The Lady From Sleepy Hollow

Mary

I sit in a chair in the living room, at the darkening of dusk on this horrid evening, staring depressingly into the warmly lit fireplace. I feel terribly, for the young boy, who is now orphaned. Poor, poor young Masbath...

The sound of the door to the house opening pulls me from my thoughts, and I glance over, seeing Ichabod walk in with a focused look. I immediately return my stare to the fire, feeling a light heat rise in my cheeks.

"Oh, pardon my intrusion," he murmurs once he notices me. I smile softly at him and shake my head. I have never been happier to have company other than Katrina's and... Dirk's.

"Worry not, Mr. Crane. You aren't interrupting anything," I assure kindly to him. He flashes me a nervous smile and sits in the chair across from me.

"If I may ask, how are you?" Ichabod asks curiously. My smile falters and I face the fire, saddened once again by the thought of my friends dying.

"I've been better," I answer honestly, sighing. "Everything here in Hollow has been a waking nightmare recently."

He nods and swallows with a bit of an anxious glint in his eyes. I shake my head and say, "Where are my manners? How are you?"

"I, too, have been better," he says, cracking a smile. I giggle a little at that, and he seems delighted to make me laugh.

"Have you enjoyed your time here so far in Sleepy Hollow?" I ask, leaning in the arm rest of the chair. He studies me carefully, and I stare into his dark, secretive eyes.

"I, um... well, I can't say I haven't, but it certainly can be rather unpleasant," he says truthfully, leaning back into the chair and resting his arms on the rests. I nod, completely understanding.

"I would think so," I murmur as I slowly shift my eyes into the petering flames of the hearth.

"I-I hope you know I mean no offense—" he begins in a panic. I dismiss him with my hand, grinning.

"None taken, constable," I reassure him. And he seems to relax a little at that. I study him again, and we lock eyes. I swear that, in that moment, my heart was beating so loud, that he just had to hear it thumping within my chest.

He then murmurs, rather dazedly, "But perhaps I can say that had a most pleasant welcome from the daughter of the house."

With his words, I feel my cheeks flush with a bit of embarrassment. I smile and laugh shakily, glancing at the carpet by my feet.

"I am glad to have welcomed you, Mr. Crane," I say back, looking up at him and smirking to hide my fluster. His lips tug into a smile, and we both move our gazes to the fire.

He and I sit in comfortable silence, and once the bright flames begin to die down to a warm glow of embers, he sighs and stands up, walking towards me. I look up at him in curiosity and he offers me his hand, shoulders held up confidently.

"May I have the opportune honor to walk you to your room, Mary?"

I grin and take his hand, consenting, "It'd be my honor to receive, constable."

I stand up. He smirks slightly and lets go of my hand, offering me his arm instead. I take it, and he walks me out of the living room and asks, "Where to?"

"Up the stairs, down the hall on the right, and the last door on the left," I provide, and we walk up to my room silently. His pace slows considerably when we near my door, and I think that he, too, doesn't want to part for the night just yet. He drops his arm, and I return my own hands to rest behind me politely. He glances at the floor, then at me.

"Well, Mary, I bid you a good night," he murmurs so softly that only I could hear him. I smile and step up to him, placing my lips on his cheek for a kiss goodnight.

I slowly lean away and see his flustered face, which makes me smile wider. "Goodnight, Ichabod Crane."

He smiles at me, then does a little bow, and leaves. I watch him walk towards his room which is just down the hall on the other side. I turn to open my door, glancing up at him once more. I see him looking at me before he reaches his door, and I wave at him, fighting a giggle. He's so kind, and really quite charming, I think to myself.

He nods and smiles, and before retreating into his room, he bumps into the door frame. I couldn't refrain my giggles at his distracted state, and sigh. I retreat into my own, taking my long dress off and slipping on my nightgown.

I flop into my bed, grinning like mad. Everything about Ichabod is so interesting. His wind blown raven hair, his dark and mysterious eyes, his pale skin, his chivalry. Oh, I just want to learn everything about him, and get to know him. Maybe even... fall in love with him.

I've wanted to ask him about himself but I didn't want to seem nosy. Maybe he will tell me on his own accord one day. I turn onto my side, and fall asleep with beautiful thoughts.

________ Ichabod ________

Never have I laid eyes on such a fair maiden like Mary. If I had expected to be stricken by beauty, then I would've journeyed up to Sleepy Hollow long ago.

Her long, golden brown hair, which bounces with her every movement... her hazel eyes that sparkle with joy... and her crystalline laugh is like hearing a pleasant chirping of a cardinal... Absolutely delightful.

I place my hand on my cheek where she has once again kissed me, feeling the heat behind them. My heart beats a little quicker, fluttering excitedly within my chest. I really want to know more about her. To get to know her.

I wonder if a man is already after her hand, although. I figure that Katrina is with Brom, but what about Mary?

I shake my head and pace my room, trying to think about the murder case at hand, rather than the mystery that she is. I remember the five victims in four graves. How is this remotely possible? You can't stuff two corpses in a single coffin, unless you were to shred them up.

I shiver at the thought, feeling rather uneasy with the picture of two mangled corpses shoved into a single coffin. I regret thinking up such a thought.

I sigh, stopping my pace, and stride to my bed, taking my coats and boots off. Tossing them aside, I lie down on my bed and do my best to fall asleep, my thoughts preventing me to do so.

My thoughts return to the sight of Mary Van Tassel, and I truly don't understand how I am so stricken by her natural beauty. I stare up at the ceiling, tapping my fingers on my stomach as I ponder.

Eventually, I sink into a dreamless slumber, the last clear image in my mind being Mary's endearing smile.