Treasured

1)

Picture is of the School

Wren

My first impression of the school was that it was grand and gloomy. The bricks were gray, the exterior doors were a deep ebony, and the entrance was through a drive lined with towering trees that cast dark shadows around us. As we ventured closer to the school, I could see that there were many windows allowing for natural light on the inside, no matter how dismal it appeared from without.

The lawn was immaculate and a lush green color. There were shrubs along one side of the house next to a small gated area. On the other side was a walkway and it appeared to wander into a garden or courtyard of some sort. The pathways were of cut stone but they looked surprisingly smooth.

"Aye, Master Wren," Jerry smiled, opening my door for me. "You just let me know if they ain't taking care of ya. Me and the Missus we'll take you in just as quick as a blink if you need a place to stay, ya hear?"

Jerry was a kind man, but he and his wife were barely getting by as it was, and I couldn't burden him with my presence. A mute cripple was no light responsibility. His wife Maria, had taken to me the very first time she ever saw me. Jerry was fond of me as well and always talked to me when he could.

I simply nodded at his kind face, noticing how white and thin it had become. He was a couple years past fifty when I'd first seen him, and though his work was hard and demanding he was still as spry as ever. I would miss his sparkling blue eyes and wide smile, that was certain.

He unloaded my trunks for me and carried them to the door. He rang the bell and turned to pat my shoulder before heading back down the path. It might have been a trick of the light, but I thought I saw a tear in his eye as he brushed past me.

A rather handsome boy opened the door. I noticed his silver eyes right away since they seemed to dominate his slim and rather pale face. But then I noticed his slender frame and tall height, followed by his thin, pink lips and long, greyish hair that brushed his collar.

"Welcome!" He greeted me, voice soothing and calm. "I assume you are the new student?"

I nodded my head in affirmation. He smiled then, in a friendly way and proceeded to drag my chests inside. His voice was soft and silvery, and I decided it was like a cool breeze on a hot day: refreshing, light, and soothing.

"Well, then! I suppose I should take you to Mr. Edward, and then take these chests to your new quarters. Come this way, if you'd please," the boy cheerfully decided.

I followed him through a gallery like room, which I decided I quite liked. It was a warm pastel yellow, trimmed in white, with blonde wood flooring. Canvases covered the walls depicting landscapes, portraits, and still life in startling skill. A few sofas and easy chairs littered the corners and other whimsical places in the room making it feel rather cozy.

We briefly passed by a few more rooms, one of which looked to be a library for which I was excited to explore. But before I could sneak anymore glances at my surroundings, the boy had knocked on a door and asked permission to enter.

"Come in!" A rich, velvety tone instantly responded.

The bookcases behind the man caught my eye immediately. They were beautifully put together and carved, and the books were beautiful selected and displayed. Red, blue, green, gold, black...velvet and silk covers with perfectly stitched titles...

"Thank you, Fletcher," the headmaster dismissed the other boy, gaining my attention.

His desk was large but quite organized and clean. There were two seats in front of it which he gestured to. I slipped into my seat, noticing the long windows on either side of his bookcases, and the grandfather clock taking residence beside the door like a sentinel, so stern and silent.