A Tale of the Shapeshifters

by Shiloh Grace

A Beauty and the Beast retelling, with traditional fairytale/mythology elements and tropes. Athena Everleigh is a curious lass living in a village on the outskirts of Dublin, Ireland. Nearing her sixteenth birthday, she begins working in a castle for a mysterious man. Several weeks go by, but the longer she works for him, the more she realizes he may not even be a man at all.

18. Chapter XVI

~❦︎~❦︎~

Chapter XVI - Letters for a "Friend"

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Dublin, IE., June 10, 1905.

My dearest friend,

I sincerely hope that Dublin is treating you well and that you have settled in with your aunt by now. I must admit that two weeks without any company has been dreadful, but I know that I will hear your sweet voice again someday.

I wish to formally apologize for my behavior during our last meeting. It was rude of me to assume that you longed to both remain a housekeeper and provide for your family throughout the remainder of your girlhood. Not only that, but my conduct toward you was in poor taste.

These two weeks alone have provided a time of reflection, wherefore I have recognized the wrongness of my actions. If you can find the will in your heart, do forgive me.

Best regards,

Sir Claudius

Sir Claudius,

Beochaoineadh Castle, IE.

~❦︎~

Dublin, IE., July 25, 1905.

My dearest Miss Everleigh,

How are you finding the society in Dublin? I would ask you to call on a few friends of mine from many years ago, but after careful thought and consideration, I've decided it has been too many years ago that they were my friends. Therefore, please do not ask around if anyone once knew of a "Sir Claudius."

I recall the best times I had in Dublin—exquisite parties, food, dances, social gatherings. And always, I wish I could have stayed for the night festivities, but unfortunately, due to my unhappy disposition, I could not stay. I always took the lonesome ride back to my castle afterward. It was not very long—nearly twenty kilometres—but long did it seem.

I hope that you do not have to ride twenty kilometres on a rocky road before sunset while in Dublin. Enjoy all the balls and dances you possibly can, while you can.

Best wishes,

Sir Claudius

Sir Claudius,

Beochaoineadh Castle, IE.

~❦︎~

Dublin, IE., August 17, 1905.

Dear Miss Everleigh,

I was expecting a letter or two from you by now, but I understand that you likely are enjoying yourself too much to write—either that, or there has been a significant mailing issue. If you receive this letter, at the very least reply with a few words on how you are doing. I do not mind that you have not been sending them every day (as you promised), but I do care for your wellbeing.

As for myself, all is as well as it can be. I have been sifting through old journals and potion books in your absence, deciding what to first teach you on your return. I do not believe I ever informed you of this, but every dragon in my clan has a "trade" so to speak. My father before me worked in spells—therefore, I chose a similar path in life. Not only to appease him but also because I simply enjoyed making potions.

I do not wish to rush you, but, if you can, either send me a letter informing me of your state—or come home to me and tell me in person.

Cordially,

Sir Claudius

Sir Claudius,

Beochaoineadh Castle, IE.

~❦︎~

Dublin, IE., September 30, 1905.

Miss Athena Everleigh,

These days without hearing your lovely voice, without seeing your dresses skirt across the hallways, and without even one letter from you have been—to say the least—excruciating.

The castle is not nearly in the state of disrepair that it was before you began working as my housekeeper, but the amount of dust is rising with each morning sun. I have attempted to clean myself, but with little to no results. I do not have the skills and knowledge of housework as you do.

Please, Miss Everleigh, if you can, write. If not, I shall don a disguise and venture to Dublin myself to find you.

Sincerely,

Sir Claudius

Sir Claudius,

Beochaoineadh Castle, IE.

~❦︎~

Beochaoineadh Castle., October 23, 1905.

My dearest friend,

I apologize for not writing, Sir. I have been terribly busy.

Please do not venture to Dublin in a disguise, for I will return home very soon.

Regards,

Athena

Miss Athena Everleigh,

Dublin, IE.

~❦︎~❦︎~

Author's Note

I researched proper formatting for letters from this time period, but I am sure there are mistakes. Feel free to private message me or comment on what needs to be fixed. Unfortunately, ffnet won't let me do some formatting, like indentations.