The young woman pulled the hood of her cloak down and looked thoughtfully at the large castle before her. It had been a trying journey. She had lost count of how many places she had asked for work. All either didn't need help or wanted her for tasks that were unmentionable. When had the world gotten so cruel?
Her father's face weighed heavily on her mind. [color=00aeef][i]How are you Papa?[/i][/color] She asked herself. [color=00aeef][i]Are you well? Do you think of me? I miss you Papa...[/i][/color]

Belle put her shoulders back and tried to right her appearance as much as possible. She had been robbed along the way, thankfully the man had only been interested in her few coins and not her body. He had taken her money and her few possessions, leaving her with the clothes on her back and the shoes on her feet. He had looked like he had been hungry and cold for a long time so Belle hoped it was desperation that had driven him to rob her and not an evil heart. She also hoped that things became better for him. She couldn't be angry or resentful when she thought that her money had helped to feed someone hungry.

She frowned at the mud on the hem of her dress and cloak. Her hair was falling from it's braid and her cheeks from probably red from walking in the chilly air. All things considered not the best impression, but all she could do was try.


Reaching the large doors, she noted that it was oddly quiet. Perhaps no one lived here? Perhaps it was a summer home for some important Lord or Lady?
Lifting the heavy knocker she let it drop twice, the loud bangs sounding harsh as they echoed into the castle beyond.