Chapter 2: Bones and Home
The cold and darkness of the small stone house wrapped around Noelle as he stepped inside. A sharp gust of wind from the open door made him shiver, and he sneezed involuntarily. The air was thick with dust, and the silence was profound, suggesting that the house had been uninhabited for quite some time.
Noelle hesitated for a moment, leaving the door ajar to let in the faint moonlight that offered some illumination. He took careful steps, his eyes straining to adjust to the dimness. Moving cautiously through the musty interior, he made his way toward what he hoped was the kitchen. His heart quickened with a mix of trepidation and curiosity.
In the kitchen, he spotted an old oil lamp perched on a wooden shelf. With trembling hands, Noelle struck a match and lit the lamp. The soft glow of the flame began to chase away the shadows, revealing more of the space around him. The room was modest but functional, with a stone hearth and rudimentary cooking tools.
As he explored further, Noelle's gaze fell upon a metal fixture mounted on the wall. His heart skipped a beat as he realized it was a tap—a luxury he had never encountered in his village, where they only had communal wells. His fingers brushed the metal, marveling at the prospect of running water.
Excited by this small revelation, Noelle ventured further into the house. He found a door leading to a separate room and pushed it open, revealing a bathroom that took his breath away. His eyes widened in awe at the sight of a freestanding bathtub. It was an indulgence he had only heard of in stories, a stark contrast to the pit latrines of his past.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Noelle stood there, trying to process the reality of his new surroundings. The simple comforts of this place—a functioning tap, a bathtub—were luxuries he had never imagined. As he took in the details, a tear slid down his cheek, a mix of relief and joy flooding over him. The house, though weathered and worn, held unexpected treasures.
The small house, though modest, had distinct areas that made it functional. As Noelle explored, he discovered a kitchen, a bathroom, and a living room with a sturdy fireplace. His curiosity led him to what he presumed was the bedroom.
Pushing open the door, which creaked softly in the night, he entered the room. The furnishings were simple but endearing: a scruffy bed, a tiny wardrobe, and a small mirror perched on the wall. The window was ajar, letting in a biting draft that made the room feel colder.
The bed appeared worn, and Noelle's mind wandered to the house's origins. He remembered hearing that such modest homes were sometimes built by nobles for their mistresses or for banishing unwanted family members for 'recuperation.' The possibility that his husband might be an illegitimate child of a noble family didn't bother him.