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Mary Wardwell, the woman who lived in an isolated cottage by the river, was known by the whole village as the last unmarried maiden who has reached the age of 24 without a man by her side. Why wasn't she married yet, you may ask? Well, she had the most revolting job that has ever existed for a woman. A cellarer at the local tavern. Working all day around men as if she was a flower-seller.The girl's uncle owned the place and hiring her meant that he could save money by not paying her a total wage. Of course that didn't advantage Mary, but no one else would've hired a woman when so many men were around.Her days were always the same; walking to the tavern, entertaining men twice her age and going back home in the evening. On Sundays, her only free days, she usually tidied up her cottage, washed her clothes and sheets, fed the animals and cooked.And cried. Cried of loneliness, of pain, after her uncle's screams because she hasn't sold a big enough amount of beer the previous week.He gave her this house after her mother died so she could live closer to the tavern and be on time at work, then let her manage her life by herself. And she did. Despite her not being very rich, she had hens and a beautiful garden that were her principal source of food and paid her taxes with the few pennies she made every month.Many people considered she had a weird life. A woman living by herself with no man and children was considered outrageous, but Mary loved it. She felt free even though she still belonged to her uncle. At least he seemed to have no interest in marring her off since that could ruin his business.It was one of those days. Before leaving the tavern, her uncle brought her to the back to have a "conversation" which resulted in him yelling, hitting and throwing hands at her. Why can't you do anything by yourself? Aren't you just like your mother? Made to stay home and take care of little bastards like you. It was true, she was one. When her mother got pregnant, her father simply ran away. A few years later, when her mother couldn't resist the shame anymore, she ended her own life and left a twelve year old Mary in her brother's hands.Despite the judging looks, pain and loneliness she had to endure, Mary felt like she lived her dream. Of course a small part of herself wished she had someone near, but it slowly vanished as she learned what brutes men could be.She has just reached home in the evening after her shift. After putting the pot of soup she made the previous day on the stove to warm up, she started undoing the laces of her corset. Her whole body hurt from the tight grip it had over her waist and breasts and she couldn't wait to take it off.The cottage was warm and cozy since she left the fire burn in the stove that morning before she left for work. She was taking off the layers of her skirt one by one and placed each one on the chair where the other clothes laid. Finishing, she only remained in a white, thin, short chemise with elbow-length sleeves and a square neckline.She removed the burning hot pot from the stove and placed it on a wooden cutting board. Grabbing a bowl and a spoon from the cupboard, she looked out the window in the complete darkness and realised how late it had to be since it's been dark for a few hours. She poured the steaming liquid into the bowl and dropped herself down on the chair. She was going to finish eating, then go to bed.With each bite she took, the sleepier she got and by the time she reached the bottom of the bowl she was half asleep. She picked up the candle and slowly walked to the bedroom, supporting herself on the few pieces of furniture that she owned. Tomorrow was finally Sunday. Finally, her only quiet day when she could sleep and relax as much as she wanted was just a few hours away.
As she prepared for bed a strange sound came from the outside of the cottage, then a knock. Mary cautiously walked the distance to the door and picked up her axe on the way. She could've pretended she wasn’t home, but the lighted candles were surely visible from the outside.“Who is it?” she asked, tightening her grip on the axe.“My name is Zelda Spellman. I live two villages away, in Salem. You see, my village was attacked last night and I need a place to stay for the night.” A muffled, shaky voice made itself heard.
At that, Mary lowered the axe and debated whether or not to let the woman inside “Are you alone?”“Yes. It's just me and my cat.”Mary sighed and opened the latch. Behind the door there was a beautiful redhead with sparkling emerald eyes, pink lips and with the features of a goddess, dressed in a dark green dress that was mostly covered by a cloak. In her arms she held a black cat close to her chest.The cold breeze finally reached Mary's senses and she blinked a few times “Excuse me. Please do come in.”"Thank you for your hospitality, I've been walking for the past two days." The mysterious woman spoke and gave Mary an appreciative smile."It is my pleasure, truly!""I'm sorry, I didn't quite catch your name. If you told me or if you're willing to give it to me.""I'm Mary" she nodded and smiled "Oh! Where are my manners? Sit, are you hungry?""Famished, but you've already done more than enough. I'll find something to eat in the morning, you don't need to bother.""Oh no. As I said, it's my pleasure. I can't let you starve."It took no more insisting to get Zelda to sit at the table and start eating the remaining lukewarm soup."Are you sure your husband wouldn't mind?" Zelda then inquired as they sat in silence."I don't have a husband." Mary answered, embarrassed "I know a maiden is supposed to have a steady family, especially one my age, but I guess it hasn't happened for me yet.""Are you not interested in forming a family? You know, having children and all that.""I can't say I'm not interested. It's just that marriages don't often bring peace and good things. I work as a cellarer and the kind of men I'm forced to interact with... the things they say about me, their wives and even their daughters absolutely disgust me."Zelda nodded in understanding "I know exactly what you're talking about, darling."Darling. "What's being married like?""I wouldn't know.""What do you- how old are you? If you don't mind me asking, of course.""38 years old.""38? I thought you were 3 years older than me at most."Zelda laughed, a soft laugh that tickled Mary's ears "No, dearest, as much as I'd like to go back in time and be 24 years old again, it's something that can't be done." Mary was so mesmerised by the woman's warm voice that she forgot to ask where from did she know her age "But I have come to the conclusion that ageing is a beautiful thing," Zelda added "That the lines on our faces tell a story in a wonderful, even artistic way of their own.""You're right." Mary agreed "So you're 38, but not married?"“No, dearest. Where I come from marriage is not mandatory for a woman.”“And where is that?” The brunette asked curiously.“That, I shall not tell you. Yet.”Not finding any more words to continue her conversation with the redhead, Mary suggested “How about I show you where you shall lie for the time being?” She picked up the empty bowl and placed it in a pile of dirty dishes.“I’d appreciate” Zelda smiled and picked up the small basket she's managed to grab before running away, her cat’s head sticking out.Mary lead Zelda to the bed chamber that was illuminated by multiple candles. Right by the door stood a dresser and a bed parallel with it “It’s not much, but you can have the bed.” Mary beamed.
“And where will you sleep?” Zelda asked after placing her belongings onto the dresser.“I haven’t thought about that yet. Probably over there.” She points to a bear’s fur that was laid spread on the wooden floor.Zelda sighed and shook her head “I believe the bed is big enough for the two of us. I don’t take much room, I promise.”As much as she wished to be the perfect host, Mary didn't want to sleep on the floor so she accepted Zelda’s proposal. She slipped under the covers and made herself comfortable as she watched the redhead getting ready for bed.The older woman let her hair down, unlaced her corset in steady moves and was left in a rather translucent undershirt. Mary couldn’t help but take in Zelda’s figure. There was something about the redhead that made her have an iridescent glow to her skin that captivated people’s eyes. Her shape, the round hips under the fabric that Mary could only make up awakened something in her. The woman was alluring, like they describe sirens to be, she looked like a mythical creature. It took Mary too long to realise she was staring.“I know what you're thinking,” Comes out of Zelda’s mouth.Mary quickly snaps out of the trance “I’m amazed. I’ve never seen a woman with skin so unmarked by injury or illness. Be careful, some might think you’re a witch.” She chuckles.Zelda joined Mary under the thick woollen blanket and smirked wickedly “You be careful. I’ve been known to seduce women.”Mary’s eyes widen in shock at the revelation “I can assure you that is not the case. I’m not… I’m not that kind of woman.”Zelda chuckled in a mocking manner before she turned on her side and wished Mary a good night.