Eugene
The moor is a place where everyone comes to purchase various items to show that they have ventured into the world of fairy or as close as they ever will get to the place.
The moor has a darker side to it. Only people of ill repute would venture in, and this is the place I was sent to retrieve Prince Quan’s godmother, Coran. I hate going to the moors. These magical folk are not a normal breed at all.
They can make a man do and say whatever they please and the royals could care less. I walked around for hours asking where I could find Coran, and I finally found where she was staying.
It is a place deeper into the moor. She is staying at a tavern that seems to look obscured by my vision.
“Damn it to hell.” I pulled out the small vial I received from Hilda, the palace healer, and drank it. My vision cleared showing the words STEP INN was on the sign.
‘Who in the world calls a place STEP?’ I thought and went in.
The inside looked normal. You had your winged fairies, gnomes, dwarves, etc all inside having a good time.
I went to the bar for information.
“Sir, can you tell me where Coran is? I have a request to deliver.”
The male turned around and eyed me. He looked to be at least a few years older than I but not by much.
“She is in her room. She is entertaining now. It would be best you wait until she is done.”
I was tired and needed to find the maiden next. I could not relax.
“It cannot wait. I must speak to her,”
The man pulled out a small glass and filled it with dark amber liquid.
“Drink this before you go. It will help.”
“Help what? Is she violent?”
“No, not the way you think. The drink is on the house. Go straight up the stairs. Her room is on the far left.”
He walked away to handle another customer. I drank it down quickly. It was smooth going down and then it hit. I felt the heat.
I went up the stairs and walked down the hall. The door he directed me too had sounds that were coming from inside. I knocked on the door and waited. No answer.
I knocked again and again I was met with pseudo silence. I took a deep breath in and pushed the door open.
Stunned mute was the term that was suitable for my current state. There were multiple bodies doing things to one woman. Who I might add was staring dead at me.
“Yes?” She said. Not sure if it was to me or the pleasure she was experiencing.
“Excuse the intrusion. Your godson Prince Quan requires your service. Please when you appear before him adorn clothing.” I said so quickly I almost bit my tongue. I slammed the door closed not waiting for a response.
I went downstairs feeling as if my world had been flipped on its axis. I went to the bar and the male asked if I was alright.
“I have never seen anything like that. How is it physically possible to have seven people do that.”
“Oh, she had the seven up there. Must be needing a sever release.”
I looked at him and shook my head.
“Women are supposed to be— innocent in such things.”
“Who told you that?”
I decided it was time to leave. I needed to find a maiden who would be suitable for Prince Quan.
“Hey please come back to STEP again.”
I stopped and looked at him. “Why is it called STEP?”
“It stands for Stupid To Enter Place. The word missing is “the” and that is implied.”
Yup, I was stupid all right.
Noella
I cannot believe my father. I need to do something. Better yet maybe I can get some relief from this frustration of existence.
I went down to the servant’s hall to find Stephania. She is my age and has lived a life that I have not. One of complete abandon.
I found her hanging out the sheets to dry on this spring day.
“Stephania, I have found you.”
“I did not know I was lost. Madam”
Stephania was French and dressed in the style of the French maids that has caught many a male eye.
“Stephania, are you seeing someone today?”
She gave me a look that said she was.
“May I watch?”
“No.” she whispered.
“Why not?”
“You are a lady. You have seen too much as it is.”
“I have no mother to tell me these things and father will not indulge me and answer questions.”
“As he should. Mon dour. You are supposed to be ignorant of what happens between men and women. At the moment you know too much.”
My face blazed crimson.
“I have been proper. I have done nothing with anyone. I am pure.”
“As pure as dirty snow.”
“Please, please.”
“I will grant you this if you grant me something in return.”
“I will.”
“Do not rush the answer. On your first night with your husband, I will be the one to watch.”
“Stephania”
“No, right?” She smiled and began to walk inside.
“I just need. Something.?” I whispered.
“Take a bath in the warm spring.”
“I am clean.”
“Go to the spring, take off your pantaloons, and sit where the water hits the rocks. It will help relieve some pressure. Now go and do not ask for such things of me again. Unless you are willing to give me what I requested.