A Gunsmith Cat's 'Fic
Vol. 3
By; Talis13
Standard disclaimer- All characters belong to Kenichi Sonoda folks. The Cinderella fairy tale isn't really mine either, but I know it doesn't exactly belong to any one person either. Shrug. Although it gets changed considerably further in!! ^^
Summary- Basically a retelling of Cinderella from May's point of view. ^^ The story is changed quite a bit and I like how I changed it; it makes more sense. Cinderella isn't a wimp in this version!! So, yes, some ideas snagged from the movie Ever After; not much though. Email any comments!!
May sat idly at the table, her toes barely touching the floor as she stared at blank sheets of paper and nibbled on a pencil's eraser. She continued nibbling as Rally breezed into the kitchen and swung the refrigerator door open, peering inside. She looked up. "What are you doing?"
"Trying to write a story."
"Any luck?"
"Not really. I don't really know where to start, you know? Any ideas?" May asked, looking hopeful.
Rally stood at the fridge, closing it after grabbing two cans of Diet Coke. "Well, what I liked to do when I was younger was choose people I knew and put them into stories, changing their name or whatever, but using their personality. You could try that."
"That's actually not a bad idea." May replied thoughtfully. "But what to actually write about."
"Sci-fi, fantasy, fiction, fairy tales-" Rally rattled off but was interrupted.
"That's perfect!" May yelled, pointing at Rally.
Rally looked confused. "Ooookay. Your welcome I guess."
May smiled in thanks, then pointed at the cans of pop. "Gee Ral', you thirsty?"
"No smartass! One's mine, the other's for Bean!" Rally replied, walking back out the door.
May looked down at her paper and started writing. "Good, good idea Rally."
1 "Cinderella" as told by May Hopkins
There once was a young girl named Irene Rally Vincent that lived happily with her father on a great estate. He was a fairly wealthy landowner and loved his daughter dearly. He tried to provide her with everything he could to make her happy. So, she was a learned girl who liked to read, write and color. She could also ride horses and fence with swords as well; a girl must be able to look after herself after all. Well, when she was only eleven years old, her father had returned from a trip to bring his new wife home. His household was present at his arrival, ready to meet the new mistress of the house. He jumped to the ground and swung his little girl in his arms. "My dear, you seem to have grown in the short time I have been home!"
Rally giggled in response and held onto her father. He set her down and held her hand a moment. "Are you ready to meet your new mother and sister?"
"Yes father! Very much!" she answered with a bright smile.
He nodded, letting go of her hand and walking towards the carriage. He opened the door and helped a lovely lady out of the door. Her red hair was done up in a fancy bun, pulled away from her face and neck. She stood looking disapprovingly at Rally. She had a sneer almost on her lips. Rally's father looked at his new wife. "This is my daughter Irene Rally Vincent. And Rally, this is your new mother Madame Becky Farrah-Vincent."
Rally looked up with a smile, but not before another young girl got out; she appeared to be only a year or two younger than Rally. The girl had sunny blonde hair the was bobbed and wore a beautiful green dress. She daintily stepped out next to her mother. She curtsied properly to Rally who looked on in wonder at such manners. Green eyes looked up at Rally. "Pleased to meet you; my name is May." She stated.
Rally gave an awkward curtsey. "You as well May. My name is Irene."
Becky gave a snide smile at Rally. "Your father talks of nothing else; despite your somewhat. boyish appearances."
Rally hesitated a moment. Then her father spoke up. "Well! Now that introductions are through, let us go to the house for supper!"
During supper, Rally watched in awe as her stepmother and stepsister ate small portions, quietly and almost rhythmic. They were very proper the whole time. Rally felt almost uncivilized by her own manners or lack thereof. She also felt that her stepmother was glaring at her periodically, if not the whole time. After supper, she watched as her father and stepmother sat and talked in front of the roaring fire, as May sat and worked on stitching. Rally sat on the small seat in the corner with the red velvet cushion and read the new book her father had given her; a Shakespeare she had not yet read. Romeo and Juliet. The page slid delicately through her fingers as she read.
After awhile, Rally's father turned towards her. "Come dear, it is time for bed."
"Yes father." Rally answered as she held the book under her arm and grabbed his hand with her other. They walked silently to her room; it was fairly large with soft blankets and pillows. Along with the odd doll on the bed. Rally changed into her bedclothes behind the changing curtain. She bounded out of the dark corner into the blankets her father had turned down. He pulled the blankets under her chin and smiled. "So small one, how do you like your new mother and sister so far?"
Rally hesitated a moment, but a smile lit up. "They seem very proper, don't they?"
He smiled in return. "Yes. And maybe mother can help you to become a more proper young court lady one day. Being raised solely by me has not helped that at all."
"That's alright! I love you anyway!"
He laughed at that. "That's good. I must tell you though, I must leave again for a short while."
Rally sat up. "When?"
"I must leave tomorrow."
"But you just got back!" she replied.
"But I still must go dear. Its important."
"Yes, I guess so." She replied, lying back down.
"I won't be gone long! Cheer up! Besides, you have your mother and sister here!"
She nodded, but did not say anything. She supposed that would be alright. "Okay. Have a goodnight father."
"Goodnight dear." He replied, kissing her forehead and then walking out the dark doorway.
The next morning, Rally was out of bed early, helping her father pack for his trip to the city. They chatted amiably the whole time. After breakfast, he mounted his horse after putting on the saddlebags. The household stood at the exit, Becky and May in proper attire, standing primly, while Rally fidgeted nervously as her father got ready to go. He glanced down at her. "Now behave Irene." He glanced over at Becky and May. "I will be back in few days my dear." He trotted the horse down the dirt path before him.
Rally watched as he began down the road once more, clutching her dress slightly. Suddenly, her father fell from the horse and landed with a muffled 'flump'. She ran towards him, screaming. "FATHER! FATHER! ARE YOU ALRIGHT!!?" she dropped next to him, turning him. His eyes looked almost glazed over as he stared up. He grabbed her hand. Becky came running and fell next to his other side. "Please don't leave me here by myself!!"
He smiled slightly at his daughter and then his head fell to the side, a chill whipping the air. Rally was crying her heart out as one of the servants that watched her came and pulled her away. Becky was furious; still he treated that brat better than she! She stood up, stalking back towards the house. If he would leave her, then she would make the best of it. Poor Rally's life would never be the same again.
May dropped the pencil with a sigh. It clattered to the tabletop. She stood up and stretched as Bean walked into the kitchen, empty can in hand. "Hey kid, what's up?"
"I'm writing a story. Rally, of all people, gave me a great idea!" she cheered enthusiastically.
"What are you writing about?" Bean asked as he popped the top of another soda, shut the fridge door and walked over to the table.
"Well, I'm converting a fairy tale into my own, using people that I know in place of the characters." She explained, gesturing as she went. "Would you like to see?"
"Sure." He replied as she pushed the papers towards him and stood silently as he read. He nodded his head as he finished what she had written. "Not too bad May. However, I gotta ask, who gets to be the prince to Rally?"
"I haven't decided yet." She looked up, gleam in her eyes. "Okay, well, I was gonna have you in that spot; clean you up a bit or something."
He looked down at her. "Funny." Then looked at the papers again. "You should finish; it sounds good so far."
"Thanks!" May replied as she sat back down, pencil in hand once again. She heard Bean walk through the kitchen door into the living room talking to Rally. "I didn't know your name is Irene!"
"MAY!" Rally yelled from the living room. May just giggled and started writing.
Ten years from her father's death.
Rally whistled as she carried the basket over her arm from the field. Her black hair hung to her shoulders, framing her clear blue eyes. She was twenty-one years old now, her dark skin and hair making her very attractive despite the peasant's clothes she wore. She had a small thin frame, about five feet six inches in height. She wore a plain dark blue dress with peasant boots. She swung the basket energetically and hummed along to a hidden tune. She strolled into the kitchen and began helping the other two girls that served in the household. One girl with long red hair looked up. "Rally! You better hurry! She's about to have another hissy fit!"
"Thanks Misty! I'll get on it." She replied, fixing the serving dishes properly and carrying them into the dimly lit kitchen. She set the platters down and then served the dishes to both Becky and May. Rally stood back silently as they began to eat.
Becky looked up with a sneer. "What took you so long?"
"Sorry ma'am. I was out in the field longer than I thought I would be."
"See that it doesn't happen again. I don't let you stay here for free. You must do your part as we all do." Becky replied, turning and dropping the conversation.
Rally kept from rolling her eyes. She was 'allowed to stay here' because the manor had belonged to her father. That and she worked; hard. Rally did not like her stepmother. It was too hard to after all this time. May began to talk about some local gossip, and Rally tuned her out. Suddenly, the door was knocked at. Becky motioned Rally to answer it. She walked to the door and opened it. "Yes?"
"Good day miss. This is a delivery for the ladies of the house. It is an invite to the royal ball to be held in one week. Please pass this to the mistress of the house." He handed her the letter.
"Certainly." She replied, holding the cream colored envelope carefully. She walked back to the kitchen and stood at Becky's left. "Ma'am? This came from the palace. The carrier said it was a royal ball for the ladies of the house."
Becky snatched it quickly from her outstretched fingers, peeling the wax inlay off the back and pulling out the small slip of paper. She read it carefully and then looked over at May. "My dear, this is your big chance. This ball is being held for the Prince. Apparently as a way to select a bride!"
"Mother! This is wonderful!" May squealed. "I shall have to get a green gown; it is my best color after all."
"Yes. We shall have the girls help you to get ready." She turned and pointed at Rally. "And you shall be the one in charge. Choose what is done wisely otherwise there will be changes done that you may not agree with."
Rally gulped. "Yes ma'am."
She turned back to her daughter. "You shall be brightest at the ball my dear." May smiled brightly as she and her mother finished dinner, talking solely of the ball. Rally listened only because it sounded like her future with the household depended on it.
That night, in the servant girls' room, Misty and Rally were awake talking. Misty looked over at Rally from hanging her head upside-down down the side of the bed. "I think that you should be the one to go to the ball."
Rally giggled. "Okay. How do you propose that? Shall I sneak in wearing peasant's garb?"
Misty rolled her eyes. "Of course not. We shall make you a dress!"
"You're serious about this? Why? What about you?"
"I have no desire to go. But, you, I can see winning anybody's heart." She smiled wryly. "Even that of a prince."
Rally blushed. "Thank you, but what exactly are we to do about Becky and May going? They're not going to just 'let me go' you know."
"I know. We shall do this on the sly. That way, you help her, and I'll help you." Misty stated, folding her arms.
Rally arched and eyebrow. "I can't believe you're serious." Misty just arched an eyebrow as well. "Fine! Let's do it! If only to prove you wrong about the prince!"
Misty giggled. "Yes, well, I think you might have a problem not falling for him."
"Why is that?"
"Apparently he's very handsome. And built." Misty winked.
Rally blushed. "Lovely."
Misty giggled and both girls lay down for the night. The next morning, Rally was up at an excruciatingly early hour, doing chores. Becky stopped her midway through. "Have Misty finish what you are doing. You are to help May prepare for the ball."
Rally passed the bucket to Misty, who in turn, winked and pushed Rally towards the house. Rally traveled up the stone steps past the hall tapestries. She stepped lightly into May's room. Becky was showing her a variety of fancy ball dresses. May was scowling at each one. "I want green mother!! That is MY color! And irresistible, I'm positive."
Rally rolled her eyes, but started looking through the vast closet of clothes. She expertly pulled out a flowing green gown. "This is nice. If you'd like more too it, I could probably make some additions to it with gold trim."
May gently took the dress. It was emerald green with some gold on it already; not nearly enough though. "I think this might work Irene." She turned towards her mother. "I want this done up then!"
"Fine." She pointed at Rally. "You work on this. We shall go out today for you to get accessories for it. May, let us get ready to go and find matching slippers." Both women went out the door and Rally stood, holding the velvet dress, looking at the possibilities in it. She took it to the sewing room, spreading it out on a table and then walked back down the stairs. Misty was just coming in from finishing what Rally had begun. She looked over. "Tonight we shall start on your dress for the ball! Don't worry; you will be the brightest star at the ball." She winked and walked by as Becky and May both came back into the room.
Becky looked over with a sneer. "Come Cindersoot, get cleaned up some! You'll be going into town for heaven's sake!"
Rally turned and walked into the kitchen and over to the basin sitting there. She cleaned her face and hands and tried to dust off her dress. She finished and walked out to the barn where Becky and May were getting ready to leave. Becky looked down through the window. "Well hurry up! Hop up with the driver. We don't have all day!"
Doing as asked, Rally sat watching the world breeze by the carriage. She wondered what it would be like to be the one in the carriage, being treated like a princess. She sighed; it would never happen for her. Her thoughts then turned to Misty's gossip of the 'dashing prince'. She rolled her eyes; she would have to terribly impressed with this prince. Misty was just goading her obviously; there was no way a prince could be that 'wonderful'. She noticed that they had come into the city and the carriage pulled to a stop. Becky and May got out with the help of the driver. Rally helped herself down from the high seat and stood behind Becky and May. Becky finished giving orders to the driver and then they set out into the market. Rally followed quietly until Becky wheeled on her. "Go find what you need for the dress. We shall be leaving in an hour. Meet us back at the carriage."
Rally nodded and then set out into the market; she loved it here. So many sights and smells; she smiled lightly and moved the basket from one arm to the other, holding onto the money in a tight grasp. She looked through two different stands, looking for just the right gold accessories. Feeling that she should do a good job, because May was not that bad towards her regardless of how Becky acted. She picked up some spools of gold colored thread, and held it up to see the light shine through it. Suddenly, her light source was cut off. She turned around and saw a very tall man with back turned towards her. She poked him. "Hey pal, you want to move? I can't see a thing with you blocking every bit of light."
He turned slowly, eyebrow raised at the girl's straightforward manner. Rally looked up; he was definitely tall and at least twice her size. He had dark hair that was fairly long, even though he had a hood pulled over his head. Also dark brown eyes looked out, a scar crossed over his nose, shaped like and 'X'. Rally's eyebrow shot up. "Yes?"
He held his hand up. "Sorry miss. Although most men probably would not move for you."
"Why not?" she asked, arms crossed.
He looked at her and grinned. She was quite pretty, even though she was a peasant. Black hair and bright blue eyes stared straight back at him, not losing focus. "You're quite small my dear. Anybody with a sword would mow you over."
Rally's eyebrows rose. "Is that right? Well, I'll have you know, I do know how to use a sword, so is that a challenge?"
"I wouldn't fight a lady." He replied, folding his arms across his chest.
Rally smirked. "Afraid of being beaten by a 'lady'?"
That was it. "Fine. Lets go." He grabbed her hand and started pulling her towards a small side alley that did not have any people in it. He grabbed a sword from one of the people with him; probably a friend, and tossed it to Rally. She deftly caught it and swung, the sword singing with a ring. She smiled and stood at the ready. He drew his own rapier and smiled as well. They circled just a moment, and then the man brought the sword out in a thrust, which Rally dodged deftly blocking and then brought the sword under his chin when he wasn't looking. He stopped. She giggled a little and let the sword tip drop. She noted the smell of woods from his cloak, distracting her slightly. "You need a little work big guy!"
He smiled and then brought his own sword back around, putting a small slit at the bottom hem of her skirt. Her laughter stopped and she looked down at the small tear in her dress, white showing under the blue. She frowned. "Hmph."
Rally made the sword sing again, although in a more lethal fashion. A metallic ring was all that was heard as the swords connected multiple times in seconds, if that. A small crowd had gathered at the face of the alley to watch the show. Rally danced and turned with sword, watching as her opponent tried to stop her moves. She gave a final twirl of skirts and his sword was flung from his grasp, into the air. Rally took one step to the right and caught the sword handle, about an inch before the tip hit the ground. She smiled, at her stunned opponent. He stood slowly and bowed at the waist, continuing to meet blue eyes. "I believe I owe you an apology my lady."
"You certainly do good sir." She smiled and handed him his and her sword as they crossed in one more metallic 'ping'. Rally turned and exited from the alley, and disappeared into the crowd before he could follow her. She didn't need to get locked up for besting someone above her station. He turned towards one of the people with him. "Who was the girl?"
They other young man shrugged. "No idea sir. Just another peasant girl. We should be getting back to the palace though."
"Yes, of course." He replied, resheathing the sword. "Father and this ludicrous idea of a ball."
The other young man laughed. "Yes but you get to choose a bride form the whole country! They will probably all be there!"
"Maybe." The prince replied casting one more look out the alley in thought.
Rally quickly walked back to the booth and bought enough of the thread for the green dress. She paid for it and then spotted some silver thread as well; she went ahead and purchased it as well, tucking it all into the basket. Unaware of what time it might be, Rally ran back to where the carriage was. She noted that Becky and May were just getting in; that was close. She finished the sprint and hopped up with the driver. Becky looked out. "Did you find anything?"
"Yes ma'am. I should be able to do some fine work with this." She replied as the carriage started off again. Her thoughts turned back to a very quick hour. They eventually strayed to her opponent; he was handsome, admittedly. Although he was probably some upper-class person, completely out of her reach. She smiled; it had been quite awhile since that good of a workout with a sword. Maybe she would run into him again.
At home, she was immediately sent to work on May's dress. Misty walked into the room quietly, watching as Rally began to thread a needle with a smile. "What are you so happy about?"
Rally turned. "I just had a wonderful time at the market!"
Misty cocked an eyebrow. "The market?"
"Yes! The market!" Rally began. "I insulted some man, I think by telling him to get out of the way of the sun so I could see. He insulted me, and we had a sword duel to prove me right."
Misty rolled her eyes. "I'll assume you won; you're pretty good if I recall correctly."
"You do. I just haven't got to practice in awhile."
"Ah. But why are you so.'smiley'?" Misty asked, gesturing.
Rally stopped a moment. "Well. Probably because of the swordfight."
"Or, it may be because the guy that lost to you was hot!" Misty sang.
Rally blushed, but looked up. "I'm not denying that he was handsome. He was very much so."
"Ahh. Well, describe him. Maybe its somebody I could hook you up with."
Rally giggled. "I doubt it! He looked like an upper-class. I highly doubt he would have anything to do with me!"
"Don't discount that yet!" Misty wagged her finger at Rally. "Spill."
"Well." Rally sat back thinking. "He was quite tall. Had black hair and chocolate brown eyes."
"That's not telling me much." Misty rolled her eyes. "Anything distinctive about him?"
"Now that you mention it," Rally gestured with her hands. "He had a scar between his eyes in the form of an 'X'. That was odd."
Misty kept a straight face the whole time. "I see. Well, it doesn't sound like anyone I know then. Maybe we'll find out who he is?"
"Maybe. But I'm not counting on it." Rally replied as she began to embroider on the dress.
Misty heard Becky call for her. "Well, the demon has summoned. I'll check back later. Oh! We get to start your dress tonight too!" Misty walked out the room grinning. She was half tempted to point out to Rally that she had beat the prince of their country in a sword duel, but decided to let her poor friend find out the hard way.
May heard laughter filter through the doorway once more, followed by a screaming Rally. "MAY HIDE ME!!!"
"What did you do now?" May asked.
Bean came barreling through the door next pointing at Rally. "GRAB HER!!"
May looked confused. "You two together, always have been and are NOW very obnoxious, you know that?"
Rally started giggling and dancing something through the air; one of Bean's Bowie sheath knives. "That's what you get for leaving the jacket laying around!" She blew him a kiss and shot out the back door. He threw his hands up in the air and followed her at a jog. "You'd think she was wired." He mumbled past May.
May smiled and looked back down at her papers. Rally does get really silly when Bean is around. She chewed on the pencil with a grin. Suddenly, the back door banged open once more and Rally breezed through tossing the sharp knife from one hand to the other. She stopped and turned, catching the knife by the handle. May watched a moment. Bean came through the door, looking up just as Rally tossed the knife and it stuck in the doorjamb, right at his eye level. "Damn girl. Are you out to get me?"
She smiled and then started to walk out the door. She stopped and turned. "Yes." And with that she walked back into the living room. May looked over at Bean who managed to have a grin on his face as he pulled the knife out of the wood with a metallic 'ping'. May looked over. "That sounded like an invitation to me."
"Me too." He replied before walking through the door himself. May giggled at the two; they may be 'tough' outside of home but man, not inside it. She continued writing.
Rally had managed to get a good deal done on the dress. She stood up and stretched; bent over sewing was not her idea of fun. May stepped into the room quietly. "Hello. May I see what you've done today?"
"Oh! Of course!" Rally stated as she moved back from the desk.
May held the dress up looking at the fine needlework; a delicate pattern of flowers and twisting vines decorated the left shoulder and wound around the neck of the dress now. "Thank you very much Irene. This looks lovely so far." May smiled and stepped back through the doorway. Rally smiled and walked out the door and up the stairs towards her and Misty's room. She walked into the dimly lit room as Misty was hunched over her own sewing. She turned when she heard Rally. "Hello. Distracted anymore today by the dashing swordplay partner?"
Rally blushed. "No for your information."
Misty turned and looked thoughtfully. "Would you like to see him at the ball?"
Rally was silent as she thought. "It wouldn't bother me."
Misty grinned. "In other words, 'yes'."
"Okay, yes, it'd be nice." Rally finished quickly as she picked at the small rip at the bottom of her dress.
"I think you'll see him." Misty stated confidently as she started back again at her work.
"Why are you so intent on that happening?" Rally asked suspiciously.
Misty shrugged and continued working, trying to hide her grin. Rally stepped behind her and looked. "Wait. Where did you get that thread?"
Misty looked at the silver thread and then back at her friend. "From you."
"I thought you weren't going to do that anymore?!"
"This is an emergency."
"What about the fabric?"
Misty grinned. "That was an emergency too."
"How do you do that without getting caught?"
"It's a talent." Misty grinned as she pulled at the blue cloth and silver thread. "Okay. I think I have this about right." She stated as she stood and looked at the three pieces spread around her. There was the bodice and sleeves. "I should be able to finish the skirt in a couple of days. Then we can find you some shoes and silver jewelry. Although I could probably go to the market and find them tomorrow evening."
"Just be careful." Rally stated as she laid down to sleep.
"Of course! A master sneak thief always is." She winked and blew out the candle in the room.
The next morning, directly after breakfast, Rally was sent to the sewing room to continue working on May's dress of green and gold, while Misty covered Rally's and her own chores. Rally looked at the progress she had made with the dress; beautiful gold flowers lined along the top of the dress, giving the dress class only by sporadically catching the light. She was running low on thread though; she would probably be out by this evening. She still had the bottom of the dress to do! She sighed and walked down to where May and Becky sat. Becky looked up. "What?!"
"Sorry ma'am, but I'm almost out of the gold thread."
"Fine." She dug out some money and handed it to Rally. "Go and buy what you need. Take Misty with you too! She needs to pick up some grain."
Rally nodded and stepped out the door into the kitchen area. She then went outside to the garden where Misty was busy. "Misty! Becky wants you to come with me to the market. You're to pick up grain of some sort."
Misty looked up deviously. "Perfect. Lets go get cleaned up in case you meet your adversary again!!" She grabbed Rally's arm and they went back inside to the basin, cleaning and giggling. After finishing, both grabbed baskets and walked the long distance to town. It was a quiet walk and Misty looked as if she was thinking of something. Rally looked over, swinging the basket. "What's on your mind wily one?"
Misty giggled at the new title. "Not much. Just ruminating over information is all."
"Like what?"
"Well.if I should tell you about your opponent of the other day." She began slowly.
"Do you know who it was?"
"Not really. Just some things I've heard is all."
"Its probably not true then." Rally rolled her eyes. "The rumor mill has that reputation for getting things out of proportion."
Misty nodded but did not say anything. They approached the city market square and Misty looked over with a wink. "Tell me if you see him."
Rally rolled her eyes. "I'll be getting thread over there." She pointed and Misty nodded.
"I'll be shopping.um.around."
Rally rolled her eyes again. "Right."
Rally stepped over to the booth she had purchased thread from before. Also where she had met her opponent. She stopped a moment, eyes wandering the streets and passing faces. "What are you looking for?" a familiar voice asked.
She whirled and there he stood, smiling. She turned just the subtlest shade of pink. "Nothing! Fancy meeting you here again!"
He nodded. And then looked up. "Do you shop alone? The streets can be dangerous."
She threw a smile over her shoulder from paying for her thread. "No. My friend came with me. Besides, I can usually take care of myself."
"I've noticed, thank you." He replied.
Rally tucked the thread into her basket and turned towards him slowly. "What's your name? My friend thinks she might know you after I described you to her."
He hesitated a moment. If he told her exactly who he was, he would probably never see her again. A nickname would probably do. He smiled. "Friends call me Bean."
"Interesting name." She stated, eyebrow raised.
"What's your name?"
Rally stopped. An upper class actually interested in a lower classes name? That was odd. "My friends call me Rally."
"Interesting as well."
"I try to be. It's hard with my rank in life though. So, if you're done being amused with me, I'll be off to search for my friend."
Bean stopped her as she tried to brush by him. "I wasn't trying to insult you. Just making a comment. Please forgive me."
Rally arched an eyebrow. "You act confused. I take it you talk to peasants on a normal basis?"
"Only if they catch my attention." He began, tugging on one of the gloves on his hand. "Sorry if I bothered you." He bowed his head.
Rally began to say something when Misty popped up again, basket full. "Rally! You ready to- hey, is this him?"
Rally blushed as Bean looked on with distinctly interested look. "Yes. This is Misty."
Misty pushed the basket to one hand and held the other out, not believing she was shaking hands with the prince. "Hi!"
"Hi. My name is Bean."
Misty arched an eyebrow. She hadn't heard about that. "I see. Well, I heard a little about you from my friend here."
He looked at Misty, thinking she looked like she knew something. He grinned. "I see. Good I hope?"
Misty got a wolfish smile. "Very. You know-"
Rally was as red as the fabric near her at this point. "Well we need to be going! Nice to finally know who you are Bean! Come on Misty." Came out in a rush as she dragged Misty by the arm back towards the front of the market. Misty laughed and waved back once at Bean who returned the favor.
"What in the world were you doing Misty!!?!" Rally hissed at her through the crowd.
"Trying to be your hookup." Misty replied, grabbing the basket with both hands.
"Did you get grain?"
"Oops."
Rally rolled her eyes and they stopped before getting all the way out of the market. They put it into the basket Rally was carrying since Misty's was packed with other articles. As they were walking along the trail back home, Misty looked up. "You like him don't you?"
Rally blushed. "I don't even know him!"
"That doesn't matter." Misty paused. "So his name's Bean huh?"
"That's what he said. I'm guessing it's a nickname though. He said that's what his friends call him." Rally stated. "I don't know why he suddenly took an interest in me though."
"I'd be flattered."
"I am. But it's still strange. I have a station in life, but it's a heck of a lot lower than his is all!"
"Then I bet he'll be at the ball! I'll bet he's part of the royal court!" Misty giggled excitedly.
Rally warmed to the thought. "Maybe."
They talked of the ball the rest of the way home. Misty went over all of the things she had.'acquired' at the market; beautiful velvet slippers for Rally as well as lovely silver jewelry. There was a teardrop necklace that had a silver chain and a drop of crystal on the end. She also had a silver ring that had a matching crystal in it. The crowing achievement however, was a gorgeous silver jeweled tiara. Rally gasped. "How in the world did you manage to get that?!"
"I said I was a master friend." She winked and stuffed it back into the basket. Rally just shook her head.
After returning, Rally continued to work on May's dress until it was very dark outside. She took one final look at the dress; the golden embroidery trailed from the right hip and began across the bottom in subtle waves of gold. Eye catching to say the least. Rally smiled at her work and then walked out the door after blowing out the candle. In her and Misty's room, Misty was once again bent over sewing, even after a full day of chores. Rally shook her head reprovingly. "You really should be getting some sleep Misty! You've been doing my chores on top of your own and then coming up here sewing for who knows how long!"
Misty turned with a grin. "I'm fine. I said you were going to that ball. And you are." She pointed at the amount of work she had finished.
Rally's jaw dropped. She wondered why they didn't have Misty work on May's dress. "Good lord! How often have you worked on this?!"
Misty shrugged. "Whenever I've gotten the chance the last few days. We don't have a lot of time you know. I want to make sure you shine at the ball; you're my friend." Rally smiled and Misty continued. "That and I want to make sure you look presentable for your swordplay partner." She winked and Rally blushed.
"What happened to trying to get me together with the prince?" Rally asked.
Misty looked up a moment and then turned back with a shaky smile. "Still there. But hey, you and Bean get along rather well I noticed in the short time I saw you two together."
Rally nodded, but didn't look certain. "I suppose. But keep in mind; I shouldn't even be at the ball! If someone finds out we'll both be in trouble! And how would I explain to him what a peasant is doing at a royal function?"
Misty had a sly smile once again. "I got the impression he wouldn't mind to see you there at all."
Rally blushed again and shook her head. She lay down in her bed. "I'll take your word on that, but there's no guarantee that I'll see him anyway."
Misty shrugged and finished up a bit of stitching on the skirt of the dress before blowing out the candle and walking to her bed. "You never know Rally. You just never know; have a little faith! Maybe you'll meet him again, get married and live happily ever after!"
"Who believes in that rot?" Rally mumbled crossly as she turned over.
Misty giggled as she looked at her friend. "I do. And I think you should too."
"Yes fairy godmother." Rally mumbled as both girls drifted off to sleep.
May smiled as she set down the pencil amid the scraps of paper spread around the table. She stood, stretched and walked over to the fridge to get a pop; she pulled out Sprite. After popping the top she looked at the last few paragraphs written out. The kitchen door opened once more; May looked up and grinned. "KEN!"
"May! What?" he asked, confused.
"I'm just happy to see you silly!" she stated as she hugged him.
He looked down at the table. "What are you doing?"
"Writing a story. Or, converting a fairy tale basically." She shrugged as she picked up her pencil with the nibbled eraser.
"Ah. Will you be done soon?"
"I'm not sure. Probably not; its several pages already and I'm only half way done!" she replied.
He nodded. "Ah. Too bad then. Maybe we can get together tomorrow."
"HEY! Wait a minute!" May yelled as she chased after him into the living room. They made their way upstairs, May leaving her story until tomorrow.
Continued in Vol. 3 Part 2
Vol. 3
By; Talis13
Standard disclaimer- All characters belong to Kenichi Sonoda folks. The Cinderella fairy tale isn't really mine either, but I know it doesn't exactly belong to any one person either. Shrug. Although it gets changed considerably further in!! ^^
Summary- Basically a retelling of Cinderella from May's point of view. ^^ The story is changed quite a bit and I like how I changed it; it makes more sense. Cinderella isn't a wimp in this version!! So, yes, some ideas snagged from the movie Ever After; not much though. Email any comments!!
May sat idly at the table, her toes barely touching the floor as she stared at blank sheets of paper and nibbled on a pencil's eraser. She continued nibbling as Rally breezed into the kitchen and swung the refrigerator door open, peering inside. She looked up. "What are you doing?"
"Trying to write a story."
"Any luck?"
"Not really. I don't really know where to start, you know? Any ideas?" May asked, looking hopeful.
Rally stood at the fridge, closing it after grabbing two cans of Diet Coke. "Well, what I liked to do when I was younger was choose people I knew and put them into stories, changing their name or whatever, but using their personality. You could try that."
"That's actually not a bad idea." May replied thoughtfully. "But what to actually write about."
"Sci-fi, fantasy, fiction, fairy tales-" Rally rattled off but was interrupted.
"That's perfect!" May yelled, pointing at Rally.
Rally looked confused. "Ooookay. Your welcome I guess."
May smiled in thanks, then pointed at the cans of pop. "Gee Ral', you thirsty?"
"No smartass! One's mine, the other's for Bean!" Rally replied, walking back out the door.
May looked down at her paper and started writing. "Good, good idea Rally."
1 "Cinderella" as told by May Hopkins
There once was a young girl named Irene Rally Vincent that lived happily with her father on a great estate. He was a fairly wealthy landowner and loved his daughter dearly. He tried to provide her with everything he could to make her happy. So, she was a learned girl who liked to read, write and color. She could also ride horses and fence with swords as well; a girl must be able to look after herself after all. Well, when she was only eleven years old, her father had returned from a trip to bring his new wife home. His household was present at his arrival, ready to meet the new mistress of the house. He jumped to the ground and swung his little girl in his arms. "My dear, you seem to have grown in the short time I have been home!"
Rally giggled in response and held onto her father. He set her down and held her hand a moment. "Are you ready to meet your new mother and sister?"
"Yes father! Very much!" she answered with a bright smile.
He nodded, letting go of her hand and walking towards the carriage. He opened the door and helped a lovely lady out of the door. Her red hair was done up in a fancy bun, pulled away from her face and neck. She stood looking disapprovingly at Rally. She had a sneer almost on her lips. Rally's father looked at his new wife. "This is my daughter Irene Rally Vincent. And Rally, this is your new mother Madame Becky Farrah-Vincent."
Rally looked up with a smile, but not before another young girl got out; she appeared to be only a year or two younger than Rally. The girl had sunny blonde hair the was bobbed and wore a beautiful green dress. She daintily stepped out next to her mother. She curtsied properly to Rally who looked on in wonder at such manners. Green eyes looked up at Rally. "Pleased to meet you; my name is May." She stated.
Rally gave an awkward curtsey. "You as well May. My name is Irene."
Becky gave a snide smile at Rally. "Your father talks of nothing else; despite your somewhat. boyish appearances."
Rally hesitated a moment. Then her father spoke up. "Well! Now that introductions are through, let us go to the house for supper!"
During supper, Rally watched in awe as her stepmother and stepsister ate small portions, quietly and almost rhythmic. They were very proper the whole time. Rally felt almost uncivilized by her own manners or lack thereof. She also felt that her stepmother was glaring at her periodically, if not the whole time. After supper, she watched as her father and stepmother sat and talked in front of the roaring fire, as May sat and worked on stitching. Rally sat on the small seat in the corner with the red velvet cushion and read the new book her father had given her; a Shakespeare she had not yet read. Romeo and Juliet. The page slid delicately through her fingers as she read.
After awhile, Rally's father turned towards her. "Come dear, it is time for bed."
"Yes father." Rally answered as she held the book under her arm and grabbed his hand with her other. They walked silently to her room; it was fairly large with soft blankets and pillows. Along with the odd doll on the bed. Rally changed into her bedclothes behind the changing curtain. She bounded out of the dark corner into the blankets her father had turned down. He pulled the blankets under her chin and smiled. "So small one, how do you like your new mother and sister so far?"
Rally hesitated a moment, but a smile lit up. "They seem very proper, don't they?"
He smiled in return. "Yes. And maybe mother can help you to become a more proper young court lady one day. Being raised solely by me has not helped that at all."
"That's alright! I love you anyway!"
He laughed at that. "That's good. I must tell you though, I must leave again for a short while."
Rally sat up. "When?"
"I must leave tomorrow."
"But you just got back!" she replied.
"But I still must go dear. Its important."
"Yes, I guess so." She replied, lying back down.
"I won't be gone long! Cheer up! Besides, you have your mother and sister here!"
She nodded, but did not say anything. She supposed that would be alright. "Okay. Have a goodnight father."
"Goodnight dear." He replied, kissing her forehead and then walking out the dark doorway.
The next morning, Rally was out of bed early, helping her father pack for his trip to the city. They chatted amiably the whole time. After breakfast, he mounted his horse after putting on the saddlebags. The household stood at the exit, Becky and May in proper attire, standing primly, while Rally fidgeted nervously as her father got ready to go. He glanced down at her. "Now behave Irene." He glanced over at Becky and May. "I will be back in few days my dear." He trotted the horse down the dirt path before him.
Rally watched as he began down the road once more, clutching her dress slightly. Suddenly, her father fell from the horse and landed with a muffled 'flump'. She ran towards him, screaming. "FATHER! FATHER! ARE YOU ALRIGHT!!?" she dropped next to him, turning him. His eyes looked almost glazed over as he stared up. He grabbed her hand. Becky came running and fell next to his other side. "Please don't leave me here by myself!!"
He smiled slightly at his daughter and then his head fell to the side, a chill whipping the air. Rally was crying her heart out as one of the servants that watched her came and pulled her away. Becky was furious; still he treated that brat better than she! She stood up, stalking back towards the house. If he would leave her, then she would make the best of it. Poor Rally's life would never be the same again.
May dropped the pencil with a sigh. It clattered to the tabletop. She stood up and stretched as Bean walked into the kitchen, empty can in hand. "Hey kid, what's up?"
"I'm writing a story. Rally, of all people, gave me a great idea!" she cheered enthusiastically.
"What are you writing about?" Bean asked as he popped the top of another soda, shut the fridge door and walked over to the table.
"Well, I'm converting a fairy tale into my own, using people that I know in place of the characters." She explained, gesturing as she went. "Would you like to see?"
"Sure." He replied as she pushed the papers towards him and stood silently as he read. He nodded his head as he finished what she had written. "Not too bad May. However, I gotta ask, who gets to be the prince to Rally?"
"I haven't decided yet." She looked up, gleam in her eyes. "Okay, well, I was gonna have you in that spot; clean you up a bit or something."
He looked down at her. "Funny." Then looked at the papers again. "You should finish; it sounds good so far."
"Thanks!" May replied as she sat back down, pencil in hand once again. She heard Bean walk through the kitchen door into the living room talking to Rally. "I didn't know your name is Irene!"
"MAY!" Rally yelled from the living room. May just giggled and started writing.
Ten years from her father's death.
Rally whistled as she carried the basket over her arm from the field. Her black hair hung to her shoulders, framing her clear blue eyes. She was twenty-one years old now, her dark skin and hair making her very attractive despite the peasant's clothes she wore. She had a small thin frame, about five feet six inches in height. She wore a plain dark blue dress with peasant boots. She swung the basket energetically and hummed along to a hidden tune. She strolled into the kitchen and began helping the other two girls that served in the household. One girl with long red hair looked up. "Rally! You better hurry! She's about to have another hissy fit!"
"Thanks Misty! I'll get on it." She replied, fixing the serving dishes properly and carrying them into the dimly lit kitchen. She set the platters down and then served the dishes to both Becky and May. Rally stood back silently as they began to eat.
Becky looked up with a sneer. "What took you so long?"
"Sorry ma'am. I was out in the field longer than I thought I would be."
"See that it doesn't happen again. I don't let you stay here for free. You must do your part as we all do." Becky replied, turning and dropping the conversation.
Rally kept from rolling her eyes. She was 'allowed to stay here' because the manor had belonged to her father. That and she worked; hard. Rally did not like her stepmother. It was too hard to after all this time. May began to talk about some local gossip, and Rally tuned her out. Suddenly, the door was knocked at. Becky motioned Rally to answer it. She walked to the door and opened it. "Yes?"
"Good day miss. This is a delivery for the ladies of the house. It is an invite to the royal ball to be held in one week. Please pass this to the mistress of the house." He handed her the letter.
"Certainly." She replied, holding the cream colored envelope carefully. She walked back to the kitchen and stood at Becky's left. "Ma'am? This came from the palace. The carrier said it was a royal ball for the ladies of the house."
Becky snatched it quickly from her outstretched fingers, peeling the wax inlay off the back and pulling out the small slip of paper. She read it carefully and then looked over at May. "My dear, this is your big chance. This ball is being held for the Prince. Apparently as a way to select a bride!"
"Mother! This is wonderful!" May squealed. "I shall have to get a green gown; it is my best color after all."
"Yes. We shall have the girls help you to get ready." She turned and pointed at Rally. "And you shall be the one in charge. Choose what is done wisely otherwise there will be changes done that you may not agree with."
Rally gulped. "Yes ma'am."
She turned back to her daughter. "You shall be brightest at the ball my dear." May smiled brightly as she and her mother finished dinner, talking solely of the ball. Rally listened only because it sounded like her future with the household depended on it.
That night, in the servant girls' room, Misty and Rally were awake talking. Misty looked over at Rally from hanging her head upside-down down the side of the bed. "I think that you should be the one to go to the ball."
Rally giggled. "Okay. How do you propose that? Shall I sneak in wearing peasant's garb?"
Misty rolled her eyes. "Of course not. We shall make you a dress!"
"You're serious about this? Why? What about you?"
"I have no desire to go. But, you, I can see winning anybody's heart." She smiled wryly. "Even that of a prince."
Rally blushed. "Thank you, but what exactly are we to do about Becky and May going? They're not going to just 'let me go' you know."
"I know. We shall do this on the sly. That way, you help her, and I'll help you." Misty stated, folding her arms.
Rally arched and eyebrow. "I can't believe you're serious." Misty just arched an eyebrow as well. "Fine! Let's do it! If only to prove you wrong about the prince!"
Misty giggled. "Yes, well, I think you might have a problem not falling for him."
"Why is that?"
"Apparently he's very handsome. And built." Misty winked.
Rally blushed. "Lovely."
Misty giggled and both girls lay down for the night. The next morning, Rally was up at an excruciatingly early hour, doing chores. Becky stopped her midway through. "Have Misty finish what you are doing. You are to help May prepare for the ball."
Rally passed the bucket to Misty, who in turn, winked and pushed Rally towards the house. Rally traveled up the stone steps past the hall tapestries. She stepped lightly into May's room. Becky was showing her a variety of fancy ball dresses. May was scowling at each one. "I want green mother!! That is MY color! And irresistible, I'm positive."
Rally rolled her eyes, but started looking through the vast closet of clothes. She expertly pulled out a flowing green gown. "This is nice. If you'd like more too it, I could probably make some additions to it with gold trim."
May gently took the dress. It was emerald green with some gold on it already; not nearly enough though. "I think this might work Irene." She turned towards her mother. "I want this done up then!"
"Fine." She pointed at Rally. "You work on this. We shall go out today for you to get accessories for it. May, let us get ready to go and find matching slippers." Both women went out the door and Rally stood, holding the velvet dress, looking at the possibilities in it. She took it to the sewing room, spreading it out on a table and then walked back down the stairs. Misty was just coming in from finishing what Rally had begun. She looked over. "Tonight we shall start on your dress for the ball! Don't worry; you will be the brightest star at the ball." She winked and walked by as Becky and May both came back into the room.
Becky looked over with a sneer. "Come Cindersoot, get cleaned up some! You'll be going into town for heaven's sake!"
Rally turned and walked into the kitchen and over to the basin sitting there. She cleaned her face and hands and tried to dust off her dress. She finished and walked out to the barn where Becky and May were getting ready to leave. Becky looked down through the window. "Well hurry up! Hop up with the driver. We don't have all day!"
Doing as asked, Rally sat watching the world breeze by the carriage. She wondered what it would be like to be the one in the carriage, being treated like a princess. She sighed; it would never happen for her. Her thoughts then turned to Misty's gossip of the 'dashing prince'. She rolled her eyes; she would have to terribly impressed with this prince. Misty was just goading her obviously; there was no way a prince could be that 'wonderful'. She noticed that they had come into the city and the carriage pulled to a stop. Becky and May got out with the help of the driver. Rally helped herself down from the high seat and stood behind Becky and May. Becky finished giving orders to the driver and then they set out into the market. Rally followed quietly until Becky wheeled on her. "Go find what you need for the dress. We shall be leaving in an hour. Meet us back at the carriage."
Rally nodded and then set out into the market; she loved it here. So many sights and smells; she smiled lightly and moved the basket from one arm to the other, holding onto the money in a tight grasp. She looked through two different stands, looking for just the right gold accessories. Feeling that she should do a good job, because May was not that bad towards her regardless of how Becky acted. She picked up some spools of gold colored thread, and held it up to see the light shine through it. Suddenly, her light source was cut off. She turned around and saw a very tall man with back turned towards her. She poked him. "Hey pal, you want to move? I can't see a thing with you blocking every bit of light."
He turned slowly, eyebrow raised at the girl's straightforward manner. Rally looked up; he was definitely tall and at least twice her size. He had dark hair that was fairly long, even though he had a hood pulled over his head. Also dark brown eyes looked out, a scar crossed over his nose, shaped like and 'X'. Rally's eyebrow shot up. "Yes?"
He held his hand up. "Sorry miss. Although most men probably would not move for you."
"Why not?" she asked, arms crossed.
He looked at her and grinned. She was quite pretty, even though she was a peasant. Black hair and bright blue eyes stared straight back at him, not losing focus. "You're quite small my dear. Anybody with a sword would mow you over."
Rally's eyebrows rose. "Is that right? Well, I'll have you know, I do know how to use a sword, so is that a challenge?"
"I wouldn't fight a lady." He replied, folding his arms across his chest.
Rally smirked. "Afraid of being beaten by a 'lady'?"
That was it. "Fine. Lets go." He grabbed her hand and started pulling her towards a small side alley that did not have any people in it. He grabbed a sword from one of the people with him; probably a friend, and tossed it to Rally. She deftly caught it and swung, the sword singing with a ring. She smiled and stood at the ready. He drew his own rapier and smiled as well. They circled just a moment, and then the man brought the sword out in a thrust, which Rally dodged deftly blocking and then brought the sword under his chin when he wasn't looking. He stopped. She giggled a little and let the sword tip drop. She noted the smell of woods from his cloak, distracting her slightly. "You need a little work big guy!"
He smiled and then brought his own sword back around, putting a small slit at the bottom hem of her skirt. Her laughter stopped and she looked down at the small tear in her dress, white showing under the blue. She frowned. "Hmph."
Rally made the sword sing again, although in a more lethal fashion. A metallic ring was all that was heard as the swords connected multiple times in seconds, if that. A small crowd had gathered at the face of the alley to watch the show. Rally danced and turned with sword, watching as her opponent tried to stop her moves. She gave a final twirl of skirts and his sword was flung from his grasp, into the air. Rally took one step to the right and caught the sword handle, about an inch before the tip hit the ground. She smiled, at her stunned opponent. He stood slowly and bowed at the waist, continuing to meet blue eyes. "I believe I owe you an apology my lady."
"You certainly do good sir." She smiled and handed him his and her sword as they crossed in one more metallic 'ping'. Rally turned and exited from the alley, and disappeared into the crowd before he could follow her. She didn't need to get locked up for besting someone above her station. He turned towards one of the people with him. "Who was the girl?"
They other young man shrugged. "No idea sir. Just another peasant girl. We should be getting back to the palace though."
"Yes, of course." He replied, resheathing the sword. "Father and this ludicrous idea of a ball."
The other young man laughed. "Yes but you get to choose a bride form the whole country! They will probably all be there!"
"Maybe." The prince replied casting one more look out the alley in thought.
Rally quickly walked back to the booth and bought enough of the thread for the green dress. She paid for it and then spotted some silver thread as well; she went ahead and purchased it as well, tucking it all into the basket. Unaware of what time it might be, Rally ran back to where the carriage was. She noted that Becky and May were just getting in; that was close. She finished the sprint and hopped up with the driver. Becky looked out. "Did you find anything?"
"Yes ma'am. I should be able to do some fine work with this." She replied as the carriage started off again. Her thoughts turned back to a very quick hour. They eventually strayed to her opponent; he was handsome, admittedly. Although he was probably some upper-class person, completely out of her reach. She smiled; it had been quite awhile since that good of a workout with a sword. Maybe she would run into him again.
At home, she was immediately sent to work on May's dress. Misty walked into the room quietly, watching as Rally began to thread a needle with a smile. "What are you so happy about?"
Rally turned. "I just had a wonderful time at the market!"
Misty cocked an eyebrow. "The market?"
"Yes! The market!" Rally began. "I insulted some man, I think by telling him to get out of the way of the sun so I could see. He insulted me, and we had a sword duel to prove me right."
Misty rolled her eyes. "I'll assume you won; you're pretty good if I recall correctly."
"You do. I just haven't got to practice in awhile."
"Ah. But why are you so.'smiley'?" Misty asked, gesturing.
Rally stopped a moment. "Well. Probably because of the swordfight."
"Or, it may be because the guy that lost to you was hot!" Misty sang.
Rally blushed, but looked up. "I'm not denying that he was handsome. He was very much so."
"Ahh. Well, describe him. Maybe its somebody I could hook you up with."
Rally giggled. "I doubt it! He looked like an upper-class. I highly doubt he would have anything to do with me!"
"Don't discount that yet!" Misty wagged her finger at Rally. "Spill."
"Well." Rally sat back thinking. "He was quite tall. Had black hair and chocolate brown eyes."
"That's not telling me much." Misty rolled her eyes. "Anything distinctive about him?"
"Now that you mention it," Rally gestured with her hands. "He had a scar between his eyes in the form of an 'X'. That was odd."
Misty kept a straight face the whole time. "I see. Well, it doesn't sound like anyone I know then. Maybe we'll find out who he is?"
"Maybe. But I'm not counting on it." Rally replied as she began to embroider on the dress.
Misty heard Becky call for her. "Well, the demon has summoned. I'll check back later. Oh! We get to start your dress tonight too!" Misty walked out the room grinning. She was half tempted to point out to Rally that she had beat the prince of their country in a sword duel, but decided to let her poor friend find out the hard way.
May heard laughter filter through the doorway once more, followed by a screaming Rally. "MAY HIDE ME!!!"
"What did you do now?" May asked.
Bean came barreling through the door next pointing at Rally. "GRAB HER!!"
May looked confused. "You two together, always have been and are NOW very obnoxious, you know that?"
Rally started giggling and dancing something through the air; one of Bean's Bowie sheath knives. "That's what you get for leaving the jacket laying around!" She blew him a kiss and shot out the back door. He threw his hands up in the air and followed her at a jog. "You'd think she was wired." He mumbled past May.
May smiled and looked back down at her papers. Rally does get really silly when Bean is around. She chewed on the pencil with a grin. Suddenly, the back door banged open once more and Rally breezed through tossing the sharp knife from one hand to the other. She stopped and turned, catching the knife by the handle. May watched a moment. Bean came through the door, looking up just as Rally tossed the knife and it stuck in the doorjamb, right at his eye level. "Damn girl. Are you out to get me?"
She smiled and then started to walk out the door. She stopped and turned. "Yes." And with that she walked back into the living room. May looked over at Bean who managed to have a grin on his face as he pulled the knife out of the wood with a metallic 'ping'. May looked over. "That sounded like an invitation to me."
"Me too." He replied before walking through the door himself. May giggled at the two; they may be 'tough' outside of home but man, not inside it. She continued writing.
Rally had managed to get a good deal done on the dress. She stood up and stretched; bent over sewing was not her idea of fun. May stepped into the room quietly. "Hello. May I see what you've done today?"
"Oh! Of course!" Rally stated as she moved back from the desk.
May held the dress up looking at the fine needlework; a delicate pattern of flowers and twisting vines decorated the left shoulder and wound around the neck of the dress now. "Thank you very much Irene. This looks lovely so far." May smiled and stepped back through the doorway. Rally smiled and walked out the door and up the stairs towards her and Misty's room. She walked into the dimly lit room as Misty was hunched over her own sewing. She turned when she heard Rally. "Hello. Distracted anymore today by the dashing swordplay partner?"
Rally blushed. "No for your information."
Misty turned and looked thoughtfully. "Would you like to see him at the ball?"
Rally was silent as she thought. "It wouldn't bother me."
Misty grinned. "In other words, 'yes'."
"Okay, yes, it'd be nice." Rally finished quickly as she picked at the small rip at the bottom of her dress.
"I think you'll see him." Misty stated confidently as she started back again at her work.
"Why are you so intent on that happening?" Rally asked suspiciously.
Misty shrugged and continued working, trying to hide her grin. Rally stepped behind her and looked. "Wait. Where did you get that thread?"
Misty looked at the silver thread and then back at her friend. "From you."
"I thought you weren't going to do that anymore?!"
"This is an emergency."
"What about the fabric?"
Misty grinned. "That was an emergency too."
"How do you do that without getting caught?"
"It's a talent." Misty grinned as she pulled at the blue cloth and silver thread. "Okay. I think I have this about right." She stated as she stood and looked at the three pieces spread around her. There was the bodice and sleeves. "I should be able to finish the skirt in a couple of days. Then we can find you some shoes and silver jewelry. Although I could probably go to the market and find them tomorrow evening."
"Just be careful." Rally stated as she laid down to sleep.
"Of course! A master sneak thief always is." She winked and blew out the candle in the room.
The next morning, directly after breakfast, Rally was sent to the sewing room to continue working on May's dress of green and gold, while Misty covered Rally's and her own chores. Rally looked at the progress she had made with the dress; beautiful gold flowers lined along the top of the dress, giving the dress class only by sporadically catching the light. She was running low on thread though; she would probably be out by this evening. She still had the bottom of the dress to do! She sighed and walked down to where May and Becky sat. Becky looked up. "What?!"
"Sorry ma'am, but I'm almost out of the gold thread."
"Fine." She dug out some money and handed it to Rally. "Go and buy what you need. Take Misty with you too! She needs to pick up some grain."
Rally nodded and stepped out the door into the kitchen area. She then went outside to the garden where Misty was busy. "Misty! Becky wants you to come with me to the market. You're to pick up grain of some sort."
Misty looked up deviously. "Perfect. Lets go get cleaned up in case you meet your adversary again!!" She grabbed Rally's arm and they went back inside to the basin, cleaning and giggling. After finishing, both grabbed baskets and walked the long distance to town. It was a quiet walk and Misty looked as if she was thinking of something. Rally looked over, swinging the basket. "What's on your mind wily one?"
Misty giggled at the new title. "Not much. Just ruminating over information is all."
"Like what?"
"Well.if I should tell you about your opponent of the other day." She began slowly.
"Do you know who it was?"
"Not really. Just some things I've heard is all."
"Its probably not true then." Rally rolled her eyes. "The rumor mill has that reputation for getting things out of proportion."
Misty nodded but did not say anything. They approached the city market square and Misty looked over with a wink. "Tell me if you see him."
Rally rolled her eyes. "I'll be getting thread over there." She pointed and Misty nodded.
"I'll be shopping.um.around."
Rally rolled her eyes again. "Right."
Rally stepped over to the booth she had purchased thread from before. Also where she had met her opponent. She stopped a moment, eyes wandering the streets and passing faces. "What are you looking for?" a familiar voice asked.
She whirled and there he stood, smiling. She turned just the subtlest shade of pink. "Nothing! Fancy meeting you here again!"
He nodded. And then looked up. "Do you shop alone? The streets can be dangerous."
She threw a smile over her shoulder from paying for her thread. "No. My friend came with me. Besides, I can usually take care of myself."
"I've noticed, thank you." He replied.
Rally tucked the thread into her basket and turned towards him slowly. "What's your name? My friend thinks she might know you after I described you to her."
He hesitated a moment. If he told her exactly who he was, he would probably never see her again. A nickname would probably do. He smiled. "Friends call me Bean."
"Interesting name." She stated, eyebrow raised.
"What's your name?"
Rally stopped. An upper class actually interested in a lower classes name? That was odd. "My friends call me Rally."
"Interesting as well."
"I try to be. It's hard with my rank in life though. So, if you're done being amused with me, I'll be off to search for my friend."
Bean stopped her as she tried to brush by him. "I wasn't trying to insult you. Just making a comment. Please forgive me."
Rally arched an eyebrow. "You act confused. I take it you talk to peasants on a normal basis?"
"Only if they catch my attention." He began, tugging on one of the gloves on his hand. "Sorry if I bothered you." He bowed his head.
Rally began to say something when Misty popped up again, basket full. "Rally! You ready to- hey, is this him?"
Rally blushed as Bean looked on with distinctly interested look. "Yes. This is Misty."
Misty pushed the basket to one hand and held the other out, not believing she was shaking hands with the prince. "Hi!"
"Hi. My name is Bean."
Misty arched an eyebrow. She hadn't heard about that. "I see. Well, I heard a little about you from my friend here."
He looked at Misty, thinking she looked like she knew something. He grinned. "I see. Good I hope?"
Misty got a wolfish smile. "Very. You know-"
Rally was as red as the fabric near her at this point. "Well we need to be going! Nice to finally know who you are Bean! Come on Misty." Came out in a rush as she dragged Misty by the arm back towards the front of the market. Misty laughed and waved back once at Bean who returned the favor.
"What in the world were you doing Misty!!?!" Rally hissed at her through the crowd.
"Trying to be your hookup." Misty replied, grabbing the basket with both hands.
"Did you get grain?"
"Oops."
Rally rolled her eyes and they stopped before getting all the way out of the market. They put it into the basket Rally was carrying since Misty's was packed with other articles. As they were walking along the trail back home, Misty looked up. "You like him don't you?"
Rally blushed. "I don't even know him!"
"That doesn't matter." Misty paused. "So his name's Bean huh?"
"That's what he said. I'm guessing it's a nickname though. He said that's what his friends call him." Rally stated. "I don't know why he suddenly took an interest in me though."
"I'd be flattered."
"I am. But it's still strange. I have a station in life, but it's a heck of a lot lower than his is all!"
"Then I bet he'll be at the ball! I'll bet he's part of the royal court!" Misty giggled excitedly.
Rally warmed to the thought. "Maybe."
They talked of the ball the rest of the way home. Misty went over all of the things she had.'acquired' at the market; beautiful velvet slippers for Rally as well as lovely silver jewelry. There was a teardrop necklace that had a silver chain and a drop of crystal on the end. She also had a silver ring that had a matching crystal in it. The crowing achievement however, was a gorgeous silver jeweled tiara. Rally gasped. "How in the world did you manage to get that?!"
"I said I was a master friend." She winked and stuffed it back into the basket. Rally just shook her head.
After returning, Rally continued to work on May's dress until it was very dark outside. She took one final look at the dress; the golden embroidery trailed from the right hip and began across the bottom in subtle waves of gold. Eye catching to say the least. Rally smiled at her work and then walked out the door after blowing out the candle. In her and Misty's room, Misty was once again bent over sewing, even after a full day of chores. Rally shook her head reprovingly. "You really should be getting some sleep Misty! You've been doing my chores on top of your own and then coming up here sewing for who knows how long!"
Misty turned with a grin. "I'm fine. I said you were going to that ball. And you are." She pointed at the amount of work she had finished.
Rally's jaw dropped. She wondered why they didn't have Misty work on May's dress. "Good lord! How often have you worked on this?!"
Misty shrugged. "Whenever I've gotten the chance the last few days. We don't have a lot of time you know. I want to make sure you shine at the ball; you're my friend." Rally smiled and Misty continued. "That and I want to make sure you look presentable for your swordplay partner." She winked and Rally blushed.
"What happened to trying to get me together with the prince?" Rally asked.
Misty looked up a moment and then turned back with a shaky smile. "Still there. But hey, you and Bean get along rather well I noticed in the short time I saw you two together."
Rally nodded, but didn't look certain. "I suppose. But keep in mind; I shouldn't even be at the ball! If someone finds out we'll both be in trouble! And how would I explain to him what a peasant is doing at a royal function?"
Misty had a sly smile once again. "I got the impression he wouldn't mind to see you there at all."
Rally blushed again and shook her head. She lay down in her bed. "I'll take your word on that, but there's no guarantee that I'll see him anyway."
Misty shrugged and finished up a bit of stitching on the skirt of the dress before blowing out the candle and walking to her bed. "You never know Rally. You just never know; have a little faith! Maybe you'll meet him again, get married and live happily ever after!"
"Who believes in that rot?" Rally mumbled crossly as she turned over.
Misty giggled as she looked at her friend. "I do. And I think you should too."
"Yes fairy godmother." Rally mumbled as both girls drifted off to sleep.
May smiled as she set down the pencil amid the scraps of paper spread around the table. She stood, stretched and walked over to the fridge to get a pop; she pulled out Sprite. After popping the top she looked at the last few paragraphs written out. The kitchen door opened once more; May looked up and grinned. "KEN!"
"May! What?" he asked, confused.
"I'm just happy to see you silly!" she stated as she hugged him.
He looked down at the table. "What are you doing?"
"Writing a story. Or, converting a fairy tale basically." She shrugged as she picked up her pencil with the nibbled eraser.
"Ah. Will you be done soon?"
"I'm not sure. Probably not; its several pages already and I'm only half way done!" she replied.
He nodded. "Ah. Too bad then. Maybe we can get together tomorrow."
"HEY! Wait a minute!" May yelled as she chased after him into the living room. They made their way upstairs, May leaving her story until tomorrow.
Continued in Vol. 3 Part 2