Chapter 15: Day One
"H—How?!" Natsuki exclaimed as she hopped out from the thick brush.
Shizuru turned around and her jaw dropped, "Ara, I didn't expect anyone to actually respond…" Moreover she didn't expect Natsuki to be there. Or Aoi. Or Nina. Or any of them! She only meant it as a joke when she called out, but here they were. The knight didn't know if she was happy, angry, or disappointed at the sight of them, but it may as well have been all of the above, all at once.
Too flabbergasted to say anything, she could only listen as Aoi grumbled to Natsuki, "If you hadn't said anything…"
"Hey, it's not my fault! I thought we were busted either way!" Natsuki crossed her arms as they began to bicker between one another. Typically, Nina stayed silent, but even this time her voice mixed into the argument, taking neither side but her own.
"Wait, wait, you were following me this whole time?!" Shizuru's eyes widened as she threw her naginata down and hopped off the horse. The blade planted itself cleanly into the dirt and propped itself up as she approached her friends.
Natsuki looked left and right, up and down, kicking her feet on the ground before answering, "...yes."
As if them being there wasn't evident enough.
"I thought I was imagining things, or worse being followed by an orphan," Shizuru pinched the bridge of her nose, feeling a migraine coming on, "I need to take you guys back right now before anyone notices." She said, placing a hand on Natsuki's shoulder and urging her to follow.
Her gesture was met with resistance when Natsuki's shoulder didn't budge. She planted her heels firmly in the dirt so Shizuru couldn't push her in the direction of the village, "What? No, I'm not going back," she insisted, "We're already this far!"
"She's right," said Nina simply, "Come on, Shizuru..."
Stopping in her tracks, Shizuru placed her hands on her hips, "You do realize your father is going to kill me, right?"
"Correction: he's going to kill me." Natsuki pointed to herself as a matter of fact. She seemed almost proud at this point that all the wrath would be on her, "I've already come to terms with it. He might not even find out though if Nao does an outstanding job."
Nao.
"How long have you had this planned?" Shizuru frowned.
"Since you told me you were leaving?" Natsuki answered honestly. The nervous smirk spread across her face was almost too much for the knight to handle.
"She was pretty bent on doing this, Shizuru. I tried to tell her, but," Aoi cut in, "I don't think she's going to change her mind."
With a heavy sigh, Shizuru looked between the three of them, "I can see that," She was only surprised since Natsuki didn't seem so bothered when she told her Gouu wouldn't let her come. She must have been better at acting that she previously assumed. That or she was just that oblivious, "This really means that much to you?"
Natsuki nodded.
"Did you bring money?" Shizuru asked. At this point she didn't care where it came from.
Natsuki nodded again.
Shizuru held out her hand and almost immediately, Natsuki dropped the two purses of coins in her hand. She pocketed it in her satchel quickly and pointed, "Good. Give me your bags, shift, and keep up with me," she said sternly as the three girls nodded and began stripping themselves of their bags and clothes, "First thing when we get there is giving you three new clothes. You'll stick out like a sore thumb."
She turned and waited for them to shift into their wolf forms, taking the liberty to fold their clothing and stow them away in their bags. Luckily, they didn't bring much. George could handle the load and nothing had to be left behind. Right now, she was still deciding whether or not to be angry, so she paid little mind when she took off as soon as they finishing changing. The run would do them some good.
The wolves were caught off guard by the sudden burst of speed. A horse could always outrun a predator, unless chased to exhaustion, but they tried their best as they followed after her. All the while they looked at one another with one thought through their minds, She's scary.
When the Kagean forest showed a break in its treeline, Shizuru purposefully came to an abrupt stop a few meters away from the exit. The wolves trailing her also stopped on their heels and paced around, panting and dropping to their bellies to rest. Shizuru watched the sight with hopes they wouldn't stand out too much. It sounded awful to think about, but the people here obviously weren't ready them. The thought of what would happen to her friends, if discovered, scared her, erasing the anger she felt earlier.
Natsuki's cold nose touched her hand and she flinched. Looking down, the wolf stared back at her with her head cocked to the side. The other two peered at her as well, unsure of what to do now that they saw the foreign rooftops beyond the wheat fields.
"Just stay here," Shizuru held her hands out in front of her, "I'll be back with something for you all to wear. Any preferences?"
Natsuki and Aoi looked at one another and said together in hoarse voices, strained from the lack of practice speaking in their canine forms, "No dresses."
"I don't mind a dress," Nina said indifferently, her voice much clearer than theirs.
"Alright. I'll be back soon."
She dropped their packs from George's saddle and urged him forward out of the forest. Luckily the forest entrance sat at the edge of town's farmlands. Farmers were perhaps lost in the vast heights of wheat and corn from one side to the other. The only company Shizuru saw were the scarecrows mounted high over the crops, "Good. No one will at least see them emerge from the forest."
Buildings appeared as she continued down the beaten and fading path. A sense of familiarity washed over her when Rein's residents filtered around her. Oddly, though, she didn't miss it as much as she thought. In fact, everybody seemed to have forgotten her already, not that the knight asking questions about the Kagean made that much impact on their lives.
Shizuru beelined for the market, which was at full blast with men and women selling groceries and wares. The lumberers and carpenters were preparing shipments and dealing out commissions with their customers. The anvil radiated heat with every exhale of the bellows. She looked around for an appropriate clothes shop. Dresses, work clothes, riding leather. They all looked wonderfully crafted, but not what she needed. Eventually, she spotted a nice establishment set on a street corner. Simple, general outfits and dresses were displayed on mannequins at the window, better than some of the extravagant shops she saw along the way. Shizuru tethered George to the nearest hitchpost and made way across the street, dodging wagons.
The bell jingled at the door as she pushed it open. Immediately, the man at the counter greeted her, "Welcome, let me know if there's anything I can do to help." His voice sounded like he already had enough of the day, despite it being three hours past noon.
"Thank you, I'll be sure to," Shizuru tipped her head forward with a smile.
She browsed the store for a few minutes, more concerned with finding clothes that would fit her friends rather than the style. Natsuki and Aoi were practically the same size and Nina was rather small. They would probably appreciate it being comfortable and simple, hence dresses being out of the question for the two older women. Although she had to admit seeing them in dresses would be quite amusing. Natsuki in a colorful dress wasn't a horrible thought in the least.
Comparing the clothes to herself, Shizuru made her best guess. She grabbed some fitting pairs of trousers and tops, but took the prettiest dress for Nina, thinking it'd be a nice change, given that she voiced her indifference on the matter. Shizuru froze when she got to the footwear. They don't wear shoes, she thought, It'd be weird if they walked around barefooted.
Shuffling through the racks of handcrafted footwear, Shizuru felt her stress levels rising.
"That's quite a bit you're getting there," One of the store assistants said softly from behind her, "Are they all for you?"
Jumping, Shizuru turned and exhaled to gather her bearings, "Ara, no, no. They're gifts! You see, I'm a knight from the capitol," she said, "I've been escorting persons from a very… distant land."
His face lit up with excitement, "Oh really? Where from? Oh wait, don't tell me," the young man thought and held up a finger, "Zipang? That's pretty far."
Oh, gods. Conversation.
Shizuru faked a smile and shook her head, "Ara, close, but no. Windbloom," she said and got a great idea to add to her web of lies, "They're very excited to be here and wanted me to buy them the clothing from here. But I was thinking, they're not a very big fan of shoes…"
The store assistant lifted his chin as he listened, "Oooh! Of course, then we have a great selection of sandals if they'd like to free their toes," he led her over to the other shelf, "Right over here, madam."
She felt the decently crafted footwear in her hands and smiled, "Thank you. These will do nicely."
"Let me know if there's anything else." He lowered his head, winked, and made his exit.
"I will. Thank you again." She sighed when he left her proximity. The knight took three pairs of the best sizes she could guess and checked out of the store. I hope I don't have to come back here, she cringed as the bell rang once again and signaled her departure. Faintly she could hear the young man shout a farewell through the doors. Poor guy. He'll find someone more of his age to go after. Restlessly, George stamped at the hitchpost. Shizuru calmed him with a small treat and stuffed her purchases in the bag resting on his saddle, jumping on and leaving town.
Her three friends were still waiting in the same spot, pacing impatiently back and forwards. They picked up their heads at her approach and looked at the bag dropped in front of them, "Go ahead and change clothes." She said simply and turned around so as not to look, "Let me know if you need help."
Silence was pushed away by the sounds of shifting, then the rustling of clothes. There were minor grunts of complaints here and there, mostly from Natsuki saying, "What is with this stuff? So many layers… Here Aoi, trade with me!"
Along with something along the lines from Aoi, "Nina hold still, I'm trying to help!"
But after a few minutes, Shizuru heard Natsuki call out, "Okay, we're ready." She turned around and couldn't help but smile, "How do we look?"
"Ara, wonderful!" Shizuru clapped, quite happy now to see the girls dressed up.
Although inexpensive clothing, they each looked charming in their own way. Especially Natsuki. It seemed a size too small, but her face showed no hint of being inconvenienced. The fitting of the black trousers showed the curve of her legs and the short sleeves of the white tunic showed her strong arms. The eye candy did much to please the knight.
Aoi wasn't half bad looking herself. She sported the earthy and light tones of the long sleeved shirt and trousers very well. If added a cowl, a quiver, and a bow she might look like a hunter or a fletcher. A feeling took over Shizuru, that this may not have been the brunette's first time wearing such clothing. She just seemed so natural—but perhaps it was a quality that what would ultimately help her blend in.
Lastly, though, Nina looked adorable with her colorful dress, dominated with the color of the sky, and modest for a girl her age. Her face was bright as she looked down and spun around, clearly pleased. Shizuru sometimes forgot that Nina was no more than a little girl in the end, a girl that liked to partake in things that made her feel good about herself. So she complimented her over the two grown women who already found confidence in themselves long ago, "Ara, you look very pretty, Nina! Do you like it?" Shizuru asked with a tilt of her head.
"Y—Yes!" Nina stammered and nodded. She suddenly stopped her wholesome dress twirling and placed her hands folded in front of her, "Thank you, Shizuru. I love it!"
"You're very welcome. I'm just glad I somehow got the right sizes," she patted her head and then looked over at Natsuki and Aoi, "So I would like to discuss some rules before we head into Rein."
"Alright, tell us." Natsuki's face grew serious. She crossed her arms and stepped closer, gathering them in a loose circle.
"No changing," Shizuru held up a finger.
"That's a given." Natsuki rolled her eyes.
"I know, but absolutely not under any circumstances. If anything happens use your head before your teeth," Shizuru tapped a knuckle lightly on the raven haired woman's noggin, "And that brings up another rule: No growling, no teeth baring, no strutting along like you're in the village asserting your dominance. None of that behavior."
"If there's any confrontation, just walk away," Nina nodded.
"Yes. And if anyone asks just say you're visiting from Windbloom. I had to make that lie to someone when I was there, though I'm not sure if it's spread around," Shizuru sighed.
"Alright, anything else?"
"Just… don't leave my sights. I don't want anyone lost or caught alone," the look of genuine concern on Shizuru's face made the girls swear not to disappoint her, so they promised to listen, "Is everyone ready?"
"Yeah," they said.
Shizuru looked over each of them, to make sure their outfits were worn properly. She tightened the ties on the back of Nina's dress, straightened out Aoi's vest, and tied the strings of Natsuki's tunic. She paused as she looked over Natsuki from their close proximity, "Hang on," the knight said as she stood behind her. Natsuki felt the pleasant sensation of Shizuru's fingers combing through her loose hair. Hands gathered her hair in a tight bundle, tying it up in a ponytail with a leather hair band. Shizuru topped it off with pouring a few drops of water on the hair tie, "There. The water will shrink the tie and keep your hair in place. Natsuki looks very dashing." The knight smiled.
"T—Thanks." Natsuki said as she adjusted her ponytail.
They began their walk towards town. Shizuru coached them along the way, how to act and not to act in a conversation, what to do and not do while eating. She described to them the difference between a building being a shop and someone's private domain so they wouldn't wander in, and taught them the values of the different coins carried in their purses.
Before they knew it, they were there.
Although their village in the Kagean was big, in their eyes, the size of the small town blew the three foreigners away. The number of men and women walking the main street outnumbered any village in the forest. It left them in both a sense of wonder and of fear, "You said there's places bigger than this?" Natsuki asked hesitantly. She felt somewhat disappointed she didn't see the spires of large buildings in the capitol like Shizuru described once.
Shizuru didn't very much sense their fear at the time and just looked over, "Hm? Yes, this is only a small town in comparison to other places."
"I see…"
"What's that?" Nina pointed.
The knight followed the direction of her finger. Her eyes rested on the sights of a large building, a pillar peaking its roof with a golden symbol gleaming at its top, "Ara, that's a temple for one of the gods worshipped here."
"Oh, like the shrine we have," the girl stared at the building's glorious, almost egotistical foundation as they passed. She figured it must be to accommodate so many people rather than to show off the wealth of the religious following.
Soon, they arrived at the two-story tavern and Shizuru hopped off George, releasing him into the fenced field next to the tavern, "This is where we'll be staying," The familiar log walls of the establishment changed very little since she left. Shizuru was no stranger to the reality of people and places changing little while so much changed around herself.
The same jingle of the bell rang as the door opened. The same fragrant scent of flowers hit them as they entered. And the same familiar voice of a young girl greeted them as she swept the floors, "Hello, welcome to—Madam Fujino!" The short blonde jumped, clearly surprised at the sight of the knight she saw a few short months ago, "I can't believe you're back!"
"Erstin, hello!" Shizuru greeted warmly, stopping to meet the girl as she ran up, "How are you since we last talked?"
"I've been doing wonderful, thank you. Who are…?" Erstin trailed off as she met eyes with Nina. Without thinking, her face turned to a warm smile and she said, "H-Hello. Have we met before?"
Nina averted her gaze with an unknowing expression, "I don't think we have?"
Shizuru took note of the interaction and saved Nina from an otherwise awkward encounter, "Erstin, this is Nina, and these two are Natsuki and Aoi. I'm escorting these ladies of high esteem. This is their first time visiting from Windbloom. "
"Forgive my manners, it's nice to meet you all," Erstin held out her hands and shook them all individually. They remembered what to do from Shizuru's brief class on the way over, but the women did so stiffly and nervously, "Is there anything I can do for you?"
"We'll be here for a week, so would three rooms suffice?"
"Let me ask Claire, she usually handles the lodging. I just cook and clean," Erstin said, embarrassed, "Claire?"
"Yes, dear, what is it?" The older woman emerged from a backroom, several dishes in hand and balanced on her arms, "Oh my, the soldier's back!"
"Looking as radiant as ever Claire," Shizuru smiled at the woman not much older than her, "We'll be needing rooms for a week."
"Yes, yes, I'll be happy to help. Just pardon me one moment," Claire ran off to deliver her orders to the patrons of the tavern. Now that the group looked around them, it seemed much busier than usual. She eventually returned with professional speed and clasped her hands together, "I'm sorry about that. How many rooms would it be?"
"Three rooms, if possible?"
The tavern owner flipped through a logbook pulled out from under the counter. A frown formed on her face and she lowered her head in apology, "I'm sorry, we only have two rooms left with one bed each. It's because of the festival coming next week that we have more guests than usual. Visiting family, helping prepare, and the like," when Claire saw the troubled expression on Shizuru's face, she added promptly, "If you would like, I could suggest other places in town?"
"Ara, I'm not sure. What do you three think?" Shizuru turned to her group.
"I mean, we could share rooms. Two on each, it doesn't make a difference," Natsuki looked to the side. When she realized no matter where she looked that people were there, she settled for keeping her eyes to the floor. Everyone in such a shared space made her uneasy. She could only imagine what the 'rooms' were like.
"Yeah, Nina and I could share one room and you two another. If that's alright, at least." Aoi suggested, sensitive to the fact Shizuru and Natsuki had something going on between them. At least on Shizuru's side it seemed…
"Sure, I don't care," Natsuki shrugged.
"Then I guess it's settled," Shizuru accepted without protest, "Two rooms it is."
"Thank you for your business," Claire smiled. She took their names into the logbook and gestured up the stairs, "Let me show you to your rooms."
They left the main floor, dominated by the mouthwatering scent of food, booze, and flowers. Even the upstairs were strung with woven tulips and daisies on the walls, candles lighting the way when the windows could not. Claire led them towards the end of the hall and unlocked each with their own silver keys. The rooms faced opposite each other and mirrored one another as well.
She handed over the keys to Shizuru and Aoi, "Here we are. It's getting dark and I'm sure you travelled far. Would you like anything to be made?"
"Maybe the soup you served me last time? I'd like my friends to share in the wonderful experience of having such lovely food," Shizuru smiled.
"Yes, of course. Come down whenever you're ready, or Erstin can fetch you all when it's done," Claire held out her hands before she turned to go down the hall, "Anything else I can help with?"
They looked at one another and shook their heads, "I believe we're fine for now. Thank you, Claire." Shizuru said.
"No, thank you. It's good to see you back safe," the tavern owner said warmly, "We'll have to catch up sometime!"
"Of course," Shizuru watched as she turned to leave and finally stepped into the room.
"She's so nice," Aoi commented, "I hope most people out here are like this."
"I think she likes you, Shizuru." Natsuki said lowly.
"Are you jealous?"
"Hmp," Natsuki looked away and dumped her bag in the room.
"Totally are," Aoi whispered to Shizuru slyly.
"Ara, I'm sure she's just very kind hearted by nature. How do you all like your first tavern rooms?" Shizuru asked, changing the subject.
They all crowded into Shizuru and Natsuki's room. It had quite an ample amount of space. Even with the large bed, dresser, weapon and armor stand, and desk, there was plenty of walk way, "Is this the bed you talked about, Shizuru?" Natsuki poked the stuffed mattress with curiosity.
"Yes, why don't you take a dive on it?" The knight teased.
So she did. Natsuki jumped on, the bed creaking in slight protest, "Whoa, it's so soft!"
Aoi and Nina sat on the edge, their faces like their lives were changed, "It is!" They exclaimed as they patted the soft surface.
Although not a big deal to Shizuru, she humored them by letting them have their fun. With a week's stay ahead of them it made more sense to unpack everything into the dresser to make it feel like a home. She unpacked most of the items in her pack, but kept some others in case they needed to leave quickly. Eventually, Aoi and Nina went to their room and Natsuki began to do the same, though her only other articles of clothing were the ones from the village.
"I guess I forgot to buy an extra change of clothes for everyone," Shizuru closed the dresser with a soft thunk, "It wouldn't do anyone good if you're wearing the same smelly clothes for a week."
Natsuki closed her drawer as well, still on the bed and lying on her stomach with her feet in the air, "Well, we can always look for more. Teach us how to trade."
"I will tomorrow," Shizuru promised, "The stores should be closing now that the sun is almost down."
"Suppose monsters keep people from wandering out at night, hm?" Natsuki place her chin in her hand, "Guess it's no different when it comes to that."
"Yes, though they've learned what happens if they come too close," the knight imitated an archer pulling their bow with a smile, "The people in the capitol are luckier."
"Why's that?"
"They live within walls that keep the monsters out. Huge stone walls that surround the entire city,"
"Do you think we could see those walls someday?"
With a sigh Shizuru sat on the edge of the bed with a considerable distance between them. So much that it hurt, "One day. When you've asked proper permission and haven't snuck out."
"Of course," Natsuki glanced away, "You still angry about that?"
"Not anymore. But you still went behind my back and lied to your parents," said the knight, "This is a very big deal, Natsuki."
"I'm sorry, it won't happen again. I just… really wanted to see this place."
The brunette patted her head playfully, "It's alright. You're here now so that's that," she said softly, "What do you think of this place?"
"If it's as small in comparison to other places, I think it'll lose its charm quickly," Natsuki laughed and sat up, "But it's… lively. With so many people here I wonder what they all do during their time."
"Well some raise families while their husbands work. Children go to school to learn things that will help them in life. Others hunt and others grow food for everyone."
"But even if it looks like people are taking care of others, you still need money in order to survive?"
Smiling sadly, Shizuru gave a short nod, "Yes, that's true. Our world is based on money. No money to pay? No food. No money for taxes? No home."
"That's pretty awful."
"It is. I can't answer how it got like that, but it's how people in power keep others in order I suppose…" Shizuru said, never really thinking about how monotonous and taxing it could be for many people under the empire. She always had her adoptive mother's wealth taking care of her, "And I suppose if you're able to pay what's asked, you have the protection of those in power. It's just the way it is here."
"It makes sense in a way… Doing things in return for protection and a place to live," the wolf pulled a pillow up and rested her head on it, "No offense, but I'm glad I was born with the pack."
"No offense taken," Shizuru chuckled, "Your way of living, I admire it very much."
A knock sounded at the door and they both stood alert on their feet, "Come in," said Shizuru and the door rattled in protest of the lock keeping it in place.
"I can't come in if it's locked, Shizuru," Aoi's voice came muffled, "Erstin just got us, it's time to eat!"
In a few seconds they had their shoes on and opened the door. The two girls were there waiting in full attire, Erstin likely already returned to her job downstairs. The scent of fresh food during dinner hours and the chatter of tavern patrons hit them as they were halfway down the stairs, "Right this way!" Claire led them to an empty table against the wall and by the window, conscious of the knight's need for positioning in case of an emergency.
The tavern owner already had the plates and bowls in a tray, waiting for them to take their seats before placing down the food. A large bowl of soup was set down first, so large they had to wonder how strong the woman was for balancing it perfectly with one hand. Next came the plates of vegetables and selection of meats, as well as four smaller bowls that Claire filled with a small ladle.
Sweat already started beading their faces from the steam. Before Natsuki could dig in with her hands, Shizuru cleared her throat and gestured subtly to the utensils on the table. Slyly, the younger woman reached for the spoon with an embarrassed smile, "Thank you for the food," Natsuki said with surprisingly genuine emotion.
Claire lowered her head with a smile, "You're welcome. Let me or Erstin know if there's anything else you need."
Shizuru noticed that unlike Natsuki and Aoi focused on food, Nina was too busy looking off to the side. At Erstin. The knight saw curiosity, perhaps of a girl her age, so she said before Claire left, "Ara, let us know if you need any help. We'll be here all week. We can help with shopping, firewood, the animals, anything you can think of," She glanced at her friends and figured it could also be a way to keep them in the same area and under some form of supervision, "Nina could also help Erstin in the kitchen or on the floor."
"W—What?" Nina stammered.
"Oh, are you sure? I couldn't possibly ask that of my guests! Aren't you nobles?"
"Hey, I don't…" Natsuki took a sip of the broth, "...mind at all."
"We could use something to do while we're here," Aoi agreed, "It's not a bother."
The tavern owner thought for a second, hands folded with the tray across her front, "Hm… I suppose we could use the help. It's only us two and it'll only get busier until the end of the week," Claire lowered her head again, "If it's not any trouble, then I accept. Although I can't really pay you all that handsomely."
"It's quite alright. We don't need money," Shizuru waved it off, making Claire wonder if the knight and her company were all just that wealthy. In reality, they just had no use for the coins. Still, it did not stop her from also wondering who these women were in the first place. Nobles from Windbloom, from what Erstin told her, but none she ever heard of since Windbloom was originally her home.
They didn't behave like nobility, either. Natsuki gave a thumbs up while she tilted the bowl towards her mouth and Aoi a friendly nod. Nina looked at her hands in her lap, "Y—Yeah, sure."
"I'll think of what needs to be done… For now, please enjoy your meal."
They dug in, silently appreciating the filling meal and paying attention to the conversations around them. Shizuru glanced over every now and then, noticing no one particularly minded their presence in the tavern. Then again it wasn't a shady tavern in a backwater town. Rein seemed much more civilized compared to other places Shizuru traveled to in Artai during her countless tours.
The north, especially, had some considerably rough individuals. Rowdy and distrusting of even empire soldiers, the characteristics of the northerners of Artai were likely due to their living around hunting monsters and animals for profit. Vast and empty, covered in snow most of the year, monsters were surprisingly rampant. South of the capitol, like Rein, people had an easier life.
"It seems like you guys blend in a lot better than I expected," Shizuru said, scooping a small spoonful of powdered peppers and sprinkling it in her soup.
"To be honest, I'm a little freaked out," Aoi admitted, "I keep expecting something to go wrong any minute."
"Really? It's a lot easier than I thought." Natsuki said, still concentrated on food as she took the ladle and took more soup from the large bowl. The plate of meat was sparse in comparison to the vegetables, but that was unsurprising given the tastes of everyone at the table. Even Shizuru was guilty of shunning vegetables when given a choice.
The soft clank of a spoon being dropped in a bowl drew Shizuru's attention, "Ara, are you done already Nina?"
The girl nodded, "Yeah. I was going to see if they needed help."
"You go do that. We'll bring over the plates soon." Shizuru smiled and watched as she left the table and towards Claire at the counter. She watched an inaudible conversation take place. Claire pointed towards the backroom with a smile and Nina disappeared towards it, "She's been acting strange since we got here, don't you think?"
Aoi set down her empty bowl and shifted her gaze to where her half-sister ran off to, "Yeah, I've noticed too."
"Anything you can think of that might be wrong?"
"Not that I know of?" Aoi shook her head, "She hasn't said anything to me and we don't really have any involvement with this place."
"What do you mean 'we don't really'?" Shizuru sat back with her arms crossed. She knew she may be being a nitpicky on Aoi's choice of wording, but she had to make sure.
The brunette looked guilty, like she had been caught in some unspeakable act. She look to their left and right, despite there being nothing but a wall to their left. She leaned forward and whispered lowly, "I mean… Our village had involvement with this place two hundred years ago."
"You mean when Rein used to be independent from the empire and the tribes protected it?" Shizuru asked, recalling the story Erstin told her the last she was in Rein. She laughed when Aoi stumbled slightly in her seat with a baffled expression, "Erstin told me the story before I met you all. She said her grandfather passed the stories to her as a child, all the way from her great, great grandfather or something like that."
"I see… I suppose there would be some people here that would know," said Aoi.
"Well, especially since it's a place so close to ours," Natsuki added, twirling her spoon in the air, "The stories should be more known to those living in the place involved." The contents of the large bowl were exhausted to nothing more than the bones that added the flavor to the broth.
Shizuru placed a hand on her chin, remembering more of Erstin's story now that they were on the subject, "She told me she was lost one day a few years ago and got attacked, though it was all a blur to her. Said she remembers seeing wolves and waking up outside the town, apparently three days later."
"Really? That's the first I've heard of that," Aoi said, "Have you, Natsuki?"
"No, if it was our kind then it might not be our own people." Natsuki glanced at the backroom with a serious expression, "Did she say anything else? Anything that might say she knows about us?"
Shizuru held up her arms, "No, not really. She seems confused to this day."
"Hm," Natsuki hummed, fingertips tapping on the wooden table, "That's good."
Aoi began stacking their empty bowls and plates, knowing continuing any further would bear no fruit, "In any case, we should probably clean up and see if Claire needs help."
The knight stood from her seat and placed the smaller bowls into the larger one, utensils and all, taking the plates in a free hand, "I'll bring the dishes over. Go ahead and speak to Claire, I'll catch up." They all left at the same time, leaving a spotless table and parting by the counter where the tavern owner waited.
Shizuru heard some request to get more firewood outside, as well as a request to take a rag and clean unoccupied tables. Beyond that, she knew nothing more, like which of the two took on which task. She just hoped Natsuki and Aoi would behave in the meantime, though thinking they would cause trouble was a large act of disrespect on Shizuru's part. She knew her friends were intelligent enough to handle their own and make the right decisions. The knight was just nervous, and likely would be until the end of the day.
She approached the backroom, the sounds of running water and clanking dishes mixed with one, anxious and shaking voice. It was Erstin's voice. The tone of the conversation stopped Shizuru in her tracks and she kept her distance from the door, listening for as long as it was normal for her to stand there, "Are… you sure we haven't met before? I could have sworn I've seen you somewhere."
Nina clicked her tongue, more from an even higher level of anxiety than annoyance. She looked at the blonde wondering what could go wrong, but she answered evasively, "I really think you're mistaken…" The dish she was wiping off slipped from her hands and she gasped, reaching for it before it could touched the ground.
It hit the stone flooring, somehow not shattering into a million pieces. Nina reached down with a breath of relief, Erstin stooping at the same time to pick it up, "Let me get it for you," the blonde said.
"No, it's—"
Their hands touched and Erstin felt a jolt of a strange, almost electrical sensation run up her arm. Shizuru couldn't see anything from her back on the wall beside the door, but she heard the gasp as Erstin's eyes widened.
Images she had only seen in her vague memories and dreams forced their way into her mind. The remembrance of herself in a younger body took wind as she wandered into the forest, running into a monster. A large gaping mouth reached for her, a searingly painful bite around her arm that left a scar to this day... A clearer picture of the wolves rushed in to save her. And finally, she saw the grotesquely chilling transformation of one of the smaller wolves into a young girl, with the same stoic face as Nina's, breaking slightly with pity and concern.
Nina knew at that very moment, the power she shared with her older sister and late father, the power she used to make Erstin forget that moment years ago with a kiss, that power had waned and broken its hold over the girl's memories. She stepped back, but Erstin approached her, filled with exuberance and tears of joy in her eyes, "It really is you! You saved me and you took care of my wounds" She exclaimed, taking Nina's hand in hers, "It's really… really you. The one I've been dreaming about. I can't believe this is real, that you're actually a—"
That's when Shizuru had to step in. She knew little of what happened between them, but Erstin was one word from saying too much. The knight quickly set the tray of dishes on an end table by the backroom door and stepped in, covering the girl's mouth before anyone, if anyone was even listening, could hear.
A/N: Finally an update. I'm sorry since I've been busy moving back to my home state with my fiance. It's been hectic, though I seem to say that every time. I'm also starting college soon to aspire to become an actual writer so I'm making improvements to WH as I update!
IN ADDITION I stated on my profile I'm doing writing commissions now, so if anyone is interested definitely DM me on here or Twitter! I have yet to put out an official commission sheet, but I'd be happy to discuss details in private.
Things will take a MUCH more serious tone from here for the story, as well as upcoming romance to finally break all the beating around the bush. There's still some more torture for Shizuru to endure, though, as well as a dark and juicy scene coming soon.