WinterField

Chapter 13 - The Letter

"You shouldn't have to work right after you get back from a kidnapping." Melonie said.

It was now late at night. Ash was told by her father to be checked out by the medics in the village. She couldn't say no to her father so she went. After visiting the medics, Ash went to the High Council to speak about the needs of the village.

Ash couldn't get a moment of time until the High Council decided to call it a night and go home.

"I was the one who went to go speak with the High Council. You shouldn't blame them for wanting to speak with me about the village. I have been gone for awhile." Ash told Melonie.

"You're right. I shouldn't get upset over that." Melonie said. "Let's think more positive."

"Is there anything special you dreamed about for your birthday?" Melonie asked. "You only turn 19 once!"

"I could say the same to you!" Ash said. " I've always wanted matte blue ribbons hanging from the lampposts in the village square." Ash said dreamily.

"Really?! I've always wanted matte yellow ribbons, but I never knew where to put them." Melonie said.

"Great! It's settled then. We'll have matte blue and matte yellow ribbons hanging in the village square!" Ash exclaimed.

Quinn scribbled this down on a piece of paper with a quill, then asked about the cake.

"Why don't we have our own cake for after the party, and for the guests we'll have snack foods." Melonie suggested.

"That's a great idea! What cake for after the party then?" Ash asked.

"Chocolate." They said at the same time, then they giggled after.

"Let's tell the village not to bring gifts. The village does so much for us, and I don't want to add another thing to their plate." Melonie said.

"That's a wonderful idea. I'm getting really tired. I think I'm going to go to bed." Ash said.

"Good night, Ash." Quinn said.

"Good night" Ash replied.

Ash climbed tiredly up the stairs to her bedroom and removed her armor. She pulled the ribbon from her hair, which was kept in a bun, and let her hair fall.

Ash changed into the new clothes the village had gotten her while she was away, and crawled into the soft feather bed. She pulled the blanket up to her shoulder and quickly drifted off.

Ash didn't dream of anything that night, but it was a deep and healing sleep.

Ash didn't wake up until right after lunch, and she was starving. Ash climbed out of bed and slipped on her boots. She walked over to her vanity and side braided her hair. Then she went over to her armor stand and stared at it for a while. She decided not to wear her armor, and slipped on some comfortable clothes instead.

Ash opened her door and quietly walked down the stairs.

"Morning, Ash. I was just about to wake you up, see if you were hungry." Melonie said.

"Starving." Ash said. "Did you finish planning with Quinn?"

"Almost. We had a few minor details that needed to be discussed, but other than that, we're done. Quinn's our right now. He's gathering all the decorations for tomorrow." Melonie said as she got up to warm up some lunch for Ash.

Ash sat down at the kitchen table, while Melonie stoked the fire. Ash ate quietly and Melonie read her book in the large, comfy chair in the living room.

"What are you reading?" Ash asked.

"The book from you library. The one Krystal gave you. I hope you don't mind that I took it."

"Not at all. I just ask that you return it when you finished, but feel free to take books from there whenever you want."

"Thank you." Melonie said.

"Any time." Ash replied.

The door opened and Quinn walked inside, his hands full of bags.

"Oh! Let me help you!" Melonie exclaimed.

"Thanks." Quinn said as he set the bags down.

"How much stuff did you buy?" Ash asked.

"A lot." Quinn answered through pants.

"Ash put her dirty dishes down on the counter, and climbed the stairs to her room. She closed the door quietly behind her and noticed a letter on her desk. The letter had been sealed with a yellow stamp, Ash's favorite color. She carefully pulled off the seal and opened the letter.

Dear Ash,
I've always wanted ask you out, but I've been to afraid. Your eyes always sparkle when you laugh, and your smile could light up a whole room. Meet me tomorrow at the pavilion near the beach.
                                             Sincerely,
                                                    Unknown

Ash's heart thumped hard in her chest, and her stomach filled with butterflies. Someone ...liked her? Ash opened a drawer in her desk and put the note inside. She closed the drawer and locked it with a rose gold key she kept on a chain around her neck.

She grabbed a book from her bookshelf and went back downstairs. She made herself a cup of chamomile tea and sat down on the couch with a big smile on her face.

"What's with the big smile?" Melonie asked.

"I received a note!" Ash said.

"From who?" Melonie asked. Sitting up in her chair.

"I don't know." Ash said.

Quinn peeked his eyes around the kitchen door into the living room, and smiled at Ash with soft gentle eyes.

Word Count//900