"Ember" by Sabrina E G Withers

The cat followed the new arrival with interest, though its body screamed to go on the hunt. Its keen ears heard the other wards chasing her down the corridor. The dirt and dust covering the small girl could not hide her beauty nor her fear. Disparate thoughts echoed through the cat's mind. Hunt, eat, food, comfort, Protect! The last thought overrode the others and the cat leapt forth, startling the girl who stepped back almost falling. The cat rubbed up against her legs then moved past her down the corridor. It seemed to sniff the air before padding up to a grate in the wall. Turning its green eyes back to the girl it mewed and clawed the grate lightly. Uncertain, the child crept forth and touched the grate, finding it unexpectedly loose. The noise of the followers was growing louder, and hesitating only a second the child crept into the darkness within. The cat pressed itself into the space with her until the other children passed by. The sound of their footfalls fading, the cat pulled at the girl's rags with its teeth and ventured further into the darkness. Using her hands to feel her way forward she kept track of the cat until the darkness gave way to light. Creeping from the tunnel, the girl stepped into a small room lit by a single window. Drawings sketched on scraps of fading parchment were plastered to the walls and small moth-eaten cushions littered the floor. The child ran a hand along the walls in wonder, before spotting the cat curled up watching her.

“Oh Cat.” She whispered, still slightly wary of being found. She sat down next to it and started to stroke its fur absently. “Why did Father have to die?”

The cat stretched out and succumbed to the fingers that moved across its back. Silent tears fell down the girl's face and onto the cat below. Hunger, hunt, pain, comfort, soothe. The cat started to purr. It moved closer to the girl, lending her its strength and warmth. She curled up around it laying her head on her arm.

“At least here they cannot find me. Here I am safe.”

The cat smiled within and stayed in her arms until she fell asleep and the call to hunt became too strong to control. Dreaming of her father, the girl barely moved, still feeling a silent presence watching over her.

~~~~~~******~~~~~~

Even dressed in rags the growing beauty of the oldest orphan under the Guardian's care was clear for any to see. Not that anyone was given the chance as she was always hidden from the eyes of the families who came to choose a new child. As she grew taller and wiser she left the other wards to their petty games and thuggery for none dared to touch her. Kept occupied during the day with chores that the guardian set her, it was only during the night that she was ever free to dream. Moving through the moonlit garden she practised the dance steps she remembered vaguely from her youth. A book lay at her feet, the pages folding in the slight wind she created with her skirt. Glowing red hair made her look as if haloed in flames. A hoot from a nearby owl was the only observer to her dance. Its belly was full from fresh mouse  caught but a few minutes before. Content, warmth, sleep, watch, Guard! Its round eyes scoured the ground below as its head rotated over its wings. Every movement was identified and dismissed as no threats were seen. Boldly it opened its great wings and silently swooped down onto a stone pillar near the dancing girl. Startled by the movement, the girl's steps faltered but a smile spread over her lips as she saw the bird.

“Sir Owl. Why do you venture from the safety of the trees this night?” She asked, bowing politely to it. “Why of course my Lord. A dance? I would love to.” She extended a hand as if taking that of a partner's and the owl hopped onto her arm carefully. Flee, maim, soothe, comfort. The conflicting instincts of the owl fought  for a few moments until the girl started to dance. The owl gave a small keening noise as if humming in time to some silent music. Picking up on the sound, the girl started to sing along.

“Whispering winds, see how I dance, Shining moon, watch me swing. Hear my deepest desires, hear my greatest dreams. Wind and moon, oh how I wish to be free.” She stopped then as the sadness washed over her. The owl fluttered its wings to remain balanced then turned its piercing gaze on her. Sadness, comfort, soothe, protect.

“Oh Sir Owl, will I ever be free of this place? Will someone ever pick me?”

Hobbling up her arm to perch on her shoulder, the owl keened in her ear and rubbed its soft downy feathers against her cheek. She leant into the feeling, letting it wrap around her like a protective blanket.

A movement in the corner of its eye startled the owl who leapt into the air suddenly. Flying towards it, the owl screeched as if hunting. Startled but aware that she should return to the orphanage, she scrambled away from the garden, leaving her book behind her in her haste. However the intruder did not notice it, having been scared away by the owl. Hide, sleep, help, love.

~~~~~~******~~~~~~

The old lady had been asleep in the Guardian's chair when the girl entered. She had come round, as she always did, to give generously of her money towards the running of the orphanage. Moving around her, careful not to wake her, the girl went about her nightly chores. Sleep, watch, wake, comfort. The woman's eyelids fluttered slightly and she emitted a small moan. Startled, the girl knocked a small statue from the table she was dusting. Eyes of blue fixed on her with surprise as the woman fully woke up.

"Who are you?" The woman asked, confused for she thought she knew all the people in the orphanage.

"Just a ward." The girl replied, moving towards the door, aware that she would be punished if found conversing with someone other than the guardian. Interest, concern, stop her, love. The woman shook her head slightly as if trying to shake a strange thought from her mind.

"Wait child." She reached out a wrinkled hand. "Let me take a proper look at you."

Hesitant and wary like a young deer, the girl stepped forward. Her dress, for under the dirt and rags it was a dress, seemed to hang loosely from her tall frame. Beautiful, familiar, comfort, help. The reddish hair that still shone through the dust and mistreatment sparked a memory. The woman rose to her feet and stepped towards her. Lifting the girl's face by her chin, the woman smiled.

"You look just like your mother, the same green eyes." She said gently. "What is your name?"

The girl chewed her lip slightly.

"They call me Ember." She said quietly.

"How old are you now? Surely you should have been adopted by now." Ember blushed under the scrutiny of those blue eyes.

"I am nearing my eighteenth year, but I have not yet been presented." She said the last quickly and shyly as if it was betraying a trust to speak it out loud. Watch her, guide her, love her. The girl did not see the momentary change in the old lady's eyes but she felt the hand on her chin stiffen slightly.

"Are you alright, my lady." The woman looked at her strangely then sighed.

"I am fine" she said with a small smile. "That Guardian is too protective of you I think." Though I can understand why, she thought. "There is a charity ball being held here in a month." Dance, happy, she loves to dance. Her eyes twitched slightly. "I think you should be there."

Ember looked at her, surprised.

"Me, at a dance. That would be heavenly." She breathed and promptly gave a twirl, her joy at the thought clear for all to see. Love, happy, safe. The woman coughed slightly.

"I will make sure that you have a dress. You cannot go in that rag. Where shall I leave them for you?"

Ember stopped dancing.

"New clothes? I am not allowed such things." She stated in wonder.

"Never you mind about that. Just hide them away until the ball. I will talk to the Guardian." No, do not tell, must not tell, protect. She frowned slightly.

"On the other hand it might be better to surprise them all. What they do not know they cannot stop."

"I have a secret place. They will not find them there."

"Where should I leave them?" The woman enquired again, taking Ember's hand.

"By the garden gate. I often go there at night to dance." A noise outside the room caught her attention. "I must go, I cannot stay. I am not supposed to be seen." She whispered harshly. Ember stepped towards the door and taking a quick look outside, disappeared down the corridor. Love, cherish, Protect!

"We are of one mind there." The old lady smiled at no one in particular. "That child of mine has a lot to answer for. Now leave me to sleep." She sighed, reseating herself in the comfy chair that she always used before closing her eyes. Warmth, soothe, sleep, love.

~~~~~~******~~~~~~

The kitchen boy crept through the corridor towards a store room that the servants rarely used. The jug of warm water was sloshing noisily. Careful, slowly, keep it safe, must not give her away. The boy slowed down, looking carefully from side to side. Confident that the coast was clear, he moved into the storeroom.

"Emmb b er?" he stumbled over the name. Often ridiculed and neglected, he found some tasks were difficult for him to do, speaking being the worst.

"I am here." she whispered, moving forward to take hold of the jug before the water spilled to the floor. "Thank you for this." She stated, smiling at him. He smiled back in a lopsided grin. Ember never laughed at him.

"Welc c come." Love, happy, help her, make her shine. She poured the warm water into a basin and loosened her hair. The boy stared at the red locks, his hand moving to touch them. No, can not touch, must not touch, do not watch, private, protect. Shaking slightly, the boy turned to face the door though a part of him refused. Small scrubbing and washing sounds could be heard behind him but the boy concentrated on the door.

"Do you know where the towel is?" Ember asked, realising that she could not see it. The boy turned but did not look up. He scooped up the scrap of material from the floor.

"H h here." He stuttered, reaching out with his hand. She touched it gently and taking the towel, she started to dry her hair. Touch, feel, love, no must not touch. The boy's hand jerked back to his side. His eyes watched, captivated, as Ember brushed through her now shining hair. It was not completely dry; the colour darker than usual. Tying it carefully in a simple braid, Ember turned her attention to the dress.

"You will have to help me with the fastenings, is that all right?" She gave the boy a concerned glance. He started to shake his head, looking confused. Yes, help, know this, can do it, help. His head twitched slightly and he began to nod.

"Y y yes. H hel l p." He reached for the dress and lifted it carefully. Squeezing his eyes shut so hard his nose wrinkled he held it at arms length until she took it. The rustle of fabric followed as she pulled it on over her rags before dropping the faded cloth to the floor.

"You can open your eyes now." Ember said and the boy slowly looked at her. Beauty, shining, when did I start to love you? The dress offset her hair perfectly bringing out the glittering fire in her eyes. The adoration in his eyes made Ember blush and the boy looked away again. She saw, does she know?

"Help me with the fastenings." Her voice was quiet and the boy did not register it at first. He moved forward and reached for the fastening that her back presented to him. His fingers moved strangely. His mind knowing what to do but hands never having done so. It took him three tries but eventually the dress was completely fastened.

"D d d done." He stated nervously, stepping back. Ember spun round and hugged the boy fiercely.

"Thank you. Now I can dance properly." She gave him a quick peck on the cheek and left the store room. The boy stood frozen for several minutes. Dance, how I wish I could dance, dance with her. The boy turned his head and picked up the jug. He blinked slightly unsure what he had been doing but shrugged and made his way back to the kitchen.

~~~~~~******~~~~~~

He was utterly, utterly bored. Lounging in the corner of the room, hoping that no one would notice him. It was bad enough that he was an eligible bachelor but to be a prince also meant that every mother in the room was trying to marry him to their daughters. He set his glass aside and tried to avoid catching anyone's eye. His efforts were rewarded, as someone else entered the room and all eyes turned towards them. Uninterested, the Prince barely glanced at the space by the door. Dance, all she wants is to dance. Ask her to dance. Drawing himself to his full height, the Prince walked through the crowd in the direction of the door. Everyone stepped out of his way when his destination became clear. The beauty of the girl, no, woman standing before him was breathtaking but he knew such things meant nothing if the person within was not kind. She gave him a shy smile, her nervousness clear.

"Would you like to dance?" He heard himself say though he had no real desire to do so. She reached out a hand and nodded happily. Her hand in mine, her joy for me. They moved onto the dance floor and the rest of the dancers made space for them. The chandelier above them cast strange light on Ember's dress, causing it to glitter like the stars. The music filled the room and as they danced all else seemed to fall away. Moonlight falling on her face, wanting to be free, free now dancing, dancing with me. She was incredibly light on her feet and the Prince imagined she was carried by wings. Ember's face was so full of joy that the prince could barely tear his eyes from her. So lost in the dark. She deserves the sunlight. The feelings that filled him made him wonder if he had not met her before. It was as though he had always known her. Her face, her smile, the look as she danced. He no longer regretted the urge that had made him ask her to dance, no matter that he never liked to himself. Joy, comfort, cherish, Love. His steps faltered and his concentration broke momentarily but it was enough for Ember to notice.

"Are you well, my Lord?" Her concern was clear and he realised her voice was truly pleasant.

"Yes Lady, I am fine." He smiled gently. Ember looked past him and the joy fell from her face.

"Guardian." She whispered. "I am not meant to be here." She gave him a sad smile. "I have to go. Thank you for the dance."

"I would like to dance with you again."

"The garden, at night." She breathed carefully. "I always dance there."

Letting go of his hand, she rushed through the crowd. Several eyes followed her but no one stopped her. The Prince turned his head to look behind him. The Guardian of the orphanage seemed to glare back at him. Keep her safe, protect,love.

~~~~~~******~~~~~~

Looking at the young man before her, the Guardian sighed. She knew he had met Ember at the ball. She also knew about the talks in the garden, though his lack of ability to enter it had at least kept it chaste. He seemed nervous but a part of her had to admire his bravery. He was one of only a few who had had the nerve to face her directly when it came to one of her wards.

"So what brings you here?" She asked coldly though she was well aware.

"I want to talk about Ember." He said clearly. No she is mine, you cannot have her. She frowned, listening but not liking what she heard.

"Ember." She said the name lightly, but could not hide the reticence she felt. "Speak then." Why did it have to be her, she thought, of all the wards, why her?

"I ask that she be set free. She need no longer be a ward of this place." No, do not leave me, Do not go where I cannot follow. Please, no, I need her here, her mind screamed at her. Dual voices combining in understanding. The Guardian forced herself to look at him and not let her feelings show.

"Why do you petition for her?" The Prince smiled slightly and a strange look filled his eyes. She studied him for several moments. I know that gaze. He is remembering how it felt when I held her in his arms.

"You think you love her?" She said, shocked. The Prince turned to her surprised and seemed to consider her words.

"I think I could become very much in love with her given time." But it is my love for her he feels, mine. She fisted her hand containing her shock.

"And what of her feelings?" He hung his head slightly then.

"I do not know." I do, she thought, I saw the way she looked at him, given time she could love him too. She never saw me. She wants to be free. Sorrow filled her deep and despairing and she was starting to find it hard to breath.

"I cannot let her leave if that is all you can give me." She said harshly. "May you be prince or pauper." She said, forestalling his protest. Let her stay her with me, she whispered in her mind and felt the other respond. She just wants to be free. I love her but that means nothing if she cannot love me. A look of confusion crossed her face. The Prince's eyes creased as he studied her.

"I would not be here if I had not already asked her." He stated calmly. I will not allow her to leave, her mind cried and for the first time the two voices collided. I just want her to be happy. Why not with me, she asked herself not understanding the fight in her head. Let her go, she only wants to be free, LET HER GO! She clutched a hand to her chest in pain, turning away from the Prince, hoping he couldn't see the tears that threatened to be shed. Her mother had been right, she had a lot to answer for she realised. Praying her voice did not give her away, she spoke.

"Take her. Take her before I change my mind. Let her be free of this place." Let at least one of us be free of this place, she added to herself. The Prince hesitated a moment before running out the door. The Guardian listened to the footsteps disappear down the hall wondering if she was going insane. She closed her eyes and fell into darkness. Deep within her mind she could hear crying. The sound was so full of despair and loss, the sound of a child in pain. She followed it through twists and turns in the darkness, locating the huddling presence. Then she did the only thing she could think of to do. She wrapped it in a blanket of feeling and projected towards it. She felt the presence reach towards her in the darkness. Comfort, soothe, cherish, Love.