Marius slouched in the saddle. It felt like his family had been traveling forever. He looked over at the coach that held the last precious members of his family. His twin sister, Marian, and his aunt, Clarice. He'd sworn he would protect the ladies from the ravishes of the people who dared call themselves Frenchmen. What they were doing was inhumane. It was wrong.

He turned his attention to the large looming castle before them. It was in disrepair, and there was no doubt that it would be cold, but it would be safe and at the moment, that was all Marius cared about.

Finally he found himself in front of the entrance of the castle. Dismounting, he opened the door to the coach assisting the ladies down.

"Oh, Marius, it's so lovely," breathed his sister. He smiled. She had always been able to see the silver lining in any situation.

"I'm glad you think so. It will be a hard night, but tomorrow I will go to the village and hire some people to help clean the place and get us set up. We will have to make sacrifices. I don't want too many people to know we are here."

Marian smiled at her brother. "Of course. Come Auntie, let me get you inside where it will be a bit warmer. Marius will get us a roaring fire in now time."

Lily began to hum as she swept away the dust and dirt of the day. Her cabin was always neat and tidy, with everything having it's own place. She found cleaning somewhat relaxing and peaceful, plus it kept her mind busy and off other things.

She brushed the remaining pile of dirt out the front door and sighed. The sun had just set, but little patches of red and orange still filtered through the sky. Lily took a seat on a little stool outside the door and took a deep breath of air. She had always felt connected with nature.

She closed her eyes for a moment and drifted off to dream.

The next morning Marius woke bright and early and set the few servants who were loyal to the family in cleaning up the basic living areas, making sure to tell them to not wake the ladies. Saddling his horse, he headed toward town to look for some people who would be willing to help clean and work at the castle.

The small village was very inviting and Marius realized he'd found the one place in the world he belonged. Dismounting his horse, he stopped in front of a pub and stepped inside.

"Morning, sir!" said the keeper.

"And to you," he replied looking around. "Do you know any folks around here that might be looking for work?"

The man frowned as he thought. "A couple of lads, what do you need them for?"

Marius looked around and leaned closer. He didn't want his buisness all over the place but in a small town like this it was only inevitable. "My family has taken up residence at the castle and we need some help getting it back to rights."

"Ah, in that case, you be wanting Lily. I swear that girl's always a cleaning!"

"Where could I find this Lily?" Marius asked.

"Ain't too hard. She lives up the road a bit in the tidiest cottage on the street. I'll send some lads up to the castle to help with the heavy lifting."

Marius smiled. "I'd appreciate it," he said walking bac k out and looking around. There at the end of the street was what he assumed to be Lily's place. With quick steps he walked up and knocked on the door.

Lily was sitting down in her chair writing while she waited for her biscuits to bake.


"Alistaire, how I miss you so.
Why do you not come home?
Why do I ask, for I already know.

Night is now also day, and at dusk starts a new beginning.
You are gone, but for every moment I will stay filled with joy.
My happiness shall be life itself,
And until that day that you return,
Or that I must go,
You will be forever in my heart
Until we can be together again."

Lily raised her hand back over to the ink when she heard a knock at the door.
She smiled happily.

Was it Alistaire coming back home again?

She quickly got up and dashed towards the entrance to open the door, and frowned when who she saw was not who she thought.

Marius blinked when the girl opened the door. It had been obvious she'd been expecting someone. He almost wished it had been him. The small moment of joy he'd caught on her face made very radiant. He smiled and bowed slightly.

"Good morning, Mistress," he said. "I am Marius St Marie. My family has decided to once more take residence at the castle and I was told you were the person to see about cleaning it."

He stood there feeling once more like a small boy, waiiting for her answer.

"Why hello there!" she said as she smiled at the man at her door. "I'm Lily Barnwell. Hmm, I suppose you're right, I would be the one to go to for cleaning!" she giggled cheerfully as she studied the man's face.

Lily pondered for a moment. "My family has decided to once more take residence at the castle.." She did not ever remember someone living in Castle Dhalaamis before, but she shrugged it off.

Lily extended her hand out to Marius, "Pleasure to meet you, sir."

Marius smiled and took the young lady's hand. Pressing his lips to the back of it he smiled. "Always a pleasure to meet a lady. So, Miss Barnwell. Will you help us? I can pay, so it would not be for free. And I'm sure my sister would love the company of another young woman about her age," he asked.

He knew Marian would like the company. Aunt Clarice, was a nice woman, but in her grief, she was not the best company.