Leaves of Change [DISCONTINUED]

Chapter 5 - Melivian

    Serenity felt as though her body were being stretched and twisted at an alarming rate, and then being sucked through a very small pipe. Then, everything stopped very abruptly. She opened her eyes.

    Serenity looked around, expecting to be standing right where she was, at the cottage. But instead, she was shocked by what she saw.

    Her mouth fell open, as Toawn finally set her down. She was not in Chicago anymore. In fact, she had no idea where she was. But it sure was beautiful.

    She took another look around. She was on a mountain overlooking a vast river. Everywhere she looked, she was surrounded by green. But when she looked across the river she caught her breath. Nestled on another mountain overseeing the crystal blue waters of the river, stood a stunning castle. It was massive, with high towers. The entire building was made of white marble, except the turrets of the castle, which were a shining gold color.

    On the vast space below the castle, between the mountain and the river, was a large village. Citizens bustled around on their daily business. But it wasn't like a normal city, it looked almost... medieval.

    A large, stone bridge connected the foot of the mountain to the village. Toawn tapped her arm.

    "Y'll right there, kid?" he asked.

    Serenity was unable to speak for a minute.  She moved her mouth, but no words emerged, but she eventually found her voice. "Toawn, where exactly are we?" she asked.

     Toawn responded with a single word, "Melivian."

~*~*~*~*~*

    They arrived at the foot of the mountain and crossed the stone bridge leading into the village. People started staring and whispering behind their hands when they past. A few people offered an occasional 'Good day, Master Toawn', but quickly backed away when they saw Serenity trailing behind him.

    "Toawn, why is everyone acting so weird?" she asked. (Or are they always like this?)

    Toawn grinned. "You'll see in a bit."

    They continued to walk through the town, when suddenly, Toawn stopped and turned to her. He looked her up and down.

    "What?" she snapped.

    He stroked his small beard as he crossed his other arm over his chest. "We ought to get ya some new clothes. You can't meet the council lookin' like that. Let's go." He grabbed her arm and pulled her through the town and into a small market plaza.

    "Hey! Toawn!" she yelled, "Where are we going?!" 

    Toawn stopped. "We're here!"

    Serenity looked around. Toawn had stopped in front of a small shop. Madame Angelica's Boutique, she read. "What are we doing here?"

    Toawn turned to look at her. "Well, ya can't very well meet go meet the Council dressed like that."

    Before she new it, she had been dragged inside the small shop.

    A bell chimed as Toawn entered the door. It was a quaint little shop, with stone floors and an arched ceiling. There were mannequins everywhere, all dressed in fine coats and beautiful flowing dresses. Up against the wall on the right side, was a long wooden counter, decorated with old-fashioned quills and inkwells. Shuffling behind the counter, was a pudgy woman in a deep magenta dress. And a overly large, purple, floppy hat to match; donned with seasonal flowers. She turned to face the sound of the bell. She had small, beady black eyes, and an upturned nose. And she gave off the appearance that she was wearing way too much make-up.

    The woman smiled, "Why, hello there, Toawn. Oh!" she exclaimed, as she caught sight of Serenity standing a ways behind him, "It seems we have a guest."

    Toawn urged Serenity forward. "Serenity, I'd like ya to meet someone. This is Madame Angelica. She's the owner of this shop."

    Serenity murmured a small, "Hello ma'am." While she continued to admire the room.

    "Well," continued the shop owner, "what can I help you with Toawn?"

    "I need ya to get this one fitted for a dress." Toawn said, gesturing to Serenity, "We're goin' to visit the Council."

    The woman's eyes widened. "Oh," she said, "well, what do you have in mind?"

    "Nothin' too fancy. Just somethin' to make her look presentable." 

    "Well, what about this one over here?" Angelica made her way across the room, behind Serenity, as she gestured to a pale, grey cotton dress. Serenity crinkled her nose. Dress.

    "That'll be fine, m'lady." Toawn replied.

    Lady Angelica started fitting her immediately. Thankfully, not many adjustments were needed. Lady Angelica even volunteered to style Serenity's hair for her.

    The shop matron made the few adjustments necessary, and soon the dress fit Serenity like a glove. Lady Angelica brushed her hair and put it in a half up, half down style.

     Toawn nodded his approval, "You look lovely," he said, "I think you're ready to meet the council."

    "I'm not sure I'm ready to." Serenity said, trying to hide the worry in her voice.

    "Don't worry, you'll be fine," Toawn replied, "Thank you, Lady Angelica, for everything."

    "Oh, it's no problem, Master Toawn." she smiled.

    Toawn spilled some large gold coins on the woman's desk (she guessed they counted as currency in this world) and Serenity followed him out the door.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

        So, what do you think of Melivian?  Kinda cool, huh?  I think Madame Angelica was definitely a fun character for me to design.  Today's song is Over My Head (cover) by A Day to Remember.  (I kinda just ran out of ideas for songs, so... whatever!)  Anyway, remember to comment and vote and I'll try to get back to as many of you as I can!  Thanks for reading, and stay awesome!

                                                                                                                                                             ~Melp