Hey! Okies, first story on fanfiction - v. long chappie and sorta long winded parts, but I promise you'll like it. Okies, read and enjoy!

Madeline shrieked as her older cousin grabbed her by the back of the neck, shoving her into the lake with a loud guffaw. The 13-year-old girl stood up in the water, thigh deep, her pretty face forming an angry pout.

"Gemma, what'd you do that for, huh?" she cried, running to her cousin and shoving her towards the muddy part of the lake. "You deserve what's coming next, Gem!"

Madeline was on the verge of hurling her 15-year- old playmate into the dirty water when she froze, her hand going stiff on the collar of Gemma's nightdress. What had begun as a morning swim in nightgowns had quickly turned into a water battle between the two cousins. Now, Madeline seemed to have forgotten about continuing the fun.

"Gem, it's them!" she whispered urgently, nodding towards the far side of the lake. Her hand squeezed Gemma's wrist so tightly that Gemma squeaked and jerked free of her cousin's abominable strength. "What in the name of... aha, I see!" Smiling mockingly, Gemma linked her arm through Madeline's. "What's wrong with them? They seem like fine, young gentlemen, don't you think?"

Maddy threw her a dirty look. "Gem, I never know what to say to them!" she whispered, near a panic. "They always smile at me, and I have no idea how to – "

Two things interrupted Mattie – Ingrid's shout from the cottage, and a call from one of the boys from the far side of the shore. Avoiding Madeline's panic-filled glance, Gemma lifted the hem of her sopping nightdress and began to walk from the shore towards her Aunt's call.

"Where do you think you're going?" Madeline hissed in her direction, eyes wide. Gemma burst out laughing. "Just be your usual, charming, sweet self, and every last one of them will fall at your feet!" With that, she turned and ran up the shore, still laughing.

Her aunt's cottage, also known as Gemma's and Madeline's residence, was located on a grassy piece of land encased by Willows, in sight from the shore of Lake Delran. Running across the grass at a steady pace, Gemma neared her aunt, suddenly noticing the strained expression on Ingrid's face. Slightly out of breath, she came to a stop before her aunt.

"Is there something wrong, Grids?" I panted, blowing a wisp of dark brown hair from my gold flecked, hazel eyes. My aunt stood still, frowning at my appearance – something Ingrid usually never bothered to do. I fidgeted under my aunt's surveying glances. What was going on? At last, Ingrid sighed, twisting her hands together.

"We have a visitor, Gemma", she voiced. Her voice was barely calm – I could tell she was having difficulty containing her nervousness. "A visitor? What of it?" My aunt's mood was irritating me. Why couldn't Ingrid just spit out what was bothering her?

"Follow me, Gem. It's a man; he claims to be from Frell." I arched an eyebrow. Why would someone ride all the way from Frell to see me? Ingrid I could imagine – she was beautiful, charming, and had suitors by the barrelful – but me? I was an uncontrollable orphan, who despised her father and had mourned her mother's death over four years ago. Why would a man of the capital wish to speak with me?

In the kitchen, Ingrid handed me one of her garments – a bright green one, to match my eyes. I had never worn one of her dresses before, and found it odd that I should start now. Nevertheless, I slipped it over my head after removing my nightgown, and entered the tiny sitting room.

A tall, thin man was sitting on one of the couches, looking at his surroundings with an odd expression on his face. I took it that he wasn't used to seeing the simple furniture around. A pair of glasses were perched on the tip of his nose, something I thought looked very funny. I bit my lip, hard. He stood as I entered, holding out his hand. I shook it, as I did with the hands of the boys Madeline and I spent our days with. He looked very surprised, and pulled his hand away.

"Good day, Lady Gemma of Delran", he voiced softly. I was taken aback. How could such a tall man have such a soft voice? I looked into his eyes, and what I saw there was sympathy – though I couldn't understand why. I was well off and happy – why would he pity me? He cleared his throat. "Perhaps you should sit down, Lady Gemma", he suggested slowly. "I'm afraid I bear sad tidings for you."

I frowned, slowly sinking onto the second couch. The man was calling me 'Lady' – something no one had ever done before. I was no lady. He was silent, opening and closing his mouth several times. I fidgeted. "Yes?" I couldn't help prompting. "It's about your father, Lady", the man told me haltingly.

My jaw dropped slightly; I couldn't have been more surprised. The tips of my fingers felt icy; my cheekbones felt flush. When I spoke, my voice was high and thin. "Whatever news you have of him, I'm not interested", I informed the man. "My father and I... lost touch years ago."

Father had deserted the family when I was eleven and mother was ill. He had left her to die – not only of disease, but also of grief. I remembered stepping from the cottage one morning to find his carriage rattling away. He had looked at me through the back window of the carriage, his face unreadable. The carriage had begun to pick up speed. He'd wanted to be rid of us, and certainly didn't want a confused eleven year old chasing him – even if that eleven year old had been his own daughter. Now, remembering this all too vividly, I glared at the man, rising to my full height. This wasn't very impressive – with my five feet five inches, I came scarcely up to his shoulder. "I want nothing to do with him."

The man didn't seem to understand. He made no move to leave. What was wrong with this person? Hadn't he heard me?
"Excuse me", I tried again. "Please leave. No one here is interested in – " "Lady Gemma", he interrupted. "Your father... was killed."

That night...

I'd never had confused feelings before, except for the time of father's departure. I'd remembered all the happy times we'd spent together – swimming in the lake, toying in the grass, watching a deer emerge from the dusk or a ferret climb a tree to greet the sunrise. I hadn't understood his departure – I'd thought he loved his family.

Now, I was confused once again. I had hated father for leaving mother to her illness, but the news of his death brought back so many memories. It's completely overwhelming; I thought that night, lying in the bed that Mattie and I shared. The rhythmic breathing of my cousin beside me let my thoughts drift.

Flashback...

That afternoon, after the man had left, I'd remembered bits and pieces of father – all memories I'd locked away with mother's death. I'd remembered being spun around in circles by his strong arms, the time he'd fished me out of the lake after I'd fallen into the water off a tree branch, the evenings he'd spent telling me old stories of Kyrria and Ayortha... and yet, I was supposed to hate him, wasn't I? So why had his death affected me this way? I also couldn't forget what the man had told me after the news of father's death. "You're father was the owner of a vast estate in the capital, Lady", he had begun. "I have his will on me, and – it seems that he's left his entire estate to you." I gaped at him, looking like a complete idiot – but I couldn't help myself. "Me?" I rasped, completely in shock. He gave me an odd look. "You are the Lady Gemma, are you not?" "Of course, but – well, my father... my father and I..." I trailed off pathetically, not knowing what to say. After several minuets, when I was relatively composed, I said, "I don't know how to manage an estate. I don't even know what the house looks like, I've never even been there – I haven't seen my father in four years! There has to be some mistake", I continued rapidly, "Some...misunderstanding. Surely he meant someone else, some friend of his by the same name..." "You're father clearly specified that the lady he was leaving his possessions to was his daughter Gemma", the man cut in smoothly. I sank back down onto the couch, leaning into the pillows. I felt deflated. "As for the management of the estate", he continued formally, "We will find someone capable of managing the place for the time being. You can, of course, bring your aunt and cousin with you." My deflation was instantly forgotten. I sprang up, feeling like a wild woman.
"I have to move there?" It wasn't a shout; it was a shriek. "I don't want his estate, or any of his things! Give them to someone else, do you hear me?" I grabbed the man by the arm of his coat and yanked it towards me. "Do you understand?" I felt panic well up inside me. I couldn't just be made to leave Lake Delran – I especially couldn't just drag Grids and Mattie with me. I wasn't a Lady of a house. I was... well, a girl. How could father do this? Leave, and then get killed four years later, leaving all of his responsibilities to me? Why to me? Why did he care about me? My mind was racing, and I felt faint. The man must have noticed that I was having a tough time, because he reached out a hand to steady me. "Perhaps you should sit down – we will manage everything for you for now, my Lady. You needn't worry. Frell is a wonderful city, I'm sure you'll find your, well, lengthy stay there enjoyable. I've heard that the noble and royal balls given there are fabulous..." I closed my eyes. Just a mere twenty minutes ago, I'd been unsuspectingly having a water fight with Madeline. Now, it seemed as if my life was turned upside down. I would be made to leave Delran... who knew whether my aunt and cousin would even come with me? They loved their home here, I couldn't make them join me and become... become what? "... carriages will be here in two days to pick up you and your possessions." I hadn't realized the man was still speaking to me. "Am I considered noble?" I asked in a hoarse whisper. He looked surprised. "Why, of course. You are a Lady of Eldred, Lady Gemma – as are your aunt and cousin, if they choose to accompany you. You're father was a very rich man, and high-ranked in society. Although he seemed – pardon me, Lady – strange at times, he was well respected and liked among the nobles. The royal family especially valued him." The royal family? Would I be expected to know how to speak with them, how to act around them? The man sensed my discomfort. He seemed to be apt at knowing how I felt. I wasn't sure if that was a good thing. "I am acquainted with the King and Queen, my Lady", he told me. "The King is a young, kind, humorous man – Charmont. Surely you've heard of him?"

I nodded numbly. I had heard of King Charmont and his wife, Queen Eleanor. "Eleanor – the Queen – is a young woman. She is dutiful, yet full of laughter and fun. I am certain you will enjoy meeting both of them. Their children are around your age, my Lady. The princess is an... interesting lass." He smiled wryly, and I paused shortly from my swirl of thoughts to wonder what he meant by 'interesting'. "The prince", he continued, "is much like his father, although even more of a daredevil." The man chuckled at this. My heart pounded inside my chest. How would I learn to take care of everything in such a short amount of time? I could feel tears of stress and sadness coming on, and angrily swiped them away. I hadn't cried in years, yes, years. Not nearly since mother's death.

The man surprised me by reaching out and patting my hand. "My Lady, you will adjust. For the time being, I and several other men whom were well acquainted with your father will care for the estate. We will, of course, speak with you and your family before making any important decisions. I will see you in two days' time, Lady Gemma." He smiled at me before exiting.

Even though the man had been kind, I felt like throwing myself into the lake. I sat on the couch for a long time – an hour or two, pondering how my life would change. Around mid-afternoon, Ingrid entered the room slowly. Ingrid had always been best at telling how I felt, and she could see it now, too. When I was sad, I usually wanted to be alone, but Ingrid was someone so familiar that I couldn't walk off when she settled onto the couch beside me and enveloped me in a huge hug. I let my head sink against her chest, and she hummed a soft tune into my still-moist hair. Just minuets later, Mattie joined us, leaning her head against my shoulder and taking my hand.

"Don't worry, Gem", she told me, "Grids and I will be there." I let out a shaky sigh of relief. Now there was one thing less to think about. "You're coming?" I just had to be sure. Ingrid set her back straight, looking at me incredulously. "Of course Mat and I are coming with you, Gem! You think we'll just sit here while you go off and play Lady of the house on your own? She laughed, and I couldn't help smiling. "Not to mention missing the markets, the balls, the gowns, the gentlemen... and the estate, of course", Mattie spoke up. I frowned. "Yes, my father's estate." I turned to Ingrid. "Why did he give it to me?" I had to know. Ingrid shook her head. "I don't know, Gem", she said slowly, "but, since we're moving there, we'll do some scavenging and solve the riddle, eh?" She was trying to make it easier on me by turning the entire thing into a game. "But won't you... miss all this?" I waved a hand around the room. Ingrid nodded, a pained look flitting across her face. "Yes, yes I will. But I have my priorities." With that, she smiled at me. I knew Mattie would miss Delran, but Frell was just like an exciting adventure to her.

End of flashback...

Mattie moaned softly beside me, and I was startled from my thoughts. I felt sweat on my brow and hands. I flung the blanket off my body, but the sweat still continued creeping through the thin cotton of my nightgown. It was too warm inside, and my head was too full. Softly (I'd done this tons of times before), I slipped from the bed and padded across the room, traipsed gingerly down the stairs, and stepped outside.

The cool night air was so welcoming after the stuffy room that I gobbled it up, literally. The lake looked like something out of a fairytale; reflecting the glow of the moon on its surface. The leaves of the willows were tainted a silvery color under the moon's spell. A soft, warm breeze whispered through the trees' thin branches. The entire night had a completely magical feel to it – my second to last night at Lake Delran. I soaked in the sight of the willows, the water, and the night owls – everything, wondering how long I would have to wait before seeing my home again.

Sighing, I started walking along the shore, and then wading in the water. It was warm. The shore of the lake was large, and I had only covered a quarter of it when I heard a twig snap several yards behind me. I darted around, scanning the darkness. Nothing moved. I stepped closer, reaching the first tree of the forest. Slowly, I peaked around it, and was able to make out a flickering of light. A fire? Who would be insane enough to start a fire inside the forest? It was near the end of summer, and just a spark was enough to burn down the entire thing! I crept closer, fuming. Didn't these people know anything about trees? Reaching a thick trunk, I peered around its edge.

Two men sat around a fire; one was about Ingrid's age, and the other was only a few years older than me. I scowled at their backs, at their stupidity. They were roasting a rabbit, which only made me angrier. I hated eating dead animals. The older one stood up, grunted something about 'more wood', and stalked off into the woods.

The younger one remained, staring darkly into the fire. Maybe he agreed with me on his companion's stupidity. I watched him closely. He looked only a little bit younger than eighteen, and his good looks were apparent. Even though he was stupid, I couldn't help thinking him attractive. Dark blonde hair fell to his jawbone, and into his eyes, which were a mysterious shade of green, highlighted by the flames. They didn't look very different from my own. He wore the royal emblem on his coat – I wondered whether he was an upper servant, or a knight, or some other thing I didn't know of. He was angry, or sad – his eyes told me everything, and I felt the desire to know why – before I remembered that the man was an idiot whom was trying to burn down my forest.

Suddenly, as if the fire had been reading my thoughts, a spark lifted to a low branch – which burst into flame. The man leapt up, but I was quicker. My eyes fell onto a water bucket near the fire, and I scrambled toward it. On my way, I crashed into the man and stumbled back, scraping my leg open on the bark of a nearby tree. Uttering a loud curse and shout, I reached for the bucket and tossed the water onto the flames. The man, lying on the ground beneath the branch, got soaked, and I would've laughed if the forest hadn't been in danger of burning down. I dashed to the side of lake, fetched more water, and threw it onto the remaining fire. It still wasn't extinguished. With a frustrated shriek, I grabbed the man's arm, tore off his coat, and smothered the flames with the expensive material. I didn't even bother to feel guilty. Panting, I turned around to find the man standing there with a fairly stunned expression spreading over his face. Just as I was expecting him to fall apart over his coat, or start apologizing, he burst into laughter. I supposed it looked funny – a random, ash-streaked, wet girl in her nightgown somewhere in the middle of the forest – but he could at least have apologized for nearly ruining everything! I stood there, my face growing hot. "Oh, yes, I'm so amused. You nearly burned down the place I live in, but hey – no need for apologies!" I glowered at him.
"So sorry... didn't know what... I was doing... you look... so funny... my lady..." he couldn't shut up, but just stood there cracking up.
"Are you trying to make fun of me because I ruined your noble coat? Because if that's the case, then my sincerest apologies", I spit out sarcastically. "If you hadn't tried to burn down a bunch of trees in the first place, we wouldn't even be in this situation!" He gasped for air, sitting down. Finally, he was able to control himself, and rasped, "No, no, not my coat – just you, in that - " he gestured at the nightgown, and I noticed that it was partly see through from the water "– all dirty and... I haven't seen a Lady looking so funny in years! Although that was some quick handling on your part." He grinned up at me – disarmingly so. "Excuse me for trying to save the trees, which is more than I can say for you", I retorted grumpily. He merely laughed. "You came out of nowhere", he said, switching topics. Those were the typical men – always switching the subject when they were confronted with the truth. "Ahem... might I know your name, my Lady?" I bit my lip. Could I trust this stranger? Simply my first name couldn't hurt. "I'm Gemma", I told him. He didn't seem so bad now, so I used a not un-friendly tone. He cocked his head. "Lady Gemma, Peasant Gemma, Princess Gemma...?" I kicked at a pebble on the ground. "Why does it matter?"

He regarded me with a look of liking. "You're right. It doesn't matter at all." I didn't know what to say to his easy agreement, so I looked at the ground.

"And you are?" He hesitated, too, though I couldn't imagine for what reason. He was probably just another one of the Palace's squires. "It's Seth", he informed me. "Seth of Frell." I arched an eyebrow. "Of Frell? What would someone of Frell be doing here?" He smiled mysteriously, green eyes flashing. My face grew warm, and I pinched myself. "Taking a vacation. The capital can be... tiring as you grow older."

I leaned forward with interest. "Oh, really? I'd be interested to learn, as I'll soon be living there." He sat up. "Will you? Working at the market?" I gave him an annoyed look. "Why would you think that?"

Seth shrugged. "Well, usually girls who live in the woods aren't part of noble society. Sorry if I'm mistaken on your behalf." He grinned again, flashing white teeth. I smirked. "Well, perhaps you'll find out if we happen to run into each other, once I'm there. So – I'm taking it you're noble, since you're speaking of 'society'?" He shrugged, again the mysterious one.

"You'll have to see, my Lady, won't you?" I was set to make my reply when a shout penetrated the darkness.

Ingrid! How long had I been out here? A second shout cut through the stillness. Seth's eyebrows were raised; he looked slightly concerned. "Missed a rendezvous, my Lady?" he mocked me. I was torn between laughing and running towards the sound of my Aunt's voice. No doubt she was worried. "I'm afraid not", I retorted sweetly, "but I must be on my way, so – it was a pleasure to meet you." With an exaggerated curtsy, I made my way back towards the lake. "Until we meet again." I turned around in time to see Seth salute me. Raising my hand in goodbye, I ran towards Ingrid. My aunt was worried, but quickly cheered up after I assured her that I ran into no strange people on my moonlit stroll – alone. It was partly true.

One day later...

Mattie tugged at my sleeve cuffs, loosening the ribbons that separated the cuffs from the sleeves. Snatching my arms away from her, I sat back moodily, leaning against the carriage seat. Mattie, oblivious to my annoyance, laughed in excitement at the surrounding booths of the market.

Although the dangerous, pretty, or sparkling material was impressive, I was in a foul mood. The heat was oppressive – even though it was nearly autumn, and my best gown – the one with the tight bodice – didn't help. Frell, with its bustling crowds, loud, enchanting, or dramatic voices, wild or majestic buildings, certainly looked the part of the capital.

I didn't know how I could fit in here. Did ladies here have water fights with rowdy boys by the lake? Did they camp out in the woods in the dead of night, listening to the crude jokes of their companions or telling spooky tales? Did they wrestle in the high meadow on Midsummer Eve? I didn't think so.

When Ingrid nudged my arm, pointing to something fascinating, I would smile – after her leaving just to come with me, I didn't want to be cross with her, but grateful. Still – Ingrid knew how to fit in anywhere. She was a well-rounded person.

Our carriage rounded into a part of the city where the houses were more widely spaced. The gardens grew larger and more complex. It was all so... structured. Finally, we reached a wide alley, coursing through an enormous meadow spotted with wild flowers and clumps of trees. I couldn't help thinking of miniature forests. The alley lead up to a large, copper gate, which lead into a courtyard.

I had a courtyard? The thought nearly made me burst out laughing. The courtyard was three times the size of our old cottage, with a large herb garden, hen house and pond to the left and stables to the right. The floor was made up of tan flagstones, and led to a large, white staircase, where the servants were lined up on either side. I awkwardly accepted the driver's hand as he helped me down from the carriage seat.

The man from two days before came forward, and bowed. The servants imitated him. I'd never felt so odd before in my entire life. The man smiled at me, through his white moustache, and pushed the glasses further up onto his nose. "Lads, lasses", he announced in a deep, booming voice, very different from the one I'd heard before, "This is the Lady Gemma – Sir Frederick's daughter." He gently took my arm and pulled me forward. I smiled awkwardly at the assembly of people – young kitchen boys, the cook, guards, and a few girls around my age with spotless white aprons, stable boys, and menservants...

"These are the Ladies Ingrid and Madeline", he continued. Madeline looked a bit taken aback, but otherwise pleased. Ingrid just looked her usual charming self.

"Please make them feel welcome here. Amanda, Rebecca." He nodded at two girls – the ones in white aprons. They stepped forward, and curtseyed. "These are to be your two handmaidens", Sir Crowell informed me. "They will show you to your rooms, and give you a tour of the manor." The first girl smiled at me. She was pretty, with thick red hair and sparkling blue eyes. "Please follow us." They turned, and began walking up the staircase. Ingrid nodded her head at me, signaling me to go. I hesitated, still feeling strange, and then hurried to catch up.

Hiyas! It's the first time I'm posting anything on fanfiction, so no flames plz. This chappie was long, I know, and sorta boring parts - but it'll clear up - beginnings are hard. Hang in there... and please r&r puppy eyes