“Now where have I brought meself?” Eloise glanced around curiously.
A narrow staircase curved upward, half-shadowed and inviting.
Curiosity tugged at her, and she climbed. The steps creaked faintly beneath her feet as she reached the top, pushing open a heavy wooden door. Inside, the chamber was small and round,lit by a single narrow window that cast pale light across the space. Dust lingered in the air, undisturbed.
“Nay one has been here in some time,” she said softly.
Her gaze caught on something in the corner.
A harp.
It stood alone, its wood worn but still beautiful, its strings faintly dulled with neglect. Eloise stepped closer, drawn to it as though by instinct.
“Well now…” she whispered. She reached out, brushing her fingers lightly over the strings.
A soft, trembling note filled the room.
She smiled despite herself, something warm stirring within her. “I havenae played in so long,” she murmured.
Slowly, she sat before it, adjusting it carefully as she tested the strings one by one. The sound, though imperfect, awakened something familiar in her chest.
Her fingers moved more confidently now, coaxing a simple melody from the instrument. The notes echoed softly against the stone walls, filling the quiet space with life once more. Fora moment, she forgot everything, the poison, the tension, the confusion, and simply played.
“Aye… I remember,” she said softly, a small laugh escaping her.
“Well, I would say ye remember quite well.”
Eloise startled, her hands freezing on the strings as she turned.
Mairead stood in the doorway, her presence quiet but unmistakable.
“Ye startled me,” Eloise said, her hand pressing lightly to her chest.
Mairead stepped inside, her gaze warm but observant. “Forgive me,” she said gently. “I didnae mean to frighten ye.”
Eloise rose slowly. “I didnae ken anyone came up here,” she said.
Mairead smiled faintly. “Few do,” she replied. “It is… a forgotten place.” Her gaze drifted briefly to the harp. “I am glad to see ye are feelin’ better,” she added. “I was very worried about ye.”
Eloise softened slightly. “Thank ye,” she said. “I am much improved.”
Mairead nodded, though something unreadable flickered behind her eyes. “That is good,” she said. “The castle felt… quieter without ye.”
Eloise glanced back at the harp. “I stumbled upon this,” she said. “It seems a shame it has been left to gather dust.”
Mairead studied her for a moment, then smiled, this time with a hint of something more deliberate. “Ye play beautifully,” she said. “Ye should play at supper.”
Eloise blinked. “At supper?” she repeated.
“Aye,” Mairead said lightly. “It would be a fine surprise.” She tilted her head slightly. “For James.”
Eloise hesitated. “I daenae ken if that is wise,” she said. “I have nae played before others in years.”
Mairead stepped closer, her tone encouraging. “It would please him,” she said softly. “And it would please the clan to hear such music.”
Eloise looked uncertain. “Ye truly think so?” she asked.
Mairead nodded. “I do,” she said. “And perhaps it is time this place held joy again.” She gestured lightly to the harp. “Ye could be the one to bring it.”
