Vol 2. Ch 1.

Sophia Dilamor could act all she wanted. The inevitable would still catch up no matter how far she'd run. Act like everything was fine, how strongly she went on about the day and how unnoticed the shadow behind her remained. Effortless smile offered when words wouldn’t come out. But it was moments like these when the truth would always come out. The shadow whispering from behind her back all the evil deeds she’d witnessed. All the loss and all the unwanted change. Times like these, when there remained nothing to fill in the silent moments of nothingness, the voices became a little clearer.

Sophia stared down at the teared wound beside the nail of her finger with gaping eyes, wondering when such a habit had even begun. Perhaps it never had the opportunity before. With a heavy swallow, Sophia made sure to keep her hands away from one another and focused outside instead. The view from the large window did not offer the garden, but mountains of forests instead. The Aurelius Manor stood on a higher ground, sheltered by the monotonous nature. What a wonderful place to rest, if one's mind allowed it. Her eyes fell heavy, staring into abyss despite all its deep beauty. Between the ears could be described as a gentle humming of static similar to grandpa Bill's rarely used radio mid adjusting the right station.

The outside view might as well’ve been a picture taken, lacking any movement. A cloudless sky. No wind. No sound. How long did she sit there just as unmoved—long enough for someone to approach her first with a thoughtful gentle knocks on the door.

’’Miss Dilamor?’’ An equally as gentle voice carried from the other side, not enough to bring Sophia back from the depths of the forest drowning her in, until after a couple of more attempts, ”The doctor is here to take off the bandages."

To Sophia, coming back to reality felt like sinking back inside her own familiar body while jumping off the windowsill to open the door and let them in. Doctor Hollow had a neat well tailored dark brown suit and a monocle over the right eye, drooping eyelids from the old age. The other eye had began to go gray and apparently he'd be half blind without the monocle. Still, on their last appointment he'd joke about having a good five more years in service max if lucky, since the VonGehall's preferred to keep him in position. He’d joke around saying he could do his job with eyes closed. Sophia smiled thinking about their last encounter. Something about the man and how he kept the conversation going without much back and forth from her side of end made the whole room feel more comfortable.

”My apologies, Miss Dilamor. This appears to be the best of our abilities.’’ Doctor Hollow held the remaining strands of the bandages, rolling them neatly into a bundle. Sophia’s hand had many burn scars around the fingers from scooping the petals from the scorching medicine. The throbbing pain eased as soon as the Dir Naer of The North had used his abilities as far as they could heal. Mostly taking away vast majority of the pain, swelling and making the process towards healing faster. Sophia could still remember how it felt, The Light of The God flowing through the wounds and binding around them in what could only be described as an embrace of warmth out of harms way. What a magnificent sight it was. The way that Dir Naer’s calm and collected eyes gleamed with light similar to its power, the golden éclat on full display. The very first time Sophia had ever been graced with the sight of a truly trained Dir Naer. Yes. She had met one before him. A small child very dear to her. His golden eyes while concentrating on the process reminded Sophia of little Marvy and how she instinctively knew to ease the pain on her shoulder on that fateful day when running for their lives. A fascinating topic to read about next. Partially because she needed to know what would come of Marvy’s future.

’’Not at all. You’ve helped me greatly.’’ Sophia smiled and compared both hands side by side. The fingers of the left side sure weren’t that pretty, though she found it pointless wallowing in the sight. As long as they could do their job—nothing else mattered.

’’I heard you successfully prepared an antidote to a poison made out of winter berries.’’ Doctor Hollow put away his equipment in a suitcase impossibly clean although it had been beside him for nearly eight years, ’’That shows a great deal of knowledge, to get it right at first try.’’

’’Luck must’ve shown me mercy that day.’’ Sophia huffed out a pitiful laugh, ’’But I’m glad it worked out for the best. Though I did ruin Commander VonGehall’s skin with many unnecessary burn marks.’’ She glanced on the side with regretful eyes. The cheerful bright room with expensive decor and a fresh scent made the feeling of guilt rise out of nowhere. Am i truly allowed to stay in a place like this?— She thought, suddenly missing the earthy lingering scent of the old cabin and the woody scent of shabby shed. The sound of woodcutting. The fluttering leaves in wind. Even the gosh annoying pecking of the little starling's beak against the window, waking her up untimely in a kind reminder to fill the food supplies. She missed it all. Now more than ever.

’’You might not believe me, but such matters doesn’t affect Sir VonGehall as much as you’d think. You’ve seen him, right?’’ Doctor Hollow got up from the stool he borrowed, ’’He bounces back up on two feet after each fight like it never happened. Ever since he was a young boy.’’

After all, Doctor Hollow had been around for many years. And not once had he witnessed the boy—now man—cry or get upset for any injury.

’’I noticed.’’ Sophia nodded agreeing. She wasn’t the only one who’d noticed his ability to make a lighthearted joke after just barely surviving through the night. She wondered if he lacked the emotional capacity to grasp the severity of reality, or if he’d gone through enough to have nothing affect him anymore. Either way, she did not know which one would be worse.

’’That is it for today. The skin has healed enough, no need to cover it. Take it easy and be careful not to tear the thin layer of skin. That would only prolong the healing process and could lead to infections. Add this ointment three times a day.’’ Doctor Hollow handed a small tube from his suitcase before leaving. The maid was about to follow, intending on escorting the doctor out.

’’Excuse me!’’ Sophia got up from the bed, ’’Could I—If it’s not too much trouble—visit the town today?’’

The maid’s eyebrows shot up creating oddly excited wrinkles all over her forehead. Like she’d been expecting to hear the request all day, ’’Yes, of course. Should I prepare a carriage for you, Miss?’’

’’No need to. I’m sure it’s not a long walk.’’ Sophia smiled back at her now perplexed appearance.

’’My, Miss Dilamor. It does take some time with only two feet. I shall prepare the carriage and find Sir VonGehall to inform you of your absence.’’ The maid bowed as if it was necessary. Such antics only made Sophia uncomfortable, and she wasn’t a noblewoman either. Perhaps the staff thought she was since she arrived with Ren, and apparently he hadn’t cleared the misunderstanding.

’’No, I’ll go find him myself.’’ Sophia answered.

’’Very well, he should be in the training grounds of the manor. I’ll arrange someone to escort you there while I get everything ready for your leave, Miss Dilamor.’’ The maid bowed once again.

’’I never asked your name.’’ Sophia said as they both left the room.

’’You can call me Jenna, Miss Dilamor.’’ The maid answered politely.

’’Then, please call me Sophia from now on.’’ She searched for the politely avoidant eyes of the maid now named.

’’Yes? If you insist.’’ Jenna seemed rather uncomfortable with the thought of doing so, but much for Sophia’s delight, agreed despite.

The path made out of finest gravel almost similar to sand on the bottom of a river led further away from the backyard of the manor. Sophia couldn’t keep her eyes off of the high hills bringing the pointy tips of the tightly grown spruces higher and higher. Some much needed color in the otherwise glum surroundings. The road curved on the left, and behind the final trees’ laid an open ground of even grass, men standing around or kneeling on the ground working on something. A majestic, wide timber cabin behind it all with a porch at front and two floors and another hut not as detailed, containing all the equipment and weaponry used in training and battle.

Ren, however, was nowhere to be seen.

Some of the men were assembling and dissembling the weapons over and over, competing who got it done the fastest and resulting in victorious hurrays and defeated groans. Taking their tasks so utterly serious it was actually quite fun to watch, until they’d notice her presence walking past and silently nudge each others arms with elbows, nodding their heads wordlessly asking who the Lady was, or could she be.

’’What a surprise!’’ A familiar voice could be heard coming louder as Colin approached from the side where he’d been tracking the training, ’’What brings you here, Miss Dilamor?’’

’’I’m thinking of visiting the town. I should let Sir VonGehall know before I leave.’’ Sophia answered.

’’He’s inside. Shouldn’t take long.’’ Colin took a spot beside her, ’’Want to join me on the side and make sure these rascals do their job?’’

’’Are you asking me to do your job so you can kick up the feet?’’ Sophia began walking away towards the edge of the training grounds, hearing the laughter from the man follow.

’’That sounds ideal, but I could never.’’ Colin’s flirty tone almost made Sophia throw her head back since eyes rolling wouldn’t compare the heavy sigh that wanted to escape the throat.

’’You’re a handful.’’ Sophia opted to mumble instead.

’’You think so?’’ Colin followed.

They stood there side by side, Sophia arms crossed watching the men doing close combat, cleaning their weapons and one group in particular that interested her since they were using crossbows, a silent yet effective weapon which she only saw a few times carried by the hunters of Brifena. She had always been curious of how well she’d hit the target with one, but never got around and ask to try although the hunters would’ve probably taken her interest towards the weapon with great honor and wouldn’t have stopped talking about it after.

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’’Would you like to try?’’ Colin asked suddenly as if reading her mind. Sophia brushed away a strand of hair fluttering in the air from the breeze coming down the hill behind them.

’’Could I?’’ Much for Colin’s surprise, Sophia shined with anticipation. Her answer entirely clear.

’’Of course, you can!’’ He stepped forward and yelled at the group handling the weapons, ordering them to stop the training at once, ’’Well? You coming?’’ He asked with a grin and nodded his head on the side. If the arm and shield of the Commander said it was fine, then who was she to think otherwise.

Sophia watched closely as the newcomers all lined up with a perfect posture, a certain fear of authority in their eyes. As far as she knew from their first encounters so far, Colin Fior was a lighthearted jokester, thus it felt almost funny watching them show such fear in their eyes. Until he spoke once again.

’’You. Weapon— now.’’ Colin stood with his side facing one of the cadets, not even granting a glance at his direction, fingers demanding his newly cleaned crossbow. His tone was abundantly different. It oozed with assertive precision, knew its affective nature. A tone which a higher up in military must have to be able to lead. The harsh manner felt uncomfortable to Sophia who herself had never been talked to in such a way, wondering even if the cadets were fine with it.

After acquiring the weapon and arrows, Colin switched like a freshly added lightbulb when he turned back towards Sophia, ’’This way, Milady.’’ He said and Sophia could see the sweat on the side of all the cadets’ forehead, brains going through all sorts of calculations of why the newcomer lost his weapon, why a Lady in creamy light dress appeared in the midst of sweaty men training—coming to the verdict that she must be the mysterious much talked about savior of their Commander—and lastly, what the hell was this side of Colin. They were wholly aghast by the duality of one person’s nature.

He has some serious issues— Sophia could sympathize with the poor young men on that one despite getting to be the one enjoying the much softer yet rather annoying, somewhat charming side of Soldier Fior.

The sound of soft breeze brushing against seemed to escort Sophia from behind. They positioned on the lines marked on the ground, ahead were the wooden board targets with round circles to train precision.

’’Here, you prepare the arrow.’’ Colin handed the weapon as Sophia jolted away from it, prepared to only try and release the arrow from its locked state and nothing more. Despite the initial hesitation, Sophia took the weapon and felt its weight for the first time. She now understood why the hunters preferred carrying it on their back. Colin came closer and helped position the weapon while leading the arrow in the middle, ’’Point the weapon down in an angle like this, yes very good.’’ He instructed until fully loaded and ready to be aimed.

’’Like this?’’ Sophia raised the crossbow, diligently holding it in a less confident, clumsy yet somehow sturdy grip.

’’Lower your elbow.’’ Colin said and was about to adjust it himself when Sophia beat him to it, ’’Good. Now, just focus on the sight at front, keep the other eye closed and breath out.’’

Sophia could see the long arrow in front of her eye, reaching towards the target far ahead. There would be no way she’d be able to come even close hitting it on her first try. The weapon felt all too unfamiliar and clumsy even if Colin had instructed and approved of her positioning.

Breathing out.

Holding breath.

’’What’s this?—’’

SWHAP.

A sudden deep voice right behind Sophia startled her enough to accidentally pull the trigger, sending the arrow with a snap-like sound and a swish of an air. That rich, familiar voice with the hillside breeze bringing along the equally as familiar scent of him. Without looking she could feel the cadets adjusting themselves in an even stiffer stance than before.

’’Finished with the paper work? Took you longer than I thought.’’ Colin greeted cheerfully as Ren gently took the weapon from the shocked shaky hands of Sophia not at all used to having such immense power held, ’’Miss Dilamor asked if she could try so I taught her the basics.’’ Colin seemed proud of himself.

’’Mhm..’’ Ren looked down at Sophia who’d turned her head up to meet his, ’’Ever done this before?’’ He asked, not stepping away.

’’First time.’’ Sophia answered. It’d been a while since the two had time to properly have a conversation since the beginning of the training, and she had forgotten how truly grand and dazzling the whole attire of a military man, a Commander at that, could truly be. She’d seen him dressed in his full uniform back at Lufin the last time.

’’Really?’’ Ren smirked almost suspecting the truthfulness of her answer, ’’A bullseye on a first try? Could be a natural, then.’’

Sophia gasped a she turned around and squinted in an attempt to see the target, as if leaning forward on top of that would do much difference but it amused the Commander nonetheless. While never admitting to admiring Ren’s uniform, she also hadn’t picked up on how the cadets and Colin all already noticed her lucky shot, buzzing amongst each other as quietly as possible. And there it was. An arrow freshly shot right in the middle and through the black round dot of the target.

’’It’s all because you startled me!’’ Sophia snickered back at his high and mighty smirk.

’’Giving me all the glory?’’ Ren loaded another arrow and straightened a single arm holding the heavy weapon up front. Without another unnecessarily wasted second he pulled the trigger and everyone watched as the arrow stuck right beside Sophia’s accident, ’’Compared to this, i’m far better with guns.’’

What a smug smile he has— Sophia hated to admit but found it entertaining. It was as if he wanted to show off in front of everyone, although that wasn’t entirely true. Impress, perhaps, but not everyone.

’’Enough. Here, give the cadet his weapon back.’’ Ren handed the crossbow to Colin who sulked with his entertainment now leaving, ’’We’ll take a moment. Keep the training going.’’

Colin did not have to give an answer as Sophia and Ren already walked away. It felt strangely awkward. Ever since the breakfast once the news of the traveling ban had arrived, they hadn’t seen each other that much if not for small quick glances from afar. Not that they could, since Sophia basically locked herself in the room after few days.

’’Have you been busy?’’ Sophia asked while peeking up towards his face, covered underneath the Commander’s cap, an untouchable crown.

’’Yes. We missed a lot of training during these weeks. There’s a lot to catch up on.’’ Ren answered, ’’I heard from the maid that you’d wish to visit the town?’’

’’I was thinking of spending the rest of today exploring.’’ Sophia confirmed, ’’But is it okay for you to be working already?’'

’’Yes, of course. Though sadly I cannot accompany you.’’ Ren adjusted the collar of his coat, ’’But I will ask for them to prepare my car and driver for you.’’

’’A car? I’ve never been in one.’’ Sophia felt a spark of excitement which she’d lack of the days prior.

’’That’s settled, then. I’ll tell the driver to wait for you to finish your visit as well. So take your time and enjoy the town. If I should recommend you to visit one place, you might enjoy old Edith’s book store by The Town Square. Easy to locate, you can’t miss it.’’ Ren signed at the maid to come and continued his conversation with her, giving orders for her trip. The town wasn’t far from Aurelius Manor from what Sophia could understand, thus his over-planning nature felt like a bit of an overkill. Still, now she had something to look forward to.

’’You’re allowed to enjoy your stay this much at least.’’ Ren said suddenly, as if reading her throbbing mind. Was it truly that noticeable, written all over her face? Who knew.

Sophia went and got her pouch of money which Ren insisted on gifting among the clothing. At first, Sophia declined any more since money was her only request upon the beginning of their deal, but Ren argued that she had given it all away, thus it wouldn’t count. To Sophia his logic made little to no sense, but he’d ultimately win with it either way. Impressive skills of persuasion.

She headed on the front yard where the black car already waited, one with fine luxurious design. Instinctively Sophia felt the need to fix her hair when the driver opened the door to the backseat for her, bowing only as response when she greeted him with good day, Mister.

The first time the car started it sent hair-raising shockwaves through her body, clenching fists on the lap which gradually started to ease on the surprisingly smooth ride thanks to the well kept roads. Comfortable so far, but missing the lovely clinks and clanks at front. In a way such invention by brilliant human minds were incredible in Sophia’s opinion, but at the same time she hoped they wouldn’t advance and replace the horses.

The road curved gently and all she could see were open fields of green and stones, trees and the hills until going through a road with forest on both sides like a tunnel, coming out on the other side with blinding light of the sun showcasing a lovely view of a round build town ahead. It was definitely different from Brifena which had a lot richer nature, a thin waterfall and fields that actually grew something useful. Buildings with more unique design among wooden decor. Here in Delmaer, they seemed to prefer rocks and cold concrete on everything.

’’I shall be waiting here for your return. Please, take your time and have a lovely day, Miss.’’ The driver said politely as he opened the car door.

’’Won’t you be bored?’’ Sophia asked, feeling slightly nauseous now that she was back on her own two feet, missing the perplexed expression of the driver. The ground moved like calm waves of still water after disturbed with a rock from above creating ripples.

’’No? Miss, there is no easier way to make money than waiting here with my ass on that seat.’’ The driver bluntly yet oddly respectfully answered, and his older generation northern accent made Sophia giggle a little.

’’I suppose. Keep up the good work, then.’’ Sophia waved her hand and began walking the cobblestoned streets.

The driver had given a brief summary of the town’s layout. If she kept walking straight, she’d eventually come to The Town’s Square. From there, on the left would be many restaurants and café’s which then turned into taverns and pubs and along the way to a hidden nameless alleyway which the kind driver suggested her to stay away from, that is, if she somehow happened to stumble there accidentally. Other than that, Delmaer was quite safe to explore. They had its own Academy District much similar to The Kingdom Capital which already showed the size difference in comparison with The Western Brifena. A shopping street with homely local craftsmanship on full display, and another alleyway with goods from around the continent such as jewelry and silk from Berull and finest Mifarnian wines. Most carefully handmade items out of copper and metal were also from the other side of mount Tempe Deur, Land of Galdrif. Proud of their talent in bending the harsh materials into delicate or rough items whichever needed. Sophia had never seen as many talented artworks and useful items from Galdrif before, made sense they would be sold mostly in Delmaer.

The Town Square was busy with people going on with their day. Conversations and laughter. Children chasing each other around the large fountain standing in the middle, splashing water at each other from it. There were a couple of café’s on the sides with chairs and tables extending outside, people enjoying their lunch and a cup of warm coffee. The display windows of shops and boutiques were all personally decorated, small tables set outside with samples of their products. Sophia noticed that Delmaer folks enjoyed handmade crochet and knitting which must’ve been a result from the slightly colder climate and longer winters. Even thought it was full on blazing summer at the moment, there were still many items on discount for the next seasons and many accessories such as bags, light cardigans made to resemble lace and children’s plushies.

But no matter how immersed in admiration Sophia were from all the interesting items outside each shop, she couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched. The sensation of having goggled eyes shooting at her back at all turns. At one point she even concentrated on her own reflection on the window to make sure she did not look funny, or that her dress hadn’t gone up from the back or other nonsense.

Despite Delmaer being such a large town I guess they still recognize new faces— Sophia shrugged mentally and continued slowly walking and admiring the shops until one caught her eye with a force enough to be magnetic.

A bookstore. This must be the one Sir recommended me to visit. It does look comfy inside. With all those filled shelves I could spend an entire week simply looking at the covers— Sophia leaned from side to side trying to absorb as much as possible. She could almost smell the wine red burgundy atmosphere, the marvelous soothing fragrance of the pages between. Immersed enough not to catch a glimpse of her own gentle smile through the reflection nor how long she’d stood there admiring, when the silver bell on top of the shop entrance danced along a gleeful tiny song.

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