"...and that is when I jumped in front of Sasarai and blocked the axe for
him with my trusty Eisha..." A man, about 40 years of age and wearing gray
yellow tunic covered by black vest, boasted to the two ladies at his table
while gesturing wildly with his hands.
"Oh really? Wow? So you saved Bishop Sasarais' life then?" one of the woman gushed.
Just then a woman with short black hair and a green tunic tied up to her chest entered the dining area of this small tavern, She took a look at the man boating to the 2 girls and rolled her eyes in exasperation. Walking to another table not far away from the wildly gesturing man, she promptly sat down and asked the three others that are already at the table.
"He is not going at it again is he?" She asked those who are at the table.
"Well you know how desperate he is when it comes to attention from the opposite sex." A man who seems to be in his early 50s, wearing a purple shirt with yellow embroidery, answered. "By now you shouldn't be surprised about him, Queen."
Before Queen could reply though, another person at the table cut in suddenly. "I don't know, " a young woman, with brown skin and curly dark brown hair, said behind a cup full of soda." I think he is getting worse each day, what do you think Jaques?"
Jaques, a man in his late 20s with spiky blonde hair white bandana around his forehead and a neon blue coat, blinked as he was suddenly the center of the attention of the other 3 people. " ...... He seems the same to me, Aila."
"Bah, you just didn't notice." She said, shaking her head.
Jaques merely shrugged and went back to drinking his milk.
"So Joker, Where is the captain." The one named Queen asked the old man in front of her who is nursing a mug of ale.
"He went off to buy some fruits." Joker replied, taking another sip from the mug.
"He must really love those fruits if he always go off to buy those." Aila said, then blinked in confusion as those others gave her weird looks. "What?"
"Aila, don't ever change." Queen said, putting a hand on the confused girls' shoulder.
"Ah, alright?"
"Hey Queen you are finally here, how is everyone doing today?" The man who were boasting said to the group as he walked towards them.
"Ace, glad to see that you finally decided to join us." Queen said raising an eyebrow at the man, " what happened to the girls?"
"Ah, They ummmm decided to leave when I told them I cant take them to see Sasarai." Ace lamented, while looking extremely uncomfortable at the subject.
" Ha ha ha, guess they are smarter than they looked." Joker roared with laughter at Aces' plight.
"Ah shut up Joker!" Ace shouted indignantly.
"Ace Ace, when will you ever learn?" Queen said exasperatedly, shaking her head.
"Probably never," Aila piped up helpfully.
"Hey cut it out people!" Ace pleaded, throwing his hands down to his sides.
"Captain." Jaques said quietly, and despite it being barely audible it grabbed everyones' attention immediately. As one they turned to the doorway where Jaques was facing and sure enough Geddoe, in his usual ensemble of black and gray complete with eye patch, walked in holding a bag of fruits in his left hand.
"Hey boss."
"Captain."
"Captain Geddoe."
The one eyed captain of the mercenary group nodded in acknowledgement and then found a seat to sit down. He turned his gaze around the table making sure that he had the attention of everyone before beginning.
"I want everyone to pack up and be ready to travel by early tomorrow morning." He told his subordinates. "We have a new job to do."
Queen gave her fellow comrades a concerned glance at the sudden news, before turning back her captain. "A new job? Where are we going?"
"...Brass Castle."
**************************************************************************** ***
Suikoden 3 Fanfic Conflict from within ch5:
Pains of a Guilty Conscience
**************************************************************************** ***
Chris woke to the sound of the chirping birds and noted that for the second day in a row that she has woke up much later than usual. Normally she woke up right at the crack of dawn, hence it is unusual for her to woke up when the sun is already high up in the sky. She attributed this to the aftereffect of being poisoned and the stress of the past day. Blearily she rubbed the sleep out of her eyes and gave a small yawn. She gave her head a slight shake, reflecting on the past day. Now that she had time to calm down and think she could not believe now how badly she acted last night.
'What was I doing threatening the boy?' She thought guiltily to herself, 'It's just that he made me so mad...'
She still remembered those bitter words coming out of the Karayan man. Spoken so as if he did not understand the weight of those painful words that forced her to see things that she had refused to think about up until at that point.
"Betrayal." She whispered to herself, the words feel bitter in her mouth. It is as if by speaking it she was tainted by the foulness of the act implied. If Salomes' guess was correct then yes she was betrayed, by one of those that she had sworn to protect in fact. Although she tried to counsel herself that her primary duty was to the people not the council, the hurt still remained. As a solider she had learned long ago to distance herself from her emotions, for such a thing provides distraction on the field of battle. One could not afford to feel compassionate towards the enemy she is striking down, for a moment of hesitation could mean life or death. When she first learned of the councils' betrayal, she had treated it as facing another enemy, taking all the hurt feelings and anger towards them and walling it all away deep within her. However, Hugos words has struck a cord of truth in her, tearing away the walls that she had used to shield herself. As a result, all the angers and pains that she had felt at the act had rushed out in a torrent that overwhelmed her. Before she realized it, she had redirected it all against the Karayan. Although Hugos' attitude did not help at all, she realized that she is largely at fault for last nights situation as well. All in all, it was one messy situation, one that she wished had never happened. Yet, moping about it all day would not rectify the situation.
'I better go apologize to him' she thought to herself.
She was glad that Borus is not here right now. Though that fact did not surprise her at all, all the knights are early risers and she supposed that Borus must have left as not to disturb her sleep. She quickly gave herself a wash over and get ready in a blue outfit that is similar to the one that she wore yesterday.
Since she is unfamiliar with the village she decided to ask Beecham if he knows where Hugo is. She walked to the old warriors' hut and asked if he knows Hugos' where about.
" Hugo? Lady Chris?" Beecham replied," He went off to hunt this morning, I do not know when he will be back"
"That is unfortunate." Chris said, feeling disappointed, " If you could tell him that I wish to speak with him when he gets back?"
"Certainly." The old warrior replied.
Disappointed, she decided to head back to where she is staying and found that Borus had returned while she was away.
"Milady," The knight greeted her as she came in and stood up from where he was sitting in respect.
"Borus, you are back." She greeted.
"When I woke up you were still asleep milady." Borus replied, " So I went out for a walk out of the village."
Though he tried to keep a neutral tone, Chris could sense something off about the knight. Then all of a sudden, she realized what is bothering him. "Coming back to Karaya made you feel uncomfortable didn't it?" She asked him worriedly.
"In some ways milady." The blonde knight replied, " What happened here 5 years ago should never have happened. I was careless in my judgment and acted in anger."
"Perhaps my discomfort now is in some way a punishment for my failure." Borus continued, his tone full of regret of what he has done. "A very lenient sentence if you ask me."
"That is enough Borus. " Chris said, closing her eyes and shook her head. " Although you might have erred in your judgment, given the circumstance you are not entirely at blame. You regretted your decision and that is good, but there are no need to further dwell on something that you could not change now."
"I know." Borus replied thoughtfully. "Perhaps I was just being foolish to think of it as such."
"Good," She nodded, glad that he is on the right track, "Now then, did Salome said when he is going to contact us?"
"No, milady," Borus shrugged as if saying he is unsure of that as well," though under the dire circumstance we were in I do not think even he knows when he will be able to send us a message. I imagine soon though because everyone would want to know how you are faring."
"Let us hope so, " She sighed, "I feel so helpless like this."
"I know the feeling." He said sympathetically. "However I also trust Salomes' judgment when he said that you will be safer staying here."
"I understand your concern, I suppose this is the best course of action for now." Chris said, shaking her head as if clearing away the depressing thoughts. "Well enough of these things that we can do little about either way. What do you think of Louis chance of passing the knighthood exam, Borus?"
"Well...."
The 2 knights then talked about different things that were happening in the knighthood, idle talks that avoided the sensitive subjects. Both of them have things that they rather not talk about and their conversations steadfastly avoided those subjects. They talked until Beecham brought them their lunch. Chris then spent the rest of the day reading and sparring with Borus. She was very disappointed in that by the end of the day Hugo still haven't showed up and she resolved to go find Hugo again the next morning.
However, when Beecham told her that Hugo had once again gone out the next morning, Chris started to feel suspicious about the entire situation. She was unable to continue her questioning though as Beecham quickly excused himself, claiming to have prior duties. After she returned to the hut, she began reading again and at lunch ate the leftovers from yesterday. In the afternoon, she was visited by the two girls that she had met during the festival.
"Hello Christina!" Thermira called out energetically as she entered the hut. "We are here to see how you are doing."
Surprised Chris putted down the book she had been reading and stood up to greet her visitors.
"Good day Thermira, Dilah." Chris said to the 2 girls.
"We found out where you are staying by asking around, you are so lucky!" Thermira exclaimed.
"Pardon?" Chris asked in confusion at what the younger girl is saying.
"Well you get to stay at Hugos' place," Thermira said dreamily "He is so handsome and brave and one day he will be the chief you know."
"It is not what you think." Chris said shaking her head for emphasis and throwing up both of her hands at shoulder height palms up. "He moved back to his mothers house and just let us use his house for the duration of our stay."
"Well he must really want to impress you to do that for you." Thermira continued on seeming oblivious to Chris' objection. " Maybe he meant to pick you as his bride."
"WHAT!?" Chris shouted in an incredulous tone, her face flushed with embarrassment.
"WHAT!?" Borus shouted from behind Chris his voice sounds indignant at the suggestion.
"Why hello there, didn't se.." Thermira never got to finish her sentence as Dilah suddenly threw her self at Borus, belt knife drawn and teeth bared in a snarl. The suddenness of the attack surprised Borus and he was forced to take several steps back to avoid the wild slashes from the berserk girl.
Dilah growled at her lack of success and tried to lunge at Borus with a stab to his chest, but by that time he had already overcame the initial shock and with a precise strike from his scabbard knocked the knife away from the enraged girl. In one smooth motion he draws his own sword and holds the tip blade against her neck, stopping her dead in her track.
"What are you waiting for?" The girl bits out though her voice is barely audible." Kill me like you killed my father."
Borus' eyes widen in surprise and though it was barely noticeable, Chris saw that Borus' blade wavered in uncertainty for a second.
"What is going on Dilah?" The normally energetic girl asked with fear evident in her voice.
"I saw him," The girls' reply was quiet but the hate is clear in her voice, "they came on horses, burning our village. My father tried to fight back but HE killed him."
Chris opened her mouth as if to say something, but then just shook her head. She knew that Borus must deal with this problem on his own.
Borus gave out a sigh and pulled back his sword, sheathing it. "I don't suppose an apology will mean anything. But for what it is worth, I sincerely regret doing what I did that night.
Dilah moved as if to grab her knife but Thermiras' hand on her shoulder stopped her dead in her track.
"Don't Dilah, it is useless. " Thermira said in a dark voice filled with contempt. "Christina, no Lady Chris of the Zexen knights, I suppose that is who you are?"
Grimly Chris nodded in confirmation.
"I do not know why you have come here, Lady Chris." She continued in that same tone of voice, "But be assured that we wont stand for murderer like you here."
With that she led her friend out by the hand, not bothering to say another word.
"I am sorry milady, for the troubles that I caused." Borus said once the two girls left.
"Do not worry about it Borus, such is to be expected. It is just one of the many consequences of our actions as knights. " She sighed. " I suppose that is one more thing I need to talk to Hugo about, certainly he would be able to prevent further trouble from the villagers."
"I hope so milady."
**************************************************************************** ******* Yet, it was the same on the third day. Chris went to Beecham only to be told that once again Hugo went out on village business, this time inspecting irrigation of a nearby pasture, and could return anytime.
"Is Hugo purposely avoiding me Master Beecham?" Chris asked the age warrior her tone indicated that she was irritated.
" That should be something between you and Hugo, Lady Chris."
"I understand, sorry to bother you, Master Beecham." She said, feeling uncomfortable at situation.
She was surprised to see a large crowd surrounding the hut where she is staying. The crowd, consisted of mostly woman and children, glared hostilely at the blonde haired knight standing at the doorway.
"Borus!" She shouted, dashing past the ring of Karayans and ran to the knight. "What is going on?"
"Milady," Borus said worriedly " They came soon after you left."
"Murderer!"
"Get out of our village!"
"Die Zexen Scum!"
The last shout was accompanied by a rock thrown at Borus' head, which he steps backward to avoid. Soon a hail of rock was thrown at the two knights, which the two barely avoided. One of the rock streaked with unerring at Chris' head and would have struck her if someone didn't step in front of her and caught the rock with his open palm. The hail of rock ceased immediately as the crowd saw who is now standing before the Zexens.
"Everyone, stop!" Hugo shouted to the crowd, "I understand your frustration, however these people came on official business as guests to the village. As the acting clan chief it is my duty to ensure that no harm befalls them. So I must ask each and everyone of you to leave them alone for the duration of their stay."
"But Chief Hugo! These people are.."
"No buts Thermira, you may challenge my decision when my mother returns. However it is your responsibility right now not to let your hatred interfere with the greater good of the village." Hugo said sternly, looking straight at the younger girl. Then his feature softens and he continues in a more gentle voice. "We all lost someone close to us, but please understand what I am asking you to do."
The young girl looked down for a moment as if in thought and then walked away without another word. The rest of the crowd followed in suit, dispersing slowly in all directions and soon it was just Hugo and the two Zexen that remained in front of the hut.
"Sir Hugo I thank you for your assistance." Borus said formally to the Karayan.
"There are no need for thanks," Hugo said, turning around to face the knight. "As I said it was my responsibility as the host to ensure that no harm befalls you."
For a moment Chris just stood there studying the Karayan, her expression unreadable. "I thought you were suppose to be at this inspection?" She finally asked in a bland tone.
" I came back early." Hugo replied, matching her tone perfectly. For a moment he hesitated, seemingly indecisive, then he spun around and began to walk away.
"Are you still running away?" Her words stopped Hugo cold in his tracks and he let out a deep breath.
"Meet me tonight at the place where we last saw each other." he said in that same bland tone, then without another word he walked away from the two.
"Milady?" Borus looked at Chris questioningly.
"It is nothing to be worried about Borus, I just need to talk to him that is all." Chris replied distractedly.
"I'll come with you tonight then." Borus suggested in a tight voice.
"No," Chris interjected. " I need to talk with him alone."
"But..." Borus tried to protest but was interrupted by Chris.
"Please Borus."
"Alright," the blonde knight said resignedly, unable to argue with his captain.
**************************************************************************** *******
By the time Chris got there Hugo was already waiting, though not at the gravesite. She found him sitting below a tree nearby, leaning against the trunk and staring up at the stars. For the first time since meeting him again she realized just exactly how much he had changed. Under the dim light she could tell the physical change, his face has became leaner angled into maturity, gone was the boyish roundness that was there 5 years ago. He wore his hair long, tied back into a ponytail that reached his waist. The More startling change though was his expression. It has become more serious and with a focus that she has never seen on him before. The overall effect, and she had to admit that Thermira was right, he does look very handsome and far more mature than she remembered. He seemed not to notice as she approached wordlessly she sat down on the grass a few feet away from him.
"Thank you for what you did earlier." She decided it was much safer to start there.
"Like I said it was my responsibility." Hugo replied still looking up at the star.
"Well thank you anyways." She said, " I would also like to apologize for my actions a few nights ago."
"What for? there is no need to apologize, it was my fault. I was careless with what I said. So it was I who should have been apologizing." He sighed looking away, "I knew I shouldn't have said that about you but it is just that..."
"Just what?" She asked, puzzled.
"Have you ever dreamt of those you knew?" Hugo asked suddenly, "Lulu appears in my dream a lot these days. Sometimes he begs me to avenge him, sometimes he yelled at me, saying how I failed him, how I couldn't protect him."
"I understand," Chris said sadly, closing her eyes as if remembering." I have those dreams too.. your friend Lulu, Lanchet, Galahad.. and countless others that I failed and killed. The voices of the dead haunting the living."
"How do you live with that?" Hugo asked her softly, at the same time amazed at the revelation.
"By reminding yourself what you are fighting for, what your goals are." Chris said, looking toward the distance star.
"Does it work?" the young Karayan asked.
"No," She replied" But it keeps the guilt from swallowing you whole though,"
"I see." Hugo said solemnly, "Well, honor states that I should avenge the death of my friend. Yet duty states that I should not take any action against you because of who you are."
"And what is it that you want then" Chris asked him.
"Does that matter?" Hugo asked in return.
"No I suppose not, " Chris closed her eyes and shook her head. "If it was another though you probably would not have that problem. Our responsibility and position sets us apart from others, I suppose.
"We are who we are. Duty and honor binds us and chains us." Hugo said sadly. "Will we ever be rid of it?"
"Not now but one day." Chris said hopefully looking up at the field of star. "One day we will be free."
"That will be nice." Hugo said with equal fervor yet there was also a slight skepticism" By the way, would you come with me to the clan chief meeting tomorrow? Your insight will certainly help. Furthermore what we are discussing will probably concern you as well."
"Gladly, atleast that way it will feel like I am actually doing something useful." She commented, reflecting on what she felt for the past 2 days.
"You know, if war comes between Zexen and Grasslands, we will be enemies." Hugo said quietly.
"I know, but that will make things easier for you then wouldn't it?" Chris replied in an almost idle voice "Since you would not need to worry about deciding between honor and duty."
"Perhaps so, but I don't look forward it."
"Neither do I."
A comfortable silence settled in between them. Feeling relaxed they leaned back and enjoy the warm weather, the cooling breeze, as well as field of stars above. Neither felt the necessity to say more, on some level they felt that they have reached an understanding, so neither said a word more but instead leaned back to enjoy the warm weather, the beautiful stars and each other's company.
If only things could last...
Up next: With Damian plotting War seems imminent. What will become of Grassland and Zexen?
"Oh really? Wow? So you saved Bishop Sasarais' life then?" one of the woman gushed.
Just then a woman with short black hair and a green tunic tied up to her chest entered the dining area of this small tavern, She took a look at the man boating to the 2 girls and rolled her eyes in exasperation. Walking to another table not far away from the wildly gesturing man, she promptly sat down and asked the three others that are already at the table.
"He is not going at it again is he?" She asked those who are at the table.
"Well you know how desperate he is when it comes to attention from the opposite sex." A man who seems to be in his early 50s, wearing a purple shirt with yellow embroidery, answered. "By now you shouldn't be surprised about him, Queen."
Before Queen could reply though, another person at the table cut in suddenly. "I don't know, " a young woman, with brown skin and curly dark brown hair, said behind a cup full of soda." I think he is getting worse each day, what do you think Jaques?"
Jaques, a man in his late 20s with spiky blonde hair white bandana around his forehead and a neon blue coat, blinked as he was suddenly the center of the attention of the other 3 people. " ...... He seems the same to me, Aila."
"Bah, you just didn't notice." She said, shaking her head.
Jaques merely shrugged and went back to drinking his milk.
"So Joker, Where is the captain." The one named Queen asked the old man in front of her who is nursing a mug of ale.
"He went off to buy some fruits." Joker replied, taking another sip from the mug.
"He must really love those fruits if he always go off to buy those." Aila said, then blinked in confusion as those others gave her weird looks. "What?"
"Aila, don't ever change." Queen said, putting a hand on the confused girls' shoulder.
"Ah, alright?"
"Hey Queen you are finally here, how is everyone doing today?" The man who were boasting said to the group as he walked towards them.
"Ace, glad to see that you finally decided to join us." Queen said raising an eyebrow at the man, " what happened to the girls?"
"Ah, They ummmm decided to leave when I told them I cant take them to see Sasarai." Ace lamented, while looking extremely uncomfortable at the subject.
" Ha ha ha, guess they are smarter than they looked." Joker roared with laughter at Aces' plight.
"Ah shut up Joker!" Ace shouted indignantly.
"Ace Ace, when will you ever learn?" Queen said exasperatedly, shaking her head.
"Probably never," Aila piped up helpfully.
"Hey cut it out people!" Ace pleaded, throwing his hands down to his sides.
"Captain." Jaques said quietly, and despite it being barely audible it grabbed everyones' attention immediately. As one they turned to the doorway where Jaques was facing and sure enough Geddoe, in his usual ensemble of black and gray complete with eye patch, walked in holding a bag of fruits in his left hand.
"Hey boss."
"Captain."
"Captain Geddoe."
The one eyed captain of the mercenary group nodded in acknowledgement and then found a seat to sit down. He turned his gaze around the table making sure that he had the attention of everyone before beginning.
"I want everyone to pack up and be ready to travel by early tomorrow morning." He told his subordinates. "We have a new job to do."
Queen gave her fellow comrades a concerned glance at the sudden news, before turning back her captain. "A new job? Where are we going?"
"...Brass Castle."
**************************************************************************** ***
Suikoden 3 Fanfic Conflict from within ch5:
Pains of a Guilty Conscience
**************************************************************************** ***
Chris woke to the sound of the chirping birds and noted that for the second day in a row that she has woke up much later than usual. Normally she woke up right at the crack of dawn, hence it is unusual for her to woke up when the sun is already high up in the sky. She attributed this to the aftereffect of being poisoned and the stress of the past day. Blearily she rubbed the sleep out of her eyes and gave a small yawn. She gave her head a slight shake, reflecting on the past day. Now that she had time to calm down and think she could not believe now how badly she acted last night.
'What was I doing threatening the boy?' She thought guiltily to herself, 'It's just that he made me so mad...'
She still remembered those bitter words coming out of the Karayan man. Spoken so as if he did not understand the weight of those painful words that forced her to see things that she had refused to think about up until at that point.
"Betrayal." She whispered to herself, the words feel bitter in her mouth. It is as if by speaking it she was tainted by the foulness of the act implied. If Salomes' guess was correct then yes she was betrayed, by one of those that she had sworn to protect in fact. Although she tried to counsel herself that her primary duty was to the people not the council, the hurt still remained. As a solider she had learned long ago to distance herself from her emotions, for such a thing provides distraction on the field of battle. One could not afford to feel compassionate towards the enemy she is striking down, for a moment of hesitation could mean life or death. When she first learned of the councils' betrayal, she had treated it as facing another enemy, taking all the hurt feelings and anger towards them and walling it all away deep within her. However, Hugos words has struck a cord of truth in her, tearing away the walls that she had used to shield herself. As a result, all the angers and pains that she had felt at the act had rushed out in a torrent that overwhelmed her. Before she realized it, she had redirected it all against the Karayan. Although Hugos' attitude did not help at all, she realized that she is largely at fault for last nights situation as well. All in all, it was one messy situation, one that she wished had never happened. Yet, moping about it all day would not rectify the situation.
'I better go apologize to him' she thought to herself.
She was glad that Borus is not here right now. Though that fact did not surprise her at all, all the knights are early risers and she supposed that Borus must have left as not to disturb her sleep. She quickly gave herself a wash over and get ready in a blue outfit that is similar to the one that she wore yesterday.
Since she is unfamiliar with the village she decided to ask Beecham if he knows where Hugo is. She walked to the old warriors' hut and asked if he knows Hugos' where about.
" Hugo? Lady Chris?" Beecham replied," He went off to hunt this morning, I do not know when he will be back"
"That is unfortunate." Chris said, feeling disappointed, " If you could tell him that I wish to speak with him when he gets back?"
"Certainly." The old warrior replied.
Disappointed, she decided to head back to where she is staying and found that Borus had returned while she was away.
"Milady," The knight greeted her as she came in and stood up from where he was sitting in respect.
"Borus, you are back." She greeted.
"When I woke up you were still asleep milady." Borus replied, " So I went out for a walk out of the village."
Though he tried to keep a neutral tone, Chris could sense something off about the knight. Then all of a sudden, she realized what is bothering him. "Coming back to Karaya made you feel uncomfortable didn't it?" She asked him worriedly.
"In some ways milady." The blonde knight replied, " What happened here 5 years ago should never have happened. I was careless in my judgment and acted in anger."
"Perhaps my discomfort now is in some way a punishment for my failure." Borus continued, his tone full of regret of what he has done. "A very lenient sentence if you ask me."
"That is enough Borus. " Chris said, closing her eyes and shook her head. " Although you might have erred in your judgment, given the circumstance you are not entirely at blame. You regretted your decision and that is good, but there are no need to further dwell on something that you could not change now."
"I know." Borus replied thoughtfully. "Perhaps I was just being foolish to think of it as such."
"Good," She nodded, glad that he is on the right track, "Now then, did Salome said when he is going to contact us?"
"No, milady," Borus shrugged as if saying he is unsure of that as well," though under the dire circumstance we were in I do not think even he knows when he will be able to send us a message. I imagine soon though because everyone would want to know how you are faring."
"Let us hope so, " She sighed, "I feel so helpless like this."
"I know the feeling." He said sympathetically. "However I also trust Salomes' judgment when he said that you will be safer staying here."
"I understand your concern, I suppose this is the best course of action for now." Chris said, shaking her head as if clearing away the depressing thoughts. "Well enough of these things that we can do little about either way. What do you think of Louis chance of passing the knighthood exam, Borus?"
"Well...."
The 2 knights then talked about different things that were happening in the knighthood, idle talks that avoided the sensitive subjects. Both of them have things that they rather not talk about and their conversations steadfastly avoided those subjects. They talked until Beecham brought them their lunch. Chris then spent the rest of the day reading and sparring with Borus. She was very disappointed in that by the end of the day Hugo still haven't showed up and she resolved to go find Hugo again the next morning.
However, when Beecham told her that Hugo had once again gone out the next morning, Chris started to feel suspicious about the entire situation. She was unable to continue her questioning though as Beecham quickly excused himself, claiming to have prior duties. After she returned to the hut, she began reading again and at lunch ate the leftovers from yesterday. In the afternoon, she was visited by the two girls that she had met during the festival.
"Hello Christina!" Thermira called out energetically as she entered the hut. "We are here to see how you are doing."
Surprised Chris putted down the book she had been reading and stood up to greet her visitors.
"Good day Thermira, Dilah." Chris said to the 2 girls.
"We found out where you are staying by asking around, you are so lucky!" Thermira exclaimed.
"Pardon?" Chris asked in confusion at what the younger girl is saying.
"Well you get to stay at Hugos' place," Thermira said dreamily "He is so handsome and brave and one day he will be the chief you know."
"It is not what you think." Chris said shaking her head for emphasis and throwing up both of her hands at shoulder height palms up. "He moved back to his mothers house and just let us use his house for the duration of our stay."
"Well he must really want to impress you to do that for you." Thermira continued on seeming oblivious to Chris' objection. " Maybe he meant to pick you as his bride."
"WHAT!?" Chris shouted in an incredulous tone, her face flushed with embarrassment.
"WHAT!?" Borus shouted from behind Chris his voice sounds indignant at the suggestion.
"Why hello there, didn't se.." Thermira never got to finish her sentence as Dilah suddenly threw her self at Borus, belt knife drawn and teeth bared in a snarl. The suddenness of the attack surprised Borus and he was forced to take several steps back to avoid the wild slashes from the berserk girl.
Dilah growled at her lack of success and tried to lunge at Borus with a stab to his chest, but by that time he had already overcame the initial shock and with a precise strike from his scabbard knocked the knife away from the enraged girl. In one smooth motion he draws his own sword and holds the tip blade against her neck, stopping her dead in her track.
"What are you waiting for?" The girl bits out though her voice is barely audible." Kill me like you killed my father."
Borus' eyes widen in surprise and though it was barely noticeable, Chris saw that Borus' blade wavered in uncertainty for a second.
"What is going on Dilah?" The normally energetic girl asked with fear evident in her voice.
"I saw him," The girls' reply was quiet but the hate is clear in her voice, "they came on horses, burning our village. My father tried to fight back but HE killed him."
Chris opened her mouth as if to say something, but then just shook her head. She knew that Borus must deal with this problem on his own.
Borus gave out a sigh and pulled back his sword, sheathing it. "I don't suppose an apology will mean anything. But for what it is worth, I sincerely regret doing what I did that night.
Dilah moved as if to grab her knife but Thermiras' hand on her shoulder stopped her dead in her track.
"Don't Dilah, it is useless. " Thermira said in a dark voice filled with contempt. "Christina, no Lady Chris of the Zexen knights, I suppose that is who you are?"
Grimly Chris nodded in confirmation.
"I do not know why you have come here, Lady Chris." She continued in that same tone of voice, "But be assured that we wont stand for murderer like you here."
With that she led her friend out by the hand, not bothering to say another word.
"I am sorry milady, for the troubles that I caused." Borus said once the two girls left.
"Do not worry about it Borus, such is to be expected. It is just one of the many consequences of our actions as knights. " She sighed. " I suppose that is one more thing I need to talk to Hugo about, certainly he would be able to prevent further trouble from the villagers."
"I hope so milady."
**************************************************************************** ******* Yet, it was the same on the third day. Chris went to Beecham only to be told that once again Hugo went out on village business, this time inspecting irrigation of a nearby pasture, and could return anytime.
"Is Hugo purposely avoiding me Master Beecham?" Chris asked the age warrior her tone indicated that she was irritated.
" That should be something between you and Hugo, Lady Chris."
"I understand, sorry to bother you, Master Beecham." She said, feeling uncomfortable at situation.
She was surprised to see a large crowd surrounding the hut where she is staying. The crowd, consisted of mostly woman and children, glared hostilely at the blonde haired knight standing at the doorway.
"Borus!" She shouted, dashing past the ring of Karayans and ran to the knight. "What is going on?"
"Milady," Borus said worriedly " They came soon after you left."
"Murderer!"
"Get out of our village!"
"Die Zexen Scum!"
The last shout was accompanied by a rock thrown at Borus' head, which he steps backward to avoid. Soon a hail of rock was thrown at the two knights, which the two barely avoided. One of the rock streaked with unerring at Chris' head and would have struck her if someone didn't step in front of her and caught the rock with his open palm. The hail of rock ceased immediately as the crowd saw who is now standing before the Zexens.
"Everyone, stop!" Hugo shouted to the crowd, "I understand your frustration, however these people came on official business as guests to the village. As the acting clan chief it is my duty to ensure that no harm befalls them. So I must ask each and everyone of you to leave them alone for the duration of their stay."
"But Chief Hugo! These people are.."
"No buts Thermira, you may challenge my decision when my mother returns. However it is your responsibility right now not to let your hatred interfere with the greater good of the village." Hugo said sternly, looking straight at the younger girl. Then his feature softens and he continues in a more gentle voice. "We all lost someone close to us, but please understand what I am asking you to do."
The young girl looked down for a moment as if in thought and then walked away without another word. The rest of the crowd followed in suit, dispersing slowly in all directions and soon it was just Hugo and the two Zexen that remained in front of the hut.
"Sir Hugo I thank you for your assistance." Borus said formally to the Karayan.
"There are no need for thanks," Hugo said, turning around to face the knight. "As I said it was my responsibility as the host to ensure that no harm befalls you."
For a moment Chris just stood there studying the Karayan, her expression unreadable. "I thought you were suppose to be at this inspection?" She finally asked in a bland tone.
" I came back early." Hugo replied, matching her tone perfectly. For a moment he hesitated, seemingly indecisive, then he spun around and began to walk away.
"Are you still running away?" Her words stopped Hugo cold in his tracks and he let out a deep breath.
"Meet me tonight at the place where we last saw each other." he said in that same bland tone, then without another word he walked away from the two.
"Milady?" Borus looked at Chris questioningly.
"It is nothing to be worried about Borus, I just need to talk to him that is all." Chris replied distractedly.
"I'll come with you tonight then." Borus suggested in a tight voice.
"No," Chris interjected. " I need to talk with him alone."
"But..." Borus tried to protest but was interrupted by Chris.
"Please Borus."
"Alright," the blonde knight said resignedly, unable to argue with his captain.
**************************************************************************** *******
By the time Chris got there Hugo was already waiting, though not at the gravesite. She found him sitting below a tree nearby, leaning against the trunk and staring up at the stars. For the first time since meeting him again she realized just exactly how much he had changed. Under the dim light she could tell the physical change, his face has became leaner angled into maturity, gone was the boyish roundness that was there 5 years ago. He wore his hair long, tied back into a ponytail that reached his waist. The More startling change though was his expression. It has become more serious and with a focus that she has never seen on him before. The overall effect, and she had to admit that Thermira was right, he does look very handsome and far more mature than she remembered. He seemed not to notice as she approached wordlessly she sat down on the grass a few feet away from him.
"Thank you for what you did earlier." She decided it was much safer to start there.
"Like I said it was my responsibility." Hugo replied still looking up at the star.
"Well thank you anyways." She said, " I would also like to apologize for my actions a few nights ago."
"What for? there is no need to apologize, it was my fault. I was careless with what I said. So it was I who should have been apologizing." He sighed looking away, "I knew I shouldn't have said that about you but it is just that..."
"Just what?" She asked, puzzled.
"Have you ever dreamt of those you knew?" Hugo asked suddenly, "Lulu appears in my dream a lot these days. Sometimes he begs me to avenge him, sometimes he yelled at me, saying how I failed him, how I couldn't protect him."
"I understand," Chris said sadly, closing her eyes as if remembering." I have those dreams too.. your friend Lulu, Lanchet, Galahad.. and countless others that I failed and killed. The voices of the dead haunting the living."
"How do you live with that?" Hugo asked her softly, at the same time amazed at the revelation.
"By reminding yourself what you are fighting for, what your goals are." Chris said, looking toward the distance star.
"Does it work?" the young Karayan asked.
"No," She replied" But it keeps the guilt from swallowing you whole though,"
"I see." Hugo said solemnly, "Well, honor states that I should avenge the death of my friend. Yet duty states that I should not take any action against you because of who you are."
"And what is it that you want then" Chris asked him.
"Does that matter?" Hugo asked in return.
"No I suppose not, " Chris closed her eyes and shook her head. "If it was another though you probably would not have that problem. Our responsibility and position sets us apart from others, I suppose.
"We are who we are. Duty and honor binds us and chains us." Hugo said sadly. "Will we ever be rid of it?"
"Not now but one day." Chris said hopefully looking up at the field of star. "One day we will be free."
"That will be nice." Hugo said with equal fervor yet there was also a slight skepticism" By the way, would you come with me to the clan chief meeting tomorrow? Your insight will certainly help. Furthermore what we are discussing will probably concern you as well."
"Gladly, atleast that way it will feel like I am actually doing something useful." She commented, reflecting on what she felt for the past 2 days.
"You know, if war comes between Zexen and Grasslands, we will be enemies." Hugo said quietly.
"I know, but that will make things easier for you then wouldn't it?" Chris replied in an almost idle voice "Since you would not need to worry about deciding between honor and duty."
"Perhaps so, but I don't look forward it."
"Neither do I."
A comfortable silence settled in between them. Feeling relaxed they leaned back and enjoy the warm weather, the cooling breeze, as well as field of stars above. Neither felt the necessity to say more, on some level they felt that they have reached an understanding, so neither said a word more but instead leaned back to enjoy the warm weather, the beautiful stars and each other's company.
If only things could last...
Up next: With Damian plotting War seems imminent. What will become of Grassland and Zexen?