Needle and Thread

II. The Bel Dame (Sewlona)

The Bel Dame was known to be the most wealthiest woman in the land along with her sister who was two years younger than her. Though Wealth wasn't as grand as it should be, Sewlona had changed  into a different person. Her beauty was rather fading but still remained, darkness had fell upon her heart though not completely. Her care towards Thimbella hadn't change, but had scorned those who look at the two the wrong way. 

The Bel Dame's wardrobe of clothing was nothing more in the color of black, sometimes gray as the rainy day sky. Even in a hot summer day, she wears her favorite color. Representing power, strength, and letting those know she is a serious woman who meant business. The color did represent mystery and of course death. People rather find it odd for woman like The Bel Dame to be wearing so much in black like she is a widow of a diseased husband or a loved one. But they dare not question it, has many believe she could be a witch. 

Thimbella however wore lighter colors and dressed appropriately for special attires. Much to her older sister's dismay. Her beauty remained and good hearted to those no matter if they were mortal or not. The Bel Dame was envious but rather not show it, she wanted her sister to be happy.  One day a young man took a liking to Thimbella as they had to operas and plays together. 

Thomas Spoolston, as the middle child of five with two older brothers and two younger sisters. Growing up, he had been teased for being different from other boys of calling him 'Foolston' . Now a man he met a wonderful girl with a heart of gold and beauty. 

Her older sister on the other hand, wasn't too keen of him being around her sibling. One day before the big night, the two Needles sisters argued.

"But sister, he's not like the other men here. He's different, if you just get to know him better." Thimbella said trying calm Sewlona down but did no affect.

"He's just pretending to be nice, just so he could send you away in whorehouse *snap* just like that!"

"That's not true! He would never do something dishonest in his life."

"That's a likely story. What's what they always say."

This was typical for her sister to jump to conclusion about men. Especially those who were mere mortal. The mortal Thomas was unlike any man Thimbella ever met in her life. If only Sewlona could actually see not all men were bad. That is if she wasn't so overprotective all the time and creating her little mice minions with buttons for eyes to spy on her when going out. Thimbella felt unnerved by them as they once rats. Dead rats as The Bel dame found them, taking out their vital organs and bones, replacing it all with soul sand. Sewing the buttons in their eyes as a "nice touch" as she tells it. 

Thimbella had once confronted her sister about this and telling to get rid of the creepy button eyed rats. But the Bel Dame would not change her mind so easily though she did promise that her rats will no longer  watch Thimbella and her lover anymore. 

It wasn't until someone, a spy from the town. A short man in a brown jacket and trousers, a bowler hat perched at his balding head. Looking for any form of witchcraft that lurks in the Pink Palace. Apparently the rumors of The Bel Dame still being a witch still spreads across town. So the mayor had to send his right hand man; Jefferson Knot to investigate. So far Jefferson had found nothing suspicious, nobody was home. So the best thing was to wait until one of the Needles sisters return. That wasn't until he spot something white from the gardens where many colorful flowers grew of the work of Thimbella herself. A lifeless rat, upon a closer look there was buttons, shiny black buttons for eyes. Jefferson look horrified like he could faint, but something crossed his mind. He tapped it's body with his foot seeing if it would move or not. 

At first nothing happened, then the rat began to move swiftly and hissed at the unwelcomed guest. Jefferson yelped in fright while running to the opposite direction with his short legs could carry him. Heading back to the mayor while exhausted, spatting about a live mouse with buttons for eyes. Everyone in the office looked so unnevered, including the Mayor himself.

"Have you sleepwalking, Knot?" the mayor asked with frustration and fear.

"No, no I haven't it was no dream at all. I saw it as clear as day."

"Come to think of it, there was a time I saw The Bel dame collect dead rats and birds before..." one man started.

"She has to be a witch."

"Is her sister a witch, too?"

"I doubt it. She looks rather normal than her sister." 

As the conversations follow pursuit of what the people say of the Needles sisters. The mayor had declared that he and the rest will investigate until further notice.

The next day, while Thimbella was away to her love's home The Bel Dame was busy fixing a dress entirely in black just for her sister. She thought it would nice on Thimbella since she rarely wore any dark colors. 

A knock on the front interrupted her sewing as gets up with a huff, unlocking the lock, turning the knob slightly then opening it a fraction. 

"Hello my dear!" The mayor flashing one of his smiles with a huge of people behind them though not smiling. The Bel Dame knew where this was leading to. They were going to send her away for those awful rumors of her being a witch. Though it was true, but made her mother a promise to not expose herself. She couldn't turn herself in, her sister's protection depends on it. So The Bel Dame slammed the door before the nosy mayor could invite himself inside, she made her way to the back door, though the gardens as her boots slamming onto the concrete. The cries from the mayor and the people drew nearer. 

"Just leave me be! I'm not a witch!" She shouted while glancing behind her shoulder. That's when it happened.

The Bel dame fell inside the well while tripping on one of the brightly colored toadstools. Without looking where she was going, she fell head first down as her terrified screams can be heard. The People watched in horror unable to see through the darkness of the well inside. A distant splash can be heard, as everyone tries to rush and help, the police were summoned at once. 

It was no use, they could not get her out and on that day The Bel Dame was announced dead. As Thimbella returned home with Thomas, the witness remained to apologized for her loss. Part of her died when hearing such a terrible fate of her older sister. She no longer have a family, alone being the only  descendant of the Needles family now. Her father died from illness, her mother brutally murdered, and her sister drowned to death in a underground well. 

Later that day after the funeral, Thimbella was inherited by the family's fortune and home. 

"No, I can't bare to live there anymore." Thimbella said without hesitation. Thomas held his hands closely to his chest.

"Then we won't have to then. Whatever fells right for you my love." 

The Pink Palace was lived by a family of three. A farmer, his wife and son. As for Thimbella and Thomas had moved away into a different land to live, starting off with a better and newer life.