Chapter 2: Home Sweet Home

After I finished my meal, I took the time to just walk and be familiar with the woods. This forest is beautiful, the trees gave perfect shade, and the air breeze is amazing, definitely a good place to meditate here. It's a good environment for self-control. I might use this place very often considering that we would stay here for some time. I noticed broken pavements along the way to the house my father said was ours, well was our family's. The Rayleigh, my father's family, my last name, is one of the oldest family in the world, our history goes way back to the beginning of time. My father once said that there was a time when our family were kings and queens, so I'm hunching that Avebury, might have been a castle once.

"There you are!" my mother exclaimed out of excitement.

"You waited for me?"

"It's our first time here, so your Mom and I thought it was better if we enter the manor together" Dad said.

"You failed to mention that it was a castle Dad."

"You found out really quick." He laughed.

"Let's go you guys." Mom interjected.

Dad opened the front door, it was getting clearer to me that this was built during King Midas' reign. Most of the interior were gold inspired. As the old-fashioned lover my dad is, he swooped my mom and carried her bridal style. I know, a bit of a cringe, but when your father is centuries old, you'll understand. After all, it was a sweet gesture. I doubt married couples who have a 19-year-old child would still be as affectionate as my parents.

The halls were big enough to fit a whole town, these must be where the evening balls were once held. A long dining table was in the mess hall. I've heard a story about King Malyen Rayleigh III once, he had thirteen daughters, all would sit at this very table. He, however was seated at the head and his wife, on the opposite. Great Grand Father was loved by his people.

We all had to know our family history.

In the center of the house was a huge living room, on the side was the stairs with magnificent design, flowers carved on handle. Upstairs were where the rooms are, this castle, now a manor was still huge, it had fifteen rooms, not to mention the servant's house at the back, and a barn, with a very wide garden. I'd bet my life, that young ladies back then would promenade here for eligible suitors.

On the resting room sits a piano, it will need a little fixing, but I'm sure it still sounds wonderful. Here lies, instruments such as violins, trumpets, harps, flutes, and many more.

"You've found the piano, I thought about fixing it so you could play again." My dad said from behind me. It was no shock though, I've heard his footsteps earlier.

"Yes! Please dad. Oh, and thank you in advance" I replied.

"Fancied a room yet?"

"I haven't checked it out but I think the one near the terrace will do."

"All right, it's all yours. Mom and I will be there, near the stairs."

"Thanks Dad, I'm going to go and sort my stuffs out. I love the place by the way" I said as I kissed my father's cheeks.

"All the best for you, my love."

I was in front of my new room, I see a very large "R" carved within the door, our family crest, and below it says 'reserved for the eldest young lady Rayleigh'. Fate could never be funnier, I managed to choose what was reserved for me. Although it would have been nice if I had siblings too, but I was already a miracle and a curse, I would never bring my siblings into this chaotic life, I'm barely surviving.

The room was huge, the bed even more. The walls were mesmerizing, at a touch I had gotten to re-live history, how the eldest daughter of the King spent most of her time here, writing poems on the walls, one in particular caught my attention.

Thine eyes shimmered like the sun

I look at thee and see the beauty of thy man

Castles and castles, I visit

Yet no other could compare to Prince Basset.

These were how love was made on those years, poems and letters and pure agony of waiting but the princess and the prince had a good life, it was amazing to see a glimpse of it.

The window view was even more beautiful, it gave me a view of the garden, and the lake. 

I have to swim there.

Top of the bucket list.

Today was exhausting, but I have already fallen in love with this place, I just really wish we could stay here for a long time. I jumped on top of the bed, it was as if made for the very first time. Fluffy and soft, warm and comfortable, which was weird considering this has been built centuries ago.

My curiosity got the better of me so I had to ask Dad.

"Dad, how is this place still standing? I mean, look at it. This place is still in its shape like not a century has passed."

My father laughed, and I was confused still.

"What?" I asked.

"Come on Dad, what is it?"

Dad continued to laugh.

"Mom, Dad is laughing at me! Please tell him to answer me and stop him from teasing." I shouted.

"Answer your daughter, Mikelle" she said.

"Alright, Alright. If you must know, this house is protected by enchantments, the same coven who gave me a protection mark against the sun. As you know, we've had them as our friends over hundreds of years ago, Clarke."

"They could do that?"

"Yes, they can. They are the most powerful witch coven in the whole world."

"Dad, I don't suppose they can make me an enchantment ring? You know, something that can cloak my presence from vampires and werewolves, with me being undetectable I could practice mastering my powers."

"Now that I think about it, I think they can. We could visit them tomorrow if you like, I know some of them still live next town. We are due for a visit anyway."

"Yes! We should leave early tomorrow".

"Now calm down, sprout" Mom said.

"We should get some rest today, alright? Don't hype too much" she laughed.

"I know that." I smiled sheepishly.

"Alright, go to your room and rest. Sleep well, my darling." She said as she kissed me on my forehead.

"Good night Dad, good night Mom."

I went into my room and went under the covers. Today had been amazing.

Today had been normal.

Home sweet home, indeed.