Little Rose to Bellflower

I've been here for a few days now. I haven't dared to leave this - or I guess, my - room. It's a nice room. Big. Comfortable bed. Connected bathroom chamber. Food is left outside the door a few times a day. No one calls for me. I was always called on at home. I'd never admit it out loud but since it's just me, an empty room and this paper and ink I found, I'll just put it down here: my life sucks a significant amount less since Father traded me for a sack of gold.

The moon is full tonight. It is bright enough to light the room. I almost don't need a candle to write by. I only write to keep myself company. After these last few days, I guess I have become a bit... lonely? I don't know who else has been traded by lacking fathers and reside somewhere within this massive castle. Or is it just me?

The Great Beast flew past the moon just now. I've never seen it so close. I could almost see the moonlight bounce off its dark scales.

It was quite magical.

A sleepy-

Roisin

I've come to quite enjoy the grounds of the castle. I've spent more time out of the castle than in over the last several days. After putting on one of the many dresses or skirts that hang in my room's wardrobe- I only just discovered them a few days ago- I tie a ribbon on the candle sconce outside of my room. I do this to help me find my way back; I'm still having trouble with that. There are many flowers and herbs in the gardens. I've picked a variety of them and brought them back to my room to dry. I wonder if I can find a tea set around?

Although, I stay to myself, I can hear the whispers amongst the women in the castle. It seems the words cling to the corridor walls; they could use a dusting. I think the walls chatter too much.

I wonder if the master listens to the chatter? I bet he's much too dignified to put his ear to a wall.

Eavesdropping-

Roisin

I hope to come across roses. I wonder if I'll find them soon...

I'm writing from the gardens today. I've decided that I will tend to the West Gardens. As beautiful as they are, I can tell that they have been left to grow as they please. So far, I've just tidied up some, done a bit of weeding. It's nice to do these things for fun. I've even brought a lunch with me to have a picnic.

Lunch was lovely. I had it under a massive bell tree; the wind through its branches make such beautiful music. This bell tree led to my next discovery. I found a tall stone wall covered in climbing ivy. What could be on the other side of the wall? When I went to inspect it, the wind blew, revealing wonderful engravings hiding behind the ivy. Engravings of roses and roses. This is the closest I've gotten to roses yet.

The rose wall wasn't my only find. Touching the edge of the wall, wrapping around an adjacent one, is a beautiful pond. It is filled with lily pads and colorful fish and turtles, surrounded by trees and boulders enclosing it in. The water stretches a good way out while running alongside the rose wall. Should I sneak away for a swim sometime?

I have one last discovery, though. This one is equally magical, in a sense, but a little more... concerning? At the edge of that lovely pond, I found a large indention, a print, in the mud. One with five sharp claws and big enough for me to sit in, if I wanted. Who else frequents this pond? What else? Could it be… the Great Beast?

Are you friendly, Mr. Beast?

Discovering-

Roisin

Surprising? Mysterious? Those words don't even come close to what this day has been. The day was fairly normal at first. After lunch, I decided to head to the gardens, maybe clear some overgrown pathways. I hadn't been out there long when the sound of the bell tree caught my attention. That's when I recalled the beautiful pond with its lily pads and colorful fish. So, of course, I followed the sound. After the fact, I feel I should have recalled a little more than just that.

I, of course, found the bell tree, the rose engraved wall and the pond. But it’s what was in the pond that shifted my day. I immediately tried to backtrack at the sight and stumbled on my skirt, landing in the dirt and moss. My journal- which I carry everywhere, now- and gathered herbs scattered around me. As I sat there on the cool ground, I couldn't help but silently gaze into the pond. Nothing but the sound of bells... And a soft, ragged breath from the water’s edge.

With its head and a portion of its neck limp on the surrounding land, the Beast's body was submerged in the pond. Its dark scales were as shiny as the last time I saw them. He- I just assume it's male- only lied there with his eyes closed. If it weren't for his labored breathing, I would've thought him dead. The poor thing.

The thought of it struggling to breathe is what ultimately drove me to finally move. Before I knew it, I was crawling, ever so cautiously, toward the edge of the water. Shuffle, pause. Shuffle, pause. All the way until I was only an arm’s reach away from the creature's head. Without thinking, I stretched my arm out, closing the gap between us. My hand found a place on his snout.

At my touch, the Beast took a deep breath. When he exhaled, it was as if I was covered in a blanket of ease. I closed my eyes and took a breath, as well. When I opened them again, a small gasp escaped me, and I retracted my hand. A green eye at least the size of my hand stared straight at me. It was a beautiful eye with a fading ring of yellow wrapped around the pupil.

The looks exchange only lasted a moment. He broke away from my gaze as he slowly lifted his head from the ground. As he did this, the water began to ripple. A large foot emerged from the pond planting itself on the moss bed. With what seemed to be much effort, the Beast pulled himself a fraction of the way from the water. He then dropped back to the ground with a thud.

My eyes looked over the magnificent creature. It was the sight of its torso, though... He was hurt. Multiple arrows pierced through his thick skin. Ditching my bag and shoes, I rushed to the water’s edge and stopped. When the beast made no move to ward me off, I let myself creep into the shallow closer to him. When I was by his side, I placed my hands on his heaving body. The arrows moved with him. Who would do something like this? I had to help him.

Although it was scary, I pulled out nine arrows. He growled after each one but didn't shoo me away. Had the arrows been ordinary, I don't think he would have been in such shape. But they were far from ordinary. The heads were barbed and dipped in poison- I could tell by the way the blood from the arrow floated atop the water.

Luckily, after years of foraging and brew prep, I know a fair amount about poison care and remedies. I quickly got to work after patting the good boy once more. I climbed out of the pond, told him I'd be back and began searching the garden grounds. Within twenty minutes, I was back by the creature's side with an arm full of flowers, herbs and moss. Without a mortar and pestle, I decided on two rocks to get the job done. The Beast watched silently as I worked. His eyes were wide open without the arrows in his side. I scooped my mixture into a fallen bell flower to hold all the necessary byproduct juices, then left it leaning on a rock and splashed back into the pond. After scouring the pond floor for a while, I came back with handfuls of large fish scales. Those marvelous colorful fish shed their scales packed with healing mucus. I was finally ready.

Back at the shore, I gathered my bell flower and returned to the Beast's side. I scooped handfuls of my paste and applied it to each wound. I covered them with a fish scale to finish it off, sealing all the good stuff in and keeping all the bad out. By the time I was done, he had new sparkling scales and I was worn out and soaked.

I've stayed by him all afternoon, now. The sun is setting. If I leave him for the night, will he be here tomorrow?

I hope he will...

Tired and hoping-

Roisin

There has been no sign of the Beast. For three days now, I've gotten up, sneaked a bag full of kitchen sandwiches- in case he was hungry- and waited under the bell tree. I have even taken to wearing shorts, you know, for if I decide to dip my toes in the pond. But he hasn't returned.

Was I always so enthralled by magical creatures? Or is it just him? I don't think I could ever admit this to any person, but I've never felt more comfortable around any other being. His big green eyes were so gentle for such a beast.

I sit out on my balcony at night, these days. It's where I write from currently. I'm sure I'm only here hoping for a glimpse of my imaginary friend, waiting for him to fly across the moon once again. Waiting to see how he's healing.

I've never had a pet. Is this what it's like? Is this the company others yearn to go home to? Will you be my pet, or is that asking too much? You are a massive beast who could kill me at any time after all...

The night breeze feels so nice tonight. I think I'll rest my head here for a while.

Yearning for company-

Roisin

There was a surprise waiting for me this morning. After I prepared for the day, I opened my door to find a beautiful basket waiting for me. That wasn't the only thing, though. Inside, I found a spiral leather bound notebook. I write from it now. There was also a crossbody bag the perfect size to carry the notebook. I've never received such thoughtful gifts. I'm not sure who they could be from.

Oh my! Oh my! Have I got an update. After I stopped by the kitchen to fill my new basket with sandwiches and sweets- my usual routine- I went to the garden and waited. Some days I'll take a nap on the moss when it feels nice, like today. But when I woke up...

There he was! The Beast waited under the bell tree watching me sleep. I had never seen his body outside of the water or up close. His chest is broad while his lower half thins.

As I watched him watch me, an indigo bellflower drifted down and landed on the center of his head. He looked quite silly and cute. It made me laugh and I told him so. I automatically went to address him to realize I didn't know how. I looked at the bellflower atop his black head. It was perfect. Of course, I asked him, but he didn't seem to mind. So, from now on, I will call him Bellflower.

When I offered him the sandwiches, he politely took them. At first, I would place them near him then back away. That's how it went for the first few before he got impatient and he started eating them straight from my hand. He seems to prefer the ones with meat. Bellflower refused to eat the last one, though. He even turned his head away until, finally, I just ate it myself. He's quite peculiar.

It seems the surprises are yet to be done for the night. I found a tall and dark stranger on the balcony tonight. I had just donned my nightgown and gone to sit on the balcony; it's become a routine of mine. I nearly screamed when I saw the man sitting on the railing with his legs over the edge. At the sound of my entrance, he whipped his cloaked figure in my direction. It was only after he jumped down and hurried for the other balcony door that it clicked who he was.

I remember stumbling over my tongue calling out to him. When he halted, hand on knob, I was utterly surprised. I never expected the master of the castle to actually listen. He remained in the night with me, but he did not turn around. He said not a word. Of course, I spoke first.

I thanked him for saving me from my father; it was long awaited and I'm grateful to have finally run into him. The master, at last, turned to face me. In the darkness, it was nearly impossible to see under his hood. It was a shame really; I'm quite curious of his looks. He did finally speak, though. He said to me:

"You thank me for doing the bare minimum?”

I then asked why he would do such a thing for a stranger which he promptly ignored. Instead, he said if there be anything I want, I need only ask.

I stepped forward then and that seemed to spook the master. After that he turned and opened the door to his dark room. I didn't quite catch it but it sounded like he said to sleep well. And then he was gone.

It's been such an eventful day. From the gifts to the Beast- Bellflower- and learning my balcony mate is THE MASTER! - I'm sure I'll get a full night's sleep.

Full of Gifts and Surprises-

Roisin

I write from somewhere wonderful today. With someone wonderful.

I found myself in the garden, which has become a comfort, looking and longing for Bellflower, who has become a companion. Not under his bell tree but in the pond, is where he waited for me. Just his horns and the tip of his head popped up from the water revealing his green orbs. Had I never seen him before, the sight may have frightened me, but alas, I only found it adorable. As I approached Bellflower, he rose his head, stretching his long neck out of the water. I can’t be sure but I think he looked me in the eye and nodded me closer.

Once I reached the water’s edge, he drifted away from me towards the rose engraved walls. I was happy to follow him over. And then… the clever boy showed me a secret. Bellflower stretched out his neck and lowered his head down slowly. Gently, his head stopped, resting atop the water. Admittedly, I didn’t understand at first. It wasn’t until he became impatient and changed his approach that I caught on. Bellflower huffed and lifted his head, putting in it’s place a large paw. It was a platform!

A little too boldly, perhaps, I leapt from platform to platform along the edge of the ivy wall. Until I found it. Peeking through the green, shiny and gold, was a brass doorknob. I pulled the curtain of vegetation away to find a door with beautiful gold ornamental swirls. Behind me, the water rippled and I turned to catch the tips of Bellflower’s horns disappear beneath the water’s surface. For a moment, I almost changed my mind, but I decided to enter the hidden door.

What I found behind it was marvelous! It was a secret garden. A secret rose garden. That wonderful beast had led me to the roses. They grow everywhere and every which way. More free than I’d ever been. There are reds and oranges. Pinks and yellows. It’s beautiful. I found in the center of the enclosure, a large pool. With green eyes watching me!

Bellflower dipped below the water again, then. When the pool began to glow, I was surprised to say the least. The water emitted blues and greens that shimmered like crystals. Slowly, the lights faded and the water stilled. I had only just begun to approach the water for a peek when a head appeared at the edge. One with no horns.

Slick black hair clung to a forehead scattered with smooth black scales that gently nudged the outer corners of shining green eyes. The body rose, stepping up on invisible platforms beneath the water. As the man’s bare chest emerged, a sparkle of color caught my eye. Along his ribs are nine colorful scales that catch the sun’s light at every move. The man stepped out of the pool with nothing but wet shorts on and a hesitant expression. He stopped a cautious distance away from me. He didn’t have to, though. I knew who he was.

I simply said to him, “Bellflower.”

In response, he bowed and said, “Actually… it’s Bellarmine.”

He approached me the rest of the way then and gently grabbed my hand. I nearly blushed as red as the roses when he kissed it. I hope I didn’t sound like a fool when I stumbled over my tongue to respond, “My name is Roisin.”

He looked at me with those lovely green eyes, then. With a wonderful smile, the master said:

“Ah, Little Rose. Anything you want, just ask and it’s yours. Welcome to my castle.”

Signed,

Roisin