A Moonacre Fanfiction Peace on Earth

"Rise and shine. Merry Christmas Eve. Get out of bed." Sir Benjamin flung the curtains open, crisp morning light spilling over Ambrose's peacefully sleeping features.

"Unggh—what? What's happening? Where—"

"I'm taking you back to the De Noir village. We'll ride. You're not going to try to run for it."

"Yes—er, no. Right."

After a muffin or two of Marmaduke's, the two men mounted their horses. The snow was deep, but it was packed tightly. As long as they didn't rush matters, they would arrive in the De Noir village safe and sound.

The silence was uncomfortable. Sir Benjamin was disgruntled at having to leave his family and home bright and early the morning before Christmas. He was still angry with Ambrose for stabbing Robin. He did not approve of Ambrose's character. The only reason Sir Benjamin gave Ambrose a bed last night was for Maria's sake. Ambrose had admittedly saved Maria, and try as he might, Sir Benjamin could not deny that.

Ambrose was anxious. What if the villagers changed their minds and intended to stab him as soon as he returned? If Sir Benjamin didn't tell them of Ambrose's heroic acts yesterday, they might think he tried to escape and Sir Benjamin caught him. Not that they would be entirely wrong, but…oh, he wished Maria were here! She'd at least stick up for him, odd though it was. Really, Ambrose couldn't figure her out. She was an awfully pretty bird, and smart too. But Ambrose had stabbed her beau, Robin. By all accounts, Maria should have wanted the villagers to stab Ambrose. But she didn't. She defended him. Curious girl, that one. A shame it didn't work out between her and himself. Finally, Ambrose's anxiety got the better of his attempt at an unworried façade.

"What will happen to me?"

Sir Benjamin looked over at him. Now Ambrose understood the expression 'steely gaze'.

"You will be locked up." Ambrose's heart sank. "In a room." Room, he'd said. Not prison cell. "Until Christmas is over. Now is not the time for such dealings." Ambrose could have squealed with joy. Instead, he allowed himself a satisfied smirk. Now he could only keep his fingers crossed for a pretty serving maid.

They reached the De Noir village without incident, stabled their horses with an enthusiastic boy who seemed overly curious about what it felt like to stab someone. It seemed Ambrose's crime was no secret in the small village. Sir Benjamin escorted Ambrose down to the Great Hall, where they were met in a corner by Coeur De Noir and several armed men.

"Merry Christmas Eve," Coeur De Noir greeted them somberly. Ambrose avoided meeting his eyes, glancing instead to those eating at the long table. They seemed quite jolly, though they no doubt knew of his crime. Well, at least some people could be happy. He pursed his lips. Not a bad looking servant girl, either. Fair hair, rosebud lips…what was her name? He tried to recall. Lucy? Lavender? Something with an 'L'.

"Over here, Liz," one older woman called, holding a plate. The blonde rushed over. Ah, that was it. Liz. He'd probably flirted with her too, once upon a time.

"…trust that's all right with you, eh, Ambrose?" Coeur De Noir finished. Ambrose looked back, eyebrows up.

"Hm? Yes. Right. Very good." Hopefully he hadn't been agreeing that his life was worthless and deserved a quick and painless end. Thankfully, Sir Benjamin seemed happy. On second thought, that could go either way. Ambrose held his breath.

"It's settled then. Apprenticed to the carpenter after the holidays. Until then, you'll be kept under lock and key." Coeur De Noir passed said key to one of the armed men. "They'll take you now." As Ambrose was ushered away, he caught Coeur De Noir saying something about going to check on Robin. Bloody Robin. Stabbed once, and he gets all the attention, Ambrose thought bitterly. He tried to catch the eye of pretty Liz as he walked by, but then one of the guards shoved him forward. Sighing, he turned his attention away from the girl.

Ambrose was led up one of the spiraling staircases to a little room into which he was shoved. The door was promptly locked behind him.

"You'll get fed at some point," a guard told him through the door. "Make yourself at home." Ambrose listened as their footfalls got softer and softer until they vanished. Then he turned to observe his small circular room. It was better than a prison cell, he supposed. But…still.

There were no windows exactly, but a circular hole at the top of the very high ceiling allowed a wide shaft of light. However, it also allowed a chilly draft. And snow too, apparently. A thick bucket was placed on the floor directly underneath the skylight, full of almost melted snow. Almost melted, he noted. It seemed this room wouldn't be getting much warmer. Furniture was spare. Another thick bucket was turned upside down and could be used as a stool.

A wooden bedframe was pushed on its side. How generous of Coeur De Noir. But he couldn't have been bothered for a mattress or blankets or pillows? Really now, what kind of a leader was he? Ambrose sobered. He knew he ought to be grateful for this treatment. But after the luxurious manor room he'd spent last night in, these next nights would seem hellish. He carefully pulled the bedframe down to its proper state. Unfortunately, it took up a good deal of the space. He just barely avoided knocking over the snow-filled bucket. Angry but a little relived, Ambrose slumped down on the bed. Then sat up. This was an uncomfortable bed.

He looked up at the skylight, momentarily considering trying to climb up to it. But no. It was too high. The walls were too smooth. And anyway, it was pointless to escape. It would only bring him harm. He let out an undignified moan of distress. A handsome lad like him didn't belong in here. Just one mistake, and they lock you up! It was Christmas Eve. He should be spending the day with jolly rich girls, not alone in a drafty room. Argh. Well, maybe the serving maid would be good-looking. There was hope yet.

A/N: My dear reader,

Thank you for reading this chapter! Always a pleasure to write for you darlings. I'm finding myself with a little more time, so theoretically our present saga will reach its gripping conclusion soon. Theoretically. You writers out there are nodding along sarcastically: "Sure, honey. Right. You keep thinking that." Thanks, I will :)

Anyway, I appreciate your dedication to this story. I'm enjoying it, and I hope you are too. Let me know in your reviews. Also, I'm welcoming new fanfiction ideas! Just something to think about.

Love you all!

Ponygirl7