Vol 1. Chapter 1: The Master Returns

There are few stories passed down through oral tradition. Most are not written; and some become forgotten all together as civilizations die and pass.

The Castle of Ravenscraig stood as a formidable opponent in the past against invasive enemy troops seeking to destroy the capital of Lais.

Unfortunately; those days are long past.

The Castle still stands as tall as it used to; but has been mostly forgotten by the people of the capital. Forgotten in it's 100 years in solitude after a deadly disease struck the castle walls; and killed off a majority of staff and family.

Nowadays, those who are of the Ravenscraig bloodline prefer a simple life. Those who were healthy enough to leave; left for a common life.

"They're renovating the place now, aren't they?" Questioned the man in the carriage.

Tawny nudged her hat back up; leaning back into the comforts of straw. Her head rested on her arms; chewing on a singular straw. "Yeah. An order from the Emperor himself."

The man hummed, calling his horse to a complete stop before the gate. "Musta cost ya a coin and a half."

 

She heaved herself up; grunting as her back popped. She stretched her arms out above her head. "Yeah; but it's not coming from my pockets so it's not my concern."

He grunts in response. "Ya sure you'll be okay here? I could have one of my boys come out and-"

"Thank you, but I'll be alright."

She hopped off the back of the carriage; and rounded around. She placed a hand to the horse's flank, and followed it up to it's reigns where she began to pet it.

"Take care of Frogcast for me, yeah?"

The man tipped his hat with a grin. "She'll be fine. I'll bring her back once you've settled in."

A young stableboy handed her luggage to her. "Here you are, miss." The stableboy mounted the carriage from the back; resting back on the hay.

She gave a wave as the two departed on the carriage.

Tawny turned back to towards the moat of the castle. She held her bag in front of her; her eyes scaling up the building; looking at the beauty of the estate.

She exhales; and then marches across the drawbridge. The smack of her flats on the wood was almost melodious.

"Master Ravenscraig?" A weary old voice called out.

The lady turned. Her eyes shifted from the castle to an old crone the size of a beer barrel.

What a tiny woman!

"Ah; forgive me. My eyes aren't what they used to be." The lady walked up, hugging her fancy scarf tighter around her shoulders. She grabbed Tawny's cheek, and felt around. A smile spread across her lips.

"You have your grandfather's nose. Oh. Silly me. My name is Annamaria. I've been sent by the duke to be the headmaid; should you approve of me." Annamaria gave a little bow; head lowering.

Tawny furrowed her eyebrows. "The Duke?" She withdrew from the old ladies grasp, rubbing her reddened cheek.
"Yes. His grace, your liege, has been fairly gracious towards the Emperor's request. I am all he can spare to help run this...-" Annamaria gestured her hand off to the side; pointing at the castle. "Estate; and to provide you with an education befitting a favored noble of His Majesty, the Emperor."

Not like I can do anything about that. Tawny bit back a groan.

"Very well. How are the renovations going?" She asked; hoisting her luggage up after losing her grip a little.

"Ah. The Master's quarters have almost been completely refurbished. Due to the shortage of funds; we are not able to completely renovate the palace." Annamaria reports.The two watched a few workers carry out what appeared to be a tethered and worn out couch.

"And what of my guest quarters?" She questions.

Annamaria squinted up at the tower of the castle. "Stable. We managed to repair most of the damage. Her highness will find herself very comfortable there."

"What else has been fixed?"

"The Kitchen, The Servants Quarters, The Dining Room, The Living Quarters; and the Stables."

Awesome. That means over half of the castle is still lain in ruin.

Horses neigh in the distance as hooves pound on soil.

A man walked over the drawbridge; and slammed his cane down.

"Her Majesty, Queen Consort Alienor de Blanchet has arrived."

The man stepped aside; and a carriage pulled in. This carriage was silver with the fluorescent blue symbol of the Emperor's Insignia.

It came to a stop before the two.

The door opened and a women stepped out.

Tawny stared up at her as she descended the steps of the carriage.

"Master Ravenscraig?" Alienor spoke from behind a waving fan.

Tawny bowed. "Your Majesty."

I can smell her perfume from here. Citrus. Is that what I smell?

"This is for you." The beautiful woman stood in front of her; holding out an envelope.

 

Tawny took the envelope and looked at it. Fancy.

Alienor blushed and covered the lower half of her face with her fan again, fanning herself. "Do not open it here." She stated; face flushed.

Tawny froze; watching as the lady ran her eyes up and down her form. Is she sizing me up? She thought to herself.

"Your Majesty?"

"..You're a girl." Alienor stated; shifting her eyes from her shoes and then to her eyes.

Tawny raised a brow. "Yes, ma'am."

Alienor snapped her fan closed and approached. She placed a hand to her face, and lifted up her chin. Tawny's lips trembled as she watched Alienor's face twist.

"..Good-" She let go of Tawny and shifted away; grasping the ends of her skirt to move. "Miss Ravenscraig, where are the rest of your staff?"

Tawny shook herself from her enamored fantasies; and placed a hand on elderly ladies shoulder; nudging her closer. She held the envelope close to her chest; holding it.

 

"This is Miss Annamaria, the head maid."

"I'm aware of Miss Annamaria; but where is everyone else?" She questioned.

"Miss! We're done for the day. Just a few more nooks and crannies to dust; and you're all set!" Called out one of the workers.

Alienor rolled her eyes and muttered "How rude."

The old lady gave a smile. "We have sent flyers to the nearby barons for their daughters and sons interested in serving at Ravenscraig. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to inform Master Ravenscraig or myself."

Tawny picked up the twitch in her eye; raising an eyebrow in amusement. She's not going to like country life, is she?

"Well! I certainly cannot stand this heat. Master Ravenscraig, shall we enter our new shared abode?" She placed a hand to her stomach and rubbed slightly. "I'm quite famished."

Tawny shrugged and walked over. She heaved one of the suitcases onto her shoulder and looked at the lady. "C'mon then. I'll whip us up something nice."

Alienor squeaked as her smaller suitcase was taken from her; Annamaria holding it and following behind Tawny. "Oh- I can carry that, Miss Annamaria."

"Please, call me Anna." She chimed out.Alienor's face softened and a smile slowly spread across her cheeks. "Anna, Master Ravenscraig."

Tawny tilted her head back as she heard her name. "Hm?"

"Thank you for having me." Alienor curtsied. "I would like to prepare a dinner for us tonight; if I'm allowed."

Tawny turned with a grin, stepping back up the stairs. "Sure, as long as you call me Tawny."

Annamaria opened the front door to the estate; letting the sunlight pour in. They all got their first glimpse inside.

Tawny caught a glimpse of a smile on Alienor's face; her own shifting into that of one of disbelief. The many paintings on the walls, the plush of the carpentry on the stairs leading up into both towers; and into many halls.

"Welcome to Ravenscraig Castle, Master Ravenscraig, Miss Alienor."

~

Tawny found herself confused with the different silverware placed in front of her. She picked up a smaller spoon, pressing her tongue in the curve of it. She placed it back down and looked up; meeting gazes with Alienor.


Stormy eyes gazed back into Tawny's nightly orbs. Alienor's hand slowly came up to press against her cheek; leaning into the table as the two waited for dinner to be served.

"I apologize for the mess." Alienor wiped a little tear from her eye. She was referring to the disaster in the kitchen.

Tawny had agreed to let her cook; but Alienor proved herself to be quite the pyromason in the kitchen. It was a mutual agreement to leave the cooking to the servants.

"It's alright. Nobody was hurt." She shifted back in her seat; leaning into the plush of the cushion. I could get used to this.

"I feel terrible putting all that work onto Miss Annamaria. Will she be alright alone?" Alienor gazed back to the kitchen doors; where some steam could be seen coming out the top of it.

Tawny pushed her chair out and stood. "I will go check." She moved her hair around her shoulder to the back as she walked into the kitchen.

Alienor watched her hips as she walked in; her hands clasping tightly in her lap. As soon as Tawny was out of sight; she stands.

Her chair skidded lightly across the hard stone floor. She stepped around; grabbing the ends of her skirt as she headed to the nearby arched window. She pushed it open and peered out; looking down.

This castle paled in comparison to that of the imperial palace. She leaned on her hand; sighing as the night air caressed deep into her frivolous golden locks.

She sighs, tugging her coat tighter around her shoulders.

Over the hills, past the rolling fields of farmlands and the towering trees; she spotted a light. Coming; approaching the castle. She squinted; using a hand to block the wind from brushing her hair into her face.

Then came knocking.

A pebble.

A pebble had struck the framing of the window; descending into the bushes below. She poked her head out; looking around before finally meeting eyes with 3 children.

"Uh...Hello." She gave a little wave.

The youngest child,a girl, pushed through the taller boys and called up at her. "Are you a princess?!"


Alienor, deciding to play into the little girls fantasies; straightened and leaned into the frame.
"Yes. Who dares approach my castle? The night is no place for mere children."

The stubby boy pointed a finger up. "This ain't your castle! We-"

He was cut off by the little girl shoving him back; pushing him into the dirt. "Idiot! You said you'd come with me to see the princess; not pick on her!"


Alienor blinked. "Oh- Careful. Are you alright?" She questioned below.

The stubby boy rubbed his chest; whimpers leaking from his lips as he stood back up. "I'm fine."

The night grew silent for a moment. "Where are your parents?" Alienor asked.

The little girl pressed a finger to her lips. "Mum is at work! Daddy is..." Her eyes shifted downwards.

"Father left for the war a long time ago." Answered the quiet one.

"Oh.."

The stubby one breathed in through his nose. "Mmmn.. Are you having dinner?" He asked the fair maiden.

She glanced back into the dining hall; towards the kitchen. Light clanging and clashing sounds could be heard. "It's almost supper time, yes. The lord of the castle is preparing a meal."

"Tawny?" The quiet one tilted his head.


"Tawny isn't a lord!" The stubby one chastised his brother. "It's got to be one of her cousins."

The little girl sniffed the air. Her eyes bulged and she whined. "I'm hungry. Brother, can we go home?"

Alienor sat up from the frame. "Hold on, it's way too late for you to walk home by yourself."

"It's fine! Momma says that witches only consume pretty little girls." Teased the stubby one.

The girl grumbled and punched her brother in her stomach. "Rude!"

"Hey hey hey." Called a voice behind Alienor.

Tawny approached the window; leaning out to see the three troublemakers.
"Wendy, Rodger, Dodge-" She blinked in bewilderment. She shook her head. "You hungry?"

Alienor stared at Tawny's softening face. She tilts her head. The Master of Ravenscraig a commoner?

"Yeah!" The children cheered in unison.

"I'll go bring them inside." She jutted her finger over her shoulder at the table. "Be a darling and tell Anna that we need 3 more plates." She drew a leg over the window frame.

"Wait- are you going to jump?" Alienor chimed.

Tawny turned her body; letting it hang over the frame. Before pushing off; she looked up at Alienor.

"Dodge doesn't like tomatoes. Have Anna leave them out, yeah?" She pushed off the frame; and fell to the ground. She landed; crouched.

Tawny groaned softly as her back popped. "Ugh. Too high." She stood up straight; stretching her arms out above her head. "Come on, kids. Let's get you inside."

The kids cheered and followed Tawny inside like little ducklings.

Alienor pointed out the window, and looked back at Annamaria who was already placing 3 more plates at the table. "Are they all like this?" She heaved. "She could have died!"

"Oh dear." Annamaria placed a hand to her cheek; and giggled sweetly as she took a seat at the dinner table. "There's a lot you have left to learn about the family." She lifts up a spoon; bringing a bit of soup to her lips.

Alienor approached the table and took her seat.
I'm so used to having servants do this for me...

"I'm aware." She muttered as she stirred her soup. "But where do I start? Tawny doesn't seem the type to just lay her cards out on the table immediately."


Why did Tawny get the title of Master Ravenscraig when she has cousins? Were there no suitable men? Surely there must be.

"There's a power in this world that even you and I couldn't begin to understand. A power only the lords of this castle know."

Annamaria started, "It cannot just be wielded by any lord; it must be someone of the correct-"

Her eyes shifted to the door where the voices of cheering amazed children drew closer.

"Yes?" Alienor beckoned her to finish her sentence before the others entered.

"Fools." Annamaria muttered. She squinted across the table at her.
"Why don't you get to know Tawny? That girl has been through a lot. Her tale will be your most interesting tea topic the next time you're in the capital."

Something about that statement doesn't sit right.
"If I go back to the capital."
The door to the dining room opened. "Sorry about the wait." Tawny apologized as she escorted the children to the table.

"You're such a kind soul, Master Tawny."

"Please, we're all hungry."

After getting the children settled; Tawny went to the head of the table where she sat in her seat. She looked across the table at them.

"So, what were you ladies talking about?" She inquired; grabbing a napkin as she dabbed the corners of her eyes.

"Tears? Were you crying, Tawny?" Alienor reached out in concern. 

"No no- I'm fine." She insisted. "The Kids crack me up."

"Crack.. you up?"

"It's a term of phrase. Common Tongue." Annamaria explained; using her hands to point at Tawny. "She uses them quite often."

Alienor cleared her throat. "Ehem... Anyways. Tawny, What is your favorite flower?"

Tawny raised a brow. "My favorite flower?" She hummed; scooping some soup into her mouth.

"I'd have to say Baby's Breath."

Alienor nodded. "Tiny petals... Okay." She made a mental note.

"What about you? What kind of flower do you prefer, your highness?" The stubby boy from earlier batted his eyelashes cutely. His brother nudged him. "Ow..."

"I quite enjoy Mouse Ears." She answered in turn.

~
It was a bitter morning followed by a light pelt of rain in the afternoon. Buckets were placed around the castle to catch the water leaking in from the roofs; only being replaced and dumped when they start to spill over.

Carriages pulled in and parked themselves in the courtyard. Many lesser lords of the area often sent their children to their lieges to enter a period of servitude. This was mostly done to improve the mannerisms of noble children. It could also be seen as a form of punishment for those of higher status. This was the day of picking for Castle Ravenscraig.

Tawny stood at the front of the large doors that were propped open only slightly as to prevent rain from staining the lush carpets.

Maids had been selected by Annamaria; and were now receiving the tour. All had to pass a specialized test crafted by the old lady's intelligent mind.

The Lady Alienor had selected her two ladies-in-waiting and was now being served tea as she interviewed more candidates. A lady can never have too many personal maids.

Tawny straightened up as another carriage entered the threshold of the castle. She walked down the steps; her tailcoat swishing behind her.

The boy driving the carriage hopped down and opened the door.
He's soaked.

"Good man. Thank you." Tawny met eyes with a fairly attractive young man. He hopped down; bouncing on the balls of his feet; gaze never parting from hers. The carriage pulled off to the side and parked; the young boy heading into the servants quarters to join the other guests.

"The Master Ravenscraig! I am Katarin of Caldwall; son of Earl Modwen. I have come as a request to-"

Tawny shrugged off her outer coat and drew it over his shoulders. "Come. Let's discuss the finer details inside. It's far too cold out here."

He clutched the coat closed; staring up at her in bewilderment. His cheeks flushed in embarrassment. "Y-yes, ma'am."

Tawny guided him up the stairs and inside all while keeping an eye on him.
He seems naive.

Tawny brought him to her room. "Please sit."

"Ah- yes. Oh." He peeled off the coat; folding it and placing it on his lap. "I will wash this later."Tawny curled her legs under her body. "Thank you. Now. You said your name was Katarin?"

"Yes. I am the son of Earl Modwen. I have come from the capital in response to your invitation of service." He placed the cloth to the side.

Note to self; do research on the Earldom held by Modwen later.

Tawny adjusts herself on her seat. She leans over the arm of the loveseat and pulls a blanket from the cushion seat. She drapes it over her legs and slouches against the plush of the loveseat.

"Aye. Tell me about yourself, Sir Katarin."

"I had a private education in His Imperial Highness's Academy of Arts. I can read and write your common tongue. I have understandings of the court and can provide an excellent tutelage to all your courtiers." The young man did answer.

Quite the educated chap.

Tawny leaned against her hand; mind rummaging with thoughts. She didn't know the first thing about this lord business. The hour is getting late as well. I shouldn't expect any other visitors.

"If I were to appoint you as steward, what would you do first?" Tawny tugged her blanket tighter around her.

Katarin appeared to flail slightly. He sat up; eyes glistening in passion."I would find a money source to help restore the castle to its former glory!"

"Very well then." She stands up; dragging her blanket with her as she rounded the table between them; holding her hand out to him to shake.

"I'll employ your services here at the castle. You may prove useful yet." Tawny grasped his hand that met hers half-way.

"Thank you, Master Ravenscraig! I promise to be loyal-"

"Good. Let's head off. I'll show you around." Tawny turned; her blanket swishing behind her much like a cape.

Footsteps came tumbling down the corridor. Right as Tawny went to open the door; It burst open.

"Tawny!" Alienor saunted in; her newly appointed Ladies-in-Waiting following behind her.
"Your Majesty." Tawny greets.

Alienor places her hands on her hips and cocks her head. "I've come to introduce my new courtiers."

Tawny sighs and backs back up into her room. "I have someone to introduce to you as well."

She plops back down into her chair; crossing her legs under her blankets. Alienor beckoned her entourage into the room from over her shoulder.

Alienor held her hand out to the three women behind her.

"This is the Lady Beatrice of Erasmus; daughter of the Witch Janette." A short blonde haired girl stepped up and did a bow.

"Next to her is Miss Irene ; daughter of Baron Cumberworth." The brunette next to her with tanned skin followed in a bow.

"And finally; We're joined by The Lady Mariasole de Blanchet, my step-daughter." A younger girl stepped forward; bowing low.
Tawny blinked a few times. "Princess?" She tilted her head.

"I am Princess Mariasole de Blanchet, sent by my father; His Majesty Valentinus de Blanchet."
The child was thin; but not too frail. Strawberry Blonde locks that were tied up in a bun on her head with only partial bangs framing her cheeks. She wore a traditional dress; not too heavy with accessories.

"Yes. She is my charge during my time here. One of my sisters brought her as a gift." Alienor answered; wrapping her arms around the shoulders of the young girl and holding her in a hug.

"..." Shit. How could this get worse?

 "Welcome to Castle Ravenscraig, your highness. I will have appropriate adjustments made to the lodgings of the courtier quarters." Tawny briefly bows her head.

"That will not be necessary." Mariasole stated; turning her head up. "I will eat, drink, sleep and live as the rest of the court."

"Isn't she so sweet?' Alienor cooed.

Tawny shifted her gaze over to the young girl. Something's up.

"Yes..."

A squeak came from beside her. She turned her head; looking at her newly appointed steward who was fumbling with a nearby vase. "Ah, yes."

"May I present; Katarin of Caldwall; son of Earl Modwen?" Tawny placed a hand to the boys back and brought him forward. "He is to be my Steward for the foreseeable future."

"Charmed." Alienor turned her gaze back to Tawny. "My sister is currently resting in my room. She would like to have supper with us before she departs back to the capital."

Oh fuck. If there's one thing Tawny Ravenscraig doesn't like, it's a surprise guest.

"Very well. Have the maids prepare a small feast. Katarin and I have business to attend to."

Alienor stares at Tawny. She raises her hand. "All of you, out."

The servants left without a word; Katarin stumbling on his way out but surprisingly managing to close the door.

As soon as the door shut; Alienor rounded on Tawny. Tawny sunk into the plush of the couch; freezing as breath brushed her ear.

"Keep an eye on my sister tonight. She is not to be trusted." Alienor whispers into her ear.
Tawny tenses. Her face flushes a light red; her hands balling into fists under the covers. "W-what do you mean?" She questions. Then again, what royalty could be trusted?

Her heart races in her chest. The only thing that she could see was her shoulder; and a bit of her neck from how close she was. Were their chests close enough to touch..? Oh; oh. Yes. Yes, they are.

"Just-" She sighs into her ear. The coolness of her breath causes shivers to travel down her spine. "Don't tell her anything regarding why I'm here." 

"Why would I?" Tawny retorts. "It's my castle."

Alienor lets go of her hand and shakes her head; pressing a finger to her lips.

Mumbling could be heard outside the door. "Are- in-" It was barely intelligible.

"Let's just get this over with." Tawny stands straight and moves past Alienor; opening the door to the room once again.

"The Master of Ravenscraig finally blesses me with her appearance." A large woman; probably around 5'2 in height but wider around the edges greets her. She was certainly beautiful. Short, twisted locks; freckled cheeks; and a beautiful constellation-like beauty mark on her face. 

"I am Queen Consort Donatella de Blanchet. Pleasure to make your acquaintance." The woman bowed in her direction.

"Welcome to Castle Ravenscraig, Your Majesty. I apologize for missing your carriage. I had no idea that you'd be arriving amongst my employees." Tawny hugged her blanket tightly and reached out her hand; grasping the Queen Consorts and bringing it up to give a chaste but sweet kiss to the back of it.