Pearls, Wolves, and Robin Feathers
Disclaimer; I don't own The Little White Horse, Twilight, or any animes mentioned in this fic. This is a made up story that came to me. I do own my OC, Maria. She has the same name as the original Maria but they aren't the same. They're totally different people. Also, I don't own any of the songs I use in this fanfic. All songs belong to their respective owners.
Summary; Maria is a young woman sent to Moonacre with her governess, Miss Heliotrope, to live with her uncle. Things are strange in Moonacre but Maria herself is defiantly more strange. Maria has her own set of secrets that only her parents knew before they died. She's just as magical and mysterious as Moonacre itself.
{Maria Pov}
The carriage ride to Moonacre was unsurprisingly uneventful. Miss Heliotrope had tried to persuade me into one of the confining, proper dresses, similar to the ones she wore. However, I stood firmly against my decision that I would wear comfortable clothes for the long ride. After a while, she realized it was a futile argument and resigned her protests. To appease her a little, I decided to wear my dark purple Victorian gown with a simple black satin ribbon wrapped around my neck like a choker. Attached to the ribbon was a silver metal wolf charm that I had requested for my birthday one year and Miss Heliotrope had bought for me. She thought it was cute and pretty but I knew it symbolized something entirely different to me. Though, it did look pretty with my dresses and other clothing. On my feet were my black heels. It was a cute outfit and Miss Heliotrope was pleased.
The carriage consisted of me reading some of my large books and writing down notes and such in my journal. I was studying Phlebotomy, Hematology, Oncology, and multiple other medical things, among my studies of languages, cultures, and myths. Miss Heliotrope knew what I was studying and she encouraged me to study all I could. I devoured the books that she brought to me in just hours.
I paused in my reading as I smelled the coarse smell of stone from where I sat. Closing my book and slipping it back into my bag with my journal and pen, I leaned out the window to look outside. My eyes narrowed slightly as I scanned the perimeter, noticing the falcon perching on the stone wall, on the left side. He screeched and I inwardly winced at the loud, grating sound. Quickly, I leaned back inside the carriage, moving away from the window a little. That screech was a signal, but for who?
''I think we are here, Maria,'' Miss Heliotrope stated and I turned my attention to her as she looked around nervously. Nodding in agreement, I leaned back out the window, moving to scan the woods with my eyes. Suddenly, hands grabbed my shoulders, attempting to pull me out of the carriage window. Miss Heliotrope screamed and I reached for the hand grabbing me, scratching it deeply with my long, sharp nails. The person let go and Miss Heliotrope beat the one bothering her with her closed umbrella. I almost laughed at that as I watched her shove him away, slamming the carriage door closed.
The carriage started moving again and the male on the roof, who had went for me, rolled off the roof, falling to the ground with a groan as he rolled around. The carriage moved past the gate and Digweed reached up, pulling the rope that would close it. Twisting in my seat, I watched as the boys scrambled to their feet and ran after us but the gate slammed down, blocking their path. I shook my head with a smile, turning back around and glancing over at Miss Heliotrope.
''Miss Heliotrope, are you alright?''
''Yes, dear, just a bit shaken is all,'' she answered with a sigh, blinking behind her glasses. Amusement at her bewilderment flashed through me and a laugh bubbled up from my throat, a true laugh. Miss Heliotrope looked at me with an even more bewildered expression as she heard my laughter. It was understandable considering I hadn't truly laughed since the day my mother died. However, her bewilderment was too amusing for me not to laugh.
Once my laughter subsided, I looked over at her with a smile and she smiled back, pleased to have made me laugh. Miss Heliotrope was one of the people I would consider part of my pack, one of my dear people. She was one of the people I'd protect with my life and I was blessed to have been cared for as if I was her own daughter.
The carriage stopped in front of the house and I stepped out in front of Miss Heliotrope, studying my surroundings curiously. The manor wasn't massive but it wasn't small either.
Miss Heliotrope stepped out and I turned as I smelled a peculiar scent. It smelled like wood and something musky. Turning fully, I spotted a dark silhouette standing at the threshold of the manor, hands clasped behind his back as he looked down at us regally.
''Welcome to Moonacre,'' he announced and I knew this was my Uncle Benjamin instantly. He strode down the steps in an almost demanding way, as if he expected something. Finally, he stepped into the light and I studied his features for a second, memorizing every detail quickly.
''Unfortunate circumstances, Maria. Nothing to be done,'' he stated, his attention focused on me for a moment. He looked past me to Miss Heliotrope. ''Miss Heliotrope.''
''Sir Benjamin, such a journey we've had. Not an hour earlier, we were accosted by a bunch of ruffians,'' Miss Heliotrope said dramatically and I stifled a chuckle, though only Uncle Benjamin noticed. His gaze centered on me for a moment before focusing back on Miss Heliotrope.
''Madame, please. I'll hear your fascinating stories some other time, if I may,'' he said abruptly, ending her retelling of the story. He glanced at me one more time before turning, striding back up the stone steps, expecting us to follow him. Glancing at Miss Heliotrope, I shouldered my bag and followed him into the manor with Miss Heliotrope behind me.
Looking around, I stopped as I saw the large black dog sitting by the fireplace, his red eyes glowing. Miss Heliotrope gave a startled gasp while I just smiled.
''His name is Rolf,'' Uncle Benjamin said and the large dog barked twice in acknowledgement. ''He can kill in an instant.''
Smiling, I stepped closer and kneeled, reaching out my hand, offering it to him. He leaned his head forwards, sniffing my hand and familiarizing himself with my scent. When finished, he licked my hand affectionately, giving a welcoming bark. I smiled wider at this and stood, giving him a pet on the head.
Turning, I saw Uncle Benjamin staring at me with a perplexed expression.
''Rolf has never taken to anyone that quickly before,'' he stated at my curious look.
''I just know how to properly introduce myself,'' I answered, shrugging innocently. ''I never had a problem with animals.''
''Alright, come with me and I'll lead you to your rooms,'' Uncle Benjamin said, eyeing me curiously before turning and going down a hallway. Miss Heliotrope and I followed.
My room was beautiful with the painted walls, small fireplace, and other small additions. What I really loved was the skylight, granting me a stunning view of the night sky with the stars. I was tired so I unpacked my things, keeping some of my stuff packed, changed into my white nightgown and white/red dressy jacket, and went to bed. I fell asleep before my head even hit the pillow.
The next day was uneventful, just more studying and lessons from Miss Heliotrope.