Runaway's come home

[Sarra Haystone]

Yule had been very different this year. For one, Sarra Haystone had found herself on the shores of Tresteria for the first time in five years since she’d fled it. Something had called her home, and she was starting to believe it had something to do with the ghost in the snow covered cloak that had walked his way into the same Tavern she’d been drinking in.

A very happy Yule indeed, as Sarra was finally reunited with the man she’d been chasing down all these years. Ironically enough, she’d found him in the place they’d both left.

That morning, she’d carefully slipped out from under Sevrin’s arm, got dressed, left him a quick note, and then was off. Her Yule was continuing, she just hoped they’d be happy to see her. That their father hadn’t burned or got rid of all the letters she’d sent telling them that she was in fact alive and well.

The sun was barely up that early morning, as Sarra’s boots walked across the snow covered path up to the Haystone estate. It loomed in all its depressing glory. A place she’d once enjoyed, and that held a ton of memories. Both good and bad. She didn’t bother knocking, or announcing herself as she tapped her feet against the steps. Shaking off the snow. She slipped right in through the front door as she used to live there, so clearly she had a right to be there, despite the fact Father had sent her away.

She slowly, and carely closed the door behind her, not wanting to alert anyone. She wondered if anyone would recognize her. She didn’t look like the Sarra they’d last seen, and was certainly not the same one either. She was dressed in dark leather breaches, a dark blue, off the shoulder shirt with flowing sleeves that cinched at her wrist. A leather corset was over it. A well worn long duster jacket that had seen it’s better days and she had a cloak over it to help with the winter’s chill. Her blonde hair feel in slightly wavy strands around her shoulders and down her back, and atop her head was a battered cavalier hat with a purple feather that was looking to be replaced here soon. At her side, under the dust was a sword and a dagger that Sarra knew how to use quite well.

She slowly began to make her way into the foyer, glancing around at all of her mothers decorating. Her steps were slow, yet purposeful, and she headed towards the staircase that would lead up. Her mind went back to the time she had to leave, how her screams had carried throughout the halls as her fathers men had forced her into the back of a carriage. How she’d yelled at her mother to help, and yet Corrine had been just as helpless as she had been.

If only she’d locked that infernal door when Sev had snuck in through the window… She was at the top of the stairs now, looking up and down the long hallway, she decided to walk to her old room, her eyes looking at the pieces of art that hung up. Knowing each one by memory, but she looked at them as if it was her first time seeing them as she walked down memory lane.

As she came to her door, she stared at it for a moment. Looking down at the handle she lifted her hand almost hesitantly. As if she didn’t have the right to open the door and see what lay beyond it. She glanced up at the ceiling, taking a deep breath before her hand grabbed the knob and then pushed the door open. She stood in the doorway, and it was like time had never changed. Five years hadn’t gone bye. Someone had left the room exactly the way she’d left it. Her four post bed were still in the corner, the bed neatly made just how she liked it. Her vanity with her powders and brushes still in their places, as was her dressers and wardrobe. The curtains were closed, casting the room in shadow, and Sarra took slow steps in. Gently running her fingers across the surfaces she passed as she came to the curtains. She gripped the heavy fabric before she flung them open, as light pooled into the room. Her eyes drank up the sight of the garden and her eyes insntaly went to the trellis that Sevrin used to have to climb up to the first floor room and then carefully make his way over to her window.
A small smile curled her lips as she let her hands fall down to her side, before her cobalt eyes took in the sight of the winter morning after Yule at the Haystone estate…

Sasha Haystone

[Sasha Haystone]

Sasha wasn't naturally a morning person. It had taken her years to build up a decent routine (decent meaning that she no longer swore at the poor maidservant who came in and threw open the curtains to let in the light and wake her up). But wake up with the sun she did, even if she hated every moment of it until she'd made it through her first cup of tea.

This morning, though, she woke even before the servants had come through. She had the strangest feeling, like something was happening. But Yule had been yesterday, not today! She'd gotten and given all the gifts already, and the ball had passed. So what was bothering her?

Disconcerted, she rose and put on her dressing gown and a warm pair of slippers, planning to go down to the kitchens and beg for a cup of tea. As she stepped into the hall, though, she caught movement in her peripheral that caused her to do a double-take. Had...had she just seen someone go into Sarra's room? Someone in a hat?

Sasha rubbed her tired eyes as she crept down the hallway, her heart pounding as she found that the door to Sarra's room truly was open. She leaned her way painfully slowly around the doorframe and watched the person draw open the curtains. With the light from the curtains, she could now make out a feminine figure, and familiar blonde curls.

"You're here!" she shrieked, flinging herself across the room at her sister and throwing her arms around her in a crushing hug. "I thought I'd never see you again!"

[Sarra Haystone]

The sudden shriek of a voice, startled Sarra. She tensed, half expecting it to be her father. She felt like she couldn’t be surprised though, as she whirled around just in time to see her youngest sister hurrying towards her, and before she knew it, Sasha had her in a crushing hug. Her hat nearly toppled off her head.

She stood there, froze for but a moment, before her arms finally wrapped around her sister in an equalling crushing hug. Squeezing her eyes shut as she let herself relax into her little sisters embrace. Leaning down slightly so she could rest her chin on Sasha’s shoulder, while she breathed in her familiar scent. Oh had she missed her….

A small chuckle came from Sarra before she finally leaned back reaching up to take Sasha’s face between her hands to get a good look at her. “Have some faith Sash, jeez.” She lightly teased, but there was some moisture in her eyes as she grinned broadly at her baby sister. Looking her over. Five years certainly had suited her well. Her sister looked less like the teenager she’d left her as, and more like a woman. There had certainly been a time when Sarra didn’t think she’d live to see her family again, let alone Sev, let alone anyone. It had been a dark time, but she’d survived it, and she was here.

“Look at you little sister…” She said wistfully, with a slight shake of her head. “You’re all grown up.” She said softly. If Sasha paid attention, she’d see her sister looked different as well. Her skin was tanner, worn from the sun, her freckles standing out a bit more on her nose. Her hair was a bit more sun bleached, and a wildish look to it, but what really stood out was the scar of her face that started on the right side of her temple and curved down to her upper cheek. It was partially hid by her hair that wouldn’t get really noticed unless she tucked her hair away from her face.

[Sasha Haystone]

"I didn't mean it like that," Sasha whined, pouting theatrically for her sister's benefit. "But the wide-open world of adventures is a lot more interesting than little old me--and goodness knows it's more pleasant than being trapped in here with daddy dearest." She mimed poking her finger into her throat to gag.

Sasha's goofy demeanor vanished at her sister's comment that she was all grown up. It actually meant a lot to her. Not many people thought of her that way--their father wanted to keep her as his little girl forever, and being married off to an older man didn't help, either. Everyone thought of her like a helpless little child who couldn't do a thing for herself. It was driving her absolutely batty.

"Thank you, Sis. Now if only I could convince everyone else!" she forced a smile, trying to play off how touched she was. "And you, you look like a pirate queen. Have you been having the grandest adventures? And did you find your star-crossed lover?"

This she was eager to know. Sarra had sent letters, but it was nothing like talking to the actual woman. Sarra told the best stories, she always had, and this was the story to top them all--the dramatic search for her long-lost love who had been banished for her sake.

[Sarra Haystone]

Oh how she had missed this sweet girl. Sarra's lips curled up into a smile as Sasha started to whine, scrunching her nose slightly at her just like she used to do when they were younger. "Anything's better then here with daddy dearest." She added. Leaning in a bit as she looked at her sister in a conspirator way. "Even pirates are better company." She said with a hushed whisper, and quick wink. 

"You're the baby girl, you're always going to be treated like you aren't an adult." She pointed out. "But even the youngest daughters must grow up sometimes." She said with a slight sigh. Looking Sasha over again with a slight shake of her head. She had half a mind to ask if father had started beating off suitors yet, or if he'd forced her into a chastity belt. After Sarra's little stunt, it wouldn't surprise her.  She smiled at her sister as she asked of her adventures. It was soft, and she pulled the hat off her head and plopped it on Sasha's as she walked passed her. Walking towards her old wardrobe.

"I've certainly seen what the world has to offer, both good and bad." She mused, glancing over her shoulder at Sasha. Wasn't that the truth? She knew all about how cruel people could be, and her body was a prime example. She pulled the wardrobe doors open, keeping her hands on the side of the doors while she held her arms out. Her cobalt blue eyes looking at her old gowns, and shoes that were stored inside. By the looks of things what she'd packed when she was forced to leave had been brought back after she'd escaped the carriage, and she closed the wardrobe to and went to the bed. A thoughtful look on her face as she got down on her hands and knees. "I did," She said finally answering Sasha's question on if she had found Sevrin. 

She reached under the bed and then heaved out her old trunk, quickly opening it up. Her hand quickly began to pull old items aside, going for the bottom before her fingers began quickly searching the edges. Trying to find the right corner that had the fabric wedged in place. Once she found what she was looking for she started to pull it back to reveal a hidden compartment at the bottom of the trunk, and Sarra grinning in victory. She glanced up Sasha. "Last night actually believe it or not. Here, in Tresteria of all places." She said thoughtfully. "Happy Yule indeed." She said with a grin before glanced down opened up the compartment to find a small leather bound journal. She pulled it out and let her finger tips run over the old leather in wonder and awe that it was still there, and had staid safe for all these years. 

[Sasha Haystone]

Sasha took a seat on the edge of the bed as she watched Sarra wander her old room, checking if things were still where she remembered. Father had ordered that nothing be changed while Sarra was gone so that when he found her or she returned, she could pick up as if she'd never left. He'd even promised Sasha that if she behaved, that he would welcome Sarra back with open arms, the prodigal daughter returned. Whenever she'd been on the edge of misbehaving, all he had to do was remind her of her vow, and there she'd be, back on the straight and narrow.

She'd come closest to quitting the week she got engaged--to a man nearly twice her age with two children. She'd been furious with her father for making the arrangements without her consent and threatened to run away, just like Sarra had. But 'daddy dearest' had reminded her that she was no Sarra; she'd never been as skilled, as mature, as smart...and she didn't have a handsome rogue to help her, either. He'd catch her, and he'd bring her back, and both she and her sister would live the rest of their lives as prisoners. She'd backed down.

She looked at the engagement ring on her hand silently, twisting it to catch the light now streaming through the window. Perhaps it was worth it if Sarra had found her pirate prince charming.

Last night actually believe it or not. Here, in Tresteria of all places." She said thoughtfully. "Happy Yule indeed."

Sasha gasped and nearly jumped off the bed in her delight. SHE'D FOUND HIM!!! She was absolutely ecstatic, and she couldn't help her girlish squeal.

"Sarra that's fantastic!! Tell me everything! Did he fall in love with you all over again? Are you going to be married? Can I be your maid of honor?"

[Sarra Haystone]

Sarra ran her hand over the cover of the journal. A flood of memories coming back to her all at once. What she held in her hands was her and Sevrin’s story. From the beginning, Sarra had always kept a journal. Writing her thoughts down on paper helped her seem to make sense of the world around her. Especially the life her father had always wanted her to live. The perfect daughter…

And yet that life changed the moment she’d seen that roguish smile. Her eyes drifted up from the journal to look at Sasha, the amused smile not leaving her face as she watched her little sister practically jump in delight. She could only assume Sasha thought this was straight out of a romance novel considering everything. Sarra almost didn’t have the heart to tell her, but decided it was probably for the best. Closing the trunk she slid it back under the bed and then stood. Dusting her pants of before she unceremoniously plopped down on the bed. Holding that little bound journal in her hands while she looked at her sister.

“We’re not getting married, sweetheart. At least not yet.” She told her with a smile. “If at all.” She said with a small sigh. Once upon a time maybe Sarra wanted to marry Sev. She still did, but the life they lived? Just being with him was enough for her. And even then, he was leaving port soon. And he didn’t want to take her with him. “Its...complicated.” She said with a slight wince. Setting the journal beside her, she wrapped an around Sasha’s shoulders. Hugging her close to her side. “Don’t get me wrong, we were very surprised, and happy to see the other.” She said with a wink. “But Sevrins a mercenary now, and I’m-” What exactly could she call herself? “An adventurer.” She said with a warm smile.

She reached up to lightly stroke Sasha’s hair. “And he’s being stubborn and refusing to let me tag along.” She admitted, pursing her lips. Her displeasure clear on her face. “But, what he doesn’t know is, I fully plan on joining him. Even if I have to stow away first.” She declared. Standing up, she placed her hands on her hips, looking much like the pirate Queen that could handle her own as she turned to look down at Sasha, and took her face between her hands. Her thumbs stroking her sisters cheeks lovingly, as she looed sadly down at her. “Sorry to say I won’t be coming back home, sis.” She murmured softly. But, she was visiting! She was there, even if father and mother, and the others hadn’t realized it yet, or even wanted her there.

[Sasha Haystone]

Sasha's excitement vanished, replaced with a baby-faced pout. How could they not be getting married? Wasn't the whole point of going looking for Sevrin that they were in love? How did that work, that she finally found him and it didn't even mean they were sticking together? That was stupid.

Sasha, of course, also immediately jumped to the conclusion that it was Sevrin's fault. He must have said no.

And he’s being stubborn and refusing to let me tag along.” She admitted, pursing her lips. Her displeasure clear on her face.

Ha! She knew it. That dog. How dare he! Didn't he know how much trouble Sarra had gone through to find him? How could he push her away after all that?

“But, what he doesn’t know is, I fully plan on joining him. Even if I have to stow away first.”

That cheered Sasha up. "Darn right you will!" she exclaimed, throwing her hands in the air in her excitement. Of course! She was going after him! She was going to make him see reason, and they'd be happier together! Sasha's fairytale fell back into place, although it involved the princess becoming a mercenary, too, instead of the rogue becoming a charming prince. She was pretty okay with that ending, anyway--the life of an adventurer seemed to suit her big sister perfectly well.

“Sorry to say I won’t be coming back home, sis.”

Sasha shrugged. "That's alright, I knew you wouldn't want to stay. After all, I don't want to be here either." She made a face. "If I had a choice between stowing away on a mercenary ship and marrying a man twice my age, obviously…" Sasha's words faltered, and her nonchalant expression began to give way to wonder. "I'd…I'd go..." What she'd just said began to sink in, and her eyes widened. This might be a chance to escape a miserable marriage. Her only chance.

"Sarra," she grabbed her sister's wrists and looked at her with hope glowing in her eyes. "Would you take me with you? I promise I'll be good, and I'll make myself useful! I'll do anything you ask!"

[Sarra Haystone]

Sarra laughed at Sasha’s cheering, releasing her face gently as she turned and plopped down on the bed beside her. She really had missed her littlest sister and that sunny disposition she had. She missed all her siblings if she was being honest, even if she knew Sage was most likely the most upset with her. Even then, Sarra still wanted to see her. And Simon of course.

Sarra canted her head slightly as Sasha confessed she didn’t want to be there either. Her brows furrowed slightly, as she looked at her. Had something happened? What had changed in the years she was away? Before Sarra had been found out with Sevrin, the Haystones had been happy had they not? Sure Marvin put a lot of pressure on them to be perfect, but...it hadn’t been so bad. Father had his moments of tenderness sometimes… Though it had been rare. For a brief moment, the guilt ate away at Sarra. What sort of world had she created in her absence for her siblings? What had she put them through, on the silly notion of chasing after the love of her life?

Her lips pursed as she watched Sasha make her face, and she realized she was being set up with a marriage she didn’t want. Sarra had been in a similar situation with Nigel of course. The thought of that silly, angelic man brought a slight curl to Sarra’s lips. Nigel had been a dear friend despite their courting, and if it wasn’t for him, she was certain Sevrin and her would have been found out far sooner. For a brief moment, she pondered over if she should stop by and see him as well. If he was home of course. He’d always dreamed of traveling more…

Sasha’s sudden motion of grabbing her wrist, knocked Sarra back into reality, and her cobalt blues went wide, and she blinked rapidly for a moment while she tried to comprehend what her sister was telling her. Wait a moment… Was she hearing correctly? Sasha wanted to go with her? Her brows furrowed, and her lips parted. However, nothing came out. Instead, she gave Sasha a stern look, studying her face. The world of an adventurer was not easy. Sarra had learned that the hard way. Her decision to run after Sevrin had not been well thought out, and yet she’d done it anyway. Sarra didn’t regret her decision, despite it’s rashness, but she wanted Sasha to understand what might happen. Sarra’s body was evident enough.

“Sasha do you fully understand what you’re asking?” She said slowly. “Do you know what my life has truly entailed, the last five years?” She asked her. “I’ve gone hungry, held by pirates, chased by wild animals, had nothing but the clothes on my back, no connections….” She listed off some of the hardships she’d faced. “I’ve been tortured Sasha.” She said quietly, her tone conveying how serious she was as she reached up to pull away from the hair from the side of her face. Revealing that crescent moon-like scar that curved from her temple to her upper cheekbone. Just one of many others, she didn't wish her sister to see. She let her hair fall and took a deep breath. “It hasn’t been easy, sunflower.” She whispered. “My decision to leave was without thought and pure desperation. Foolish now that I think back on it. Do I regret it?” She asked herself aloud, and she found herself shaking her head slightly. “No, I found him.” A small smile spread across her face before it fell.

“Do not ask me that if you don’t fully understand what you’re signing yourself up for. There is no coming back. You’ll be leaving mother, Simon, and Sage all at the mercy of father. And you have to accept the fact they may never forgive you.” She whispered vehemently.

[Sasha Haystone]

Sasha bit her lip as she listened to her sister. Going out into the world was dangerous and likely to get her killed. Staying here, marrying, taking care of her step-children, she'd be safe. But did safety really matter? Was that what she wanted? Or did she want a chance to really live, however brief it may be?

She took a deep breath and nodded.

"I know. Maybe it's wrong of me, but… I want a chance to make my own story. Maybe I don't get a happy ending. Maybe I only get a happy middle before a grisly tragedy. But at least it would be mine." She smiled, but it carried more sorrow than joy. "I just… I feel like a candle burning itself out these days, Sarra. Like I'm just going to flicker and vanish. I don't want to just be an empty shell, like some of these women."

It sounded so awful, put to words like that. But it was true, that was how she felt. She'd been watching herself fast approaching the end of her light, her life. She'd always been louder, messier, more emotional...and Father and the governess had done everything they could to beat that uniqueness out of her. Maybe she was a bad sister. A selfish one. Maybe Simon and Sage really would hate her. But she couldn't stay here, she just couldn't.

At that moment she realized something that scared her: even if Sarra wouldn't take her, she was going to get out of here. She was going to run even if it was the last thing she ever did.

[Sarra Haystone]

Sarra reached over to wrap an arm around her sister as she told her her reasonings for wanting to go. She knew how she felt. It was the same thing she’d felt in that carriage those years ago, realizing if she got to where it was headed, her life would be over. At the mercy of their father and whatever he had planned for her. Sarra had been on her way to die essentially.

The suppression of Tresterian women really was like a prison sentence, and she hated to see even a glimmer of her sisters light go out because of it. She pulled her close, resting her head against hers as she hugged her tight.

“So then go.” A voice sounded from the doorway and Sarra’s head shot up. Her body was tense for a moment because for a brief second- she hadn’t recognized the voice. But she certainly knew that face as she looked up to see Simon, leaning against the doorjamb. His arms were crossed over his chest, and he had a look on his face as if Sasha had said something stupid. “We’ve survived one Haystone escape, we can handle another,” He said casually, pushing off the door frame as he went further into the room, coming up Sasha’s other side. Sarra felt her heart swelling, as her eyes hadn’t left Simon. He’d been but a boy the last time she saw him, or so she thought. Certainly taller, and more of a man.

He’d sat down on Sasha’s opposite side, and then glanced over her head at Sarra. A faint smile on his face. “Besides, she won’t be alone. She’ll have you, won’t she?” He asked her, and Sarra felt her eyes mist over. “Damn right.” She murmured, her voice strained with the need to hold back tears. She Moved then, pulling both siblings into her arms for a fierce hug. Hugging Simon close, she felt his free arm go around her and his hug back was just as tight as hers. Sasha had one sibling’s approval for her to go then, but Simon had always been far more easygoing than Sage ever was. Sarra wanted to bring all her siblings with her then but knew there would be a lash back from the second oldest sister.

[Sasha Haystone]

Sasha nearly jumped out of her skin at the sound of a male voice--it wasn't until afterward she actually heard what Simon had said. He was acting all casual about it, coming to sit beside her, but Sasha's eyes were already filling with tears as her heart swelled. She was so lucky to have such good siblings on her side, in spite of all the garbage advice and rules that had been heaped on them from birth.

She was glad that Sarra pulled both of them into a hug--if Sarra hadn't done it, Sasha would have. She hugged both of her siblings with all her tiny might and cried fiercely into their embrace. "You're both too good to me. I don't know what I'd do if I didn't have you to keep me from drowning in all this," she wailed quietly--she didn't want to get them caught, but she could barely restrain the wave of emotion that was threatening to turn her into a blubbering mess. Tears were already running hot down her face; it was only a matter of time before she needed to get out her handkerchief for her nose. Goodness, she was going to be stuffed up for hours, but it was worth it. She loved her siblings so much.

"I love you two."

[Sarra Haystone]

Sarra held both siblings close, and Simon had rested his head on top of Sasha’s. “You’d have run off like our dearest Pirate.” He murmured into her hair, and Sarra’s heart seized. She rubbed Sasha’s back, trying to comfort her while she blubbered. Sarra kept hers at bay, and gave both of them one last squeeze before she was drawing back. “And we love you.” She said quietly. A small smile on her face before her eyes flickered to Simon. The two shared a look, and she could see that whatever causal facade her little brother was putting on, wasn’t going to last. He was too sweet, to “sensitive” as father always put it, but in all honestly, Simon loved with his whole heart. He cared deeply about those around him.

She saw his eyes misting over and that bottom lip of his tremble and she was already holding her arms out towards him, before he all but yanked her closer into a death squeeze. “You’re much bigger than last time.” She remarked with a small huff of laughter. “And you’re different.” He said quietly. “In a good way,” He added quickly before Sarra could try and figure out what he meant. She pulled back after a moment, grasping his head before she placed a kiss on top of his head, and Simon quickly wiped a stray tear.

She let a big sigh out and then turned towards Sasha. “Alright fine. But you have to do everything I say alright? It’s going to be dangerous, and you’re going to have to learn to protect yourself. I might not be with you all the time, but I promise I’ll find you.” Sarra told her. Finally caving in, but also letting her sister know that in the midst of adventure, the two could get separated. And Sarra would do anything and everything in her power to find her. She’d found Sevrin Demarais after five years, she’d certainly find Sasha.

“And you!” She turned towards Simon and pointed a finger at him. Pursing her lips. “Are you sure about this?” She asked quietly. Did he understand what might happen with Sasha gone? Simon merely grinned that boyish grin. “Mother will cry, Sage will brood for a good month, and Father will be down right livid.” That grin turned just a bit more mischievous. “But yes I’m sure. You’ve both sacrificed so much for us, go be free. And when I inherit everything….Come home.” He said with a softer smiler, and Sarra’s love for her little brother just grew ten times more.

She grinned and then looked at Sasha. “If that’s the case, should we at least go find mother? And Sage? It is Yule after all.”

[Sasha Haystone]

Sasha listened to the others as she caught her breath, hiccuping softly as she recovered from her sobbing fit.

“Alright fine. But you have to do everything I say alright? It’s going to be dangerous, and you’re going to have to learn to protect yourself. I might not be with you all the time, but I promise I’ll find you.” Sarra told her.

She nodded intently. "I swear."

She was relieved when Sarra's intensity turned on Simon instead. He took it better than she had, really. Of course, he always did. He always knew what to say and who to smile at. She'd never been able to get the hang of that, herself. He was smarter, though she'd never tell him that to his face.

She jumped a little when Sarra looked back at her.

“If that’s the case, should we at least go find mother? And Sage? It is Yule after all.”

Sasha grimaced. She was going to have to act like everything was normal for a while longer. But she could do it, couldn't she? To make sure the others were alright? She wouldn't want to ruin their Yule, not if she could let them enjoy it a bit longer.

"Right." She sniffled and wiped her eyes before kissing first Sarra, then Simon on the cheek. "Happy Yule, you two. Love you."