After all this time of writing the other Cullens, I'm finally going to try with Bella! This is going to be a medieval version of Twilight, set in 1348. It will borrow heavily from modern day twilight with a lot of similar conversations and parallel events. I've kept the names of the Cullens but changed a few of the other characters, just because the modern names really clashed with the medieval setting. The title comes from a quote by Dante, who was a 14th century writer, and I thought it was very appropriate for Bella and Edward. Anyway, I hope you enjoy it!

Chapter 1 – Castle Cullen

"Remember tonight…for it is the beginning of always." – Dante Alighieri

"Lady Isabella? You'll be able to see Castle Cullen soon, just once we get out of these woods. We're nearly home, my lady."

Deep under my hood I nodded wearily. The rain dripped continuously from the trees above and I was so cold I had almost ceased shivering. My hands on the reins were numb despite the fur-lined gloves, but the well-bred and trained palfrey followed the horse ahead without requiring any guidance from me.

Coming to the edge of the forest the endless dripping eased off as we left the thick trees behind. I pushed my hood back a little and looked up, seeing at last the looming stone edifice of Castle Cullen atop the hill we were now beginning to wind our way up. The oppressive storm clouds and the twilight gloom combined to make it look forbidding, and I felt my heart fall a little further.

The horses obviously felt none of my reservations. Sensing how close they were to home, to a warm stable and good food, they picked up their pace and the palfrey neighed shrilly.

"You'll be glad to get to the castle I'd wager," Sir Hugh said to me, letting his horse drop back to pace beside the palfrey.

I smiled at him briefly, but said nothing. Certainly I'd be glad to be off the horse and in front of a fire, but there was nothing about the dark grey stone walls and towers ahead of me that appealed. After living with my aunt in a busy market city of York for twelve years, being sent to the remote Castle Cullen to live with my father felt like being sent into exile.

It began to rain again as we passed through the outer gate, and made our way towards the imposing gatehouse ahead. The palfrey slipped a little in the churned up mud and I clutched at the saddle with numb hands, hoping it wouldn't stumble. Several cottages and huts were built up against the thick castle walls, but the evening hour and the cold rain appeared to be keeping everyone inside.

The older man guarding the gatehouse greeted Sir Hugh with a hearty shout, and then gazed at me curiously.

"Charles' daughter, Lady Isabella," Sir Hugh said briefly, and the man nodded with understanding.

I squirmed in embarrassment, knowing that this was only the beginning. There wouldn't be so many new faces joining remote castle communities like Castle Cullen often so that the arrival of someone new wouldn't be regarded as a matter of great interest. As steward my father was a powerful member of the Lord's household, and having his long lost daughter arrive from the large market town of York wasn't something that would slip by anyone. Shy and with a tendency towards clumsiness, the idea of everyone watching me was horrifying.

Coming out from under the shelter of the gatehouse into the castle courtyard I saw the stables over to one side. Built of stone, they were in considerably better repair than some of the peasant's cottages I had seen on the other side of the wall. Sir Hugh dismounted and handed his courser off to another groom and then came over to my side.

"My lady? Can I help you?"

"Thank you." Forcing my cramped fingers to release the reins I dismounted, although after so many hours freezing in the saddle my legs crumpled under me and I fell into Sir Hugh's arms. He held me upright until I was able to stand alone, my face hot with embarrassment.

"Jacob," Sir Hugh shouted. "Jacob! Come and fetch the lady Isabella's horse!"

The palfrey butted her head against me, and I patted her shoulder absently. A boy suddenly appeared at her head, taking the rein and grinning at me. His eyes were dark and his hair, also dark, had stray wisps of hay in it. "Welcome to Castle Cullen Lady Bella. Or I suppose I should say welcome back."

I smiled at him vaguely. I had left the castle at five years old and had very few memories. "Thank you…"

"Jacob," he told me. "You don't remember me? We used to play together when we were little, when you were here before." His cheeks went pink. "Never mind…it's silly."

"I don't remember," I said, but I smiled at him anyway. He had called me Bella, which I preferred, and it was kind of him to remember and try and make me feel at home. "But thank you for the welcome."

"Let's get on up to the castle," Sir Hugh interrupted, unstrapping the bundle of my possessions from the palfrey. "Jacob, see to the horses. Lady Isabella, we must find your father. He'll be relieved to have you here safe at last."

I followed him across the courtyard and into the great hall, where the clamour of the people crowded in there hit me like a solid wall of sound. Dinner must have been winding down, since the high table was deserted, but the hall still seemed full of people seated at the long tables, all of them talking at the tops of their voices.

"Here are your belongings," Sir Hugh said, offering me my bundle, which I took and clasped to my chest. "Wait here my lady, and I'll find your father," he added, not waiting for a response before he vanished. He seemed a little less dour than he had on the journey, and I supposed he was relieved to be home. Likely he hadn't found my company any more scintillating than I had found his.

"Bella!"

It was my father. My few memories from the castle involved Charles, and I was surprised how unchanged the man in front of me seemed. There was more grey in his hair and beard and the belly under the tunic was a little more pronounced than I remembered, but the smile was the same as he came and embraced me a little awkwardly.

"Hello Char…Father." My aunt had always referred to Charles by his name and I had fallen into the habit of doing so as well, but it didn't seem respectful to do so to his face.

"The journey was well?" he enquired.

"Well enough," I answered. Four days of hard riding had left me aching in every muscle and half wishing to never see a horse again, but Charles didn't need to hear my complaints. I was here at Castle Cullen at last, and had little option but to make the best of it.

"I know you must be tired," Charles said. "You've missed the main serving of dinner but if you take a seat I'll get you something before I take you up to your chamber. Come up near the fire, you look frozen."

"Thank you," I said, clutching my bundle a little tighter as I meekly followed Charles through the great hall towards the tables closer to the huge, blazing fire. People were beginning to rise from the benches and leave, or mill around the hall talking, but I kept my head down and carefully watched my footing in the rushes spread across the floor. They were fresh and I caught the scent of herbs as my foot crushed a leaf here and there.

"Take a seat."

Charles pushed me gently towards the bench and I stumbled forward and sat down. Even at this distance I could feel the heat of the fire and my clothes began to steam gently. He disappeared for a moment and when he reappeared he laid a trencher laden with meats in front of me, alongside a goblet of wine. The smell of the spiced food was strong enough to make me feel almost dizzy as I realised how hungry I was. Taking my knife from my belt I began to eat.

Charles watched me for a few moments, a smile creeping across his face. "It's good to have you back here at the castle, Bella."

I gave him a small smile in return. At least my return to the endlessly overcast, gloomy remoteness of Castle Cullen was bringing pleasure to someone, even if it wasn't me.

The food was cold but good and I ate it gratefully. The warmth from the fire at my back began to seep through my damp, cold clothing and I dropped my cloak on the bench beside me so I could feel it more directly.

"I've had a fire lit in a chamber upstairs for you," Charles said diffidently. "If you want to come along now?"

I nodded and rose to my feet. Charles took my bundle and I took my wet cloak and followed him through the great hall and up a curving staircase. All along the way people called out to him, several of them adding greetings to me. I guessed Charles had been talking about my return; certainly I had changed enough since I'd left as a five year old that no one should remember me!

The chamber Charles showed me to was tiny, but it had a narrow window through which I could see the sky outside and, best of all, a fire crackling cheerfully in a brazier. With a grateful sigh I went and stood with my back to it, lacing my hands together behind my back to warm them too. Apart from the brazier there was an inviting looking bed, an upright chair and a chest against the far wall.

"Most of the other young ladies all sleep together but I thought you might prefer being on your own, at least until you find your feet," Charles said. "Let me know if you'd rather not."

"No, this is lovely thank you," I said, a little surprised at Charles' thoughtfulness. I had always slept alone, and the thought of having to share a chamber and a bed with strange girls made my stomach drop. A private chamber was a welcome luxury.

"I'll leave you to sleep," Charles said, a little awkwardly. "Garderobe is down the hall a ways…you'll see it."

"Thank you," I said again, giving a sigh of relief when he finally turned and left. Alone at last, I couldn't stop the tears that sprang to my eyes. I knew I would get used to things at Castle Cullen, but it was a long way from York and things were bound to be different and strange compared to my peaceful life there.

I let myself cry for a few moments, but it was too cold and I was too tired to really give into the misery and weep the way I felt like. Instead I opened my bundle and started to organise myself in my new home.

I searched out the privy and used it, then hurried back to my room. The brazier made the room a little smoky, but I welcomed the warmth and the ability to dry my clothes. From my bundle I withdrew my spare chemise and then stripped off my clothes, all of which were damp, sweaty and dirty after four days ride. They would need to be sponged clean, but I didn't know when or how I might manage that, so for the time being I arranged them over the end of the bed and the chair so that they might dry in the heat of the flames.

I combed my hair, and then finally I could crawl into the inviting looking bed. I was pleasantly surprised to feel a feather mattress rather than the lumpy wool one I had slept on in town, and the coverings felt clean and smelled like lavender. Snuggling down comfortably it didn't take me long to fall asleep.

When I woke the room was barely lighter than it had been in the middle of the night, the small patch of sky I could see being a flat, overcast grey. The fire had long since gone out and I shivered in the morning air. I was tempted to stay in bed, but knowing I had to get up and face the day I slid out from under the covers and dressed as quickly as I could, wearing my spare kirtle and gown. The ones I had worn on the journey were dry now, and I folded them neatly and laid them in the chest. My cloak was still damp and I let it continue airing over the chair as I left the room.

I made my way cautiously down the stairs and over to the great hall. Peering in the door I felt a quick flood of relief when I saw Charles, and I hurried over to join him.

"'Morning Bella," Charles said.

I dropped a quick curtsy. "Good morning."

"I'm glad you're up," he said. "We start the day with chapel here and I'm expected." Without waiting for a response he took my elbow and steered me out of the hall, through a stone passageway and into another, smaller hall. The crush of people made the room almost warm, and I stumbled over someone's feet and nearly fell as Charles propelled me along.

"Guess some things don't change, huh?" he said wryly, steadying me. "You still trip over your own feet."

I could feel a blush warming my cheeks, but Charles had by then pushed me to a space by the wall, and I straightened my gown without answering him.

"It's just prayers," Charles told me. "Not too long, and then there will be some breakfast served in the hall if you want it."

I nodded, but before I could say anything the room fell silent and people all pushed backwards to make a space for the Lord's family to walk through to the front. Being at the back of the crowd hampered my view, but the family were surprisingly tall and I could see the tops of their heads above the surrounding people. Some curly dark hair, several heads of bright golden blond…I wondered what they looked like.

The priest must have walked in with them, although I hadn't seen him, for he immediately mounted the dais and stood before the altar and the shuffling of people stilled as he lifted his voice in prayer. He was a small, slight man but his voice was surprisingly deep and strong and the short prayer service was more pleasant to listen to than I had expected.

Charles seemed keen to get to work and hustled me from the chapel and back into the great hall. The high table was deserted; breakfast not even set. Charlie saw where I was looking and said helpfully, "The family take their morning meal upstairs in their private rooms, so you don't have to wait. Come now, get yourself some breakfast and I'll see that some of the other young ladies give you a bit of looking after. Help you find your way around."

I took the bread and ale and then went unwillingly along with Charles as he headed towards a small group of girls who looked around my age.

"Lady Jocelyn?"

A slender girl with straight brown hair and a vivid, laughing face sprang to her feet and then curtsied deep. "Sir."

Charles shuffled a little uncomfortably. "This is my daughter. You've heard of her? She's come back to live here at the castle after some years away…I was wondering if you wouldn't be able to look out for her for a time? Just help her find her way around, and get into the routine of things?"

"Of course I would love to help!" Jocelyn gave me a bright smile. "Welcome, Lady Isabella!"

I wondered what Charles had said about me, and how many people here were going to call me Isabella, instead of the Bella I had always preferred.

"Thank you," Charles said, sounding relieved. He met my eyes and nodded. "I'll see you at dinner, Bella."

I slid onto the bench beside Jocelyn, concentrating on not spilling the ale. I was very conscious of her frank appraisal of me, and that of the other two girls as they eyed me with interest.

"I'm Lorelle," the taller girl said lazily. She had long, flat blond hair and looked at me without even the glimmer of a smile. I wondered how it was that I seemed to have offended her just by being introduced.

"That's Agnes," Jocelyn said, pointing to the soft, dark haired girl who smiled at me shyly. "And I'm Jocelyn, of course."

"I'm Bella," I said softly.

I gave them all an awkward smile. I wished Charles had just left me to find my way alone, rather than pushing me into being social right away

"Where have you been living?" Jocelyn asked directly.

"In York, with my aunt," I answered. I picked at my piece of bread. "She married, and so I came back here to live with Charles…my father."

"York!" Jocelyn looked impressed. "What was it like?"

I bit my lip anxiously. Now they would probably be expecting me to be sophisticated and confident and interesting, when I wasn't anything like that at all. My aunt and I had lived very quietly, in a small private house that was so different to this crowded castle.

"I liked it," I said at last. "The town is big and busy and noisy, but my aunt and I lived very quietly. We didn't really socialise a great deal."

Jocelyn didn't bother to hide her disappointment. "Oh. Well even so, you'll probably find it all very boring here at the castle after the excitement of town. You're the first new arrival since the Lord and his family came two years ago."

"What are they like?" I asked, hoping to turn the conversation away from me.

Jocelyn exchanged glances with Lorelle and Agnes. "They're…interesting," Jessica said at last. "Come, let's show you around and we'll tell you about them."