The rapidly approaching evening had sent the birds to their roosts and the crickets to sing in the swaying grasses, and Rose joined in their orchestra with a gentle humming.
The sun set in the sky as fresh colours brushed upon an artist's canvas, as if those rays were destined to create a great work of art - one given to those open to capturing simple moments in the soul.
After her talk with Robin, Rose felt a little flutter in her heart and to distract herself from the feeling, Rose sat patiently at the waters edge, splashing her fingers in the water, playing with the tiny little silver fish, swimming up to give her kisses.
"Hey there Princess", she heard Robin call from behind her. He seemed to be recovering alright and wandered over to Rose's position, his eyes were steady to the horizon, face aglow with the last orange rays before twilight beckons the stars.
"Hey", she whispered sweetly, whilst stifling a yawn. "How are you managing?", he asked whilst sitting down beside her. "I'm okay, a bit achey, and I miss my family", she replied, her tiredness seeping in.
Robin silently acknowledged her answer as the two looked out on to the lake, the faint sound of the turquoise water, falling serenely into the silvery lake, glimmering in the moonlight.
Amid the starlight was the ever glow of the moon, that mother of the sky whom watched over every beating heart, steady and true.
Rose with a yawn, lent her head against Robin's shoulder, his good shoulder that is, and allowed her eyes to close, letting the sounds of the forest sing her to sleep.
Rose could feel Robin's quiet breath moving strands of her hair, their breathing synchronised, up and down.
She let her eyes flutter shut, forgetting her manors and what it meant to be a proper young lady. Rose had felt highly improper taking off her gown, but she did not wish to catch a cold from the damp material, so only in her petticoats and corset, the brush of Robin's bare skin against hers felt intensely intimate, each caress, sending goosebumps down her skin.
Robin felt himself blushing as he watched Rose sleeping so peacefully, her rosy lips slightly parted with every breath. However, not long after, Robin found himself drifting off into his own trance.
No sooner than the two teenagers dreamt themselves to sleep, Rose was gently awoken by Robin, "Rose, Rose, wake up", he whispered, whilst his gaze remained firmly on the lake.
Rose sat slowly up, rubbing the remainders of sleep from her eyes. When Rose opened her eyes, she did not look upon the lake she had fallen a sleep too, instead of the serene and calm waters, with the gentle crashing of the waterfall, a bubbling and glowing pool shined before her. The moon shone down upon the lake, lighting it up, creating some sort of enchantment.
It bubbled and frothed, spiting up sparkles, which looked like diamonds. Robin clambered to his feet and quickly fetched his water skin and pored out the remains. He cautiously bent down and put the water skin and his hand into its glowing depths. Rose held her breath as he allowed the skin to be filled.
Once it was full, he sealed the top and handed it over to Rose. "We found it!" She laughed, as she held a protective clasp over it.
Rose celebrated with the stars and jumped for joy in Robin's arms, their laughter ringing like a bell.
Moments later, their joy was soon silenced as they heard a twig snap and spun round to meet 10 very strange looking men, foliage decorating their skin and attire, so, far away they looked like nothing but shrubs.
Rose screamed, as they charged at Robin and herself, spears pointed to their necks. "Who are you?!", one of the men shouted.
"No one, we're just passing by", Rose pleaded, "what are your names?!", the same man demanded again, "Rose Merryweather",
"Robin De Noir"
The man looked confused, "Don't lie! The Merryweathers and De Noirs haven't been seen with each other for generations!"
"No it's the truth, we're friends actually. The curse on Moonacre was broken in the summer and reunited us", Rose begged, not mentioning that it was probably only them two out of the families who that applied too. The man still looked uncertain and wasn't taking any chances. "I'll take you too the chief, they will decide your fate", he finished, before his men dragged Robin and Rose to their feet and marched into the trees.
About 10 minutes later, they arrived at what appeared to be some sort of camp. Villagers enjoying the night time's festivities stopped what they were doing and gathered round to see these two strangers.
Up ahead, in the centre of the camp was a magnificent fire, bright and vivid. The intensity and excitement of the flames was like they were dancing in the moonlight. The colors were brilliant reds, oranges, and faint yellows.
The previous music and dancing came to a holt as Robin and Rose were shoved to their knees in front of a larger tent then the others. There was much chatter and from the shadows of the tent came a voice, "Enoch, what on earth are you doing with our guests? This is no proper way to great them".
A beautiful woman stood out from behind the curtains, her skin was as rich and deep as any stately home mahogany. It appeared she was wise with age, and grey hairs were abundant, signalling wisdom.
Her smile was one of happiness growing, much as a spring flower opens. Rose could see how it came from deep inside to light her eyes and spread into every part of her. A person smiles with more than their mouth, and Rose heard it in her voice, in the choice of her words and the way she relaxed. She was beautiful.
"Welcome Rose Merryweather, daughter of George and Eliza Merryweather; and welcome Robin De Noir, son of Coeur De Noir and Eugenia De Noir", the woman stated boldly, admiring the shocked expressions on their faces. "How kind of you to join us", she added, a smirk creeping to her lips as Robin and Rose exchanges confused glances, nervous for what was to come next.

YOU ARE READING
The Other Curse ~ Robin De Noir [2]
FanfictionBOOK 2 (The other Merryweather is Book 1) After Rose and her younger sister Maria broke the curse, they've been enjoying their life here at Moonacre. However, to break them from their perfect paradise, Rose's recent headaches have been getting worse...