HungDark Silk
By ladydoma
Disclaimer: I don't own anyone. This is only a fanfic. Yes I know Cinnamon is a Haz Knight, I know it takes her a while to finish a sentance. And she might not even have a dealing with Zaha. But whatever. I decided that because this is a Fanfic, I could change shit you know man. Please read and review.
Chapter one: Servant girl, Cinnamon Tea.
'Too early,' Thought Cinnamon. She yawned and sat up in her bed. Rubbing her tired green eyes, to peer out the small window in her little cabin by the shimmering forest creek. It was early dawn. The sun barely rising. She stared at the faint colors of pink and purple mixed in with the blue evening sky. The moon slowly leaving. Crickets barely chirped. Birds began to take their places.
She considered throwing herself under the covers again and going back to sleep. But then she remembered that she was nothing more then a farm hand, a servant to a wealthy farmer. A poor woman, who only made a few gold coins. Barely she was able to fend for herself in the world. Perhaps she had the advantage of living by a farm. She was able to eat, fruits, and vegeables from the feilds.
So, she got up and threw her arms over her plain white night gown and grabbed her long green cotton dress, put on her glasses ,and slipped on her shoes. She tied back her long blonde hair in a pony tail with one of her simple ribbins.Then tied a bandana over that. And wrapped her waist apron in a tight knot around the top of her hips.
She walked outside. She did her best to ignore the chill in the air, it was a very crisp summer morning for her. The dew drops upon the wild flowers brushed against her ankle. Wetting it slightly.
In the trees above her, a black bird sang it's grim song for her is it had every morning when she made her way from the forest to the plantation house. She walked slowly into the strawberry patch and knelt down. One, two, then three, only three ripe, big strawberries, that she placed in the pouches of her apron. She thought that it was too early in the morning, so, she made her way futher up towards the estate. She abruptly heard bleating sheep, and early moo of the cows. The eager neighs of the few horses.
She went in the chicken coop. She found to her surprise that there had been a great amount of freshly laid eggs. She smiled and grabbed a basket by the coop door. One hen tried to struggle, clucking, arousing the other hens, while Cinnamon carefully picked up the eggs. Trying in ignore the loud but useless protests.
"Letting them wake everyone one in the house again." A female voice mused from outside the coop door.
Cinnamon chuckled," Susan. Aren't you suppose to be inside, preparing breakfast for master Lei and his family?" Cinnamon asked.
Susan smiled ," Well I need the eggs first. And if you can, go fetch some strawberries?" She asked. Cinnamon gingerly handed her what she had.Susan looked at the strawberries," Where's the rest?"
"Well, there was only those three that were ripe enough."
Susan only shrugged it off and left Cinnamon to continue her morning work. Cinnamon shook her head and looked over towards the feild of wheat.The wind blowing the small oats to and fro. Cinnamon breathed deeply and enjoyed the breeze from a slight second. She peered then over to the sty. Feeding the baby pigs, while their mother slept comfortably.
Cinnamon looked over at an appoarching servant, a dark colored man this time," Guesta." Greeted Cinnamon with a smile.
"Good marrow to you dear Cinnamon." He said sweetly. Carrying a crate. Which he had set down by the sty.
" Time to butcher the old girl." Cinnamon mused. While Guesta entered the sty.
" The master said that Lily is ready to serve her purpose as a great feast. A plump satisfying ham." He stated.The large pig by the name of Lily struggled voilently in Guesta's firm grip." Well, then...I must go butcher her. And prepare her for the grand feast the master is going to have perpared for the Haz Knights."
"Haz Knights? You mean the great warriors protecting this world from the evil warlocks?" She asked. Guesta only nodded. And left Cinnamon to her duties." Haz knights?" She asked herself again. She had heard of the Haz Knights. She was told of the great deeds they preform for the human race. Who are alawys in need of care.They were those who fought for the Woman closest to God, Big Mama was what she was known as. Her Haz Knights, were lead by a man by the name of Zaha Torte. Cinnamon heard of him as well. That he was the head Haz Knight. He was the one who lead them onto battle.She did not know that these Haz Knights would feast and celebrate at that estate though.
Cinnamon, after finishing with the pigs, brought her baskets and sat down in the cabbage patch. And skimmed it for ripe cabbage. She found many. The carrot patch was a tab more difficult, as normally rabbits, moles, mice, rats, golphers and other burrowing animals stole the crops. Cinnamon brushed dirt off one carrot and glanced down. A little dark grey rat, just stood there looking at her with hungry eyes. He was a baby rat. Perhaps abandoned by his mother. Cinnamon mused." Are you hungry?" she asked, and noticed blood at the end of the rat's tail. Cinnamon felt sorry for him. And gently picked him up in her gentle hands," You're hurt." She said as she offered a piece of carrot to him, cautiously, but surely, the rat accepted.
"Cinnamon!" A loud call caught her attention. The rat, startled jumped from Cinnamon's palm. And scurred off. Cinnamon stood. And glanced at the house. There stood the lady of the home. Anabeth Lei. Cinnamon caught her lower skirts and darted towards the house. Keeping a firm grip on the crops." You are late getting inside work." Stated Anabeth firmly. And then saw how much Cinnamon collected from the cabbage patch," Thank you. Good work. I shall have Susan, and Marie prepare a salad for tonight's guests." She said with delight yanking the basket from Cinnamon's hands. She left her alone. Cinnamon sighed and was about to walk towards the broom closet, when the master of the estate, John Lei stopped her," Cinnamon, my girl, I will need you to go pick corn, apples, sugar cane, and I will need a fresh bucket of water from the well. "
" Right away sir."Cinnamon said, and took her leave. Outside the sun had fully risen, and it was warmer now. Cinnamon wipped her brow and walked towards the well.And as she began walking, she heard hoofbeats. Lots of them. Her head darted towards the country road. Men, about four or five of them, clad in cloaks and armor, upon horseback, headed towards the farm house.Her eyes caught sight of one dressed in a long black cloak, and golden armor on his shoulders. His hair was black and the left side covered the left side of his face. While the right side was exposed. Cinnamon could not quite see the color of his eye. But she saw his face, he was handsome.He road a large black stallon from the western mountians.The others seemed to ride tamed horses. But the dark Haz Knight, only he could ride one so wild.
And the family, not yet dressed out of their night cloths gathered together on the porch. Cinnamon snapped out of it, and continued to the water well. While the lead Haz Knight took a smooth bow at the porch of the Lei's." My knights and myself are in your debt. For granting us shetler." The black clad one said.
The water was heavy, but Cinnamon knew how to hold onto the bucket. She winced slightly. And made her way towards the house." Here, I'll take that." Susan said. With a smile.
"Why?" Cinnamon asked.
" There is a Haz knight in there, and he is very good looking, Cin." Susan explained. Cinnamon smiled and rolled her eyes. And handed Susan the bucket and then went towards the corn feild.
" It is going to be one long, hot, tiring day." Eliza pointed out. Wipping sweat from her forehead. And noticed Cinnamon was just staring at the ear of corn infront of her," Cinnamon? Whats wrong with you this morning?" Eliza asked.
"Uh..nothing. Look I'll go to the west side and meet you around. Alright." Cinnamon said and walked into the next few rows.
Susan entered the house, and caught another look at the dark Haz Knight. And smiled. She continued her way into the kitchen.
"Are you and your knights hungry Captain Torte?" Asked John.
Captain Torte as he was looked at his knights and leaned over to his second in command, and whispered near his ear. The knight nodded in understanding. Torte moved back as he was," Thank you, but they were told of a feast this evening. They wish to hold their appitites until then. However, they... we wish to be shown our accomidations."
"If it pleases you. Wife." he summoned." Show them their rooms." he ordered.
Anabeth was not one to be ordered about, but their servants were all very busy and she was afraid to get out of line around the Haz knights, so she only did as told. Captain Torte requested privacy once shown his room. He drapped his armor over the desk chair and his cloak upon the bed.His sword hung nicely above the head board. His bed was large, and appeared to not have been slept in for days. The sheets were black, not surprising. There was a writing desk near the window. It was neatly set, with a few scrolls, ink, and a quill pen. Near that was a cabinet. With various alcohol, two glasses. Brandy. There was vast table, with a chess set as well. Zaha removed his ridding gloves, which only his knuckles and left the ends of his finger tips freely exposed.
He brushed back a strand or two of his hair and glanced out the window with his purple eyes, upon the grand veiw of the lovely farm. Various servants made their ways around the feilds and worked pretty hard." I asked that I not be desturbed." the captain firmly growled as he turned from the window and gazed at the woman who had walked in on him without even knocking. But then again this was her house. So why knock? This was the eldest daughter of John Lei. Long blonde hair and hazel eyes. No more then Cinnamon's age.
"My father sent me up to ask if there was anything you needed.He noticed blood dripping from your hand. " She stated.Then noticed the captain's silence," Forgive me. I should introduce myself, my name is Jessica Lei."
Torte only stared at her. She was no doubt beautiful, yet he sensed that she was not the innocent virgin type." No, I do not require anything at all. But my thanks to your cencern Ms. Lei." he said.
Jessica giggled," well, in that case then, would you like to take a..walk with me...I want to show you the creek," He could not help but notice that as she had said that, her voice was sly. And it sent shivers of disgust down his spine. But, he could not thank this family enough for their hospitality. He accepted her offer. Not that he wanted to. This girl was most likely going to try to hop into bed with him. Though it has been months sense his last intimate incounter with a camp follower, he did not want this one. She talked so much.
" This farm is very old, guess how old." She started.
He looked around then down at her," I don't know. How old is it?"
" This estate was built by my grandfather. But I still don't like it." She sighed. And blabed on and on.
"I am surprised." He started.
"What?"
"You are not engaged, nor are you courting anyone." He mused.
" You are very perspective, Captain." She giggled and leaned against his shoulder." And you are not either."
Torte shook his head," I am too busy."
Jessica smiled, " Well, then perhaps you won't be too busy for a romp in the hay stack. There is a barn over there you know."
Shivers ran down his spine," No, thank you, I am a better man than that." He said. " But if it will make you happier, I can request to court you," he suggested. Wishing he was able to take it back. But he was willing to do anything to shut her up. Jessica stopped walking and turned Torte to face her. He felt so disgusted. She was going to kiss him, until fate. Jessica had to leave so soon as her father was calling her. He sighed with relief and decided. while he was outside, he would eye the farm for a while. He heard that call from Jessica. She waved her hands at him. His eyes widened he took off into the corn feild to loose her.
He relaxed for a second then walked slowly through the feild. He heard the song of what he believed was a dove,"I give you a secret." The girl sang. Zaha followed the voice."I want to kiss you surrender to your heart.You have no place to go.Love is shining in the color of dreams.With a promised whip I'll guild your dance.Like a puppet on a string I will move you with a fading shout of I love you ( " Mask" From Sorcerer Hunters)." Zaha glanced through a wall of corn and leaves. And saw a woman gingerly plucking corn. His eyes widened. He had never seen any one like her. She had such a beautiful voice too. And then his heart leapt as Cinnamon, she too glanced up. She saw the man staring at her. She believed this to be her imagination. Until he blinked once. Cinnamon gasped and backed up, grabbing her basket of corn, she took off towards the house. Zaha kept his eyes on her the whole time.
"There you are." Jessica finally caught up with Zaha. Again his spine tingled at her most annoying giggle."Trying to play dirty with me." She mused.
Zaha shook his head," No, I am sorry, I wanted to eye your farm. It is lovely."
Jessica laughed," Manned by poor servants."
Zaha stared at her then remembered that young girl he had seen but a few moments ago. How beautul her voice was. So much more soothing than Jessica's." Servants are the essentals of the lazy." He said curtly. Jessica's eyes widened in shock.Then she chuckled, and snorted as well." You are so cute."
"Madam Jessica." Eliza interuppted her.
"What!"
" Its Cinnamon, there is something wrong with her." She started.
"So." She said curtly. Zaha looked down at her.
"She has been stealing." Eliza said.
Zaha looked down at Eliza. Then back at Jessica. His eyes widened as he heard ," I'll have her whipped then." Jessica simply stated. Without a care, "Come Captain." She demanded. Starting to walk off.
Eliza, stared with a shocked expression. And before she walked off, Zaha stopped her," Please, if she is lashed. Tell me."
She nodded in understanding." Cinnamon lives not far from here. Her cabin is a small one. But the only cabin within less than a mile from here." She whispered to Zaha. Zaha nodded," Thank you."
Cinnamon, took a small break in the barn. She sighed and sat back against a stack of hay. Fanning herself. And then she felt a little weight upon her lap. She glanced down. And saw that little grey rat she gave food to. She could tell that because the end of his tail, was missing. "Hey." She gingerly lifted him in her hands. And let him crawl up on her shoulder," You know if you are seen, you may be killed." She whispered. And as if the rat understood. Crawled into the pocket of her apron. And curled deeped down. Cinnamon smiled. And sighed. She knew she finally made a true, and pure friend.And she looked over at the Haz Knight's horses. And saw the Captain's stallon." You are a beauty." She whispered, gingerly stroking his mane. The stallon remained calm.
" His name is Lastat."Cinnamon gasped and jumped back.
"Do you need something, sir?" She asked the leader of the Haz Knights. Her lip trembled.
Zaha smiled and shook his head," No, I just came to check on Lastat, my stallon." He said softly.Cinnamon relaxed a bit. And looked back down in her pouch. To see to that her rat was not seen.
" magnificent creatures." Zaha said.
"What?"
"Rats." He said. And peered into the girl's pouch.
"Please Captain, do not tell master Lei or anyone else. " She pleaded.
"Relax, a rat makes a fine companion, I shall not deprive you of him."Zaha said and the rat crawled onto his shoulder and began to chatter." He says his name is Olive."
"H...how do you know?" Asked Cinnamon.
"He told me. He wants to be your friend." Zaha added.
"Can all Haz Knights do that?"
Zaha shook his head," No. I am older, and once I was a sorcerer." He paused. As he heard his name being called again. Cinnamon gasped. Grabbed Olive and hid him back in her pouch, she took off. Zaha though she was so beautiful. And he wanted to show her love. But with Jessica around it may be harder then he thought. He knew he could not be mean to Jessica, because he and his Knights, so tired from battle, owe Lei their thanks.
Note: the song" Mask" I really don't know why I used it. Just please don't ask.