I shriek. One hand goes to clasp my heart while the other flings over
my mouth. I can feel my body trembling and my heart swell with regret for
everything I had done and said. The stranger bid no protest for me taking
off his hood. He just hung his head, so I may do so. I then fall into his
arms once more to cry as I did before. He cradles my head and slightly
rocks back and forth, trying to comfort me. Just like he said just a while
ago. To comfort her when she cries.
I continue to sob.
"It's alright, it's alright. You'll be fine, I won't let anything harm you. I promise…I promise." He coos.
"How could this have happened to us, Ash? How?" I ask.
"I don't know." Ash replies. "But all I do know is, I'm not going to leave this time, Misty."
"You knew it was me…the whole time, didn't you?" My brain was itching to ask that.
"Sad to say, no. It was dark, and you were always hidden in the shadows of the trees."
"Did I frighten you?" I wait. "I'm sorry if I did…"
"I was frightened, of one thing." Ash said. "That you were actually dead, and that the girl I was with had killed you. I had my worthy mistakes for signs, of course. The dried venison, and me waking up to have deer skin over me. I thought that this maiden of the wood had actually killed you, skinned you, and used you for her own good. I was angry with her, for I thought my ponderings were correct. But then, you talked of love. And of a prince denying your love for him."
"I died that day." I repeat.
"I will never deny you, Misty…never." Ash holds me tighter. "When the world ends, my heart will still be holding your hand."
It felt good in his arms. Good and warm. I've never felt so safe. "I love you, Ash."
"I love you too, Misty." He kisses my forehead. We sit there for a long time, in each other's embrace, doing nothing but absorbing the moment. "You're not dying, Misty. Are you?"
"Why do you ask that?" I wonder.
"You said you must be doe by day and woman by night. But I've seen you woman by both." Ash explains.
"Well, I asked for Lord Altrogge's humble admittance to reverse the curse. I am now woman by both day and night, but I am limited to my wanderings." I report. "Ash, I want to come home with you."
"I came to get you didn't I? I was foolish not to come earlier." Ash helps me to my feet. "Let's go."
"Will he?" I ask myself nervously as I gaze at Lord Altrogge's castle off in the distance.
"What?"
"Never mind." I shake off. "Ash, what about your mother?"
"Don't you worry about her." Ash smiles. "All she is interested in doing is trading with Spain."
"They are still at your castle?" I ask.
"Yes, how did you know?" Ash replies.
"I saw Esmeralda chasing you one day." I giggle.
"Oy vay." Ash rolls his eyes. "Well, better get going."
"Yes, let's go." I say happily.
Ash takes my hand and starts to lead me down the path I suppose he took to get here. One of my old and many. I carry my spear still and he holds a dagger from his shoe. Our defense will probably be unneeded but, you never really know. We talk of things, how our lives have led us to odd happenings. While me make the trek to his castle, my insides churn. I have no idea how far was have already gone. I was smart in other things during my childhood. I learned astronomy, biology, and basic mathematics. But none were very advanced. How far exactly was four miles? I personally had no idea whatsoever. My last trip to his castle took about an hour. And I wasted my energy from running half way there. I walked slower afterwards, so at the pace Ash and I travel at now, we can make it there in about forty- five minutes, I estimate.
"I hope you like it there." Ash says later on.
"I will." I reply. "I've seen it. Just not inside. I love the hills surrounding your castle. I couldn't have imagined it."
"You like those that much? I find that hard to believe, sort of. Plus, my mother isn't that in-touch with nature. She just likes the little posies in her garden." Ash laughs.
"I've learned to love the trees, the grass, and the soil. For it was what actually kept me going on for all those years. They supplied me for what I needed." I said. I sounded a little too much like a little native, talking about how the corn was a drop of gold from the sun.
"That's the kind of experience some people never get. I imagine you could call yourself lucky, Misty." Ash smiles at me.
"Lucky through certain circumstances." I nod.
We finally approach the last tree. I look down the south hill again to see the castle Ash calls home. The flowing grass upon them sways like normal and the carriage that carried the Spanish still sits at the gate. It's like I left everything there the way it was. Only to return and see it perfect once more. Ash holds me in one of his arms and gives me a little squeeze.
"Welcome home, my love."
I just smile.
We begin to walk down the south hill but turn slightly east. Suddenly, we hear a cry and see a pudgy man running towards us with his fists bared. He reaches us and thrusts one of his fists at me. I back up every time he throws one my way. He does this about three to fives times. His teeth gritted but I see utter fear in his eyes. I lead him on, and let him hit my shoulder once or twice. Maybe it will make him think he had won and would quit this stupid charade.
"Back! Back!" The man keeps on shouting.
Ash gets behind him and grabs him from under the arms to calm him. "Bradley! For goodness sake, calm your little head down."
Bradley snorts and puts his arms at his sides. "Fine. But…Ash, what were you thinking? And who is she?"
I just glare at him. He is so brainless.
Bradley's eyes widen and he points a finger at me. "Wild Woman! Undomesticated Damsel! Malicious Maiden!" He starts to name all the pathetic nick-names I have acquired.
I sigh with repugnance. I look at Ash and you can tell he's fighting back a laugh. I give in and chuckle myself.
"You laugh at me, Wild Woman?" Bradley groans fiercely. He then starts talking to himself. "If Ash has made peace with her, maybe I can as well." He bends down to the grass and picks a view of the wild violets that grown on these hills. He stands up and hands them out to me. He then starts to speak very slowly …"so I could understand". "F-l-o-w-e-r-s." He stretches. "Sign and present of peace."
I close his fist around the purple flowers and look him straight in the eye. "Me not an idiot." I flick his nose.
"Dear God." Bradley backs up.
I smile at him. "It's okay, Bradley. I need no token of peace." I can't help but laugh. "But if you call me those names again, maybe I will…for death may follow." I crack my knuckles and rub one of my fists.
He shrieks like a girl and hides behind Ash. He puts out his two hands and has his pointer fingers crossed in an X. "Demon!"
Ash sighs. "No use. Come on in, Misty. Let's get you cleaned up."
"Okay. Thanks, Ash." I say and follow my man inside.
We leave Bradley stupefied on the hill in disbelief.
My surprises were only to begin as I enter the grand palace. Red velvet carpet throughout the halls and landings of the stairs. Ash leads me through a few corridors and up a flight of stairs. He opens a door on his right and gestures me to go in. A room with lovely lavender carpet and a soft white bed with a canopy to the side. A large window that walks out onto a balcony and a huge cherry-wood dresser just beyond the door. Everything looked too delicate and in-place.
"This will be your room for now." Ash tells me. "Make yourself at home and if there is anything we can get you, don't hesitate to ask, okay? Someone will come in the morning to make the bed and give you breakfast."
"Sounds wonderful." I say.
"You can come back here after you get cleaned up a little bit. Let's go down to the wash rooms." Ash leads me out of the door.
He takes me down the hallway a little ways and opens another door. A maid is already in there, folding some clothes. She looks up in surprise. "Good afternoon, Master Ketchum. It's good to see you've returned. Did you have a safe journey?"
"Thank you, Victoria. I did. Good afternoon to you, too." Ash replies with a nod. "I was wondering if you could do me a little bit of a favor."
"Why, of course, Master Ketchum." Victoria smiles.
"Could you help clean up this little deer, here?" Ash holds me in one arm once more. I like it.
"Certainly." Victoria bows and beckons me in the room more.
"Now, I have to go down to the library to meet Mother for a second. I will come back to your room afterwards." Ash says. "I hope she hasn't drank too much of that tequila."
"Okay," I reply and laugh. "Thank you."
"Never a problem, Misty. Never." Ash gives me a small kiss before leaving.
Victoria helps me take off my cape and torn ballroom clothing. I sit down in a metal tub and she pours a bucket of hot water over my head. She takes some shampoo that smelled of the loveliest flowers and starts to scrub my mat of red hair. "It's nice to see Master Ketchum happy again."
"He usually isn't happy?" I question.
"No, not really. He spends a lot of his spare time in the library reading. He talks to the Spanish visitors as little as he can. He isn't very literate to the Spanish language." Victoria goes on.
"That's understandable." I say.
"So, what is your name, dear?" Victoria asks.
"Misty."
"You don't say." Victoria hums. She dumps another bucket of warm water over my head to rinse the suds from my hair. "Well, Mistress, I hope you like it here."
"I already do." I reply.
Victoria takes a ball of soap and rubs it vigorously against a brush to create a thick lather. "Where exactly are you from?"
I hesitate. "Across the bay."
She pauses, then shakes her head. She takes the brush and starts to scrub my back. "Are you—never mind."
"What?"
"Oh, it's nothing." Victoria said. "I mustn't ask too many questions of you."
"I don't mind, really. I'm used to it, actually." I say. "A lot of people see me and scream or try to attack me as if I were some monster ready to kill. Just because of the things I do and have gone through. My life is hard to explain. So, if you have any questions, feel more then free to ask, Victoria."
"No, no, no. It's fine, Mistress." Victoria shakes off as she lifts up on of my arms to brush.
The bath is finally over and I get out to wrap a towel around myself. I see Victoria out of the corner of my eye picking up my clothes one by one, and staring at them oddly. My tiny little top and skirt as well as my deer-hide cape. "Any questions?" I ask with a little giggle.
Victoria drops them in the laundry basket quickly, startled. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be." I smile. "You can be suspicious if you want. That would be nothing new to me."
I then leave the wash room and head towards my new bedroom. On the way there I have to cross a staircase and suddenly remember that I am still in a towel. How embarrassing. I hear voices down on the landing. One of them was Queen Delia, the other was my Ash. They were arguing slightly. I didn't really want to stay and eavesdrop. It would be rude, for one, and two, I am dripping wet. I run across, hopefully not catching their attention. I get into my room and close the door. I open the dresser by the door and see a line of brilliantly colored dresses. I pick out a periwinkle blue one and set it down on the bed at first. I take a pair of undergarments out of the drawer under the cabinet and put then on first. I then slip the dress on over my head. It felt weird to wear a full-length dress. I'm used to my little skimpy one. I brush out my hair and try to put a little bit of style into it. I then open the large window and walk out onto the balcony. A trivial breeze rustles my dress as I rest my elbows on the railing. It was beautiful here. I never want to leave, now that I have made my escape to ecstasy.
I continue to sob.
"It's alright, it's alright. You'll be fine, I won't let anything harm you. I promise…I promise." He coos.
"How could this have happened to us, Ash? How?" I ask.
"I don't know." Ash replies. "But all I do know is, I'm not going to leave this time, Misty."
"You knew it was me…the whole time, didn't you?" My brain was itching to ask that.
"Sad to say, no. It was dark, and you were always hidden in the shadows of the trees."
"Did I frighten you?" I wait. "I'm sorry if I did…"
"I was frightened, of one thing." Ash said. "That you were actually dead, and that the girl I was with had killed you. I had my worthy mistakes for signs, of course. The dried venison, and me waking up to have deer skin over me. I thought that this maiden of the wood had actually killed you, skinned you, and used you for her own good. I was angry with her, for I thought my ponderings were correct. But then, you talked of love. And of a prince denying your love for him."
"I died that day." I repeat.
"I will never deny you, Misty…never." Ash holds me tighter. "When the world ends, my heart will still be holding your hand."
It felt good in his arms. Good and warm. I've never felt so safe. "I love you, Ash."
"I love you too, Misty." He kisses my forehead. We sit there for a long time, in each other's embrace, doing nothing but absorbing the moment. "You're not dying, Misty. Are you?"
"Why do you ask that?" I wonder.
"You said you must be doe by day and woman by night. But I've seen you woman by both." Ash explains.
"Well, I asked for Lord Altrogge's humble admittance to reverse the curse. I am now woman by both day and night, but I am limited to my wanderings." I report. "Ash, I want to come home with you."
"I came to get you didn't I? I was foolish not to come earlier." Ash helps me to my feet. "Let's go."
"Will he?" I ask myself nervously as I gaze at Lord Altrogge's castle off in the distance.
"What?"
"Never mind." I shake off. "Ash, what about your mother?"
"Don't you worry about her." Ash smiles. "All she is interested in doing is trading with Spain."
"They are still at your castle?" I ask.
"Yes, how did you know?" Ash replies.
"I saw Esmeralda chasing you one day." I giggle.
"Oy vay." Ash rolls his eyes. "Well, better get going."
"Yes, let's go." I say happily.
Ash takes my hand and starts to lead me down the path I suppose he took to get here. One of my old and many. I carry my spear still and he holds a dagger from his shoe. Our defense will probably be unneeded but, you never really know. We talk of things, how our lives have led us to odd happenings. While me make the trek to his castle, my insides churn. I have no idea how far was have already gone. I was smart in other things during my childhood. I learned astronomy, biology, and basic mathematics. But none were very advanced. How far exactly was four miles? I personally had no idea whatsoever. My last trip to his castle took about an hour. And I wasted my energy from running half way there. I walked slower afterwards, so at the pace Ash and I travel at now, we can make it there in about forty- five minutes, I estimate.
"I hope you like it there." Ash says later on.
"I will." I reply. "I've seen it. Just not inside. I love the hills surrounding your castle. I couldn't have imagined it."
"You like those that much? I find that hard to believe, sort of. Plus, my mother isn't that in-touch with nature. She just likes the little posies in her garden." Ash laughs.
"I've learned to love the trees, the grass, and the soil. For it was what actually kept me going on for all those years. They supplied me for what I needed." I said. I sounded a little too much like a little native, talking about how the corn was a drop of gold from the sun.
"That's the kind of experience some people never get. I imagine you could call yourself lucky, Misty." Ash smiles at me.
"Lucky through certain circumstances." I nod.
We finally approach the last tree. I look down the south hill again to see the castle Ash calls home. The flowing grass upon them sways like normal and the carriage that carried the Spanish still sits at the gate. It's like I left everything there the way it was. Only to return and see it perfect once more. Ash holds me in one of his arms and gives me a little squeeze.
"Welcome home, my love."
I just smile.
We begin to walk down the south hill but turn slightly east. Suddenly, we hear a cry and see a pudgy man running towards us with his fists bared. He reaches us and thrusts one of his fists at me. I back up every time he throws one my way. He does this about three to fives times. His teeth gritted but I see utter fear in his eyes. I lead him on, and let him hit my shoulder once or twice. Maybe it will make him think he had won and would quit this stupid charade.
"Back! Back!" The man keeps on shouting.
Ash gets behind him and grabs him from under the arms to calm him. "Bradley! For goodness sake, calm your little head down."
Bradley snorts and puts his arms at his sides. "Fine. But…Ash, what were you thinking? And who is she?"
I just glare at him. He is so brainless.
Bradley's eyes widen and he points a finger at me. "Wild Woman! Undomesticated Damsel! Malicious Maiden!" He starts to name all the pathetic nick-names I have acquired.
I sigh with repugnance. I look at Ash and you can tell he's fighting back a laugh. I give in and chuckle myself.
"You laugh at me, Wild Woman?" Bradley groans fiercely. He then starts talking to himself. "If Ash has made peace with her, maybe I can as well." He bends down to the grass and picks a view of the wild violets that grown on these hills. He stands up and hands them out to me. He then starts to speak very slowly …"so I could understand". "F-l-o-w-e-r-s." He stretches. "Sign and present of peace."
I close his fist around the purple flowers and look him straight in the eye. "Me not an idiot." I flick his nose.
"Dear God." Bradley backs up.
I smile at him. "It's okay, Bradley. I need no token of peace." I can't help but laugh. "But if you call me those names again, maybe I will…for death may follow." I crack my knuckles and rub one of my fists.
He shrieks like a girl and hides behind Ash. He puts out his two hands and has his pointer fingers crossed in an X. "Demon!"
Ash sighs. "No use. Come on in, Misty. Let's get you cleaned up."
"Okay. Thanks, Ash." I say and follow my man inside.
We leave Bradley stupefied on the hill in disbelief.
My surprises were only to begin as I enter the grand palace. Red velvet carpet throughout the halls and landings of the stairs. Ash leads me through a few corridors and up a flight of stairs. He opens a door on his right and gestures me to go in. A room with lovely lavender carpet and a soft white bed with a canopy to the side. A large window that walks out onto a balcony and a huge cherry-wood dresser just beyond the door. Everything looked too delicate and in-place.
"This will be your room for now." Ash tells me. "Make yourself at home and if there is anything we can get you, don't hesitate to ask, okay? Someone will come in the morning to make the bed and give you breakfast."
"Sounds wonderful." I say.
"You can come back here after you get cleaned up a little bit. Let's go down to the wash rooms." Ash leads me out of the door.
He takes me down the hallway a little ways and opens another door. A maid is already in there, folding some clothes. She looks up in surprise. "Good afternoon, Master Ketchum. It's good to see you've returned. Did you have a safe journey?"
"Thank you, Victoria. I did. Good afternoon to you, too." Ash replies with a nod. "I was wondering if you could do me a little bit of a favor."
"Why, of course, Master Ketchum." Victoria smiles.
"Could you help clean up this little deer, here?" Ash holds me in one arm once more. I like it.
"Certainly." Victoria bows and beckons me in the room more.
"Now, I have to go down to the library to meet Mother for a second. I will come back to your room afterwards." Ash says. "I hope she hasn't drank too much of that tequila."
"Okay," I reply and laugh. "Thank you."
"Never a problem, Misty. Never." Ash gives me a small kiss before leaving.
Victoria helps me take off my cape and torn ballroom clothing. I sit down in a metal tub and she pours a bucket of hot water over my head. She takes some shampoo that smelled of the loveliest flowers and starts to scrub my mat of red hair. "It's nice to see Master Ketchum happy again."
"He usually isn't happy?" I question.
"No, not really. He spends a lot of his spare time in the library reading. He talks to the Spanish visitors as little as he can. He isn't very literate to the Spanish language." Victoria goes on.
"That's understandable." I say.
"So, what is your name, dear?" Victoria asks.
"Misty."
"You don't say." Victoria hums. She dumps another bucket of warm water over my head to rinse the suds from my hair. "Well, Mistress, I hope you like it here."
"I already do." I reply.
Victoria takes a ball of soap and rubs it vigorously against a brush to create a thick lather. "Where exactly are you from?"
I hesitate. "Across the bay."
She pauses, then shakes her head. She takes the brush and starts to scrub my back. "Are you—never mind."
"What?"
"Oh, it's nothing." Victoria said. "I mustn't ask too many questions of you."
"I don't mind, really. I'm used to it, actually." I say. "A lot of people see me and scream or try to attack me as if I were some monster ready to kill. Just because of the things I do and have gone through. My life is hard to explain. So, if you have any questions, feel more then free to ask, Victoria."
"No, no, no. It's fine, Mistress." Victoria shakes off as she lifts up on of my arms to brush.
The bath is finally over and I get out to wrap a towel around myself. I see Victoria out of the corner of my eye picking up my clothes one by one, and staring at them oddly. My tiny little top and skirt as well as my deer-hide cape. "Any questions?" I ask with a little giggle.
Victoria drops them in the laundry basket quickly, startled. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be." I smile. "You can be suspicious if you want. That would be nothing new to me."
I then leave the wash room and head towards my new bedroom. On the way there I have to cross a staircase and suddenly remember that I am still in a towel. How embarrassing. I hear voices down on the landing. One of them was Queen Delia, the other was my Ash. They were arguing slightly. I didn't really want to stay and eavesdrop. It would be rude, for one, and two, I am dripping wet. I run across, hopefully not catching their attention. I get into my room and close the door. I open the dresser by the door and see a line of brilliantly colored dresses. I pick out a periwinkle blue one and set it down on the bed at first. I take a pair of undergarments out of the drawer under the cabinet and put then on first. I then slip the dress on over my head. It felt weird to wear a full-length dress. I'm used to my little skimpy one. I brush out my hair and try to put a little bit of style into it. I then open the large window and walk out onto the balcony. A trivial breeze rustles my dress as I rest my elbows on the railing. It was beautiful here. I never want to leave, now that I have made my escape to ecstasy.
