[8- -03: Thanks to Her Craziness, eliSabeth Janelle Ella Ali (*evil grin for Ali*), I'm working on improving my writing. She also made an important point. There would not have been any sinks or running water back in Kelty's time, therefore, in the previous chapter, please mentally change "sinks" to "water basins." I'm sorry there wasn't much of Rhilent either--sorry he's so vague...he'll come back later in the story, I promise =) I'm working on giving Kelty more character and emotions. Please let me know how I'm doing! *wink wink* Also, Lapis pointed out a mistake in chapter two--Kelty awakens days later, but then Rhilent said a stranger dropped her off the night before...oops! Sorry!]
Traveling at a steady pace atop Lighthert, Keltaline took her midday meal of bread, some cheese, and water while riding, in order to save time. She wanted to return to the campsite as quickly as possible. Looking down at her hands and short manicured nails with a solemn expression, memories from her childhood flooded back to her.
~~~~~
Bounce, bounce, bounce.
"Weeeeee!"
Bounce, bounce, bounce.
"Weeeeee!" A middle-aged man with jade colored eyes bounced five-year-old Keltaline on his knee. "Again, Daddy, again!"
Bounce, bounce, bounce. Kelty giggled and her father, Lord Burton Saffur of Whitehorn, laughed a hearty laugh. Daddy's laugh is like a big boom! she thought. Kelty always loved times like these. Daddy took time out of his busy day just to play with her. Whether it be spinning her around in the yard or a large room, bouncing her on his knee, or tickling her, Lord Burton's daughter always enjoyed the time spent with her father. As he bounced Keltaline again, Burton's wife, Lady Christamime walked in. With a sigh she began speaking to her husband.
"You know you shouldn't be playing with her like that. She's to learn about becoming a proper young lady soon!" Burton stopped bouncing his daughter in order to reply to his wife.
"Oh Christa, you know it does her no harm. Besides, she'll grow up and be too big for this in no time. If I remember correctly, your father used to play with you like this too. Hmm?" Lady Christamime tried to keep a straight face and glare at her husband. Unsuccessful at doing so, she broke out in a big grin and laughed with the Lord.
"Oh I suppose you're right," she replied, walking over to ruffle her husband's dark brown hair with auburn tones and to smile at her daughter. Kelty jumped off her father's lap, smiled and her mother, and impatiently tugged her father's hand.
"Daddy, come on! I want to fly!" she said, as her eyes got wide and dreamy-looking. She loved it when Daddy spun her around because she felt like she was flying, as free as a bird. Lord Burton got up out of his chair.
"Alright Kel, let's go. Where do you..."
~~~~~
Tears glistened in Kelty's eyes, though she smiled at the memory. She loved seeing her parents together. They were always so happy, and they never turned her away when she needed help. Kelty never doubted their love for her either. She did miss playing with her father though. They had continued their games until Kel was too heavy to be picked up. Her face flushed a bright red, and she searched for other memories.
~~~~~
Kelty sat up, breathing hard, and drenched in sweat. She just had another treacherous nightmare about spiders. Spiders--the one thing she feared most of all. At the sight of one she screamed, and occasionally almost started crying.
"Mommy!" she yelled. Lady Christamime, clad in a flowing white nightgown, dashed into Kel's room, unaccompanied by her husband since he was in Corus doing business. Kelty sat up, her eyes wide with fear.
"Oooh Honey," Christamime cooed, "it's ok, nothing's going to hurt you. Mommy's here, don't worry." She spoke softly as she cradled Kel. "Was it another spider nightmare?" Her daughter nodded her head and sniffed. Christamime gently wiped the tears off her daughter's face and under her eyes, careful not to scratch Kel with her long, decorated, manicured fingernails. Rocking Kelty in her lap, Christamime began singing a lullaby.
~ Sleep my baby, nestled in your Mama's arms,
And the Goddess above blesses you with her love,
Safe from harm
Sleep my baby, the Goddess keeps you from harm...~
Within moments, Kelty was fast asleep. Her mother laid her down on her bed and tucked her in, kissed her goodnight, and departed to her own room.
~~~~~
Wetness overflowed from her eyes, and tears spilled down her cheeks. I wish Mother was here now to wipe away my tears. She was such a loving person; always comforting me whenever I needed it. If anybody were to look at Lady Keltaline now, they would see a painful sadness haunting her behind her forest green eyes.
~~~~~
"Put your dress on and come here! If I don't start doing your hair now, you'll be late for the party!" yelled Lady Christamime to her daughter. Eleven-year-old Lady Keltaline slid her soft baby blue and periwinkle dress over her head. This was Kel's favorite dress, and her parents had given it to her months earlier, during Mid-Winter. It was crafted from light materials, and it had a silver trim. The sleeves flowed out like a peasant top's, and Kelty's feet were hidden by the loose, flowing bounty of cloth. The dress had a low neckline, and it was fitted under the girl's chest. The top was decorated with little sequins. Overall, the dress was quite simple, but very beautiful. Kelty walked to her mother and sat down in front of her.
"Oh Mother, I love this dress! Thank you so much; you're a goddess!"
"It was not a problem Honey," Christamime said, and smiled. "Besides, we knew you'd need it for a party sooner or later." Kelty was attending the party of her friend Aleesa. "Now I want you to be on your best behavior, and remember to keep that beautiful smile of yours on your face." Kelty's mother patted her daughter's head as she finished her hair. Kelty stood up and looked at herself in a mirror, shocked at what she saw. Her mother had French-braided some of her hair so that it looked like she was wearing a crown, or a halo resting on her head.
"Oh Mommy," Kelty whispered in awe, "I'm beautiful. I look like a princess." Lady Christamime laughed quietly, stood up, and stroked her daughter's hair.
"I know. Don't you ever forget that either." She smiled at her daughter. "Now, why don't you go show your father how pretty you look?" Kelty ran down the stairs, her mother calling after her, "Don't run Keltaline!" She proceeded into her father's workroom.
"Hi Daddy." Lord Burton turned around and a smile lit up his face.
"Kel...you look beautiful. Absolutely gorgeous." Kelty gave a sheepish grin. "Come here, let me get a good look at you. You look so pretty..."
~~~~~
Kel's vision was blurred so much that she couldn't see anything. She clambered off her horse and plopped to the ground, crying hard. Nobody's around anyway, I can behave how I want. Mithros why? Why did you have to take my family from me?!? My parents were all I loved and you took them from me! Kelty picked up a rock and threw it as hard and as far as she could. She put her arms around Lighthert's neck and buried her face in her arms. Her sobs were uncontrollable.
"I want to die," Kelty cried out loud. Suddenly, a gloved hand settled on her shoulder and a man spoke.
"Well I don't see how that would do any good."
~~~~~
Thanks, love, and mooshes to:
LadyJen (You catch it all!)
Alianne (Thaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaank yoooooooooooooou *moosh*
Lapis (*grumble* stupid chat was deleted *grumble* You suggestions actually helped me! *beams*)
Chrissy (Time and time again you help---I really appreciate it)