Chapter Thirty-Four

Author's Note: (She actually speaks! Yeah, yeah, if you want the sorry speech, scroll down.) This chapter is Elspeth's story. As you all know it had been based on her life. But remember that it was based and that it is not her life. So if you find something here that is different from the short summary of her life as stated in a previous chapter, deal with it, because it is her own story, which is suppose to be fiction. Thus, not her life. Clear? And some parts have to be changed so the ending would be nice. J

Eliza had run away once more from everything that she knew. She isolated herself in the woods where she vowed never to come back.

"Even if my heart aches to come back and gaze at him once more, I cannot. For the entire world is against him and me. And I cannot endanger him. I know that I will pine night and day, with the sun, the moon, and the stars as my witness, but no! I shan't come back! The day I will see the city of Jenn will be the day I give my soul to the heavens!" she cried. "This will end. And the curse of me will forever vanish and never to plague him once more…"

Then she sank back to the ground. She was tired from her journey, her tears, and cries. She was tired of everything. She just wanted to rest. But how can she rest when all was tumbling down on her like an avalanche?

She smiled in spite herself. "Is there nothing I can besides talking to myself in monologues?" She laughed but tears kept falling down. "What other things can I do anyway? Besides pitying myself in the midst of all this darkness?"

One would ask what was wrong with her…certainly. But then, would they understand? No. No one Eliza knows could ever console her or give advice because it was too complicated. She was all alone.

I am so stupid for ever staying there longer. I am so stupid for even waiting for a sign to go. Eliza thought grimly as she stared at the sky. What had gotten into my head anyway?

But even if I am stupider than an ogre…I wish that someone…anyone…can help me…

She stared at her surroundings. All were contributing to the utter grief she was feeling. The trees were slowly swaying with the wind. Eliza was sure that one of the trees was dead. Leaves were continuously raining down on her. The moon was strange that night. It was glowing orange. It rarely happened…sometimes months before it occurred again. To some, it may be beautiful and frightening at the same time; to Eliza it was an omen of great misfortune. There were sounds—many sounds. There was the loud hoot of the owl, the soft chirping of crickets, the rustling of dead leaves…there was even a distant growl of an unnamable beast. A breeze passed along the forest. It was freezing and unwelcoming. Don't stay here, it seemed to whisper as it flew by.

She had ran away at ten o'clock. It was one in the morning. She didn't care if her life was endangered by sleeping in the hard ground of a forest inhabited by animals. Animals that could kill her during her slumber. She didn't care. In truth, she welcomed death with open arms. What is the point of living when I feel like I've already died in my heart? she asked herself before completely losing her consciousness.

~

Before all that happened, life was much more beautiful for Eliza.

She was pretty, with brown hair and eyes, and considerably more intelligent than anyone in her position. She could read and write even though some girls cannot. She was a sweet-natured young girl of seventeen. Under obstacles, she grew more beautiful. She was not all blessed. Unfortunately, her father, a trader, lost everything. Eliza was still a child then, and her parents had to work hard to give her the things she needed. She was hired as a maid, and soon she became the head maid. Her father was a butler. They worked in the house of a lord. They knew that Eliza cannot depend on them always, so they employed their own daughter to be a maid.

Eliza was different from the other maids. Georgia and Charlene were the two maids she worked with. The two were rather lazy and would much rather spend a day gossiping than working. Eliza did her work dutifully and without delay.

One year later, in a particular day, life changed for Eliza. They were all busy for the coming of the lord's son. Everything was suppose to be perfect. All the silverware was suppose to shine like mirrors. The floors should not have a spot in it and the curtains should be washed again.

Eliza was curious of their behavior. What is the point of preparing all these things? Just for a spoiled boy who is probably like Nadine… Eliza thought of Nadine's name with disgust. As much as she wanted to like her, she couldn't.

Nadine's own personal maid was Eliza. She would have to follow her wishes accordingly, aside from her other duties. Nadine was an infuriating young girl who was the same age as Eliza, giving her no such excuse to act that way. Nadine was simply insufferable. She wanted everything, anything, after a few seconds of demanding it. It was a torture to serve such a girl. But Eliza suffered in silence, only ranting in her mind and someday dreaming of scolding her own mistress. If anyone was a relative to such a brat, then it must run in their blood.

But who cares about what I think? They all see Nadine as a perfect lady. Eliza sighed as she polished some silver.

The whole family was waiting for him to arrive. On the other hand, Eliza remained in the kitchen, wondering why everything was taken into a degree of perfection, just for one person.

"Gavin! We missed you!" Eliza heard Nadine's shrilling voice. There were laughs. Eliza could hear heartfelt sounds from the family. She never thought she would live to hear those sounds. Eliza sighed. Another burden… of course, when she thought that, she didn't know that she could be so right, yet so wrong.

Eliza didn't see Gavin until after dinner. When she first saw him, she felt it was a confirmation of everything she thought. He was handsome, she must admit, with dark hair and hazel eyes. He was tall and lean. He was laughing along with his family and charming them all with his stories. Eliza shook her head and thought, Too bad…he is an insufferable prick like his sister… She knew she was quick to judge and she was never like that before. She usually thought with tact but there was something about this place that made her think contemptuously about everything.

She was certainly caught by surprised a week after her judging. Gavin had talked to her, once. It was really an inquiry but he didn't sound the least bit like Nadine. They had some conversations about the manor, but it nothing went beyond that. Eliza couldn't loathe him like Nadine. He was so different. She couldn't help but smile at him everytime they crossed passed. You could consider them friends, but they weren't. They were more of acquaintances, those who just acknowledge each other with a smile or a nod, and sometimes talked with each other. There was still that line between them. He was the master, and she was the maid.

A year after proved to be a significant one for Eliza. It was her day off and Eliza decided to spend sometime in the nearby plaza. It was a noisy place with vendors and traders but in the middle of it all was a little place with stone benches and plants. It was a quaint place for people who wanted time for themselves. Eliza seated herself in one of the benches, making herself comfortable. It was a beautiful day. The blue sky was cloudless. When Eliza squinted, she saw birds fly in a formation. The plants also felt it was a new day because of the different colored daisies and daffodils that just bloomed. It was truly one of those days that were meant for relaxation.

Eliza took out her novel and propped it on her lap. She had always loved reading. At the exact moment that she read the first sentence, a stranger said the title of the book. She was flabbergasted with the sudden voice. It sounded so familiar. She looked up and saw Gavin.

She quickly stood up and curtsied. "I'm sorry to bother you, my lord. I didn't know you are here. I will leave immediately." She started to leave. But he took her hand.

"No, Eliza," he said gently, probably trying to calm down the flustered Eliza. "You can stay here , of course. I should be sorry. I barged in your thoughts without consideration. When have you started reading this book?"

Eliza sat down. "I've finished it but I'm rereading it." She didn't know if she should be so typical around him. This was different from before because they just talked about the manor. Not her own business.

"Do you like it?"

Eliza involuntarily made a face. "Of course I like it. Why on earth am I reading it again?" When she realized that she had done that, she quickly bowed her head.

"You shouldn't be like that. Don't act so coy around me. We're both humans, do you know that?" he smiled.

Eliza couldn't help but return his smile. Do you know why? We are different. Human or no, we are. Can't you see the bridge between social classes? a little voice behind her mind answered for her. "Yes, I know we are both humans. I know I am. I am not so sure with you."

You are the brother of the ogre Nadine.

He laughed. Eliza grew a little exasperated. Can't you see that we are different? And that you shouldn't just sit down beside me? Shouldn't I bow down to your nobleness? the little voice said.

But the voice was just so little that Eliza couldn't hear it. The two of them ended up talking till Eliza had to come back to manor.

A many weeks after that episode, Eliza and Gavin met again. Eliza was sweeping the floors of one the hallways when she saw him. She tried to ignore him, as usual. She had done so before. She couldn't help but notice him following her sometimes. Before, he tried to engage her in conversation, which she cut short. The only time the two really talked was during Eliza's free time, away from the manor.

"Why do you keep ignoring me?" he asked suddenly.

Eliza looked at him innocently. "I am sweeping…can't you see that?"

"Yes but aside from that," he replied persistently.

Eliza smiled at him. "Fine, I shall talk to you. Actually, I have been meaning to ask you a question. It's very late that I have asked you this but, how come you are at the plaza during my day-off?"

He grinned. "I followed you."

Eliza was surprised and scared at the same time. Why would he follow her? Was he crazy? He just wanted to find someone to bother. Didn't that occur to you? the little voice came back to life.

"Why?"

"Well, I figured I needed to talk to you about other matters, aside from the weather and the manor."

"You could get that from other people," Eliza replied. She was annoyed this time. She immediately resumed her sweeping.

"I must tell you something."

She glanced at him. Oh yes…he will tell you that it is a mistake for the two of you to be even near each other. the little voice said, as-a-matter-of-factly.

"I like you, Eliza."

The little voice died all over again. Eliza didn't know what to feel. She didn't know if she was happy or angry. When it fully registered on she felt happy, but she had no right to be. She stared at him straight in the eye and said in a bold voice,

"I don't believe you."

~*~*~*~*~

Right. How do I begin? I've been screamed at with cuss words and it didn't work. I guess you're all wondering why did she write again when I thought she was dead and buried??

I know it's been a long time. Wait, long time?? It seemed like an eternity! (I'm imagining you all saying that) Yeah, it has been an eternity.

I won't give reasons why I waited for so long to upload this chapter again. Why? Coz you're all too annoyed to even read it. I'm sorry, and if you don't like this chapter or this story any long because of the time it took to read again, I'll understand.

I wrote again because I read the book again and I read this whole fic again. I had writer's block, yup, that's true. (Wait! That's a reason! Why are you writing REASONS??). And that I wrote this long story that I got hooked. Don't blame the story ok? It reached 100 pages so I can't stop. Well, because I couldn't stop with that, I almost stopped with this. I am sorry, very sorry because you were all in danger of falling of the cliff-hanger that I have placed before I temporarily signed off.

excuses excuses excuses excuses excuses excuses excuses excuses excuses excuses excuses excuses excuses excuses excuses excuses excuses excuses

I know, I have made so many excuses. I even remember enumerating them.

Well, here's the chapter. It's not that long, I guess. But I think I should end the chapter there. No, not the story.

~*~*~*~*~

Oh and since, I gave you all a hard time waiting, I'll just let you read that story I've been writing (you know, 100 pages?). I guess I should give you all a dose of what I've been doing. That's the prologue. And the title is Maiden of the Sea. I don't know if I'll officially post it in here. I would have a hard time dividing it.

There were mermaids," the lady told her daughter of nine years. The daughter was lying in bed, ready to sleep. Her mother sat besides her, barely starting her goodnight tale. "They weren't people, no, even if they do look like humans. Mermaids are just part of the underwater kingdom with mermen and children. They were beautiful." Her mother's voice was reverent. "And they price their voices more than anything, those mermaids. Those mermen never knew how to sing," she laughed. "Only the mermaids do. But for such a cruel reason." The woman looked so sad that her little girl touched her hand. "They use their voices to lull the waves, to attract the riders of the seas, the seamen. They want nothing more but to get them, to sing with those bewitching voices, and watch with their eyes filled with innocence as the ships meet their doom in jagged rocks…"

She lovingly stroked her daughter's hair, very much like her own. "But fret not because not all of them are like that. One is Sirena, the maiden of the sea. She didn't want to do so. Instead, she used her voice to give her what she wanted, what she desired, and what she loved. Do you know, my child?"

The girl nodded, her hair bouncing. "Yes, she gave her voice to be with a prince she fell in love with."

"You are correct. But of course you know because I have told you this story for so many times." She shifted her weight one side to another. "You never get tired of it."

"Of course! It is such a nice story. And when you say it, I feel that it is real." '

"Well it isn't real, daughter," her mother said seriously. "It is just a legend, remember that. I do not want you parading around telling everybody that there are mermaids."

"But legends come true, right? When the time comes?"

"No, little girl." Her mother smiled. "Not all. And who knows, maybe this legend has already been fulfilled. Now, go to sleep. How can you if you keep asking questions?"

The girl looked up at her mother. "One last question? Are you Sirena?"

Her mother had laughed so loud at her question. "No, my girl, no! We just share a name. The mermaid Sirena is only a legend," she replied. She tucked her daughter in and kissed her daughter.

Before she left, she added quietly, thinking that the little girl did not hear, "And she is also gone."

Four years later, her mother died.

It was poison. The poison used cannot be cured because it acts fast. Seconds after it is absorbed in the body, the victim can only say her last. Poison? Why would anyone want to poison my mother?  She asked. No one answered because no one really knew the answer. Her mother was loved. She stared blankly at her mother lying down on a bed filled with flowers. The flowers were mostly chrysanthemums because her older sister wanted to. It was her name and she wanted her name to be with mother. Her second older sister was quiet and didn't cry. She was like a marble statue, with her white skin and immobile nature. The girl cried an ocean of tears. The place where she had lived for the whole of her life felt like a suffocating confinement. Her mother was dead. Who killed her? She asked her father. Our enemies killed her, her father replied abruptly, trying to contain his anguish. It hurt for him to look at his daughter who resembled the dead woman. The girl cried again and she was still crying for the next few days. 

The creak of the door startled her. An old woman entered. Her kind eyes surveyed the room and rested on the crying child. She shook her head, startling her silver hair.

"Your mother wasn't killed by them," the old woman told her.

"The poison came only from them!" the girl replied angrily.

"But that does not conclude anything. I do not know precisely who killed your mother, but I do know it is not them."

"Why are you telling me this?"

"Because you are the one who listens."

"Tell me who killed my mother so I can kill that murderer!" the girl demanded.

"Child, I do not know." The old woman's voice was sorrowful. "And even if I did know, even if I tell, no one will believe me, and your father and sisters' lives would be endangered. Even yours would be."

The girl was silent.

"They did not kill your mother. I saw it through magic. When you grow up, you must face them. Do not be foolish, child. But embed in your mind that they are not your enemies for they truly are not. You will soon be at their midst."

"You speak riddles."

"But you believe me."

"I do."

"Why?"

The girl found it hard to find her voice. "Because you always tell the truth and indeed I am tired of believing that my mother died in their hands."

"You are right, child," the old woman raised her hands in warning, "I may be the best in magic but I am now old. I cannot foresee what will truly happen in your future for it is vague"

"But you know it is important that I know they are not my enemies." The girl felt a slow realization. They were not the ones who killed her mother! She believed in the old woman because she always knew that the old lady tells the truth.

But the old woman was not telling her everything. She knew more than that. The death of her mother was an impact to the lives of many especially her family. In just a span of a week, they would change drastically. The husband would feel that it was his entire fault. The first daughter would feel that the world would crash down on her. The second daughter would be a ruined emotionless girl. The youngest daughter would lose her identity…she would be the shadow of her own mother.

The old woman didn't want to tell her. She would be alarmed, and then destiny would be cheated. "Be brave, Maiden of the Sea." She knew that many obstacles would come her way.