My name is Ashley... Merryweather. I'm still getting used to the whole 'Merryweather' thing. I was adopted so I grew up with my last name being Steffonson. Then my adopted parents died so, for some reason I was sent to live with my whack-job biological father, Sir Benjamin of Moonacre Valley. He keeps talking about some bandits named the 'De' Noirs' that live in the woods, who will kill me, so I should never set foot there. Once or twice I've been very tempted to saunter on into those woods to see what's there and then, who to show up but Benjamin's idiot butler, Digweed. He also has this insane cook who keeps talking about this 'curse' thing. As far as I'm concerned everyone in the castle needs some serious therapy. Oh, did I forget to mention I live in a CASTLE! That's one of the only plus sides of living here, that and Marmaduke makes awesome pancakes. Sir Benjamin decided he was going to give me horse-back riding lessons today so, YIPPEE!
I followed him outside reluctantly. He was very convinced that I would be able to ride immediately after I got on the horse. Sir Benjamin had said, 'You're a Merryweather, it's in the blood.' Digweed brought a horse out from behind me in the stables. The horse whined, trying to get my attention.
"This is Periwinkle," Benjamin said, "He's a bit feisty, but a loyal steed."
"Just stick your hand out," Digweed paused when I gave him a 'Are you SERIOUS!?' look, "I give you my word, it'll stay attached to your wrist."
I gave him a look then cautiously reached out my hand to pet the horse. The tips of my fingers grazed him light grey fur, I relaxed a little when he didn't try to kill me. Sir Benjamin lifted himself onto his steed with ease, whereas I a bit more trouble. As soon as I mounted Periwinkle Marmaduke called out of the kitchen window, "Good luck, little princess." I had no idea why he called me little princess, but he did, so who cares. As Benjamin lead his horse into a slow canter, I followed suit, right after almost falling of or Periwinkle as I tried to move.
Sir Benjamin gave me a tour of Moonacre Valley, as to which I found quite bothersome. As we trotted around the countryside, I felt people giving me strange looks. I had a suspicion that it was because I was the only girl wearing pants around here. It wasn't my fault, I just hated dresses! They are quite annoying, I wore black skinny-jeans, a red shirt and finger-less black gloves. And every morning when I would walk down the stairs from my tower Sir Benjamin would ask 'Must you always dress like a De' Noir?' Well I'm sorry I despise dresses so much, my other parents never had a problem with it! I would always respond back, in my head.
"We should probably start heading back." Benjamin said looking over at me.
"Oh, but I'm really enjoying this, are you sure I couldn't just stay out for a little while longer?" A lie, the only reason why I wanted to stay out was because I wanted to see what was in the forest.
"Of course, but stay OUT of the forest," Oh of course, "And if, by any chance, you come across a De' Noir, remember, you hate them."
"Right, right, of course." I said, maybe a little to quickly.
"Alright, have fun." He said, suspiciously.
Sir Benjamin turned his horse around and started heading back towards the castle. I pushed Periwinkle into a canter, heading towards the edge of the trees.
"What's so special about the woods anyway?" I asked, more to myself than anyone else. I clambered off of Periwinkle's back. "Stay here." I stated, pointing at the grey horse. I started walking into the tree's boundaries.
A/N; Hooray! First chapter of my first book! Cheers!
-Ashlynn
