Promise of the Rose
SweeneyToddGirl
(Chapter 2 : The Wonderful Prince)
Disclaimer : I do not own Sweeney Todd nor do I own Rule of Rose.
The delicate, sweet scent of warm vanilla caressed her nostrils as she rested upon something that felt unbelievably comfortable. She extended the palms of her hands, which rested by her sides, and grasped the silky material that wrapped her body. The velvety fabric sliding between her petite fingers felt heavenly, and she briefly wondered if she had indeed died and passed on to the next life.
Her eyelids fluttered for a few moments, yet they did not open. She was afraid to open them. Feared gnawed at her heart as she realized that perhaps she was not dead, but merely unconscious. What if she was indeed dreaming? All of the comfort that she was feeling at the moment, simply a figment of her young imagination. What if her body was still lying on the repulsive cobblestone of London, bloody and approaching death? No. If this was merely a dream, then she did not wish to awaken. There was no reason for her to continue living after all. Her mommy was gone. At least this way, she would be able to pass on without the dreadful experience. If she continued to sleep, then perhaps she would be able to die blissfully.
A light patter abolished her reverie.
Was that real? Did she really hear footsteps? If so, then she must be alive! However, she did not know if this delighted her or disappointed her.
Slowly, she parted her eyes open and before her stood a graceful young boy. His dainty, chestnut eyes widened as he gazed right back at her. Though she felt thoroughly uncomfortable, she did not look away. He was a certain number of years older than her and she was astounded as she beheld the outfit that lay casually upon his youthful body. His attire alone told her that he was not lower class. Told her that she was not meant to dwindle in the same presence as this sophisticated creature. She was inferior to him. A penniless orphan who had absolutely nothing in life.
The lowest of the low.
"Allison," the boy said as he continued to hold her gaze. "Allison, she is awake." To her, his voice sounded like a gentle, tranquilizing breeze on a serene spring morning. At the calling of her name, a young maiden suddenly entered the peaceful room. She wore a plain, white apron above her gown and because of this, the young child assumed she was a maid. Much to her dismay, the child removed her copper eyes from the boy and glimpsed at the lady who had just approached her. The young woman took a seat on the mattress in which the child laid upon and bestowed a heart-warming smile to her.
"Hello, Little Miss. How are you feeling? Better than before, I hope?" the young woman asked as she reached for the child's hand. Once it was in her grasp, she gave it a light squeeze. Raising her other hand, she placed it upon the child's forehead and once again smiled. Gently, she removed both hands and placed them on her lap. The curl of her pink lips did not alter.
"You are indeed very lucky, Little Miss! Any old bloke would have caught death out in those cold streets, they would! You should be utterly grateful to the master, as well. Had it not been for him walking his pup and running into you, you wouldn't have lasted the night!" At the latter comment, the young lad finally changed his range of vision and looked down at the white carpet below. His cheeks turning a delightful pink hue. The young woman turned eyes to the boy, grin widening. "Yes, that's my charming lad. Always one to help out those in need. Love him like me own, I do!"
A gentle bark then broke the young woman's chatter and a small furry creature bustled inside the small room. His light bark seemed to echo against the simple yet eloquent floral walls. The boy gracefully bent down and began to caress the small golden pup; scratching him behind his ears. However, the pup was puzzled as he glanced at the child in the bed. 'Who is she?' the eyes curiously wondered. Other eyes gleamed with polite puzzlement as well.
"My name is Allison Berkeley. Do not be frightened, child. We mean you no harm. Pray, won't you tell us your name?"
Though strangers they were to her and their intentions quite unclear, she meant to tell them. In fact, she wanted to tell them. Tell them her name, her mommy's name and all the dreadful things that occurred and how she ended up in the streets and ran away from the constables because they wanted to take her to the nasty warehouse and how the wind told her to go to her mommy...
But, alas, her small throat sealed and not a peep escaped her voice box. Oh what a poor, unfortunate little girl.
The young maiden's eyes shinned with disappointment for a mere moment, then she concealed it with another contagious smile. The pup, who had been amusing himself with the boy, then approached the young child. His snout advanced towards her small, pallid hand and managed to place his cold nose against her own warm hand. He sniffed briefly, then brushed his tongue against it. The lad raised himself off the ground and went to the child as well.
"He likes you," the boy stated shyly. "His name is Brown and I am Benjamin. Forgive us if we frightened you." At close distance, the child could see the golden trimmings of his coat.
"Master Barker, perhaps it would be wise to allow the Little Miss to rest a bit more. The wounds on her knees were quite brutal when I tended to them. I wonder how she managed to harm herself that much."
"She was running from someone," Benjamin responded as he eyed the young child's cloaked legs. "Her breathing was rapid when Brown found her. I just couldn't let her die there."
Allison frowned as she glanced at the candle that was lit upon a wardrobe. "Poor soul," was the only thing she murmured. The child's eyes followed the maid as she got up from her sitting position and made her way towards the door. Allison then made a slight motion with her hand and then exited the room. Benjamin approached the door as well, and meant to bring Brown with him, when he saw the small pup lying down beside the child. The young lad met eyes with the child and with only a tad amount of embarrassment, smiled. He then left as well.
In a matter of moments, the young girl began to feel her eyelids droop once more. The creature below her, Brown, could be heard lightly snoring. She fought to stay awake by gazing at the flickering candle above the bureau, yet only managed to keep her eyes open for a short amount of time.
However, before entering slumber, a light whisper escaped her chapped lips. Had anyone been near the child, they would have heard "Nellie," faintly but clearly.