Bitter Sugar (1)

WHIP!

The crack of a whip roared out into the evening air.

"Ay, aye!" The sound of a whip thrashed again, and almost immediately; the pounding beat of the metal hooves slowed. "Aye, settle now!" The carriage wheel rumbled and jittered as the carriage driver steadied his reins. He rapidly clicked his tongue and hollered out sounds to his horses. 

WHIP!

The stagecoach lashed his whip again as the horses neighed and huffed. Quickly decelerating, the carriage rolled down a hill gliding down towards flatlands speckled with various brightly colored foliage and tall trees. Soaring into the scenery, the stagecoach tugged at his reins directing the horses to the entry of great towering white manor. 

As they neared a stone fountain roundabout, the chittering of hooves came to a thundering halt. Adjusting reins with one hand, the stagecoach crawled down from his seat, hurrying to open the carriage doors. 

At their arrival, a few servants and a slender broad shoulder woman awaited them at the very top of the main door stairs. Watching as the carriage doors opened, joy increased in her face, clutching her fur coat as she took to hurried sauntering feet. Anxious to keep her long velvet green gown from touching the ground, her servants held tight to the dress tail, moving as she moved. 

"Lord Sutherton! Lady Sutherton!" Her silken voice reached to their carriage. She moved gradually, reaching the carriage with a friendly smile that never reached her tapered eyes. "Oh, how wonderful it is to see you, Lord and Lady Sutherton!" 

Lord Sutherton eased out from the carriage, Lady Sutherton stepping down after him, the stagecoach leading her out by hand. 

"Lady Katrine." Lord Sutherton nodded his head towards her, greeting her a grimace. "Good to see you."

"Yes," Lady Sutherton added, with a smile of her own. "It has been quite so long. I'm happy to see you look so well, Lady Katrine. As always you are dressed very---." She didn't finish as examined Katrine's flashy bedazzled dress, flamboyantly long dress tail, and her bulky black fur coat that still owned bear paws and claws. "---Your way." She finished speaking with a strained smile. 

"Oh, how kind you always are, Lady Sutherton!" Katrine gushed, stepping close to give two light cordial pecks to Anya's cheeks. "You as well! You are looking absolutely, positively, swell yourself, Lady Anya." 

Lady Sutherton returned the formal kisses. "Ah, sweet of you to say." She imitated a laugh. "Thank you again for allowing us to stay for a few while we travel to the Tricitidal. I know it was under such short notice. We were expecting to stay elsewhere but since we left earlier than intended, our plans were shifted." 

"Oh no, no, no matrishoka, don't you concern about it." She adjusted the weight of her fur coat and dismissively waved. "It would be an honor to be of help to anyone under the Sutherton name. Please, don't be strangers come along and follow me." She turned, desperate servants rushing to keep her dress tail off the ground as she carelessly strolled away.

She led them into the house and through various spacious corridors. "How was your journey?" She peaked back at them. "I trust the roads were comfortable?"

"It was fine," Lady Sutherton replied, lacking warmth. "Thank you for asking."

"Yes, of course," Red gleamed on Katrine's lips. "Are you hungry? Anything you'd like to fill your belly?" 

They walked onwards through the halls and corridors of the startling white everything in the manor.

"No, I'm well. Daviyd?" Lady Sutherton glanced at her tight-lipped husband. 

He shook his head. "Perhaps in a little while."

"All right, then." She conceded, with a light scrunching of her red lips. "And, Lord Daviyd?" She looked back to him. "My husband has been looking forward to see you. Once you've rested a bit, he'd appreciate if you'd join him in his study. Or, if you're up to it, you can always visit him now if you'd like?" 

Lord Sutherton cleared his throat, stiffly replying, "I suppose that won't be a problem. I will see him before I rest." 

"Wonderful." She flashed a wide smile before turning to a maid who followed close to her side. "Hazel, help Lord Sutherton find his way to my husband's study." 

Lord Sutherton paced away, leaving Katrine and Lady Sutherton to themselves. 

Slowing her speed, Katrine faced Lady Sutherton, a small gathering of servants still endeavoring to protect the tail of her dress. "Now that the men are away handling business, do you care for little fun, Lady Anya?" She raised her shoulders and the bear's paw that was slung over her shoulder shifted. 

Lady Sutherton lightly exhaled, formulating a tense affable smile. "You know, I'd love to Lady Katrine, but I am a bit lethargic. I should rest. It's been a long ride, and we still have much more to travel. It's good for me to remain stable with rest." 

"No, I insist. Join me for just a cup and a chat." She placed a hand on Lady Sutherton's shoulder. 

"Lady Katrine," she said, looking to the sharp claws that stuck out from the bear paw. "I appreciate the sentiment. But I must turn your offer down." She eased off Katrine's grasp.

"But Lady Anya, don't you know I beg of you?" Her voice elevated as she plead with vigor. "If I could be so entitled to take a moment of your time, I'd love to catch up with you just for a bit." 

"Lady Katrine." An uncomfortable look pinched the corner of Lady Sutherton's lips. "I really am quite tired." 

"Oh, but your departure will approach too soon! Surely, there will not be time for chit chat then. Can you not spar me just a few minutes?" She urged with a pout. 

Sighing, Lady Sutherton avoided Katrine's compulsive stare. "Well?" She sighed again. "Alright if it is just for a bit." She conceded with a weary smile.