I know, I know, I lied. I was bad, I'm sorry. I thought I was going to have a bunch of free time, and I ended up getting a very time consuming job. And then a bunch of other annoying things happened that prevented me from being able to get this story on here. I apologize. :(

Yet again I do not own Elinor Penvellyn or any of the other characters and other story parts from The Curse of Blackmoor Manor, that all belongs to HerInteractive.

So yeah, annnny way, here's the story.

I awoke on my windowsill, sweat pouring off of me, and tears running down my cheeks.

Daylight streamed through my window. My fears were calmed when I realised that it had all been a dream. Still, I couldn't be sure that it would stay a dream if I went out on the moors. You know what they say about what happens when you look for danger. I reached over to my nightstand and picked up Hedwig's charm, and pinned it on my undershirt.

I came downstairs only to see Charlotte and Father already sitting at the table, talking quietly. "What are you two doing up so early?" I questioned. The pair noticed that I was there. "Oh, you're finally up! I am glad that you are awake. I thought it would be nice if we could do something together. ' Father started ' You see the street preformers have come to Blackmoor and I thought it would be fun to watch the performance today." "Street performers, Elinor go get dressed right now! I don't want to miss one thing!" Charlotte squealed, grabbing my shoulders and shaking me. "Calm down Charlotte, I'll be ready in a moment, we won't miss anything, I promise." I assured her. "Well, hurry up and eat your breakfast!" Charlotte said. "Calm down Miss Bossiny, we'll be ready when when we're ready." Father said. Charlotte let out a loud sigh "I hate waiting."

"I can hear them, come on, hurry up!" Charlotte yelled, grabbing our hands and pulling us towards the square. "You're acting like a giddy child Charlotte." Father laughed. Charlotte stopped dead in her tracks and spun fast towards father. "I am not a child James Penvellyn, I am a grown adult!" she pouted. "Well you seem to be acting pretty childish to me." Father kept walking forward. Charlotte balled up her fists "James Penvellyn come back here, I am not finished with you!" she shouted. "Just come along Miss Bossiny." Father said calmly. Charlotte scowled and followed after him. "Come along Elinor, I just want to see those street performers." Charlotte murmured.

I trotted along behind them and the music of the street performers greeted my ears. Then came the sights. I hadn't been to watch the street performers in a long time, and I had almost forgotten the beauty and awe that I felt when I saw it. Well, when I saw the dancers. For lack of a better word they were elegant. They wore long flowing dresses that billowed out like flames or flower petals. The golden bracelets that they wore jingled when they moved. Their long graceful limbs twisted and twirled in a mezmerizing dance. When I watched them and the way they danced and looked so beautiful, it made me feel a bit inferior. I was never a very well balanced person, and I wasn't the ideal picture of beauty. But I forgot all of that as I continued watching the other performances.

There was a theatrical performance about Prince John and Robin Hood. I thought it was very well done, and I thought the actors were quite excellent. Charlotte loved that one. She was so enthralled by the romance between Robin and Maid Marion. She must have turned to father a hundred times and sighed saying "Isn't it romantic?" And Father would just roll his eyes and smile."Oh Charlotte, you never change."

Then there was a fire breathing man. As a child I was always enthralled by the fire breathers because I believed that it must have been magic. But now that I was older and more knowledgble I knew that it was not magic, it was simply science. And that interested me now, to see how science can work to make something so amazing. However Charlotte couldn't stand them "It just sends shivers down my spine watching them. I can only think about what could happen if something, rather someone , were to set on fire" Charlotte said, averting her eyes. Father snorted "They know what they're doing Charlotte." "I know that, but accidents happen. Why do you think your parents tell you to never play with fire James." Charlotte explained.

Once the street performers had finished we began our walk home. "Wasn't that fun! I think that was better than last years!" Charlotte exclaimed. "I will say that it was very amusing. I especially loved your comedy act." he chuckled. Charlotte scowled at him. "You know if you're not careful Charlotte, you're face will stay that way." I said. Charlotte stormed off ahead. "We've done it now. I suppose I will go apologize." He sighed and then hurried after Charlotte. "Miss Bossiny, I'm frightfully sorry for the way I acted. It was inconsiderate of me, will you forgive me?" I heard father say. Charlotte stopped to turn towards him and then looked at him for a moment. Father picked up her hand "I truly am sorry." "For now, until you find some other reason to tease me." Charlotte pointed out. Father continued to stare her down. "Oh, fine, I forgive you." she sighed and started walking again. "You Penvellyns, I don't know why I bother associating with you all." she groaned. I knew she wasn't really upset, it was just this little game we all seemed to play. Father had been teasing Charlotte for as long as I can remember, and every time Charlotte would get angry and occasionally threaten to leave the mansion. But then Father would apologize and Charlotte would forgive him.

"Clover can be eaten. Putting lavender oil in your bath can relieve stress, and the smell is good for headaches." Charlotte said. After we had returned to the house Charlotte made me get straight to work. Today's lesson was about the uses of the plants found in the wild . I didn't pay that much attention to her and my mind wandered to what was happening tonight. Tonight Randulf was coming for dinner, father had confirmed it.

A crow alighted on the fence beside me, and at first I didn't take much note of it, until I saw that it had a red ribbon tied around its left leg. That was not normal, someone had to had tied that ribbon onto the bird. Who would - At that moment the bird cawed at me and it dropped a small piece of paper onto the ground and then flew away. I picked it up and saw that there was a small message written. Good Luck! It read. In the corner was a small drawing of a bundle of herbs. It was Hedwig, she sent me this note.

"Are you alright?" Charlotte asked me. I realised that I had gasped. "I uh, realised I don't know what I am going to wear tonight." I stammered. Charlotte gave me a strange look. "This is the first time I've ever seen you act this way." She said, a smile growing on her lips. "So interested in a young man." She added softly. "I'm not that interested." I huffed, and began to examine a lemongrass plant. I heard Charlotte's soft giggle behind me. I grimaced; she was always getting over excited when it came to men. I have never been the kind to chase after men, and if I were ever to show the slightest bit of interest in one of them, Charlotte would instantly believe that I was head over heels in love with him. And I wasn't in love with Randulf, I was simply interested. Charlotte stood up and dusted herself off. "Well clearly you are not going to be able to focus on your studies with such a distraction on your mind." "I'm not distracted." I claimed. "Of course not, that's why you are staring off into the sky instead of focusing on your lesson."Charlotte smirked. "I'm not distracted." I pouted. "Well it is reflection time." She said. Reflection time meant I was supposed to find the alchemy lab so I could create the elaborate puzzle that I was required to make. Now that I was seventeen I didn't have lessons regularly. I had already reached the alchemy lab, and I knew most of the things I had to learn about my destiny. So now reflection time gave me the opportunity to go down to the alchemy lab and decide what I was going to create. "Reflection time is until lunch." Charlotte said, and waved me away.

I went back inside and changed into something less dirty. I exited my room and I went to the master Gargoyle. I turned him in the sequence to open the secret west passage. The passage opened and I entered the dark hallway. I bent down to pick up the glowing rock I found on my first visit to the alchemy lab. I walked down the hallway and farther below the manor, until I reached the moving rooms. I took the shortcut that I had discovered and opened the Mercury door and closed it until I reached the lab. I did a routine check on the well's water lock before entering. I went inside the familiar room, with alchemy tools and vials strewn all over the place. Charles's diary was there, along with the original contract, and the Penvellyn diary where all of the former initiates wrote down their inventions. I was the third initiate, and it was a daunting task before me. But here in the Penvellyn lab, I felt inspired. Would I, like Thomas, add to his grandfather's work? Or would I create my own puzzle for other initiates to add on to. As my usual tradition, I opened the Penvellyn diary to read the entries before mine.

Welcome, dear initiate. Pride of the Penvellyn heritage! Here you will face many trials—but persevere! For your reward shall be the knowledge of those who have passed before you, and the honour of those to come. You have demonstrated your worthiness by negotiating the moving rooms and mastering the alchemy puzzle which our father, Albert, created to protect his laboratory. Now you will help protect our heritage by creating yet another test for new initiates to pass. For my part, I have set this tradition in motion with the establishment of the rules of Penvellyn inheritance, and have enlisted the Bosinny family to oversee our efforts and discoveries. There are six columns in the Great Hall, each hiding a brave knight who will direct the movement of the Oil of Enlightenment to this forge in which a key shall be created to reveal the secret of our father Randulf. The secret must be well guarded. Hide the final solution to unlock this secret in your coat of arms and in the silent book. Let my words woven in cloth be the guide to finding the first key to open the column decorated with Jupiter's mighty bolt.

Amicus et Magister

- Charles, 1547

Lacking my grandfather's wit and wisdom I can only add to his genius. His tiles are now locked; the key is to be found near a staircase that sings! But the forge cannot work without being tempered with water. If the well is empty, a devious lock hidden in the passages underneath the Manor will return it to its watery state.

- Thomas, 1580

Whenever I read their entries it excited me to think that someday some lucky initiate; multiple initiates; will be reading my words. The small grandfather clock that I had brought down to keep the time chimed four o'clock. Four o'clock, Randulf was coming at five! I couldn't believe I has lost track of the time like that!

I rushed out of the secret passage way to get dressed for tonight. I had only meant to spend until lunch down in the lab, but I had let my mind wander and the time slipped away on me. I had to get ready for tonight, I couldn't be late to my own dinner. I burst into my room and searched for a dress to wear. Charlotte calmly came in "You should wear the purple one, the one that has the off the shoulder sleeves." she suggested. "But it would look much better if I put up my hair for that one, and I don't have the time to do that." I spat. "Then what about the blue one. You know the one your aunt gave you." Charlotte suggested. I nodded and pulled it out of my closet and Charlotte helped me into it. Even though I didn't like my aunt Delores, I did admire her choice in clothing. She tied the baby blue satin sash into a bow around my waist. I pulled out my favourite sapphire earrings and matching necklace. Charlotte let me borrow her rouge and when I saw myself in the mirror I felt very grown up. "Turn around for me." Charlotte said excitedly. I spun around a few times for her, and she clapped her hands. "You look beautiful, he's going to love you!" she exclaimed. I felt my cheeks grow hot "Charlotte, honestly now, it's nothing to get so excited over. He's only a boy." I heard the door open, and my father's voice was carried up the stairs. "He's here." I gasped. "I thought that you weren't excited, after all he's only a boy, am I right?" Charlotte mocked. I glared at her; she could be very aggravating when she wanted to.

I descended down the stairs; trying to look demure and graceful, but I felt awkward and shy. My heart battered against my chest as I went towards Randulf. He was wearing a simple grey suit. I couldn't help but admire the way the ash colour complimented his red hair. "Thank you for coming, Randulf." I smiled. "Thank you for inviting me." he smiled back. "Why don't we all go to the dining room where I'm sure supper is waiting for us." My father said, ushering us to the dining room. He had dressed up for the occasion as well. I leaned over to him and whispered "You look very smart father." He took my arm in a gentle manner and helped me to my seat. After taking his place at the table he announced. "Today we will be having the Blackmoor special.' He turned to Randulf 'You should consider yourself lucky young man. Not very many people have had the privilege of having such a delicacy." Randulf nodded in thanks. "I feel so privileged, I receive such special treatment on my first visit. What could the occasion possibly be?" he asked. I tried to control my emotions as I intently studied the pattern on the table cloth. I glanced up at Randulf who was giving me a sideways glance, but the minute he saw that I had noticed he looked away. Thankfully the food came out to squash the awkward moment. I was presented with a cut of lamb that had a cherry glaze, mashed potatoes with gravy, and fresh peas from our garden. My father grabbed the cooks arm and he whispered something to him. The cook nodded and disappeared inside the kitchen.

Charlotte burst into the dining room, and tried to regain some sort of composer as she curtsied to our guest, and sat down at the table. "Why so late Charlotte, could you not decided what to wear?" I mocked quietly. She gave me a roughish look and turned to our food. "Ah, the Blackmoor special!" she exclaimed. "I do love the way our cook prepares the lamb, I am most certain you will enjoy it." She said to Randulf. We all watched anxiously as Randulf cut off a piece. When he put it in his mouth a grave look came over his face. "What is wrong, do you not like it?" I asked him, quite afraid that he did not enjoy it at all. After finishing what he was eating, Randulf turned his attention to us, and in a voice most piteous he said, "I fear that I shall never be able to truly enjoy my own father's best lamb dish." We all burst out in to fits of laughter. "I must say, we have never had a guest half as entertaining nor half as charming as you Mr Dunst. Am I not right Elinor?" Charlotte asked. "No we haven't." I quickly replied. Randulf wore a look of surprise and his cheeks were dusted pink. When I saw Randulf's expression, I immediately shoved my peas into my treacherous mouth. The cook yet again interrupted my embarrassment, and this time he brought along with him a bottle of wine. "Ah, just what we needed, thank you. One of our best, 1438 red wine, that was a good year." My father said. I had alcohol before, but never had I been allowed to have a vintage such as this one. The cook poured us each a glass. I took a look at the dark red, almost ruby like, liquid. It smelled like fermented fruit, which wasn't an entirely bad fragrance. I took a sip. The first taste was one of sweet grapes, but right after a stronger, more pungent taste overcame the back of my throat. I found myself coughing the slightest bit at the burning feeling. I glanced up at Randulf, who was trying to act like the taste did not bother him, but as he weakly coughed, I knew it did. "Mmmm, very nice." Father said. Charlotte nodded. What they saw in this wine I couldn't understand. But I had never liked wine in general.

Randulf looked out the large window that spanned the whole back wall. The fog had just begun to roll down onto the moor. "It is so beautiful." He breathed. The rest of the table turned to stare at him quizzically. "I find it very haunting." Charlotte said, her brow furrowed. "I find it very haunting, yes, but beautiful. Very beautiful." Randulf said a far off look in his eyes. I knew that now was the time to ask my father about the dangers of the moors. "Beautiful, perhaps, but dangerous, from all the stories that I've heard. Don't you agree father." I inquired. He looked up at me with some unasked question behind his eyes. "I have heard these stories as well. Though I have never seen such beasts that are spoken of in these tales." He said. "Oh father, I didn't know you to be one to take midnight walks along the moors." I said. "I have done so occasionally. Not often, but every now and again when I was younger." He replied. "But if I were a young lady such as yourself, I would not go wandering on the moors at such a late hour." He added quickly.

Once we had finished our main course, a chocolate cake was brought out. It was one of my favourite desserts, for when you cut into it, you found that there was a golden caramel treasure in the centre. I have always been partial to sweets. "I suppose that I am expected to eat this cake?" Charlotte questioned. "Why ever not?" my father said. "If a lady wishes to keep her slim figure a meal should be designed so she does not feel so horribly guilty after consuming it." Stated Charlotte as if this was common knowledge. "One slice of cake won't harm you charlotte." I pointed out. "A woman as pretty as you shouldn't have to worry over one indulgent meal Miss Bossiny." Randulf said. "A woman who will eat as she pleases; knowing that with everything there is moderation is very wise indeed." Father added. "If I am not able to fit into my dresses I blame you James." Charlotte said and then daintily began to eat her cake. I ate as I pleased, and perhaps it showed a slight bit. But I was graced with naturally round cheeks that were always so pale unless reddened by the cold of winter or rouge. My father always assured me that I looked beautiful that way. "My little cherub" he had called me as a child, but it had always been a sore spot. There was a moment of awkward silence as everyone ate way at their cake, trying to think of what would make good conversation. "Your father owns a few book stores, does he not?" Father asked Randulf. "Yes he does, though the first one originated here in Blackmoor." Randulf said. "Leave it to the men to bring up dull topics like business." Charlotte whispered to me. "I suppose you'd want to talk about whose dress was the best at the latest party, or perhaps who you think Miss Collins is dating now?" I said sarcastically. Charlotte was always the first one to hear all the latest gossip. I never had to worry about not knowing when that extremely handsome man was about to propose to that girl. Or whether taffeta or silk was all the rage this year. I didn't care much for gossip. But had the topic been if I fancied that Rome was the greatest civilization of all time, I wouldn't be at a loss for words. The clock on the wall struck ten, and Randulf stood up. "Thank you for the tasty meal, and for the delightful conversation, but I really must be heading home." He said. My father jumped up. "Of course, I didn't even think about the time. I'm sorry lad; your father must be concerned about you." Father apologized. We walked Randulf to the door. "Thank you for inviting me over to your lovely home, Mr Penvellyn" Randulf thanked my father, and gave him a firm handshake. He then bowed to Charlotte and I. Randulf took Charlotte's hand and kissed it politely. "It was very nice to meet you " she said with a smile. "Like wise Miss Bossiny." Randulf said "Thank you for your good company, Mr Dunst." I said, letting him take my hand. "The pleasure is all mine." Randulf grinned and then let himself out the door.

Charlotte grabbed me, squealing with glee, shaking me and jumping up and down. "He'll ask you to marry him, I am certain of it! We'll be picking out out your wedding dress within the year!" she said. I pulled away from her. "Wait, who said anything about a marriage? Doesn't that seem a bit fast? We don't even know how he feels about me!" I exclaimed. "I'm sure he likes you, so then why wait?" Charlotte exclaimed. "Elinor does have a point." Father reasoned and Charlotte began to pout. "He is a very nice young man and I like him but firstly he has to be interested our dear Elinor. We also need to make sure that he is the one she wants to marry, before we start planning her wedding." He explained. I love my father; he understands me and wants what's best for me. Charlotte threw her hands up in defeat. "If that's what you want to do, but he is interested in her, I can tell. He's a good young man Elinor. You should marry him before he moves onto another lucky young lady." She reasoned. "If he's a worthy man, and he really loves Elinor, he would wait for her." Father said. "There's nothing wrong with your theory Charlotte, but because I have the privilege of choice, I want my decision to be the right one.' I said, and then added, with a little nudge to Charlotte's shoulder. "If everything continues like this, I'm sure I won't have to think about it very long." This seemed to appease Charlotte, and she went to bed with her usual reminder of what our studies were going cover tomorrow. Once Charlotte was gone, I gave my father a hug. "Thank you for your continuous support father." I said. He kissed my head. "Anything for you little cherub. May you have sweet dreams tonight." He replied, and ushered me off to bed. I cuddled underneath my warm covers and dreamt of nothing but good things that night.

So that was the chapter, I hope you enjoyed it. It's not super historically accurate, but whatever, the Penvellyn's aren't that normal anyway. I'm might drag it out a bit because when I first wrote it I thought it was a bit fast. When I started writing it I hadn't expected Charlotte to be a really big part of it but I grew to love her character, she ended up being like a big sister to Elinor. I'm planning to add a bit more of just Charlotte and Elinor. We'll see how things work out. Hopefully I'll be able to upload another chapter soon. We'll see how things work out with my job and all. Thanks for reading and please review!