Snippet #1642720

The afternoon sun sat quietly in the sky as its rays brightened the normally glum hill leading to the spacious Vernon estate. A light, playful, sweet-smelling nature air began to blow at a steady pace, playfully uplifting dead leaves and dirt and scattering them beneath the towering, lush trees that covered the area. It was a gorgeous, golden day, yet a mundane one for the 16-year old owner of the land.

Laila Vernon sat atop her balcony overlooking her deserted garden with disdain. Weeds had begun to sprout in small patches, and in some places there was just infertile dirt. She had wanted something planted there, but she was uncertain of the flowers that should be placed. A light sigh escaped her lips as she pondered over what she should do now. It’s not like she ever left the land, and she was becoming rather bored. It was a common occurrence here, boredom. She had put up with it her entire life.

“Would you favor a glass of cider, my lady?”

Standing at the entrance of the balcony was Aldwin, holding a tray that was topped with a glass of a dark liquid, and a plate which housed a few pieces of sliced figs. He grinned at his young master serenely before making his way to the table where she sat. Aldwin was a tall man, in his mid forties, with dark but graying hair, and grey eyes that were filled with wisdom. He wore a black, fitting waistcoat that meshed well with his muscular physique and black breeches that clung to his legs. He placed the tray on the table, awaiting her response.

“Thank you.”

Laila picked up the glass delicately and took a sip. After several moments of quiet, she placed the glass back on the tray, and resumed staring out at the pitiful garden again.

“Is the cider not to your liking, my lady? You usually enjoy it.”

“No, its fine,” Laila responded, staring unblinkingly at the unwanted weeds in her garden. After a moment's pause, she spoke. “I was just thinking. About this current situation.”

Aldwin noticed she was staring out at the garden. “If you would like, I could go out and fetch some seeds from the market. I could be back before sundown and have them sewn by tomorrow morning, if that is your request.”

But even as he spoke, 16 years of experience had shown him that it wasn’t the garden that was the issue. He saw the unmistakable look of boredom and sadness in her eyes.

“It’s not the garden after all, is it, young master.”

Laila craned her neck toward him, smiling. “Aldwin, I am the master of the Vernon estate, and me alone. It would be silly to abide by rules that were set out for me so long ago.”

So he had been right; His young master wanted to see the outside world. She may not have said it directly, but he completely understood. Bowing, the man-servant smiled broadly as he spoke. “Young master Laila, if it is your request, I will do everything in my power to make you happy.”

Laila couldn’t help but grin as well. “Then I will give you my wish: I wish to visit the city of Bellanuva. Have the horses drawn and be ready to depart in 10 minutes.”

Aldwin bowed deeply yet again. “Of course,” he said before turning and walking back through the entrance of the balcony. His heavy footsteps echoed throughout the house as he headed for the stables.

The big oaf of a cat, Percival, had awoken from his third nap of the day, and gave a sleepy “mee-ow” as he rubbed his back on the table’s legs. Laila stood up from her chair, breathing in a deep breath. “My parents tried to shelter me, but they are gone. I appreciate the protection, but I am almost an adult.” She flapped her beautiful, mismatched wings, bending her cream colored wing to fit in her hand. She caressed the wing gently for a few minutes silently. Finally, she spoke once more. “It will be fun, I bet, visiting the city.” With that, she turned and headed to the outside, the big cat right at her heels, where the horses would be waiting…

An hour later, Laila Vernon arrived at the city of Bellanuva.

Stepping out of the hand-made wooden carriage drawn by the horses, Laila began to slowly walk into the city, head held high-

"Madam."

Aldwin hopped off of the horses, standing upright and holding his young master's golden, glimmering pendant that was inherited from her mother. "Your heirloom."

Laila allowed the manservant to place the valued pendant around her neck. Instantly, her wings shrank into her body. "Remember that this pendant is only useful until the sun runs out. After that, your wings will be completely visible. By the looks of it, you won't have too much time in the city before we must depart." Aldwin smiled. "I will be awaiting your return. Do not worry," he said, grinning once he saw her frown up. "I'm more than sure you don't want an old man hobbling behind you. If you need anything, I will be there instantly; until then, I must fetch a few things from the market."

Percival hopped out of the carriage finally, yawning and trotting over to where Laila was, and they began to walk. "I guess you'll have some company afterall," the butler laughed. After a few minutes of silent walking, they both stopped in front of a big building. "Please my lady, do enjoy yourself. Might I recommend stopping inside of the Arcanium University? You'll be pleased to know that your mother used to work here." Aldwin smiled once more, taking his master's long silence as his cue to leave.