A small farming town
19th Century England
I trailed through the cobbled streets to the market. I swayed my arms as I passed the baker, blacksmith, seamstress and Mr. Colding (in that order). Mother always seemed to send me out on errands lately. I could tell she was forcing me out of the house. I suppose I would be frustrated too if I had a twenty-five year old unmarried daughter.
Arriving at the wooden carts of the market I looked around. Where is he?
"Anna!"
I turned with a big smile.
"Edward! You're rather late today," I said trying to pry.
"Ah, yes. I'm sorry. There's a lot of commotion going on at home with the ball," He replied offering his arm.
I wrapped my arm around his as we continued to stroll past the potatoes and to the apples.
"How is that coming along? I'm rather excited."
"Quite well. Father tells me that there are some members of the gentry even attending."
"The gentry?" I asked.
I was both curious and concerned. What business would the gentry have coming here? The gentry was too high status to be seen in a farming town. Not only that but they were elves. Only elves could be gentry. They ruled the upper class, had their hands all over the economy, owning railroads and trade companies.
"Strange isn't it?"
I left Edward to finish my shopping. With a basket full of food I headed home only to be stopped by the sudden shouting behind me. I turned to see a carriage attempting to head my way. It was surrounded by a herd of people, trying to see whoever was inside. The poor footman had to drive the people away, but once he stepped down from the carriage people moved far away from him. I could see his pointed ears and immediately knew why. An elf. The women began to gossip and the men stood there watching. My curiosity grew wondering who could be inside. I did not however want to get involved in the crowd, so I decided to head home.
When I got home my brother was running around frantically with my father chasing after him.
I reached out my hand and caught David by the arm.
"David, father, what is going on?" I asked.
"You didn't hear? That high lord is coming to the ball," David said before running off again.
"Lord?" I asked my father as he caught his breath.
"Yes, The Lord from Ferningston."
"Anna, dear! Good thing you are home. We must get your dress ready," Mother said barging in.
Her hair was a mess and I couldn't stop staring.
"The ball isn't until tonight," I said not seeing the big deal.
"Hush. Come now, you must look nice. Lord Thranduil will be there!"
My stomach churned at the sound of his name.