Before I start my Saturday Scene, I wanted to let you guys know that I used the photo above from depositphotos. I bought a great deal from them- $39 for 100 photos. I'm just getting the hang of editing and whatnot so it may not be perfect but I am so excited to be learning something new and extremely useful for my time ahead!
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This is the first chapter in part one of my first book entitled, Red. It is the first book in the Guarding the Vila series and I am currently in the editing phase. The part you will be reading is the starting story of the real life Red Riding Hood. It is a short story/novella that I am hoping to release free to the public in October. Enjoy!
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One
France, Fall of 1697
It was early, the fog still clinging to the trees around the quaint village where I lived. The dew had yet to be disturbed and the leaves lit the ground on fire with their color. The wooden cabins lay laced with mist, hardly being seen in the distance. I should have been soaking in the beauty, loving the morning before the winter turned it cold, but Mama had woken me too early after her long trip from Grandmere's, causing my mood to turn foul with each passing breath. No amount of beauty, or threat of its extinction could soften the sour look I gave the dawn.
"Scarlett," She called. "You need to wake up! Grandmere is sick and the wolves are out. I need you to get up and go light the fires for her tonight. She is too weak to do them herself and I must go to town and fetch your sister for help."I mumbled sleepily and rolled over trying to ignore the urgency in her voice.
"Girl, wake up!"She shook me heavily as I tried to burrow deeper under my covers, when suddenly she tore them off completely. She scowled, tapping her foot impatiently, as I crawled begrudgingly from my bed to get dressed. I did not want to be up and I did not care to walk the distance to Grandmere's. This could wait, I was certain, but if I did not do as I was asked, I would be left no coin for food and Mama's temper would flare when she returned. It seemed far better, for now, to appease her. She quickly kissed my head as she pulled on her cape.
"You know what you must do?" I rolled my eyes with my back still turned towards her.
"Yes, Mama. Light the fires at Grandmere's." She gave me a curt nod.
"And you must do it before dark. Do not stray Scarlett. I'm trusting you."Before I could say more she was out the door and on her way to the town a half days walk north of here. I couldn't help grumbling as the chill of the floor crept through my bare feet, cursing at my unfortunate luck. I should have been married off long ago, released from being a burden on my family and them a burden on me. But at twenty I was still living at home taking care of Mama as if I were an old maid. It was customary for fathers to pick a future husband, to take care of his daughter as soon as she was of age. He had done all of this, choosing a boy about my age named Jacques. He was brave and eager to become the lead hunter's apprentice, convincing my father of his worth even though he came from humble beginnings. My father always called him a wolf in sheep's clothing, insisting he was more predator than goat herder. All had been set until my betrothed died at the age of sixteen, weeks short of when we would be wed.
Papa had taken him on an early hunting trip, training him to become a hunter himself. They did not stand a chance against them. The wolves tore them apart to the point of barely being recognizable. The only indicator that it was them were the pieces of clothing strewn on the ground and the emblem embedded in my father's chewed fist, declaring him the lead hunter of our village. Since his death, Mama has refused to give me away and the fear of the wolves is palatable. The fires were key to keeping the beasts at bay, but as I stood in the morning light, I could not bring myself to head into the woods towards the cabin. I did have a little time until it would be absolutely necessary to leave in order to be there before dark. I turned my steps towards the baker's cabin, the forest drifting away at my back.
The smell of fresh baked bread and hot iron filled the air. The earliest risers were always the baker and the blacksmith. I loved the way the morning swirled with the scent, both metallic and warm. The baker ran her shop out of her small cabin, tucked deeply into the middle of our village, a pitched lean-to in front. The outside was lined with shelving and tables, all holding the goods she baked to sell. Thankfully, I had a few coins to fill my hunger with since the smells of her wares were driving my stomach to flips.
A crowd of villagers were pulled tightly together by the time I reached the shop, requiring me to push my way through to the front. A week ago I had come, craving the taste of scones and just as I had arrived a traveler snatched the last one from the shelf greedily. I knew I needed to be quick, so I would not be cheated again. I none too gently elbowed a man in a graying outfit, quickly taking his surprise as an advantage to step in front of him. I saw his glare from the corner of my eye, words of protest hanging on his lips. He looked to the hood at my back, recognizing me instantly.
"Red! You should try to watch your elbows. It's not very ladylike to be shoving men around."He gave me a wink, a smile spreading across his face. Claude was the handsome, carefree boy in our village, whose looks alone would make even the most proper lady swoon. His golden hair only haloed his charm and his eyes of brun constantly danced with mischief. He made every girl smile and would have no trouble finding a bride... except that he was completely in love with me. He had asked my Mama numerous times for my hand, but every time, she declined. We, of course, had our fun but I couldn't imagine marrying a butcher's boy, the stench of death burned into his hands. I was a hunter's daughter and to marry outside of my class was beneath me. My father had always promised me a hunter and even in his absence I would accept no less.
I turned away from Claude, unconcerned with his teasing and grabbed for the last raspberry scone, snatching it from the hand of a battered old man. He looked pitiful, urging me with his eyes to give up the scone I had taken. I refused, shrugging my shoulders, pointing instead to a pie that was still waiting to be taken from the shelf. He shook his head in disgust at my suggestion. I did not feel guilty as I bit into the gooey raspberry filling, the flavors comforting my decision to be harsh. All acts were fair when dealing with the baker's delicious wares. The old man would just have to learn as I had to be quicker next time.
I left my coin in the hands of the baker's daughter then shuffled my way out of the crowd, satisfied with my haul. Claude was right on my heels, obnoxiously digging into a scone of his own. When we were far enough away to be simply a memory to the crowd, the scones being licked clean from our fingers, he swooped me up by the waist, planting a sugar filled kiss on my lips with force. I pushed at his arms to let me go and he did, dropping me lightly to my toes. I grabbed his hand and ran towards a small alley between two stables, hidden away from prying eyes.
"Claude! That was not discrete! I thought we agreed it wouldn't be proper, kissing in the streets. What if someone saw? My reputation would be ruined, you retched boy!I slapped at his chest but he just laughed, the contagious sound thrumming through my fingers.
"No one saw us, darling girl. You know I would be ashamed if I ended up the cause of your fallen honor. I would never be so rash!" He gently brushed my cheek. "You are as precious as a rose in bloom." Stepping back, he looked around in delight. "But behold! We are alone. So. Where were we?"He grabbed me by the waist, sweeping me up into another kiss. This time I returned it, consumed by his urgency. He tasted of jam and warm bread, and for a moment it didn't matter who we were. We could have been anyone and the future laid out before us. All that mattered was that it felt right. That moment, however sweet, just as the roses were, faded quickly. He returned me to my feet, that I carefully shuffled trying to regain my balance. I adjusted my skirts and cape back to their proper position.
"What is the meaning of all of the commotion this morning? There are so many people about so early."
"The men are going on their hunt tomorrow for the wolves so the town is throwing a festival for their safe return. There'll be plenty of food and drink today, Mon Cheri! It's a celebration!"He slurred his words in exaggerated excitement and I couldn't help the grin that came to my face. I loved the festivities before a hunt. There was no better place in all of France to be when our village was celebrating the safe returns of our men. Claude's enthusiasm only spurred on my own. The town would be so alive today, whereas tomorrow there would be nothing but drowning amounts of fear. Terror that their loved ones may not return. I grabbed Claude's hand and started dragging him towards the pub. He played along that my strength overwhelmed his own.
"Where are you taking me, my rose?" He said with feigned concern.I just winked and we ran through the streets laughing.
