After tragic events, you find yourself back in the small village you were born in. Four strange people own estates in the surrounding area. The estate closest is known as Castle Dimitrescu. Every week you sell baked goods to the townspeople. The mai...
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Before we get started I have a playlist for Alcina <3 https://open.spotify.com/playlist/69y94gZ0NL1iBuGDBi8otG?si=8Y-6x2HcQJucox-euJjQRg ——————————————— The village looks grim as it always does. The fog never clears and there is hardly any sunlight. Today is no exception. You walk as leaves crunch beneath your feet until reaching Sorina's food stand. Hello, Sorina," you greet her. "Oh, good morning Antanasia! Doing your weekly grocery run? "If it wasn't obvious, yes," you chuckle. "So, what can I do for you?" she asks. "One basket of Honeycrisp Apples, two rolls of bread and a gallon of water, please." Of course," she says, putting your goods in a small bag. "Thanks Sorina!" You call while walking off. She shoots you a smile me and waves. Sorina is the only person within the village that sells groceries. Is it convenient? Yes. Is the food always good? No. Is there anything you can do about it? Also no. Groceries are done for today's lunch, so that means you need to stop by the warehouse next. As usual, whispers about the Lady and her family are the talk of the town. "I heard she's over one thousand years old!" A young boy calls. "I hear her walls are constantly smeared with blood!" A frightened woman states, talking low. "No man has ever come out of that castle alive!" A man lies through his teeth. Such idiots, maids and servants from the castle come to town all the time. Horror stories in the village are always about Castle Dimitrescu and its 'wretched' tenants. However, no one who lives in the village truly knows what goes on there. With the exception of the maids and servants who visit the town for supplies know, and they will never utter a word about her. The lady hasn't been seen publicly in years. She stays cooped up in her dark castle, and if she ever leaves, she makes sure discreet. Trying to ignore the buzz of the streets, you make your way to the warehouse as quickly as possible. When you walk in, the owner, Alexandru waves and then goes back to reading his newspaper. You grab some supplies and pay. He looks up from his newspaper to greet you. "Ah, Antanasia! Out shopping today I see?" "You'd be correct! My pipes are leaking something awful. I thought it'd best if I fixed them before winter." "Smart girl! We don't want those pipes to freeze up." "No, definitely not." "Alright then. Do you ya' need any help?" "No sir, but thank you." "Very well. Have a great rest of your day!" "You too." You began your walk once again, this time towards home. The whispers continue throughout the walk. Once again, you try to ignore them, albeit failing. For a small village, it sure does cause a lot of buzz. Once you reach your small cottage, you check the mail. You pull out a letter from the landlord concerning bills, a letter from your father, and an envelope with a strange crest stamped onto it. You close the mailbox and head inside. Immediately, you're met with the familiar scent of home; the smell of freshly cut roses and lavender surrounds you. Setting the groceries and tools on the kitchen counter, you carry your mail to the table. You sit down and open your dads letter.
To my beautiful daughter,
Hello sweetheart! How have you been? It's been a while since our last exchange and I thought I would reach out. It's been quite lonely in this rickety old house as of late. There isn't the sound of you running around as a child, and there isn't your mother here to have and to hold. Words cannot describe how much I miss her sweet laughter filling the house. I thought I needed some sort of company so, I got a cat! His name is Mew, and he is beyond sweet. He's definitely been a mood lifter. I was also thinking you could visit soon? We haven't seen each other since, well, you know. Tell me about your life lately and do write me to tell me if you plan on stopping by.
I love you sweetie, Dad
Oh, how you missed him. By this point it had been months since your last visit. You wanted to be alone for the time being though. Ever since what happened, it's hard to see him. He's a constant reminder of past events that left you with permanent emotional scars. Of course, it isn't his fault, but that doesn't change things. You push the letter aside. You'll write him back later. Next you open the letter from the landlord.
Miss Antanasia,
Rent is due September 22, do not forget this time or eviction will be considered.
Sincerely, Harry B.
Such a pain. You don't turn in your rent a day late because of a death in the family, how horrible. You toss it aside with an huff and finally get to the letter with the strange seal. As you look closer, you notice it looks like something from one of the lords.
Antanasia Roșca,
It has come to my attention that your work is needed in the castle. I have heard from my maidens, as well as my daughters, what a fine baker you make. The maids claimed you dark chocolate tarts were delectable. So, of course, I tried one myself. I must admit, I was quite impressed. That being said, you are to work in my castle as mine, and my daughters, personal baker. Know that this is not a request, but a demand. Come by the castle at 5 p.m. sharp on September 20th. If you do not show, we will get you ourselves.
Best regards, A. Dimitrescu
You stumble through the kitchen to the sink. You put your hands on the rims and let your head fall. Is this really happening? What about your father, how will you reach him? How will you stay in touch with him? What about your house? Are you to live there permanently? What if your performance isn't to the lady's expectations? Are you going to be killed? Is it unfair to think that way since you haven't met her? You let out a shaky breath and look up through my window. Gathering yourself, you grab a piece of paper.
Father,
Thank you for your concern. I will have you know I am doing fine. I've been managing well here. I look forward to meeting Mew, he seems like the perfect fit for you. Unfortunately, I will not be visiting any time soon. I have recently been hired to work in Castle Dimitrescu. I don't know when I will see you next and I foresee my schedule being full, therefore, my letters will be limited.
With love, Antanasia
After getting the letter ready for the mail, you take it out to your mailbox and flip the carrier signal flag up. You look up at the daunting fog covered castle. Chills run down your spine. Tomorrow will decide everything.
————————————————— Authors Note: So how we feeling about the Lady's invitation? I really hope this story does well since I'm stepping out into new fandoms! Thanks for reading!
