20-Jul-2001
Hilde: Wow, you actually got to chapter 2.
Don't be a smart alec, I would have made it...
Hilde: Eventually. ::runs off before author can throw something at her::
Enjoy.
Author: Tigress Pern
Title: Beauty and the Beast
Archive: GW Addiction
Type: drama/fairy tale
Warnings: Une+Treize, some OOC
Disclaimer: I don't own GW, end of story.
Smoke curled out of the chimney as Une threw some vegetables into the broth. Hilde was checking the bread to make sure it was cooked. They'd spent most of the afternoon making bread and cleaning the chimney. Not necessarily in that order. With practiced ease, Une chopped turnips into thin slices. She'd seen their old cook do this back in their old home. Now was her chance to try the technique, which she was mastering well. If she put her mind to it, Une knew she could achieve anything. Part of her wondered if the cook would be shocked or amazed that she was preparing her own meals. The older woman hardly let the girls into the kitchen, despite the fact that Hilde routinely got around her barricades. Having spent the first part of her life as a street brat, Hilde was good at sneaking around. It was a skill she had never lost along with a few other habits that Une's mother would have preferred her not to practice.
"Ouch! Itai." Hilde yelped pulling her hand back from the fire. "That spark got me."
"Are you okay?" Une asked immediately concerned.
"I'll be fine." Hilde waved her off. "It just surprised me."
"All right." Une said unconvinced, but Hilde could take care of herself, she was fifteen after all.
A sudden knock at the door caused them both to jump. Hilde rushed up to get it as Une checked the broth one more time.
"FATHER!" Hilde exclaimed. Une whipped her head around as Hilde took her father's hand. He looked on the verge of collapse. He stumbled in, leaning heavily on his youngest daughter. She supported his weight as best she could, leading him towards the kitchen.
"Here, sit Father." Une pulled a chair out for him. He grasped its back and guided himself into the seat. Hilde scampered back to shut the door, but paused and hurried out instead.
"I'll take care of the horse." She called. "Shush, easy. I'm not going to hurt you. I just want to take you to a nice warm stall." Hilde's voice trailed off as she lead the horse to the lean-to where Leo and Virgo were contentedly munching on hay. Une quietly shut the door, fearing that all the heat would escape. Returning to her father's side, she noticed that he wore new clothes. They looked warm and sturdy. Underneath though, the man was shaking.
"Father, are you all right? Did something happen? You're shaking like a leaf, here sit closer to the fire." But her father waved off any assistance.
"Une! Can you help me? These saddle bags are heavy and look what I found in the brow band of the horse's bridle." Hilde called kicking open the door. Une strode over and helped lift the saddlebags, which were heavier than they appeared. Hilde must have dragged them all the way from the lean-to. Then Une caught something red in Hilde's hair. Tucked behind her ear was a large rose blossom. It looked as fresh as if it had just been plucked from its bush.
"Where did you get that?" Une asked.
"I found it in the horse's brow band. It hasn't wilted or anything. It looks perfect."
"It smells wonderful." Une admitted. They dropped the saddlebags by the kitchen table and went to their father's side. As Hilde sat in front of him, he lifted one quavering hand and removed the rose. He held it tenderly in his hand, turning it this way and that. All the while his daughters looked on.
"Father." Une said. "Father will you tell us what happened?"
"I'm sorry my dear. So very sorry." His eyes misted over and tears began to slide down is face. Alarmed the women threw their arms around him.
"Father we'll survive. Don't cry." Hilde begged.
"We will make it through. We have before." Une chimed. Their father shook his head.
"No, I'm sorry that I have to leave you so soon after coming back."
"But you'll be back.."
"No. I won't." He told Hilde.
"I don't understand." Une whispered as he gently pushed herself away from them.
"It is my fault, I alone will pay the price."
"Father, tell us. What has happened?" Hilde demanded, her bottom lip quivering. He looked at both his daughters and sighed deeply.
"I will tell you my tale." He said. Turning the rose around once more, he stared at it for a moment as he summed up the courage for his story.
"Meullier and I made it to Duke Dermail's estate in record time. The weather was favorable for travel and our horses were swift. The ship came into the harbor the third day I was there. It was a sorry sight with its main mast cleaved in two and tatters for sails. The cargo survived the storm and everything that happened afterwards. Some of it had to have been sold off earlier to pay for repairs to get it back to our port. Yet there was enough to pay off the sailors for all their hard work. The collectors received the rest of the money, leaving me only a little more than what I came to town with. Dermail helped me get a decent price for the ship, but even then most of it went to the crown for taxes. So in the end I had enough pay for my lodgings on the trip back. Meullier came with me as far as Edwards, which is five days south of here. I was doing well until yesterday's storm caught me.
"I had decided to take an old trial through the Bloodwood when it struck full force. I became lost quickly in the driving rain and wind. Once the trees started coming down, I thought it was the end. Then suddenly my horse found an old path, how I don't know, and followed it. Before long I found myself in front of two huge iron gates. At first I thought that I would have to turn back, but then the wind blew them open. The horse refused to go any farther, so I was forced to dismount and lead him onward. The path we had been on became a cobblestone path that lead through huge ornamental gardens. A huge structure loomed in front of us. It wasn't until I was up close that I realized that it was a chateau. I couldn't make out the details, other than its tall towers. After a moment or two I noticed a series of lanterns had been lit to my right. They led to a stable, where I found the first stall freshly cleaned with new straw lay down. Unsure what to do, I left my horse in the stall and went to find someone.
"There was no one around. I entered the castle and searched, but found no sign of life. Everywhere I went though, lanterns and torches were lit for me. If there were servants, I saw no sign of them. Presently I found a huge dining room where a small feast had been placed on the table. Only one place had been set. Cautiously I entered and looked about. Seeing no one and not wanting to be rude in case the master whose feast this obviously was appeared, I left as quickly as I came. As I was leaving a little breeze pressed against me and urged me back into the room. It was warm and friendly. That may sound strange, but the entire place was like that. I should have known it was a fairy estate, but I was too tired to think. I returned to the dining room, following the cheery breeze and sat at the head of the table. I ate as much as I wanted then my breeze lead me out to another room. In this one was a bed with the finest silken sheets I've ever seen. Bedclothes had been laid out for me and obliged the breeze by putting them on.
"It was the soundest sleep I've had in a long time. I awoke refreshed and invigorated. My old clothes had been taken away in the night and a new set had been placed in their stead. Once dressed the little breeze returned and escorted me to breakfast. After I had eaten I went down to the stable. My horse was munching on oats and hay; his tack had been cleaned and set on him. It practically sparkled. I lead him out of the stall and out to the cobble stone path. I paused, not knowing whom to thank. Turning back, I bowed and called my thanks to the castle. As I mounted spied a rose garden I hadn't notice the night before. I walked over and began studying each rose bush in the garden. Since I hadn't been able to bring back the rose seeds you desired Une, I thought that maybe a blossom would make you smile. I found the most luxurious bloom and picked it. Surely the fairy wouldn't miss one. I was wrong.
"I heard a terrible roar and my horse reared beneath me. I fell off backward still clutching the rose. The horse bolted off and I was left alone with it. I call it because it was not a man, but a horrible, hideous beast that I faced. Horns protruded from the sides of its head and curled under its ears like a ram. It had a mane like a lion. The face was a combination of a cat, dog, and bear. Large sharp canines protruded from its upper jaw and hung blow its chin. Huge massive paws with razor sharp claws grabbed me. The creature walked upright, but that wasn't what scared me most. It was its eyes. They were blue and human. It was as if Mother Nature had designed this monstrosity to be the combination of everything that man fears. Then it spoke.
"It demanded to know why I had picked a rose after all the hospitality I had been shown. I couldn't lie to him. I blabbered out my pitiful tale to him ending with that the rose was a present for my daughter. The beast released me and turned away for a moment. Frozen in place I waited for my sentence. The price for my trespass was that I must either hand over one of my daughters or that I come back alone. It said that the daughter must come of her own free will. For if she doesn't, he would come for me instead. Either way one of us has to return to that thing's castle. I will do that, it is the price of my sin."
"No!" Une snapped. "You will not go back. It was my request that brought you to this end, I will go in your stead."
"Une, you have a life yet to live. I'm old and…"
"I won't hear of it." Une shook her head and stood up. "It is my duty to take responsibility for this. If it weren't for me, then you wouldn't have stopped for the rose."
"Une, you can't do that." Hilde cried. "And neither can father. There has to be a way out of this. I don't want to see this family torn apart. This beast can't track us down if we leave now. If we run far away, it won't find us."
"It is a fairy creature, they have ways." Their father replied sadly. "I will go."
"No!" Hilde cried. "No one should have to go!" With that she ran out to her room and slammed the door.
"She is upset. I can't blame her."
"Father, there is no use arguing this. I will go. Perhaps the beast will let me go after a time. Perhaps he just wants some company for a time." Une said trying to pacify her father.
"Possibly, but why go to this much trouble?"
"The way of the fairy." Une replied getting up. "I'll go talk to Hilde when she calms down."
"Yes." He muttered twirling the rose once more. "You always know what to say to her better than I. But it is I who should pay the creature's price. You will be fine without me." Une shook her head.
"Father, we couldn't…" But he held up his hand and she was obliged to silence her tongue. There was no use arguing now. Instead Une retrieved some bread and broke it for her father. He ate it without a word, simply continued to stare at the rose.
"There is no way I can talk you out of it?" Hilde asked. Une shook her head. They were sitting in front of the hearth while their father dozed in his bed.
"No, I've made up my mind." Une replied.
"I didn't think so." Hilde muttered. "You shouldn't have to go though."
"Indirectly, it was my fault he picked that rose." She indicated the deep red blossom that was now sitting in a bowl of water. "Besides, both you and Father earn money, I don't."
"That's not true. What about the herb garden?"
"It takes in a little money, but most of the plants are dead now. There isn't much I can do in the winter."
"You take care of the house."
"But that doesn't pay anything, even if it is hard work." Une sighed. "Hilde, I've decided to go. There is nothing you nor Father can do to dissuaded me."
"I understand." Hilde said. The fire crackled and Une threw another log on. "Maybe it won't be so bad."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, what if this beast is like the guard for some fairy prince that's sealed inside the castle? He could be looking for some bright young maiden to free him?"
"I think you listened to too many of Mother's fairy tales." Une scolded.
"You don't believe in magic?" Hilde inquired pulling at a loose thread in her skirt.
"I do, but I don't believe in fairy tales. They're too fabulous to be real."
"And if they were?"
"I'll believe it when I see it." Une stated. Hilde pouted for a moment before her eyes lit upon their father's saddlebags. "We should probably unpack Father's things." She pushed herself off the floor and walked over to the door. Taking a firm grip on them, she dragged the leather sacks towards the fire. "Let's see what we have in here."
"Those are certainly heavy." Une commented as Hilde plopped back down. Opening one side she pulled out a finely carved wooden box. Turning it over, Hilde gave her sister a curious look.
"What do you suppose this is?" she asked. Une shrugged as Hilde opened it. Inside were a beautifully crafted hand mirror, brush, comb and several ornate barrettes. The items were far too expensive for something their father would have bought. Where did he get it? Setting the box down, Hilde began pulling out more items from the saddlebag.
There were boxes of jewelry, statuettes, gold coins, loose stones, finely made clothes, and more. One box even held small seeds. Une had laughed when she realized that they were rose seeds. In the other bag they found three matching bridles, horse brushes, combs, and hoofpicks. Hilde couldn't understand how all this could fit into two tiny saddle bags as she pulled out three soft, warm horse blankets.
"Magic." She whispered as Une fingered one of the satin dresses that she was holding.
"Yes, but why give us presents if…"
"They're the price of my slavery." Their father stated emerging from his room. "Put them back, I won't have you using blood money."
"Father." Une said, then quietly folded the dress and set it down. She got up and walked into her room. As if on cue, Hilde followed her.
"Why would it send presents?" Une asked as Hilde shut the door. "Are they really the price of a slave?"
"I don't think that." Hilde replied. "Maybe they were sent as a peace offering and a way to say that 'I won't treat your kin badly'."
"You still think there is a fairy prince hidden away, don't you?"
"I'm not ruling it out." Hilde replied sitting on her cot. "Part of me hates the thing, but the other feels sorry for it. I mean it has to be lonely all by itself. Father said he didn't see another living soul there."
"That must be the reason." Une said turning to face her sister. "I bet that the beast is lonely and would like someone to talk to. It doesn't know how to deal with humans, so that is why it acted as it did. Perhaps after a few weeks with it, it will let me return."
"Supposing that is the reason it wanted you in the first place."
"You are the one who believes there is a fairy prince there." Une pointed out. Hilde smiled.
"I'm not comfortable with the idea, but I understand that you need to go. You'd probably be more entertaining than Father anyway." Une smiled back.
"Little sister, if we keep thinking positively then we'll make it through." Pausing, Une glanced at the door. "I don't think Father will let me go." Hilde nodded.
"I think you're right."
"I hope he understands. As soon as he is asleep, I'll take his horse and head for the Bloodwood." Hilde's face fell.
"Be careful, you're my only sister."
"I always am." She said coming to sit beside Hilde. "Don't worry."
"I'm your sister, I'm supposed to worry."
The chestnut whickered. Tossing his head, the horse sidestepped. Holding the reins tightly, Une hauled Aries' head around the dug her heels into his side. The horse, Aries, took a reluctant step forward. Traveling was becoming increasingly difficult. Aries obviously knew where they were going and was scared. Nostrils flared and ears forward, he chomped on his bit. Before them two large wrought iron gates stood, shut against intruders. They weren't intruders, they were expected.
It had taken several hours and four wrong turns to find the correct path. Aries did everything he could to avoid the right path, he remembered the beast and didn't want anything to do with it. Une hadn't let him bolt though, remaining in control the entire time.
The entire trip had been a battle of wills and Une was the undisputed winner thus far. Behind her glasses, her brown eyes burned with frustration directed at Aries. The horse's flighty nature had cost them valuable time and unnecessary pain. The Bloodwood was filled with brambles and thorny brush which left scratches all over their legs. Even beneath her divided riding skirt, Une had cuts. The first thing she planned to do once inside was to make sure Aries was treated. The last thing she needed was to have a lame horse.
"Come now. Forward." She snarled. Aries froze and refused to go any farther. Reaching the end of her rope, Une gave him one more kicked. The sharpness of it startled the creature enough that it lurched towards the gates. Although they were tightly shut, at their approach, they opened. Aries staggered through. Une heard them swing shut behind them with a loud groan. Determined in her course, she and the horse continued onward.
"Hello?" Une called as she dismounted. Aries was too frightened to walk with her on his back. Tugging on the reins to get his attention, she led him down the cobblestone path towards what was probably the stable.
He seemed to remember this and pranced beside her. As they rounded a corner, the stable door slid open for them. Surprised, Une paused for a moment then walked in. The first stall door was opening and she placed Aries in it.
"Thank you." She said to the air. Cinching up a stirrup, Une reached under the saddle skirt to unfasten the girth. Aries breathed a sigh of relief as she slipped the saddle from his back. Walking out of the stall, she noticed a saddle rack had already been placed beside it. Setting it down, she returned to take off the bridle. By that time a bucket of water appeared and sloshed over to a small trough in the stall. It was followed by a grain bucket that was hung on a hook. Une watched this all with amazement. She said thank you several times to the invisible stable hands and after making sure Aries was all right, left. Pausing at the door, she mentioned that she would greatly appreciate his wounds looked at. She felt as if someone nodded to her before leaving to carry out her order. It was a strange feeling and she wasn't sure she'd ever get used to it. With her head held high, she walked off.
Feeling grimy from her journey, Une headed inside the chateau. It was just as her father had described. Tall and sleek, it had several towers and huge windows. The stones that made it up were nearly pure white. Une wondered if they were whitewashed on a regular basis. A pair of oak doors as tall as her cottage opened for her as she approached. About her she felt as if there was a buzz of excitement. Perhaps Hilde had been right about a fairy prince, she thought. Striding into the chateau, Une paused not knowing whether to go right, left or straight ahead. Before her was a white marble staircase with hand carved lions sitting at the base of each banister. Below her, the floor was made of black and white tiles in a checkered pattern. To either side were high arches leading to hallways engulfed in shadows. As she pondered what direction she should take a light breeze flitted up. It whirled around her then headed up the grand staircase. Shrugging her shoulders, Une followed it. Candelabras lit as she climbed the steps, extinguishing the darkness about her.
"Has anyone thought of pulling the curtains back?" Une inquired aloud. "The sun hasn't even set yet." The candelabras paused in their lighting. A moment later they resumed. Une continued on. At the top of the staircase, she took a right. The little breeze was probably the one her father had met she reckoned as it danced ahead, then came back to urge her forward. A door swung open to reveal a large room with tall windows that nearly touched the ceiling. In the center was a canopied bed done in various shades of cream, blue, and green. The headboard looked to be oak from where Une stood. Hesitantly, she stepped forward into the room. Now she could see more of it. The room was as large if not larger than the one she used to sleep in back in the city. There was a large wardrobe that looked as though it could hold a hundred dresses. A highly polished vanity was pressed up against one wall with an assortment of brushes placed neatly on top. Wandering over, Une noticed that each brush and comb were made of ivory inlaid with gold. Much too expensive and ornate for her taste, but they were lovely.
"Is this to be my room?" she asked the breeze, which was currently fluffing pillows on the bed. "It is a lovely room." She glanced about it once more, her eyes alighting to every piece of furniture, rug and wall decoration. There was a private dining set, complete with ornate table and cushioned chair to the left of the bed. A cushioned window seat that had too many pillows for Une's taste and a stand that held an oil lamp on it. Some invisible servant had already lit it she noticed. It cast a pleasant glow on the paintings that hung on the wall above. Most were pastoral or romantic scenes painted with smooth even brushstrokes. The colors were warm and inviting and accented the room wonderfully. Une had to hand it to the interior decorator; the room had been tastefully done.
"I think I'd like to freshen up a bit from my journey." She announced at length. Suddenly the little breeze blustered out the door, closing it. Startled by the departure of the breeze, she wondered what she had said. Then she noticed that a door had opened in the wall. Stepping over, she found a tub full of warm water. Ah, she said to herself. My little breeze must be male. Although the idea that breezes had genders was absurd, Une laughed and began to undress. Stepping into the warm water, she relaxed her aching muscles and mind. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all.
End Chapter Two
Tigress Pern