i stroll into the village, hips swaying, feeling very well. i had been given permission by M'Lord and the first lass to accept the part-time job at the coffee and gift shop. (of course, i had been told not to neglect my duties at the castle). the small lute sways at my back as i enter the shop. colleen, the lass who is getting married, who will be leaving the village, recognizes me and smiles. she pours a cup of coffee, and looks over her shoulder. 'dunna worry, lass, ye need nae tae pay fer this'. i grin at her, and sit at a nearby table. soon, i see the Lady emerge, and i rise to my feet as She approaches. i give Her a little curtsy, and look up at Her with my large blue eyes.
'M'Lady, this lass can accept yer offer, an' can work part-time 'er. this lass wi' be verra 'appy tae serve yer customers, an' sing an' play 'er instruments fer them', i tell Her. i look up at Her with eager eyes, i hope that the position hasn't been filled.
She looks down at me, and smiles. 'very well, celeste. my name is Sioban, and you can address me as 'M'Lady. i can't pay you while you learn, but you can play and sing and keep any tips you are given. for the next month, let colleen teach you how tae make coffee and our other offerings. when colleen leaves, then you will be my main assistant. i will give you a salary at that time, and will expect you to work hard. i know that you live at the Castle, and have duties there, and i hope that you can balance them, and, somehow i think that you will be able to do so.
i smile at Her, 'aye, M'Lady, ye wi' fin' me tae be a guid servant'. i give Her a deep curtsy. She gives me a strong gaze, Her green eyes seem to look into my soul. She smiles back, 'aye, celeste, i think that you will be a good servant to me. now, be off with ye...i sense that ye need tae be at the Castle right now'. i give Her a grateful smile, She seems to be a very nice woman, and i think that we will have a nice future. i look over the shop...i am starting to see it as 'our' shop, and i am feeling very reflective as i walk back to the Castle. 'it twill be verra nice tae hae some coin fer me own...(i think that i can buy spi more gifts)...an' i can shew tha' village 'ow nice tha' Castle lasses be'.
i suddenly hear a bell ringing, and quickly scamper up the path to the Castle.