The Collector and Her Steed

Chapter 1

A soft glow filled the dew covered valley as the sun slowly rose in the east. It was just after dawn when the traveler settled into the small, secluded village. No one really knew who she was nor her purpose in the area, but one thing was for certain she was going to become one of the locals very quickly. The mysterious woman appeared there three months prior and purchased a small plot of land that was tucked to the side next to the road that leads out of the town. News about the new arrival spread quickly amongst the families that had lived there for generations under the watchful eye of Mother Miranda.

The woman was clad in mostly black garments and her mostly black hair was tied into a half knot, exposing blonde streaks. After she had purchased the land a small building company was brought in and they quickly set to work on building a two story building. The company stayed busy during those three months and had just finished building the outside the week before her final arrival to the village.

She arrived with a large truck filled to the brim with crates and furniture, mostly tables and chairs to fill what the locals had guessed would become a pub. While most of the older folk disapproved of this change, a few of them were very much welcoming and went over to greet the woman. One such was a woman that was highly regarded in the town, Luiza. Her family had owned a large house on the hill near the fields. Upon seeing the woman, along with a few other of the locals, approaching the building the new arrival set down the box she held.
Turning back towards the group of women a warm smile forms on her lips, "Good morning ladies, I'm Mirabela Stanislav but you all may call me Mira if you wish."

"Good morning to you as well Mira, you may call me Luiza." The supposed leader of the group stepped forward as she offered a hand. Mira very quickly accepted the handshake and each of the others took turns introducing themselves. After all of the introductions were said and done, Luiza spoke up again "I beg your pardon for asking such an intrusive question right off the bat, but may I ask what made you want to move to our village? We don't get many outsiders."
Brushing some of her hair behind her ear Mira spoke, "I actually visited this village a few times as a child with my mother, she had a mentor here who she would visit from time to time and brought me along with her. Tragically she passed away while I was young so the visits had to stop but I have always felt drawn to this village. I don't remember much about the real purpose of our visits, but I always enjoyed the older style of the village. And of course what little girl wouldn't dream of someday at least living near such a gorgeous castle." With the mention of the castle she motioned with one hand up towards the large castle a ways up the mountain.

"Of course, little girls do enjoy fairy tales though all of us would agree that you should probably not stray too close to the castle. Quite a few girls have gone there to work and have never returned." Luiza spoke, glancing at the women surrounding her uneasily.

"Well, I should still like to meet the lady of the castle since I have heard many things about her wine, and seeing as I am planning on opening up a pub I believe our businesses would go well together. Though I will heed your warnings and I will be very cautious, I don't plan on going missing just yet." Mira let out a soft laugh, which she quickly quieted as she saw the look on Luiza's face. "You needn't worry, I plan on sending a formal invitation to the lady of the house for a meeting to not only meet her but potentially discuss these plans so I won't be barging in."

"Do take care with that plan, it would be very grievous to see such a vibrant soul lost to that castle." Pausing, Luiza looks at the other ladies before reaching out and clasping Mira's pale hands in her own. "It was a pleasure to meet you Mira, if you wish we would love to invite you to our worship tomorrow evening. Since you'll be living here it'll be a good place to meet everyone and to learn more about the village. The church is up by my house on the hill. It's the one behind the fields. If you ever have any questions please feel free to stop by, and do let us know when you're all set up. We shall like to see the finished pub once you're done." "I would love to come along with you all tomorrow, I shall meet you there. It was a pleasure meeting you all, and you all are welcome here any time." With a small wave and that smile still adorning her pink lips, she got back to work while the ladies walked off.

(A/N: Quick heads up to new readers, Heisenberg doesn't make his first appearance until a few chapters in but trust me, the wait is worth it.)