literature

Beauty and the Beast: Retold Chapter One

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As the wind howled around me, I pulled my cloak closer to my body, holding the basket close. Leading my horse ahead, I glanced around the path for any indication that I was going the correct way. I pulled out my map again, checking to see if I had perhaps maybe made a wrong turn somewhere along the way. I glanced down at my basket of pastries, biting my chapped lip.

I was currently on my way to make a delivery for my father's bakery, and it seems that I had gotten myself lost. A small sigh escaping my lips, my only hope at the moment was that I could maybe come along a cottage of some sort and perhaps ask for directions. I only hoped that it would happen soon, because it was growing dark outside and I had a feeling it would start snowing soon...

Checking my map again, I sighed in defeat. I had absolutely no idea where I was. My green-blue eyes looked up to notice that the path stopped short, ending at a large, grandiose gate bordered by tall white walls. My gaze shifted even further upward to land sight on a beautiful, two-story mansion. With a sprawling front drive that lead to a front porch with tall columns and a balcony, the grand, grey building stood tall and...forlorn. Vines grew up the sides in small armies, taking over the intricate bricking job. The walls appeared cracked and falling apart in certain areas. Weeds were overtaking the vast yard, and the grass was maybe six inches in some places. What appeared to be a fountain in the middle of the drive was dry and cracked, filled with dirt, and had plants growing up the sides. Although the place looked abandoned, maybe I might find someone inside, or better yet, some shelter for the night.

Hopping off my trusty steed, I walked up to the gate, basket clutched in hand. Reaching out, I half expected it to be locked, but of course, it opened with a rusty 'creak.'

Timidly, I approached the large, rotting door, gulping down the growing lump in my throat. This place gave me the creeps. I tentatively knocked on the door, almost afraid the wood would split from my hand. After a few seconds of nothing, I assumed that this place truly was abandoned. Checking the door and finding it was unlocked, I took a step inside, glancing around.

"Hello? Is anyone here?" I called out, my voice echoing off the walls. Pursing my lips, I gave the place a once-over.

The inside wasn't quite as run-down as the exterior, but it was quite obvious to me that no one had lived here for awhile. A thin layer of dust had settled on the entire interior, making me sneeze. The tapestries hung dully, their dark colour adding a lonely feel to the room. In some places, the wallpaper was discoloured, making obvious the fact that they had not been changed in quite some time. The rug was a bit dirty, in need of a cleaning. The floor was unpolished, and it seemed it had not been cleaned in what looked to be a few months.

My previous call still had no answer, and thus I assumed I was alone. I pulled my map out of my pocket again, hoping to find my mistake. Tracing my finger along the path, I finally figured it out.

"I...I wasn't suppose to go left there, was I?" With a sigh, I folded my map back up, shoving it back in my pocket. I turned to head back outside, only to discover it had started snowing. "Really? Now it starts snowing?" I groaned, running my fingers through my long, brown locks. The waves settled back in place as I pursed my lips, looking around once again. I thought about what to do, now.

My thoughts, however, were interrupted by a voice.

"Excuse me, Miss, but what brings you here?" My head snapped around to see a stuffy looking older man standing before me. He wore a suit, almost like what a butler would wear, and had greying hair. His dark eyes looked at me, obviously confused and a bit surprised.

"Oh, ah, I'm sorry. I had no idea anyone was here. I just got a bit lost is all, and was hoping to find help in here. I figured things out, though, and was just planning to leave."

"You don't plan to go out in such a storm, do you?"

...Storm? I shifted my gaze to the window to see that the light snow had suddenly turned into a snowstorm. My eyes widened.

"My horse!"

"If you have a horse out there, I could go and retrieve it. However, I insist you stay in here, Miss."

I turned my attention back to him, slightly furrowing my brow. After a moment of thought, I meekly nodded. Without another word, he grabbed a coat off a coat hanger- which I hadn't even noticed before- and quickly headed outside into the snow.

A sigh escaped my lips. How would I make the delivery on time, now?

After a few minutes, the man came back inside, covered in already-melting snow.

"Your horse has been taken care of. He's now resting in the stables, safe and warm."

"...Thank you so much. Uhm...What did you say your name was?"

"Jarvis, Miss."

A small silence ensued. I glanced around, feeling now extremely awkward. I can't believe I actually just trespassed on this property! How idiotic could I possibly be?

"...If you'd like, I could escort you to your room, now."

I returned my gaze to him.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, I can't let you out into that snowstorm, can I? That would be terribly rude of me. I insist you stay at least until the storm passes."

I pursed my lips. How could I trust this guy? He seemed okay, but who knows what could happen. And besides, what if he actually wants to throw me in the dungeon or something for trespassing? What if he's actually some sort of creep who likes to lure lost travelers out here and do awful things to them?

"Miss?"

I snapped my attention back to him. He was right. The storm looked awful, and I would probably freeze before I see shelter again. Sadly, right now, staying here was just about my only option.

"...All right. Thank you." I nodded a little, wrapping my cloak a bit tighter around myself. He nodded in response, leading me upstairs. After a couple flights of stairs, he entered a hallway, and stopped at the first door. With a small bow, he opened the door, allowing me access inside. Walking in, my breath was almost taken away at how lovely of a guest room this was, especially compared to everything else I had already seen. The bed was huge and decorated with large, fluffy pillows and a silk comforter. The far wall donned large windows, elegant curtains draped along the sides. The floor was a white marble, small rugs adorning the cool floor. It was lovely.

"I hope you find everything comfortable," Jarvis stated, closing the door. I glanced behind me, then walked over to the bed, settling down.

Perhaps staying the night wouldn't be too bad.
Hooray for something new! Wow, it's probably been a bit over a year since I actually posted something, huh? I'm so so sorry for that! Now, this is based off of a roleplay me and my girlfriend, Dia, are doing. This is only the introductory chapter, which is just laying the basis for the rest of the story. I'll have the second chapter out sometime this week, I promise!

All characters belong to me and Dia.

Note: Each chapter will be told from a different perspective than the last. There will be two perspectives; one male, and one female. This chapter is obviously from the female's point of view.
© 2014 - 2024 SawakoKuronuma1998
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SawakoKuronuma1998's avatar
Well, I totally bullshat my promise, but hey, it's me!! I've finally decided to continue writing this! (I didn't want to at first, because of how little support it was getting, but I really like this story and it's characters and have decided to continue!)