Feral Valley.
Welcome, to Feral Valley...
Lucifer: Anastasia- have mercy on my poor legs- these hampers weigh so much! What on Earth is in these baskets?! My arms feel as though they're about to drop off!
Anastasia: Luci, aren't you supposed to be a Duke's Squire? Surely you can handle a few hamper baskets?
Lucifer: Yes, well- there are THREE of them!
Anastasia: Yes- One for Papa. One for Violette and one for the Duke. So that you may remain in his good graces, since I have robbed you away from your morning duties- to help me with my rounds.
Lucifer: Ah~ right you are... Well, thank you for that at least.
With a nod, I continued onward with a cheerful skip in my step, whilst my younger Brother trailed along behind me, carrying the array of gift hamper baskets filled with goodies- one of which- and most importantly a homemade food hamper for Papa.
Father Eli: Ah! Good morning Miss Ashwood- and Young Master Ashwood!
Lucifer: Father Eli! Please tell my Dearest Sister that the work she has me doing is cruel!
With a sly grin I walked over to Lucifer, reaching into my Papa’s food hamper- took out a cinnamon bun and gracefully turned to Father Elijah Fitzpatrick and offered it to him- knowing that it is his favourite sweet treat.
Anastasia: Father~ I do believe Cinnamon Rolls are your favourite? Freshly made this morning!
Father Eli: You are far too kind Miss Ashwood. God Bless you.
Lucifer: Anastasia?! That is cheating- you are bribing his silence. Mercy Father, please tell her off!
Anastasia: I am simply... Supporting the local Church and its upkeep- Father Eli included.
Father Eli: Thank you Miss Ashwood. I will be sure to save this and have it with some fresh tea once I have returned to my chambers.
Anastasia: And remember~
Father Eli: Yes yes- to make sure I take in the tea's aroma, as the steams will help to relieve my senses from the burdens of my allergies... Thank you Miss Ashwood, you are a true Lady of your craft.
Anastasia: Always a pleasure, Father.
Father Eli bowed his head respectfully before he glances between myself and my brother, before continuing on to greet the next village Patron he passed, completing his morning rounds with the brightest smile as per usual.
Anastasia: Come now Luci. Papa will be wondering where we've gotten to.
I reached over to take Violette's hamper basket from the top of the stack that Lucifer's poor arms were straining to carry.
I smiled at Lucifer as he followed me over towards Papa's shop. The small bell above the door jingled as we made our way inside. The moment we did, my closest friend and confidant- Violette Graves, strode towards us with the heartiest smile.
Violette: There you are! I was beginning to fear that you had been snatched by Ferals!
Nathaniel: By the Gods- you cannot say such things, Violette!
I passed Violette her hamper with a smile before I turned to my father and embraced him with a warm hug. I pecked him on each cheek before I pulled away.
Anastasia: Good morning Papa.
Nathaniel: Good morning Sweetheart. What brings you by?
Anastasia: I come bearing gifts, of course.
Nathaniel: Oh?
When I turned towards Lucifer, I took my father's food hamper from the top of the pile and turned back to him before I passed it over with a wry smile.
Anastasia: I figured bringing my father some homemade baked goods couldn't hurt. I know how much you like a cake in an afternoon.
Nathaniel: How wonderful- you didn't have to do that!
Anastasia: There's an extra, wrapped pumpkin pie for Shae and young Milo as well, for all the hard work she does keeping you in tip top shape.
Nathaniel: You take such good care of us.
Anastasia: Where is Shae today anyway?
Shae: Right here Mistress.
Shae is a wonderful girl... Truly a welcome sight around the shop- since she helps my father keep his shop working seamlessly. The only downside is she is of the Mountains- what we call, a "Feral".
Ferals were said to be characterised by dreadlocked hair, sharp green eyes, long pointed ears and fangs- fangs which the males use to mark their mates for life. The kind of details everyone in the Valley whispered about...
That wretched Duke cut off Shae's hair when he caught her Son, Milo- stealing a loaf of bread from a market stall. The Duke would've beaten poor Milo to death if my father hadn't intervened. It's taken months for poor Milo to recover. But they have remained under my father's protection ever since, pretending to be his servants. As that is what Humans keep Ferals around for...
Feral Males are banned from the Valley. They are to be killed on sight- due to their; tall and imposing height, their dense muscle mass and their venomous tempers. The Feral Women are torn away from their homes, from their families and forced to work for us Humans, here in Feral Valley...
Violette: This is addressed to me?
I snapped out of my thoughts and turned to Violette whilst I watched as she looked through the contents of her gift hamper.
I nod, giving her a bright smile when she grinned to the contents of her hamper.
Anastasia: A beautiful gift for a beautiful friend.
Violette: This is too much Anastasia I can't possibly accept this!
Anastasia: You can and you will. Call it a thank you for helping keeping the Duke away.
Nathaniel: It's safe to say the Duke is positively terrified of Ms Graves...
Violette: I'm not that scary.
Nathaniel: Violette, you carry a knife...
Violette: For my protection... Who knows when you might run into a Feral Man...
Shae dropped her gaze and ducked her head sadly to Violette's comment on Feral Men... I personally have never seen a Feral Man in person... I have only heard stories...
Anastasia: How is Milo doing, Shae?
Shae perked up again the moment I mentioned her dear boy, she smiled over at me as she nodded.
Shae: He is doing much better now Mistress. Your healing salves helped him greatly. We are forever thankful for your kindness.
Anastasia: I am glad to hear it.
Nathaniel: Anastasia bears gifts Shae, she's brought this pie for yourself and young Milo.
My father reached into his hamper to take out the packaged Pumpkin Pie- something I know to be one of Shae and Milo's favourites. He offered it to her with a warm smile.
Shae: I cannot possibly accept this Sir.
Nathaniel: Nonsense. It is merely a gift for all of your hard work- for all that you've done for me these past few months.
Shae: That is in thanks for your helping of my Milo, Master Ashwood!
Nathaniel: Well- I am grateful for you none-the-less.
Shae: You are too kind Sir.
Shae curtsied as she carefully took the pie from my father before she retreats into the back room, out of sight once again.
I do worry for Shae and Young Milo... The Duke is always looking for a reason to hound my father, to encourage Milo out of hiding so that he can take him away... Milo will eventually grow to be a large, threatening man once he is of age and his ears and teeth grow to their full extent... We must protect him, at all costs- the townsfolk will wish him dead.
Male Ferals are killed without question- they are far too powerful and dangerous to roam our streets, their women only being allowed only to serve us against their wills- is not something I agree with.
Lucifer: I should go to the Duke. He will be waiting for me.
Lucifer became the Squire to The Duke when my father took Shae in as his Servant... Her safety is guaranteed by this reluctant agreement between my father and The Duke.
Nathaniel: You should tell him to shove his Squire employment where the sun doesn't shine and take your rightful place here- the shop needs your young eyes Lucifer.
Anastasia: Father please! You know they will have your tongue for speaking ill of the Duke.
Nathaniel: I know... I am sorry, I allowed my anger to consume me for a moment. Go... Return to The Duke, remain in his good graces, for all of our sakes... Especially my own, and my big mouth...
Anastasia: I should head back to my cottage I would rather not be around when the Duke arrives.
Nathaniel: If he weren't a damned Duke, I would have killed him with my own bare hands by now!
Anastasia: Papa!
Shae: Master Ashwood! You mustn't allow yourself to get worked up like this, it is not good for your heart.
Nathaniel: No... You are quite right Shae...
Shae: Come... Sit. I will brew you some tea.
Lucifer: Please take care of him Shae.
Shae: Of course, Young Master Ashwood.
Shae ushered my father into the back room of the shop, leaving me to stand alone with Violette and Lucifer. When Lucifer sighed and returned his gaze to me, I reached out to squeeze his hand.
Anastasia: It will be alright, Luci. You'll see.
Lucifer: I know... I should go- The Duke will be expecting me now.
Anastasia: Come- I will walk with you.
Violette: Be safe you two.
Lucifer: We will- thank you Ms Graves.
The pair of us bowed our heads towards Violette as we leave the shop to step out onto the bustling Highstreet. I rub Lucifer's forearm to comfort him as I peer over at him with a warm smile.
Anastasia: I am so proud of you Lucifer.
Lucifer: Whatever for?
Anastasia: For tolerating the Duke so well, for Shae and Milo's sake.
Lucifer: It is worth it if it keeps them safe.
Anastasia: You've grown to be a wonderful young man, Luci- Mother would be proud.
Hadrian: SQUIRE!
With a startled gasp, Lucifer whipped around to face to Duke whom he marched across the cobbles towards us, his piercing gaze soon softened when he realized I was stood out of his view beside Lucifer.
Hadrian: Ah- Miss Ashwood.
Holding gracefully onto my dress skirts I dropped into a low curtsy and bowed my head towards The Duke when he arrived to stand before us.
Anastasia: Your Royal Highness...
When I give Lucifer a nod, he bows his head respectfully and holds up the prepared basket of food items towards Hadrian. When Hadrian quirked a curious brow I give him a polite smile.
Anastasia: A hamper of fine homemade goods, for yourself Sire.
Hadrian: Prepared by yourself?
Anastasia: Yes Sire. All hand prepared and baked this morning.
With a nod of approval, Hadrian waved away the basket and Lucifer quickly moved to stand beside Hadrian, keeping his gaze lowered respectfully. Hadrian nodded and returned his attention to me.
Hadrian: You are looking, positively exquisite this morning, Miss Ashwood.
Anastasia: Thank you Sire. You are as handsome as ever...
Hadrian steps forth, collecting my hand from down at my side to stoop down, pressing a kiss to my knuckles as he peers up at me longingly... This man makes my skin crawl... Every bone in my body wants to slap him across his chiselled jawline simply for touching me without permission- though, he is the Crowned Prince...
Hadrian: Miss Ashwood, would you do me the honour, of joining me for Breakfast?
Anastasia: I- I will, have to politely decline, Sire-
Hadrian: Politely decline?
Anastasia: I have business that I must tend to, with the utmost urgency, Sire.
Hadrian: What business could possibly be of more importance?
Anastasia: Well~
Nimeria: Master Hadrian, It is most impolite to pressure a Lady.
Without a word, Hadrian turned sharply to backhand Nimeria- who approaches him from behind- across her cheek, sending her head turning as she gasps, reaching up to hold onto her cheek.
Nimeria: I-I meant no offense My Lord!
Hadrian: Silence Wench- or I will strike you again.
Nimeria is the heavily pregnant Feral Servant Girl that Hadrian took a liking to around eight months ago. Where or who he took her from, is unclear... But he refuses to release her... There are Rumours and speculation that suggest the child is Hadrian's... Though the truth is unknown... It would not be hard to believe that Hadrian would take advantage. I hope not. Nimeria is a kind and gentle soul...
Anastasia: That is enough Sire.
Hadrian's furious gaze returned to me once more as he stepped fourth, glaring down upon me. He seemed to consider me for a long moment before turning back to Lucifer.
Hadrian: Come Squire, we must leave.
Hadrian strides past me, brushing shoulders with me as though I were just a mere object in his path... His following of people quickly scurry along to catch up with him, Lucifer and Nimeria included.
After a moment to calm myself, I kept my head held high and make my way back to the Highstreet, taking in the brisk morning air as I peer around at the busy street...
Once I had made my rounds for the morning, I returned home to my little cottage that is hidden away in the woods. It is more of a farm than a cottage I suppose. I keep animals, and grow crops.
It is peaceful and far away from the prying eyes of the village, or the Duke. Whom still believes I live with my father within the Village. When in truth, I get to call this wonderful place home.
I have a small Barn where I tend to my Stallion, Thunder. But it is also where I tend to any repairs and maintenance that is needed for the rest of the Farm.
There's my Garden, where I keep all of my fruits, vegetables, herbs and plants for my herbal remedies and salves... And for cooking.
Lastly, there is my Workshop, for any creations that are unsuitable for the house- it is also where I store my tools and art supplies- I come here to paint, or draw when the urge takes me.
It is all that I could possibly need and more. All in one place, a place for me and me alone, to call home. I never dreamt of living such a private and secluded life... But now, I want nothing more.
I took a good long breath as I made my way inside my cottage, taking in the scrumptious lingering smells of this mornings baking. It always brings me such joy, I am thrilled to be home...
And away from The Duke...
I venture through into my small Office space, sitting down into my desk chair to take out my journal, making sure to note that Milo's ears still haven't developed their pointed nature yet.
Ferals have been around for hundreds of years- the mountains are their home and it is us humans that have disturbed their peace by inhabiting the surrounding areas. And yet, vile men like The Duke hunt and kill as many Ferals as they possibly can... Hunting each and every Male Feral they come across. I worry about what will become of Milo...
Shae has been good to our family... Even though humans tore her away from her Mate at a young age, pregnant with Milo when she was found by The Duke on one of their Feral Hunting Parties...
The Duke's Hunting Parties go out into the mountains daily, hunting Ferals within their own homeland of The Mountains... Slaying any that offend him with their existence... Namely the Males... I myself, have no quarrel with the Feral people... The name Feral alone, hurts to say- they are not, Feral, nor beastly... They are simply, misunderstood. And I hope to understand them.
I call them Ferals because, it is all I know, alls that I have been taught to know... I have never heard them referred to as anything else, and now the name slips from my tongue out of habit.
I use my free time, away from baking and exploring, to research and to learn. Mostly about the Feral people and their culture. I want to create more of a bond between the Humans and the Ferals. I hope that one day we can unite and live together in harmony as one community. Perhaps when The Duke and the Dumont Family no longer rule over us, nor our Town... But, that will likely never happen. The Feral people deserve peace, just as much as Humans do. They do not deserve this false characterisation they receive... However, with that said... I have never, actually witnessed, a Male Feral...
The Male Ferals are often slain before they have the chance to be seen by us Village people... Only their stolen Mates, ever come within the sanctum of Feral Valley... No human dares venture into the mountains, unless they are in large groups... Or Hunting Parties. The rumours and Stories alone, are enough to keep people far, far away...
I myself do not dare venture to far, as I fear what is out there. It is not, the Males, that I fear, It is the animals; Direwolves, wildcats, Cannibalistic humans whom lost their minds... Feral Valley, is home to many, many dangerous creatures... And it is perhaps, the least dangerous beings, that we fear the most... Human men... Not Feral Men.
Nimeria: Mistress Ashwood?
A faint knocking coming from the front door brought me out of my train of thought. So I neatened my dress as I rose to my feet, heading back through into the main room to open the door.
Anastasia: N-Nimeria... How did you find me?
Nimeria: Master Nathaniel told me where you are situated... Please, fear not. I would never tell The Duke of this place.
Anastasia: Surely he would punish you for such secrets?
Nimeria: Perhaps... But, it is a risk I am willing to take.
Anastasia: Very well. What can I do for you?
Nimeria: I... I fear, for my child, Mistress.
Anastasia: Your child? What is the matter?- Come in.
Stepping out of the doorway, I gesture for her to come inside, and she does- bowing her head respectfully as she moves into the house, cradling her large pregnancy.
Nimeria: I haven't felt her move in such a long time Mistress...
Anastasia: Take a seat in the lounge. And we shall take a look, hm?
I tried to give her a comforting smile as I shut the door behind her, making sure to peer into the woodland beyond, hoping she had not been followed... Especially by The Duke...
Nimeria: I-I'm sorry to disturb you like this Mistress. I did not know who else to turn to.
Anastasia: No- of course... I know the Village Doctors will not see anyone of Feral origin... It's alright, we can make sure baby is healthy.
I head through into the lounge, approaching Nimeria as she settled onto the sofa cushions anxiously caressing her pregnancy bump. Walking over to the cupboards, I rummage through the drawers. I give a victorious smile as I pluck my stethoscope from the drawer, walking to the sofa to pull over a stool, sitting down in front of Nimeria as she lays back across the sofa and I shuffle closer.
Anastasia: May I?
Nimeria: O-Of course Mistress.
Carefully tugging up the hem of Nimeria's dress, I bring it up to bunch it under her breasts, baring her pregnancy so that I could feel over it, checking over the baby's positioning.
Happy with the baby's positioning, I proceed to set the horn of the stethoscope over her stomach, tucking my hair aside to lean in, listening for the baby with my ear to the stethoscope. In an instant, I hear the light and healthy thumps of a small heartbeat, alongside Nimeria's. A smile spreads across my lips as I lift my head, taking away the stethoscope to grin at Nimeria- tugging down her dress.
Anastasia: You need not worry, it seems she is just a little sleepy at the moment.
Nimeria: Y-You're sure Mistress?
Anastasia: Positively certain. You must be nearing your due date now... Has- The Duke, mentioned if you will receive any care?
Nimeria: Since I am, certain, that she is a girl... He says I will be allowed to keep her...
Anastasia: Good... That's good.
Nimeria: It is, Mistress.
As Nimeria sits up again, I find myself sitting forward curiously initially choosing to hold my tongue, not wanting to upset Nimeria with invasive personal questions. But I simply must know.
Anastasia: Nimeria... Please, forgive the intrusion... But, this child... Is it, The Duke's?
Nimeria: Goodness, no. No... This Angel is the only reminder I have left of my Theoden...
Anastasia: Theoden... Was he, your Mate?
Nimeria: Yes... He was- He was killed, shortly after I learned I was with child, 9 months ago...
Anastasia: I... I am sorry for your loss...
Nimeria: It is alright Mistress... He gave his life valiantly, like a true warrior...
Anastasia: Well, I am glad that he left you with a gift of life... And I am, all the more glad, that I can assure you she is perfectly healthy gift of life as well.
Nimeria: Thank you Mistress... It is rare to find such sympathies from... Humans. Your family truly are wonderful people...
Anastasia: Being kind, does not cost a thing... It pains me that anyone feels they have the right to treat you any differently than I...
Nimeria: You are, a diamond amongst the rough- I believe that is what your people would say?
Anastasia: Yes. Something like that. Thank you Nimeria, that means a lot...
Nimeria: You know... It suits you, that you have braids in your hair, Mistress.
Anastasia: It does?
Nimeria: Yes... For my people, a braid is a sign of courage. Each braid represents a strand of your soul. Your connection to the elements. Your nature, combined, with Mother Nature herself.
Anastasia: I... I didn't know that.
Nimeria: I believe, your braids, are your kindness, and your courage. You do not fear, letting your heart, live true to you...
Anastasia: You word things so beautifully Nimeria.
Nimeria: My Mother, taught me the tongues of your people. In the hopes that maybe one day, I could use it to form a bond.
Anastasia: Such a bond is what I wish for.
Nimeria: One day... One day we will stand on a united front. There will be no more war, no more bloodshed...
Anastasia: I hope so... For your sake, and your Daughter's.
Nimeria reaches over to take my hand as it rests in my lap, giving it a squeeze as she looks over at me with a kind smile.
Nimeria: Even without change... You, restore all the faith in humanity I could possibly need.
Hadrian: NIMERIA?!
Myself and Nimeria jolt in fright, our faces soon morphing into that of panic as Lord Hadrian's voice beckons from amongst the trees outside...
Nimeria: Oh no- The Duke!
To be continued...
