Hinc Illae Lacrimae

Her high heeled boots hit the road in steady rhythm, one after the other. The villagers looked at her like she was some kind of freak and I guess she was. She wasn't tall, but she wasn't short either, she had curves in all the right places, her pale skin was a stark contrast to her black clothes. Her black hair was flowing in the wind, but she didn't mind. She was wearing a long black dress and jacket to match. Her pointed boots peeked every so often from under her dress. She was wearing some kohl around her eyes and mascara, a little powder too, but that was it.

She noticed the people watching her, but didn't give them time of day, she was used to it. If one wanted to walk different paths than others, then one had to have a thick skin and lots of humour. And quite frankly, she enjoyed shocking the people.

'Aidensfield Arms, this must be the place his lordship recommended. A local pub.' She smiled to herself and walked in. Immediately a hush fell over the place and every pair of eyes were on her.

"Good evening" she bid to them in her Scottish accent and walked to the counter. "Whiskey please, make it a double" she smiled to the older man behind the counter. He poured the drink and gave it to her.

"You are not a local." He said gruffly. For some odd reason she liked him. She smiled. "No" she said just as gruffly, but her smile lessened the impact. He smiled at her. He knew then that they would get along.

"I'm Kira McCay. Just moved here and I really needed a break from unloading the boxes. I live in the cottage surrounded by huge oaks near Ashfordly Hall." she told him finishing her drink. She had fallen in love with the place the minute she saw it. It was perfect for her and she had seen no place like that before or after.

"Aye, the Oak Garden," he told her as he poured another drink for her. "On the house as a welcome gift."

"Oak Garden? Yes, that makes sense. And thank you, you really didn't have to" smiling warmly. She looked around and saw people still watching her, the conversation had picked up again, but most likely they were about her. She noticed that more than one look was a little hostile, most were just curious, but there were those hostile looks. She was a smart bird and didn't turn her back completely to the crowd and she was on her guard.

Blaketon noticed this, but kept his silence. And yet he was once a copper so he knew there was trouble brewing.
"Oscar Blaketon" he extended his hand to her. She gave him a look of relief for she knew he was trying to make things easier for her. He was obviously a well respected man. She took his hand "Thank you Mr. Blaketon."

He looked at her warmly "It's Oscar." She smiled again "Then you should call me Kira." She took another sip of her whiskey and looked around. Few of those hostile faces had melted into curiosity, but not all of them. "It seems that you are the man one should have on her side." She grinned at him.

"Well Kira, I used to be a sergeant a few years ago. And it seems that the respect is still there." he whispered to her, winking.

"Oscar, you flirt!" Gina grinned at him. Kira couldn't help, but laugh. Her laughter was soft, but infectious. Soon half of the pub was laughing.

"Sorry Oscar. I didn't mean to laugh like that, it just… came out." Kira grinned, her eyes twinkling with humour.
"Oh well, it's not every day I can speak with pretty ladies such as yourself." He grinned.

"Hey!" Gina grinned at him indignantly.

"Don't mind him. He's just being his usual self. I'm Gina Ward." Gina smiled and extended her hand like Blaketon had done earlier. Kira took it "Kira McCay."

"Kira lives in the Oak Garden." Blaketon told Gina.

"Really? Oak Garden is so beautiful place. But I am not sure I would want to live so close to Lord Ashfordly." Gina told her.

"His Lordship is actually quite nice man." she told them. "I believe that if I let him be and he lets me be, we'll get along splendidly."

"That would work" Gina mused. "I heard something about being fed up with unloading boxes. Need any help? I would gladly come and lend a hand or two."

Kira smiled. 'She seems really nice, but can I trust her? I think it's good that these two know where I live in case something happens. But can I trust her enough…' "I guess I do need some help. Specially when I get to the part where I should unload my books. It would take an eternity. I would end up reading instead of unloading."

"Great. I'll come by noon, if it's okay." Gina grinned at her new friend or someone she hoped would be a friend.

"See you then" Kira smiled and paid or tried to. "On the house remember." Blaketon told her.

"Oooh yes, sorry Oscar. I think the alcohol is already affecting me." She waved at him and walked out and started the long walk back home.