"Fair maiden! Lower your drawbridge and grant me entry," yelled an overworked blacksmith while conversing with his colleagues.
"Milady, the rumors are false! The plague doesn't affect everything!" another added. A group of low-life, drunk blacksmiths had gathered outside of a near by tavern. Some noticed the stunning beauty of the two gorgeous passersby.
"Put your chain mill where your mouth is," Lauren responded. Being confident of her endless, amazing abilities, Lauren didn't allow anyone to ridicule them in a negative manner. Devin took to her usual behavior and remained silent; she wasn't accustomed to trusting outsiders. Still, Devin had a silent edge about her that could cut like a thousand knifes. She ogled at the men, disgusted by their pathetic behavior.
The intoxicated blacksmiths stared with awe at Lauren and Devin. No one had spoken back to them before; they believed every girl was a worthless wench only commendable of prostitution. However, these two women don't fall under any typical description; they're far too great for that.
"Why do men think they can own women like that?! I despise it! If I ever meet a man, he will be different; he will be respectful and not from these parts. I can assure you of that," Devin explained as they retreated back to Devin's home.
"They can be complicated. However, that doesn't matter, because we're just too awesome for them! They can't handle it- typical men with their tiny minds and holy grails!"
"What about my species?" questioned a neatly-groomed man who was wearing rather revealing, purple tights. Now, he strolled alongside Devin. "What's so wrong with us, sweetie?"
"We weren't referring to you, Henry," Lauren replied. "Just the others who are typical bone-heads."
"That's understandable! It's such a shame I want to meet one of those bone-heads. My, my Devin! You look stunning today, sweetheart!" Devin was wearing her usual dress color: a dark crimson. The color perfectly brought out her short, brownish-reddish, curly hair.
"Thank you, Henry."
"Ahem?!" Lauren interrupted.
"Lauren, darling, must I say anything?! You know you're always gorgeous." Today, Lauren donned a dark purple dress. It was somewhat simple, yet elegant.
As the three continued walking and conversing, they arrived at Devin's home. Devin lived in a small mansion with many rooms and servants. Devin's father, Clarence, was a renowned, respected earl. His nobility gave Devin many opportunities like reading and travel. However, Clarence was very particular about guidelines for her marriage; her husband must be Catholic, white, and be able to provide for her. These strict rules drove Devin insane.
"Devin! Don't tell me you have been out again? You must continue your studying! And we have arranged to have dinner with the Leori family," Devin's father scolded when the trio walked through the door. Devin didn't mind the studying; she loved being educated. However, the daily arranged dinners were a different story. "Devin, this seems like a perfectly respectful man; one that will be good for you."
"Father, I don't think you quite understand the situation. He isn't interested in women."
"By Jiminy!" Devin's father quickly exited the room.
"Well, Lauren and Devin, thank you for your company, dearies. I shall see you two later on," Henry explained while he awkwardly exited Devin's household. Henry didn't enjoy being commented on in such a lowly fashion. Lauren couldn't help but laugh at the awkward moment.
"Goodbye Henry," Lauren waved. As Henry left, Hannah knocked at the door, waiting to be let in. Henry opened the door and held it for her.
"Milady," Henry opened the door for the stranger.
"Thank you, kind si—AHHHHH!" typical Hannah; she had fallen again! Now she lay on the floor, staring at the ceiling of Devin's beautiful home. Henry offered his hand and helped her to her feet.
"Thank you again," Hannah explained. Light hit her brownish orange hair as she arose, making it sparkle.
"Now I really must be going," Henry exclaimed and exited the manor. Hannah turned to speak with her friends, Lauren and Devin. Lauren and Devin had been close since childhood. Hannah recently joined the friendship when she was old enough to leave her grandparents in Norway and venture out on her own. She wasn't certain of everything yet, including Henry.
"He is rather cute," Hannah commented.
"Hannah. Don't think about him like that. He is gay!" Lauren exclaimed.
"What? Why are the cute guys always gay?" Hannah questioned.
Devin's father entered the room. "Devin, your friends will have to leave. Your mother needs help at the book store." Devin almost groaned, but she refrained herself. Her father would provide serious consequences for that behavior.
"You better go," Devin suggested. "I'll see you two tomorrow."
"Okay, but I need new shoes. We're going to market," Lauren demanded.
"Bye Devin!" Hannah waved. Lauren left with Hannah, laughing at a recent joke. Devin put on her cloak, drew the hood over her head and exited.
Devin walked quickly and swift. Rain fell, sprinkling hard. It quickly made puddles on the ground. Devin stared at the ground in order to avoid the collections of water. Devin heard hoof beats from afar; they became louder. Rapidly, Devin lifted her head and peered to her left. An oncoming horse was heading towards her vigorously. The rider seemed to have no intention of slowing down. Devin jumped back, nearly tripping over the roads' cobblestones. She gazed at the riders as they passed by. An Italian man sat towards the horse's rear, while the girl was in the front.
Odd. Usually the man leads the horse. Something must have happened. Devin forgot the passersby and continued the book store. When she arrived she opened the door and greeted her mother, "Good evening, mother."
"Devin! About time you showed up," she scolded. "This shelf of books needs to be reorganized."
"Okay," Devin sighed. Devin moved to the shelf and sorted the books in alphabetical order.
"Devin! I'm glad you came," Brea greeted. "Too bad my shift is over." Brea had been working at the book store for several months now.
"Hello Brea," Devin smiled. "A few friends and I were going to market tomorrow. Would you be interested in joining us?"
"I'd love to," Brea accepted.
"Devin! Are you done yet?!" Devin's mother screamed.
"No, mother."
"Then stop talking and get to work!" Devin's mother could be very controlling.
"We'll meet here tomorrow morning."
"Alright," Brea nodded. "See you in the morning!" Devin stared at Brea enviously; she did not desire to be working right now.
For the next hour, Devin stared at multiple book titles, attempting to realign them. Devin didn't want to organize but read, many of the book's descriptions taunted her. If her mother caught her reading, she would be punished.
"Devin, you've worked long enough," Devin's mother came around the bookshelf. "Head home and get ready for dinner with the Leori family."
"Yes, mother," she agreed.
The Leori family? That Francis is such a snob. If they make me marry him! Devin left the book store, imagining all the horrid things that might happen at dinner.