#Isabella York | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

theteltales · 25 days

Text

The Letters That Move Us - A Break in the Day.

Amy

The only thing that brought Isabella any semblance of joy during the day was the food that was painstakingly prepared for the girls. Three meals a day, all very delicious, with varied options for each. Still, it was hard for her to be excited when mealtime included nearly as much pomp and circumstance as her lessons. At least for lunch and dinner when the girls were all together in the school building. Nevertheless, she looked forward to the time away from classes. Particularly when she was able to enjoy new things that popped up on the menu. Now that Violet was joining her, she feared her enjoyment would continue to wane.

Upon entering the large banquet hall, Violet’s eyes scanned over the students who had already assembled. Around them, it appeared handmaidens were receiving orders from their ladies. Who then went and conversed with their acquaintances, leaving their staff to join the students that were retrieving their own meals. Violet turned to Isabella, inclining her head slightly before she spoke. "Miss York, it appears it's my responsibility to retrieve your food. Please tell me what you'd like to eat so I may get it for you."

Once Violet had finished speaking, Isabella likewise turned and observed the same routine play out between student and handmaiden. Well, that was at least one little bonus to this whole arrangement, more time to sit and relax instead of waiting in line. Her eyes back on Violet, she tapped a finger to her cheek for a few moments in thought before deciding. "Alright, I'll take some noodles then."

In response, Violet nodded her understanding but didn't turn and make her way to the line. "Miss York."

Clearly, the handmaiden had something more to say, much to Isabella's irritation. "What now?"

"Though I am merely a servant, adding a 'please' can go a long way towards maintaining healthy relationships. I suggest you practice adding it to your requests of me to build the habit."

Violet's suggestion earned her a roll of Isabella’s eyes before her hands came up in a sort of shrug. "Fine. Can you go get me some noodles? Please."

Apparently satisfied, the handmaiden bowed her head and turned to go join the women waiting in line. Finally free from her overseer, Isabella sat at the table with a small, contented sigh. In these blissful moments of semi-solitude, a little smile managed to creep onto her face. But any delight she felt didn't last, and the expression faded away as soon as other girls began to sit around her. Most women found natural conversation partners with those near them, so she was often left alone. Which suited her just fine, she didn't want their company anyway.

After a few minutes passed, Violet returned with a small platter of food in hand and promptly placed it on the table. Isabella looked down at the food for a moment, her stomach already rumbling at the sight and smell of it. However, there was something more pressing on her mind. She looked up at Violet once more, taking note of her empty hands. "Where's yours?"

In response to the question, Violet removed the box from under her arm and brought it up for her to see. "They have boxed meals for the handmaidens. I'm not sure what's inside."

Isabella stared at the simple white box for a few moments before her eyebrows knit together. "Don’t you get the same food as the rest of us? That doesn’t seem fair."

Violet's hand came up and stopped Isabella from complaining further. "I'm sure it's fine. Please, enjoy your meal with your classmates, Miss York. Don't worry yourself with me."

At first, Isabella only narrowed her eyes, about to argue further but she only sighed instead. "Alright, fine. Eat your box then." As long as the handmaiden was getting food, and she didn't seem to mind what it was, there was no reason for Isabella to care. So, she turned back to the tray. In addition to the main dish she'd requested, there was a small side salad and a bowl of soup. Of course, the usual assortment of cutlery lay on either side of the plate. Each utensil was specifically chosen for a different portion of the meal and the staff switched them out based on the food the girls ordered, but Isabella didn't care for all that. She reached down and picked up the nearest fork to the plate before immediately driving it into the leafy green salad.

"Miss York, the proper fork for your salad is on the outside of the line. You start from the end and work your way in."

This correction only earned a scoff from Isabella, who didn't even bother to look back up at the blonde as she continued to eat. She wondered if the placid look of Violet showed any emotion when she purposefully used the same fork to take a bite of the main dish. Before returning to the salad for the following bite. Normally she would've finished the salad first, but she couldn't help but try to get a rise out of the woman. However, if there was any reaction to her little act of rebellion, no further corrections came.

Instead, Violet silently ate her own lunch, sparing no time to enjoy the flavor. In the quiet that followed, Isabella finished off her salad and picked up the only spoon on the tray to attend to the soup. This time she couldn't help but turn and look up at Violet once she plunged the utensil into the bowl. "Good thing I managed to find the right–" When Isabella turned, and saw Violet had finished with her meal already and the rest of the sentence faded to nothing. "Are you done already?"

Violet nodded by way of answering, before elaborating further. "I learned to eat quickly in the army. You never knew when your meal was going to be interrupted, so it was best to be efficient. Especially if time was set aside for it."

In response to her answer, Isabella’s head tilted curiously, as if not quite believing what she’d just heard. “In the…army?” The words came out slowly as if Isabella could enhance her understanding by repeating them back to the woman. “I don’t understand, were you a soldier? You’re just a girl though.” When Violet mentioned losing her arms in the war, Isabella had figured that it had been due to an accident or indiscriminate bombing of a city or something. There had been plenty of that throughout and Violet wouldn’t be the only person to suffer such a fate.

“I was a soldier, yes. However, this isn’t the place for such discussion. Please focus on your meal, Miss York.”

Was it that bad she couldn’t speak about it here? “But, I just…” Isabella began to protest, her curiosity overriding the annoyance with her handmaiden. Of course, just when she found a topic that was interesting, Violet moved on. No matter what she said, she figured the handmaiden wouldn’t budge. So, Isabella once again returned to her meal where it stayed.

After the rest of the meal passed without incident, the two girls made their way back to the dormitory. As usual, eyes and whispers followed the pair wherever they went. It seemed that Violet drew other's gazes like a moth to a flame. Which only continued to grate Isabella's nerves.

Most students took this time in the afternoon to socialize amongst their peers in an attempt to make lasting connections. Connections that would serve them well into the future. For the few like Isabella, it was a chance to hide away and recharge their social batteries after a long morning of classes.

Once they were back in the room, Isabella walked over to her bed, unceremoniously dropped her bag, and fell into the soft blankets. Immersed in the gentle embrace of the comforter, she couldn't help but let out a pleased sigh and close her eyes. Okay, so maybe she had two favorite things about this place. But her bliss would only last so long.

"Miss York." Violet's voice filled the room, the same flat tone giving no hint of what was to come next. Though Isabella had a feeling she knew exactly what the woman was going to say. "We should make our way to the table and review the day's lessons. It seemed like you had trouble focusing in class and it's important you understand what was taught."

"Important?" Isabella uttered the single word with a mocking tone before she rolled over and lifted her head. Resting her elbows on the bed, she turned and fixed Violet with a blank stare. "This isn’t important. Why should I learn this crap? There's no place for it in the real world." She'd asked the same thing to her adoptive father, but had only received a head shake and a gruff reply that amount to because I'm telling you to. Real helpful.

Violet was silent for a moment following the question and her eyes wandered until they came back into focus on Isabella. "Think of it like this. These customs and traditions are like a language that lets you interact with others. So, no matter how benign it seems, you have to learn the ins and outs of how to converse. For lack of a better example."

This description caused Isabella to pause for a moment, face blank while she considered Violet’s answer. It made sense, in a way. But she wasn't about to admit that out loud. Instead, Isabella's head dropped face-first into the blanket atop the bed, her reply muted somewhat by the fabric. "I don't want to interact with these people." They could keep their stupid customs and traditions; she didn't want to be a part of it.

In response, Violet shrugged and went further into the room, grabbing the bag she set down earlier before moving to the table. Once there, she pulled out a chair and sat, waiting for Isabella to join her. "That may be so, but it is your obligation. For better or for worse."

Of course, Violet wasn't aware of the reason Isabella was compelled to live this life. She didn't know about the woman's younger sister and the promise by her new family to ensure she was well cared for. Memories of the girl came flooding back into Isabella's mind then, but there they stayed. She had no desire to tell such things to Violet, even if it would be nice to share that burden with someone else.

With a low groan, Isabella finally sat up all the way before scooting off the edge of the bed. "Fine, we'll study for a bit. Just don't expect me to be excited about it." She dragged herself over to the table with languid movements and pulled out a chair to plop herself down in. The loud thud drew the gaze of Violet, but whatever words she was about to say faded into nothing following the placating gesture that followed from Isabella.

Once Isabella settled, Violet took a breath and adjusted herself in the chair, sitting up straight before beginning in earnest. "Alright, let's start at the beginning. Can you tell me what the first lesson detailed this morning?"

After a few moments, Isabella filled the growing silence between them with a loud groan before leaning forward in a slouch. "Seriously? Are we going to go through the whole day?"

Violet immediately nodded in response, perhaps anticipating the question. "I need to know what you missed from the lesson. Besides, repeating it back to me will help you remember it. Now, please sit up, and let's begin. The sooner we start, the sooner it's done."

#violet evergarden #isabella york #amy bartlett #violet x amy #violet x isabella #f/f #f/f fanfic #yuri

2 notes · View notes

theteltales · 1 month

Text

The Letters That Move Us - A Rough Beginning

Amy

Unbeknownst to Violet, a pair of light green eyes followed her every move once she was in sight of the dormitory. All the way up until the blonde woman disappeared around a corner of the building. At this point, Isabella York finally let the curtain close behind her, a heavy sigh left trailing in her wake. It wasn't fair. That she should remain caged like a bird, now and in perpetuity, while others wandered free.

After leaving the window, she walked back towards her bed to haphazardly fix the blankets from last night. Who was that girl? Was she the handmaiden that was meant to be her secret tutor? Her father, for lack of a better term, had explained his plan on their trip here. To find someone who could help mentor her in the ways of etiquette and ladylike behavior. Whatever all that meant. Wasn't that why she was at this school? To learn such things? Though she had to admit the other girls seemed leagues ahead of her in that regard. After a few minutes, there was a knock at her door, which made Isabella jump.

"Hold on..." Another sigh preceded her movement to answer it and she paused after a few steps before reaching down and grabbing the handle. Just long enough to summon the energy for whatever interaction was to come.

"Miss York?" A muffled voice from the other side of the door called out to her before she finally opened the door. "I said hold…on." The last word came with much less intensity as her eyes went wide, taking in the sight of the stranger with piercing blue eyes. Her mouth hung slightly ajar and any further words died in her throat. The other woman's expression was neutral and framed by flowing blonde hair on either side of her face. Wait…the blonde hair! So, this was the girl she'd seen from the window.

The growing silence was abruptly shattered then when the mysterious woman set down her bag with a thud. Subsequently, she grabbed the sides of her dress and performed a near-perfect curtsy. "Good morning, Miss York. My name is Violet Evergarden, and I am here to act as your handmaiden and tutor for the next three months." When she stood tall, her hands came together to rest in front of her person as she waited for Isabella to say something. Anything.

For her part, Isabella could only stand there in awe for a few more seconds. So, this was her babysitter? Damn, she didn't have to be so striking! "Right, I guess you can come in." Isabella turned away from the entrance and started to move back inside, a hand coming up to indicate a second, smaller bed set up beside her own. "That's for you, they moved it in a few days ago. You can set your stuff do–" Before she could finish, a cough welled up in her throat. Followed by another, and another until she couldn't speak. Why now of all times!?

Seeing this, Violet moved swiftly from the door, raising a hand to offer some comfort or aid. "No! Don't!" The words came out hoarse and, before Violet could lay her hand on Isabella's back, the student swatted it away with her own. Her hand hurt something fierce following the impact, like it had struck something hard. Clutching it to her chest, her eyes went to the gloved hand she'd slapped, eyebrows knitting together in confusion. "Damn it, that hurt! What's with your hand?" While she waited in response, Isabella gently massaged the injured fingers.

"Miss York, please refrain from using such language. It is not befitting a lady." Violet kept that same expression as she offered the rebuke before lifting her hand and removing the glove. Now free, the polished, metal fingers shone in the sunlight that leaked into the room. Violet then separated the fingers and closed each one in rapid succession before opening them again. "Both of my arms are prosthetics, I lost them in the war. Don't worry though, it won't impact my duties. I'm still able to do most things with ease."

Isabella couldn't help but stare for a few heartbeats more, curious about what the rest of the arm looked like beneath the dress.

"Miss York, though I don't mind it, it is considered impolite to stare at someone. Especially at something like this."

Hearing the words brought Isabella out of her mind and her eyes back up to match Violet's gaze. She cleared her throat and followed up the gesture by rolling her eyes. Great, is this what I have to look forward to for three months? "Yeah, yeah. Sure. Hurry up and get changed. Your clothes are already in the dresser. Right side."

Violet simply nodded her understanding and proceeded deeper into their room, setting her bag atop the guest bed. "Very well, I will get ready."

The now-handmaiden chose not to unpack further and, without a word, changed into the school's uniform. Finished, Violet subsequently moved to assist Isabella with hers. Only to be given an unpleasant look in exchange for her effort. "I don't need your help, go wait by the door. I'll be done in a minute."

Once again Violet did as she was instructed and moved to stand by the wall to wait for Isabella to finish. However, her eyes remained on the student and the simple brown dress she slipped over her undergarments. Unlike Violet’s, Isabella’s uniform bore the school's crest, indicating her status as a student and not an assistant or handmaiden.

"Miss York, I understand my purpose here is to teach you, above all else. However, you should let me perform my duties. Both to keep up appearances and to get you accustomed to such things. You will have maids and staff you must interact with when you leave school."

All Violet received in response was a silent grunt followed by a long exhale, while Isabella considered her suggestion. "Fine. I guess that makes sense, at least the first reason does." Still, she continued on her own for now, hands attending to her wine-colored hair without any help. She wasn't quite sure what Violet meant by interacting with future staff. Didn't she just...you know, tell them what to do? Seemed pretty straightforward to her. She had already bossed Violet around easy enough and it had only been 20 minutes. “I didn’t think dolls did this kind of stuff. Teaching people and all. I thought you only wrote letters for people.”

“We do not. If it wasn’t for the request from the Drossel family and your unique circumstances, I most likely would have turned down this assignment.”

Her unique circumstances? Whatever Violet thought she knew; it was most certainly a far cry from the truth and Isabella wasn’t about to inform her. So, she remained silent as she finished her hair and the rest of her preparations for the day ahead. She didn’t know who the Drossels were, but they were probably just as snobby as the rest of them. Finally ready, Isabella stepped up to the door, opened it, but paused before passing through so she could turn to look at Violet where she stood.

"Look, for the record, this wasn't my idea. Just keep quiet unless it's absolutely necessary for my education, ok?" Honestly, Violet sounded like a piece of work already. If she had to listen to her speak regularly, in addition to what she already had to put up with at the school, she may end up losing her mind. Before Violet even had a chance to respond, Isabella stepped through without so much as a backward glance to see if she was following. Of course, she was close behind the woman, and the sound of two pairs of boots soon filled the hall, adding to the chorus of students making their way to the school building for the day's lessons.

Once they exited the dormitory, Violet followed behind Isabella down a cobblestone path. One currently occupied by a steady flow of students. Overhead stretched a thick canopy of trees which provided shade during the majority of the walk. It was still cool out this morning, so relief from the sun wasn't needed. However, come the afternoon, it would most likely be appreciated. Especially as they transitioned into Summer. Of course, the newcomer among the students was immediately noticed, evident by all the side-ward glances cast Violet’s way. Whispers could be heard all around them, and Isabella even noticed a few fingers pointed in their direction. Even with all the attention on Violet, her companion apparently remained unphased.

However, while Violet was taking the looks in stride, Isabella was considerably more annoyed with all the attention since it inevitably passed on to her as well. So much for blending into the background! The looks continued as the pair made their way through the school building. It seemed like everyone, student and handmaiden alike, stopped whatever they were doing to observe them walk past. Isabella did her best to keep her eyes fixed on the pattern of the floor but she could still feel their gazes. Thankfully, the classroom was coming up. All she had to do was make it inside and then she could retreat inside her mind.

She was about to reach for the door when Violet suddenly moved ahead, grabbed the handle, and stood to the side waiting for Isabella to pass through. For a few heartbeats, she could only stare at Violet, eyes blinking a few times extra. Once she snapped out of her shock, Isabella turned and continued through with a huff. The little interaction wasn't lost on the curious sets of eyes either, and a fury of whispers erupted from the hallway. Which were only cut off when Violet stepped through and shut the door behind her. Isabella had been so intent on getting away that she hadn't been paying attention to where she was going. Which caused her to run smack into Ashley Lancaster.

"Hey, watch it!" The words left Isabella’s mouth before she had a chance to reconsider, and her face turned a faint shade of red once her mind caught up. The tall blonde took the accident and the remark in stride, though. Not missing a beat, she smiled and tilted her head in greeting.

"Oh, pardon me, Miss York. I was just coming to see who was accompanying you this morning." A polite smile graced Miss Lancaster’s lips as she spoke. The gathered group of women behind her all wore similar expressions, mixed with curiosity.

Isabella's own face contorted into something resembling a mix of confusion and disgust. Before she could respond though, Violet stepped in from the side to draw in the group’s attention.

"Who is that?" "Did Isabella get a handmaiden?" "She looks more like a princess than a handmaiden..."

Violet’s face remained passive as the soft whispers made it to their ears. In front, she performed another curtsy before rising and meeting the other woman’s gaze, blue eyes locked on brown. "My name is Violet Evergarden and I will be in Miss York’s employ for the next few months. It is nice to meet you all.”

When Violet spoke, the whispers died to nothing as all ears around them listened intently to what she had to say. Before replying, Ashley looked over to where Isabella stood but only took a second to study her. Whereupon she returned her attention to the handmaiden. "I see. Violet, what a pretty name. I look forward to getting to know both of you over the coming months. Good day, ladies." After performing their own bows, the group of women soon filtered off to their seats, Miss Lancaster leading the way. Now that the interaction was over, Isabella finally looked up and fixed Violet with a malicious stare. Without another word, she pushed past, her shoulder lightly brushing Violet’s as she went.

Class began soon enough thereafter. The teacher was a tall, slender woman who looked to be middle age judging by the streaks of gray in her dark, brown hair. After taking attendance, she started with the morning's lesson. Not long after, Isabella was once again lost in her own thoughts with the lecture flowing in one ear and out the other. Her mind was focused on one thing and one thing only; her new handmaiden. Well, teacher? As if prompted by thoughts of the woman, Isabella turned her head, eyes glancing to the side to catch a glimpse of Violet in the back of the room. Sure enough, those blue eyes just happened to be looking right back when she stole the glance, forcing her to abruptly bring her head around to the front. Damn it, it��s like she’s always watching…

#violet evergarden #violet evergarden eternity and the auto memory doll #isabella york #amy bartlett #violet x amy #violet x isabella #f/f #f/f fanfic #yuri

4 notes · View notes