maid as she walked by Meliora's room.

Of course something is the matter! Meliora thought furiously to herself. I'm going to a dinner party that will have no one but no one there, and I shall have to talk to people I do not know, pretend to be interested in things such as horse races, spend too much time with my father, and on top of that I'm being outwitted by a foreign gown! Oh, everything is just peachy.

"I'm just having a bit of trouble with this dress," Meliora said.

"Well of course you are, lady! It's on backwards!" the maid said in astonishment.

"Is it?" Meliora asked. She didn't care if it was inside out and on sideways; she was through with the stupid thing.

"Let me help you, Miss," the maid said kindly. She probably thought that a noble woman such as Meliora Harriet Lothiar, daughter of lord Lothiar and lady Lothiar, would have not a whit of trouble with something like a fancy gown.

Meliora hesitated for a second, and then nodded. She didn't think her father would appreciate her showing up in one of her everyday cotton dresses that he despised. She would have asked her mother for help, but lady Evelia was busy with her own preparations, such as getting a gift for the host and hostess, which lord Lothiar had forgotten to do.

The maid was quick and deft at her work; she turned the dress around, threading this tie here, moving that one over there, and putting the confusing pieces on the right way. It couldn't have taken her more than ten or fifteen minutes to finish, and when Meliora looked in the mirror, she decided that she was glad the maid had offered her help. As irritating as the gown was, it was also comfortable – once it was on – and pretty. It was a fairly plain amber hued dress that matched her eyes and complimented her brown hair.

"Perhaps, my lady, you would like me to do your hair?" the maid asked.

"No, but thank you for your help," Meliora said gratefully. She didn't want to dress up any more than she had to for a dinner party. Maybe if it had been a ball...

"Very well, Miss. Oh, and a lady Alyssia Heidrun is here to see you," the maid said. "She is waiting for you in the parlor."

"Thank you, you may go," I said. The maid curtsied and left the room. Meliora took a short amount of time to put on a gold necklace and pull her hair up into a braided bun.

"Meliora!" Alyssa looked her usual beautiful self, with long, wavy blonde locks and nearly perfect features. "Aren't you excited for the dinner?" she asked, taking her friend's hands excitedly. She was nearly five inches shorter than Meliora's five feet and eight inches. Her hands were small, just like her feet, and she had a very slender frame. Meliora was almost the opposite, with feet that were rather large and with long hands.

"I suppose so," Meliora replied.

"I heard there will be several eligible young men there," Alyssia said happily, her perfect teeth showing in a dazzling smile.

Meliora smiled back, but secretly wasn't really interested. She had yet to find a young man that was interested in her, and she in him. Sure, she had had her share of feelings for men she knew, but none of them had been very serious about her. All in all, Alyssia was much more experienced in that area.

"I hear that Prince Alexander will be there, along with his sister, Princess Valeria! Too bad her sons are too young yet," Alyssia said conversationally.

Meliora opened her mouth to reply, but Alyssia interrupted, beginning to talk about her boring day with her parents and step-brother, Martin. Apparently they had a family day that none of them enjoyed much. They had gone for a carriage ride, rode horses for a while, and went out to lunch, but according to Alyssia, there was just no connection. "You know how it is, don't you? When it's meant well, but just won't work, and everyone is uncomfortable? That's what my day was like. I should talk to mother and Bram about it. He's my step-father, so it might be a bit awkward, but not nearly as bad as having to spend more days like this," she said.

"I see. That's too bad, Alyssia, but I do know what you mean," Meliora replied.

In walked her mother, carrying a vase of flowers that she set on an end table in the blue parlor. "Hello, Alyssia. You and your brother are coming to the dinner, I hope?"

"I am, but I don't know about Kennard. We don't actually speak that often," Alyssia answered cheerfully.

Evelia nodded and glanced at Meliora, who simply shrugged.

"Evelia! Meliora! We're leaving in thirty minutes, and I don't want to be late!" called Sir Lothiar.

"Of course not, Edmund," Evelia called back.

Meliora gritted her teeth. It was endlessly vexing the way her father insisted on trying to order them around, as if they were servants, or property. Whenever he felt he wasn't getting what he saw as his right, his eyes bugged out and he argued and laughed at you until you either gave in or walked away. Meliora and her mother were in the habit of doing the latter, since the former always resulted in a very unpleasant experience.

"I'll see you tonight," Meliora told Alyssia, bidding her goodbye. Alyssia looked at her rather sympathetically before leaving.

"We'd better hurry," Evelia said to her daughter, smiling. Meliora nodded and followed her mother out of the room.

The ride to lord Maurus' manor was not more than twenty minutes long, but it was not pleasant. Edmund did not stop speaking the whole way, giving a detailed account of all the idiots that he was made to suffer at the hands of during his day. Then he gave his long winded opinion on every random fact that popped into his head, all the while looking as though he thought himself an expert on the subject. It made Meliora annoyed just to look at him.

She had never had a good relationship with her father, but he had made it worse by humiliating her in public on several occasions, insulting her to her face, behind her back, and in front of her friends, and several other things that Meliora did not like to think about.

"Here we are," Evelia said, interrupting a particularly dull account of something or other from her husband. "The Maurus' home looks as lovely as ever, don't you think, Meliora?" she asked her daughter.

Before Meliora could answer, her father cut in, "I must say that is it quite something to look at, but it lacks a certain aura that would give it a really spectacular appearance. If they would consider putting a few…"

Meliora didn't wait to hear the rest, but hurriedly climbed out of the carriage, not bothering to wait for the footman to help her. Thankfully she saw one of her friends heading for the manor as well, and called out to her. Evelia also jumped at the chance for a distraction, walking over to greet Mr. and Mrs. Goddard and their three children.

"Evelia, it's so wonderful to see you!" Mrs. Goddard said sunnily. She was a short, somewhat plump woman, but made you feel welcome with one look.

"You as well, Allanah," Evelia said warmly, walking to join her friend.

"How's it going, Mel? Carriage ride much fun?" asked Sariah was a pretty girl with silky raven locks and large, dark eyes. She was delicate looking, but could be quite tough when she wanted to be.

"It was exactly as I expected it to be," Meliora said with a sigh.

"You do live farther away than I do," Sariah said slowly.

"Mmm," was all Meliora said. She tried to refrain from telling others what her father was like, especially about the nastier, greedier side of him. She was sure that half of Ingary knew, but she wasn't going to be the one going around and spreading things about anyone.

While they talked the two families passed through the large oak doors of the Maurus mansion and into their impressively large front hall that contained a number of priceless looking art pieces and tapestries; Meliora thought it was rather impressive.

"A bit too gaudy, I think," Edmund said to Mr. Goddard, who listened politely. "If you ask me, they should add a few of those…"

Meliora turned her attention away from her father, not wanting to listen to him talk anymore at that moment. Luckily they had just reached the double doors that led into the ballroom, and they were announced and allowed to join the throng at the bottom of a wide, short staircase. Meliora and Sariah quickly walked over to where Alyssia was entertaining several young men, all of whom were laughing at something she had just said, her own musical giggles joining them.

"Oh, Sariah, Meliora! How wonderful to see you! I was beginning to think you wouldn't come," Alyssia said.

"So what happened then, Alyssia?" asked a red haired youth who was gazing at her with longing. Meliora resisted rolling her eyes.

"Well, I was quite frightened, but then a voice in my head told me to be brave and cross the room, which I did, and let the creature out! I just barely managed to keep myself from fainting straight away!"

"How awful!"

"Truly frightening."

"How did you manage, my lady?"

"I'm very brave when I have to be," Alyssia explained.

Just as Meliora was about to ask Alyssia what kind of creature had attacked her, a voice interrupted, saying, "All that fright over a mouse?"

Turning quickly, Meliora caught sight of a very handsome young man in a deep blue dress suit, with longish sleeves. His hair was jet black and reached just past the tips of his ears, and hung a little less than an inch away from his grey-blue eyes.

Luckily Alyssia misunderstood his comment and nodded vigorously. "Yes, it was a very large one. I can't handle anything that crawls, creeps, or slithers."

"It can be terribly frighting," the young man said.

As if she was just seeing him, Alyssia's face melted into her flirtatious smile, and she turned her charm full force on the black haired man. "And who are you?" she asked softly, putting a small hand on her large opal necklace.

The young man bowed. "Morgan Jenkins," he responded.

Alyssia gasped, and with good reason. He was the son of Sorcerer Jenkins. "Are you?" Alyssia asked with interest, blinking her eyes prettily.

Meliora wondered how anyone could fathom doing that in public. Morgan seemed to be thinking the same thing, for he gave a short laugh and excused himself.

"That went well, didn't it?" Sariah giggled as Alyssia hurried off in pursuit of the young wizard.

"Alyssia is determined," Meliora agreed.

Meliora spent the hour or so wandering around the room, visiting the food tables, and chatting with several acquaintances about nothing. All in all it was what she had expected. She was not without entertainment, however; Alyssia could be seen frequently at the side of Morgan Jenkins, who seemed to be trying his best not to look as irritated as he felt. Meliora couldn't blame him.

"Mel! Look who I found," Sariah said excitedly as she battled her way through a crowd of happily gossiping people. Meliora turned around and saw a young man with dark blonde hair and a long face following Sariah.

"Why, James Suliman! I thought you were visiting the neighboring countries with your friend Alexander," Meliora teased. James had been going on for weeks about how exciting the trip was going to be, but the trip had been cut short on Alexander's orders.

James gave Meliora a wry look. "Actually, we were, but Alexander insisted on being here when his sister gave birth. You know that Valeria is pregnant, don't you?"

"Of course we do, silly," Sariah said, exasperated, "Who doesn't? I hope she has a girl. Honestly, I wouldn't want to have nothing but boys."

"What's wrong with boys?" James demanded, mock serious.

"They're loud, immature, egotistical, and generally smelly," Sariah said, ticking the items off on her fingers.

"Contrary tonight, aren't we?" James shook his head.

Meliora smiled; those two were something. "Have you seen Wizard Jenkins' son yet?" she asked James.

"Yes, I have. We're cousins, you know," James told her.

"You're not!" Sariah looked surprised, as did Meliora.

"We are. His father married my mother's sister. Didn't you know that her maiden name is Hatter?" James asked.

"I don't think we did," Meliora said thoughtfully.

"Well, it is, and Sophie Hatter married Howl Jenkins, and that's how we're related," James explained.

"Doesn't seem to be a good night for any of the Jenkins family, does it?" Sariah said, gesturing to her left. It appeared that Wizard Pendragon was being cornered by some dignitary or other, and was looking very uncomfortable.

"Aunt Sophie says he's a slitherer outer," James commented.

"I wish him luck," Meliora muttered.

"How many children do your aunt and uncle have, James?" Saria asked curiously.

"Uncle Howl and Aunt Sophie have eight children with the ninth on the way," he said, glancing over to where his ginger haired aunt was talking with princess Valeria. It appeared they were talking about something to do with childbirth from the way they kept gesturing to their middles. "And Uncle Michael and Aunt Martha have nine with twins on the way," James finished.

"Wow. So four brothers and sister with practically twenty cousins," Sariah murmured. "I cannot believe that I didn't connect you with Howl Jenkins."

Neither can I, thought Meliora to herself.

"Well, frankly, you should have. My mother, father, aunts, and uncles, not to mention most of my cousins, are among the most powerful wizards around," James said proudly.

"That explains our confusion," Meliora teased him. She knew that he was nearly as powerful as his father, who was a Royal Wizard of Ingary, .

"I don't believe I shall talk to you tonight, Meliora," James sniffed, taking Sariah's arm and huffing off.

"Be that way!" Meliora called after him, laughing. She knew he just wanted to spend time alone with Sariah. Deciding that she could do with a bit more of the plum juice that was being served, Meliora made her way over to the refreshment table.

"So how long have you been a wizard?" Meliora heard a high, twittering voice ask. Alyssia. Turning, she saw that it was indeed her friend, and that Alyssia was still tormenting the young Mr. Jenkins. She stifled a laugh when he lowered his eyebrows in concern for Alyssia's mental health.

"Since I was born," he said slowly, clearly wondering how on earth she thought anyone could learn to possess magical powers.

"How very fascinating," Alyssia gushed.

Thinking that now would be a good time to avoid the two of them, Meliora began to walk away, but was thwarted in her escape attempt by Morgan Jenkins saying loudly, "Ah, my next dancing partner. Excuse me, I've promised," and hurrying over to Meliora.

"Excuse me?" she said as he took her arm and whirled her onto the dance floor.

"I know I'm a bit late, but you'll forgive me won't you…?" he paused and whispered, "What is your name?"

"Meliora," she replied.

"Yes, sorry about the delay, Meliora," he continued. Then, flashing a handsome smile at Alyssia said, "Perhaps I'll dance with you next, but… Ah! Alexander, how good to see you! You know Alyssia, don't you?" He hurriedly pointed her out to his royal friend before twirling Meliora into the dance. It was a spirited gavotte, so they couldn't talk much, but when it switched to a slower dance, Meliora caught her breath enough to begin giving the wizard a scolding.

"That was very tricky of you, Mr. Jenkins. You should be ashamed, but I can't imagine you would be."

"I'm afraid you are correct, but my excuse is a long period of time spent with my father. If you doubt me, ask Mother," Morgan Jenkins said calmly, twirling her around.

"I might just do that," Meliora threatened, but couldn't help being a bit amused.

Simply shrugging, the wizard spun her away from him and back again, as the dance required.

"I suppose you do that with most young ladies," Meliora said conversationally.

"No, only the ones that seem to be frighteningly taken with me," Morgan Jenkins said a bit absently as he untangled one of his long sleeves from his arm that had become caught on their last twirl.

"It is so nice to know that you're humble," Meliora said sweetly.

"And that you are a pleasant conversationalist," Morgan said, just as innocently.

"Just because you can make a rabbit come out of a hat you don't have the right to snub others," Meliora said cheerfully.

"I do a great deal more than rabbits, Miss," he returned good naturedly.

"Like what? Conjure llamas?"

"Hardly ever; I'm allergic, you see."

"How inconvenient for you, sir."

"Quite."

Suddenly the dance ended and Morgan Jenkins was bowing and walking away through the crowd. Too bad, Meliora thought, he was fun to talk to.

Too soon the dinner was over and it was time to leave. She said goodbye to Alyssia, and Sariah, promising to call on them soon. She also bid farewell to James, who was swaying on his feet from a little too much sweet wine. "You're as drunk as a two legged goat," Meliora told him as means of a goodbye.

"It was a fine affair," Edmund said as he and his family drove away in their carriage.

"It was," Meliora said.

Evelia simply nodded.

Despite having had an unexpectedly good time, Meliora was glad to be back home and in her own bed. It was half past midnight, and she was tired, sleepy, and comfortable under her covers. "Goodnight, Sylvester," she whispered sleepily to her calico cat, who was snoring at the bottom of her bed.

"Meliora?"

"Yes, Mama?" Meliora said, sitting up.

"Did you have a good time, darling?" Evelia asked as she entered the room and sat near the footboard of the bed.

"Surprisingly yes, Mama. I was glad to see James and Sariah, and Alyssia's antics were entertaining," Meliora said with a smile.

"Good," Evelia murmured, seeming to be deep in thought.

"Is something wrong, Mama?" Meliora asked a bit worriedly.

"I don't think so, but…" Evelia paused, and then shook her head. "Nevermind. Get a goodnight's rest. I love you, Meliora."

"I love you too, Mama."

With a goodnight hug and kiss, Evelia left.

Wondering what that was all about, Meliora fell into a light sleep, dreaming of grey-blue sparks floating around a garden and two legged llamas chewing on radishes.

Morning came much too early, and Meliora was forced to wake up as the sun shone brightly through her window. Moaning, she got out of bed and dressed herself, and then made her way downstairs.

"Good morning, Mama, Father. Did you sleep well last…?" she trailed off at the sight the servants as she rounded the corner into the kitchen. They were all pale, and staring at her as if she was a ghost.

"What's going on?" Meliora asked, feeling fear creep into her as she looked at their faces.

"Hasn't your father told you, Miss?" asked a maid nervously.

"No…"

"You're mother has gone missing."