I knooow, I haven’t written anything for yonks! Well perhaps will start again, who knows? I am listening to Christmas music as I write this.

Enjoy :)

*

*The dead man*

Once upon a time there was an old woman who had three daughters, Riss, Liss and Bliss. They lived together in a small cottage right at the edge of a forest and small town. They lived away from other people, preferring solitude where they had to provide their own food and clothing.

The old woman became sick when the girls were teens, taking to her bed most days, too weak to help her daughters with any chores.

The oldest, Riss, did the sewing for the family with her nimble fingers and dainty hands. She could sew the most lovely dresses and shirts that she would sell to merchants and travelers. Riss was tall and slim with fair hair and white-blond hair that fell to her backside. She was extremely beautiful and most of the young men were caught by her large cornflower blue eyes. She was much sought after but she wanted someone with wealth and standing, anyone else was not up to standard.

Riss stayed indoors, out of the sun, only leaving it to meet with traders and other merchant folk.

Liss was the second oldest, she made jewelry that was so beautiful and well-made that even kings had requested some necklaces for their queens. She would walk through the forest in search of shells and pretty stones to use, going to market to buy beads and buttons. She was as much sought out as Riss, her hair golden red that curled about her plump cheeks and curved figure.

As her nature was naturally bright and chirpy she made a lot of friends in the village, managing to sell enough of her jewelry to support her family and help Riss buy her materials.

Then there was Bliss, the youngest. Her brown hair and scrawny build made her the least popular of the sisters. She did the chores for the family, gardening, cleaning, cooking, she even cared for their mother, feeding and bathing her. Never was a word of gratitude uttered her way, never was she allowed rest from her daily duties because who else would do it?

One day, while Bliss toiled away in the garden, Riss sat comfortably on an armchair, sewing. Her delicate brows were knitted in thought. Usually she would wear a clear, inattentive expression but something must have really got caught her attention today. Liss watched her from the opposite side of the room for a while, hands deftly threading necklaces together.

“What are you thinking about, Riss?” she asked her sister curiously.

Riss looked up in surprise; this too was a deviation from their usual day. “I-I was thinking of…
she trailed off, uncertain of how much to confide in her sister. “That perhaps I should go…seek my own fortune instead of waiting for it to come along.” She averted her gaze, instead staring into the fire.

Liss sat up straighter on hearing this. If Riss left then she would be even more sought out!

“You should, Riss! I am most sure you are capable of finding your own fortune.” She beamed at her sister, hoping to convince her. Riss looked hesitant though so Liss pushed even more. “It would be an adventure! If I was brave enough I would do the same.” She put on her best earnest expression, leaning forward.

Riss’ brow cleared. She believed her sister, enough that she was confident that this journey would bring her riches and happiness.

*

The next morning Riss sighed and dropped onto her bed, waiting for Bliss to finish packing her bags. The morning was bright and warm, birds letting out soft warbles and the pigs snorting gently. Bliss ignored her sister’s petulant sigh and hurried to finish folding the rest of the gowns so she could go back outside.

“Mother wants to see you, Riss.” Liss leaned against the doorjamb, looking happy. She had been this was since yesterday, babbling on and on about how big of an adventure it was going to be for their older sister. When their mother had found out she had been thrilled, glad that one of her daughters was going to be out in the world.

Riss heaved a sigh and went to their mother’s room. She sat on the chair beside the bed and took her mother’s hand. “Did you want me mother?”

“Oh, yes.” She smiled at Riss. “I meant to give you something.” She reached around and pulled out a small silk bag. It jingled slightly. The girl grabbed for it greedily and dug her hand in, pulling out silver coins. She didn’t thank her mother, just left the room to see if Bliss had her bags packed yet.

By midmorning Riss was ready to go, she stood outside as her horse was saddled, fidgeting with her bags. Their mother was too ill to get up to see her off and Liss was making the most of her sister’s leaving; moving her things into Riss’ larger, more spacious room and putting her sisters belongings in her room. Bliss wasn’t so sure that this was a good idea; her sister wasn’t that great at caring for herself, especially on the road.

“Riss,” she said hesitantly. “Are you certain that this is what you want?”

Riss glared at her, long hair flaring out as she spun to face her. “You’re just jealous.” She hissed angrily. “Just because you can’t do anything special and nobody wants you-” her lovely eyes narrowed. “-You think to stop me having an adventure and making something of myself! Well, I’m leaving and you’re stuck here to rot!” she spun and mounted the horse, draping the saddlebags behind her.

Bliss stood there for a moment in the dust. Her stomach hurt at what her older sister had said. It was true. She would never do anything with her life, she had to care for their mother, a chore she didn’t lament. Riss had hit the nail on the head, even if she’d done it cruelly, and Bliss knew that it would never change.

*

Riss gazed up at the blue blue sky, wishing she could soak her whole body, her clothes and her horse in a big bath. She was so dirty she was sure her bones would black. Who would have thought traveling could be so messy and boring? In the ballads all you ever heard about were the brave tales and feasts not the road to glory that was paved in grime.

“Hello.” called a small voice. Riss looked around and spotted a small boy standing at the edge of the forest. “Do you have any food to share?” his hair fell messily over his forehead, his clothes dirty and ripped. Riss crinkled her face up at his horrid vestige.

“No I do not.” She snapped, thinking of her bag of silver. She would not give any to this little beggar.

The boy came forward. “Are you sure? Your courtesy would be greatly rewarded.”

Rage welled up as Riss glared at the boy who was slowing her journey. “Leave me alone, little shit!” she hissed and kicked her horse into a gallop and continued on.

As the road eventually became monotonous she blew out a sigh. There was surely an inn coming up and the moment she saw it she was racing up to have a long soak. Hours passed. More dirt, more empty boring forest. The sun had since set and when Riss saw a building she kicked her horse into a gallop.

The cobblestones enhanced the horse’s shoe shod stomps as they entered the courtyard and a young man emerged from a set of stables off to the side.

“Hello there! What may I do fer you?” he called brightly as he grasped the reins.

Riss tilted her nose up imperiously, “Please stable my horse, I intend to rest here for the night.” The boys smiled flickered uncertainly at her arrogant speech but proceeded to walk her horse off when she dismounted and went inside.

The house was warm and welcoming, a fire burning brightly and rugs covered the floor for added warmth. A short plump woman spotted her, putting down the cloth she’d been wiping her hands on.

“Hello there dear, are you lost?” she asked curiously, her cheeks a ruddy red. She wore a simple gown that held quite a few grease smudges.

Riss looked upon her with distaste but shook her head. “I am seeking out my fortune and needed somewhere to rest.” She said and the woman beamed.

“Well you can stay here for the night, we always accept travelers, they have such interesting stories.” She beckoned for Riss to follow her through a hall behind her. “Come”

The girl followed daintily. They came to a small room that held a large bed. This would have been all well and good if it wasn’t for a man laying in the middle of the bed. He was a shriveled up piece of humanity, sunken cheeks and yellowed skin.

“Wha-” Riss started to ask but was cut off.

“There is only one condition to you staying here. You must sit with my husband, never sleeping, until morning. If you were to fall asleep-” her face brightened. “But I’m sure that won’t happen.” She nudged Riss inside and left, whistling an odd tune.

*

Many, many hours passed as Riss sat in an uncomfortable chair watching the still man. Sleep tugged at her eyelids, her back ached and she longed for warm food. “Why must I do this? Why can I not simply have a bed and sleep?” she grumbled and shifted around, looking for a window to signal the time. There wasn’t.

“Perhaps if I close my eyes for a moment, it won’t matter.” She murmured assuredly to herself and settled back against the chair. Her eyes closed instantly and sleep claimed her like an old friend.

The door creaked open gently, a hand sliding around the grasp the handle so as not to cause any noise. The woman eased into the room and stared solemnly at the sleeping girl. A flicker of disgust crossed her face. The little liar had failed, the little imposter. She believed herself destined for riches and notoriety but she was wrong, dead wrong. The woman almost laughed as she thought this but restrained herself in time.

Her feet made no sound as she calmly went to Riss. She raised an arm, in her hand she held a large black rock that shone dully in the candlelight. When it smacked down on the girl’s skull it made a satisfying thunk and the girl crumpled to the ground, blood trickling from her head over her beautiful face.

*

That was the first chapter. Feels weird to be putting something on ff again :3 please tell me what you think!

Went to the rose garden at Werribee today, was very inspiring. :)