Cold Feelings

"Keep yapping your mouth Priella and you'll see exactly how I killed these dead hares." Evangeline yelled in return to Priella's latest insult. She had just finished hunting for tonight's dinner when she decided to go through the village to check milk prices. Evangeline found some forgotten fishing gear father out than her usual hunting spot and sold them at the market for a pretty coin the day before. Like always she had to haggle a fair price from the others but after years of their treatment Evangeline developed a real skill for bargaining. "Watch that tongue ya whore." Priella's brother Conrad walked out their house and spat in Evangeline's way. "Or shall I show ya other ways ya can use the thing than talking back?" Both Priella and her brother laughed at that. "She oughtto already know being a prostitute's bastard child!" Nearby people listening joined in with the laughter as Evangeline kept walking. Bunch of idiots. Evangeline kept walking, choosing to ignore them than provoke another beating. She learned from an early age that if she got Conrad really worked up his fist hurt more than his words. Evangeline made her way through the market and found a farmer's stall selling gallons of milk. "How much for two gallons?" Evangeline asked pulling out her coin purse. "Hmm... 50 silvers." The man and his wife laughed when he said this. Crook. My mother and I can eat lavishly for a week on that much. Evangeline pulled out 3 silver coins and held them out. "I'll just take one then." The man frowned but decided since he lost a one gallon purchase it was best not to loose another. He took the money and handed a gallon to Evangeline, who smiled at the farmer and his wife. "Much obliged sir and ma'am." Storing the gallon in her pouch she made her way home. As always eyes were on her as she walked through the village. Hushed whispers made it to her ears and the occasional spat in her path from a superstitious villager. It was the rumors' fault for such treatment, for Evangeline was the cursed child. A bastard child whose own father could not love and thus left. The daughter of a prostitute abandoned and whose fate will likely be like her mother's. If Evangeline did end up like her mother she didn't care. Her mother was a saint and the only person who ever loved Evangeline. She was the only person to stay by her side when most mother's in her position would have already left their child in front of an orphanage...or worse. Not Josephine, she spent every waking hour after Evangeline's birth taking care of her. They were living in poverty on the outskirts of Kredan, a small village located on the edge of the Octavion Empire. Being so far out the Arcane Knights are rarely stationed here for long periods of time before being called to another closer, and wealthier, territory. The last knight was a novice in training man named Kiv. He spent most his days pursuing ladies and drinking than actually working. Kredan was a speck in the kingdom and forgotten almost always. So when a knight did come it was the most exciting thing to happen in this tiny village. Evangeline looked up to the Arcane Knights when she was younger...and far more naive than she was now. The knights were those who could use the elements and bend it to their will. Air, Earth, Fire, Water, Lightning, Ice, Dark, and Light were the 8 elements of the world. The most common talents being in air, water, earth, and fire. Lightning and ice were rare among casters. Since the history of the kingdom there have only been three accounts of Arcane Knights being able to use black magic, but none of light.  It's said that only the most holy of casters can use this element for it is more powerful than any of the other seven aside from dark. All the other elements have the power to take life but to give life, only the chosen of the Goddess could wield it. Dreams of becoming an Arcane Knight was every peasants fantasy but it was never to be. Only nobles birthed magic casters and in the rare chance that a peasant was able to cast an element was 1 out of a whole kingdom. So imagine the surprise when not one but three children exhibited talents from Kredan. Those three children were Evangeline's best friends and another cause for rumors about her. For although they spent every day playing it was only those three that left to the capital to become knights. Leaving her with the gossip that even the Goddess knew she was not worthy and sent her friends away, that she was fated to stay alone.  They left without a word, not even goodbye. Evangeline sent letters to them when her mother could afford, but after a year of no reply from any of the three, she stopped. Over time she forgot about them like they had forgotten her. The day her friends cast her away and left to the capital was that day Evangeline completely lost faith in everyone else and the world. Everyone except for her mother. Thoughts of her childhood with her mother brought a smile onto Evangeline's face as she walked into the forest towards her home. A small one bedroom house away from the other villagers. Mom's the only one that matters. Her opinion is the only one that counts. As Evangeline made her way into the house she gazed at their small garden. Mostly vegetables and fruits but some flowers here and there. A hobby of her mother's since her health doesn't permit much exercise anymore. "Evie darling is that you?" Her mother's sweet silky voice called from the bedroom. Recently she spent more time in bed than out and Evangeline feared her health was declining further. "Yes mother.We're having rabbit stew for tonight's dinner with some milk." Evangeline replied as she got to cleaning the kitchen. "Come here darling please." Evangeline stopped what she was doing and went to her mother. Her mother was not just an angel by actions but she was as beautiful as one too. Evangeline always felt pride when she saw her mother. She was small and frail now but her beauty still shined through. Red hair so smooth it cascaded like a waterfall with eyes an earthly brown. Her skin was fair but not sun kissed since she was inside most days but when she did go outside the sun hugged her like no other. A beautiful tan would cover her on days the sun was high and her health was better. Her mother always said Evangeline was far more beautiful but she never saw it.  "Yes mother?" Evangeline asked and took a seat on the stool by her mother's bed., When she was younger they shared a bed but as she got bigger and her mother weaker, Evangeline made her mother sleep in it while she slept in a small cot close by. "How is my darling daughter today?" Evangeline smiled at the question. "You ask the same question when I return everyday and I give you the same answer. It was fine." Her mother always had a smile on her face but today she looked a little sad at the response. "What? What is it mother?" Evangeline took her mother's hand and squeezed. "Do you even know what today is?" Her mother asked as she squeezed her daughter's hand tighter. When Evangeline gave a small shake of her head Josephine sighed and frowned. "It's your birthday today darling." Evangeline let go of her mother's hand and shook her head. "What's the point of keeping track of a day like that? It makes no difference to care for it when we haven't got anything to celebrate with mother."  "Stop saying that darling, this day matters to me." Her mother's eye's were stern. "Would you say the same if it was my birthday or even your father's?" "Or course not but don't talk about that man mother, he is no father to me." "Evangeline!" Evangeline sighed and gave a small apologetic smile to her mother. Her mother wasn't crazy but she her hope that their father would return was a bit of an illusion to her. It was probably the only hope she had in our otherwise bleak life. Evangeline didn't like to see her mother still so infatuated with her father but saying so got her mother upset and those emotions didn't help her recovery. "Sorry mother you're right. But it doesn't change the fact that we have little to nothing." Evangeline squeezed her mother's hand again. "You being here is enough for me."  Josephine lifted her other hand to rest it on her daughter's cheek. "Oh my little flower you are sweet, I'm not going anywhere so at least for today let's just spoil you a little. Alright?" Josephine move off bed and took the hand Evangeline held out for support. "I have been saving this for this particular birthday." Josephine made her way over to the small mirror on the wall. "Mother what is so special about my 21st birthday? I already became a woman on my 18th." Evangeline asked confused when her mother took out the small necklace she always wore. A silver rose on a string. Her mother only ever owned two pieces of jewelry, the necklace and a thin silver ring. Both, she hid protectively since they were from my father, or so she says. "Yes darling I already know but this is a special day." Her mother then took out the ring and...broke it? No she unwound the ring and connected it to the necklace. Doing this turned the two pieces into a small key. "Mother what is that?" Her mother ignored the question as she took the key and inserted it into the mirror. A soft glow emitted from the mirror as the key clicked. Evangeline's mother took the key out and and opened the mirror to reveal a small storage area with a box as big as the mirror. Her mother took the box out and inserted the key once more to lock the mirror back into place. The glow after which faded. Evangeline couldn't help it, she grabbed the mirror off the wall and looked behind it for the newfound hidden space. All that was there was just the ordinary wooden wall. Evangeline set the mirror back and turned to her mother, eyes wide. "Mother....what....how...I-" Evangeline could not find the words as her mother held her free hand not holding the box out to her daughter. Evangeline took it and helped her mother back to the bed. "I'm sure you saw that it was an enchanted mirror darling." Evangeline's mother giggled as she said this. "Mother I KNOW what it was. What I want to know is how you have something so...so..." Evangeline sighed and calmed the flood of questions filling her head. "Mother enchanted items are sold at a starting price of 50 gold. How is that mirror in our home?" Her mother stared at her daughter for a few seconds before speaking. "It was a gift from your father when he was still here. He left it for when you turned 21." Evangeline's mother swept a hand across the box and smiled. "I never opened it but I can guess what it is. You see although every birthday of yours is special today is different. It was on my 21st birthday that I met your father." Evangeline's head was still in a confused state but the mention of her father seemed to shake her out of it. "I don't want it mother. Whatever he gave me we can sell for coin." "No!" Her mother held the box in both hands. "You cannot sell this! Perish the thought and promise me right now!" Josephine's rising emotions worried her daughter and Evangeline put a hand on her mother's shoulder, speaking softly this time to try and calm her. "Mother please we need the money." "Promise me or else I will put this back into the mirror and smash it! I did not spend years resisting the temptation myself to sell this only to have you reject the gift." Her mother began coughing profusely and Evangeline patted her back. "Okay I promise mother, just calm yourself." Evangeline left to pour her mother a cup of milk and when she got back the coughing had stopped somewhat. "I'm sorry darling it's just...your father had his reasons to leave, but he promised to come back. He will save us from this life I swear it darling, you just need to have faith in this." Josephine grabbed her daughters hands and kissed them. "Enduring these hardships will lead us to a better future once your father returns." Evangeline didn't believe a word but decided not to argue. Her mother's faith in the man that left them angered her but then again at least she hoped for anything at all. Hope and love have long been dead for Evangeline. "Okay mother I'm sorry." Then she slapped on her best fake smile. "What did father leave for me in there?" Her mother smiled and retrieved the box. It was a grand silver box, with intricate designs on the outside and a silk ribbon that tied it together. "Let's find out shall we?" Evangeline's mother said as she handed her the box. Evangeline took the box from her mother's hands and removed the thick ribbons, behind them was a small note that was hidden. Her mother gasped. "A note?" Evangeline said as she opened the note and read it. My dearest daughter, Today marks a grand day for you as you turn 21. I cannot tell you how great it pains me to not be there with you and your mother. I promise I will come for you both one day. Till then please accept this gift. It was on your mother's 21st birthday we met and fell in love, I hope this same gift makes you as happy as it did her. Your father. The writing...was in her mother's hand. Evangeline looked over at her but only received an elated smile from her. Evangeline could only give a small smile back as she tucked the note into her pocket. "I wonder what it is." Evangeline laughed as she opened the box. It was her turn to gasp this time. Inside was a beautiful red dress decorated with pearls and shoes to match it. The fine silks of the gown were much to real and Evangeline could only guess the pearls were too. "Mother...whe-where did you get this?!" Evangeline said as she shoved the dress back into the box, looking around her to see if anyone heard or saw. The paranoia wasn't needed as nobody came to this cursed house. "From your father of course." Josephine smiled at her daughter. "You saw the note did you not?" "Mother please I know-...forget it." Evangeline cut herself off before upsetting her mother further. Josephine smiled warmly as she opened the box again and smooth the dress with her delicate hands. "Do you like it darling? The color matches your hair." Evangeline got her hair from her mother but her blue eyes...from that man. She always wished she had her mother's warm brown eyes and not any features from that man. "It's...lovely." "I'm glad you like it because I wanted you to wear it for the festival in Ulias next month when we go." Ulias was a bigger village a day ride from Kredan. Every year there were numerous festivals and wealth was plenty there since it was by the sea. We would have moved there if not for the tax on new residents. The tax was more meant to keep out the poor than help with business. Every year during one specific festival, the Autumn Festival, Evangeline and her mother would visit for work. The Autumn festival was the biggest event of the year, and there was much work to be done for the full three days it was going on. Sometimes when the work was done early the hired help could enjoy the festival as well. It was honest work for honest pay and it also provided most of Evangeline and her mother's living wages for the next few months. "Mother there's not likely to be a chance for me to wear it. Until father comes back wouldn't it be better to sell it? I'm sure he would want us to, seeing how much we need the coin." Evangeline's mother looked up from the dress with angry eyes. "Evie stop this! Please just...stop." Her mother grew quiet. Seeing her mother like this was always hard but she needed to see the facts. The man lied and left gifts to make up for his absence, why couldn't her mother see that?!  He still had a hold on her mother's heart when he couldn't care less about them, why else did he just leave them here? Evangeline's anger rose as she struggled to calm down. Mother I'm sorry but I'll not waste an opportunity like this. When we go to the festival I will wear this dress once...only for you. Then I'll sell the damn thing and move us to another village and a better life.  "Okay mother I will wear it to the festival, if that will make you happy." Her mother beamed and Evangeline's heart hurt. She didn't lie but not telling the whole truth was just as bad. "You will look lovely darling oh we will have lots of fun!" Evangeline smiled and nodded as she got up to make dinner, feeling cold even near the fire. It was rare that she and her mother ever had warm milk and meat to eat so today's meal fit her birthday but the festive mood her mother was in did not reach Evangeline. Behind the smile and laughs her heart ached at the thought of betraying her mother's wishes to keep the dress for coin. It's for the best she doesn't know until the deed is done. She'll thank me for it once we leave Kredan to start new lives, I'm sure of it. Yet even as she thought it it didn't feel true. It's been a few weeks since Evangeline's 21st birthday and the Ulias Autumn Festival was just 3 days away. Evangeline was currently in the process of gathering berries and nuts for the trip for her and her mother. A traveling caravan was always heading to Ulias around this time so hitching a ride was never a problem, especially since those travelers didn't know them.  The sun was setting low by now and Evangeline packed her haul and started heading home. She ignored the path through the village and took the one near the edge of the forest like usual, unaware of the figure behind a tree further up. "Aren't you a little too pretty to be walking home alone?" Evangeline turned at the man's voice. He was leaning on the tree smoking tobacco. The smell didn't alarm Evangeline since most everyone in Kredan smoked but the fact that the man was so quiet unsettled her. Evangeline always had good hearing and sight in the darkness so no one had really surprised her like this. "No." Was all Evangeline said as she chose to ignore the man and continue walking. If he dared to try anything she would scream, not that she hoped the others would help, but because a scream was likely to make an attacker stop being so close to a village. "A sharp one she is." The man said as she heard him walking up beside her. She looked at him as he did this and noticed his features in the light. He was a tall handsome man, no doubt a lady's man. His hair a dark shade of green as were his eyes. "You need not fear me though, I'm only worried for the lady." "I don't fear you and I don't care." Evangeline said as she quickened her pace. The man easily kept up. "Pardon my interruption on your evening walk then miss. To be truthful I saw a pretty young girl walking alone and felt I should make sure you get home safe." Evangeline stopped and stared at the man. Clearly he had not known who she was otherwise he wouldn't bother. But if she was being honest too, the flattery was a nice change from insults. Evangeline softened her tone when she replied since the man's expression looked honest enough. "I'm fine but thank you for the offer. I'd prefer to walk alone in fact." Before Evangeline turned around to continue walking the man reached for her hand and gave a slight bow of the head. "Name's Jackson Godard miss. Pleasure meeting you." Evangeline felt her cheeks warm as he squeezed her hand gently. "Evangeline." She replied taking her hand away. "No last name?" The man smiled as he pulled his hand away. "I don't have one." Evangeline turned and began walking again. "Be seeing you Miss Evangeline." She heard the man say as she left. A small smile beginning to form on her lips. When she got home her mother was sitting by the fire on the stool, cooking some vegetable stew from her garden. "Welcome home darling." Her mother said as she stirred the stew. Evangeline set the haul onto the table near the door and walked over to her mother. "Onions?" She asked with a groan. "Yes darling please don't be so picky with your vegetables." Her mother laughed. "How was your day today?" "Same as usual except..." Evangeline's voice trailed off. "Except?" Her mother asked. Evangeline let out an small laugh as she leaned on the table. "Some new traveler passing by was flirting with me I think." Her mother dropped the ladle with wide eyes. "Darling how exciting! It's about time men took an interest in you, you're much too beautiful for them not to." Her mother picked the ladle up and used her apron to wipe it. "The men here are much to stupid to see your assets and pursue you." "Mother please stop. I've not any interest in him but maybe I can use his interest for a free ride to Ulias." Evangeline said dismissing any idea of a romantic relationship her mother might've hoped for her. "Life isn't always about business Evie. One day I won't be here anymore and I hope by then you will have a reliable partner to spend the rest of your days with as a family." Her mother eyes looked far away as she said this. You didn't. Evangeline shook the thought from her head reminding herself that her mother's delusional hopes weren't her fault. She was tricked by a rich man who left the moment he found out she was pregnant. Her fantasy that the man would return was all she had to get through our dreary lives. "Regardless mother, we will need to catch a ride with one of the caravans heading there.If my looks alone aren't enough I'll need whatever coin we have to purchase our seats on the carriages." "How much do we have left?" Her mother started pouring the stew into bowls and handed one to Evangeline. "Not much but I think if I can at east sell the ribbons from the box to Priella we'll have enough." Evangeline's mother sighed and gave her a look. "It's not the dress mother plus what use will I have of it when father comes back?" Evangeline hated playing into the false hope of her father returning but when she did her mother's mood brightened significantly. "I guess you have a point but only the ribbons." Josephine said with a satisfied smile. "I'll head to her house tomorrow and ask around for available seats while I'm at it."  Once dinner as done Evangeline went to collect the spring water near their house for a bath. Sanitation was one of the few things Evangeline held at the same standard as food and made sure she and her mother took baths frequently. A pile of firewood laid next to the tub outside the house behind a makeshift wall for coverage. It wasn't really needed since we were the only ones who lived in this part of the village and the trees were thick here, but Evangeline's mother wouldn't bath without some sort of coverage for any unexpected guest. After filling the tub with water Evangeline set to heating it up with a small fire underneath. Evangeline built the tub from wood she'd cut off the trees, and nails she's stolen during various jobs. It was big enough to comfortably fit one adult. First Evangeline would help her mother wash, then empty the water and refill the tub for her. Her mother taught her the value of sanitation and how having good habits, like bathing, helped keep sickness away. Evangeline's mother knew a lot for a peasant. Over the years she saw just how different her mother talked compared to the other villagers. She was a great deal smarter that was obvious but her mannerisms and ideals differed greatly too. But whenever Evangeline asked about her past her mother would dismiss it and instead recount the days her father was around. After many attempts Evangeline gave up all together, deciding it was better to to not ask then hear stories of that wretched man. "Mother the bath is ready." Evangeline said as she walked into the house. Her mother was reading by the fire. Since her mother stayed home most of the time Evangeline tried to buy as much books as she could and for a cheap price. Most the people in Kredan couldn't read so most people selling books here are more than happy to rid themselves of it for any coin. Another difference between her mother and the others. Her mother did teach her to read which has come in handy every now and then but what good was reading to a peasant. Evangeline hated feeling ungrateful but she wished her mother had taught her more valuable skills like basket weaving or mending clothes, profitable skills for village life. At least then I could afford commission for a better house for her. Her mother looked from the book to her daughter and smiled. "Did you put any herbs in?" She asked as she closed the book and stood up, holding her hand out for Evangeline's arm. "Yes but only lavender and chamomile since the others are not that big yet." Evangeline held her arm out and lead her mother outside to the bath. It was a little dark outside by this time but in Kredan the weather was always warm even at night. Evangeline helped her mother undress and step into the bath. The warm breeze softly blowing her mother's red hair around. "As always the temperature is just right darling, thank you." Her mother pinched her daughter's cheeks and Evangeline laughed. "Here's the soap." Evangeline said as she handed her mother the small bar she made from tallow, lye and water. Her mother took the soap and reached for the clean cloth hanging close by. Her mother began humming as Evangeline stared up at the twin moons, enjoying their crescent phase and bright light. Evangeline always felt the most melancholy during the nights. While it as quiet and still here at their house, music from the village could be heard faintly. They were alone and although that is not what bothered Evangeline, her lack of fortune to support her mother did. When the twin moons were full they always reminded Evangeline of pearls on a lighter note, but on a darker one the pearls also reminded Evangeline that this was to be her mother's life till she died. A life with no friends and poor. Never to know what it would be like to live like the nobles...like the arcane knights. Evangeline sighed softly so as her mother wouldn't hear and sent a silent prayer to the moons. Please twin moons, the children of the Goddess, luck and fortune. Please bring both not for me, I'll never pray for me, but for my mother. Give her a life well deserving of her character and person. If not those then please keep her healthy and strong. As Evangeline stared at the moons the glow from them seemed to get brighter and a warm feeling washed over Evangeline's body. The glow was almost hypnotizing and the more she stared the closer she seemed to be getting to the moons...or were they coming closer her? Evangeline faintly noticed her mother's humming had faded as soft voices whispered around her. Slowly she moved a hand to touch the moons and the voices became louder the closer her hand got. "Evangeline?" Her mother's voice brought her attention back down. From the look of her worried expression Evangeline could guess she had called her name out a few times. "Are you okay? What are you doing with your hand sweety?" Evangeline looked from her mother's face to her hand raised up towards the sky. What was I just doing? "Um..stretching my arm." Evangeline laughed as she moved her arm up and down. "It got a bit stiff just now." She made a show to move her other arm as well and smiled at her mother. "Need help washing your back now?" Her mother gave a cautious smile back, worry still apparent in her brown eyes. "Yes please." Her mother replied as she handed the cloth to Evangeline. Josephine then moved her red hair to the side as Evangeline began washing her mother's back. This time Evangeline accompanied her mother humming and kept humming until her mother was dressed and in bed. "Goodnight mom." Evangeline said as she kissed her mother's forehead. Her mother kissed her forehead in return and closed her eyes. "Good night darling." Her mother yawned and fell asleep. Evangeline stood there watching her mother's soft breathing for a bit before walking outside to empty the bath. By the time she was done refilling the tub and heating the water it was much darker outside. Evangeline never worried about visitors since she set makeshift alarms made from string and old glass bottles around the house. Evangeline undressed and stepped into the tub. Her muscles relaxed as the hot water covered her body. Closing her eyes she leaned her head back and enjoyed the heat. While her body relaxed her mind did not, plans of the next day replaying in her head and alternatives to take should the first plans fail. Sell the ribbon to Priella. Check if Jackson was heading to Ulias and if so barter for a ride. If I'm right and this Jackson fellow does fancy me then maybe we won't have to spend a coin. If Jackson refuses us then maybe I can use the coin from selling the ribbon to borrow a horse with carriage for a few days. Her thoughts went over every detail until she finally had a set plan. Once her mind finally relaxed she began washing herself down with the soap, using a stick wrapped with the cloth for the places she couldn't reach on her back. Once done Evangeline got out the bath, dressed, and began emptying the water. Before walking into her house she glanced at the moon one more time and stopped. To full moons? Weren't they in their crescent phase just now? Evangeline stared a few moments more, wondering if the earlier sensation was just her imagination from lack of sleep. "Must've imagined it." Evangeline yawned and dismissed her thoughts as a sign for tiredness. "No time to day dream. Gotta prepare." And with that Evangeline checked their packed belongings and made her little cot in the corner. Dreams of pearls in the sky entering her mind.