Her father has been visiting Leyndell too often for the past moons. It did not sit well with Ranni, her mother on the other hand, puts too much trust in him never questioning him. Such devotion. It scared her. That trust defied logic.
Ranni hopes that it is not what she's thinking. Men and women alike, stray from their spouses once they find someone better.
She scoffs loudly, making the scholars roaming the hall turn to her. She pays them no mind and carries on.
There is no such person more radiant than her mother.
But ever since her father started his travels to the Golden City, he seemed detached. Like he's been dragging his feet when they're with them. She noticed it, he wanted to leave as soon as possible.
He spots his father's red pup just outside the debate hall, on guard, growling at anyone who dares to approach. For such a small thing it surely packs more glintstone sorcery than most scholars in the academy. When the pooch saw her, it immediately lies on its back, belly up, and its tail wagging furiously.
She gives it a pat. Then a few belly rubs knowing that the faithful wolf deserves more affection. It lets her get past it after a few more rubs and pats.
Ranni for her part looks away, embarrassed. Radagon embraces her mother, his hands securely placed on her middle while nuzzling her undone tresses.
Her mother sighs happily, rubbing her father's cheeks with one hand.
Ranni almost falters. A trick of the light perhaps but she saw her father's hair turn a gilded shine.
She shakes her head. Maybe she's overthinking and her father's probably doing errands for Queen Marika now that Lord Godfrey's too busy preparing for war she has no wish to be a part of.
"You made it difficult for us to track you."
A golden entourage waits for him outside his home. Four Crucible Knights atop their war horses. He can hear the impatient neighing.
"I was not hiding." Vaughn says, "I only want to live peacefully since the war is over."
Howard, one of the knights who barged in his home, steps forward, his horned helm making him appear taller than he is.
He hears a cackle from Howard, even his armor shakes. "Such life is never for us and unbecoming of you. Your talent is wasted as some filthy peasant withering away in these woods."
He shakes his head, "Better than taking away someone's loved one."
"You don't have a choice."
"I do."
"No, you don't." Howard's tone is clipped. Handing him a letter with Queen Marika and Lord Godfrey's seal. "Die as a true warrior or be hunted like the animal that you are."
To My Beloved
Ranni darts inside the cottage when she saw prints of boots and horseshoe on the earth. The room's bed is still there but the chest is empty. She thinks that she should not feel such despair from what she thought to be a quick flitting interest.
I doubt that you will miss someone like me, someone of no renown, not even a sliver of coin to their name. But even so I would like to let you know.
Her heart hammers wildly in her chest. It should not be like this. A despicable ache and frustration egging her to follow him. But where?
I was happy. I am happy. I got to spend most of my peaceful days with you. A dullard like me lucky enough to spend it with someone so beautiful and brilliant. By the moon and the stars, I must've done something right.
She wipes away her tears. Barely understanding the taste of bitterness, vexing her. This is unbefitting of someone of her station.
Please forgive me, Lady Ranni. I could not tell you sooner that I would be leaving. Circumstances have changed and I am called elsewhere. Please know once my dealings are done, I will come back to you. I promise.
She finds a letter neatly folded inside the chest. It was written hastily, ink smidges every sentence but she can decipher it well. She still can't understand why her tears kept pouring down her cheeks.
Yours,
Vaughn.
