Edie

Edie

SasatheShy

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Chapter One: Pig’s Thigh Inn

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(Seven years later)

The dining table was disastrous. People young and old reached this way and that to grab crowded bowls filled to the brim with delicious food. The people chatted loudly, enjoying one another’s company. All seemed to be good friends as they ate their evening meal. Everything from boiled potatoes to fat, plump turkeys to pumpkin soups, and beyond were shared and passed along.

Two women sitting at the table seemed very chatty as they conversed.

“This is a fantastic meal,” spoke a plump woman with shaggy brown hair. “Whoever cooks for you really knows what they’re doing.”

The other woman chuckled. She folded her hands beneath her saggy chin. “Well, I always want the best for these people. Every single one of them is homeless. But I do get good help. Meal choice isn’t really my style. That’s why I am thankful that Edie came along.”

“That girl is something,” said the plump woman. “Where is she? Isn’t she going to join us?”

Frowning, the other woman glanced down the long table. She saw no sign of Edie. Perhaps the darling is in her room. She’s leaving tomorrow, you know? I feel sad, really, since I’ll be missing my best cook. But I know this job is important to her.”

The plump woman sighed. “The poor dear. It’s just so tragic how you found her. She must have been so scared.”

“She was,” nodded the woman. “But she’s got this inner -- oh, how should I describe it? She’s got this courage that is just amazing. Hmm.. She does need to eat, though. I’ll go and fetch her.”

“Oh, please do, Kelli. I’d love to meet her.”

Smiling, Kelli stood from her stool. She set down a small pink cloth used as a napkin before heading out of the dining area.

Going up a small flight of stairs, Kelli entered a tiny hallway within the well-crafted building. She took a left, walking along a dusty blue carpet as she came to the last door on the left. It was opened slightly, so Kelli took a peek in. She gently smiled at what she saw.

There, sitting on a fine bed made of straw, was Edie. She had grown well the last few years, though she hadn’t changed much appearance wise. Her hair had been cut slightly, just falling to her shoulders. It was still curly as ever, however, and her brown eyes shined just as beautifully as they did when she was a teenager. Against her skin rested a lovely yellow dress. It resembled nothing of which she had worn in her village. It was fair and middle-class. It made her glow.

Giving three sharp knocks on the door, Kelli opened it wide. “Still packing?”

Looking up, Edie gave an appealing smile to the woman that had taken her in. “Just finishing.”

Entering the room, Kelli closed the door behind her before joining Edie on the bed. She saw a large bag at Edie’s feet, and noticed that Edie had been folding a light blue dress on her lap. “Excited?”

“Yeah,” Edie said as she put the final dress in the bag. “I am nervous, too.”

“That’s understandable,” said Kelli as she put an arm around Edie’s shoulder. She smiled at her. “You’re taking a big step. But you know something, Edie? I’m proud of you.”

“Proud?”

“Yes,” Kelli nodded. She chuckled. “You are one of the few that I have brought in only to leave again. I know you’re going to do great.”

“I have you to thank, though,” Edie said. “If it weren’t for you telling them how good of a cook I am, they would have hired someone else.”

This was true. Kelli had helped Edie with finding a perfect job with the skills Edie had and loved. Kelli, however, only defined this as a thank you for all the many wonderful meals Edie had prepared for her and the family of orphans and homeless in the shelter. Kelli knew she owed Edie for that.

“Well, you have finished packing,” Kelli said. “Why not come down for some dinner, now? I have a guest anxious to meet you before you leave tomorrow.”

“Okay,” Edie said as she stood. “Let me just get a few more things out, and I’ll be right down.”

Sighing, Kelli couldn’t help but smile. She nodded as she gave the darling a hug.

Edie looked around her empty room once Kelli had left. The woman was such a caregiver; such a savior. Edie still recalled that day seven years ago. That day when she had lost everything important to her. She had been the sole witness to the murder of her mother, father, and entire village. She had been the victim of rape, and the man that had done the crime still haunted her visions. She would, at times, wake up late at night screaming from nightmares of that day, and if not for Kelli’s care, Edie was positive she may not have survived that day.

Five hours. That is how long Edie had walked after losing everything dear to her. With weakened legs and a hurting, bleeding vagina, she had managed to walk five long hours before passing out in thick, white snow on the ground. She had had no idea where she was, at the time, nor had any clue as to where she’d end up. To her utmost gratitude, heaven came to her. Heaven named Kelli.

Kelli had been inside a wagon, returning to the small town after gathering vegetables at some other village not far off. It was then that she pulled to a halt, finding Edie trapped beneath a pile of snow. Only Edie’s bare feet had been seen, at first, and Kelli thought the worst when she saw those two feet. The woman was dead shocked when she found out the feet had belonged to nineteen year old Edie, still draped with that single woolen blanket Edie’s mother had made.

Acting quickly, Kelli managed to carry Edie onto the wagon. She immediately made her chocolate mare trot as she rushed into the small town of Inkton. There, Edie was taken to the shelter, which Kelli owned. It was when Kelli called for the town doctor that she discovered Edie had been raped. Kelli felt sorry for Edie, but she was so grateful that Edie had not taken too much damage. Edie‘s vagina had healed perfectly. It almost made Edie feel as if her rapist had gone easy on her, but she did not believe so. She could have sex, if she wanted, but she feared most men, nowadays, and Kelli didn’t blame her, really.

Since the second Edie had awoken, she knew she owed Kelli greatly. The woman had found her, helped her, and saved her. A complete stranger.

No more.

Now, Edie saw Kelli as a comforting mother. And tomorrow, she’d be leaving the nest.

Though Edie had wanted to save the woolen blanket, she knew she could not. It had been stained with the blood of her past. She had tossed it, knowing she’d still always have her parents memories in both mind and heart.

Sighing, Edie walked over to her window. She peered up at the clear night sky, watching as a shooting star crossed in a heap of sparkle. This made Edie smile. “Mama. Papa. Look at me, now. Are you proud of me, too?”

She went over to her bed, and sat down. “I’ve been doing what you’d want of me. I’m using my incredible cooking skills, and I’ve even managed to get a new job.” she hugged the pillow resting in her bed as she closed her eyes. She tried hard not to cry as the images of her parents entered her mind. “I’ll make you prouder, still. I wish you were here with me, but -- I’m moving on.”

--

Struggling with her full bag, Edie followed behind Kelli down the cold town street. Kelli waved her hand, trying to hurry Edie so that the carriage would not leave without her. Edie heaved to keep up as they rounded the corner.

“There it is,” Kelli said, spotting a large carriage painted white boarding passengers. She helped Edie over to it, and when they got spotted by the driver, he helped lift the bag onto the wagon. “Phew. There we go.”

‘Now then, Edie. Remember, you are going to the Pig’s Thigh Inn.’

“I know,” Edie nodded.

“And there, you’ll need to find Tonisha and Leigh. They are the owners.”

“Yes, I know.”

Kelli sighed. She smiled sadly. “I know you know. I’m just -- oh…” Reaching forward, she pulled Edie into a hug. “You be careful. Make sure to write.”

“I will,” said Edie as she returned the hug. She sighed as she looked into the wagon. She was about to overtake the largest step she’s ever taken. She felt ready. “Bye, Kelli.”

“Goodbye, dear,” Kelli said as she wiped at her left eye. She helped Edie aboard, and watched as Edie took a seat beside an elderly woman. Edie dragged her bag close as the driver got into his own seat, holding the reins.

Standing back as the carriage began moving, Kelli waved farewell as Edie waved back. In minutes, the carriage was out of sight, and Kelli had her hands folded.

“Follow your heart, Edie,” she whispered as she turned to return to the shelter.

--

Sightseeing was beyond glorious. Edie watched this way and that, seeing animals and sights she’s never seen before. The journey was long, but well worth the wait. Around twenty minutes into the ride, they came along a large lake, sparkling crystal clear water, and Edie gaped as she watched an occasional fish jump out of the water. She’s never seen a live fish before, and that sight had made her feel buoyant.

The elderly woman sitting next to Edie noticed that Edie was tickled. It made the woman chuckle. “First time visiting Forter?”

Hearing the elderly woman’s voice startled Edie. She turned to her, and went red in the face. “Yes.”

“That is nice,” the woman said. “I couldn’t help but notice your bubbly attitude. Might I ask what your business in Forter is?”

“I’ll be living there,” Edie answered, figuring this lovely woman was harmless. She smiled. “I cook, and am going to be the new cook at Pig’s Thigh Inn. Have you heard of it?”

“Pig’s Thigh Inn?” asked the woman. She placed her hands on her lap, appearing serious out of the blue. She lifted her gaze to the carriage’s moss-stained ceiling. “No, I do not believe I have.”

“Oh.”

Edie was slightly disappointed. She wasn’t exactly sure where the inn was located. She’d have to ask for directions when she got there.

Soon, the town became visible. Edie stared in awe, just now seeing how wondrous it was.

The town of Forter was the largest in the land. Many people filled with riches lived and worked there. Every possible food, item, armor, and weaponry sold there. Most of the townsfolk, at times, acted friendly, but there was those certain few that clearly wanted no business with others, and Edie had it straight in her mind to avoid those types.

As the wagon entered town, Edie tried ignoring her heart’s quickening speed. Her entire body began shaking, and she knew, then, that her stomach had filled with nerve-wrecked butterflies. Taking in a few deep breaths, Edie managed to calm down a tad as the wagon came to a halt. Edie smiled as the elderly lady was helped out first. Grabbing her bag, Edie followed as she lifted it best she could. Immediately, her whereabouts succumbed to her. She was lost -- lost in a large city.

“Relax,” she told herself as she started into the town. “Just watch out for Pig’s Thigh Inn -- Pig’s Thigh Inn…”

Unfortunately for Edie, as she began down the crowded street, Pig’s Thigh Inn seemed nowhere in sight. Desperate, she began asking around for help. “Excuse me? Do you know…? Hey! Excuse me, ma’am?” Edie was nearly giving up, for most of the people ignored or pushed her aside.

Sighing, Edie leaned against a wall. She saw a man coming from around the corner to her right. He seemed big, and she was afraid to talk to him. Most men she feared talking to, but she decided to give him an asking. “Sir?”

Halting, the man stared down at Edie. “Yes?”

“Do you know where Pig’s Thigh Inn is?”

The man raised a brow, seeming shocked. But a playful grin crossed his lips. “Yes, I do…”

The man looked up and pointed over Edie’s head. Surprised, Edie turned, and suddenly a huge wave of embarrassment flushed over her.

She had been leaning against the inn.

“Um -- thanks,” she said to the man before venturing inside. She could hear him laughing as he continued on down the street. This nearly made Edie feel sick. Thankfully, once she was inside the inn, the air went from cool to cozy.

Havoc. That was the one word that flooded Edie’s mind as she entered the inn. From left to right, circular tables made of oak lined the place, and each had stools filled with people: men and woman alike. Many of the woman, Edie noticed, wore glittery, lacy attire. However, some women seemed to be dressed like her, so she let that go. Each table had a candle glowing in the center, and most of the inn seemed to have an ale aroma. Edie wasn’t one for drinking alcohol, but she did use it in her cooking.

Feeling out of place, she looked around for any signs of the inn’s owners. The place was so packed, however, that Edie had no other choice but to walk over to the bar. She noticed that behind the bar stood a very beautiful woman. At least, Edie supposed she was beautiful, considering her face was covered in strange substances. The lady made Edie back up for a second as she took in the appearance. Wild pink decorated above the woman’s eyes, attached to her eyelids. Her eyelids, themselves, seemed very dark, thick, and long. Her lips were a bright, fiery red, and she had a white, powdery substance on her cheeks. She wore a lacy pink dress with white trimming, showing off her small cleavage, and her wild blonde, curly hair was pulled back by a pink string.

Never in all her life had Edie seen such a woman before. The woman almost seemed scary, but as she smiled at a customer, Edie acknowledged that the woman was genial.

Moving at about the speed of a turtle, Edie made her way over to the bar counter. As she got there, still dragging along her bag, the woman spotted her, and began eying her up and down. Edie watched as the woman giggled cutely and smiled. “Can I help ya sweetie?”

“Um, yes…” Edie said as she pulled her bag close. “I’m looking for the inn’s owners. Let’s see --” she pulled out her piece of parchment Kelli had given her. “Tonisha and Leigh. Yes. Are they available?”

“You’re looking at Leigh,” she said, still smiling. “What can I do for ya?”

“My name is Edie,” said Edie, thankful to have found one of the inn owners so smoothly. “The new cook.”

“Goodness yes,” Leigh cheered. She put her hands together, making the many rings aligning her fingers jingle. Edie’s never seen jewelry before, besides Kelli’s special necklace. The rings nearly made Edie fall back as she was eyed even closer by Leigh‘s deep blue eyes. It made Edie feel as if she was being inspected. “Of course, Edie. Now, ya wait right here and I’ll go fetch Tonisha.”

“Thank you,” Edie said. She watched as Leigh left the bar and went into a back room. Nervously, Edie glanced about. She saw a lot of men getting drunk, and plenty of women getting kiss. It made her uneasy. She hoped that Leigh and Tonisha would return swiftly.

Edie rested her arms on the bar counter. This seemed all too fantastical for her. It was as if she had fallen into an amazing dream, and there was no possible chance of waking up.

At the corner of her eye, she spotted Leigh returning with another woman. But there was something different about the other woman. She was dressed similar to Leigh, wearing a flashy purple laced dress. Her large bosom was nearly popping out from the purple and gold lace, making Edie’s eyes widen to about the size of grapes. She also had similar stuff on her face. Purple graced her eyelids, a deep red graced her lips, and her cheeks seemed pinkish. Her overall dress was not what made Edie surprised. It was the woman’s skin.

She was dark. Very dark. Her skin was a deep, deep brown. Nothing like any other person Edie had met in her lifetime. This, however, did not stop the woman from being unattractive. She was drop-dead gorgeous. A large, beautiful nose fit perfectly on her face. She had big, luscious lips, and long, black hair that fell to her back straight and smooth. Edie never imagined a woman like this could exist in the world.

“Edie?” the woman spoke as she and Leigh stepped up to Edie. Her voice was so deep and beautiful.

“Y -- yes…?” Edie said nervously.

Smiling, the woman bowed. “I’m Tonisha, the inn’s manager. Leigh is my assistant. It’s a pleasure meeting you.”

Phew. The woman was welcoming. This made Edie feel more at home as she, too, bowed, but more cutely.

“It’s nice to meet you, too” Edie said.

“Quite,” Tonisha smiled. Stepping forward, she took Edie’s bag with ease as she placed a ring-covered hand on Edie’s back as Leigh stepped back behind the counter. There was no doubt that Tonisha was delicate. She made Edie feel safe. “You seem taken aback, though.“

Edie went pink in the face. She bowed. “Pardon me, I just -- couldn’t help but notice that you’re -- well…“

Tonisha gave Edie a warm smile. “I know very well what you mean. My skin, yes? I am the only one of my kind in these parts. I am originally from a land far from here where people are not bothered by my -- skin, but the men here seem attracted to me, so…”

“Oh,” Edie said. “I’m sorry I brought it up.”

“No, no, darling. You are fine. Allow me to show you to your room.”

Cheered up, Edie followed Tonisha. Pig’s Thigh Inn turned out to be much larger than it had appeared outside. Edie saw stairs leading high into what she was sure was many little rooms for guests. But Edie followed Tonisha through the back door and down another set of stairs. She could hear noises everywhere, and halfway down the stairs, Tonisha said, “I’m sorry for all the noise. This place is rarely quiet, what with the type of business we run here at night.”

“Business?” Edie asked as they made it down the stairs.

Tonisha stopped moving. She looked down at Edie, showing curiosity in her dark eyes. “Yes. Though it’s an inn, it becomes part brothel here at nighttime.”

Edie tilted her head to the side. “Brothel?”

The manager put a hand to her heart, astonished by such a question. “My dear, you mean you don’t know what a brothel is?”

Suddenly feeling out of place, Edie shook her head. “No.”

“Good God,” Tonisha chuckled. She placed her hands on her hips, staring at Edie with amusement. She shook her head. “I can’t believe Kelli didn’t tell you. Well, I suppose I better explain, then. Don’t want you accidentally wandering into rooms you’re not meant to wander into.”

‘Here, I hire women to entertain men in the bedrooms during evening and nighttimes. What the man wants, he pays for, and gets.”

Edie blinked. “I -- I’m sorry. I don’t understand.”

“Sex, darling,” Tonisha said. “I hire ladies to give men sex, and the men pay us.”

A sudden vision of the past haunted Edie at hearing this. She closed her legs tightly as her eyes fought back tears. “S -- sex?”

“Yes,” Tonisha said, nodding. “But you don’t have to worry, darling. All that stuff happens at the very top of the inn. Your room is down here, and your kitchen is just in there.”

Hearing about her own kitchen made the sex part leave Edie’s mind. Turning, she took a peek inside. She brightened. The kitchen was of decent size with packed up water for freezing foods, kindle for fire, and some well-crafted pots and pans. “Wow.”

“I thought you might like it,” Tonisha laughed.

“I --” Edie began, but before she could share her feelings on the kitchen, a large crash made her gasp. She and Tonisha turned to find a young girl around nineteen years of age bending over to clean up three broken glasses.

“Oh, Amana,” Tonisha sighed, aggravated as she went over to the young girl. Edie stayed back briefly as she noticed the girl was shaking.

“I’m sorry, Tonisha,” she quivered as she put glass pieces on the small, round tray.

“Careful,” Tonisha said, sighing again. “Forget the small pieces. Get the broom for those.”

“I’m so clumsy,” the girl sniffed.

At that moment, Edie went over to help. She bent over and picked up a large piece of glass, putting it on the tray. Tonisha stared in shock as Amana slowly stared up at Edie.

Edie smiled at Amane. “My name’s Edie. I’m going to be the new cook here.”

Amane gaped. She blushed and looked down. “I -- I’m Amana. Sorry you had to meet me like this.”

“Mm…” Edie shook her head. “It’s no trouble.”

“Amane is our table cleaner and beyond,” Tonisha said. She chuckled as she picked up the tray and set it on the counter in the kitchen. “She lives here, too.”

“What about your parents?” Edie asked Amana, knowing the girl had to be a teenager.

“Dead,” Amana said. “Tonisha took me in.”

Edie frowned. She looked down, thinking of her own parents. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay,” smiled Amana. “I should get back to work. It was nice meeting you, Edie.” Bowing, Amana took a fresh tray and went up into the dining area.

“She’s a sweet girl,” Tonisha said softly once Amana had gone. “Only seven when she came to my doorstep. I couldn’t let her go. I grew attached.”

Edie thought of Kelli, and the kindness she had shown. She understood Tonisha‘s admiration for the girl, and what she must have gone through. “Yes.”

Chuckling, Tonisha lifted Edie’s bag again. “Alright then, let’s get you to your bedroom.”

Taking a final glance at her kitchen, Edie followed Tonisha only a few steps more. They turned down a small hallway with three doors. They ended up at the middle door. Tonisha opened it, and gave Edie access to a small, cozy room.

There was a bed in the left corner. Made of straw, it had a nice white sheet on bottom, and a yellow quilt on top. A feathery pink pillow rested at the top of the bed. It seemed small, but Edie was short. She knew she’d be able to snuggle comfortably underneath that warm-looking quilt. Beside the bed stood a nice tabletop with an oil lamp on top of it. This was comforting, for Edie loved reading books before bed. She had many she had gotten from Kelli. Most of them she had read more than once, but to her, they never got old. To the far left beside sat a nice basket perfect for Edie’s dresses and other clothes. There was another room, too, connected to her bedroom just at the foot of the bed, but she could not quite make out what was inside of it.

“It’s not much,” Tonisha said as she stood at the doorway. “But it is homey.”

“It’s lovely,” Edie smiled. She asked Tonisha to set the bag down by her bed. Tonisha did so happily.

“Thank you,” Tonisha had said. “Leigh is the decorator. I’m not huge with that sort of thing, so next time you see her, you can thank her, as well. The bed’s made of the finest straw in town. Um -- that door leads into our private toilet. Leigh, Amane, the staff, I, and you are the only ones with access to it. When you’re in there, just light the oil lamp so someone knows it’s occupied.”

“Okay,” said Edie. She had the sudden urge to use the toilet, but waited for the tour to finish first.

“Before I leave you to unpack, I’d like to thank you, Edie,” Tonisha smiled. “Our previous chef got very angry with us, and the bastard stormed out quicker than lightening strikes. So -- you coming is a joy. We really could use some unique and special foods that the guests will like.”

“It’s no problem,” Edie said. “I should be thanking you, Tonisha, for this opportunity.”

Tonisha chuckled. “Well, you unpack and get some rest. I’ll need you tonight for the opening of our menu.”

Bowing, Edie showed just how psyched she was. “Thank you. I will.”

As soon as Tonisha was gone, Edie rushed into the toilet room. Closing all three doors: the one leading into her room, the one for the hallway, and the one leading into another bedroom, Edie turned on the oil lamp and stared at the wooden barrel. Pulling down her undergarment, Edie lifted her dress and sat. She sighed with relief as she peed. She couldn’t help but admire the toiletry’s decorations as she did so. There was some beautiful flowers plastered to the walls, and the room, itself, smelled feminine.

Finishing her business, Edie wiped, and pulled up her undergarment. She turned and pushed a wooden handle, making her waste fall into darkness. She rinsed her hands in heated water already prepared before going back into her bedroom.

About fifteen minutes flew by. Edie had finished unpacking, and was wearing her night clothes. She pulled back the quilted cover on her new bed as she got into it. It really was toasty warm and soft. Smiling, Edie snuggled down into the bed, bringing the quilt up and close to her neck.

With sleep nearing, many thoughts rushed through Edie’s mind. Kelli, the shelter, the carriage, Forter, and Pig’s Thigh Inn. It was all so -- breathtaking and mesmerizing. And somehow, some way, Edie managed to get there. She managed to bring up her cooking into something she could do for lots of people in both middle and upper class. She’d greet them and take their orders. She’d cook and do what she loved most… And she even was making friends; family.

Nothing bad could happen, she thought, for she had taken that single step into a wondrous, magical life.

Now, she truly was home.