Midway between a certain blue lake and a deep forest there once stood a cottage, called by its owner “The Rookery.”
The forest shut out the sunlight and scowled upon the ground, breaking with shadows every ray that fell, until only a few little pieces lay scattered about. But the broad lake invited all the rays to come and rest upon her, so that sometimes she shone from shore to shore, and the sun winked and blinked above her, as though dazzled by his own reflection. The cottage, which was very small, had sunny windows and dark windows. Only from the roof could you see the mountains beyond, where the light crept up in the morning and down in the evening, turning all the brooks into living silver as it passed.
But something brighter than sunshine used often to look from the cottage into the forest, and something even more gloomy than shadows often glowered from its windows upon the sunny lake. One was the face of little Ruky Lynn; and the other was his sister’s when she felt angry or ill-tempered.
They were orphans, Cora and Ruky, living alone in the cottage with an old uncle. Cora—or “Cor,” as Ruky called her—was nearly sixteen years old, but her brother had seen the forest turn yellow only four times. She was, therefore, almost mother and sister in one. The little fellow was her companion night and day. Together they ate and slept, and—when Cora was not at work in the cottage—together they rambled in the wood, or floated in their little skiff upon the lake.
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The cottage was a cozy, if somewhat worn down, place. Its walls were made of rough, weathered wood, and the thatched roof had a few missing patches. But inside, it was warm and inviting. The main room served as both a kitchen and a living area, with a crackling fireplace on one side and a well-used wooden table on the other. Shelves lined the walls, filled with books, trinkets, and jars of herbs. A soft rug covered the worn wooden floor, and a few comfortable chairs were scattered about for lounging.
Beyond the main room, there were two small bedrooms. One belonged to Cora, decorated with delicate lace curtains and a few dried flowers hanging from the walls. The other was Ruky's, much simpler but just as welcoming. A small wooden bed with a warm quilt took up most of the space, and a few toys and books were scattered about.
In front of the cottage, a small garden nestled among the forest trees. Cora took great pride in tending to the flowers and herbs that grew there, and she often spent her mornings among the colorful blossoms. Ruky would often help, although his attention usually wandered to the butterflies and birds flitting about.
The blue lake, known for its crystal-clear waters, was a stone's throw away from the cottage. A path, well-worn from countless walks, led from the front door straight to the water's edge. On hot summer days, Cora and Ruky would dive into the cool depths, splashing and laughing with abandonment.
While the lake was a place of joy and tranquility for the siblings, the deep forest surrounding the cottage held an air of mystery and adventure. Towering trees loomed overhead, blocking out most of the sunlight and creating an enchanting, almost otherworldly atmosphere. Cora and Ruky would often explore its winding paths, discovering hidden groves and secret clearings. The forest, with its tall, whispering trees and scurrying creatures, held a special kind of magic that captivated their imaginations.
And so, amidst the beauty of the blue lake and the intrigue of the deep forest, the cottage called "The Rookery" stood as a haven for Cora and Ruky. It was their sanctuary, a place where they could find solace in each other's company and create memories that would last a lifetime.