Another sleepless night has come and gone. The same nightmare time and again, playing over and over, reminding me of the shame. Poor Hamel, he thought it would be sweet to bring me breakfast in bed. Upon waking me though, he came to find touching me while I sleep leads to a dagger at the throat. As soon as I realize who he is I am quick to apologize, and he waves it off as if it is nothing. I would have found that odd, were it not for the fact that he did not even flinch as the tip of my blade pressed at the tender skin of his neck. I thought to ask but found it best to leave the subject be for the time being. I did ask for one who could protect me after all, and someone who would recoil from such a simple thing as that would not make for a good guardian in any case. He didn't even manage to spill a drop of the tea, much less ruin the meal itself. So far so good, but this man still has a ways to go to prove himself to me. Then again, so does much of everything else in my life as of late. Here I am thinking a fresh start will be easy, quite the understatement. Thank goodness I have the company and it runs itself for the most part.
I partake in Hamel's thoughtfulness as I go over the blueprints I promised I would study. Not much of it makes particular sense to me but I grasp the basic concept. While the idea is good, there is still some tweaks to be made, the initial design leaving weak spots that could lead to bowing or breaking in the supports and that would be rather disastrous. I file my report and go over more paperwork for today's files before calling Hamel in to retrieve them all, including last night's signed papers. The company might be a little upset with my tardiness but it is a rarity so I feel they will be able to overlook it. With business concluded and Hamel off to the post office to mail it all I decide to go over the house again and make mental notes on all the repairs left to tend to. It is still rather bare inside but that is of a lesser concern for the moment, the few items I have collected will be suitable for the time being. I need to fix the small window in the attic as well as the flooring in one of the spare rooms and two of the four bathrooms. The basement and attic are both in need of a good spring cleaning and the ball room could use a good dusting and wipe down as well. The kitchen cabinets need replacing and the counter tops are quite worn, not to mention I am short on stores. I have only been keeping enough food in the house for myself so as not to waste anything, and I have never been one to eat much. With Hamel now in the house I will need to stock up a bit more, and letting him make a few choices on what to store would be good, seeing as he is my chef for the time being. When the house is in order I will hire some more helping hands for the everyday things. By then Hamel should have proven himself to be trusted within my company at all times, letting the others handle the more mediocre tasks.
All in all, the inside of the house is coming along quite nicely, but the yard. I peek out of the front window to take a quick glimpse, it is worse than I thought. Weeds sprout abundantly, growing taller than myself in some places. Ivy vines tangle their way up the walls of the mansion, burying their tendrils in between the wooden planks. The trees are well overgrown and unshapely, some of which are growing far to close to the house to be safe. One tree in particular stands out, old, worn, and long since dead. That in itself is a hazard just waiting to happen. Hamel mentioned the stable being in disrepair as well, though he managed to find three stalls that were still usable. I have not even managed to look at the small courtyard in the back, surprisingly, as it provides a most lovely view of the tombstones that lie at the base of the small valley. With a quick once over I decide I will need to order a stone mason to fix the railing and write Undertaker a letter requesting permission to clean up the small graveyard that lies in my back yard. It too, has fallen into disrepair and I would very much like to clean that up myself in order to pay respects and thank those that are departed for allowing my company. I suppose with Hamel being of assistance now, my notes will not do much good if they are stuck in my head. I return to my room to fetch paper and a quill, jotting down the list of things I noticed. I make sure to write small enough to leave room for anything else I find, better to be safe than sorry after all. Not long after finishing the list and returning downstairs Hamel returns from his errand.
"Your request has been fulfilled lady Liel. Is there anything else you wish to ask of me?" he bows as he speaks.
"I would like for you to go over this list and add anything of which I may have missed." I state as I hand him the sheet of paper.
He looks over it for a moment before speaking, "If I may milady, I am sure you could not possibly miss the little fox strutting about, yet I do not see mention of it on this list. Certainly you do not intend to keep vermin in the house?"
"Vermin? no I have no desire to allow vermin in my home, but that little fox you mention is a friend of sorts. He is docile so do not worry about him, though I am sure he is hungry as I have yet to feed him." I state while walking towards the kitchen to fetch a piece of meat.
"I see, so I am to see this creature as a household pet of sorts? If that is so then please, let me care for it as I do for you. A lady should not concern herself with such menial tasks." he suggests while reaching for a small flank steak in my stead and placing it on a plate. "Does this pet have a name milady?"
"To be honest, I have never thought about it. I suppose I could take some time to think of one while I write to the Undertaker." I ponder aloud before pointing to where I often leave the fox's food
"The Undertaker? May I ask why you have made such an acquaintance milady?" he asks with hesitation in his eyes, setting the plate down where instructed.
"Oh, yes. He is the groundskeeper for the nearby graveyards. Have you not noticed them? I had to request his permission to make this home my own and he has been rather helpful as well. He told me all I need do is ask if I require his help for anything else, and I have a question about the smaller cemetery out back." I respond cheerfully.
"Ah yes, I apologize. I have not spent much time venturing the grounds but I will make a note to do so in the near future." he replies with another bow.
"Well be sure to let me know when you decide to do so, I would very much like to accompany you." I return with a smile.
"Oh, is that so? It is a rather gloomy day, the clouds look so dark, almost menacing. Should milady be out in such whether?" he asks tentatively.
I giggle at the notion before responding, "One thing you must know about your lady, she does so love the rain. I am not one for sunny days but am always happy to admire the ominous clouds above, though, I do quite enjoy evening strolls while the moon is out as well."
He looks at me, slightly confused for a moment, before bowing once more, "As milady wishes. Whatever brings a smile to your face pleases me in turn, so long as it does not bring you harm."
"I will keep that in mind Hamel. Now, I do not have company often but I would still like to have the house in order as quickly as possible. I would like to get started on the yard today. Those weeds should be turned to mulch, the trees need to be trimmed, the dead one needs to be disposed of, and the vines that cling to the house should be removed if they are causing any damage." I state, returning to a business like tone.
"What shall be done with them if they are not harming the manor milady?" he asks, returning the tone.
"Leave them for last, if they stand to make the house look nice I would like to keep them there. They might provide the mansion with a sense of natural beauty." I answer, and with that we both step out the front door to begin.
Hamel is quick to find many helpful tools in the storage shed out back to aid in trimming down the trees and mowing down the small jungle of weeds. I am surprised there is actually a lawn to be found underneath it all. It had almost seemed as if there was no end to the overgrowth. It takes several hours just for the weeds to be trimmed down and disposed of, I almost feel sorry for Hamel. Then again, I offered to help and he refused. He is stubborn, for sure, but he adheres to his moral standings quite loyally and that is something I cannot help but admire. I must admit, while watching him work, it was not the only thing I admired, but I digress. It is very unladylike to think such thoughts, particularly towards one's own servant. Pushing them aside, I continued to instruct Hamel as he began trimming the trees. I decided on a simple cut, a rounded bottom leading to a pointed top. Nothing too intricate, for now, until we could get these trees properly trained. They do not take anywhere near as much time as the yard, leaving the dead tree to be removed and deciding on what to do with the ivy. Cutting down the dead tree was simple enough, it managing to come crashing down after only being cut halfway through. The stump is a bit more trouble though, as the tree had been there for some time and many thick roots sprouted about. In the end we decide the stump can remain, it causing no further harm and it makes a rather lovely seat to watch the rain. With all of the other foliage out of the way I also came to decide that the ivy did indeed give the manor an air of mystique, and that suited rather well.
"My, look at the time milady, even without a stop for tea or lunch we have managed to work well into the evening. Shall I begin preparations for supper?" Hamel asks with the sweetest of smiles.
I giggle as I notice the messy state he is in. "Why don't you clean yourself up first, it is only about four or five in the evening. A light snack will tie me over until supper, and I can prepare that myself." I say, returning his sweet smile.
"I should not leave lady Liel to such tasks, that is my job. I will admit that I am in a rather unsightly state though. A bath would be nice and I would not wish to prepare a snack for you as filthy as I am. Can you forgive me milady." he asks while taking my hand and kissing my fingers gingerly.
"Of course dear, I do not mind. I may be a lady but that does not mean I am incapable of caring for myself. When I have hired someone to tend to the gardens, then it will be less forgivable, as the excuse will not remain. Until then, I understand I am asking much of you and have no qualms taking on such tasks in the meantime." I reply, my business tone returning. "Now I am off to fix a small snack and start on that letter for mister Undertaker, please clean yourself up in the mean time."
We both return to the manor, a smile plain on my face. We have accomplished much today, that yard is no small feat, to be certain. It seems I have need to work with Hamel, though I admire his dedication, I am more than capable of being an independent woman. It is a discussion I will have to hold off until later though. For now, a cup of tea and a couple of scones to ease my grumbling stomach. It only takes me a couple of minutes to prepare the tea, its warmth flowing blissfully through me as I sip it down. The scones are not bad, but certainly not what I am in the mood for. I eat them regardless, looking through my stores to see what we can prepare for supper. It seems I will be needing another favor from Hamel, and that letter to the Undertaker will be unnecessary. I am shorter on supplies than I thought and will require a trip into town to retrieve more. I will make sure to stop by for a quick visit with the Undertaker to ask my question personally, with this being the case. Hamel returns shortly, his hair still damp and tied back into a neat ponytail. I discuss the lack of supplies with him and instruct him to fetch the carriage. He bows before leaving and I hear the familiar trotting of my horse before long. With an outstretched hand Hamel gestures me into the coach and we are off within moments. The clouds make it seem so much darker outside than one would expect at this time of day, almost as if the sun was nearly setting already. Despite the dim light, I still enjoy watching the rolling hills and valleys in bloom. The flowers always smell so sweet, the gentlest of breezes wafting in, carrying the sweet scent with it. The smell changes before long though, to that of stone and perfumes. I can faintly smell the salt of the sea and smoke, most likely from someone's chimney. As always the city is bustling, though not quite so much as it would be earlier in the day.
I have instructed Hamel to lead us to the market first. The directions Undertaker had given me previously were rather vague and I had not been paying attention to where we had been going on the way to that furniture shop. I would rather mail him the letter later than waste the evening lost and without the supplies required, so we will replenish the stores first, then attempt to find him. The varying smells of the market flood the carriage, fresh baked bread, raw meats, fish, spices, even some cooked goods that smell quite delicious. The carriage eases to a stop and Hamel is soon at the door, ready to escort me down. With him following close by, and even making many suggestions, we soon have enough stores to last for a few days. To be honest, I think we purchased enough tea to last a month, but Hamel states that a lady should have a wide array of teas to choose from and enjoy. I decided not to argue his decision, seeing as he is used to serving others and I am not. Hamel also informs me that he has arranged for a personal merchant to come to the manor to deliver supplies so that we can always have a fresh supply without constantly going back and forth to and from town. I suppose it is a good thing I chose the yard as a priority then, as we should be expecting this merchant two days from now and every other day after that. He is proving to be a very good butler indeed, at this rate, he will earn a raise in allowance shortly. With all the supplies we need bought, I am helped into the carriage again and we are soon off in search of the Undertaker's shop. I am surprised at how quickly it is found, but sure enough Hamel found it, tucked away in a secluded alley as I was told before. I knock gingerly on the door, hearing a familiar voice calling us in. I ask that Hamel stay behind and watch the carriage while I handle this simple matter. He responds with a bow and 'yes milady' before walking back to play guard dog.
I step inside cautiously, not entirely sure what to expect. "Hello? Undertaker, it's Lune Liel. I was wondering if I could ask you a question?" I state as I look about the room. Undertaker is nowhere in sight but there are three coffins laying about as well as several jars of varying sorts. A few candles provide dim light, showing off the cob webs that hang from the ceiling as well as numerous shelves and display cases. A familiar giggle fills the air and I watch as one of the coffins slide open. Slender fingers, presenting long black nails, slither around the edge of the lid before a familiar strand of long, silver hair reveals itself.
"Well hello my dear, I was wondering when I would be seeing you again. How may I be of service miss Liel?" he asks with a chuckle.
I quickly regain myself, my heart still racing slightly, "It is not very polite to startle a lady like that." I respond with a huff, "I have a favor of sorts to ask of you, or more so, I have something I need your permission for."
"Oh? My permission, well that is not asked of very often. What is it you need my permission for dear?" he asks, his head tilting to the side in curiosity.
"As I am sure you are aware, there is a small, secluded cemetery behind the manor. I was in the process of cleaning the house up and was hoping to do the same for the cemetery, if you would not mind." I reply.
"Ah, but when you say clean up, what exactly do you mean? I certainly hope you do not wish to remove those who slumber." he questions, a darkness seeping into his tone.
"On the contrary, I greatly apreaciate their presence. I was hoping I could simply clear out the foliage that has become quite overgrown and perhaps continue tending to it as long as I reside in that manor. Such as bringing fresh flowers to those that rest each morning and keeping stray leaves and other debris away. I do not wish to do any of this, though, if you think my presence there would be disruptive or defiling." I respond, watching his
reaction closely.
He ponders this for some time before responding, "I see no harm in that, though I am quite surprised you would go through so much trouble for the dead, particularly those of which you do not know. Why are you so interested in helping them, if I may ask?" his smile disappearing as he speaks.
"I have a profound respect for the dead, though I am not too fond of the living. Odd, I know, but it has always been this way for me. There is a certain peace I find when I am amongst those in eternal slumber." whereas the living tend to make my skin crawl as their energy flows over it, I thought. I have no desire to indulge every aspect of myself to this strange man though, not yet for sure. He looks me over for a moment before simply nodding. Accepting that as his permission I turn to leave the store.
"Do be careful dear, it seems many pretty women have been dying as of late. Granted, they may have all been prostitutes, you can never be too careful. It would be a shame to see such a pretty face disappear. I would advise staying off of the streets at night, go home, where it is safe." he warns, his wicked grin slowly returning.
"Oh, well thank you, I will certainly be doing so." I respond, not sure whether he was being sarcastic or not. Either way, it is better to be safe than sorry, and women dying suddenly was not a matter to joke about. I turn to leave the shop, my mind now whirring with thoughts and gruesome I step out I realize the sun is soon to set, poor Hamel. I took much longer in there than I had expected. As I turn to walk to the carriage something flickers out of the corner of my eye. A brilliant red, so bright and vivid, before it disappears into the shadows. I take a few steps in its direction, not paying much attention to where I am actually going. I hear a giggle, certainly a male voice, though a bit odd.
"Well aren't you a curious one? Come little girl, let's see how well you dance with Death." it chuckles.
I haven't much time to respond before I feel someone grab at my shoulder. I whirl around, my hand at the hilt of my dagger and ready to draw it. Hamel grasps my hand firmly while glaring over my shoulder.
"Just where does my lady think she is off to? It is not safe to wander about dark alleys at night, surely you know this." he states blandly, his gaze breaking away after some time. "Come milady, let us go home, I still have supper to prepare after all."
I turn back only for a moment, that odd presence being long gone. "Yes, of course, my apologies Hamel. I should not have kept you waiting as long as I have." I state, my mind completely elsewhere.
"Do not fret milady, you may take all the time you need, but for now, allow me to escort you home." he says with a bow and an outstretched hand.
We head home, my mind spinning with all of this evening's oddities. Dinner is delicious, though quiet. I daze off the the rest of the evening, wondering about so many things. What flowers should I pick for those that slumber, where should I start with cleaning up the cemetery, I never thought of a name for the fox. Those were the simple ones, nothing too stirring in those thoughts. The ones that continued to grip at me though, why are prostitutes suddenly dying, who was that mysterious flash of red, and what did he mean by dance with death? What tugs at me the most is his energy, it is so different from anyone's I have felt before, but at the same time, it feels familiar. These thoughts remain until I drift off to sleep, my dreams differing this night.