Escaping the Night

*1*

The cool chill of spring rain gave her the warning she needed. She had to hurry and finish all the Mistress's desires before dark fell. Pulling the last piece of the clothing, she ran inside, hoping all would be ok if Mistress caught her running within the home. Once again, she dawdle off, thinking of the bakery and the woman within, and him.

Since that evening months ago, she found herself looking for him constantly, wondering if he was protecting them from the evil that laid outside the wall. She saw what laid out there, knew it was quite dark and mischievous out there but with him roaming the area, she felt a little better than before.

"Laine," she heard Catherine chide her, "Do not run, rushing to something will only lead to issues for you and those around you."

"I know, but I was not expecting the coming storm." she nodded to the window.

The older woman glanced outside, seeing the darkening clouds look closer, "Well, I guess you are correct, but do not make a habit of it."

"I would never. Only if the times call for it." she smiled at her.

Caroline shook her head at her, giving a small smile, "How you have grown. No longer a little girl but a soon full bloom lady."

"Mistress says the same." Laine smiled, "She said she grows fonder of me each day with my beauty and kindness."

"You have so much of it, you really do not know how lucky you are."

"Oh, I have my ideas."

"Yes, speaking of ideas." Caroline pulled her aside, looking down the halls, "Tell me why you constantly look out the windows, what do you search for?"

Laine paused, was it wise to speak of what she saw? Would Caroline tell the Master and mistress of the home and have him removed? She worried of what would come to her for even thinking of him.

"I'll tell not a soul." Caroline assured her.

Finally, she spoke, "I do not know who he is or what he's doing but I feel a comfort with him, like he is protecting us and making sure nothing from the other side gets to us."

"Wait, he? A man?"

Laine tried to hide herself from the woman's gaze, "Yes."

"Laine." her worries tone came out, "Mistress would be displeased if she was to find you with a man."

"I do not plan to speak, I just like to see him walk around. He reminds me of a Knight, the one's Master would speak of when he went into the old parlor."

"Does he know you see him?"

She couldn't tell her anymore, it was already too much that she had spoken about, "No."

Caroline sighed, "Well, I hope so. For all of our sake. When one gets punished, we all do."

Then, the woman walked off, leaving her in the hall with basket in hand, hoping that she wouldn't repeat what she had given to her to the Mistress. Turning back on her heels, Laine made he way to the laundry area, placing what was left and damp on the ropes and cords above, making sure not a hair was out-of-place until a bell rang through the home. Her bell.

Running out of the room, she quickly made her way to the Mistress's chamber, knowing what was next for the day. She held her head high, her posture proper and sweet, her dress was pristine along with her violet cloak. She had to be presentable to the Mistress, always wanted to make her smile. She stood before the doors, combing her fingers through her hair and brushed anything off that stood out and with two wraps to the door, she waited for her.