(Skylar walked back to the mud house holding a mop bucket and a mop. her hair was messy and looked tired. upon approaching, she glanced around the house before dropping the items. she was about to slip in when she sighted a walking figure. she smiled, making her way over to him)
SKYLAR: (called out) hey.....
CHRISTOPHER: (glanced behind, paused) you done already?
SKYLAR: I began early, course I am.
CHRISTOPHER: great! I was gonna come check up on you once I finished this. (continued sharpening the tools) you good?
SKYLAR: exhausted but yeah, prime. (sat watching him) I got some news for you.
CHRISTOPHER: oh yeah?
SKYLAR: your girlfriend came around.
CHRISTOPHER: who's my girlfriend?
SKYLAR: the one you regularly asks for?
CHRISTOPHER: (suddenly interested) oh, she did?
SKYLAR: yeah? she just came out today, called someone to attend to her in her room. we were all, surprised. no one knew when she left or returned. it's like she sneaked in, you know.
CHRISTOPHER: someone of such presence sneaking in? doesn't seem thinkable.
SKYLAR: that's why servants were whispering today.
CHRISTOPHER: oh, what about?
SKYLAR: (eyed him) you don't think I'll tell, do you? whispering is highly forbidden here.
CHRISTOPHER: (perplexed) now you say. now after you've bought me over with the information about having more to tell. what's the big idea?
SKYLAR: you can't just always have what you want.
CHRISTOPHER: (exhaled) Skylar, what do you want?
SKYLAR: (chuckled) promise you'll say yes to whatever it is first.
CHRISTOPHER: I can't believe I'm doing this but yes.
SKYLAR: (stunned) this Carissa seem to mean more to you than I thought.
CHRISTOPHER: she..... I told you, I don't really know her. I just... why am I explaining myself? I'm just a curious cat.
SKYLAR: (rolled her eyes) like hell you are. (thought) I heard, and I believe it's purely a rumour, that she was locked up somewhere by Catherine.
CHRISTOPHER: You don't possibly buy that, do you?
SKYLAR: I just told you I don't. it's not like you can just lay your hands on a woman like that. but lock her up, that far too insane.
CHRISTOPHER: And what reason do they have to lock her up?
SKYLAR: who knows? she stepped on poor Diane's toes perhaps?
CHRISTOPHER: I was right to judge their sham of a friendship. (Skylar looks confused) Though that's by the way.
CARRIE:(appeared behind them) I see it's just your makeup. (they turned back, shocked) I shouldn't be angry then. what can you do about it?
SKYLAR:(bowed) what do you mean my lady?
CARRIE: (still looking at Christopher) Judging others. (turned to Skylar. stared at her for a while. then spoke) why? it hasn't been a while and your hair's messed up?
SKYLAR: (shocked) you noticed my hair before?
CARRIE: did you think my eyes were to beautify? sure they are, but they see too. I loved the look.
CHRISTOPHER: (spoke) where have you been?
CARRIE: (shrugged) who's this stranger asking me to report to him?
CHRISTOPHER: one you are comfortable speaking to when you don't know him well..
SKYLAR: (noticing the mood shift) I think I have some work to do. I'll leave now. (bowed again to Carissa. left)
CHRISTOPHER: come and sit. (she walked gracefully and sat next to him) am I allowed to glance at you?
CARRIE: aren't you already?
CHRISTOPHER: (he examined her properly) you good.
CARRIE: I know.
CHRISTOPHER: it wasn't a compliment.
CARRIE: I'll take it however I want. (stared at him) what is it?
CHRISTOPHER: now i understand why whispering's banished here. and anywhere.
CARRIE: (ignored) I believe whispers, along with rumors, carry an element of truth.
CHRISTOPHER: So it is true that you were locked up?
CARRIE: (chuckled) what do you think? I know I don't have to say a word because you'll believe what you want to believe.
CHRISTOPHER: (knelt before her) were you really locked up?
CARRIE: (heaved) What do you think?
CHRISTOPHER: You look too fine for someone who had suffered.
CARRIE: what were you hoping to find?
CHRISTOPHER: Nothing. tis an impossible feat to treat you with such lacking manners. You are the great lady Carissa after all.
CARRIE: Indeed I am. I can't really hide that, can I? well the great lady demands you keep shut and continue your job like she ain't here.
CHRISTOPHER: (paused) why are you even here?
CARRIE: It wasn't a request.
CHRISTOPHER: I'm not under your ladyship.
CARRIE: How wrong of you to assume that.
CHRISTOPHER: Listen, I know you are used to having the rule. but whenever you come to me, you must never think you can control this bloke.
CARRIE: (let out a chortle) that's hilarious. you sound like a man I know. I'm talking someone you could never be.
CHRISTOPHER: are you always like this?
CARRIE: like what?
CHRISTOPHER: arrogant, proud, full of yourself.
CARRIE: you just used all the wrong words to describe me. but then you always judge. and hastily too.
CHRISTOPHER: if you don't want to hear me judge, you shouldn't come around.
CARRIE: (amused) you actually think I came all the way here for you?
CHRISTOPHER: if I'm wrong, feel free to tell me why you're here.
CARRIE: (stood up, dusted her dress) I'll choose what to do.
CHRISTOPHER: (slightly disappointed) you're leaving?
CARRIE:(nodded) don't expect me back anytime soon. (turned to leave)
CHRISTOPHER: you still don't know my name.
CARRIE: (sniggered) what for? (bent under a tree as she made her way back)
CHRISTOPHER:(watching her, thought) when will I get to see her again?