Castle Of Thorns [Mature] A Little Girl Among the Roses

[verzyne Duchy - Marxstein Castle]

Raven arrived at the castle gate.

Castle guard

Hello, child. May I know what business you come here for?

Young Raven (ML)

Good afternoon, Sir. I'm here for a delivery on behalf of Madam Brinsley. She asked me to give this to Mister Bartholett.

Raven raised the basket to show the guard.

Castle guard

Ah! Must be the Madam's infamous meat pies. Well then you can enter, child. Turn right after you enter the gate and just follow the castle walls until you found the garden. Bartholett's cottage is nearby.

Young Raven (ML)

Thank you, Sir.

Castle guard

Do not wander, child. Make sure you stay hidden from any noble personage; they don't like it when random stranger enters the castle.

The guard sternly warned Raven.

Young Raven (ML)

Of course, Sir. I'll be quick.

Once inside, Raven continued walking along the walls. On his way, he came across a beautiful garden, where a huge glasshouse stood among the neatly-lined trees.

Young Raven (ML)

Wow! Such a beautiful building! I wonder what's inside...

He knew he wasn't supposed to be there, but Raven's curiosity about the glass building was irresistible.

Young Raven (ML)

I'll just take a look really quickly...

He finally succumbed to temptation and sneaked in to the glasshouse.

He took in his surroundings and was amazed by the sheer variety of flowers being grown inside the glasshouse.

Young Raven (ML)

Wah, so beautiful! If only I can show this to mother...

Young Serafina (FL)

Who's there?

He was surprised when someone appeared from behind the rose bushes.

It was a delicate-looking little girl, her noble lineage apparent. She was wearing a violet satin dress, while her hair cascaded freely down her back. She stared curiously at him with her sparkling silver eyes.

Young Serafina (FL)

Who are you? How did you get inside?

Young Raven (ML)

I... I...

Castle maid 1

Miss? Are you inside?

Before he could explain himself, another person, who seemed to be searching for someone, appeared outside the glasshouse.

Young Serafina (FL)

Hide! Don't let her see you!

The girl suddenly pushed him down towards the bushes. He felt something pricked his arm, but the pain was overshadowed by the fear of being discovered.

Castle maid 1

Miss Serafina?

Young Serafina (FL)

I'm here!

Castle maid 1

Oh, thank God! Miss, I've been looking everywhere for you. Madam Ravine has arrived. She inquired why you aren't there for today's class.

The little girl pouted with a sullen expression.

Young Serafina (FL)

I'm bored! Madam Ravine's class is really boring. I couldn't care less about which utensil I should use when eating dinner!

Castle maid 1

But, Miss... The class is important for when you enter high society...

Young Serafina (FL)

Just this once, okay? I'm really sleepy. I stayed up late last night reading the new book that father gave me. Can you please tell her I'm not feeling well enough for today's class?

Castle maid 1

Oh well, if you insist...

The maid couldn't resist the little girl's pleading.

Young Serafina (FL)

Thank you! Oh, and I'll be staying here for awhile. I'll return some time before supper.

Castle maid 1

Will you be okay all alone?

Young Serafina (FL)

What harms can be done when I'm inside the castle? Don't worry, I'll be fine.

Albeit hesitantly, the maid finally relented and left the glasshouse.

Young Serafina (FL)

You can come out now!

Raven came out from behind the bush. His clothes were a bit disheveled and his cheek was smudged with dirt. A couple of dry leaves stuck to his hair.

Young Raven (ML)

Thank you for covering me, Miss.

Serafina giggles amusedly at his untidy appearance.

Young Serafina (FL)

You're welcome. So, who are you? What are you doing in my greenhouse? Are you from the outside?

Young Raven (ML)

This place is yours?

Serafina nods.

Young Raven (ML)

This place is amazing! By the way, my name is Raven. I'm here to deliver items to Mister Bartholett. I got distracted on my way to his place and ended up here. I apologize for any inconvenience I may have caused.

Young Serafina (FL)

It's okay, I'm glad to see you. It is rare to see people from outside.

Young Raven (ML)

Your name, Miss?

Young Serafina (FL)

I'm Serafina! Nice to meet you, Raven.

Young Raven (ML)

Nice to meet you too, Miss Serafina.

After introducing themselves, the two children could only stare awkwardly at each other.

Young Raven (ML)

So, uh, I have to go, Miss.

Young Serafina (FL)

Oh! Must you leave so soon?

Young Raven (ML)

Yes. I still need to deliver this to Mister Bartholett. I also need to go home soon; my mother is waiting at home. She's kinda sick.

Young Serafina (FL)

Ah, okay. Just follow the walls; you'll find the gardener's place nearby. I hope you mother gets better soon.

Young Raven (ML)

Thank you, Miss! I'll get going then.

Young Serafina (FL)

Oh, and please don't tell anyone that you've seen me! You'll probably get scolded if you do. I'm not allowed to talk to outsiders.

Young Raven (ML)

Okay.

Young Serafina (FL)

And, if one day you visit here again, can you drop by and say hello to me?

He felt guilty at the sight of her hopeful expression. His mother had strictly forbidden him from venturing into the village, let alone entering the castle. However, he found himself unable to refuse the girl.

Young Raven (ML)

I don't know if I will be able to visit again, but I promise to come see you if I do.

Young Serafina (FL)

I hope you do. Goodbye, Raven!

Young Raven (ML)

Goodbye, Miss.

The little girl, surrounded by roses, quietly watched as he left the glasshouse.

Once he was a good distance away from both the girl and the glasshouse, he finally sighed in relief.

Young Raven (ML)

Phew! I almost got caught. Thank God Miss Serafina was there to help. I should quickly give these pies to Mister Bartholett and leave. Mother will worry if I return too late.