The Well in the Mires

Fenna wiped her burning eyes of their embarrassment. How could she have been so foolish? She turned into the mire. She didn't want to be found, and no one would look for her there. After all, the old legends of the mire were still deeply rooted in local superstitions. Her fiery curls blew into her ashen eyes, momentarily blinding her long enough to get tangled in some willows. "Great!" She sputtered, stomping her foot with a wet squash as she stumbled out. She groaned, realizing she had just covered her opposite leg in swamp muck. Today was "getting better." She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "Calm." She told herself. Opening her eyes, she spotted fireflies dancing ahead. She wandered forward to find solace in their display. Approaching, there was a broken path, cutting through a flooded area, leading up to a large well. Just beyond the well was a contrasting, crumbling, stone ruin. The well was clearly old but seemed much more recent. She peered up at the fireflies in their mating ritual, allowing herself to relax. Her mind disappeared in the sound of their gentle flaps, the gentle breeze teasing her hair and soft trickle of the small fountain spout in the side of the well. Another long breath eased its way out of her lungs. Looking down into the well, she admired the reflection of the little golden lights on the water's surface. Then she realized there was what appeared to be blue fireflies moving deep inside the well. They seemed to be multiplying. Suddenly, she couldn't breathe. She hadn't fallen, but somehow found herself inside the water, looking up at the moonlit sky from the depths of the well. She gasped. "Breath again!" She blurted. She looked around, forcing herself to her feet. "But where am I?" She stood at the edge of a pond, no well or mire in sight. A small fountain trickled from the center of the pond and a nearby shrine were the only landmarks giving any sort of hint to where she was. But she was lost. She had no idea where she was or how she had gotten there. A winnie and the sound of hooves approached. She looked up as a man with chocolate hair trotted toward her on a slender, glossy black horse. They stopped just before her. He wore an armored, leather vest over a silk shirt. He gazed down at her with an expression she couldn't quite read. It seemed somewhat cautious but soft, maybe even a bit confused. In a deep, velvety voice, he asked, "Do you have a name?" It was gentle, yet carried an importance to it. He had a unique accent that made her feel weak. "Fenna," she replied in a wavering squeak. She was shivering. It was colder here than at the well, and her soaked clothes made that ever more apparent. He glanced up and down her body. "Prince Udich. I'll grant you leniency to call me Udich, given the circumstances." He said promptly before hopping down. He pulled a thick, fur lined cloak from the back of the horse. "You must be freezing," his tone was much more casual but still a bit soft. He threw the cloak over her shoulders and pulled it closed, securing it tightly. "You must be even more confused than I." He leaned in with a small smile tugging at one corner. "Let's get you back to the castle where it's safe, and I'll explain there." A flash of amber and blazing red afflicted his irises for a moment, appearing as magma beneath those lenses. Her shivers masked her flinch. He flicked his gaze down as if sensing her uneasiness anyway, but she didn't dare decline. He led her over. "Esher, if you will please," she said, vaulting up on top of his steed. A man with long black hair and a strong jaw jumped from a massive brown horse. His heavy, black armor rattled together loudly as his feet made contact with the earth. Wasting no time, he lifted her carefully onto the black horse, just in front of Udich. She couldn't help but wonder if being so close to a man of high standing was appropriate. She saw a shaggy white pony on a lead behind Esher as he turned his horse for departure. "Have you ever ridden?" She felt Udich's gaze and hesitantly shook her head. "That pony is named Moonflower. She was brought for you. But perhaps it is better you do not ride alone." He leaned forward a bit, signaling the horse to move. "Don't worry, Helleborus won't let you fall." The pride in his voice for his horse was endearing. Some time later, as the rocking on the front of the saddle had made her behind sore, she was pleased to have something else to focus on when Udich finally spoke again. "Perhaps we should speak on the matter in the morning when you're all rested up. You seem tired." Bits of frost had crept up her exposed hair as the temperature dropped. "Don't worry, we're almost there." She couldn't deny that she was tired. She had involuntarily slumped against his chest in exhaustion. He seemed to have leaned in a bit to keep her warm. Upon arriving in the courtyard, servants rushed from the castle to help. They took the reigns of all three horses. A male servant assisted in removing Fenna from atop Helleborus. "Hati," he said to a plump woman. "Please prepare Her Lady Fenna a warm bath and fresh clothing. She will be staying with us for some time. Please prepare fresh linens and food if necessary. She has had an eventful night. Come morning, she will join in the feast. Please ensure everything is planned accordingly and that the castle staff can ensure a comfortable stay for her." He removed his riding gloves, staring off in the distance with importance in his gaze, as if calculating something. "If you'll excuse me, I have some things to attend to." With that, he and Esher quickly walked off with urgency. "Of course, my lord." She bowed her head slightly. She gently put firm pressure on Fenna's arms. "Come now, Lady Fenna, let's get you inside," she said hurriedly, "you might just freeze to death if you stay out here." She then ushered her in. Inside was lit by torches, candel light, and oil lamps. The plaster coated walls were painted with ornate murals of dragons and forests. The shock was finally starting to subside a bit. Either she had gone back in time, or she had entered another world entirely. "Quickly now, girls! Get some clothing, a sleeping gown for now will do for the young lady." She rushed two younger maids who quickly nodded and ran off. "Elen!" She said to another as she hurriedly trotted up the steps. "The young lord wants fresh linens for the lady. He wants her to be as comfortable as possible tonight." "Of course!" The other maid hurried off much like the two before. Once in the bathing room, Hati sat Fenna down on a stool near the tub while she began filling the tub with a large pot that she filled with a pump like spigot. She dumped some water in pots kept next to a fire to heat up the water. After stirring with a large paddle, she tested the temperature. Fenna was in awe at the work that went into her bath. "Your bath is ready now, Lady Fenna." She unclasped the cloak. "Now let's get you out of those clothes so you can bathe properly." Fenna flushed and held her hand over her chest. "What's wrong? It's not like you've never bathed before!" "I'm a bit shy." She admitted. "Well, it's not like I bite." She said matter-of-factly. "It's just, I'm used to undressing myself." She looked away. "Well then, I will look away while you undress, and you let me know when you've climbed in, yeah?" Fenna nodded, "yeah." She awkwardly removed her velvet, black dress, tights and glossy leather shoes. Placing her hand shyly over her chest, she stepped into the large tub that looked as if it had been carved from smooth stone. She sat slowly with her back facing the woman. "OK, Hati." Hati turned. "There! How do you feel?" She placed her hands on her hips triumphantly. "Better," She admitted. "Now, I'm going to check on how those clothes are coming along, and I'll leave you to wash your body." She set a ball of cream colored soap with red flower particles on the ledge next to her. The smell of the soap was sweet, subtle and floral. Lathering it onto her body, it was smooth and creamy. It was better than store bought. She could hear the maids gossiping outside the door. "Did you see the lady?" "She's beautiful, isn't she?" "What family do you think she's from?" "I don't know, but I don't think the young lord cares." "Her hair is such an unusual color." "But I like it. It's kind of mysterious." "Speaking of unusual, did you see those fancy clothes she was wearing? I only got a glimpse, but I think she's from a far away country. They looked very expensive, though." "Do you think she's a princess?" "Oh! That would be romantic, wouldn't it!" "Shhhh!" They all giggled. "Did you see that black line above her lashes? I think it's part of her culture. It's so pretty, though, isn't it?" "I really like it. Maybe I'll try it sometime." "On your day off. Wearing something like that while working might cause a stir." She stifled her laughter. It was so funny to her that they were so enthralled by her eyeliner. Just then, she hears Hati's voice. "What are all you girls standing around giggling about? Spreading gossip, no doubt. Have you finished your tasks?" "Yes, madame Hati. Everything is as you asked." "OK, off with you then." It was just in time. Fenna had realized there was no shampoo and wasn't sure how to wash her hair. "Hati?" She called out. "I think I need some assistance." The girls gasped collectively. "What, it's not like you didn't know she was in there." She remarked snidely as she opened the door. Fenna could see the embarrassed girls skittering away with their heads down. "What did you need help with?" She asked, entering. "It would appear you don't have shampoo." Hati looked confused. "Shampoo?" "Yes, typically, it's a gel like liquid that is used to cleanse the hair." "I'm not sure what that is, but we don't have it here." "I see, it's very common where I'm from." "Well, since we don't have it, why don't we use what we have on hand immediately?" She took some warm water and used the creamy soap to form a foamy, milky consistency in a small bucket. "Lean your head back and wet it to the scalp." She helped Fenna dip into the water. Afterward, she gently squeezed the water from her curls. "You apply this to your scalp first and massage it in. Then, slowly add it down to the end in the same way. Slowly add bits of water, massaging it in until the lather starts to fade, then rinse it out." She explained as she went through the motions. The smooth explanation was like a bedtime story, and the massage from the wash made Fenna begin to nod off. "Lady Fenna! Falling asleep in the bath is incredibly dangerous. There is a bed waiting for you. Let's get you dressed and ready to go." She helped her into her sleeping gown as Elen knocked softly. "Madame Hati? The bed is made with fresh linens, as you asked." "Excellent. Please take Lady Fenna. She's about to fall asleep on her feet. I have some business to attend to." "Of course." Hati quickly left, skirts in hand. "Come now, Lady Fenna, let's get you to bed. Can't have you fainting on your first night." Fenna followed obediently. It wasn't a long walk. Elen stopped before a set of arched double doors, opening them. There was a massive bear rug on the floor in front of a lit fireplace. A large white canopy bed with red fringe sat comfortably in the far corner. She stepped in. "I hope everything is to your liking." "Yes, it's very nice." She looked around at the cozy room in awe. "Wonderful. Do you need anything before I leave you for the night?" "No, that's alright, thank you." "Alright. Sleep well, Lady Fenna." "Thank you, Elen." She gave a brief smile from the acknowledgment she received before closing the door. Fenna looked around with a slow sigh as she wandered over to the bed, waving her heavy arms at her sides as if to shake off the day. She sat on the edge of the bed, taking some time to unwind before crawling in. Just as she was about to lay back, Udich walked through the door, fresh from bathing, his damp chest bare. He stopped, and they made eye contact. They were both frozen in the uncomfortable silence. Before allowing him to say anything, she forced herself to break the ice. "I think there's been a misunderstanding." "It would seem so, wouldn't it?" After a moment more of staring, his face flushed. "HATI!" He yelled. The thump, thump, thump of her round feet could be heard racing up the hall. "Yes, my lord?" The door opened abruptly. She froze, staring at Fenna on the bed. "Oh my. I think there's been a misunderstanding." He turned away from Fenna, scratching his neck. "I think so. If you could please bring Fenna to her own quarters, that would be much appreciated." "Of course, my lord!" She quickly rushed over and waved with a nod. "Come, come dear." Fenna obediently listened. "Goodnight, Udich. I hope you sleep well." His eyes flicked up with a momentary, hopeful flicker of magma. "You as well, Fenna." He slumped onto his bed after the door was closed. Hati, embarrassed, showed her the room directly next to Udich's. "This was meant to be your room. If anything happens, Prince Udich is right next door. Sorry for the mix-up." "It's OK. Thank you, Hati." "Do you need anything before I leave?" Fenna shook her head. "Alright then." She quickly started the fire before slipping out of the room. Fenna sighed. Udich was right. It HAD been an eventful day. She was ready for it to end. She hoped that she would wake up tomorrow to find it had all been a dream. But she knew, that was not going to happen. She slipped under the covers of the bed that was much like the one she had just been sitting on. It didn't take long for sleep to take hold. Udich sat on the edge of his bed with his head in his hands. A harsh knock at the door was followed by Esher entering. "What is it, Esher?" "Are you doing alright? You've been off for a long time now. But after the prophecy from the seer, you've been acting differently." "I'm fine, Esher. Don't worry." "Then what about the girl? Something about her has you almost tense. She doesn't seem dangerous." He sighed, looking up at his right-hand man, defeated. "It's not that. There's something about her. When I look at her. I can feel it. I can feel the dragon stirring."