The Tangled and the Torn - Chapter 1

"Coming!" I yell as I pull hard on the rope, causing small streaks on sunlight to mix with the light coming from the flickering candles.

I held the rope taunt, as my mother lifted the door the remain way and dropped to the floor gracefully. I dropped the rope, letting the door slam shut. Dust fell around the room.

"Mother!" I run forward to hug her. "How was your trip?"

"Oh, you know. Got attacked by those scoundrels again. But a little silver was enough to send them on their way." She walks over to the mirror and takes of her coat releasing long dark hair.

"That's great," I sigh with relief. "Did you get the paint I wanted?"

Mother suddenly freezes and turns around. "Dear, I forgot. Maybe next time." She pats me on the head then walks into the kitchen. "Did you prepare dinner?"

"It's on the fire," I reply mournfully.

"Good. I am famished." She walks over to the fire and start to prepare herself a plate.

"So, Mother, there was something I wanted to ask you." I take a small step forward.

"Yes, Dear?"

"So, you know my eighteenth birthday is coming up, and I was wondering..." I trail off, suddenly forgetting everything I had practiced.

She looks up at me through her eye lashes. "What, Raquella? Just say it."

"You remember that river lighting ceremony they have every year on my birthday?"

"Impossible to miss with the way they clog our water supply with their little candle boats." She sighs, annoyed.

"Well, I was wondering...Do you think we could go to it this year? For my birthday?"

Mother drops the plate she was carrying. "You want to go outside?"

"Please, just this once?"

"Raquella! What a silly thing to ask!"

"I know. I just thought-"

"No. You don't think. I am here to protect you. You gift is a special thing. Those on the outside will use it for wrong intensions." She comes forward and plants a kiss on my forehead. "I can't lose you."

"I'm sorry I asked such a silly thing."

"Aww, Dear." She steps away to put her coat back on, preparing for her nightly run.

I walk over to the rope and pull it, opening the trap door.

"I love you, Mother."

She smiles at me. "I love you most." She uses the makeshift rope ladder to climb out the door.

I lower the door slowly as my tears start to fall. Pascle runs across the counter and hops onto my shoulder.

I walk over to the shattered plate and lower to my knees, careful of the shattered glass. I start to pick up the pieces, wiping the tears from my eyes.

Dropping the glass into the trash, I notice the empty water bucket.

Maybe I could prove to Mother that I can leave the underground cabin and protect myself? I wouldn't leave the valley, I promised myself.

I grabbed the bucket and pull the rope to the door around a chair. With the door opened slightly, I climb the rope with one hand and use my shoulder to open it the rest of the way. I push the bucket out first, then lift myself out of the cabin.

Letting my eyes adjust to the light, I spin around, taking in the beauty.

The valley was beautiful. The mountains rose, touching the clouds. The trees sparkled green, reflecting the setting sun.

It only took a minute to locate the river Mother always spoke about.

I dipped the bucket into the cool water, letting it overflow around my hand.

Standing up, I noticed something among the trees a ways off.

I left my bucket on the grass and crossed the river to inspect the dark bundle.

I suddenly sto---- break time. I'll come back later.

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