A/N: Look at me being all surprised when I realized that I had finished editing Chapter 3. So, I have a plot line that I made so a) I could avoid plot holes as much as I can and b) I can keep track of where I am and where I'm supposed to go. Now when I went back to refer to my plot line, I realized that I finished writing Chapter 3. I didn't remember that I divided Chapter 3 into two parts! Funny think that it is still longer than what it originally was.
I opened my eyes to see a cloudless sky staring right back at me. I was laying on some grass, small irises peeking through the ends of my sight. I made a motion to get up but a sudden gust of wind emerged and I clutched the dress I was wearing so it wouldn't go flying everywhere. I wondered why I was dreaming of a meadow of irises when I suddenly heard low murmurs. I looked around, trying to pinpoint where they were coming from.
The meadow was limitless and covered with nothing by those flowers. I turned my head in the other direction and saw at a distance a large glowing tree. I got up and started walking towards it, the murmurs growing louder the closer I came. I also noticed a white spec below the tree, a cloaked figure that looked like it was praying. The murmurs I heard started to sound more like the cries of help from a lot of girls. I chill ran down my spine once I took note that there was no other creature besides the cloaked figure and me, meaning that the sound was coming from the tree itself.
The orbs that I supposed were fruit that clung from the tree emitted the light I saw earlier. However, I could tell something was off because while some held a healthy glow, others looked as if they were rotting, their light almost going out. The leaves around them fair no better, a sickly green color was all I could see. The roots nearest to the ground appeared to be rotting as well, turning them almost to stone. I feeling a grief overcame me and I found myself on my knees, all strength leaving my body. I saw water droplets falling from where I was and I lifted my hand to my cheek, feeling the trail, my tears left.
Before I could gather my thoughts on my reactions, I heard shuffling before me. I looked up to see that the cloaked figure had turned to face me. It appeared to be a young girl, with light purple hair and a pale face. She had a strange red symbol on her forehead, red streaks over her cheeks. She appeared almost doll like.
"The seed shall return to Escalus, a fate you cannot stop". Her bluish-green cat eyes seemed to glare at my own. I was confused over her statement…did this have something to do with my lost memories? "I don't know what you are talking about. What seed? And why am I trying to stop it?" She turned to look at the tree as if questioning it. "I know what is best for Escalus. You were brought here to stop the seed's fate but I shall prevent you from doing so or all of Neo Verona shall fall to ruin."
I glanced down and noticed that her hands were turning grey, the same color of the roots of the tree. There was only one logical reason for that. "You're connected to this tree. Its fate is intertwined with your own." It would explain why she so protective of the tree, if it dies then so does she. I felt the aura around her turn murderous and before I could blink her face was right next to mine. My eyes widened as I felt excruciating pain in my lower abdomen, staring down to see she had impaled me with her hand. "You shall not stop me, even if it ends with your death"
"Lydia!" I jerked up and tried to gasp for air, feeling a hand soothing my back as I tried to slow down my beating heart. I clutched my stomach, relieved to feel that I didn't have a hole where my stomach would have been. Once I was in a somewhat controlled state, I noticed that someone had been talking this whole time. "Lydia you're scaring me! Is everything all right?" I took a deep breath. "Everything's fine Juliet, just a passing nightmare." Juliet did not look like she believed me but let it go for my sake. I gave her a grateful smile before remembering something important.
I tried playing off the dream for now. Something in my gut told me that this probably won't be the last time I encounter it. "I do hope my bad dream isn't a bad omen for your birthday." Juliet, looking relieved that I was joking only pulled me into a hug. "I am going to take that as your attempt at saying happy birthday." I chuckled and separated before telling Juliet to go ahead and enjoy the day while I go get ready.
Once I'm done, I head down to eat breakfast with everyone and simultaneously avoiding the icy glare that Francisco gives me. It helps with Curio nudges him hard to drop it and I send him a grateful smile. Once everyone was off to do their own work (I noticed Juliet and Antonio sneaking off to do their daily heroics), I helped Cordelia with the dishes. Next came my worst enemy, laundry and then we were off to the market to buy some groceries to celebrate Juliet's birthday.
On the way, Cordelia began questioning me on how Juliet was doing. I immediately understood what exactly she was asking about. "Juliet is happy but a bit impatient about knowing what you guys are hiding from her." Cordelia's face seemed to fall at my words. "Did I say something wrong?" Cordelia said no and patted me on the head. "I'm just worrying over nothing. Now come along, we have much to do and little time to do it." The conversation ended there and I didn't want to question her further when she tried to change the subject.
We arrived and headed off the stands so Cordelia can look at what we needed while I was there to help her carry everything. As she was picking around the fruit, a shadowed movement caught my attention around the corner of my eyes. I turned to see what it was and froze, recognizing the figure through the crowd. Cordelia, noticing my tense form, asked what was wrong and followed my gaze. "Do you know him, Lydia?" I debated whether I should tell her the truth. Deciding no harm would be done and that Cordelia would hopefully help me stay clear from him, I said "I met him at the Rose ball last night though I never got his name."
When I looked at Cordelia, she had this grin on her face, telling me that I made the wrong choice. "Then you should go over and ask him!" I looked at her dumbstruck while she was having a chuckle at my reaction. "I don't think so. I couldn't get away from him fast enough last night!" Cordelia was bawling in laughter now, attracting some attention towards us. My cheeks reddened as a result and I wished that I could disappeared now. "Oh, Lydia, you're just going to ask him for his name. Now go over there and say hi or I'll do it for you."
"You wouldn't dare!" My statement lacked conviction, knowing full well Cordelia would do it. The last thing I needed was to give that guy anymore fuel. "Alright fine but I'm getting you back for this." She pushed me towards that direction and pointed. I held down the urge to stick my tongue out, knowing from this angle he would see me do it. I started making my way towards him, passing through the crowd with ease. When I was halfway there, I saw him looking at me with a smirk on his face. As much as the urge the punch him was strong, I held myself back. The last thing I needed was the attention of the guards.
As we finally stood face to face, he moved and bowed as he spoke. "Good morning, my lady." I followed suit and said, "Good morning as well sir." He crossed his arms, leaning against the wall, the smirk still on his face. "I believe we are friendly enough to drop all formalities." I responded in kind. "I don't believe we ever were, sir." This got a chuckle from him as he continued. "I can't argue with a lady but I am so ever curious about what brings you willingly to my presence. I thought I understood from last night the further away from me you are, the better it suited you." I immediately turned and pointed at Cordelia. "You know as I do sir, that I wouldn't willingly be here. She threatened to come here herself to ask for your name if I didn't". This only amused him more and I shot a quick glance at Cordelia, who was flushed red and glaring at me. Well, you shouldn't have sent me here then.
"Well, since you ask me for my name, shouldn't you give the same courtesy?" This bastard was playing me. He had heard Francisco scream my name last night, but for the sake of being polite… "I'm Lydia." Instead of shaking my hand like I thought he would, he brought it up to his lips and placed a kiss on it. "I'm Tybalt". I turned the other way, trying to hide the blush that rose on my cheeks. I quickly took my hand back, the skin tingling from where he kissed it. I tried to start a conversation, hoping to distract him from my blush.
"Since we're being civil now, I'm quite curious on why you picked me when there were other nobler girls to choose from in the ballroom?" His smirk only grew and I can only sense this was going to be more embarrassing for me. "You were the only one who caught my eye". I felt a shiver run down my spine but unlike my nightmare, this wasn't out of fear. To avoid the awkward situation, I looked over to where Cordelia should be only to realize she disappeared. I glance everywhere in the market but couldn't see her, meaning she left without me.
"Well sir, I imagine there are bound to be others who interest you more than I do. Now I must go since it appears my guardian has disappeared." I bowed again, avoiding making eye contact with him, especially that stupid smirk. Before I could even think of walking, his arm intertwined with mine and I looked up, giving him the 'what do you think you're doing' look. He looked like the cat that ate the canary.
"Well Lady Lydia, what kind of gentleman would I be if I were to allow you to go unescorted home?" I tried keeping the smile on my face as I tried to get my arm back but he was to freakishly strong. "Oh, I'm sure you have other things to attend to. No need to worry about little old me, I could handle myself just fine." His eyebrow rose like he was questioning that statement, no doubt thinking of my encounter with the guards last night. "Excuse me for my skepticism but it's not too must to ask if I were to make sure with my own eyes?" What is with this man and trying to follow me home? I could just hear the tirade Francisco would make if I do allow this man to escort me home. "I thank you for the gesture but it's not necessary so would you kindly give me my arm back?"
It looked like he wasn't going to but suddenly I was free. "Since you asked so nicely, I'll follow your wishes." I was thoroughly astounded by his sudden compliance and immediately grew suspicious. "Why do I get a feeling you're just being a little too nice here, sir?" He shook his shoulders and said, "I'm only complying with your wishes unless of course, you do want me to escort you home?" I was quick to answer, taking steps back. "No thank you, I'll be on my way then." Just when I thought I was finally rid of the man, I was suddenly pulled back and felt a slight pressure on the corner of my lips. My eyes widened as a pair of twinkling blue eyes stared right back at me. "Until we meet again, Lydia." And he was gone, leaving me a flushing mess after kissing me at the corner of my lips.
My mind was jumbled and the only think I could do was walk my way home. I couldn't process what just happened and it wasn't until I was literally at my doorstep that everything hit me like a ton of bricks. That self-conceited prick! He must have done that to get a rise out of me, like a child playing with his new toy. If we ever crossed paths again, I'm sure I would give him a piece of my mind followed with a punch or two. I took in deep breathes trying to calm myself and get that irritating memory out of my mind. Once I felt I was somewhat controlled enough, I marched inside, heading towards the secret entrance.
I didn't make it a few steps in before hearing the old man ripping a new one into Juliet and Antonio. I don't doubt that they were injured this time, Conrad's voice several octaves louder than usual. I tried to sneak my way past them, hoping to not get involved but Juliet still spotted me anyway. "Sorry Conrad but I just remember I have to escort Lydia to William!" Before either Conrad or I could make a sound, Juliet was already grabbing my arm and pulling me towards the entrance, Antonio following close behind us. I sighed, since I'm being used as a scapegoat. Cordelia is just going to have to continue the preparations without me.
Juliet didn't last as long as I thought she would as we sat with William while he was working on his newest play. "I almost regret skipping out on Conrad's lecture." I quickly placed my fingers towards my lips, signaling her to be quiet. The last thing I needed was William to overhear Juliet's cries of boredom that would no doubt ensue another argument. Instead, to distract Juliet and Antonio, I asked why Conrad was so mad. Juliet shows me where she was injured and Antonio fills me in on the details. Though I'm proud that they saved all those girls, I couldn't help but agree with Conrad. If Curio hadn't shown up when he did, Juliet would be nursing more than a cut right now.
I knew Juliet would still do her daily heroics regardless of what anyone says so I only told her to be more careful from now on. I looked over at Antonio, who was currently looking over William's shoulder. "What kind of story are you writing?" As Will speaks about it, I couldn't help but glance at Juliet as he said "…disguises herself as a boy. And she goes back to being a girl for the one she loves." She looked surprised and I turned back to William, thinking that either he was incredibly lucky for guessing Juliet's situation dead on or that he knows more than he lets on. Deciding that thinking about it was a headache I did not wish upon myself, I opted to listen as Antonio once again criticizes Will's work and Will automatically firing back. And so, begins their little brawl and I'm already standing up playing referee.
Juliet who had been quiet while this was going on, speaks up. "Do you think love between a noble and a commoner could ever work out?" All of us freeze, turning to look at Juliet who was hunched over the seat. Will immediately let go of Antonio and began answering with grand gestures, making love seemed out of a fairy tale. Juliet looked pensive as Will finished. She was most likely thinking of Romeo. I couldn't help but grow a bit concerned for her, one day and she's already asking these questions? No matter how dark my thoughts turned, I chose to stay positive for Juliet's sake. No need to dampen her spirits.
Juliet then got up and said she needed to go prepare herself. Before any of us could question her, she left in a hurry. Antonio, being Juliet's sidekick, was quick to follow leaving only Will and I alone. Letting out a sigh, I sat back down, feeling a bit overwhelmed by today's events. "Lydia, if I didn't know any better I would say that our little Odin is in love." Glancing at the direction that Juliet had went, I muttered, "I hope that everything turns out well." Will suddenly became too close, a bit peeved at my lack of optimism. "I do not need to go through my whole explanation again?" I chuckled as I laid back, my arms crossed. "No need though I don't doubt you wouldn't enjoy it." Will stood in the same position, waiting for me to gather my thoughts. "It's just, real life isn't a fairy tale or a story. We may know the players, their circumstance but…we don't know how it ends. We can't all write our happy ending." My gaze fell to the ceiling, my thoughts consuming me.
"Love is no different. Who knows maybe the right people do meet and fall in love and it's destined to be. However, …I don't know, they probably met at the wrong time so to say and they're torn apart and there is nothing left at the end but misery." Will took a step back, pensive over my words. "Well how would they know it would end that way? As you said, you only know the characters and their circumstances, what's to say their love isn't strong enough to overcome it?" An image flashed through my mind, hands reaching out to me, a harmonious voice calling my name. My mind focused on those hands as I spoke. "We all can't have a joyful conclusion to our story. Life isn't so rewarding that way to everyone, no matter how much they fight for it."
Suddenly Will pulled me into a hug, snapping me out of my trance. "No matter how heart breaking it is if you don't get that happy ending…the fact that you fought with all your might for it, no one can ever say it wasn't enough." Sensing the sudden heavy atmosphere, I awkwardly patted Will in the back."Sorry Will…this conversation suddenly grew very dark. I stepped back and took another breath, the image suddenly become blurry. Whose hands were those? Will watched me, a look of concern over his face. He coughed to clear his throat and get my attention. "Well now that this heart to heart moment has passed, I would like to remind you that you still owe me that story."
Grateful to have something else to focus, I sheepishly looked at him. "I haven't gotten any ideas as of late but you'll be the first person to know when I'm finished." Emilia decided then to make her entrance to complain to William once again over her part in the play. Bidding them a good day, I made my way back to the hidden entrance. I found Cordelia in the kitchen, preparing for the feast and I decided to let the events that transpired in the market place go. Though Cordelia wasn't so forgiving and was admonishing me for details. The blush I had tipped Cordelia off before she was smirking in my direction. I refused to give any more satisfaction to Cordelia and went off about her abandoning me to the wolves.
Cordelia laughed it off and went to go take the cake out of the over. My stomach decided to dignify the smell of food with a growl, causing to go into another fit of laughter, almost dropping the cake. As she places the cake on the table, we heard Juliet calling out to us. Turning we see Juliet at the doorway not dressed as Odin. "Honestly Juliet don't scare me like that!" She feels relieved before she realizes what Juliet is wearing. "Wait that outfit!" Juliet sticks her tongue out in a playful matter but that only riles Cordelia more. She grabs Juliet and pulls her into the kitchen. "You shouldn't be out of your room dressed like that!" I step in between them. "Cordelia it's fine, right? I mean, most us besides Antonio know Juliet is well a girl. It should be fine if she wonders around the house like that especially since today is her birthday." Cordelia, who had her hand at her hips, looks like she is finally going to be convinced, that is until Juliet explains more of her plans.
"Well, I was actually planning to go outside as well." I turned to look at her ready to ask her what the hell she was thinking. I was brought here because I, an outsider, knows she was a girl. I doubt there was any way Conrad would allow this and based on Cordelia's tone as she told Juliet that was a very bad idea, I would think everyone else would be onboard the 'Juliet can't be caught outside with a dress' boat. Still, the look on Juliet's face pulled on my heart strings. I couldn't help but wonder if this had anything to do with that Romeo. Steeling myself, I made up my mind to help her as much as I can.
I turned to face Cordelia who jumped in surprise at my sudden action and the look of determination on my face. ", Cordelia there's something I've been meaning to tell you, Juliet just beat me to the punch." Juliet looked thoroughly confused but I winked in her direction, hoping she would follow my lead. Now to test out my acting skills. "You see I was supposed to meet…Tybalt today." Cordelia's eyebrows disappeared behind her bangs as I continued. "And well, since we just only met we…decided to meet somewhere…to you know…get to know each other better?" I could feel the bile begin to creep up my throat. Juliet owed me big time after this. Calming my nerves, I decided to follow Emilia's lead. "But I didn't want to go alone and well…Juliet offered to go. Nevertheless…" Someone kill me now. "I didn't want to…uh…give him…you know…the wrong impression."
Cordelia looked like she was holding in her hysterical laughter and from the little gasps of breath behind me, I could tell Juliet couldn't either. I was certainly going to kill her big time after this. "So, Juliet came up with the idea…to dress up as a girl…to help me. It also helps that I don't know my way around Neo Verona yet." I was done and all that's left to do is for Emilia to buy it. Cordelia looked pensive trying to gouge out if I was lying or not. I tried to force myself to blush, the image of the Tybalt's eyes staring at my own helping. "Oh…all right!" I looked up, shocked that it worked while Juliet let squeals of glee.
Cordelia told us she'll let us out but to be back before Conrad finds out. Juliet then asks where irises grew and I thought she blew our cover. Fortunately, Cordelia thought nothing of it, thinking I was too embarrassed to ask. Letting out a sigh in relief, I started heading to the entrance once again before Cordelia's voice stopped me. "You're not going to go meet him in that are you?" I turned looking a bit insulted. "What's that supposed to mean?" Cordelia grabbed me and hauled me into my room. She started digging into the closet and threw the only other good gown I had. "Take my advice, if you're going to meet with Tybalt, the least you could do is make it look like you tried to look prettier than you already are. Since I still have things to take care of, Juliet should take care of your hair. Remember to be back before it's late!"
And she closed the door, leaving Juliet and I alone in the room. "You do realize you are now in my debt, right?" Juliet had the decency to look sheepish. "Sorry about that Lydia but thank you for convincing her to let us outside." I brushed it off as I slipped on the gown, picking up the one I had just worn and putting it in the waste basket. "Now while you're doing what you were planning to do, I'm stuck trying to make up my fake encounter with that insufferable man." Juliet giggled at my choice of words. "From what I heard, maybe you will encounter him again?" I groaned letting my hair out of its ponytail. "I hope not. One encounter is more than enough."
Juliet grabbed the brush out of my hands and motioned for me to sit. "You could always write that play for Will." That image peered in my mind again. "Juliet, when you asked Will that question…" Her hands stilled but it wasn't what I was going to tell her. "Will and I had a talk after you two were gone and then, this image appeared in my mind. Someone was reach for me, calling me and it was so familiar but…I couldn't remember more than that?" Juliet continued brushing my hair, taking in my words. "Isn't this a good thing? That you remember? Even though it was a little bit, the fact you're remembering this means that your memory might come back?" I felt a heavy weight in my heart as I thought about it. "I don't know Juliet. I should be happy about it, joyful even. I just…get this heavy feeling in me…like my gut is telling me that I don't want to remember."
Juliet placed her hand on my shoulder, squeezing it. "No matter if you do remember or not Lydia, you're still my friend." I smiled and couldn't help but say "I do hope so, now that I told Cordelia of my supposed rendezvous with Tybalt. Now let's stop wasting time making me look pretty for no one, explain to me on the way why we're going to see irises." The way there didn't cause to much trouble, until we hit the stairs. I told Juliet that I would wait for her down here while she went to where the irises are. I understood that she had planned to come here on her own and wanted to give her some privacy. Juliet was grateful but was worried if she left me down here all alone. I told her that I could take care of myself and to go so we could get home. She looked hesitant but went up while I took a seat next to the stairs. I wondered idly about what sort of story I was going to tell Cordelia concerning my fake rendezvous.
It certainly wasn't going to be anything indecent, maybe I could tell her he was insufferable prick and leave it at that? I sighed, knowing that it would only tip her off that I was lying. The last thing I need is to get on Cordelia's bad side, not a fun place to be. I sat leaning against the wall, staring at the sky. Maybe a rendezvous on top of the rooftops? Noble men don't like being caught with those lower than them, so it seemed sensible enough. Then comes about what we would be talking. I wondered if I should take a page out of William's plays, a secret meeting where two lovers profess their undying love for one another. I sighed, that was too unbelievable even for me. Suddenly thinking of a story to fool Cordelia was a lot harder than I thought. A movement across the skies distracted me and I watched as whoever it was, land on a building. The same building Juliet was currently in. I felt panic consume me as I ran up the steps, hoping against all odds that I reach Juliet in time.