As the morning sun painted the grand castle with hues of gold, Helia's daily routine began. With little Halios cradled in her arms, she fed him while singing a lullaby that echoed through the room. His eyes grew heavy, and as she burped him gently, his soft snores harmonized with the melody of her voice.
With the baby now sleeping soundly, Helia placed him gently into his cradle, adorned with soft blankets and delicate lace. The room exuded an air of sophistication, it was adorned with white marble stone walls that seemed to embrace the pastel hues of the draperies that framed the grand windows.
Helia's footsteps echoed with a hushed care as she left the room, lightly trailing her fingers over the smooth surface of the ornate wooden door. She walked down a series of wide, curving staircases, their steps seemed meticulously crafted suiting the grand castle itself. At every turn, she exchanged casual greetings with fellow maids, a simple "hey" or "good day" to faces that passed by.
"Good morning, Helia,"
chimed one maid, her eyes twinkling with warmth.
"Morning, Carla,"
Helia replied, her smile infectious as she continued on her path. Further down the corridor, another maid paused in her duties to acknowledge her presence.
"Hello, Helia," a maid greeted with a nod, as her hands moved together with napkin beneath it, to wipe the furniture and ornaments than decorated the hallway.
"Hi, Lily," she responded carefully.
As Helia made her way, the castle seemed alive, as hushed whispers and footsteps resonating through its elegant corridors.
Entering another corridor, Helia's crossed paths with a small group of maids.
"Good morning, Helia,"
they greeted in unison, their voices soft as they exchanged knowing glances.
"Morning, everyone,"
############################
Helia responded, her youthful enthusiasm resonating with the air of possibility that seemed to linger around them. The conversation naturally drifted to the well-being of the little master she lovingly cared for.
"How's the little master today?"
one maid inquired, her voice infused with genuine concern.
Helia's eyes lit up, and she shared a fond smile.
"He's doing wonderfully. Slept like a star, he did,"
she replied, her words accompanied by an affectionate chuckle.
"And how's the Duchess?"
Chapter 5 : Daily Chores; Echoes Sorrow
The question carried a delicate weight, a testament to the shared understanding of the challenges they faced. The conversation shifted seamlessly, a bridge between their responsibilities and their shared aspirations.
Further down the corridor, Helia's steps took her past the grand doors that led to elegant rooms adorned with exquisite mural and paintings that told stories of a bygone era. The whispers of the wind were carried through the open windows, their ornate windowpanes framing scenes of the vibrant gardens beyond. It was as if the walls themselves held the secrets of generations, the very essence of the castle's rich history.
As Helia continued her journey, her interactions and conversations painted a vivid picture of the castle's interior, capturing the elegance of its design and the interconnected lives that thrived within its walls. Each corridor, staircase, and conversation formed a fabric of life, woven with threads of camaraderie and shared experiences.
The castle was not merely a dwelling; it was a living, breathing entity that embraced all those who called it home. And in this bustling canvas of life, Helia played her role with grace, her presence a beacon of light in the heart of the grand Duchy castle.
Amidst the web of conversations and greetings, there was an encounter that carried a sense of mystery and sorrow. Helia's path crossed with Merinda, a fellow maid known for her distinctive role in tending to the Duchess, whose condition had become a subject of concern among the castle's occupants. Merinda's usually lively voice was tinged with a hint of melancholy as she shared the somber news with Helia.
"She's becoming more like a wilted flower with each passing day,"
Merinda confided, her words heavy with worry and a touch of resignation. Her eyes held a depth of emotion that transcended words, revealing the heartache she felt for the Duchess's plight.
Helia's brows furrowed, a ripple of concern coursing through her. She had often heard whispers and speculations about the Duchess's health, but to hear it spoken with such candor brought a newfound gravity to the situation. As Merinda's words settled, a quiet heaviness seemed to envelop the corridor, a shared understanding of the somber truth that lingered like a shadow.
The words rippled through the air, drawing the attention of nearby maids who gravitated toward the gathering like moths to a flickering flame. A small circle formed, their hushed voices creating an aura of shared concern. The topic at hand was a reflection of the intricate weaving of emotions that often defined life within the castle's walls.
Opinions swirled like a gentle current, with each maid sharing her perspective on the matter. Some proposed the idea of royal doctors entering the scene, their words holding a glimmer of optimism for a possible remedy to the Duchess's ailment. Others delved into discussions concerning the Duchess's pride, contemplating whether it was wiser to brave her affliction in solitude than risk becoming indebted to the royal family, a prospect that would undoubtedly shatter her pride.
A subtle tension laced the air, a manifestation of the conflicting emotions that danced in the spaces between their words. It was a reminder that the lives entwined within the grand castle were not merely tales of opulence and grandeur. Beneath the surface, there were struggles, sorrows, and complexities that painted a multi-dimensional portrait of existence.
Helia observed the varied expressions of her fellow maids, her heart heavy with a mix of emotions - empathy for the Duchess's plight, concern for her well-being, and a touch of curiosity about the underlying truth that had been shrouded in secrecy. The castle's corridors had always been a place of bustling activity, but within their elegant walls, secrets and stories whispered like echoes of the past, shaping the lives of those who called it home.
Amidst the hushed discussions, the head maid emerged, a commanding presence with her silver hair elegantly styled in a bun. Her uniform proudly bore the emblem of the four-winged dragon, a symbol of her steadfast service. Reverently addressed as
"Head maid,"
her voice carried a weight of authority as she gently reminded them to refrain from gossiping about their masters.
"Perhaps directing our thoughts towards the goddess would be more appropriate,"
she suggested, her words infused with a mixture of sagacity and humility.
The group gradually dispersed, returning to their duties with a renewed sense of purpose. Helia continued her journey, passing through the bustling epicenter of the castle – its kitchen.
In the bustling heart of the castle, Helia entered the vibrant kitchen, a whirlwind of activity that engulfed her senses. Here, the air was rich with the tantalizing scents of culinary creations in progress. The melodious clatter of utensils and the animated conversations of the cooks harmonized into a symphony of culinary mastery. The air was heavy with the intoxicating aroma of spices and sizzling dishes, a melody of flavors coming to life. The kitchen buzzed with a rhythmic chaos – the head chef barking orders with an authoritative tone, the clatter of utensils and pans keeping time like a lively percussion, and the cooks' animated conversations harmonizing into a chorus of culinary expertise.
As Helia navigated the organized chaos, the store boys darted around like quicksilver, their voices punctuating the kitchen's lively symphony.
"Where should these crates go, Chef?"
one of them called out, carrying a stack of crates filled with fresh vegetables. The head chef, a formidable figure with a towering presence and an even larger temper, barked out orders in response.
"Vegetables to the left, and make sure the meats are stored properly, not a single ounce of wastage!"
Amidst the commotion, Helia exchanged quick smiles and brief greetings with her colleagues, fellow maids who were busy assisting the kitchen staff in their culinary endeavors.
"Morning, Helia,"
one of the cooks chimed in as she skillfully stirred a large pot of simmering soup.
"How's the little master today?"
"He's sleeping soundly, thank you,"
Helia replied with a warm smile, her voice effortlessly carrying over the kitchen's clamor.
From the bustling kitchen, Helia made her way to the back of the grand castle, where the tranquil river flowed gently. Here, the atmosphere shifted from bustling to serene, and she found herself in the company of nature's soothing melodies. With a practiced grace, she began the task of washing the laundry, the sound of the flowing water providing a serene backdrop to her thoughts.
Unbeknownst to her, her presence by the river had not gone unnoticed. A lone figure stood at a distance, his eyes tracing the graceful contours of Helia's form as she worked. It was Angus, a handsome knight she had secretly admired. His gaze held a mixture of curiosity and fascination, captivated by the natural elegance that radiated from her every movement.
**Staring from a distance**