Cat and Mouse

Chapter 1 - Preparation

  They stood beneath the lingering canopy of the festival tents, surrounded by the twisting and turning bodies of the capering townspeople. It was a different world around them as folk music erupted from the instruments of local musicians. The space between them felt cold and uncomfortable; his eyes made not one flick away from her figure. He resembled a fierce black cat, ready to pounce on a frail white mouse. At that moment, she knew she was prey.

  Lucille's dark brown eyes fluttered open as a wisp of wind blew through the loose strands of her pale blonde hair. She leaned forward, bringing her back away from the firm texture of bark. Once again, she managed to fall asleep under the old oak tree. By then, fragments of fallen leaves had speckled the skirt of her white, puffy-sleeved dress. Rising to her feet, the hem of the soft fabric brushed against her knees, fulfilling one more calming sensation before she dashed down the grassy hill and in the direction of the bustling town.

  The town of Luchford was small and prosaic. No one was a stranger to another, except for the occasional traveler passing through. The one quirk that set the town on the map was its production of fine cheeses. The village fortunately prospered without the need for invasive and greedy companies to take over and wash out the local shops and markets. However the most successful business of cheese production was the Souris Family. Along with their subtle wealth, the family was renowned for their charitable support of other businesses within the community. Young Lucille had seen it herself, and she strived to carry on their acts of kindness.

  As Lucille weaved through the stirring streets, she caught a glimpse of the decorations for the town's annual Fête des Danses. It was a night to set aside the tasks of work and enjoy music and food brought by all of the townspeople. It was her favorite night of the year.

  Passing the busy townsfolk, she tossed a few short greetings their way, knowing the names and faces of each of them. Her excitement for the night to come fueled her energy as she traversed home. But once she slipped inside the front door, her cheeks were coated with red flush and her chest heaved with each panting breath.

  "Maman?" Lucille sang in a curious tone. The entire house stirred not one sound, when all of a sudden an older woman with silver hair ruptured through the kitchen door to view Lucille in her exuberant state. Startle shone from the older woman's face, but it shortly sulked down to apathetic disapproval. Considering Lucille's whimsical personality, her mother should have known what mischief she would get into.

  "What happened to your clothes?" Madame Souris asked, pausing to observe the tatters of leaves, grass and dirt adorned to the hem of her dress. "When I said you should enjoy nature's pleasures, I didn't expect you to return covered in them." Lucille softly slipped past her mother's temporary disdain and up the creaking wooden stairs.

  "A quick change will suffice. I only meant to enjoy the weather for a small portion of the day. You know how relaxing the view from the old oak is." Lucille responded politely, still accompanied by her previous anticipation. Her mother waved her off, always persuaded by her respectful tone.

  Arriving at the second floor, Lucille entered her room to change into her attire for the festival. She sat down at the desk, beginning to undo the laces of her boots when the distant noise of horses swept her attention to the window. A most luxurious carriage drawn by two black horses traveled along the road and into the town. Although the nearby townspeople were excited and intrigued to view this mysterious guest, Lucille felt an eerie aura infiltrating the village.