On the Swedish island of Gothland, Johanna serves as a lady-in-waiting beloved by the Duchess. Though she was raised among the nobility, her family's humble origins have left her overlooked by some and the subject of whispered gossip by others. Few...
For late summer and early autumn, it was moderately warm in Gothland, the largest island of Sweden. The conditions were satisfying for young Johanna, who is no older than 18. She tint her white shoes with the green from the grass, humming a folk song along with the birds chanting. She loves the greens that covers the entire island—especially as autumn is approaching.
It's perfect timing to have a moment for herself, to get away from her duties and, mostly, the mockery. The lake lies just beyond the castle grounds, hidden among trees. She views the lake as a sanctuary—a place where she has the freedom to be herself without fearing that others would point their finger at her with laughter.
On the edge of the lake, she removes her blue dress, and, only with her underdress, she descends into the water until completely dampened. The water was fairly cold, too much for her body, but the more she swam, the water would turn into a reasonable temperature. Bathing in the lake indeed helps her ease her overwhelming feelings.
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Unfortunately, those moments of freedom were only limited. Her duties awaited her. She had to return to the castle, where too many people reside. Johanna ascends from the water and makes sure to wring out as much of the wetness as possible before leaving the lake. Not before finding jasmines on the way. Perhaps the Duchess would love them.
As she's on the way, first thing she sees is the household staff, acknowledging no one. She bows her head as usual to ignore them. Some briefly looked at her with wrinkled foreheads and then ignored her. Perhaps they are perceiving her red colored hair wet and her musty smell. The young lady is usually very reserved when she is around people. Many do recognize her as one of the Duchess's ladies-in-waiting. Of course, the Duchess only has four, including her. However, many do not even know her name.
What makes her different from the others is that she doesn't wear jewelry or luxurious clothing like the other ladies. She does not wear more than two dresses. Not necessarily due to a lack of affordability. In her opinion, fine clothing and jewelry are uncomfortable.
The majority don't even know she's the daughter of the Duke's clerk and advisor. To serve the Duchess is an honor, but among the ladies and others, she is out of place. Sometimes it causes her a series of feelings of worry and unease she can't control.
Her only comfort is the Duchess and her most intimate dream, which would be to go to the countryside, away from everyone, and perhaps...with a good husband, if there exists a man who would like her. Sometimes the Duchess would tell her about beautiful places that exist outside of Gothland. Her brother would tell her memories that he had when he was a child in the countryside before moving to the castle. Born in the castle, she had long accepted the reality that she would stay among the nobles, perhaps married and with a more titled position. At least that is the image that her father has for her future.
In the meantime, she could only continue to go to the lake and admire the trees that are near to changing their color from green to yellow and orange.
Before entering the Duchess's personal bathing place, she starts hearing low and feminine voices. There were murmurs. Nothing unfamiliar. The other ladies are talking about her behind her back. The same talks as always. A reminder that she is...peculiar.
