tigress;chapter one

ember

It was the break of dawn and the sun was set to rise in the east. The sun had started to shine through the windows. It was officially the beginning of spring which meant there was a big day ahead of Ember and her massive white tiger Axel. She had to plant new crops for the next harvest, fix a part of the roof that was leaking, and make a trip outside the cottage if necessary. Ember started to arise from her cot and was met with an enthusiastic Axel.

"Hey, buddy!" She giggles as he licks her face with his sharp papillae. She had gotten used to his affection at this point and even welcomed it.

Axel was no longer a minuscule baby tiger that was poorly nourished. He had grown to a considerable adult-sized tiger. Under normal circumstances, Ember should be afraid to be mauled by the large feline but they had an indescribable bond. Ever since she saved Axel they had been inseparable and he took up the role of a protector over her.

After several minutes of hugs and kisses, Ember urged the feline to let her get up so she could start the day off. She had to make herself and Axel something to eat and get started with her errands. The previous winter had been a difficult and harsh one with little crops to ration, and a section of the roof blowing off in the process. The cottage that Ember had found herself stationed in was a single story. It was beautiful and abandoned when she found it. Made of slate, brick, and wood it was a beautiful combination of materials. A few windows were scattered around the cottage that natural illuminated the inside. They all blended seamlessly into the forestry environment. The backyard was even more alluring with a spacious garden and fence neighboring it all. There was a door in the fence that led to a deeper part of the woods. As stunning as it all was, the roof had begun to fall apart.

Ember was partly at fault for not taking better care of the fine cottage. Snow, debris, and rain were mainly to blame as they made their way inside of the cottage and it was proving to be rather troublesome. Ember only wished that she had enough materials to fix it up as she couldn't delay the process any longer.

She walked down the corridor of the intermediate cottage and began to retrieve the dry and smoked meats from the cabinets in the kitchen. Axel had overdone himself this time with variations of meat from deer, bears, and pigs. It was certain to last several weeks and Ember was incredibly grateful. A combination of a roar and yawn brought her attention to the tiger that followed her into the kitchen. He started to stretch himself out on the floor anticipating getting fed, he had become spoiled. She rolled her eyes at the cat and ignored his theatrics so that she could continue her meal preparations.

"Let's see we have some dried apples and-" Ember began speaking out loud but a distasteful roar interrupted her.

"I know we had apples yesterday, but that's what we have the most of Axel." She responded softly.

He whimpers a little in response which makes her feel saddened that she can't offer more. Her hands were tired with this one. She thought of preparing some pork for him to lighten the mood. This season would surely be better than the last. Ember smiled as she gathered the pork and made her way outside to cook. She didn't like to cook red meat inside since it left an awful stench and polluted the air. Axel followed her out and appeared happy that something appetizing was being made.

Ember started cooking on the open fire pit. The years of cooking with her mother had proven to be a skill she was incredibly good at. After grilling the previously smoked pork she offered the large piece and some dried apple slices. She could assume Axel was pleased with the meal from the way he was chowing down on everything. Ember served herself a smaller piece of pork and several apple slices. She would've loved to have some honey butter bread in addition to the meal, but there was no way she could make it given the current situation.

After finishing eating, Ember cleaned up the outdoor area and returned inside to prepare for the rest of the day. She considered tending to the garden first but that would take too long so she opted to fix the roof before it got later. She changed into some sturdy work shoes and went back outside. She remembered having a few more planks of wood but was unsure if it would be enough for the roof. She hadn't assessed the damage in a while there was a possibility it got worse through the season.

Ember counted about three planks of wood before making her way up the ladder on the side of the cottage. She carefully gripped the spacing between the slate of the roof. Eventually, she made her way to the gap in the roof. Several planks were missing and Ember sighed realizing that she did not have enough to repair them. She would have to make a trip to the village after all.

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They had begun their journey towards the village Ember once called home. She tried her best to avoid it at all costs, but the roof was becoming problematic. Axel had accompanied her as he didn't like Ember traveling alone. Ember had changed into a dark green cloak that concealed the romper she was wearing underneath. She took a large satchel with her to gather materials for the roof. Her auburn-colored curly hair was tied down in a low bun that almost touched her shoulders. Some coily strands were left out in the front and back.

Ember paused in front of a small pond that was so clear she could see her reflection. She looked at the young woman in front of her. She almost didn't recognize her, she appeared much more mature than she had remembered.

Where had the time gone?

She thought quietly to herself. She touched her bottom lip in awe of how they looked. Largely plump and naturally melanated lips contrasted nicely with her warm-toned chestnut skin. Her dark brown upturned eyes appeared emotionless the more she stared. Her diamond-shaped face was marginally defined but she remained youthful. She slightly saw a reflection of her mother that made her gasp. Not wanting to cry and be saddened any longer she quickly continued on her path and ushered Axel to follow her.

The eerie feeling re-enters her body as she walks into the ghost town. Ember felt guilty for being here, everyone was taken away and here she remained. Her father was robbed of his life in front of her eyes, and here she stood at a moderately healthy 19 years of age. A little while after the ambush, she contemplated suicide. She didn't believe that she was worthy of living when her family was taken and held captive by royals. They probably believed she was dead or taken elsewhere by royals. She had begun to make peace with her situation a year ago but slipped into a depression every once in a while when reminded of her previous life.

The goal was to get the planks for the roof, along with some other resources so she could avoid the village for several months. The shops and houses of the villages had become littered with mold, moss, insects, and trees as nature overtook its territory. Ember now stood in front of the lumber store she was looking for. The sign on the front was withering away and many of the letters were now missing. Ember always felt a hint of shame whenever she took things from the abandoned stores but she did what she needed to do to survive.

Upon entering she looked around until she found several planks of wood. Most of the store remained intact and full of resources since it wasn't often that she came here if at all. She gathered more planks than she needed to assure herself that if another accident was to occur she would be okay. The next few stops were for fruit and vegetable seeds. Most of the shops kept them stored in good enough quality to be grown.

Ember wanted to take the large cases of seeds but with the planks in her large satchel, it wasn't feasible. She instead opted for smaller bags of various seeds that would fit. Axel let out a roar of annoyance at her studying what seeds she wanted. She directed her attention to him to scold him,

"Are you bored Axel? Is there something else you would rather be doing?"

He sat up straight from his relaxed position on the store floor. He roared at her and appeared agitated. Ember sighed and took this as a sign for their departure. Axel look pleased with this and beat her outside. They started their way back to the cottage, but Ember had forgotten that this particular path passed through her old home. The house was no longer well kept and vegetation had taken over it. She hadn't realized it until she could see the outline of her home. Memories from seven years prior had started rushing back. 

She could feel the smoke from the fire entering her lungs. She closed her eyes and she could envision the gunshot that killed her father. She didn't realize she had begun crying with her eyes still shut. It took the purring of Axel and him rubbing his head on her leg to take her out of her trance. She exhaled loudly before turning away from the house and returning to the path back to the cottage.

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The duo had made it back to the cottage less than 30 minutes after. Ember was damn near sprinting to get away from the village. Axel enjoyed the exercise and the chance to run freely in the woods. Once they arrived Ember got to work on the roof. She had more than enough planks to repair the roof and save some for storage. By the time she had finished, it was a little past noon. Ember planned to get started in the garden with some of the seeds she got. She planned to grow some lettuce, peas, cucumbers, strawberries, blueberries, and apples. Currently, the soil was not at its best since Ember could only grow peas, zucchini, and apples for the longest. Her father had taught her the importance of crop rotations and to not grow too much of the same thing so the soil can stay healthy. She wouldn't make the same mistake this time.

She started the process by cultivating the soil all of which was to be done by hand or a shovel. Afterward, she planted the various seeds and watered them lightly. It was the beginning of spring so the weather should do most of the work for her. Ember hadn't realized that Axel was gone by the time she went back inside. She assumed he was out hunting and was going to bring her his kills shortly. In the meantime Ember needed to bathe and wash some of her clothes. Her hands were riddled with dirt that crept underneath her fingertips. She found it disgusting as it was a major pet peeve of hers, she tried to stay hygienic when she could.

Ember prepared for her bath by bringing her cleaning satchel that contained a mirror, several combs, oils, rags, towels, and her dirty clothes. The sun was making its way to the west slowly, Ember predicted it was a little after 5. She needed to hurry and bathe before it got darker. There was a specific lagoon that she loved to wash in. It was a little farther than the ponds that surrounded the cottage, but she believed it was worth the walk for the comfort she felt. The lagoon was surrounded by rocks and stone that added a particular essence to it. The water was baby blue and glowed elegantly as she grew closer. She felt at peace in the lagoon whenever she took a bath here. Ember removed her romper and took her hair out of its bun. She sunk into the lagoon and felt herself relax at the cool temperature of the water.

She tilted her head back until all of her hair was wet. She grabbed a rag from her satchel and started rubbing away. She watched the dirt disappear from her skin and dissolve into the water. Ember didn't stop until she was satisfied she was clean and all evidence of dirt was gone. Her hair was next to be washed. Her curls had little tangles as she combed through them. Once all was done she rinsed herself in the lagoon one last time before getting out. She washed her dirty clothes before beginning her departure back to the cottage.

Upon return, Ember was met with Axel who had seemingly returned from hunting. There was dried blood on his fur and a piece of meat was still hanging from his mouth. She was somewhat disgusted by this as she has told Axel countless times how she doesn't like it when he drags dead animals into the cottage. He read her expression and finished eating before demanding cuddles and affection from her.

"Oh Lord Axel you have blood all over you!" She attempted to sound disgusted as he licked her face.

He continued to smother her until she demanded that he get off her so she could prepare dinner for herself. Thus ending her day until she woke at the break of dawn again tomorrow.

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