Castlevania: Awakening

Chapter 3

When she finally awoke the daylight was pouring strongly through the radiant colored window.

It was open!

She threw off the bed covers and hurried over towards it. The sun was bright and warming and the air wafting in was deliciously clean and chill. Laeleth felt her entire body be at peace with the scent of fresh pine and the mountain view.
Her eyes turned to the languishing butterfly and after all she'd been through these past few days she felt nothing but pity for the creature, trapped against its will.
Unlatching the wire clasp of the cage she turned the butterfly towards the open window. “Be free,” she whispered as it stretched its wings and took to the air. It drifted away in a blur of silver light.

After Laeleth could no longer follow its flight with her eyes she turned back to the room. It no longer looked to be a horrific jail cell with the light coming in. Over on the table was a fresh flask of water, a loaf of bread, and this time some woodland berries. She had never felt hungrier and had soon finished it all.
There was also a basin of clean water near the shattered mirror and something quite intriguing neatly placed upon the chair. It appeared to be fabric of the finest velvet. She held it up and it glimmered as it caught the morning light.

It was a dress like she had never seen in her lifetime and something she was sure only a very elegant and wealthy woman would own.
It was a deep burgundy red with fine stitching of silver swirls throughout. It fell all the way to the floor and the sleeves were long and draped at the ends. The waist was drawn in with stitched detail and the silver thread created the illusion of a belt. A lovely fire-ruby brooch rested in the center of the square neckline, directly over the heart. It immediately caught the eye and held one’s gaze in glorious fascination.
Laeleth wasn't sure if she should accept it but it was clearly meant for her. The old clothes she had been wearing were in considerable disarray and their condition made the splendid dress even more desirable.

Without another thought she refreshed herself with the water, attempted to reign in her unruly hair, and then changed into the new garment. It felt wonderfully soft and fit surprisingly well. It was almost as though it were made for her and she was amazed at how well-kept it was if it were indeed from this castle.

The hue of red looked even more regal against her now neatly combed mahogany hair. Laeleth hardly recognized herself - never before had she owned anything so exquisite!
She almost imagined she was the lady of this castle — sitting for portraits, attending grand gatherings with the finest food and wine. Many would travel from the ends of the world to sit at her table and look upon her wealth and beauty.
But quickly clearing her thoughts of such silly notions she once more surveyed the room. A wild idea came to her mind and she found herself staring at the large wrought iron chamber door.

If the window had been opened, was there any possible chance the door was unlocked as well?

Laeleth cautiously put her hand out to the cold metal ring and pushed slightly. The door creaked and she jumped back at the sound. But soon gathering up her nerves again (and her silver dagger) she pushed, this time a little harder.
With a louder groan the door gave way.

She could hardly believe it! And yet, why hadn't he locked it?
Was she meant to roam about or was it merely a test? From their discussion the evening before he obviously hadn’t planned on letting her leave yet.
Throwing any other cautious thoughts aside Laeleth stepped out. She was not afraid of him even if she were to run into him. He was intimidating and even rather rude at times, but despite this she was realizing just how human he still was.

The hall was dark much like her room once had been. Low burning torches lined the seemingly endless hall from both directions. She was unsure which way to go but figured she may have enough time to attempt both sides before he might return. He seemed to only appear in the evenings and she wondered briefly if he were even in the castle. He seemed to know much of what was happening outside of it.