She isn't as eloquent as the others, nor is she as bold, or social. The pink mare preferred her little cave, the only place that she calls home. Zayn would visit soon enough, she trusts in that hope. Maybe it was that even in his violent ways of claiming, he still found room for a smile, and pleasant comment. She trembles thinking on the red gloss that coats his eyes, they are alluring even as they are intimidating. Just as my pink coat. a hush of a whisper, it still reverberates through the cave sending startled adrenaline surging through her muscular tissue. Jaw sets in firm resolution, this was the reason others could not understand the need for solitude. Zayn could, he knew the meaning of standing out, he understood the looks and stares that set her body into convulsions. HE was the only one to not stare, to not take advantage of her. He desired her, favored her, pampered her, and catered to all her needs.
Hovik, her son, dashes from the safe confinement of their cave at a thundering pace jerking her from her wistful thoughts. Eyes widen until tender skin is ready to split. Her neck strains back searching for the flash of pink that would give away his location. She is stunned into silence for what seems to be an eternity. Feet planted to the stone in fearful paralysis. Only the still quivering branch of a bush lets her know that he was not another haunting memory. Why? Panic rises, she starts pacing, the clunk of her hooves against stone echoes around her. She moans and shakes with the racing heart, she had to go after him. She must find her son before some wild cat does. Mustering up her courage its one hoof in front of the other, a deep breath to fill her lungs with the familiar scent of the cave one last time. This would be her first venture since her arrival with Zayn. Hovik? The choked whisper extends past the gapping mouth of her shelter. He never tried to leave before, why, why now?
Eyes squeeze shut and she lets out the breath before plunging her body forward. It’s the first nip of air that has her eyes opening, but only blackness surrounds her. Deep penetrating blackness, a scream rips through her throat. Wait, a scream? She startles herself with the strange voice. Terror slashing its way through her. Where was Hovik? Where was Zayn? Why didn't her voice sound like a horses? Each second bringing a change that she can’t manage to comprehend. First snap of bones contorts her back until her front hooves are aligned with her hips. Pop, a painful wrenching of muscular change shrinks her neck until it is nothing but a stub. Withering as a plum would when it turns to a prune, her hind legs now slender and straight, her mane now a mop of hair that is imprisoned to just her head, rotating her neck to look behind her, humph of course. no tail. Wait... noticing the lack of facial features within her sight fingers reach to touch the soft skin that lacked the elongated bone structure. Confusion, skin... where was her fur? This all seemed so overwhelming. She screams again looking at what should be hooves. Long and thin, they protrude from the solid stump that was attached to her wrist.
She should have never left the cave, her lamenting wails cut through the nothingness. Taking off in any direction searching for a way out of the blackness. It is as if something heard her, because one step forward and she is sent spiraling downward. Landing in what seems to be a bed of grass, splayed out and catching her breathe, she starts out by crouching on the shaky legs, at least this place had light. Hello? Silence is the only thing greeting her. Though a tremor travels the length of her spine the air smells heavy with the scent of another watching. Looking around a set of what appears to be clothes... how did she know that? Nixie can't help but puzzle over her recognition of such items. Lace and cotton, short sleeved, and plumped her nose scrunches at the sight. Her instincts to throw them away and run screaming back to.... where had she come from anyways. What was she supposed to do again? She shrugs and proceeds with adorning herself in the garments provided. Smoothing out the pleats below the waist band. She admires the garment against her lithe frame. Stepping towards the pool of water, she admires the reflection staring back at her. Clicking the leather boots together, the bright pink of the dress ripples. Something flashes beneath the liquid mirror.
Dropping to her knees she reaches below to find what it was that she saw. Only once again she is pulled into blackness. Landing once more splayed on her butt. Scowling at the blue sky, dreams of glory, and romance suddenly begin filling her mind, and fading out everything of her previous life. The sun blistering down on her pristine skin, it felt wonderful to bath in. As delicate as she appears, the strength of her muscles are concealed under the taunt skin. Nixie! A squeal emits from behind her, thudding feet trampling through the field. Nixieee! For the hundredth time the grasses concealed her deep in the field providing her with a secret world belonging to only her. Mainly because of the rash she would get, her mother avoided stepping past the short grasses of the yard. That hardly stopped her from discovering her hide away daughter, for it was always Hovik she sent after her. The annoyingly sweet little brother, who never took anything seriously. He always set out to play a joke on someone. She prepares herself for the rush of legs and arms that would attempt to thrash themselves against her. Before he can manage though, she rolls to her side with a giggle. He manages a scowl at her and she tussles his hair affectionately.
He offers her a grin that lacked several teeth, and a grubby hand to help her up. She wrinkles her nose When are you going to learn to wash? He simply shrugs and Nixie takes the hand offered exasperated that he didn’t care about his hygiene. Hoisting herself from the grass. She stands to her feet. Letting go of her little brother when she is stable, her eyes squint past the railing that bordered this grassland and waves as soon as she spots her mother. Daring to take a look down at her creased dress she begins to nibble on her lip. She was going to never hear the end of this when she reached her mother. Begrudgingly she begins to wade through the grasses slumping to concentrate on the ground in front of her. Nixie, I want you to take your brother with you into town today. Try to sell some of the eggs this time will you? Nixie scowls listening though refusing to look up. Yes mother She grumbles in response. These were the days that she wanted to hide out on, these were the days that she dreaded. She feared the crowds, and managed to come up with excuses every time her mother asked. Or if she couldn't she would hide in the alleys waiting until the crowds dispersed to return home. Collecting some of the coins that scattered on the road side. She would leave the basket of eggs, and say that she had sold some, but not all of them or that they had cracked, and no one would buy them. As much help as she wanted to be, it was only at home in the confines of silence that she wouldn't jump at every sound.
Her brother distracts her tugging at her arm. Let’s go! Let’s go! She succeeds in offering a nod to him Ok, but you carry the basket. He shakes his head until it looks to almost fall off eager as he is, he would agree to do anything. Including the selling of the eggs. A secret smile curves at her lips. Yes this would do very well. She wouldn't need to go alone, the crowds would not be quite so terrifying. Mother of Christ! How could you do this to your dress? Her mother looked as if she were about to have a heart attack. This will not due, you must look presentable. Go in and change to your Sunday best. It couldn't be helped, there was no escape for her this time. Mother was starting to hover more often, especially since that boy seemed to be making advances on her. Preening and pampering her so that Nixie looked like a stuffed doll. This was her mother’s method of telling her to get a husband. At 20 years of age she was well past her prime, and the pickings were slim to none. She herself had been resigned to this fact for several years, but her mother. Her loveable, exaggerated mother didn't give up hope. As much as the woman annoyed her to death, Nixie still had a soft spot for the woman that thought that everything would end up alright in the end. She still strived to keep everything together and well.
It was a widely known fact that her father’s farm was failing, and whispered among the town’s gossips that the reason for Nixie's lack of suiters was ranging from an incapacity to give children, to a secret marriage that shamed the family. All Nixie could do was roll her eyes and hope that tomorrow there would be less stares and more smiles. Usually though each day there were more scowls and whispers that grew and rooted her to her resigned state. They traipse along in silence, watching as travelers pass them by. It would take at least a solid hour for them to reach the town square. When the roads turn to cobble, and the buildings to brick she know that they are on the edge of the town. A rumble of voices guiding them closer to the market stalls. Many booming voices call out to the people passing by attempting to sell their wares. Some children brush past her skirts almost knocking her down. They giggle full of mischief and probably thieving from the stalls. All she can do is snicker, it would be nice to be that age again looking for a lollipop, or liquorish rope that someone may not be guarding as well as they should.
Picking through the crowd she takes Hovik’s hand firmly as to not lose him. Jostled from one side, and yelled at by the other she mumbles apologies trying her best to squeeze out of the congested area at the entrance of the market. Perspiring she clutches to Hovik, though it feels as if he slips from her grasp more than a few times. Guards stand tall, lined in the finest garments, and polished buttons gleaming in the sunlight. So stoic they are she couldn't help but wrinkle her nose at the haughty statues. Her attention is broken when they finally stumble through, breaking past the bodies clamoring to get in. As soon as she has accomplished this task, a hand waves to her. It belongs to a fairly tall man that jogs up to her and she can't resist a groan before plastering on an appealing smile(snarl). I've been looking for you Nixie, what took you so long? Turning to talk to her brother, she finds that Hovik is already partially down the street yelling out for customers to purchase his eggs. At this she has no choice but to turn and face the man in front of her. She is quaking in her boots, sweaty palms pressed against the now suffocating dress that she was swimming in. It wasn't that he was ugly, he wasn't annoying either, but he was in her mind, intimidating, encroaching, and unbearable to be around. It felt as if he were demanding something from her. The horse wasn't available today. He purses his lips knowing full well that the horse was only reserved for long travel. You look well. She begins to walk through the colorful stalls, filled with soft rugs, and silk garments. Fabrics that spread out from muted tones, to vibrant blues, and greens. I am feeling well thank you She doesn't offer any conversation, refusing to acknowledge that he was even alongside her. Paling with each moment that he shadowed her, she attempts to distract herself looking around at the pottery, and perfumed flowers.
The smell of roasting chestnuts forms a rumbling gurgle in her stomach. Let me get you something to eat. My treat. She shakes her head adamantly. No way was she going to owe this man any favors. I'm not hungry, She lied again, even as the candies looked back at her with mouthwatering delight. The following stalls simply torture to walk past, each one filled with something so delicious it only made his pleading all the more tempting. Breads of several different varieties each with golden crusts looking glossy with what she knew would be a chewy crunch followed by the moist and flaky dough that only a talented baker could offer. The tangy aroma of pine nuts, and exotic fruit sweet and juicy had her imagination running rampant. Filling her mouth with soft cheeses, sticky sweet rolls, and best of all. Chocolate, the creamy richness melting on her tongue was as dreamy as marrying a prince could ever be to a girl of her age. The scent of the dark treat wafted through her throat, filling her lungs with a thick sweetly bitter sensation, heady, that’s what it was heady, a certain euphoria that calmed the nerves. Her fingers itched to take one, to slip it in her mouth and lick her fingers of all the residue that melted on them.
Shaken from her stomachs rumblings and delighted tasting of scents. She hears the beckon of the herald. What was he doing here? Frantic for her brother to be found before he was lost in the crowd she whips her head around searching for the mop of golden hair that would announce his presence. Finding him, she runs Hovik! He startles and turns to her grinning. Nixie, I sold all the eggs! Relief flooding through her, she crumples him up in her arms before the announcement pulls her attention. Still she clung to his hand making sure to keep him nearby. She gasps at the request for a suiter for the heir. This could not be happening, the noble kept to themselves, the royal family never appeared. No one even knew what the prince looked like... if it was even a prince at all. People begin throwing themselves in line. Screaming in ecstasy. She stands back for a moment. What would mother think? She could almost picture the woman shoving her forward, telling her that this could be their only chance. The only chance to help her family survive? That was all it took. Turning to Hovik she grabbed his shoulders. Tell mother I will be back later, tell her I’m safe, but that it might be a while. He nodded. Before he could take off though she took the little tied cloth her mother gave her to stash away the money. And securely tied it around his neck tucking it under his shirt for safe keeping. With a swat she releases him, and she watched after him until he disappeared from view.
Checking around for the boy… what was his name? She couldn’t recall. He seemed to have gotten lost though and that was all that mattered to her. Stepping into line she does her best to keep from jostling into people. Now that her brother was gone the world suddenly got a lot bigger, suddenly everything was to close, stifling really. She groans, but the realization at just how life changing this could be for her family keeps her standing rather than fleeing. What took all afternoon, the line started to dwindle, the sun setting, the cool breeze refreshing to her now cherry red skin. Sweat caked, she couldn’t help but wonder if she was even worthy of the sketch.
It’s her turn before her gut can tell her to turn around and run. Standing for him, she knows of no pose that would do her any good. When he finishes though he turns it around to show her. Thin, to thin, that was what she looked like. Thin lips curving just enough to represent a pout, dimpled chin pointed downward from a heart shaped face. But the biggest concern for her is the blue eyes, to big in her mind, worry etched her brows, making her appear older then she really was and very tired. Tussled locks of bright pink rain down on her shoulders breezy from so much jostling. A button nose planted in the middle of her face. There were only mild curves at her waist and chest, nothing too outstanding, at least she didn’t appear to be a boy though. A part just down the middle of her hair has a few strands drifting across her narrow forehead. Long neck, long fingers, long legs, she was just over all too long, to delicate, and apparently to worried for her own good. She would never be picked. Then it’s towards the application stand she heads. Quivering with fear she looks to the one writing down the information, beady eyes, and thin nosed, his sharp contours make her think of a slimy fish. She shudders at this and then, then he looks at her planting her in place. The burnt appearance is now just ghostly. Name, Um.. ah… well.. She clears her throat and he just sighs waiting impatiently I don’t have all day, Nixie It’s out in a heartbeat. Before it got stuck in her throat again. How embarrassing, cheeks turn from their ghostly color back to cherry red in a matter of seconds. Dear mother of Christ what had she gotten herself into. A few more questions are asked, she answers them numb with shock. As to what they are, well her memory doesn’t serve her well.
It’s the arrival home that is the worst though. Drudging her feet, every bone in her body aches. Her mother flounders around her in a panic, what had happened? Why was she so tired? Why had she left Hovik to do his own thing, for the mother of Christ how had she managed to stay safe without company? The questions were endless, and her answers mindless. But apparently something pleased her mother and she finally left Nixie to rest in peace. Days pass, the first few a butterfly or two would flutter around in her gut, but as chores and the regularity of life set in the matter seemed to drift away. She wasn’t going to get in, but it was nice to dream. Two weeks pass before someone knocks at the door. Who could be visiting, no one that she knew of that’s for sure. Reaching to unlock the heavy wood she lets it slide open. When she sees the Herald her jaw drops. What did they want her for? Then it flickers back in her mind. The application. By order of the king, you are to appear at the palace in two day’s time. If… at that her heart stopped, and she heard nothing more. She runs out to the barn it wasn’t worth exciting her family over just yet. There was still a chance that one of the other selected would do better than herself. No a simple note would do, tell them that she was out of town for a few days to run errands. That would do, it would have to work.
She checks around for anyone within sight, but they seemed to be hard at work in the fields. Making a dash for the barn she grabs the horse by the halter leading her out to the street. There she scrambles onto the mares back clutching at the mane for reigns. Making her way towards town she travels through the square, past the large buildings of the prestigious and wealthy. Finally arriving at the palace. She halts in front of the gates the grandeur of the building more than intimidating.
The guards grab her horses halter and she slides off before they lead the mare away. The pudgy herald stepping forth to open the gates for her. Almost ominous the hinges cry out giving her a cringe. This way, I will show you to your rooms. Rooms? Did he just say rooms?! It seems to take a life time to reach the building, but when the doors are opened, she is dwarfed to nothing more than a mouse. Eep! She squeaks in surprise. Every bit of confidence shattered. The gold lace dripping down the walls. Creamy, and soft they appear softer than her bed and favorite blanket could ever be. She almost feels jealous of the lacy gold. The chandelier cascading with crystal, the doors bordered with golden designs, intricate and obscure. The same design plastering the lounge and couches that were currently filled with chatty women and men. Tinkling crystal filled with the finest wines, grapes the size of, well nothing that she had ever seen before. Fragrances of popery, roses, and perfumes filled the air. Plush red carpet felt like a bath to her tender feet. This place was built for royalty. Of course… her lips thin into a straight line, how dumb could she get. He leads her up a stair well. It could fit thirty people shoulder to shoulder she would wager on it. Enormous that was the word to describe this place absolutely enormous. Its only when she looks down that she manages to bump into someone. Oops, I’m sorry the man scowls down at her. He dazzled her, draped in the same gold that was on the walls, she wondered as to who this was. But he kept moving just as the heralds purple face turns to her. Stupid girl He mumbles.
Finally in her chambers she finds not only a bed that could be filled by her entire family, but also a water closet, and a sitting room. All of which were huge, and amazingly furnished. Plush couches, a bath tub, and an outstanding view from a miniature balcony, a fully equipped dressing table. Life just couldn’t get better than this. No wonder the royals locked themselves up in here, she wouldn’t want to leave either if she had a choice. After a long soak, she opens the armoire, only to find silk dresses in an array of color, along with some other cotton nightgowns, though filmy as they were, she couldn’t resist a blush. Braiding up her hair she ties it with one of the bows provided, and lets the filmy gown drop over her now unclothed body. Looking in the full length mirror she blushed to her hair roots almost everything was visible. Her mother would never approve. Yet this was the most conservative gown she could find. And on that note she turned to the bed worn out from all the activity, and the insane amount of adrenaline she had gone through. Unable to even get herself under the covers the cushiony bed swallowed her up as she drifted into dreamland. .
Nixie
I love him in abondment of reason.