Unknown (NaNoWriMo)

Chapter 6:

My words were now the ones hanging in the air. The Duke before me was glaring daggers in my direction. I also was now becoming more aware of another presence in the room. To my right, a woman sat. Still, as if almost she was a statue herself. Only when the air continued to grow thicker, she made her sentiments known.

"Dear, she must have had a long journey to come here. Uncalled for as it was, we must be proper hosts and receive our guest. Even if she is the progeny of 'that' woman."

Once again, I was referred to as a child of "that" woman. Whoever she was, I pity the fact that she was called such disrespectful things. The Duchess, was now only facing the Duke. She purposely had ignored me and I was starting to grasp my position in this household.

"Very well, one of the maid will show her to her room. We will discuss your abrupt arrival tomorrow."

That last sentence was directed towards me, and the Duke and Duchess resumed the tasks they were doing prior to my interruption. A maid had now opened the door and was directed me out. Slowly I made my way back down the hallway.

We arrived in the foyer and went up the staircase to the second floor. Here I was shown a room just on the right side of the hallway. It was a simple room. A bed, wardrobe and attached bathroom. I was just grateful it was a room, given the hostility earlier.

The maid had excused herself and I was left to my own devices. I could "see" that there was a mirror next to the wardrobe. Curious to figure out if my "vision" would allow me to understand who I was, I walked over. My eyes seemed unfocused but the lines helped me.

No defining colors. Only those silver lines that gave me hope in my perpetual darkness. I could make out long hair, average body and being on the shorter side of the height scale. I was in a dress, but not one of those obnoxiously, oversized gowns.

Satisfied with my investigation, I made my way towards a desk that I initially missed in my evaluation of the room. As fate would have it, I found a piece of paper and a quill with a bottle of ink. Testing my writing, I was delighted to see the words appear.

Sitting down, I furiously jotted down everything that happened since I arrived in this world.

Name: Leigh

Age: 22(Earth years); ? (this world)

Date: Unknown

Location: Alderredeen? (Unknown World)

Facts:

~ I appeared in the world

~ I am blind (but can "see" in only silver lines??)

~ Hazen and Shu ("brothers") were tasked by the Duke and Duchess to pick me up

~They found me underneath a tree at the second estate (of the Duke and Duchess)

~ It is a days journey from the second estate (location unknown) to the main estate (Alderredeen)

~ I was an unexpected guest at the main estate

~ I am the child of "that" woman< the mistress??

Setting down my quill, I looked over the things that I had jotted down. There were still too many questions, and too few answers. First off, it seemed like I was unwelcome. But Hazen and Shu said the Duke and Duchess sent for me. Unless, they were not instructed by the Duke and Duchess.

Who would want an ostracized child back in this family?

Whoever it was, knew that I would not be received warmly. Possibly other nobles. I need to tread lightly around the Duke and Duchess. That goes for any of their staff as well. This information I was gathering would look suspicious. Finding a hiding space, I put the note between the desk and the wall.

Standing up and stretch my arms, I sauntered over towards the bed. Too tired to change out of my gown (it was light enough), I flopped down and let out a sigh. This had been a lot to process in a short amount of time. I don't know what my goal was, but I needed to find out more on this world and why I was transported here.

Here's hoping tomorrow will go smoothly.

Nothing went smoothly. Why did I think this was different? Seemingly at the crack of dawn, I had maids rushing into my room and make a mess of things. I could hear them talking and felt a tug at my sheet. Groaning I rolled over and ignored them. Turns out that was not the correct response.

A falling sensation came over me and I rushed towards the ground. Pushing my arms out, I softened the blow only a little bit. Staggering to my feet, I turned towards the bodies in the room.

"Was there a purpose to get me up so violently?"

After a brief pause, the maid that guided me stepped forward. As usual, her face was relatively blurry but I could tell that she didn't hold me in high regard. Clearing her throat, she finally gave me an answer.

"The Duke and Duchess are demanding your presence in the study. We are to make you presentable because they were graciously lenient on your appearance yesterday."

I only nodded my head and allowed the maids to get me ready, albeit very harshly. After a couple more quick tugs to my hair, I was sent towards the study. This time I was alone, without a guide. Walking slowly down the staircase, I found myself face to face with a portrait.

The young woman captured in the painting held an air of mystery. Before I could analyze it even further, I was reminded of my meeting with the Duke and Duchess. Scurrying down the hallway, I stop before the ornate doorway. Composing myself, if only for a second, I knock on the door.