Chapter 15

I'm awoken by Kesuk a few hours after falling asleep, and though I long to curl back into the couch and rest, I know Kesuk has had the least amount of sleep out of all of us, so I rise for my watch. Thankfully, all remains quiet. I sit in the darkness of Arabelle's home, listening to Kesuk and Vasa's quiet snores and the ticking of a grandfather clock. There is no movement inside or outside, and for a brief period of time, I feel safe.

When I can no longer keep my eyes open anymore, I wake Vasa in the early morning hours. In a matter of minutes, I pass out on the couch once more. Night comes and goes peacefully, and I wake later to sunlight streaming through the curtains of Arabelle's home onto my face.

I shut my eyes and try to sink back into sleep, but a loud clank causes me to jolt awake. I sit up quicky, finding Arabelle in the kitchen, moving around dishes. She is dressed in a long gown similar to the maid uniform we were forced to wear in Esterpool. At the kitchen table, Vasa and Kesuk are already awake, talking quietly to each other.

"Good morning," Arabelle says when she notices I have awoken.

I let out a loud yawn and join the others in the kitchen. "Good morning," I respond. I eye the plates she has laid out on the table.

"I'm working on breakfast right now," Arabelle says.

"Oh." I try to blink away shock. "You didn't have to do that."

"I can't imagine you have much food on you. Besides, we'll want our bellies filled before travelling to Cantersard Lake," Arabelle says.

She crack eggs into a frying pan, and I lick my lips as the savory aroma spreads through the kitchen. I barely ate at all yesterday after the tumultuous journey on the ferry, and our subpar evening meal did not do much to fill my stomach. A more rational being wouldn't trust Arabelle's offers of food, but I'm too hungry to care if she's poisoned our breakfast.

"I have to run some errands before we go," Arabelle says, keeping her gaze fixated on the pan. "Why don't you all wash up while I'm gone?"

I take a quick whiff of myself and recoil in disgust. I realize I have not had a bath since we were in Kilneu, days prior.

"I suppose we don't smell the loveliest," I admit. "Thanks again for your hospitality. If it were not for you—"

Arabelle holds her hand up. "I already said – I am doing this for the princess, not you. Breakfast will be ready in a few minutes."

I nod and sit beside Kesuk and Vasa. On the kitchen table, they have scattered out our belongings, both to survey the map and take inventory of what we currently have.

"How did you all sleep?" I ask.

"Great. Anywhere is more comfortable than the bunkbeds we had in the military. I finally feel I have some energy again," Vasa says.

"Same here. And you, Fetia?" Kesuk asks.

"I think that was the best sleep I've had in years," I admit. "Hopefully the beds in Arabelle's cottage will be just as comfortable."

"If your standards are stiff military beds, then I'm sure they will be," Arabelle says as she brings us a hot platter of breakfast items to the table. My mouth waters at the sight of eggs, warm toast, and a spread of butters and jams. It is akin to what we used to eat at the maid's quarters back in Esterpool. I suppose Arabelle must be used to nothing less.

"If only there were chefs to make fresh pastries as well," I say as Arabelle sets the plate down.

"I'm afraid I am not as gifted of a baker as the chefs back at the estate," she says. I expect her to sit down and join us, but she moves away as soon as she sets the food down.

"Won't you eat?" I ask.

"I'll eat whatever is leftover. I have to run errands, remember? I'll stop by the market for food and supplies."

"Can we help pay for them at all?" Kesuk offers.

Arabelle shakes her head. "I have enough, but thank you. I will be back later this morning."

With that, she turns and scurries off. As soon as we hear the front door shut, we dig in without a moment to spare. I eat to my heart's content, enjoying one of the best home-cooked meals I've had in quite some time. Kesuk and Vasa eat with the same joy on their face.

Vasa takes a bite of sausage and glances at me. "How do we know she did not leave to turn us in to the soldiers?"

I shrug and continue cutting into my eggs. "I suppose we should have our belongings packed in case we need to make a quick escape. However, she has shown me more kindness today than she did in Esterpool, so I can only hope Arabelle is being genuine. Perhaps my words got to her yesterday evening."

Kesuk narrows his eyes. "I believe packing is a good idea. Someone can take guard while we take turns washing, too. Keep your baths short, everyone," Kesuk says.

I pout, but I know he is right.

"Fresh pastries in Esterpool, huh?" Vasa asks "You must have been eating like royalty while you lived there."

"Not intentionally," I murmur.

"One day you will have to tell us all about your time there," Kesuk says.

I grow uneasy at his words. "Yes. One day," I say. Not wanting that day to be today, I ask to take the first bath. Neither disagree, so I take my plates to the sink and begin to explore the rest of Arabelle's home.

Through the kitchen doorway is a small seating parlor, filled with velvet furniture and expensive vases that give some indication to Arabelle's wealth. I suppose that explains why her family owns a seasonal cottage as well. I wonder if that it was Arabelle's position as a maid to the princess that paid for all these fine belongings, or if her parents also have well-paying professions.

I glance at her family's portraits on the walls. Her parents are dark-haired and pale, like Arabelle. Two young girls also appear in the portraits. Glancing more intently at them, I realize Arabelle must have an older sister. I wonder where she must reside.

Realizing I am wasting time staring at every detail of Arabelle's home, I set my sights to the washroom instead. Once inside, I fill a bath of warm water and sigh contently as I lower myself into the tub. I spend the next few minutes attempting to scrub as much grime and dirt from my body as I possibly can. Once I feel clean again, I yearn to linger in the bath longer and soak up its warmth, but I finish quickly for Kesuk and Vasa's sake. I dry and dress for the day, then return downstairs to begin packing while Vasa takes the next bath.

When Kesuk goes to bathe, I hear the front door open. Vasa and I both stiffen, worried that soldiers have discovered us, but Arabelle walks into the kitchen holding two heavy bags' worth of food and supplies. I suddenly feel guilty for doubting her.

"Would you like help?" I ask.

"No. I'm fine. Thank you," Arabelle says as she sets her belongings down. "I picked up some necessities for the next few days."

"You mean – you're staying with us?" I ask.

Arabelle nods. "Just for a few days, until my parents return home. I need to make sure you three do not destroy the place, after all. Plus, I could use some time away after the insanity of these past few months, no thanks to you." When I am silent, she continues. "What? Were you hoping to remain alone?"

Vasa starts: "Well, you did sort of imply—"

I cut Vasa off. "I think we're only surprised you want to associate with me longer than you have to."

"Make no mistake. I won't stay long. You will be on your own within the week," Arabelle says. "Anyway, we should leave soon. Are you done packing?"

"Just about," I say. "Kesuk is finishing bathing. We should be ready to leave shortly."

"Give me your bags," Arabelle says. When I hesitate, she rolls her eyes. "So I can take them out to the motorcar? It's out front on the street, you know. I imagine you do not want to be seen out there, or carrying around your belongings for that matter. I'll go in trips so as not to draw suspicion."

I still hesitate, but I hand her my bag, as well as Vasa's, and once Kesuk has finished bathing, he reluctantly hands her his belongings as well. The only thing left to do then is head out on our journey.

"We need to immediately get in the car once we leave the house," Arabelle says near the front door. "No lingering around. Fe—er, Fetia, you better draw that hood tight and keep your head low."

I nod and place my cloak over my head. Though nervousness floods through me, I cannot help but feel excited too. If we make it to Cantersard Lake unscathed, the remoteness of the region may afford us safety for weeks, or even months. After travelling so frequently over such a short period of time, I do not mind being able to settle down in one place again.

Arabelle opens the door, and we follow her quickly out of the house. A dark motorcar is parked on the street. Arabelle points, and we quickly make for the car. I crawl into the back, alongside Vasa, while Kesuk sits in the front. Though there are a few people walking down the street, no one speaks up or notices our suspicious behavior. The car starts with a jolt, and I remember suddenly what it was like to ride in a motorcar again.

"When did you learn to drive?" I ask Arabelle.

"I have been out of work for some months now," she reminds me. "Now, keep your cloak on while I drive. You're still visible from the windows."

I nod and grip the car door handle as Arabelle reverses and begins driving down the streets of Fehrbridge.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

As Arabelle drives, I watch the landscape transform from brick buildings and cobblestone streets to dirt roads and rolling hills. I lean back into my seat, finding myself relaxing once we make it out of Fehrbridge. Kesuk and Vasa's shoulders seem to roll back too, and a calm finally settles over the car.

We drive for quite some time, until the sun is hanging higher in the sky. Finally, the car turns down a gravel road after a few hours. I bounce up and down in the seat and grip the car door for stability. In the distance, I can just make out through the trees bits of a shimmering, blue lake.

"Is that Cantersard Lake?" I ask.

Arabelle nods. Trees begin to engulf the area surrounding us as we drive, and Arabelle steers the car right, leading us down another road. Finally, the car stops in front of a stone cottage. Moss and ivy grow up the side, and a red roof keeps the cottage sheltered from the weather. From outside, the cottage looks slightly bigger than Kesuk's cabin.

I step out of the car cautiously, worried there may be soldiers waiting, but Arabelle and the others exits with ease.

"This is quite impressive," Kesuk says as he steps out. He eyes the structure with awe.

"My grandfather built it," Arabelle explains. "My family and I used to spend every summer here when I was a child."

She turns, glancing towards the lake. The shore is close, no more than a minute walk. That is a luxury even I was not afforded in Landiani. In the silence, we can hear the water lapping onto the stones and the wind whistling through the trees. The quiet scares me at first, but I become more relaxed when I realize that hopefully means we will not be disturbed here.

"Do you see that in the distance?" Arabelle asks. She points her hand slightly east. On the other side of the lake, large, towering structures ruin the natural beauty of the shore.

"Is that where the soldiers harvest magic?" I ask.

She nods. "They lessen their harvesting during the winter, but the lake will not be cold enough to freeze over. The soldiers will still be actively working."

"We need to be mindful of that, then," Kesuk says. "Do the trees provide good coverage?" he asks Arabelle.

"I think so," she says. "I am sure the soldiers would not be able to distinguish you from afar. But if they see a lot of movement, they may come investigate." She turns, looking back towards the cottage. "Let me show you inside."

I enter through the doorway of our new safe home. Arabelle finds a light switch to her right, and the lights flicker before illuminating the space.

"The electricity works most of the time, but it can be spotty," she explains.

As light fills the room, I glance around curiously. Dark wood lines the floor, and the stone walls contrast against the light-colored cream furniture in the main sitting room. A fireplace sits across from the sofas, empty for now, but I am sure Kesuk will work on getting a fire started as soon as our tour concludes.

Arabelle leads us in deeper, past the main sitting room into the kitchen. It is a small, containing nothing but some essentials like a stove and sink, as well as a dark wood dining table, but it will easily allow us to cook and eat comfortably.

"I'll take you to the bedrooms next," Arabelle explains.

She takes us into the largest bedroom first, which contains a large bed, suitable for two people, square windows that allow ample sunlight, and hand-carved dressers that accent the room. Then, she leads us down the hall into the other two, which are nearly replicas of each other. Both contain smaller beds, and the windows are not as wide, but they both appear quaint and comfortable.

"We should discuss sleeping arrangements," Arabelle says. "At least, until I leave."

"Why don't Kesuk and I share a room, and you two can take the others?" Vasa suggests.

I look to Arabelle for approval, and she nods.

"That works for me, too," I say.

"I'm afraid for bathroom purposes, you'll have to use the outhouse in the back," Arabelle explains. "In terms of bathing, the lake doesn't get too cold, especially in the sun. Speaking of, would you like to see Cantersard Lake?"

None of us protest. Though the freshwater lakes of Flumensia are far removed from the ocean, I am eager to live near a body of water again. I happily follow Arabelle back out of the cottage and walk with her down to the shore. The sand is not as smooth as back home – it's comprised of rocks and twigs – but the water is just as clear. I immediately take my shoes off and go stand in the lake. I recoil a bit from the cold at first, but as I feel the water swirl around my ankles, I sigh and feel content.

Kesuk and Vasa take off their shoes and join me. We splash around and point excitedly at fish swimming around our feet. That will at least be one way we can gather food. Arabelle remains on the shore, looking amused at us in the water.

I step out and rejoin her. "Not coming in?" I ask.

"Someone should keep watch," she says.

I nod and stand beside her. "Thanks again for your hospitality. I do not know what we would have done with you."

Arabelle turns her gaze from me. "Please quit thanking me."

I honor her wishes and glance back out at the lake. "So, you'll only stay a few days?"

"That's right," Arabelle replies.

Silence settles between us, and I watch Vasa and Kesuk splash each other in the water. I giggle slightly at their antics, then turn to look at Arabelle seriously.

"Arabelle, would you reconsider becoming our ally?" I ask.

Arabelle sighs. "You know that—"

"I know. You claim to be supporting Magnuvia now. But I think if that were true, you would not have sheltered us or gone out of your way to take us to a safe location. Are you worried of what will happen if you join us?"

"I do not want to involve myself in your business," Arabelle says. "I don't want to risk putting myself or my family in danger."

"What if you aided us from afar, or did something more indirectly?"

"I'm unsure..."

"Arabelle, can you really forgive Magnuvia for all they have done?" I ask. "Don't you think your life and your country would be better without the soldiers here? Those structures in the distance are an eyesore. I imagine they must be destroying this lake slowly, as well as the other lakes in your country. Perhaps your country isn't feeling the effects yet, but our fishing numbers were starting to decrease in Landiani. The biodiversity of our country is in shambles. I'm sure that will happen here eventually too. Wouldn't it be wonderful for these lakes to be untouched by the Magnuvians? Wouldn't it be wonderful to live freely in the cities without any Magnuvian soldiers policing the streets? Don't you think it would be great to no longer live in fear of Magnuvia?"

Arabelle grips the hem of her skirt tightly and lets out a sigh. "I know. I know you are right, but I never wanted to be a part of this."

"You do understand that now that you have associated yourself with me, even temporarily, you will always be in danger from the Magnuvians? If they find out you aided me, you will be in just as much danger as if you joined us. Why not aid us, then? You do not have to play a large role, but we need allies in Flumensia. Could you consider being our first?"

Arabelle is quiet for a long time. I glance back out at Kesuk and Vasa, wondering if I pushed too hard, but finally, Arabelle lets out an aggravated groan.

"Fine."

"Fine?"

"I will be your ally for now. However, I cannot take on a large role. My parents will be home soon, and I will not be able to travel to and from here often, nor can I hide out here forever—"

"Arabelle, that's more than enough," I say. "As long as we have one ally who knows Flumensia and its people, that is all we need. We can discuss more details about your role later."

Arabelle smiles weakly at me. She must be uneasy about the decision, but I have to hope it'll pay off in the end.

After enjoying the lake a bit longer, we head back to the cottage, and I take Vasa and Kesuk aside to tell them the news. They seem surprised, and a bit skeptical, but we agree to keep Arabelle's role minimal for the time being, until we can gain her trust.

That afternoon, Vasa goes outs and fishes in the lake, and in the evening, we cook a hearty meal for the first time since leaving Kesuk's cabin. The dinner conversation is awkward and relatively minimal, but we all seem content at having our stomachs full after a busy day traveling.

As the sun descends, we each depart into our separate rooms. I crawl into bed, comforted by the warm sheets and soft mattress. I stare up at the ceiling, my stomach full and my body warm, and feel safe for the first time in months.

A smile creeps on my face, and I fall asleep happily thinking that perhaps life is finally beginning to look upward.