Chapter 2 Throughout Lovely Those Years
Summer, Winter, Autumn, and Spring all had to give up their beloved magic in their wands to get rid of suspicion and to make sure Maryweather can't find them. To the village of Thalia Freya is known as the adoptive child of market bakers named, Freira Nomble who lives in a two story cabin in the Thalia Woods. Her parents "died in a fire" and the "parents of the four sisters" have been taking care of her since Winter was a babe. Then when the four sisters' parents "died" Winter took over. For years the girls hid in the cottage pretending to children. Then when Freya was five Winter decided hiding like this wasn't healthy for Freya and took on the age of sixteen and decided to actually work in the market place. Spring took on the age of eleven and helps Winter with their new store in the market place. Summer decided that Freya needed a friend so she took the age of six and Autumn four. The village people call her by her "nickname" Freya. Freya secretly goes from in and out of the castle for monthly visits with her parents. Because no one knows what she looks like and because no one knows where she truly is there is no way for Maryweather to find her. But because of the prophecy everyone knows the princess has hair as blond as gold, lips as red as roses, and eyes as unusual as a rainy day in summer. Since Freya was able to understand what's happening around her she's known about everything.
My life is layered out like a huge timeline. Plans are put to the test depending on years and my age. I was able to keep my first name but I still have little. I have little friends to none and I can't show my face not even my hair. Sometimes I can only show parts of my face and then others everything but my eyes. But my eyes must be changed to a different color by this magical water given to me by Winter. School is rough for me. Teachers and villagers think I have a sickness and must be wrapped in cloth. Every now and then I am made fun of but they don't know the whole story and I know that if they knew they wouldn't talk that way. I am Freya Saida Balthasar. Princess Freya Saida Balthasar of Amayeta.
At eight years old Freya has lived two different lives for a very long time now. In their little cabin, in the evening, Freya is sitting on the edge of a light blue threaded circle rug next to the lounge chair Winter is sitting in. Winter is reading Freya a book. Freya is wearing her long blond hair in a simple braid with a milk white ribbon at the bottom tie and is wearing her simple sap green play dress with cut sleeves for the hot summer sun. Winter reads, "...with love in her heart and a plan in her head Deya ran away from home to be with her love." Freya leans in with wonder in her glimmering turquoise eyes. "And the rest will be left for tomorrow." Winter closes the book with a low sounding slam.
Freya relaxes her tense body and slouches down on the floor. "Aww Winter read more please."
"No no that's enough for today. Besides we have to help the others at the market." Winter slowly gets up from the arm chair and walks to the kitchen to make more sweets for the market. "Freya dear, come and help me make some more bread."
Freya swiftly gets up and grabs some ingredients from the oak wood cabinets. She lays them out in an orderly fashion next to three bowls on the counter. Freya gently grabs three eggs from the basket she got at the market place and places them in one of the bowls of warm water. This is a secret trick they use to make treats more moist and last longer. Winter is getting the stone wall oven ready. She adds the kindle and pokes at it with an iron rod made for fire places.
Freya leans on the counter and asks, "Winter can you tell me why fairies don't age and how?"
Winter pauses for a moment and walks to the counter and starts sifting the flour. "Well for thousands of years fairies have lived through changes of the world. No one really knows why but we are able to live with agelessness. Once a fairy reaches the experience level of forty years that fairy can change itself into what ever age they want. Some fairies, like Autumn and Summer, gain the traits of the age they choose. For example, you notice how Autumn still acts younger than you but she's actually older? And how Summer and you are one year apart and have that special bond of friendship? But there is a way to lose that youth." Winter says calmly as she begins to add more ingredients.
"How?" Freya asks eager to learn more. She mixes the ingredients in the big bowl.
Winter looks at her for a brief moment knowing what this conversation is going to lead to. But she knows Freya is mature and it's about time she knows. "Well, when evil comes into a fairy's heart they turn into a witch and it's almost impossible to turn them back. Once a witch, they age like any other human but don't die of old age. So a witch's mission is to find children and take their youth." Winter gets herself ready for impact on the inside for what Freya's gonna say.
"Is that what happened to Maryweather? Your older sister? And that's why she's after me?" Freya mumbles a little at the end.
"Yes. That's what happened." Winter can't look at Freya. Afraid to see those lovely eyes suffering in such a small child. "Why has this happened to such a wonderful girl. No one should have live and suffer like this. Living in constant fear everyday." Winter keeps her tears inside.
Freya wants to ask one more question but Spring walks in with her cloth hood off but her cloth mask still on. They all must wear masks now to hide how they can't age and to hide themselves and Freya's identity from the world. Sometimes the girls just take off their masks, or just take of their hoods, and once in a while they take it all of. But Freya must wear a special kind of lipstick to hide her rose red lips and wear a veil cap to hide her gold hair. Spring clothes a basket of precious blueberries as she tries to close the door on the stubborn guest wind. Spring finally closes the door with a short groan and places the basket on the small coffee table. She unwraps her cloth, mask, and takes off her coat and puts it on the organized cupboard next to the door. Then she goes directly to Freya and hugs her a tight hug. She then faces Winter, "I can take over from here. Summer's gonna need help with Autumn wandering around. Autumn is still seven years old you know and Summer is only nine but it's a slow day so you better get over there quick. Oh and Fred is watching them."
"Okay I'll be there. Just finish up here." Winter grabs her coat, mask, and hood. She puts on her hood and coat fast as magic then crouches down to Freya's level, "Alright be good. I'll let Autumn and Summer come back to play with you. Love you." Winter kisses Freya's forehead.
"Love you too. Hahaha." Winter tickles her. Then with that Winter puts on her mask and walks out the door.
A nice cool breeze flies to the kitchen flowing through every strand of Spring's thick brown It's glowing radiance in the sunlight through the drawn windows. "Oh this is such a lovely spring day! My powers must be very strong today. Okay let's finish this up!" Spring bounces into place to make the bread. Spring has always been the beautiful one but as she grows into her teen years her beauty grows stronger and stronger every year. Ever since the store opened teenage boys and men have been asking Spring for marriage but everyone she refuses. Now fourteen her original features are coming back.
"Umm Spring?" Freya speaks up and takes a seat on a stool.
"Yes Freya darling?" Spring says without looking. Setting the bread dough to rise.
"...What made Maryweather evil and into a witch?" Freya spitted out.
Spring leaves her hands where they were when she was letting go of the bread pan. Frozen her body was and her eyes filled with surprise and terror.
"Winter told you didn't she?" Spring's voice trembled and she finally moved from the counter to face Freya. One hand placed on the counter and the other left hanging as the two girls stared at each other's eyes. Silence spoke for itself. Spring gave the fight in her head and opened up the locks in her heart. She sighed, "If Winter decided to tell you I guess that means she thought you were ready for the story."
Freya clutches the edges her of her stool and her body tenses for the impact. She breathes heavily.
"There is a secret we've all tried to keep from you including her mother. but it's time for you to know." Spring hesitates and sits herself down on another stool. She scoots toward Freya a little more. Freya takes Spring's hand and nods. "Your mother and Maryweather are connected together by a single thread. Maryweather is your mother's lady-in-waiting years ago."
Freya mouth widens. But she shakes it off to listen to the rest.
"In the kingdom of Torell, Sadia and Maryweather were best of friends. They were inseparable and Maryweather stayed the same age as Sadia. Sometimes they played with us but usually their bond was so strong they only had each other. They even had there one language and had a dog they both took care of. Some days they would have their fights but they usually made up pretty quick. So when your mother was about to turn seventeen..." Spring she pauses. "...your mother already had two suitors in pursuit of her hand in marriage. One was nicknamed Riley by Sadia. He was a nice young prince in his twenties and had the blondest that you'll ever see. The other suitor was a man the same age as Sadia but already a king whose fiancé died a few years back and his name was Randall.
When Sadia met with them she found the two young princes attractive. But the deal was to spend time with all of them. They were all so kind and sweet, some even cocky, and Sadia was having a lot of fun. Sadia tried her hardest to bring Maryweather on every date she was taken to and Maryweather went to almost everyone of them. When Sadia wasn't spending time with the princes Sadia would spend time with Maryweather and the other best friend by which they called RayRay. RayRay had the greenest eyes in the entire country and he had silky black hair. He was also seventeen, a prince, and they were all the best of friends. RayRay and Maryweather were very close and they both loved each other but neither of them would admit it and none of them knew how the other felt.
After a while the time to announce her husband was coming closer and closer. Sadia had become in love with Riley and he loved her but something Sadia couldn't under stand was keeping her back from her love for him. Well one day the three best friends were lazily lying down on that flowery hill they always played at near the Thalia forest. There is a huge old oak tree with many stories to tell and not many people went there because of an old village legend. Maryweather and the others would always play there. But later on Maryweather had to leave so she left the two of them alone..." Spring places the tip of her wand on Freya's forehead and tells her to close her eyes. Inside Freya's mind a movie played.
There is a wide meadow with yellowing tall grass with springtime daffodils and greenery. A gentle warm breeze tickles the petals of the flowers and bends the grass in a smooth jazz dance for two. The sky has a soft pastel colored look to it with creamy white clouds as if carefully painted by the wet bristles of a small paint brush.
RayRay plays with the tall grass plucking them and then gently placing the blades back. A small cooling breeze strokes the fair skin of Sadia and dances with her strands of blond hair. Sadia is lying down on her stomach supporting her self with her elbow on the pokey grass and her hand upon her delicate cheek. Her other arm, supporting her as well, plays with a yellow daffodil. Sadia sniffs it briefly and then sighs.
RayRay can tell there's something wrong with Sadia so he asks, "Sadie is there something wrong? Something on yer mind?
Sadia turns herself over on her back to get up. She lets out a slight groan as she lazily picks herself up and then sighs again." It's nothing...well...umm...hmmm. I just...I don't know." she puts her hands on her head as if trying to make the thoughts go away.
RayRay then definitely knows there's something wrong with Sadia. He takes her hands away from her head and holds her hands in his. They're fingers intertwine and Sadia finally gets her thoughts straight.
"It's Riley. You know how I love him right?" She looks into his green-lit eyes.
"Right..." RayRay urges her to go on politely. He takes her to sit and rest her back on the old oak tree. Sadia then feels relaxed and goes on
"Well I don't know what but something's keeping me from back. I mean...like I want to announce him as my husband but then for some reason my heart's telling me no. Then my heart tells me yes...ughh my heart's split in two." Sadia leans on RayRay, using him as a pillow.
Then as RayRay leans his head on Sadia's head he smells the fresh scent of lavender. They both lift their heads and smile. RayRay takes one look into the never-ending adventure in Sadia's eyes and the whole world seems to disappear. Then in that instant they both knew why Sadia couldn't truly fall in love with Riley because her heart also belongs to RayRay. Their hearts start to race in two beats per second faster faster. The wind blew past their faces brushing their skins and allowing threads of hair to float. Then it stopped as if adding more to the tension. Ba bum. Ba bum. Faster and faster the tempo went. Ba bup ba bup ba bum. Their faces lean closer and closer as seconds pass. Sadia is close enough to feel his breathing on her lips. Both did heavy breathing not fully prepared for what's to happen next. Then all at once their lips touch and a surge of energy flowed through their veins. The wind blew with force ripping the petals off of the wild flowers and the petals floated with the tornado-like flow of the wind as if floating with the flow of a gentle yet forceful river. The wind guides the petals in a formation of a tornado with the couple in the middle and the petals swirling and circling them. The different kinds of color and flower petals creates a shimmering rainbow as the sun ever so lightly shines behind them. Their lips part and they stare into each others eyes but the same question was going through their minds What and how are we going to tell Maryweather?
The movie ends and Spring continues the story. "The thing was that Maryweather saw the whole thing. She was going back to the hill to meet up with them and saw the kiss. Maryweather's heart was broken but she told herself it was okay and that she understood the situation but in her heart was hate and envy. Still Maryweather told Sadia it was okay but Sadia couldn't tell who she was going to marry. One day, close to the day Sadia was going to choose her groom, Sadia and Maryweather had a fight in the castle tower balcony. Maryweather brought up how Sadia took her love away. RayRay tried to break them up but the fight turned physical. Sadia pushed Maryweather near the edge of the balcony and she started to fall. RayRay leapt to save Maryweather and did but in the process RayRay was the one who fell to his death. Maryweather disappeared that day shouting revenge. Sadia married Riley, or Ronald, in the end and at RayRay's, or Rian's, funeral Sadia and everyone were surprised to see Maryweather come back as a witch. At the funeral Maryweather tried to take her revenge on Sadia but because we were there she left with a warning of returning. Many have tried to stop her but she became too powerful. Every...every now and then there is a child, of any age before eighteen, missing. Every now and then parents expect the worse..."
It's now clear to Freya. She now understands why everyone is doing what they can do and why they're willing to give up everything, including they're lives, just for the protection of princess. Spring takes Freya's hand to comfort the both of them. Freya then realizes she's not the only one who is suffering by the hand of an evil witch. That witch was once a humble sister to Spring and the others. To lose a sister from the evil in lust and to have that sister hunt down another creature they care deeply about must be heartbreaking.
Spring hides her true feelings by putting on a smile. With that they went on baking for their little shop in the plaza.
Four years later, at the age of twelve, Freya's life little by little had become a normal routine to everyone, including the villagers. In human time Autumn is eleven, Summer is thirteen, Spring is eighteen, and Winter twenty-three. Spring and Winter are now at their true features and many men of the village have also noticed that, especially for Spring. It is now also safe for Winter to look twenty but tell people she's older because it's normal for many women to want to look young. Some women are truly thirty but try to act and look eighteen.
At the age of twelve I witnessed, for the first time, the hunger of a love struck man and how desperate they can get. It was so surprising and yet...I also, in the inside, yearned for a man to do that for me. At the age of twelve boys had found their way into my life and many have noticed the changes of features within our family. Even Autumn has some lookers every now and then.
On a breezy yet hot summer day the market place is still very busy. Many travelers and tourists have decided to take summer vacations into the country. The street is filled with people of many ages and varieties wonderingly scoping the different shops and meeting more people. Some travelers set up their own shops on the street selling precious and antique items from where they have traveled from. Freya is wearing a thin and airy, yet non revealing, mask and has her hair in a round red veil cap which still hides her hair but is shady enough to keep the sun out. Freya is helping out by cleaning the kitchen inside and away from the crowd. The others are wearing similar masks today but have decided to take them off because of he heat. Summer helps Freya out off her mask and puts on the only color lipstick that can hide her rose red lips, a lighter shade of red or a shade of coral red.
"Oh butternit! Your lips are just so red you don't need lipstick." Summer tries to gently dab lipstick on Freya's lips.
Freya smiles, "I know right. Unlike other women I don't need to pretty myself up." She gestures her hand dramatically as if powdering her face.
Summer snickers, "You mean like Cerrie Grenald in our class." Summer rolls her eyes as she adjusts her cap to align to the left and Freya fixes her own cap while laughing.
"That Cerrie Grenald! What did I ever do to her? It's not like I play with more guys on purpose. It doesn't mean I'm barbaric!" Freya sisses.
"Gee? I don't know some girls are just jealous of your beauty." Summer grabs Freya's hand.
"Yes the beauty of this mask on my face just matches the color of my dress!" Freya does a ridiculous pose to indicate a model.
"Haha Freya. Now let's go play." Summer takes hold of Freya's hand and Freya's clutches back.
The two girls step out of the kitchen ready to play outside in the meadow while doing some errands for Spring. The bakery is now a big part of Spring's life. She cherishes the time and makes most of the ideas for the little shop. The shop has a large and long table top counter like a bar with a few stools aligned with it. On the wall shows shelves of pastries and sweets people can order. There are a few tables and chairs here and there but people usually buy on-the-go in this village. The counter can be lifted to get out but you have to unhitch the little door under it. Once stepping out of the kitchen doorway Freya and Summer feel an awkward vibe as the shop door is closes revealing a slick man all cleaned up but seemed nervous. Autumn walks toward Freya and Summer to stand beside them. Something told the girls that this man wasn't a regular customer. The man was in his late thirties and it seemed like a daisy could scare the man. He was holding a bouquet of tiger lilies and suffocating them with his chest.
"Excuse me?" Summer tries to get the man's attention. She waits for a few moments but it, to Summer, it felt like forever. No answer and the room starts to feel even more awkward. "Excuse me?" Summer says a little louder but no answer. The man fixes his hair one more time panicking if it doesn't seem right to him. Instead of answering he mumbles to himself. Summer tries one more time and almost shouts, "Excuse me sir!"
The man almost has a heart attack as he places one hand on his heart and squeals. Freya, Summer, and Autumn look at each other trying not to laugh. The man looks around the room to find the voice he heard. He spots the group of girls behind the counter of the shop. Almost trembling he walks a little closer.
"Yes?" He says with a shaken voice.
Summer looks at him wondering if he even is a customer or if he even knew that this was a bakery. "Can I help you?"
The man is fixing his clothes again while mumbling to himself. After a while he realized what Summer had asked. "Hmm? Oh! Yes you can." Then he starts playing with the flower petals mumbling the words "pretty, pretty"
Silence. A bird passes through the window and Freya gets tired of waiting. "With?..."
"Hmm? Oh yes! Please...umm...what was it...Oh! Please get your sister." He asks Freya.
"I don't have a sister..." Freya says with a blank stare as if saying "What are you talking about?"
"Hmmmm...oh! You don't? Hmmm?" He ponders to himself. "You don't have a sister? You know umm...beautiful face with those dazzling eyes and that nice b- umm...and that works here?" His face turns red.
Summer now looks down on him. "You mean my sister?" She says annoyed.
"Yes! Y-yes! Your sister!" The man jumps with excitement.
"...Which one?" Summer peers at him.
The man stops to think. "Umm...you know...oh what was her name?" He falters.
Freya sighs and drops her head while Autumn hides her laughs. Summer just looks at him.
He doesn't even know her name or who her sisters are? This man is a joke! Summer thinks to herself. She sighs and then decides to cut him some slack.
"Spring! There's another customer for you!" Summer shouts.
Spring comes out from the kitchen with a basket of bread wearing her smock and hair in a bun. She spots the man and goes from behind the counter to him. Spring sort of understands what the situation is. "Yes sir how may I help you?" she curtsies with the basket of bread.
The man melts inside but mumbles it off. He readies himself and goes down on one knee. Shaking, he tries to give Spring the flowers. Summer's hands go to her mouth and Freya steps forward with Autumn to get a closer look. Spring is surprised but has pity on the man for trying so hard.
The man's voice tremble and he can't look Spring in the eyes, "W-w-w-will y-y-y-y-you b-b-b-b-b-be m-my-" He pauses.
Spring can't watch anymore. Before he speaks again he stops him, "Stop!" she tries not to shout, "Please hold your tongue sir."
The man looks at Spring and drops the bouquet beside him. He listens.
"I'm flattered- really I am- but...it's just that.. I have more important things in my life right now and...and... Well? I don't know who you are sir." Spring admits.
The man looks at her with surprise realizing he never even spoke to her before. But after all that he begins to beg. "Please! Marry me!" Spring starts to walk back to the kitchen but the man tries to follow. "Please Sarah be my wife!"
"That's not my name!" Spring says to him in disgust but He pleads more. "I don't even know your name sir!" Spring lifts the counter to let herself back in the kitchen and then as the man tries to follow she slams it back in place.
"Wait Sharon wait!" the man says trying to lift the counter.
Freya then slams a basket full of jars of jam on his hands. He lets out a painful cry. "So sorry sir but only workers can be behind this counter." Freya snickers.
The man frees his hands but is now angered and tries to attack his way in. Freya shrieks as the man tries to leap over the counter to grab the girls. Summer starts to scream and desperately starts to throw fruit and pastries at him. The girls scream for help and try to throw things at him to make him back off.
"Get out! Get out!" Autumn starts to scream for Spring, "Ah! Spring help! AAHH!"
Spring runs out of the kitchen ready to pounce with a broom and tries to get the man away by hitting him with it. The man just won't give up and tries to speak while fighting his way through.
"Gah! Cherry wait! Ouch! OW!" He tries to grab for Spring.
Spring screams and gets angry. "That! Is! Not! My! Name!" She whacks him with the bottom of the broom. The straws on the broom scratches at the man's head.
Winter then walks in to see a mess play in front of her. Fred, who walked in with her, rushes to take the man away. Fred restrains the man and the man still insists to ask the same question to Spring.
"Wait! Wait!" the man and Fred start to loosen up. "Please...Samantha will you marry me?"
Spring looks at him and then slaps him with the broom. The man starts to go crazy again. Fred drags him outside and the man tries to take hold of Winter's clothing but she backs away and runs beside Spring, Once the man is gone everyone let's out a sigh of relief. Spring turns around in a mixture of anger and of annoyance.
She grunts, "Why is it always the crazies? Ugh!" She begins to mumble and walk back to the kitchen.
Winter looks towards the group of girls waiting for what to do next. Winter sighs and gives the girls the okay to go play until the sun goes down and be on time for supper. The girls with smiles rush outside to the meadow to play as long as they can. Winter goes into the kitchen to help out Spring and to prepare for the other customers.
Down near where Freya lives is a meadow filled with tall grass and beautiful wildflowers. The meadow is gated by tall dark trees so children never really go beyond the forest. But if you go deeper into the forest to the east there lives Freya's home. There is a legend about the northern part of the meadow that has been passed down for many years. In the northern part of the meadow lives an old oak tree on top of a grassy hill where the daffodils grow. There once was a couple who confessed their love for each other right as the daffodils bloomed. Then the man suddenly died when he was picking flowers for his new bride. The woman was so sad she became evil and then became a ghost! Now just as the daffodils begin to bloom if there is a child playing there the ghost kidnaps them never to be seen again. Freya and the others never really cared about that legend because on the inside the old oak tree had better stories to tell then an untrue version of what happened on that hill. It seemed that only Freya and the others were the bravest children to play there. Their only greatest fear was Maryweather anyways and her minions are still looking into other countries.
Summer dramatically rips off her cap and mask. She let's out a happy sigh as she breaths in the cool fresh air, letting her hair flow with the wind. Autumn takes off her cap and runs against the wind to see the veil fly like a dragon. Freya lies against the bark of the old oak tree and watches the clouds go by making shapes. Autumn snaps off her mask and sits down in a grassy patch where she can't harm the daffodils. It's almost time for the daffodils to whither for summer. Summer has full energy because of the season and she's starts to dance around with the wind.
"I wish it was always like this!" Summer says to the sky. She feels the warm sun's rays on her skin and her skin absorbs the energy into her body.
Freya gets up but stays into the shade of tree, "I always wish that." She touches the rough and scratchy skin of the oak tree. Freya admires the beauty of the tree. It's been here for more years than Freya's mother's parents. So many stories this tree can tell if it could talk. Freya tries to feel the life within the tree to see if she can truly communicate with it.
Summer let's herself fall back knowing the grass would be a protective pillow. She let's out a sigh, "Freya come play!"
Autumn starts picking flowers to make a crown, "Come play Freya!"
Freya steps away from the tree to dance with Summer as Autumn makes five flower reeds. Little did they know there was someone watching them. Another boy looking to be the same age as Freya. He has light brown hair down to the bottom of his ears and dark swirl brown eyes. He has smooth tan skin that compliments his surrounding facial features such as his big cat eyes and small and bunny-like nose. This boy was hiding behind the oak tree when Freya and the others came. He sees everything by peeking from behind the tree. The boy is surprised to see girls playing around here because of the legend. He starts to listen to their conversation.
It's those Nomble girls! Wow who would ever think this is where they run off to. They don't have their masks on? This is the first time I've ever seen them without it! the boy mumbles to himself.
"Ugh! Goodbye dreaded mask and cap!" Freya says as she dances around with the wind. She tears off the mask and cap throwing them aside the oak tree. She laughs around with Summer and Autumn watches from where she sits. Freya's hair flies with the breeze and the sun tips touch her skin ever so lightly. She closes her eyes and spins around in circles with her arms out.
The boy sees this all in slow motion, this is the first time he's ever seen Freya fully. His heart starts to pound louder and louder as she spins around and round. Then Summer takes Freya's and Autumn's hands to spin in a circle as the wind circles with them and the flowers seem to dance as well. To the boy he can't believe he's witnessing three girls right in front of him. The boy wants to get a closer look so he steps further away from the tree. The girls rest themselves by lying down except for Freya who prefers to stand. As Summer lies down she sees the boy and quickly gets up.
"Ah! Someone's there!" Summer points at the boy. She scrambles to find her mask.
Freya follows where Summer is pointing to see the boy scrambling to get behind the tree. She then realizes she needs her mask too so she rushes to the tree to get it. There the boy peeks from behind the tree to become face to face with Freya. Freya quickly runs back to Summer holding the mask with her hand. The boy comes out from behind the tree and he faces the three girls. Autumn is still sitting on the grass and they're all just staring.
"Umm...you guys are the Nomble girls right?" The boy shouts from his side. "The ones in my school?"
Summer nods ready to pounce while Freya watches for any sudden movements. In everyone's head they're saying the same thing, "Shit!"
"...Well...wow this is the first time I've seen your faces." the boy smiles.
"What's it to you?" Freya shouts back.
"...Well...umm...you guys look nice." the boy smiles and laughs. He walk away from the tree closer to them.
Summer and Freya let their guards down because it seems this boy doesn't know the legend. Summer and the others walk to the boy, "What's your name boy?"
The boy is now at least three feet away from them and feels comfortable around them, "Edwin. Edwin Reed. Pleasure to meet ya!" Edwin offers his hand.
Summer accepts the hand roughly and curtsies, "Pleasure's all mine."
Eventually the three girls trust Edwin enough to play with him without wearing their masks. Soon the sun begins to dip into the mountains far away and it's almost time for them to go home. Freya and the other girls start to get ready to leave while Edwin silently watches. Freya notices this.
"Don't you have to go home Edwin? It's almost supper time." Freya asks as Summer adjusts her hat for her.
Edwin thinks for a while and then answers, "Well my parents aren't home tonight." He draws circles with his foot on the grass.
Summer, Autumn, and Freya glance at each other and they agree with what each one is thinking. Summer is the one to tell him, "If you want..." she pauses embarrassingly, "You can come to our house for supper." Summer spits out.
Edwin's eyes light up and he smiles. "Yes! Thank you!" he jumps with excitement.
The four of them walk together side by side into the east side of the forest. They walk beside a little river following it for their destination. Halfway there Edwin starts to wonder why are they walking in the woods right before it gets dark. The trees are becoming harder and harder to see, the moon is becoming brighter and brighter, and the sun is growing dimmer and dimmer. The girls sing a song they made up so they can remember the way home. It was like a little code with a soothing beat to it. Edwin listens in wonder and thinks to himself how the Nomble girls aren't like others. As the girls sing the sun begins to disappear and it gets hard for them to see but the girls keep on going as if they know what they're doing without getting lost.
Edwin begins to watch with curiosity, "Umm...so where do you guys live anyway?" There is no answer the girls keep singing their song and then the sunlight is gone.
The moon is their only source of light and this makes Edwin panic. Freya reaches for Edwin's hand and guides him thought the dark forest. Edwin grows silent and is so amazed that a girl is holding his hand. Soon up ahead there is some light and Edwin sees the small cottage at the edge of the creek. The girls drag Edwin inside giggling and running. Once inside the doorway Winter comes to greet them and she's surprised to see that there's a strange boy with them. She's also wondering why they're not wearing their masks around him.
Again with the strange mishaps? Winter thinks.
"Why, who do we have here?" Winter clasps her hand together. "Hmm? Someone of your stature Freya?" Winter teases the girls.
Freya gets annoyed by this and puts her foot down. "No. He's a new friend." Freya hints to Winter.
"Yes! Can he stay for supper? Huh? Please?" Autumn tugs on Winter's arm.
"His parents are not home and he needs to eat." Summer adds to the pressure.
"Well...Autumn..." Winter pauses glancing at everyone's pleasing faces and sighs, "Spring? Please set one more plate at the table...we have a guest. And...he can... stay over tonight too."
Everyone cheers inside but they all wait for the exception Winter might say. Edwin looks at Winter with wide eyes to ease her condition for him. Winter sighs as she glances at everyone's faces, filled with hope.
"But." Winter pauses. "He has to stay downstairs...he is a boy after all and this is a girl's house..."
"Sure thing miss!" Edwin's arm is wrapped around by Autumn and she forces him upstairs while Summer and Freya linger to the kitchen with Winter.
Freya watches Edwin gets dragged up the stairs with a smile and talks back to Summer. Edwin looks back and smiles at Freya. Autumn gets tired of pulling Edwin and realizes he's looking at something so she stops and notices it's just Freya. With one tug Edwin is back up the stairs stumbling over the steps. Freya and Summer look back at the stairs giggling at Edwin. Winter turns back, thinking there were two girls following behind her, to see that they haven't moved from the opening of the staircase. She laughs to herself.
"Hey. Hey!" Winter calls from the corner turn to the kitchen to get their attention.
Freya and Summer awake from their stupor and rush back to Winter's side. Winter stares at them slightly wondering what's got them in a daze. Her hands, that were on her hips at that time, moves into crossed-arms and she tilts her head as if it would change her perspective into theirs.
"A friend huh?" Winter remarks tilting her head back and loosening her stance a little.
Freya and Summer glimpse at each other wondering what the other is thinking. Without saying anything more they follow behind Winter to help Spring in the kitchen. Before Spring can ask any questions Freya explains everything in under a few minutes and heads straight to the mixture in a pot on the kitchen stove noticing it's the cheese for Spring's Savory Bread. Spring returns to her work with making the rabbit but when there's an awkward silence between this family they don't go by silent instead they find a way to have fun. As Freya takes the cheese off the stove she makes a beat with her spoon and pot. Summer answers back by closing the cabinets a few more times. Winter chops the cabbage in a beat of three and then slides the knife and cabbage to create a sound. This same beat repeats with different kinds of skills and utensils when Autumn comes in with Edwin she starts dancing with him. Spring cuts in and dances with Autumn while Edwin offers his hand to Freya. Timidly she accepts and they dance the Ceilidh while the rest clap their hands to create the fast acting beat. The Ceilidh is an old village couple dance that can be danced with a couple or in a group; it's meant for women and men pairs. Edwin makes a mistake and instead he takes Freya's hands in his and they skip in circles. Laughter fills the room and then, as it died down, they all realize the food is ready. Edwin helps set up the table as Spring let's dessert sit. Edwin sets down five plates on top of the maple top table and Freya lights up three candles to brighten the room. Winter and Autumn carry the food to the dining table and set it as presentable as possible. Soon their all sitting together and eating; just having a good time.
Spring is the first to question Edwin, "So...Edwin. Tell us about yourself. Such as how old are you?"
Edwin hesitates a little and it seems the attention makes him nervous. "Well I'm twelve years old and I go to school with Freya and Summer" he pauses to collect his thoughts, "Umm I also create wood figurines."
Spring was drinking from her water when Edwin said he creates wood figurines she immediately stops drinking to speak. "Really? Such as...?"
"Oh. Umm I do animals and things like that. Anything that I like or find intriguing." Edwin plays with his fork.
"So what about your parents? Where are they?" Winter asks.
Edwin seems to choke about this. He tries to find the right words, "Well, my dad is a logger and...my parents are..." Edwin pauses and gives up trying to escape the truth, " are not here anymore...they died...sometime ago."
The girls seem to have walked into a touchy subject and stay quiet. They all have sympathy for Edwin.
"They died in a fire. I now live with a neighbor and their children." Edwin tries not to make it seem it bothers him. "They think I'm with friends right now and now thanks to you it's true."
"I'm sorry." It's the only words Summer can make out.
"It's alright." Edwin says with a grin.
After a while laughter and conversations start to fill the room again; telling embarrassing yet funny stories about each other and others. To end the night Spring takes out her chocolate bread pudding and serves everyone as they plead for more. Autumn starts to yawn after a while and it signals Spring it's time for bed. Freya goes to set up a bed for Edwin and he helps her.
Later that night Edwin is sitting on top of his bed/couch admiring the decor in the living room with the dim light of the candle. Everyone else seems to be sleeping because of the faint sound of snores. Edwin wonders which Nomble girl the snores are coming from. Edwin laughs to himself thinking that snoring may be one of the flaws the beautiful Spring has. After a few minutes Edwin hears light foot steps and spots another dim candle light coming down the stairs. Freya pops out in her blue night gown with a smile on her face. Edwin relaxes a little and invites Freya to sit with him on the couch. Freya agrees and makes herself comfortable next to Edwin. The dim lights of the two candles creates enough light to see each others faces.
Edwin decides to speak first, "You Nomble girls are a strange bunch. No ones knows where you all disappear to, where you live or what you look like. I've never been this deep in the forest before."
"I know. We're all just a strange bunch of girls. Only to be seen at school together or at the bakery together." Freya admits.
"You're not that strange to me. You all are just who you are but your partly normal." Edwin jokes.
"Thank you?" Freya grins. She's thinking to herself for a moment and then looks outside the window at the night starry sky. "Come with me." Freya drags Edwin to the door.
"Where are we goin-" Edwin is shushed by Freya. They creep outside the door to the grassy planes.
The grass patch is the only grass patch with the moon light shining through the only open spot in the clumps of trees. Freya takes Edwin there and tells him to look with her. Freya searches for something around the bushes and she rustles through one of them. Edwin looks over trying to see what she's trying to get. She pops out with a small red daisy almost about to wilt because of the change in seasons. Freya runs to the middle of the grass patch and Edwin follows behind her. She lies down and commands Edwin to do the same. He lies down and looks up at the sky and sees the full moon alone floating up there. Once they're comfortable Freya looks at Edwin with a smile.
"Watch this." She throws up the red daisy into the air. "Give an offering and..!"
The ground begins to shift as if they can feel the Earth turning and then stars begin to appear one by one shedding an glorious white light. Edwin's eyes grow wide as adrenaline runs through his veins he grabs hold of the grass trying to hold himself down. How beautiful it is and what a sight it is. Edwin looks over at Freya and she looks at him they laugh and grin at each other.
"Freya?" Edwin asks as he looks back at the stars twinkling back at him.
"Hmm?" Freya answers back. "What is it?"
Edwin takes her wrist and raises to the sky, "May this be the beginning of a new path in life."
Freya nods back in agreement.
School was always the hardest for myself and my ladies-in-waiting, or my friends. I never really got along with any other girls besides Summer and Autumn in school so I made friends with most boys. They thought my wraps and hoods to be interesting and mysterious instead of weird or freaky like the other girls thought. Girls were cruel and harsh towards us but Summer always says they are just jealous because boys preferred to talk to us instead of others. My only true friends are my family and Edwin.
Thalia had only one school for children in the village for the ages of 5-13 girls and 5-14 for boys. Schools higher than that are abroad and for boys only. The little school has little resources, one huge room for all ages, and one teacher. There is a total of 21 students, consisting of 13 girls and 8 boys- with the whole ratio of boys fighting to befriend the Nomble girls.
Today during break Summer, Autumn, and Freya walk the thin fence lining the small school grounds. They walk down a hill until the school is no longer seen clearly, to their usual spot. Freya scans side to side for anyone lingering behind and sighs.
"Summer even without our hoods today our wraps absorb all the heat! Why is it so hot in the beginning of Autumn?" Freya sits on the thirsty grass as Autumn twirls in circles in the corner of her eye, "Your last year Summer…how could I survive another year in this prison?"
"They are just jealous Freya! Those girls should see under those wraps and then they would grovel for your presence!" Summer lifts Freya's chin and winks.
"I'm not a princess or something you know." Freya turns her head away from Summer's eyes and rests her head in her hand.
Summer moves to face Freya and leans down to Freya's level, "You are a princess. They just don't understand that." Summer says sweetly.
Freya smiles and parts her lips to say something but is interrupted by a tiny voice calling out for Freya. Turning towards the voice Summer and Freya see it's only Edric Pheena, a classmate.
"Freya!" he calls with a shy voice and gestures her to come over behind a tree.
Summer gestures Freya to go and goes to stop Autumn from twirling to give some privacy. Instead of going away they hide by a nearby tree to do some snooping. Autumn giggles and Summer muffles her laughs a little too hard.
Edric writes in the dirt with his shoes and bites his lower lip. Edric is a nice friend of the Nomble girls and one of the first to befriend them. He is the same age as Summer and has that smile everybody loves and it so happens Freya thought so too. Edric takes his time putting his words together before he speaks. Freya stays calm and collected as she curiously awaits his message.
"See Freya…we have been friends for a while now and well…I was wondering if…if… if you and Summer would accompany me at the Balthasar Festival?" Edric spat out the last part as if he was forcing the words out.
Freya stood puzzled for a moment and slowly analyzed the clues to reach a conclusion that his real goal. Freya was excited knowing Summer had an eye for him.
"Yes we would but I will check with Winter first." she pleasantly grins.
Edric nods with a smile that could heal a million souls, takes Freya's hand, and puts something in it. He whispers something in her ear and then Edric runs off before Freya could say anything. Summer and Autumn comes rushing in knowing Freya knew she was spying. Without a word they all crowd Freya's hand as she opens it. Summer parts her lips in awe, Freya's eyes widen, and Autumn raises a hand to her lips with giggles.
"What did you get huh?" a voice too familiar calls out.
Summer quickly snatches the item and switches it with a trinket from the shop. Freya goes along with Summer's plan and puts her hands behind her back. Even though Autumn is now eleven she still has the heart of a child and holds Summer's hand behind their skirts.
"Nothing of your importance Cerrie!" Summer snaps at the girl with cherry red hair.
"More time wasted on the foolery of gossip…" Freya thinks.
Cerrie Grenald is the leader of all girls in the school, of course. She was the prettiest, richest, and the most confident of them all. Cerrie has hair almost at red as Summer and always has on the newest fashion. Cerrie believes every man grovel at her feet, even at her age! She also believes she claims anything of value, including Edric and the other boys, or she claims anything from Freya.
Cerrie had her large group of minions with her. "If it is important then it requires me." Cerrie gloats. "I saw the whole scene Freya. I thought I said to leave my items alone?"
"You can't claim people without power Cerrie. You are not a princess." Freya says it calmly with evil in her voice. Freya clenches her hands into fists behind her, using all of her power to restrain herself.
"My father, the noble of this village, I practically own this village so everything is mine including you!" Cerrie gloats once again.
"Revenge is a sin but if it wasn't I would make you my slave forever because I am the princess here! Oh dear lord forgive me for my wrongful thoughts…" Freya thinks in pain.
Cerrie makes one of her minions walk up and remove the item from behind Freya's back. Freya still resists but allows the minion to take the trinket from her hand. When the minion shows the trinket to Cerrie she boasts a laugh, "I knew he would never seek you that way!"
Autumn sighs in relief but quickly hides it. A minion has seen it before anyone else did and decides t speak up. "Why you so relieved?"
Cerrie puts two and two together and acts fast, "Check all of them now!" Cerrie searches them herself and forcefully opens Summer's hands. Cerrie's snaky smile curls into an evil grin and snatches it from Summer. She pushes Autumn down as she passes with mockery and Summer tries to throw a punch but Cerrie's minions restrain everyone. Cerrie sees the item is the silver feather on a chain with a letter attached to it. In the Amayeta culture people, mostly men, show feelings by giving specific colored items, a silver feather represents a promise, yellow or red flowers mean friendship, sapphires are used for engagements, diamonds are insults because diamonds are valuable but it ruins the lands to get to it.
Cerrie rips open the letter and reads it intensely with anger. Halfway through smiles and decides to start over to read out loud for everyone to hear. "Oh this is priceless!" Cerrie laughs and reads the letter, "Dear Summer, I have had-"
"Stop it Cerrie it is not for your eyes! It is Summer's property!" Autumn yells but Cerrie ignores.
"-feelings for you ever since Freya introduced us. Sadly I am moving away to Herritage Village for a few years at the end of the year. I-"
"Go to hell!" Summer yells and is muffled as she tries to shake her restraints.
Cerrie continues louder, "-I was wondering if you would accept this silver feather and promise to wait for me until I get back? Please give me your answer at the Festival. Forever Yours No Matter What, Edric Dellian." Cerrie laughs again, "I see now! I always knew Freya could never have someone groveling for her! As for Summer, you know that this is only an act. Edric was probably forced to play a nasty trick on you and he would never love that way!"
Summer holds in her tears and the restraints on her arms grow tight as she fights with all her might.
Kicking in anger Freya finally says what is on her mind, "You shrewd devil! You evil old witch! You are just a jealous poor drama queen with no life who knows nobody! likes you!" Breathing heavily from all her fighting and yelling Freya regrets her words.
In extreme anger Cerrie slaps Freya. Summer escapes from her restraints and slaps Cerrie with all her might and Cerrie pushes her down to the floor. Her minion quickly keep Summer down on the ground and do the same to Freya.
"It is time to take these stupid outfits off!" Cerrie begins taking of Summer's mask and veil.
Summer and Freya resist while Autumn begs and cries for them to stop. Autumn begins yelling for help as the girls shake her to be quiet. When Cerrie is done undressing Summer she moves to Freya. Summer and Autumn begin to resist more and even Summer starts calling for help.
"Stay away from me!" Freya calls out.
Cerrie grabs Freya's mask and Freya tries desperately to slow the process down.
"Get away from her!" Edwin says from afar as he sprints toward the group of girls.
"Get off of them!" Edric shouts running behind Edwin.
Cerrie does not listen and keeps trying to rip the mask off. Edwin pushes Cerrie aside with no hesitation and Edric begins pulling girls off of Summer, Freya, and Autumn. Finally the crowd breaks apart and the boys help the girls to their feet. Edwin turns to Cerrie and burns holes in her eyes.
"Just wait until your mother hears about this Cerrie and your precious father!" Edric shouts as he helps Summer pick up all her loose clothing. "Get out of here!" he shouts at the crowd of girls. The crowd flees the scene and Edric turns his attention back to Summer, "Are you okay? Where did they hurt you? Do you want me to get somebody?"
"I am fine. I am okay. Thank you Edric" Summer calms him down and hugs him.
Edwin does the same to Autumn and Freya. Autumn wipes away the tears and allows Edwin to check on Freya a little more. Autumn spots something on the ground and realizes it is the silver feather on the chain. Autumn interrupts Summer and Edric to hand Summer the necklace. Summer puts it on symbolizing her agreement in the promise.
Summer looks at Freya and they have a conversation without words but through eye contact. Summer nods at the end of the conversation. Freya turns to Edwin and whispers in his ear, "Edwin…come to dinner tonight…we need to tell you something."