Echo Of Dreams: Legacy Of The Past

Episode 3

As the ever-growing light in my peaceful darkness unnerves me, I reluctantly regain consciousness. The sun, which has no intention of going anywhere despite the breezy weather, enters through the front-facing window and dances in front of my closed eyes. I stretched, setting a route for myself between the butcher shop and the bridge leading to the main square, turning towards the sun like the old Whisker, who never goes beyond its limits, rolling on muddy roads, pricking his brown-cream feathers. I felt like I couldn't sleep.

Apparently, after Mia shared her excitement about prom with me the day before, she had shared it with Esther as well. While I was going to my room after dinner, I couldn't help but hear the sounds coming from Mia's room next to mine. "And your chances of finding a suitor there are much higher." Esther was saying. Mia moved happily, "I'm sure all noble gentlemen will be very handsome, after all, I can't court someone who is fat and ugly." Mia made a sound of disgust, wincing at the thought of what he'd said. Combing her daughter's hair, Esther laughed in a soothing but fake voice and said, "I'm sure the most handsome princes and the richest nobles will line up to dance with you, but remember, it's up to you to keep your eyes open and not miss any chance." Through the ajar door, I saw Mia nodding heavily, considering everything said as if it were very important information. I couldn't bear any more than what I was hearing, so I gritted my teeth and walked back to my room, wondering if Esther was the reason she was so excited about prom. I had no intention of standing by and watching Esther, who expected nothing more from a wife as long as she came from a noble lineage, was handsome, or had enough wealth to overshadow her ugliness, turned Mia into a reflection of her ambitions. This morning, I was upset and left the house quickly to avoid running into Esther.

It was quiet, maybe too quiet. During the autumn season, you usually couldn't see anyone on the streets because everyone was busy with their work. The few residents wandering around would disappear in the blink of an eye with their quick steps and hasty attitudes. During the turning times, significant signs of life were seen, mostly from the companies established on the outer borders of the cities. While I was trying to suppress my excitement and sense of expectation, which I pretended wasn't there, I must have felt sad as I watched the quiet street and involuntarily looked at the sound of every step. Although I didn't tell anyone, I applied to Lorence Wosai's academy to study in Anaşehir in the middle of this year. I knew it was very difficult to get accepted into the academy; When I was very young (at an age where I can only vaguely remember what he said), my father rarely talked about my mother. He would tell me that my mother was an academy student in Anaşehir, in the heart of the kingdom, who was the teacher's favorite. He would walk around unconsciously with his messy hair, which he obviously hadn't spent time tidying up, and his cloak constantly slipping off his shoulders. She was a very beautiful woman, with clever ideas that made her older professors and academy friends jealous. Even though I couldn't learn every detail of the story, holding on to the memories I knew made my mother's memory, which was like a faint smoke in the air, alive. Still, I was trying not to have expectations, and I didn't like the idea of ​​leaving May alone; I've never thought about this issue in detail. It was okay to add a new one to the many things I was trying not to think about. We had plans to go to the troupe at the city border with Tilly this evening; If Tilly could run away from home, I could have a real good distraction.

Mia had chosen the dress I would wear in the evening. The cleavage of the sparkling fabric, which looked appropriate for a carnival, highlighted my breasts and made them look larger and more interesting than they actually were. It was too daring for me, but I still didn't say anything. I had learned that I shouldn't object when he wanted to prepare me; his resentment could lead to a resentment that didn't know how long it would last. When I sat in front of the ivy-carved mirror, he held my shoulders and started watching me like a sculptor. I wondered if I was in such a bad state that he looked so thoughtful. I mean, it wasn't like I'd been paying much attention to myself lately, but Caleb, who looked at me every time I walked into the bakery like I was one of his favorite almond scones, made me think otherwise. There was an alley between the Harringtons and our house, and almost every girl in town had a crush on Caleb since we could walk. He was charming and funny, and the only reason why the single girls of the entire kingdom hadn't fallen in love with him so far was because he didn't leave Farwod unless he had to. When I hurried out of the house this morning, my first stop was the Harrington's bakery.

Caleb, who seemed happy to see me (this wasn't a special thing for me; he has a way of making you feel very special in general.) "Did a tornado pass over you or something?" he said in surprise.

I don't have time to redo it.

"Seriously, you need to learn how to talk to women," I said, trying to sound angry as I straightened my pants and wrinkled skirt. I said.

"I thought I did a pretty good job, but if you want to help, I wouldn't turn down your offer, little bunny." He was leaning on the counter, looking towards me, with his attractive smile that was obviously having fun.

"I hate it when you call me that." I lifted my chin and held my head up to show that I was serious.

She shrugged, "I know," she said. He didn't seem to care much; "I heard you'll be getting an invitation to the Fall Ball," she said as she wrapped two large slices of hazelnut cake for me, even though you didn't order them.

News was spreading fast in this town. "Oh no, it'll probably just be high-ranking palace officials, there's no logical reason for them to invite me to a place like that. It's just that Mia is very excited, I don't want her to be upset."

He nodded as if he understood and said, "Still." "If you need a date, I'm around," he said as he handed me the fat bag smelling of hazelnuts and caramel.

I bit my lip to keep from laughing as I snatched the bag from his hand and walked to the door, "I think I'll consider my other options," I said. We both knew there was no better option than that. He tried to look offended, but he wasn't very successful. "I'll be waiting," I heard him shout as the old creaky door closed behind me.

My gaze hit the mirror and found Mia first, then myself. I think we're done. My reflection didn't look bad at all; The few strands of hair she had released were falling on my face, and she had pinned my mother's old embroidered hairpin between the hair she had gathered on my head. The shiny stones of the buckle matched my iridescent dress tonight. Mia said she had an important meeting tonight so it was just Tilly and me tonight.