The night wears on, and the mansion falls silent, save for the occasional creaking of ancient timbers and the gentle rustling of leaves outside. As the clock strikes three, a soft knock echoes through the hallway, barely audible above the gentle snores of the sleeping inhabitants.
The nightshift maid, her face obscured by a heavy hood, carries a tray laden with a simple meal a bowl of hearty stew, a crusty loaf of bread, and a goblet of rich red wine. She moves silently, her footsteps muffled by the thick carpet, as she makes her way to each of the guest chambers.
She pauses outside Alaric door, listening intently for any signs of wakefulness.
She enters the room, her movements cautious and deliberate. The moonlight casts eerie shadows on the walls, dancing and flickering as she moves. She sets the tray down on the bedside table, the clatter of dishes momentarily piercing the silence.
Alaric stirs, his eyes fluttering open as he senses the presence in the room. He sits up abruptly, his hand reaching for the sword that's not at his bedside. His gaze locks onto the maid, his voice a low, commanding whisper.
Who's there? Show yourself!(Alaric)
.....
The maid freezes, her hand still hovering over the goblet. For a moment, the only sound is the pounding of Alaric's heart and the distant hoot of an owl. Then, slowly, she turns to face him, her hood falling back to reveal her face.
Alaric's eyes widen in surprise, a mix of relief and confusion etched on his features.
Alaric's eyes widen in surprise, a mix of relief and confusion etched on his features.
The maid, her pink blonde hair tied back in a neat bun,The maid curtsies, her voice soft and polite.
My apologies for disturbing you, sir. I was instructed to deliver your late night meal.(Maid)
She glances up at him, her eyes widening slightly as she takes in his startled expression.
Is everything alright, sir? You look as if you've seen a ghost.(Maid)
Alaric reaches over to the bedside table, his fingers fumbling slightly as he searches for the lamp. As the soft glow of the light fills the room, he turns back to the maid, his eyes narrowing as he takes in her appearance.
The maid blinks, momentarily startled by the sudden illumination. She takes a step back, her hand instinctively coming up to shield her eyes. She tilts her head slightly, a look of concern etched on her features as she studies Alaric's reaction.
Sir? Is there something the matter with the meal? I assure you, the cook prepares these personally for the guests.(Maid)
He leans back against the pillows, his eyes never leaving the maid's face.He shakes his head, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
No, no. The meal looks exquisite. I'm just... a bit surprised, is all. You bear a striking resemblance to someone I know.. What's your name,miss?(Alaric)
The maid's eyes widen slightly at Alaric's question, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. She curtsies again, her voice soft and melodic.
Oh, I'm Rosemary sir. (Rosemary)
.....
The morning sun streams through the windows of the dining hall, casting a warm glow over the polished wooden table and the array of breakfast dishes laid out upon it. The scent of freshly baked pastries, crisp bacon, and steaming coffee fills the air, mingling with the faint perfume of the flowers in the nearby vase.
Alaric enters the room, his eyes still heavy with sleep as he makes his way to the table. He pauses, taking in the sight of Beatrice and Aerion already seated, engaged in a quiet conversation. His gaze lingers on Beatrice, noting the way the morning light catches her hair, turning it into a halo of golden strands.
Alaric leans in, his voice low as he speaks to Aerion.
I must say, I had an... interesting encounter last night. A maid, delivered my latenight meal. She was quite striking, with pink blonde hair and a face that could rival an angel's. (Alaric)
He pauses, his brow furrowing slightly.