Of Monsters and Flowers [Sihtric Kjartansson]

Act I: Chapter Five

Dunholm
Kingdom of Northumbria

Most times when Lynette would close her eyes she would do so in search of quietude she does not know why- but when her eyelashes touch her cheeks and darkness engulfs her everything outside seems to fade away, she finds herself behind a veil of calmness and such is why she -often times- found herself in this manner. Though, Lynette quickly realised that the darkness does not always remain just silent sometimes it had a lot to whisper, she would find herself surrendering to those tenebrous parts of her mind, relenting herself and allowing for it to canopy her entirely.

When she had been in Bebbanburg all those years ago, when her mother was too consumed by her doings Lynette's mind had become her friend frequently she would find herself immerged in the intricacies her soul would conjure up for her. Almost like an umbrella shielding her from harsh rainfall of the perpetual vileness that surrounded her.

Despite that hope it was different now, at first Lynette blamed it on Dunholm and Kjartan she pointed a finger towards the wickedness that lurks vividly in the air its talons clawed. But now the finger had twisted and turned its aim on her, as if to remind her of what really matters just like her mother would.

Remembrance of the Lord is important, you must pray.

And it had occurred to her that those are the only words her mother would say, sentences steeped in the reminding of prayer.

Lynette wondered how different her mother's life would have been if she had never been born? Admittedly it is a thought she frequently pondered on, maybe it is the tenebrous part of her mind allowing itself to canopy her in darkness, steal away your faith as her mother would put it.

"If you were to do that in another's chambers, they would not take to it kindly." Lynette snaped out of her thoughts upon hearing the voice of Dahlia, her stare fixing on the chalice she had overfilled with wine. With a gasp she placed down the jar and rushed to grab something to clean the mess.

"I apologise." Lynette stressed "I did not mean it."

The cloth soaked up the wine as Lynette patted it in.

"Wine is a rare commodity but do not fret I won't say a word." Dahlia teased trying to ease Lynette's visible anxiousness.

The days had not been as they once were, where sunshine illuminated the grounds rainfall had made a swift inception the clouds now full of the oval shaped precipitation.

"Where do you go?" Dahlia inquired with a smile.

Lynette furrowed, "I do not understand." She said.

"Your eyes hold this vacancy, the world a mere-" Her voice trailed off until she found a word "Shadow, I only endeavour to know what it is that consumes you?"

Lynette had found herself yet again picking at the skin that surrounds her nails "Nothing of importance, my lady, just a mess of thoughts." Lynette replied.

Dahlia blinks, "Women are taught not to think." She stated "Though I am sure you've undoubtedly been told that before." She breathlessly laughed.

Lynette slowly nodded her head in agreement.

"Gives us a bit of an advantage, if you think about it." Dahlia took a sip from her chalice, the rim of the cup hiding her smirk.

"Advantage because..." Lynette sat down across from Dahlia who tilted her head in the direction of the girl, "The men do not expect us to do as such?"

"Precisely so, my sweet girl." Dahlia acclaimed "Let me tell you something, men are but simple beings Lynette they love being told how strong they are, how quick-witted they are and don't forget to mention their dashing looks." She listed counting it off on her fingers