Arriving

At the top of those stairs stood two massive doors and one was open, revealing the beautiful interior beyond.  I don't really remember going up the stairs, but somehow found myself at the top with Flora.  The two guards that stood on either side saluted as she led me in.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" she asked .

"Oh, yes!" I responded almost automatically.  I stopped just inside the doorway to take in the grandeur of it all, and remember this moment, but realized that Flora was leaving me behind, so I hurried to catch up with her.  This great hall seemed to be a mile long, lined with tapestries, paintings and the occasional bust of whom I was sure to learn their identities later at some point.  Flora was waiting for me where the hall ended and a "T" intersection was with another set of stairs.

"Come along, Tabitha dear!  You will have the tour later.  Right now, it's time to see your new rooms," she said with a grin and a twinkle in those beautiful blue eyes of hers.

I felt yet another wave of elation wash over me and this time, really couldn't contain myself.  I had to do my little Dance of Happy.  My feet did a little jig and I did a little turn.

"Happy Dance!" I explained conspiratorially, as I was sure to get some kind of strange look for this.  "I can't believe I'm here!  Pinch me!--No, don't pinch me!  I don't want to wake up!" I began giggling along with that giddy feeling that was taking over.  Flora seemed amused and did that eyebrow-thingy again.

I followed her up the stairs, taking careful stock of where we were as to the landmarks and of the smells in case I had to track my way back.  As we passed the first landing I saw other people running around--servants, by the way they were dressed the same.  We kept on going up the stairs and noted that we passed a second landing and she didn't stop until she had reached the third landing and waited for me to catch up.  Thankfully, I was not far behind.  While I could easily find her if I lost sight of her, I figured it best to stay within line of vision.  I was not saying anything, hoping she might give any kind of running commentary, but I guess she really meant it when she mentioned getting the tour later.

"Taking notes?" she asked curiously as she turned down a side hallway and waited for me again.

"Uh-huh," I nodded in the affirmative.  Was I being so obvious?  Oh, well.  I figured it's only natural--I'm out of my usual territory, after all.

"Good.  We're almost there," she replied and then took me through a maze of corridors and turns.  We finally stopped in front of an unremarkable looking door, since it looked like just about every other door we had passed.  Good thing I paid attention as to how to get back!

"Here we are," she announced.  "Are you ready to see your new rooms?"

Sorry, but, does a bear shit in the woods?

"Yes!" I was all pins and needles as Flora unlocked the door and handed me the key.  I was nearly blown away by what I saw next, and the homesickness came flooding back, but I was too stunned to let that surface.

The place was looking like Granny Dan's living room, but it was way bigger in here, and all the furniture was new.  Three chairs, a sofa, a low table, a little shelf that currently sat empty except for a little vase with flowers in it.  A little desk and chair sat off to one side.  Heck, you probably could have fit the entire front of Gran and Grampa's house, including the kitchen in just this one room.

Home.  Oh, I'd have no trouble settling in here!  The colors were all nice and subtle  in earth tones of oranges, yellows, browns, tans and greens.  The only thing missing was the open sky.  A window was on the far wall, and another door was to my right.

"No way!  This is mine?"  I crossed over to the window and took a quick glance out of it  to see the ocean and part of Arden Forest before turning my attention back to the room again.  "Almost like home!"  I plopped onto the sofa.

"Roomy!" I came bouncing off of it again and was instantly inquisitive about the other door.  Bedroom?  Closet?

"What's in here?" I ventured and was getting ready to open it.

"Through that door are your private chambers," she informed.  I opened the door and was met by a short hallway with a door to my right and one directly ahead of me.  I headed for the nearest door, which was to my right.

The door opened to reveal a spacious, generous bath--the space as big as the last room I was in.  There was a huge tub, a dressing table, wash basin, a discreet commode and all the needs one could want.  White linen towels were stacked on the shelf and there was a fresh, sweet smell of lavender.  Giving it my stamp of approval, I backed out again and headed for the other door.

I think my jaw hit the floor here, as this room was about twice the size of the first room.  My bedroom.  The bed drew my eye first, being a huge four-posted canopy bed in the center of the room.  I also spied a rolltop desk sitting against the near wall with an empty bookshelf sitting next to it.  On the opposite wall stood a tall armoire with a bunch of packages stacked neatly next to it.  I also noticed the two windows that were standing open and the sunlight filtering in through the white linen curtains.  I was making a round of the room, afraid to touch anything--it was the nicest I had ever seen.  Flora had stepped into the room, watching me explore.

"It's pretty plain right now, but you can add your own personal touch, of course," she said.

Plain?!  This was fancier than the Grand Hotel!  I grew up knowing nothing but plain and simple--we didn't need it to be anything more.  Heck, when it was warm enough, I was spending my nights outdoors.  Sometimes, being indoors got very confining.

"There's more space than I know what to do with!  This is more plush than the Grand Hotel!  This stuff is so nice I'm almost afraid to touch it!  Unbelievable!"  I was nearly breathless with excitement.  Oh, but if the boys could see me now!  Ha!  Eat your heart out, Brad!

"Yes, it is at first, isn't it," Flora remarked.  "Well, in any case, this is it.  Your new home.  Take your time to explore."  She paused for a moment.  "Oh, I nearly forgot.  I'll be right back."  She left me alone.

I almost didn't notice her leave.  I went ahead and busied myself with familiarizing myself with the room.  The whole day up to this point was feeling like a birthday--kind of was, if you looked at it from a certain point of view.  The packages, as I suspected, were from the shopping trip earlier.  How the heck the packages had beaten us here, I wasn't about to ask as I'm sure the explanation would make my head hurt.  So I began to unwrap the packages and put them in the armoire when Flora had returned, bringing someone with her.

"Tabitha, this is your personal servant, Maria," she announced.  Would the surprises never end?  I was suddenly flabbergasted.  Personal servant?!

"Maria, this is Prince Eric's daughter, my niece, Tabitha," Flora made introductions.

"Your Highness," Maria said with her head down as she made a deep curtsey.  I was floored.  I didn't really know how to react.  It sounded so foreign to be addressed as "Highness".  The only time I was ever addressed as such was out of sarcasm, spite or being teased as usual.  I was doing my best not to stare or to let my jaw hit the floor.  Not that getting a servant is a bad thing-don't get me wrong--but just what the heck am I supposed to do with her?

"Um, hello, Maria," I stammered.  "It is very nice to meet you."  My initial confusion had turned to sheer curiosity as I glanced from Maria to Flora and back.  Maria, as I could see, was still a young woman, maybe ten years older than me.  Her hair was dark and smooth, as was her tan skin and she had soft, brown eyes.  Kind of pretty.  I was suddenly very self-conscious about my own eyes.

"Yes, your Highness," she responded.  I inwardly cringed.  This was going to take some getting used to.  Actually, having my druthers, I'd just like to be plain, old Tabby.  I had a feeling I wasn't going to get her to deviate much in calling me anything else.

"Wow.  I had always wondered what it would be like to have a servant, but to be quite honest, I really don't know what to do with one, as I've always managed for myself so far.  You'll have to have some patience with me, as I'm not used to this "highness"-bit.  So what is it that you'll be doing around here?" I asked.

"She is here to fulfill your every need, dear," Flora answered for her.  Why did I just feel my stomach take a plunge?

"That'll work," replied after thinking about it for a moment.  I was studying Maria, making a note of her scent.

"But I don't suppose I could get you to call me something else other than Highness?" I tried   "My lady--Tabby if you're comfortable with it."  I suddenly remembered something and turned to Flora.

"Does Dad know I'm here?  Is he here?  Do I get to meet him soon?" I didn't bother for an immediate answer as a new thought hit me and I turned my attention back on Maria.

"You can help me get ready!  Better yet, maybe you can get some refreshment?  I'm a bit thirsty again--water will do and with ice if it's available!  I would appreciate that."  My mouth was suddenly feeling dry.  I suddenly felt a twinge of guilt.  Granny Dan would have skinned me if I had the audacity to make such a request and then would have told me to get it myself.  However, part of me was curious to see if she'd really hustle for it, or would I get attitude for requesting ice?

"Yes, My Lady," she did a deep curtsey again and went to go fetch.  Well, I guess "My Lady" sounded more comfortable than Highness, but it still made me want to totally cringe.  Flora was watching with amusement again and she gave a little chuckle.

"Child, try not to wear her out just yet.  She has many good years of service left in her.  And by the way, she comes from my personal staff.  Consider her a housewarming gift," she said.  I was somewhat speechless.  So Maria used to be hers.

"Now just you relax and I'll find out if your father is here, then I'll let you know," she said as Maria returned with a tall glass of ice water.  That was quick.  Okay, I was impressed.

"Thank you," I took the glass from Maria and turned back to Flora.  "Thanks Aunt Flora for the gift." I winked at her with the best smile I could muster.  I followed Flora back out to the front room, found a comfy chair and began to enjoy my ice water.  Maria saw Flora out the door and then came to rest behind my chair, waiting for my next "need".

I was suddenly very self conscious of my new "Shadow" and couldn't enjoy my drink properly with someone breathing down my neck.  I supposed I could have easily dismissed her, but a new curiosity came over and I suddenly wanted to know this new person in my life, seeing as she suddenly thrust into my life.  I suddenly wanted to know who she really was and to see just how deep that prim-and-proper-ness went.  I figured that if she was going to be in my "employ", if you will, then I didn't want her to be a stranger to me.

I know that my interest was genuine, but it all came out in a fast ramble as a hint of nervous energy worked its way in.  I was curious as to her reactions. I was silently hoping like hell that I wasn't being intimidating because of my eyes--there's not a whole lot I could do about them besides cover them up with dark glasses, but as I understood it, servants don't look you in the eyes out of respect..

"Come on out to where I can see ya," I motioned for her to come around.

"So tell me a little something about yourself," I began.  "How long have you been in the family?  Have you been with Flora all this time?  How young were you when you began your servitude?  Sounds like a job interview, doesn't it?  Sorry.  I don't mean it to.  Just between you and me, I think I'd prefer it if we were friends and you just happen to be the one who waits on me."  But I could just tell that she was one who did her job very well--never forgetting her place for a moment.

"Too much to ask?" I finally caught myself..

"Not at all, My Lady.  I will be glad to tell you about myself if it pleases you," she said deferentially.  Ah.  No cracking this cookie.  Alright, if she insisted.

"I think it would, seeing as we have some time to spare.  Please sit," I indicated a chair.  I didn't want a recitation.  "I'm interested to know who's working with me."

"Yes My Lady," Maria responded and sat down.  "To begin, my family has been serving Mt Lady's family for several generations.  My service began when I was fourteen.  And yes, until today, I served her Highness, Princess Florimel.  Is there anything else My Lady wishes to know?"

Hm.  I think I was expecting more of a story, but wasn't getting one.

"Wow,  That's a long time," I commented, working on the glass of water and decided to take another route.  "Well, I kind of feel the need to explain myself a little and yes, I think it would make me feel better.  Firstly, I was raised on a farm, so up until now, I've managed to fend for myself, so please don't be alarmed if you find me doing something that you would usually do or take care of.  I'll try and do my best to remember that you do that.  I won't be offended if you feel the need to step in with a suggestion--in private--I'm learning.  I just found out today about being a part of this family, so it's still all new and foreign to me.  As you may have guessed, I have yet to even meet my father and I am nervous--no that's not the word--I'm excited.  Actually, I've been a bundle of nerves all day.  Aunt Flora took me shopping and out to eat already today, but I don't think it's calmed my nerves all that much."  I finished off the glass of water and since I didn't see a good place to put it down, I went ahead and held it out to Maria.

I kind of hope I don't let all this sudden "privilege" go to my head.  That would be a bad thing, in my opinion.

"Of course, My Lady," she accepted the glass with a nod and seemed to hesitate, as if wanting to say more.  "May I speak, My Lady?"

"Certainly," I replied, happy that she would.

"Thank you, My Lady," she began.  "You have a unique spirit.  A ronin. yet fiercely loyal.  I can sense it somehow.  I believe I was chosen to serve you because I can help you find and maintain a..." she hesitated as if searching for the word.  "...a balance."  She offered up a hopeful smile.

My heart seemed to almost catch in my throat and I hardly dared to breathe.  Could she be sensing...?

"A ronin?  Balance?  I don't think I quite follow," I tried to play dumb, but I was suddenly very curious.  "What do you mean?"

Maria seemed to shift uncomfortably.  "Your true nature, My Lady.  Your lupine self and your human self.  To be successful, you must find and maintain a balance between the two, My Lady," she explained.

"Oh," I replied, realizing that she somehow knew.  "And here I thought I was keeping that  part all secretive.  So Aunt Flora knows.  Well, of course the eyes would be a dead giveaway.  I wondered why she never asked me any questions.  But then, I don't think I really wanted to answer any.  It's true, I am part wolf.  Are you okay with that?"

"Yes, My Lady.  And I hope you can forgive me, as I believe I unintentionally led you to a conclusion that may be incorrect.  I do not know if Her Highness Princess Florimel knows of your dual nature.  Though she is very observant and I would not be surprised if she was aware," Maria responded.

"Ah," I responded going into my thoughts.. "Well, it's not something I'm ready to show off to everyone just yet as I'm not sure how they'll react, so let's just keep it between you and me for the moment.  Oh, you have no idea how relieved I suddenly feel!  I wasn't sure how long I was going to have to keep that from everybody!  But at the very least you know.  It's a good thing."  I sank further into my seat with a feeling of relief and some release.  "You have no idea how bad I was teased for it back home.  I hope things will be different here."  I really wanted to drop the facade, but I didn't want to scare or make her feel any more uncomfortable.  I was just happy to have a confidant with my secret.  It really did worry me how my father might react if he ever found out.

"Yes, My Lady," she delivered another curtsey.  "May I draw you a bath to begin getting ready to meet your father, My Lady?"

"That sounds like a great idea.  Yes, you may," I replied happily.  The thought of a bath actually sounded nice.  Ah, to take a nice, long, luxurious soak, wash the dust off from my travels and be squeaky clean for when I meet father. Yup. That was going to feel really good.

Maria did her little curtsey and headed for the bath chamber.  She was barely gone a few minutes when she returned to announce "Your bath is ready, My lady."

"Great!" I responded and jumped out of my seat and made my way back to the bath chamber.  Maria led the way and stationed herself just inside the door.  I looked over at the bath to find that it was filled and about ready to bubble over.  It looked very inviting.

"I think I can take it from here, Maria.  Come back and get me in say, twenty minutes?" I was already removing my boots.

"Yes, My Lady," she responded and promptly exited, leaving me to my own devices.

I put my hair up as I did not want to get my new "do" wet.  Once I was in the tub I let the illusion fall away as well and I relaxed and let the hot water sooth me.  It felt good.  It was nice to have total privacy without Gran trying to hurry me along.  

I ran the day's events over in my mind and made a mental note to remember to write Gran and Grampa a letter to let them know that I had gotten here okay.  I found the soap and got around to cleaning, but my mind was all over the place.  It had almost seemed as if time hadn't passed when I heard a knock at the door.

"Twenty minutes have passed, My lady.  Are you finished with your bath?" Maria's voice came from the other side of the door.

"Yes.  I'll be out in a minute," I pulled myself out of my reverie and reached for the nearest towel.  I took a moment to dry off and then to towel dry my tail.  I noted that it smelled pretty from the bath and thankfully not like wet dog.  I took another moment to hide my wolf features again as I wrapped the towel around me and opened the door to let Maria back in.  I was greeted with another curtsey.

"My Lady, I took the liberty of putting away your packages and I have laid out a couple of choices for this evening's attire," she gestured back towards the bedroom.

"Thanks," I replied and made my way back to the bedroom to see.  Maria followed and stationed herself just inside the door again.  Laid out on the bed were two outfits.  There was the black dress I remembered from picking it out this morning and a more casual pants outfit that I did not remember picking out..  Each outfit was accessorized with jewelry and shoes.

I stared down at the choices.  It should have been easy--go with the more casual, as it had pants and covered up nicely.  Then there was the dress--the thing I usually go out of my way to avoid wearing, as I never had a use for one before in my life.  I turned back to the casual outfit and found that it wasn't exactly appealing to me.  I suppose I could have asked for something else, but then, with my poor fashion sense we'd be here all night.  But then, the dress wasn't me.

So went the debate in my head for at least a minute if not two before I finally came to a decision that surprised even me.  I found myself picking up the dress.  I held it up to myself and took a look in the mirror.  I let my hair back down and continued to study myself.  I know I sighed (I find I do that a lot) and decided I wanted to look pretty for my first meeting with dad.

"The dress," I announced to no one in particular and then turned to Maria.  "I think I'm gonna need some help here."

"Yes My Lady," Maria sprung into action.  It took a couple of attempts, but we finally got the thing on right.  I was beginning to have second thoughts about this decision as I felt the draft and was very aware of the lack of cover.  Maria gave a nod of approval and indicated the mirror for me to take a look.

"This ought to prove interesting," I muttered and got my first look.

I almost didn't recognize me.  I don't think I had ever looked this pretty in my life.  I found it rather amusing, surprised and amazed that it was me in the mirror as I turned to inspect the dress from all possible angles, getting a feel for how the dress fit and how the material moved.  Maria began fitting me with shoes and jewelry.  She was fastening a simple necklace around my neck when there was a knock on the door.

"Excuse me, My lady," Maria headed for the door and I was frozen to my spot, my eyes following Maria as she went to answer the door.  A moment later, she was showing Aunt Flora back in.

"Oh, Tabitha dear!" she exclaimed.  "You look fantastic."  Her smile was bright as she looked me over.

"Thank you, Aunt Flora," I was blushing big-time, as comments as to the way I look aren't usually given.  "So?  What did you find out?  Is he here?" Flora had come up and was fiddling with the hem of my dress, giving it her own inspection.

"Hmm?  Oh, yes.  Yes.  He's here and ready when you are," she gave me a smoothing over, stepped back and gave me a critical eye.

I paled for a moment and felt a tingle course through me.  What a thrill.  I took a steadying breath.

"I do believe I'm ready," I replied and took another deep breath.

"Good," Flora said with a nod and headed for the door.  I headed after her.

"Good luck, My Lady," Maria stepped up to replace an errant strand of hair.  I smiled warmly back at her and mouthed "Thanks" before I went to join Flora at the door.

Without another word we headed out the door.

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