Dʀᴇᴀᴍs ᴏғ Yᴏʀᴇ
Their pathway was made by way of escort, the dark-clad servants of the Fellow Manor leading them through the early morning paths of the garden and into shelter once more, from where they promptly departed, with a flawless bow, leaving them in the dining room decorated with their breakfast. There, the two stood for a moment, eyeing the feast, undecided whether they should sit or not, cautiously listening to the light footsteps slowly fade into memory behind the closed door. The banquet before them was ripe with all manner of indulgent foods ready for them to have, from fruits, meats, and even corked wines of various shades, waiting for anything they so wished.
Not long to be famished, Subaru walked quickly across the extravagant rug, pulled out one of the chairs, and sat down to begin without the company of their host. He was truly not in the mind to let such fine foods sit and spoil at the mercy of the chilly air, and after mere seconds, his silver plate, formerly barren and otherwise useless, was filled until he had no choice but to stack items vertically to indulge further. Smiling greedily to himself, with a drumstick in one hand and a ripe appa in another, he could hold out no longer; so he tore into the meat with a ravenous thirst, and reduced the sweet, succulent fruit to nothing but the remnants of a seeded core.
Between his munching, gnawing, and gluttonous gulps as he inhaled his meal, he could hear gentle footsteps approaching from behind. Then, there was a 'pop'—the sound of someone uncorking a bottle, he guessed—followed by the soothing sounds of liquid cascading down into a wine glass. Hearing this, he felt his lips curve to a small smile, then he heard a gentle bell:
"Is that enough, my dearest?"
Subaru turned to face the bell's owner. "I don't want to have another accident," he said, letting a brief chortle escape him. "I'm afraid I scarcely remember the last time I underestimated the alcohol of this land. I would prefer to remember today's meeting, wouldn't you?"
"I would," said Emilia softly, still holding the wine bottle in one hand. "But there's no reason to keep yourself from enjoying today's pleasures, since they're made readily available to us. In fact—" With her right hand on the bottom of the wineglass, she tilted it to fill another glass.
Subaru gasped. "Wait, don't pour that one! It will go to waste." He paused; now realizing he was under the scrutinizing gaze of the half-elf. "Since, you know… It would be bad for our child, if you were to drink at this moment, you know?"
"What do you mean?" Emilia asked, curiously at that. "I'm afraid I don't understand."
"Drinking something like this, while you're… vulnerable like you are now. It's not good for the baby, you know. On that point, I think it's just best if we're a little cautious. If it makes you feel better, I won't drink the wine. I don't want you to feel left out!"
Emilia made a face at him, said, "You don't have to worry about me. If you don't want me to partake, then I won't."
He arched one eyebrow. "Well, don't restrain yourself from the rest of the banquet. You can enjoy breakfast without alcohol, I'd imagine. I don't need to be drinking before any discussions with Russell Fellow anyway, so there's that."
Emilia smiled, nodded, then sat herself next to him in a chair. She straightened out her dark, silk gown and crossed her legs elegantly, before setting up her plate with an assortment of fruits and other small delights. When finished, she shifted a little and then let another small smile grace her rosy lips, when she realized she was under the careful watch of Subaru.
"Such a fierce look," she commented. "Does simple actions such as sitting and plating my food demand such a look from yourself?" She squeezed his arm playfully. "You're too tense, Subaru. You need to relax," she encouraged after a moment.
"I don't feel fierce," he replied shortly. "Quite the opposite, actually. Also, I can't help but be stressed out in this moment. The stakes are high right now—they truly are."
"Are they? I feel like we're in good company."
"Do you really feel that way, Emilia? Weren't you the one who was skeptical of our host? And don't try to convince me to relax my guard. If you haven't noticed, because of recent events, I am just a little precautious. Not to mention my gospel's direction has been vague."
Characteristically, she chose to take him seriously. "What do you mean by 'vague'? By your example earlier, it would appear it gives descriptive, specific instructions which aren't hard to follow."
"That's precisely why I'm confused," he said briefly. Glass of water in hand, he rose it to his lips to take a sip, swallowed, and then continued, saying, "While you were alone in the gardens, I read ahead a bit, but instead of more descriptions and direction, there were only vague messages, and riddling words tied together."
"Maybe that's for the better?" she whispered. Her hand moved downwards, then rested itself on his knee, giving it a light, knowing squeeze.
Feeling a sense of unease, and a genuine discomfort on the one morning he didn't need it, Subaru eased back in his chair and ran his fingers through his hair. He took a deep breath, and let out a sigh, one which sounded almost like exasperation.
Emilia took notice of it. Softly, uncertain whether to prod him or not, she said, "Subaru, forget what is written down on that book, and let's go far away from here."
He did not respond. Just stayed silent, and then some time later, he stood and walked over to where the high windows were, to look out into the vast gardens. Now basked in the morning sunlight, he felt the heat of its rays bring a mild warmth to his being, and it calmed his uneasy being. Even in this new, colder season, he realized the sun still brought forth some measure of soothing comfort. It reminded him of his life in this world, so similar, yet so far away from his own; a life equally as cold, and callous as the biting winds of the blue-sun, yet there was a gentle sun all her own shining bright above it all, and whom he found relief under, reassured and supported by her gentle housing and grace.
It was enough, and that was all.
"That's it then," he whispered absentmindedly.
Hearing his voice, Emilia perked up. "Did you say something?" she asked quietly.
"I said 'that's it'."
That wasn't what he meant to say, but it's all that would come.
"You're making me worried, Subaru."
"Don't be."
"I just don't want anything bad to happen to us."
"I won't let it."
There was a short pause. The sound of doors closing, and muffled footsteps wrenched them from their isolated world.
"I believe Lord Fellow approaches," Emilia whispered softly. She was careful to adjust her shoulder-length hair and fix her unkempt appearance.
Facing her now, Subaru laughed quietly. "It's amusing to watch you become so self-conscious about yourself at a moment like this. I haven't recalled you ever fixing yourself up like that when I'm around."
"That's just because you haven't seen it," she shot back quickly, careful to hold her voice down.
"If I haven't seen it, then who could say it happened?" he replied just as fast.
Emilia quickly stood, then said, "Subaru, you shouldn't tease me like that! Now, mind your manners and come over here. Face the door when he walks in, then give a polite bow."
"If you insist."
Subaru gave her a cheeky wink above what appeared to be a grin, yet he begrudgingly obeyed her command and stepped over to the table once more. The footsteps and shuffling past the closed double doors could be heard to an even clearer degree now. Their impending host was approaching, swiftly at that.
"Bow after he enters," Emilia whispered to him once more.
Subaru was silent, but nodded to affirm he understood.
The doors suddenly swung open, each propelled by a gloved hand from the two butlers on each side. They turned sideways to hold the door open, revealing who was behind them, and it wasn't long before he stepped into the room.
"Master Subaru and Lady Emilia, please rise," he said evenly, gesturing for the pair to raise their heads. "There is no reason to bow. No honored guest of my house should ever feel the need to do such things."
Subaru's head came up. "Thank you, sir," he replied shortly.
Russell smiled. "Please, hold your words of appreciation," he said at length. "It goes without saying, but your gratitude doesn't require vocalization."
Subaru shook his head. "I must say something, at least. Your hospitality has been unwarranted, but our gratitude goes beyond appreciation. This comes from the bottom of my heart, so don't laugh it off. We're truly in your debt, and you need only to ask for repayment, and I will do whatever you wish."
"If you insist," the merchant-lord replied. He stepped up to Emilia, who was otherwise speechless. He held out his hand. "My Lady, will you honor me?"
Emilia, unsure of herself, but relenting, nodded in agreement. She extended her own hand for him to take, and he rose his lips near her pale knuckles symbolically. She could feel his warm breath as his lips briefly brushed over her skin enough to send shivers down her spine.
"The honor is mine," she whispered breathlessly.
She saw the golden-haired man smile above his youthful goatee. You couldn't quite tell what color his eyes were, but you could tell—even though his youthful guise—his intent was both warm and legitimate. It was within those interesting pools, she could see a reflection of something more than a merchant, a tradesman, or a crafty businessman.
"I see you've already indulged in the morning's banquet," Russell said. "But please, I would like to have you two sitting down once more, so we can discuss some important matters." The man departed from Emilia, and then gestured for them to sit at the table once more.
The pair stood silently for a moment, unsure of the proper response, then stirred once more. They decided to oblige his request, and with a unified nod, took their seats at the table next to one another again. Their host took his own across from them, and then motioned the awaiting servants to fill his plate. Wordlessly, they sprung into action, and before long, they had prepared his plate and filled his empty wineglass with a fine, amber liquid.
Softly, not entirely certain why she was asking, Emilia said, "Lord Fellow, what do you know about our situation?"
Russell swallowed with some difficulty. "That's what I have come to discuss with you, in fact," he said finally, trying to manage the uneven weight of his tone. He felt it was a difficult topic. "Perhaps you are unaware, and I do not make this announcement lightly; the Kingdom Knights have laid down an order for your apprehension, alive or dead."
Emilia stiffened. She felt dizzy suddenly, incapacitated by the man's words. "My Lord, forgive my impertinence," she whispered softly. "But surely your words must be made in jest. So surely, your words are meant to beguile?"
"I'm afraid not, m'lady."
"But that just can't be true. Such a thing like that…" She hesitated, speech quickly becoming difficult. "It just can't be the truth," she continued.
"I would speak nothing but the truth to you."
Emilia was silent, both deeply unsettled by his tidings and more afraid than she had ever been in her life. If she even had any appetite before, any inclination to indulge in the offerings before her, it had surely been lost now. She remembered the events which led them to this place, outside the cave when the knights had struck at them without warning. It was in those memories she found the answers, those unfortunate truths deep within her heart which beckoned fresh tears anew.
The man bearing the bad news lifted his wineglass, before taking a sip from it. He bowed his head afterward, simultaneously averting his eyes from her unkempt state, yet solemnly acknowledging her despair.
A sharp voice commanded him to raise once more:
"You've got to be joking with me."
Russell winced. "Master Subaru, I understand your frustration, but I am not here to mislead you in any way. This may come as a surprise, but nor are my actions business-related. I am simply aiding a friend whom I believe to be in need."
A small silence. Outside the windows, the sounds of a gusty wind penetrated, whistling a howl as it cut through the air. Forgetting herself, and feeling unnerved from the sudden quiet, Emilia raised a listless hand before taking her glass in hand. Slowly, the cool glass met her quivering lips, and without thought she tilted it just enough. She herself knew not whether such an action was propelled by thirst or a nervous reaction, yet she swallowed the pungent liquid all the same. Now rendered empty, she laid her glass aside and met the curious gaze of two pairs of eyes, her own darting from one to the other continuously.
"Why do you two look at me in such a way?" she asked. "I just needed a drink to soothe my mind, that is all." She felt Subaru squeeze her arm. "I don't like that," she admitted after a moment.
"You don't have to like it," he replied. "But remember what I said about drinking that? Well, just forget about it. Let's just get back to the matter at hand."
She gave him an anemic, almost uncaring glance. "Yes, the matter about the notice which has been put out, officializing, and even celebrating our capture or murder? The news of such a thing has made me feel faint, even weak to the point of numbing my senses."
Russell, watching with interest, saw the lifelessness reflected in her eyes, one which stirred an uneasy feeling inside him. When Subaru resumed, it was with a different tone, one bearing a weight too heavy for one man to manage, and as he spoke, Emilia averted her eyes to stare intently at the decorative rug beneath them.
"We were attacked, and only did what we had to defend ourselves," Subaru explained, his stern voice cutting through the call of the outside winds. "No matter what they've said, it was self-defense, and I would've cut anyone down to protect her, even the knights. They were quick to attack us, without even identifying who we were or what our circumstance was. If you look at it as it really happened, you'll find the fault which led to their fate rests with them, and not us. Even still, if I was put into the same situation a thousand times, I would've made the same decision, to protect those who I love!
"With you as my witness, I'll tell you this: Let them come, I say; let them come and try to take her from me! If they truly think we're at fault for defending ourselves, then I'll destroy them without mercy, I promise you that! And this order they've made, for our capture or killing; I know it's final, and I know such things cannot be undone. I realize now, even though it's too late, that what happened was an accident, but even still I won't let any harm come to her. I don't care what their reasons are. I will travel through the forests, and the valleys, across rivers and up the mountain slopes, until they finally give up the chase and leave us alone for good. And if they do find us, I'll make sure they don't live to tell anyone where we might be. This isn't out of malice, or hatred, but only love.
"What I've told you is the truth and nothing but it. We just wish to go on our own way, to get lost in the crowd and live our own life away from all the troubles of this place. We'll disappear, change our names, hide our identities, even leave the kingdom. Anything is on the table, and I hope I've made my intentions quite clear."
"It's as you say," Russell stated plainly, before sipping from his wine glass. "It would be folly to even attempt to clear your name. Once a death writ is signed, it cannot be undone. Those who wrote it know this, and those who see it through understand its finality."
There was terror painted on Emilia's face. But she knew it would come to this. "It's unfair that we cannot share our side of the story," she whispered, trying with some difficulty to control her wavering voice. After a pause, she said, "We are hunted because we defended ourselves from an unprovoked attack. It was a misunderstanding, and nothing more." The words she uttered, were hollowed from the doubt which plagued her, yet beneath it was the hope, a gleam of light she held close. "Even still, my desires were heard, and still yet to fall on deaf ears; my prayers answered, and I feel we will never be separated again."
Subaru looked at her curiously, unsure of her meaning. Then he laughed a little—a friendly, wonderful laugh. "I don't know what you mean," he said. "But the way you look at me warms my heart even now. That's how I know I made the right decision." His hands opened, and then clenched tightly, knuckles white.
"Not everyone will see it that way," Russell said. "Not everyone, Master Subaru. And especially not the knights, nor their kith and kin." His tone was kind, and full of understanding. But he had to speak such truths. "What you said before is true, an unfortunate reality—that you must flee from Lugnica, and avoid all realms under the jurisdiction of the Kingdom Knights."
Subaru's expression changed, as if he had been reminded of some great wronging. "Where do you suggest we go?" he asked flatly.
Russell said nothing, perhaps pondering his question for a time.
"We'll just go anywhere, then," he decided.
After this utterance, a stiller silence took ahold of the room around them, only the half-elf's shuffling and shifting in her chair could be heard.
Where was 'anywhere', to be exact? Subaru didn't know, and now when the time had come for them to flee once more, he found himself lost in thought. Could they revive their old plan, and head to Priestella, and go from there? No, it would be too risky. Then instead, should they make their way across the border? In that case, they would have to avoid the officials guarding entry into the kingdom. It was difficult indeed, as no other choice could imperil them or protect them more than this one.
Without a word—for no words could summarize his thoughts—he stood from his chair and placed his hands firmly on the table. His host took notice of this, and gazed carefully at him. His partner, ever so careful not to provoke him, placed her hand tenderly on his own, and looked up questioningly.
"I've decided," Subaru said, quickly at that.
Russell smiled, and clasped both his hands together. "I can see it," he said, with a level of understanding laden in his voice, having expected what he was about to hear. He was certain of it. "I wish to hear your decision, but speak carefully. If you wish to cover your trail, you may withhold the details. But do not worry, I won't pry into your whereabouts—you have my vow, I swear it."
"We will leave the kingdom," he answered plainly and emotionlessly.
Emilia brought her hands to her mouth. She had forgotten, in all the events which had transpired in the past month. But it all returned to her now: their vow to leave the kingdom and travel the lands, wherever that might take them. They were to leave it all behind, she remembered, and it might have staved off the danger trailing them as if it were their own shadow. If it weren't for her, they would have been out of the realm now, deep into new country and beyond the reach of their hunters.
She felt a shiver crawl down her back. She couldn't stifle the feelings swelling inside. She heard Subaru, speaking once more, and directly to Russell, "I won't tell you where we're going, but it's going to be far away from here. I'm going to write our own future."
"I think that a wise decision," Russell replied softly, his eyes gleaming and his smile gentle. The wind outside picked up, its shriek seemingly in response to his words. Then pealed a clap of thunder, and the light pitter-patter of rain as the first droplets lazily chafed the glass windows.
"I think so too," he replied, with equanimity. "I meant for us to leave awhile back. And then something came up."
He paused, turning to look at Emilia, who said, carefully, "I have to agree, and believe it would grant us the best opportunity for a decent living. After what has occurred, I do not wish to be here, nor do I ever wish to return."
The rising tempest of a storm outside elevated in tandem with a strong, burning fire in his heart. Sternly, with a growing eagerness evident in his speech, he said, "And we must leave this morning, under the cover of the rain. If we travel lightly, while those who hunt us have taken shelter, we stand to get a good head start." His heart was bursting, eager to be free at last. He couldn't help from revealing his inner turmoil. It was there in his smile, and in his tone.
"Yes," agreed Emilia.
His smile widened far enough where new creases formed. "Yes," she repeated. "We will be together, and free from all these troubles following us."
"Master Subaru—" Russell began.
"I know!" he exclaimed. "I know what you're about to say. But please, I don't want to involve you any further than I already have. I truly appreciate all the help you have given me. You've taken us in, knowing full well we were fugitives, risking both your reputation and your well-being. You haven't even asked for anything in return. I couldn't have been any luckier than when I bumped into you."
The merchant-lord smiled. "I know you two aren't guilty of the charges against you. It was my pleasure to help a friend and a former business associate, no matter their circumstance."
"I beg your leave," whispered Emilia, who gave a slight bow. "Is it true what Subaru says? Is it true you have aided us without asking anything in return?" She looked up with wide, hopeful eyes, almost filled with wonder.
"It's a true statement," answered Russell. "True in the sense that I acted with good intentions, and without seeking a profit of my own. I would never request anything from yourselves, simply out of respect for your precarious situation." He smiled and leaned back in his chair, taking a sip from a freshly filled glass.
"Oh, thank you, m'lord!" she said joyously. "Even if you don't ask for it, we owe you a debt of gratitude which can never be repaid in full."
"We're in your debt, and more," Subaru agreed.
"Please, your gratitude is not required," said Russell. "Such things are appreciated, but it pains me I cannot aid you any further than I already have. I truly wish I could make things better for you two, considering your predicament."
Words meant to set them at ease, but raised his suspicion even more. Subaru remembered the world he was in, and due to that, his instinctual guard arose once more. He could trust the man enough to receive aid from him when none could give it. But could he trust him with anything else? He looked into his eyes, those interesting eyes which glistened with livelihood, and brought a warmth to a room bereft of all heat. He discerned nothing, gleaned little information from them which proved useful in his understanding of himself, or his intentions, well-meaning or not. He peered back at Emilia, who looked over the man as if he were a deity. He was their savior—Subaru could admit that much—even if he wished to be the one to protect the one he loved, to shield her from harm's way, bringing her comfort and security. The manor's walls provided such securities, even if it could have been nothing more than a prison to someone like Russell Fellow. He remembered, and in that moment he had replied, "We really should be on our way then before things clear up out there. Even under the cover of the storm, there's always a chance we could be spotted. It's best we depart from here, as nice as it is to stay here. Russell Fellow, I appreciate all you've done for us."
He sounded almost apologetic, she felt, whether he intended to or not. Wordlessly, Emilia looked from one man to the other, before her eyes rested back on her lover. Stumbling in her speech, almost failing to hide her embarrassment, she said, "Please, m'lord, forgive our impudence. You have offered us shelter, and given us your bed as if it were our own. There's nought we can do to repay you, and in that corner we shall forever remember what you did for us."
"Thank you, Lady Emilia," he replied. His eyes were serene, his voice calming unlike the storm raging outside. He rose up from his chair, unconcerned with his servants pulling out his chair and fetching the door. Turning to them one last time, he said, "I truly wish you two the best, and I mean that."
Then he turned, a doorknob creaked, and Russell Fellow was no more. With a bow, the last servant left through the passageway into the other room, following their master and lord.
Looking at Emilia, he fixed her with a level stare. With steel in his voice, one she hadn't expected so soon, he said, "We need to leave, now. Ask questions later. For now, let's return to your quarters and gather our things. If our timing is good, we should be out the door within the next hour. Anything more, and we're pushing our luck." He reached up and took her hand between both of his own, tugging her gently. "I enjoyed our time here, but it's time we depart."
He tugged her once more, and she stood in return. Clasping him tightly, she whispered, "I understand that time is of the essence, but is there another reason why we rush like so?"
"We'll talk about this later," said Subaru, a little reluctantly. "Once we are out in the wilds and away from here, we'll talk about all of this… and about us," he added quietly.
She smiled with as much grace one could muster, and soon felt herself being led to wherever they were going. Through the manor, and back to their room, she supposed. They walked, together and under the fury of the rising storm, which she noticed made her feel unsettled. Something—an instinct, maybe—made her glance down at their clasped hands. His fingers were tight around her own, she saw, and though it was a subdued gesture, made her notice the ring wrapped around his finger. And she saw it as it hugged tightly his skin, quietly and out of notice. In it, she felt, was a power there, growing silently from within that band. Perhaps, she wondered, it was the magic of their growing relationship. But there had been little time to sit and ponder about their future, when their present gnawed at them, threatening to deny whatever may have awaited them. Now there was time, as they walked up the stairs to their room. There was a moment of isolation, a moment in time which would be forgotten the next day, when she pondered their future along with their child's. A tear fell, and when they entered their room, she gazed out through the high windows to see the golden banners billowing chaotically against the stormy winds.
