Symphony of the Eternal

GASP!

"Haaahh… haahh…"

Misha looked around, finding herself in a fancy room, seated on an elegant bed. Yet, something was off. The room smelled strange, like herbs. She felt dizzy and her body's aching all over. 

Her head's pounding so hard, and her breathing's heavy. What's… happening?? She wondered, until she glanced at her hands, it was insanely small. Panic started to surge within her as she struggled to make sense of her situation.

Seemed like she's running a fever and the flood of questions only worsened her condition until a maid burst into the room, eyes wide with shock.

"Young lady!"

>>>>>

"Is this some kind of prank? Or am I dreaming..?" Misha mumbled. And what the hell is with this language I've been speaking all this time? Why does it come so naturally, as if it's always been my mother tongue? She thought while munching on the food the girl in the maid outfit was feeding her. She'd had enough of this girl blabbering about her being in a coma for so long when all she wanted to know was why her body was so small. She was itching to look in the mirror, but it was too far away, and the maid wouldn't let her get out of bed.

"You've been asleep for quite some time, young lady," she said for the 9th time, her voice gentle yet firm. "You must take it easy."

How could she be in a coma? The last thing she remembered was... the truck. Her eyes widened as the memory flooded back. She had been hit by a truck while trying to save Ms. Pyches.

What's going on? Did I survived? How about the others? No, no, first of all, who is this person that's been nagging her?

"What's your name?" Misha asked in a cold tone. 

The maid looked taken aback. "I'm Lydia, young lady."

"Lydia," Misha repeated, trying to ground herself in this new reality. "And who are you to me?"

"I'm your personal maid, my lady." she answered, confusion evident in her eyes.

Maid. I never had a maid all my life. No, before that, I have to know what's situation am I in right now.

"What year is it?"

"It's the year 1217, young lady," Lydia replied

1217? Misha's mind reeled. This had to be a joke. "What country are we in?"

"We're in the kingdom of Eldoria," Lydia said, her brow furrowing with concern. "My lady... Perhaps I should fetch the doctor."

Misha shook her head. "No, no doctors. Just... let me think." She needed to figure out what was happening. And Eldoria? Sounds familiar but she can't seem to remember where she heard it.

"Can I have some water?" Misha asked, trying to buy herself some time.

Lydia nodded and quickly poured a glass from a nearby pitcher. As Misha sipped the water, she took in her surroundings. The room was richly decorated, with tapestries hanging on the walls and a large wooden wardrobe in one corner. Everything screamed wealth and status.

"Who am I?" Misha asked, realizing she needed more information.

Lydia looked even more concerned. "You are Lady Maurine Aleksandra Kiegher, daughter of Baron and Baroness Kiegher."

Maurine Aleksandra Kiegher? Baron? Baroness? This was getting more confusing by the second. She had to find a way to understand this new world she was in, her situation right now can't be a joke and the very proof of it is the small hands that she has now. "Lydia, can you tell me more about my family?"

"Of course, young lady," Lydia said, pulling up a chair to sit by the bed. "Your father, Lord Kiegher, is a respected nobleman in the kingdom. Your mother, Lady Kiegher, is known for her charity work and kindness. You have a two brothers, young lord, Axel who is currently studying at the Royal Academy and young lord Ace who is still 3 years old."

Misha nodded, absorbing the information. She needed to play along until she could figure out a way back to her world. "Thank you, Lydia. You've been very helpful."

Lydia's eyes suddenly widened in surprise before softening into a warm smile, her relief unmistakable. "Of course, young lady. It's my honor to serve you. Now, please take some rest. The doctor will be arriving shortly to attend to you.

Misha lay back on the pillows, her mind racing. She needed to find the other three. If she was here, maybe they were too. She closed her eyes, hoping that sleep would come and bring her some clarity.

The next morning, Misha woke to the sound of birds chirping outside her window. Lydia was already in the room, tidying up. "Good morning, young lady," she said with a smile.

"Good morning, Lydia," Misha replied, feeling a bit more composed. "I think I'm ready to get out of bed now."

Lydia looked hesitant but nodded. "Alright, but take it slow."

With Lydia's help, Misha got out of bed and took a few tentative steps. Her legs felt weak, but she was determined to regain her strength. She made her way to the mirror and gasped at her reflection. Staring back at her was a young girl, no older than five, with small red eyes, long white hair, and a pale, frail body.

"This is me?" Misha whispered, touching her face.

"Yes, young lady," Lydia said softly. "You are Lady Maurine."

Misha took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. "Lydia, I need to find my friends. Do you know where they might be?"

Lydia looked puzzled. "Your friends? Do you mean Her Highness Kasianna, Lady Heziria, and Lady Rishanon?"

These names were unfamiliar, but she had to take a chance. One of them might be someone from her world. "Yes. Do you know where they are?"

"They are in their respective estates, young lady," Lydia said. "But I can send word to them if you wish."

"Please do," Misha said, feeling a surge of hope. "I need to see them."

Lydia nodded and left the room to make the arrangements. Misha sat back down on the bed, her mind racing. If the three were here too, they could figure this out together. They could find a way back home. Home? Right, I don't have anything to call home… hahah.

Later that day, Lydia returned with news. "Messages have been sent to Her Highness Kasianna, Lady Heziria, and Lady Rishanon. They should arrive within a few days."

>>>>>

Two days later, Misha's— or should I say Maurine's parents, who had been away from the kingdom searching for doctors to cure her, rushed back home as soon as they heard she had awakened. Baron and Baroness Kiegher entered the room, their expressions a mix of concern and relief. Lady Kiegher rushed forward, enveloping Misha in a warm embrace.

"Oh, my sweet Maurine," she whispered, tears in her eyes. "We were so worried about you."

Misha stiffened, unused to such open displays of affection. Her real parents had never been this affectionate. It was overwhelming.

Baron Kiegher placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "We are so glad to have you back, Mauie. You've been through so much."

Misha nodded, unable to find her voice. The kindness in their eyes was foreign to her, and it made her feel even more out of place. She felt an unfamiliar warmth in her chest. It scared her.

"Thank you," she managed to say, her voice barely a whisper.

The Baron and Baroness suddenly looked concerned with what just came out of their child's mouth. "Stay here, Mauie. We'll just talk to your nanny for a bit, okay?" her mother said as she left with the Baron and Lydia.

When they returned, their concern had deepened. "Do you remember us, Mauie? It's Mommy and Daddy, honey," her mother asked, tears brimming in her eyes. Misha couldn't think of what to say, so she just shook her head.

The Baroness burst into tears. The Baron instructed the maids to help the countess to her room. Then he turned to Misha, trying to smile through his own worry. "Do you want to see our manor, Mauie? You might remember something."

Misha just nodded. It was better than doing nothing.

Over the next few hours, Misha was introduced to various members of the household. The overwhelming kindness and attention left her feeling exposed and vulnerable. That evening, she shut herself in her room, refusing to let anyone in.

For a day, Misha stayed locked in her room, struggling to process her emotions. The constant worry of her new parents and Lydia's persistent knocking at her door only added to her confusion. The foreign feeling of parental love was too much to handle, and she felt herself withdrawing further.

On the second day, she finally relented and let Lydia into her room. Lydia entered with a tray of food and a gentle smile. "Young lady, we've all been so worried about you," she said softly.

Over the next few days, Misha focused on regaining her strength.

Misha decided to spend the first day exploring her surroundings. With Lydia's assistance, she made her way through the manor. Her body was still frail, but her determination outweighed her physical weakness. The manor was enormous, with high ceilings, intricate wood carvings, and paintings of landscapes and noble figures lining the walls.

The staff greeted her politely but kept their distance, their steps cautious and deliberate. They seemed to walk on eggshells, stealing glances at her when they thought she wasn't looking. Misha noticed the way the maids tiptoed around her, their faces tense with worry.

"Why are they acting like that? They're kind but somewhat distant..." Misha asked Lydia, her voice barely above a whisper as they walked past a cluster of maids who quickly scattered.

Lydia hesitated before answering, glancing at Misha nervously. "Well… they are not used to seeing you walking on the manor, young lady. And, well… they fear your displeasure."

Misha furrowed her brows. "My displeasure?"

"Yes," Lydia said softly, avoiding eye contact. "You're usually… not very fond of the staff. You often expressed your frustrations with them."

Misha's steps faltered. "What do you mean by that?"

Lydia sighed, finally meeting Misha's gaze. "The Lady was quiet… rebellious. You resented your frail body and often blamed others for your condition. It wasn't uncommon for them to see you lash out at the maids, sometimes throwing objects or shouting."

Misha's mouth fell slightly open in shock. She stared down at her hands, now realizing why the staff seemed so wary of her.

Ah, But! We all understand what you're going through, so don't worry young lady. We're all happy that you're now awake and gaining strength." Lydia added. "You wasn't always like that... Still, your parents and brothers loved you dearly despite everything. They always believed your actions stemmed from the frustration of being confined to the manor for so long."

Later in the library, Misha tried to shake off the earlier conversation. She ran her small fingers along the spines of books, their titles written in a language she didn't recognize but could somehow understand. As she skimmed through a book on the history of Eldoria, she couldn't help but feel the weight of the life she'd inherited.

By the third day, Misha ventured farther into the manor, pushing her body to its limits. She reached the kitchen, where the staff busily prepared meals. Their movements froze the moment they noticed her.

"Y-Young lady," the head cook stammered, her face pale. "What brings you here?"

"I want to help," Misha said simply, offering a small smile.

The cook exchanged uncertain glances with her staff, but after a long pause, she relented. "Very well, young lady. You may knead the dough for the bread."

Misha rolled up her sleeves and began working. Though her movements were clumsy, she poured herself into the task, ignoring the furtive glances and whispered murmurs of the staff.

The day ended with Lydia being a constant presence, helping her with everything from walking to eating. Misha was grateful for her kindness, but she couldn't help feeling like a stranger in her own life.