Gathering // t.h

Chapter one - Fields

Lilly's P.O.V

As I sit with Matthew in the fields down by the creek I feel the light breeze gently brush against my skin. Matthew and I have been friends ever since we were little kids, our parents market stalls are next to each other and that's how our families became close, his parents sell different types of fabric whilst my parents sell crops and seeds. Matthew and me are best friends, practically family at the point "do you ever wonder what it would be like to live somewhere else?" Matthew asks as he plays with a bit of grass he pulled from the ground, "sometimes I do, like when I take Ryan and Zoe down here for afternoon walks, I look over at the trees and wonder what it's like on the other side but then I remind myself it could be worse in a different kingdom" I explain to Matthew.

"What about you?" I ask turning my head to look at him, "I do, when our parents market doesn't do well on certain days and it makes things tough on us I wonder if we would still have the same problems somewhere else" Matthew says. "I think all people like us deal with that, no matter what kingdom they come from" I reply "the kingdom uses the term 'peasants' not people" Matthew says in an irritated tone "we are still people Matthew" I say, "I know, just annoyed at the world, that's all" he says.

"How are you feeling about the gathering today?" Matthew asks turning his head to face me, "the same, nervous but at the same time not too worried" I explain. "Besides the Prince hasn't ever picked someone from our social class, it's mainly other girls who have a connection to royalty or in a higher class" I add, "that's true" Matthew says nodding along "but if something does happen, can you promise me-" I begin to say but I am interrupted by Matthew saying "nothing is going to happen, like you just said he picks girls who are in a higher class". "I know but if something does happen, can you promise me that you will help out with my family?" I ask "you know I would, so would mum and dad but you will be here and able to help so don't over think it" he replies "thank you" I say.

"My mum mentioned that our fathers went out hunting today, so they probably won't be back for the gathering" I tell Matthew. "Yeah dad mentioned something yesterday about it" he replies, Matthew then stands up and brushes the dirt of his pants "we better start to head back, so we aren't late" he says lending his hand to help me up which I take before standing up, we begin the short walk back up pass the creek and to our homes. Once Matthew walks me back to my house he begins the short walk to his which is only four houses down, our home is small but not as small as some of the other people who live in our little section of the kingdom, thankfully we are one of the very few people who don't all have to share a room, we divided the house up a bit by building walls with doorways in to provide privacy for everyone.

I luckily don't share my part of the house, which is the smallest but I don't mind. Our home could be more described as a hut, as it's around the same size, my twin siblings are eleven years old Zoe and Ryan share one part of the house and my parents; Susan and Greg have their own corner too which leaves a tiny area where we all sit together and play games or have family time. Once I walk inside I see Zoe and Ryan sitting playing a clapping game together whilst my mum sits beside them "Lilly, I just put your best clothes into your room – quickly go and get ready" she says with a sympathetic smile, I thank her and walk into my room to get ready, none of us like the annual gathering – even if peasants don't get picked just the uncertainty and worry that someone might be splitting up your family is enough to make anyone worry no matter where they fit in the social class ladder.

I put on the brown coloured dress that my mother made for me. Luckily my mother is very skilled at sewing clothes together and since Matthew's parents sell fabric, they give us fabric for free in return mum makes them clothes, my dress is a brown colour. I quickly put it on making sure I look presentable and my dress looks nice before I go back to my family, "you look lovely" my mum says once she sees me "Zoe dear, can you do Lilly's hair?" my mother asks, my younger sister agrees and stands behind me as I sit on the floor as she begins to do a braid in my hair. My sister is very talented in doing braids, just a natural talent "Lily, I'm worried" I hear her soft voice say "why are you worried?" I ask, "what if you get picked and have to leave? Who will Ryan and I play with or who will read to us, I don't want you to leave" she explains "yeah me neither, why do you have to go again this year, you went for the past two" Ryan adds.

"The gathering is held every year for women aged between twenty and twenty-seven, since I'm twenty-two I still have to go, but there isn't anything to worry about and tonight I will read for an even longer time than normal" I say trying my best to reassure them. I am the only person in my family who can read, there was an elderly lady who used to live in our part of the kingdom and her mother was a teacher when she was young so she was taught to read, I used to deliver crops to her and over the years she taught me how to read which I fell in love with straight away but I only have ever read one book which is what I read to Zoe and Ryan some nights if they can't sleep.

"Okay, I'm finished with your hair" Zoe says, "thank you" I say smiling as she walks back in front of me. "Is dad coming?" Ryan asks "no dear, he is out hunting with Matthew's father and won't be home till tonight" my mother explains to him, my dad is a farmer and hunts in his spare time. That's how we sell the crops at the market and are able to provide our own food, "okay well no time to waste, let's go" my mother says leading us out the door, I hold Zoe and Ryan's hand and begin the walk to the town square.

Author's note: This is my first chapter of my new multiple chapter story 'Gathering'! I did a post explaining the background of the story and other things such as the details, inspiration etc. so go and read that first if you haven't yet, I've been looking forward to posting this and I hope you enjoy this chapter! make sure to comment, like and reblog (its much appreciated!) if you'd like to be added to the tag list, just let me know - enjoy!