Chapter Text
Eli rushed to the church, barely eating any breakfast. He ran so fast, Brooke was way behind him, screeching.
“Silence your bird, freak!” a villager complained.
“Apologies!” Eli looked back “Hush, Brooke Rose!”
But the bird did not comply, she just chirped louder, enough to awaken the house they were passing by. Villagers complained, and complained and complained. Unfortunately, due to Eli’s panic, he paid them no mind and kept running as fast as he could. Their voices annoyed him and the muddy street disgusted him, but then again he ignored it all, for there was something he needed to see. Something, or should he say someone very important to him.
He reached the wooden doors of the church, panting. His companion was behind him screeching as loud as she could. Eli didn’t like how Brooke was acting today. “I said hush! What’s gotten into you Brooke Rose?!” He scolded, and the bird silenced but flapped her wings violently. He sighed, “ I know what I’m doing, I’m just going to ask. You don’t have to worry, love,” he smiled and petted her.
As soon as he opened the door he saw Jamil sweeping the altar’s floor. “Good Day to you brother!” he eyed him.
His face wrinkled when he saw Eli panting in his haggard state. “Oh, Saints!” Jamil dropped the broom and rushed to assist Eli.
“Good day… Jamil!” Eli managed to say in between his breaths. “The high priest…I need to see The high priest, please!”
“What happened? Hold on, I’ll bring you water,” Before Jamil could walk away, Eli yanked his sleeves.
“No need, I’m fine. I really need to see the high priest, please. Urgent matters,” His serious tone worried Jamil. He nodded at him and Eli gave his thanks.
Brooke rested on his thighs and nuzzled on his stomach. Eli felt guilty screaming at her, “I’m sorry, Brooke,” the bird cooed.
Not long enough, the high priest arrived. “High priest!” Eli stood up and greeted him.
“Greetings, Mr. Clark! Now…” he sat on the nearest pew. “… What do you wish to discuss?”
Eli sat beside him and took a deep breath. “About the vision---”
“Mr. Clark, we discussed this and I---”
“Yes, I know! I know!”
Eli played with his hands. His companion kept on moving on the pew’s armrest. Her claws’ scratched the wood which made Eli more nervous. He stammered and looked at the high priest. “I-I just wanted to ask, w-what if, what if I told her her fate? Even Brooke Rose stared at the priest and tilted her head, both waited for an answer. The high priest sighed “Brother, you know there are consequences. Every vision has a reason, maybe it is what she deserves—
“No!” Eli couldn’t stomach what he heard and stood up.
The owl flapped her wings and screeched at her companion’s sudden tone. Eli panted, his hands trembled. Did I just raise my voice to the High Priest? He gasped as he came back into his mind. “S-sorry! I, I didn’t mean---!”
The High Priest raised his hand. “It’s alright, I understand. She’s important to you, yes?” he stood to reach Eli’s level and put a hand on his shoulder.
“Eli Clark, I understand you’re confused and shocked. But remember this, that vision is shown to you for a reason. And if you do anything that will hinder it, you might not like what will happen to you, or the girl.”
He removed his hand as he walked right past him. Eli froze, his eyes wide and hand still shaking. But before the High Priest vanished before him he raised his voice. Again.
“Father! If visions are gifts? Aren’t we supposed to use them for the greater good?”
With that, he signalled the bird and went out of the church.
After breakfast, Gertrude went to her room. She undid the ribbons of her bonnet and threw it where ever corner of the room and lie down on her bad flat. Julia went in after her, disappointed but not surprised.
“Milady! You need to change, your parents arranged a seat with your siblings today at th-----”
“Free me in this corset, please,” Gertrude groaned.
She walked to her and sat beside the bed. “I afraid I can’t, Miss,”
Gertrude sat up. “Why?”
Her maid noticed her bonnet beside the hamper and picked it up “Well, because your brother saved you a seat at the White Lily Opera hall.”
Gertrude looked baffled when she heard that. “Wait? Opera? Now?” she stood from her bed and walked back and forth. “Yes, milady and after that, they’re planning to have lunch at the Rochefort’s.”
Gertrude cannot process any of that, first breakfast then opera, and then lunch? “Hold on! We just had breakfast! Can we at least have a break?” she blinked.
Julia brushed off the dirt on the bonnet “Yes, the opera is the break, I heard you’ll be seeing Cinderella,”
Gertrude gripped her skirt so tight that it started to wrinkle. “No! I mean opera is good at night, yes? Much more romantic seeing my siblings with their spouses!” she explained.
Julia looked at her worriedly, “I’m so sorry but Sir Gabriel already made appointments—”
The lady raised her hands up “Ugh! Of course, Gabriel made the schedules! He’s bad at making schedules!” Desperate, she pleaded with her maid “Please Julia! Make some excuse, I promised Eli that I’ll meet him at the oak tree this afternoon!” Julia was so shocked that she lost her balance, thank goodness she found a chair to hold onto.
“M-Milady! I was already stressed to make an excuse to your father last night much more into your whole family!”
Gertrude started tearing up and bowed to show her genuineness.
“I’ll raise your pay!” she retorted.
“No,”
“O-Okay, I’ll triple it then, a-and I’ll wash the dishes you are assigned in!”
“I’m sorry!”
Gertrude stood up and held her maid’s hands “Please Julia, you know how important this is to me!
“Don’t get me wrong, I love to see my siblings, I do, but--- but wouldn’t it be awkward that they all have their other halves while I don’t?” she looked at her, she felt guilty. “And you know that Eli already proposed to me! Let me out of here!”
Julia didn’t know what to say, she was just a maid with a family to feed. She was there to obey orders but she was also there to make sure everything would be perfect. That was why she was Lady Claire Gertrude’s personal maid: To attend to her, to serve her, to advise her, and most importantly, to make sure she was well and happy. If meeting Eli would make her happy, sure. But was that why she was here? Just to spoil her? No, she was there to make her presentable. That was how handmaids were.
Julia kept her cool and held her Master’s hands back. “Milady, I know---”
knock, knock, knock
“Claire? Honey? May I come in?”
Gertrude paused.
“... Mom?”
The lady quickly rose from her feet and arranged her dress, wiping her tears with her hands. Her maid hurriedly looked for clean cloth to cleanseher master’s face.
Another knock filled their ears. “A-A moment, Mother!”
The ladies panicked, hurrying to look presentable. When they were ready, the daughter called. Her mother, Cassandra went in and close the door gently. She eyed her daughter carefully, like a hawk searching for prey. She noticed her skirt was already wrinkled. She eyed the maid which made Julia jolt. “May you please go outside Julia, I need to talk to my daughter.”
Gertrude froze when she heard that. The handmaid just bowed her head and did what she was tol.
Cassandra sat beside the edge of the bed. “Come here dear,” she patted the free space gently. Gertrude obeyed and sat beside her. She couldn’t look at her in the eye. Perhaps, was she scared? Well, her escapes have been happening quite a lot lately. Her mother sighed “You’re about to see him aren’t you?” she said softly. Gertrude wanted to say something but words won’t come out of her mouth. “Do you not like spending with us? It's been months since we have bonded as a whole family,” Cassandra sounded sad, but understanding.
Gertrude stood up and faced her mother “No! It’s not like that. I just want to see him that’s all,” nervous, she started playing with her fingers “Our dates are always in secret. We never have that kind of free time where we didn’t care about curfew.” now feeling more scared she avoided her eyes from her.
“E-Eli and I always need to check the time so I can go home early. Sometimes it takes only a few minutes then we will part ways,” Gertrude's voice shook, and her pupils moved at every corner just to avoid the person in front of her. Her mother frowned “I’m sorry."
Cassandra held her warm hands “We don’t know anything about him. We can’t just trust him yet,” she explained, looking at her daughter with a concerned look.
Gertrude held her mother’s hands tighter and sat beside her again. “Exactly mother! You don’t know him yet, that’s why try to meet him. Get to know him. I swear to you Eli is very kind and sincere! Father may even like him.” her eyes was full of excitement and love as she explained her beloved’s nature. Cassandra never saw her like that, maybe rarely but still, the joyfulness in her daughter’s voice was everything.
Still, as a mother she couldn't help but worry “Dear Gertrude, in this world even the most gentle creature can be deceiving. Knowing our background and name, who knows when will he show his true nature.” she stated, caressing her daughter’s fingers.
“But--!’
“Your siblings and father are waiting outside, go get ready.” she didn’t let her speak more and left the room.
Julia peeked in and saw her lady look defeated. She was about to comfort her when her lady just smiled and said “Can you make my hair again? The ribbons started to get loose,”.
Eli can’t stop pacing back and forth. He scrunched his brows while scratching his non-stop Brooke Rose squawked worrying he’ll wound his scalp. The nonstop noises from the bird got to Eli’s nerves “Quiet Brooke Rose! Please!”.
His owl flapped her wings trying to get his attention. It worked and he looked at her out of irritation. He sighed, calming himself. “What now?” he shook his hands in the air. The owl softly hooted. “I’m sorry.”
He cupped his companion and kiss her head. The owl tilted her head and hooted again “I know, but--- but what if it turns for the worse? I’m scared Brooke, I don’t want to lose her. I can’t,”. Brooke flew and landed on his shoulder. She nuzzled onto his cheek. He petted her. “Thank you, I’m alright.”
He leaned on the table. He crossed his arms and sighed. Brooke rested herself on the wooden chair. Eli took a heavy breath as if his thoughts weighed like the earth. He wanted to tell her, but the consequences didn’t leave his mind too.
He wanted to be sure. He wanted her to be safe.
Silence filled the air.
The owl hooted. Eli stood up.
“Come, Brooke! We need to find her,”
The opera house was full. Gertrude can hear the whispers and giggles of her family. She heard how Ingrid was excited about the show, Genevieve felt nostalgic, and Cassandra complemented the house’s architecture. She sat there silently. she wanted to talk with them but all she could do was listen. Of course, everything was arranged to perfection! What was there to talk about? Hi, I’m Claire Gertrude, and I’m in a secret relationship with a seer! No, she couldn’t say that and she would not. Well, her parents already knew, but still.
The opera has started. The audience became quiet and the atmosphere changed.
The spotlight highlighted the actress and the orchestra started playing.
The play progressed smoothly, yet Gertrude couldn’t understand anything. She already knew the story of Cinderella but a part of her wanted to appreciate the play by understanding it. The music, the acting, the lighting. Everything.
However, her mother’s words kept on ringing in her head. Eli lying to her? Of course not! He would not do that! He couldn’t. They love one another. Also, he already proposed to her and she agreed. He didn’t force her or anything. Eli asked her, nicely. He was adorable too, being nervous and all like a teenage boy who confessed for the first time; His bird beside him, calming him down. How endearing.
The memory made her smile.
…
The play ended. The ensemble bowed and exit the stage, people inside the house started leaving and saying their amusements and critiques regarding the play.
“That was beautiful!” Ingrid exclaimed, opening her fan.
“Indeed it is, I’m glad you enjoyed it,” Gabriel said as he wraped his hand around her waist.
As they went outside the opera her brother nudge her softly “Claire, did you enjoy it?” he whispered softly for the others not to hear but loud enough that for Gertrude.
She looked at him puzzled “Yes, why? The music is nice and the acting is extraordinary,”
Somehow her answer didn’t convince him. “Really? Then why did I see you smiling?” he raised a brow.,
Gertrude chuckled “If you saw me smiling brother, then you know I’m enjoying myself,”.
“Yes, I saw you smiling but I can clearly tell that it wasn’t because of the play. We may be apart from each other for quite some time, but I hope you remember that you are my sister and I know that smile is not because of enjoyment.” Gertrude’s eye twitched. Gertrude always hated it whenever she was reminded of how she seemed to be an open book. Unfortunately for her, her brother is the observant type. “You are missing someone, is that right?”
She avoided his gaze “I---”
“Gertrude!” a familiar voice called.
Gerald knows that voice and he immediately stepped forward “ You shameless freak!” he shouted.
Gertrude gasped “Eli!”
She tried to run to him but her brother stopped him “Claire, who is this man?”
When she was about to answer him, a man shouted.
“Stop him!” two men in uniforms ran after the hooded man. The owl went after them and flapped her wings so hard that they missed where her companion was headed. The people started to stare at the scene. Murmurs of Whats and whos surrounded them.
“Gertrude! Please!” Eli shouted again. Waving his arms just for her to see. His clothes were tattered, his robe was filled with patches. He was drenched with his own sweat, making his hair messier. “I need to talk to you, please! I’ll be quick!”
Eli’s figure was becoming clearer and clearer. Gertrude was about to go to him when her father blocked her way “Don’t you dare young lady!” he spoke in a stoic voice.
“Mr. Vandergaw, please. I won’t take long.” Eli stopped in front of them, panting, he was trying to catch his breath and he was shaking. It seems like he ran all the way from here.
“Eli! What are you doing here? How did you find me?” she asked, still in her brother’s grasp. His owl went to him, wings flapping as fast as she could.
Genevieve and Ingrid seem to be disgusted by the creature and kept their distance from the bird.
Eli pleaded with Gertrude’s father. “I just wanted to talk to her, please. I will be quick, Sir.”
As soon as Gertrude found the strength to free herself from his brother’s hold, she quickly ran to him but a tall figure blocked her.
“No further,” He growled. Gerald looked at the man in front of him.
Eli chased his breath as if his stamina was reaching its end. “I just need to talk to her, Sir. Please.”
Eli knew how her family looked at him but he still managed to speak to them with respect. Gertrude met Eli’s eyes. His eyes were not only tired, but he also looked at her like he needed to tell her something. Something that was important enough to bring him here despite the consequences. “Father!” she begged “small talk won’t hurt,”.
Gerald huffed, “And what lies are you supposed to tell her?” with that he turned his back. “Come, Claire. We’re leaving,” as much as Gertrude wanted to, she couldn’t disobey her father. Even if she would, who knew what would happen?
The guards screamed in the distance. Eli clicked his tongue and whispered a soft sorry. Eli snatched his lover from her father's arm. Gerald acted fast and tried to take his daughter away and yelled, “Eli Clark!”
Eli grabs Gertrude by her shoulders “Ugh… Gertrude…” he tried to say more but those few words took the remaining air out of him.
“E-Eli, what is this? Are you alright?”
Eli inhaled as if there wouldn’t be tomorrow, “I need you to listen to me, carefully.”
The Vandergaws were saying something, but Gertrude chose to focus on Eli. Brooke Rose tried to distract the family by acting as a barrier. Gabriel shouted, “Get lost bird!”
The commotion now gained attention from the other people outside the Opera. Gossip and whispers added to the noise but to the couple, it all died down. What mattered to them most was to hear each other and no one else.
“G-Gertrude… I saw a…” He coughed. That was his brother’s cue to separate them. He pulled her sister away but Eli’s determination held her more tightly. “Listen!” he choked.
“Unhand my sister!” he ordered. Brooke Rose intervened by flying to Gabriel. The brother was careful not to be scratched by those claws. The owl screeched.
Ingrid fanned in the owl's direction. “Shoo!” she exclaimed. The owl got irritated by the synthetic feathers of the fan and accidentally clawed Ingrid’s hand.
“Ingrid!” Gabriel averted his attention to her without letting go of his sister. “You foul fiend!” He grabbed the bird and threw it away.
“Brooke Rose!” Gertrude gasped. Eli’s hand was shaking, he was trying his best to keep his balance and say what he needed to say. The Bird hit a huge impact on the walls but still flew to aid her companion.
Much to the family’s dismay, Gertrude’s attention was still on Eli. She still had whirlwind of Why? What? And How? thrown at Eli. He couldn’t comprehend what words she was saying. His eyelids were becoming heavier and his legs felt like it was going to collapse any second. Gabriel took this opportunity to pull Gertrude. She winced.
“Come, Claire! We’re leaving!” she heard those words but paid no mind. After tending Ingrid’s wounds, Gerald helped his son. He wrapped his arm around her daughter’s waist which made Eli let her go. Eli knew when it comes to strength he was no match against them. He squeezed his other hand that was holding Gertrude and stared at her blue eyes.
Gertrude felt the time stop. Even if there was havoc going on, her father and brother insisted in pulling her while Eli used all his might to make her stay still. The voices around her faded as she poured Eli her full attention. The outcry of the guards and the orders of her family fell on deaf ears.
“My beloved, Claire Gertrude…” Eli began. “The vision I saw is….”
His voice was not clear but she managed to make out what his lips were saying.
“Wheat… You..r.. will…”
No.
“...Careful.”
A loud whistle filled their ears and the Vandergaws succeed at pulling Gertrude away from the seer. Gerald, full of rage, grab Eli by his robe and punched him.
“Eli!” his lover shouted.
“We’re leaving! NOW!” as she was being dragged away, her eyes didn’t wander anywhere but him. She watched him try to get up with his nose bleeding. Brooke Rose flew aggressively, checking if he’s okay. Eli gazed at her one last time. He rubbed his eyes. Must be the dust, she thought.
When they knew their distance was far enough they stopped. Christine moved forward to alert the officers. “Over there, sir! Take that lunatic away!” she pointed at Eli who was trying to get up.
“Yes ma’am!” Two officers escorted Eli away from them.
The family calmed down shortly after. Gabriel let out a heavy sigh, “What on Earth was that?” he then averted his attention to his wife. “Are you alright love?” he kissed the bandaged wound gently.
“Yes, thank you Mr. Vandergaw.,”
They went into their carriages: Gabriel with Ingrid and Genevieve; Gerald with Cassandra and Gertrude.
Gertrude did not have the courage to look at his father. Her mother was silent, holding her hand. The silence grew deafening. Gerald balled his fist tight enough to turn his knuckles white. Her father was trying to calm himself through deep breathing. Cassandra leaned forward and held his hand. Their daughter was shaking, still processing what happened.
Gerald glared at Gertrude, “This-- This is the reason why you should stop seeing him!”
Gertrude flinched.
“Dear, now is not the time,” she reasoned to her husband.
“Then when? When is the right time she’ll listen to us?” He slammed his fist onto his thigh. “Your bird-keeper lover caused a commotion at the opera! People were watching us, Claire! And mind you, they’re not just any people!” He ran his hand through his hair.
Gertrude could feel tears filling up her eyes. “I-I just wanted to see him.”
Her father scoffed “Sure! Spend more time with that man than your own family.,”
“Gerald!” Cassandra exclaimed.
“Claire, Your brother set up this date just for us to spend time with one another and enjoy ourselves. If you don’t want to come then say so, we’ll drop you off at the house.” Gerald explained. Cassandra thought of saying something but she decided not to. Their daughter took a deep breath and look at her father.
“No,” she said bluntly. “Y-You’re right, we have been away from each other for a long time. I am sorry for being dense… And selfish.”.
Gerald sighed and placed a hand on her head. “Hm, once we get to our next destination, apologize to your siblings and Ingrid as well. She is the one who took most of the damage here.”
“Yes, Father,” she responded as soon as her father released her. Her mother smiled at the conversation.
The officers took Eli and place him in one of the cells. They took Brooke Rose as well and caged her. The bird wouldn’t stop screeching much to the officers and inmates’ demise.
“Somebody, shut that damn bird up!” an inmate clamored. The police on duty shook his head and started to look for something to silence the avian. The officer only found a clean towel and so he decided to tie it around its beak. The owl’s foot was tied to the cage to keep it from escaping and causing more harm. However, the owl’s energy was just accelerating, hooting louder to alert her companion that she was hurt.
“Please be gentle with her!” Eli pleaded from one of the cells.
His confinement was located at the far. He may not see his friend but Brooke’s cries still reached his ears. The police ignored Eli’s pleas and grabbed the bird’s face forcefully. Brooke Rose tried to open her mouth and flutterher wings but the cage was keeping her movement limited. Her sharp beak began poking the police’s arm. He groaned. “Stop it! Ugh!”
Eli could only hear the police’s groans and Brooke’s muffled struggles.
Eli was alone in his small, cold, and dirty cell. Thick dust inhabited the corners and the rust enveloped most parts of the metal barrier. The rails, the bed, and the oil lamp— the cement walls were filled with cracks. The wall paint was peeling off and the place reeked like moist moss. Inside the cell contained a small mattress that looked like it aged for God knows how long, probably because of how old it was that it became flat. He only got a pillow and a blanket.
Later on, Brooke Rose’s screeches turned slowly into silent hums. Eli held onto the rusty metal rails “That’s it, good girl.”
Eli understood why he was there. He trespassed a private ground and caused a ruckus, embarrassed the Vandergaws’, and physically hurt his love by gripping and pulling her. He couldn’t help but sigh. Not to mention, he violated the rule, he told her the prophecy. When that reminded Eli his eye twitched. Yeah, his eyes were becoming itchy and dry from time to time. He got pushed down to the ground causing some specks of dust entering his eyes. He didn’t have the time to wash his eyes because he was taken to prison. His crime: Trespassing, Assault, and Public Disturbance. He would be staying there for a month or two. Lucky for him if someone would bail him out, but who on earth got 20 pounds to spend on him?
His companion became silent in her cage, trying her best to be on good behaviour. Eli let go of the rails and sat at the edge of the bed.
His eyes felt dry.
He blinked.