Two weeks, it had only been two weeks since this amazing adventure started.
I simply can't describe it as anything but an adventure…
The day Naofumi showed this to me still replays itself in my mind, the sea salt breeze, the way he spoke with such fervent finality.
But regardless, here we were, working and living, building a home from a childhood memory.
It was like he breathed life into the idea of this once desolate place, so many bad memories now healing with the help of my Master.
It was almost too good to be true.
If this is a dream… I don't want to wake up.
"Raphtalia!"
As if I summoned him, there he was, calling my name through the burlap doorway.
I must have been daydreaming in bed because when I twisted myself from the covers of my stiff cot I felt incredibly groggy. My feet struggled to find stability on the earthen flooring of my current quarters, quickly rubbing the sleep from my eyes and idly draping my fingers through my hair. I cut across the floor, stopping just shy of the exit of my tent. My current living arrangements since I volunteered to stay in temporary housing until more of the village was restored.
Breathing in I reached out to pull the tent flap open, allowing morning sunlight to flood in.
Then cutting into the light was the shape of Naofumi, his signature green darkening in the shade, the outline of him cast in golden sunlight.
Wow
I looked up to him as the last of the drowsiness drained from my face.
"I've let you sleep for long enough, we have another full day."
He spoke in his usual curt manner, that tone still accompanied by his gentle eyes. His mannerisms at this point only elicited a low smirk from me, my left hand rested along the coarse fabric of the tent, fingers softly drumming themselves as we spoke.
"Morning patrol followed by breakfast then.."
"Actually, there were some new arrivals last night, we are going to process them before breakfast." My fingers cease against the fabric.
"Do we have the space?"
"We can discuss that during processing Raphtalia…"
The way he said that… I nodded firmly up at him and averted my gaze momentarily before replying.
"Let me get dressed and we'll be on our way."
Naofumi gave a small nod in return as I let the tent flap fall back into place. The dark returns as the morning light was cut off, save for a tiny strip of space from where the flap ended up. A golden strip of light lying upon the floor as I drew away from the front of the tent and back to my cot and personal belongings. The space was a bit larger than needed, and without Filo it was almost too much.
Naofumi had insisted that I have my own space, but honestly I only accepted it on the condition that it was one of the temporary shelters. Sat on the edge of the main town much like Naofumi, who also has his own space.
I wonder…
My thoughts drifted for only a moment before I came back to reality, and with a shake of my head I would begin my routine.
Before too long I let the flap fall behind me, my boots crunching gently onto the gravel path, turning on my heel to tug close that tiny crack in the tent front that always seemed to hang open to spite me. Facing forward and quietly I once again took in the morning breeze, it's familiar air carrying a somewhat calming energy.
But something hung under everything, an unshakable presence, at least to me.
Before me sat the entirety of the village, old ruined homes sitting on the outskirts with progressively rebuilt structures further in. The church being one of the first structures completed then steadily the rest of the town, starting with housing. Using Master's mercantile connections, resources such as stone and lumber were shipped consistently. As a result construction hardly ever had to be halted due to shortage.
The early morning was quiet, usually Naofumi and myself were the early risers and it just so happened to be the only time we were alone together. So without needing to say so, this time was precious to me. But today we had company, small groups of disheveled individuals wandered the streets, I assumed these were the new arrivals Naofumi spoke of.
There were many more than I had imagined at first, I figured he wasn't exaggerating when he implied we wouldn't have the space just yet. Still, it was a shock to me for how many more people appeared overnight. I idly thought there would have to be inquiries into why so many came here.
Refugees.
Or Assassins…
Naofumi was standing a respectful distance away from my tent along the gravel path. He seemed lost, a faraway expression sitting on his stoic face. I walked up to his right side, boots crunching against the gravel slightly tilting my head to peer at him.
"Master Naofumi?"
I said gently, watching him blink suddenly and huff in surprise.
Checking stats maybe?
"Oh, sorry."
He reached up and gently squeezed the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger. His eyes shutting tightly, my own gaze quickly scanning over his look. He hadn't been sleeping well lately, and the exhaustion was palpable from him. Releasing a gentle sigh he let his hand rest back at his side, looking down at me with an awkward look on his face.
I met that awkwardness with a cheery smile.
"Ready Raphtalia?"
He asked, tone and look slipping back into his usual attitude. I nodded in return but I wasn't keen on letting it go just yet, my pause seemed to be more potent because Naofumi noticed almost instantly. The hesitation must be uncharacteristic in his eyes.
"What's on your mind?" I questioned, making him pause, a poignant lapse in conversation that gave way to needless speculation. Was he finally going to share his thoughts with me? He parted his lips to speak and I felt my ears pop up in anticipation, my tail going quite rigid in my state.
"Nothing you need to be concerned about." He dryly replied, moving to cross his arms over his torso. My ears flattened in response, letting a soft huff of defeat escape my lips before my hand came to idly palm the hilt of my sword. Tail going limp as the tension of my excitement faded whilst another hopeful moment fell quite short. With my free hand I gestured the way for him to lead but puzzlingly he shook his head.
"You lead today Raphtalia."
My eyes widened and I would nod soberly at his words, feeling a bit surprised.
"As you command Master Naofumi."
I would take the lead, hearing Master's firm steps behind me as I would take us on the regular patrol route. Not knowing his intent at having me lead.
Today was different, the same warm sun and sea salt breeze sat on everything with an unmistakable nostalgia. But it was difficult to separate the other feelings floating under the surface. As we walked the streets that unnamed sensation became increasingly clear.
Dread.
It stunk in the air, the faces of many of the newcomers ladened with it, not to mention the exhaustion that sunk in their features. How long had it been since they slept? A surprising majority of them were Demi-humans just like myself, and their appearance was an all too familiar sight for me. Anytime their eyes gazed up to me I would return it with a warm smile, but more often than not their eyes would slink down to the ground as they meandered on with their morning.
Just where did they come from?
What happened?
I found myself questioning, as my footsteps took us from one end of the town to the other.
Perhaps I already knew the answer to those questions. Now taking a left so we could circle the perimeter, making note of the many fresh footsteps that dragged themselves in. Noting internally that there were many more new arrivals than the one's wandering the streets. We continued on like this for a few more minutes, my footsteps feeling heavier than before and the warm isolation of my tent felt faraway.
"Master Naofumi…" I said as we left earshot of any nearby refugees, walking along the burned out husks of the furthest outskirt buildings.
"Yes Raphtalia?"
"How many more…" I spoke, the words escaping me so softly as emotions bubbled up within me. But that just led to me suppressing them in a bid to keep nervous inflections from tainting my speech.
I had to be strong.
With that thought I turned heel to face Naofumi, who had stopped walking along after my question, his face stoic but I could see the slight pull on the corner of his lips.
"Almost double what you've seen on the streets." My heart sunk even further, slightly adjusting my stance against the ground.
"Children?" I said.
"No more than 7, their families are with them." He replied, a feeling of relief that we wouldn't have to establish an orphanage so early on.
"But, after processing I'm hoping we can set up more temporary housing." His right hand followed to the beat of his sentence, ending his minor explanation by idly adjusting his shield. "More than a few of us can volunteer their interior quarters for our new arrivals."
I gave him a puzzled look at that and Naofumi hushed himself. Reaching up to clear his throat into his hand before he continued speaking. "Of course only volunteers, though I may make Filo give up her room." I chuckled at that, his caring nature shining through, tugging rapidly at my heartstrings. My stomach fluttering at his intention.
"I'm sure we'll have our volunteers Master Naofumi, and Filo will love it if it means she gets new friends." I let a smile form on my face, giving my Master a pleased look as we spoke.
"Yeah, with Mel off to the kingdom she has been a bit down."
I nodded at his sentiment before my gaze shifted to the side. My mind creates a couple of ideas in my head, quietly nagging at the back of my thoughts. This moment quietly faded as the ideas developed into a chilling theory.
How many people are already aware of our existence?
What were they running from?
How many were enemies in disguise?
Master Naofumi, although finally recognized for his numerous heroic actions, still had many enemies littering the kingdom. How many of them had ways and the manpower to strike at Naofumi, in his fledgling land nonetheless.
I have to remain vigilant, for Master Naofumi.
"Raphtalia?"
Suddenly I felt the warmth of Naofumi's hand on my shoulder and I jumped. The hair on my neck was standing in attention, but his sudden touch only served to heighten my senses. My eyes widened in shock before a flush burned across my cheek, my eyes flicking up to look at him before drifting away. I must've looked deep in thought.
"S-sorry Master Naofumi"
My head fell to look away from him so he couldn't see my expression. His hand pulling away from me, the heat from his touch lingering for moments before the soft inhale of air marked the beginning of his speech.
"What were you thinking about Raphtalia?" I parted my lips to speak but suddenly felt hesitation, momentary, but it was still there. So he was just bound to notice it.
Why?
"I'm just thinking of the security risks, with so many new arrivals…"
He listened, with his expression still.
"We don't have the manpower to combat any serious threat yet, or keep any attempt on your life at bay." He chuckles, and my face comes to look up at him, a flash of anger shooting through me before I caught his smile. It was rare enough to stop me in my tracks.
"Listen to you… you're starting to sound like me. No matter what comes I have all the protection I need." He spoke calmly, did he not understand the risks this poses? Almost assuredly that wasn't the case, Naofumi was never one to shrug precautions.
"But Master!"
I furrow my expression into a hard one, interjecting but he simply continues past it, my outburst sharp in the morning air.
"I have you…"
I feel an electrifying tingle ride it's way up from my tail to the nape of my neck. My whole person softened as my weight started gingerly shifting from one side to the other.
M-me!?
"...and my shield."
The brief moment of intensity subsides.
Oh, of course.
I quietly cleared my throat before continuing.
"Regardless, Master we still have the townspeople to consider."
"They are the townsfolk Raphtalia… all of them, sure they can't all be totally good people but each and every one of them came here in the hope for a better life." I found myself at a loss for words, Naofumi, trusting strangers. Then myself being aggressive to the idea of new people, when did this shift occur.
"They need all of us to be willing to accept them into our safe haven, if we hope to stand a chance against any threat that comes our way." He shifted himself so he faced off towards the sea, his soft green eyes gleaming a bit in the soft morning light.
"You of all people know what a catastrophe takes from everyday people." That would've stung me at any other time, but now it only made me feel guilt for my paranoia. "They're looking for a new life, much like the one you have now, to fight side by side against the evil of this world." His dark hair framing him in such a way, his speech firm but laced with hope and pride strangely enough.
A true picture of a hero.
My hero.
"You understand Raphtalia, but this place is something that needs to happen." I could feel nothing but insurmountable joy at his words, with time he grew warmer to the idea of people. Perhaps this situation wasn't ideal, maybe there would be mistakes to come, but I had the feeling any hurdle could be overcome if Naofumi only continued along this path.
"Then it will happen Master Naofumi, for everyone and for you!"
I said definitively, smiling broadly up at him as he turned to face me, my bright mood suddenly dampening at his look. A quiet cold sat in his eyes, a look that set an uncomfortable chill in my nerves. I'm suddenly aware of the tiny space that sat between us, not noticing myself as I moved closer to him unconsciously. I would cross my arms around my midsection and drag myself back.
Had I said something wrong.
Something that upset him?
He faced away again, but this time he moved towards the sight of the sea. The wind kicking up and pulling at his green robe, the signature piece of clothing flapping in the wind. Much to the same effect as the flag that was raised over the village.
I would follow a respectful distance away from him as he pondered things that weighed on him so heavily, he moved onward, drawing us both closer and closer to the sounds of rushing waves. A bird call echoed once before I grew bold enough to come up to his side again, my curious eyes taking in his side profile as the salt laden air whipped his hair back.
"Raphtalia this place is for all of you." I was taken aback by the bluntness, before my expression hardened again.
"Master you'd better not talk about leaving again!" I said harshly, having had this exchange once was all I was willing to put into this matter.
"No… I won't." He said softly, the air pulling those quiet words away and If not for my sensitive hearing it would have been lost.
"Then what… what are we talking about?" I asked.
"Raphtalia… I have something I need to talk about with you… will you listen?"
I pause, something about the way he spoke made it sound like something I did not want to hear. But I cannot simply ignore his thoughts when he so willingly appealed to expose his deeper monologue.
"Of course."
But he paused now, his eyes shifting to the earth before looking back to the ocean view.
"I want you to start taking more of a leadership role around here." That made me confused, honestly it really sent fear through me bundled firmly with frustration.
"I can't replace you." I replied instantly, my left hand gripping around the pommel of my sword, only getting his gentle smile as he looked to me.
"That's not what i'm asking you to do." He crossed his arms, turning his body so he faced me entirely. The wind was dying down just enough so it didn't sing in my ear.
"Okay then, as long as that's clear… should we get back to patrol?" He looked back at the horizon, the smile that sat on his face suddenly seemed sad.
"Yeah."
With that he turned swiftly back towards the village, looking to me. It took me longer than I care to admit for me to realize he was waiting on me to continue leading.
"Right…"
I said softly, looking back towards the village myself, my feet following suit and heading back.
Naofumi's momentary pause sitting at the back of my mind, wondering if he was hiding something from me. Well, he does hide things from me, but something lingered about what he wanted to talk about. I had this feeling that there was still so much to be said. But there wasn't time to consider it now.
The day had proceeded without anything noteworthy. Aside from the influx of people, patrolling was relatively the same. Before long we were all set up with tables and lists near the center of town, having anyone free from manual labor assisting in inducting our new additions. I was sitting near the beginning of the table with an assisting group of four, all armed with ledgers, taking down names and professions. Not to mention reasons for coming here.
"Now, reason for immigration?"
The man looked at me quizzically and I could sense the question on his lips.
"It means; reason for you coming here."
He nodded in understanding and moved to speak, his voice hoarse and appearance haggard.
But his eyes were quick, and his hands were marked with years of experience.
"My village was destroyed during the last wave, me and my brother were on the trail for a while until…" He stopped, his eyes averted themselves for a moment, lips parted but no words slipped out. I saw the familiar grief in his eyes and leaned forward towards him, speaking softly but with a smile on my face.
"It's okay, this place will be your home now." He blinked once and nodded somberly, the gleam of tears in his eyes as he quickly blinked them away. What more could I offer those in mourning? Quiet offers of unity to placate those on the brink, this place was their last hope. Breathing in shakily he continued.
"Anyway, I was directed here by a traveling caravan… so I made my way here."
I nodded to him, scribbling down his reason before looking up to him.
"Thank you, there should be food and blankets further down the line."
He nodded and got up from the table, respectfully pushing his chair in as he moved on from my part of the process. We must've been at this for hours because the afternoon sun had started beating down on us all, and at the thought of lunch my stomach growled. The presence of something sneaking around behind me and settling on my left made itself known.
"Raphtaliaaaa!"
I heard it on my left, sighing gently as I turned to look at the young Filolia Queen, who had slumped along the table's edge. Her chin was the only thing propped up on the wooden top, bright golden hair gleaming in the warm light. That signature cowlick being gently shifted by the wind.
"Master said he was too busy to play today… can you play with me?" I chuckle softly and reach over to pat her on the head.
"Ah, I'm busy too Filo, do you not want to go out on the boats today?" She shook her head, knowing she must be dreadfully lonely since Mel left.
"Well… we have lots of new kids with us today… why don't you go see if they would like to play?" Her hands came up to softly grip onto the edge, looking up to me with a somewhat downtrodden look.
"Do… do you think that'd be okay?"
The question puzzled me somewhat but I gave her a firm nod and spoke.
"I mean… they're kids, I'm sure they'd love to have a friend like you."
She lit up at that, her expression turning into her bright signature look.
"You really mean it Raphtalia!?"
She stood up beside me and started bubbling with excitement. I blinked, shifting to look ahead at the dwindling crowd of people still waiting to be processed. Many of the children were first to go through so the young may be attended to. They seemed healthy and sweet enough, but they had this unhappy aura around them. They needed to know they can have a normal, happy life here.
"Yeah."
I said slowly, looking down to her.
"I mean it Filo."
She bounced in place at the affirmation and let out an ecstatic noise, before saying.
"Yay! Okay Raphtalia I'm gonna go play!"
She took off from the table and I suddenly had a thought, sitting up from my chair to call after her.
"Check in with us before lights out tonight Filo!"
She was already a bit away as she called back.
"Okay!"
Then with that she was gone. I slumped back into my chair, hearing my stomach growl hungrily at me, enticing nothing more than a sigh from me. I fell forward onto the table top, crossing my arms around my head.
I wish I could still play all day.
"Raphtalia?"
My ears perked up and I sat up in my chair, seeing Keel at my side quite suddenly.
Stuck as his young form for now he seemed to be grown mentally. Yet at this moment he had two bowls of freshly made stew at the ready, wooden spoons already sitting within them. Their smell resembled that of Naofumi's cooking, warm memories replaying themselves in the back of my mind as the scent of meat and stewed vegetables caused me to swoon.
My word, I'm hungry.
"I'd noticed you haven't eaten yet… if you want to take a quick break."
I would reach up and gingerly take one of the bowls from his hand, sighing warmly as the warmth filled my hand. Mouth automatically watering at the prospect of eating but something struck me.
Hungry people.
I had almost set it down on the table without realizing there were so many staring at it. Shaking my head to clear my mind before turning to Keel and putting my bowl back in his hand. He gave me a hurt look but I moved to speak before he got the wrong idea.
"I'll eat after I'm done for the day… please go help pass out food to the newcomers if you wish to help." My words were incredibly gentle, ending it with a tender smile down at my friend who seemed to stiffen at my speech.
"B-But I…" He stuttered.
"Many of these people haven't eaten for days, it wouldn't be right for me to eat in front of them."
I stated simply, to which he reluctantly nodded.
"I'm sorry Raphtalia, I just thought you looked hungry."
I tilted my head and chuckled softly, which confused him even more.
"Well of course I am, but we still have work to do no?" Keel would nod in understanding but before he could leave I would gently pat him on the shoulder.
"After we're all done we'll eat, okay?"
That seemed to cheer him up, but still he remained quiet, slipping behind my chair and down the line of volunteers.
"Ugh…"
I quietly growl to myself as the scent of food slowly faded away, reaching up with my hand to gently massage my forehead.
Food sounded amazing right now.
But it simply wasn't right to eat while there was still so much to do. Later, I promised myself, hoping lowly that me and Naofumi could go over the extension projects over a warm meal.
More than a half hour had passed after Keel left, the number of refugees needing to be registered dwindled to an acceptable number. But, in some fit of altruism I allowed my helpers to go on their own and allow me to finish up with the last few that remained. Those few seemed to be nervous about the whole thing, they would stall themselves as long as possible. So my efficiency had suffered as a result, and the morning sun had steadily turned into that of the afternoon rays.
I ran a hand up the back of my head, allowing the softness to flitter between my fingertips, the inner part of my well grown hair was extremely warm.
If we were out traveling I'd probably have set a hood over myself to keep the sun from beating down on me. If this registration business wouldn't end soon I might just leave my post to go eat or anything else. The ticking seconds were like daggers in my legs, which itched more and more towards the prospect of leaving.
How childish am I?
What would Naofumi think of this behavior?!
I sighed softly and leaned over one of the registration sheets I had finished earlier, double-checking and triple-checking their contents. The world felt distant to me at this moment, my adventures with Naofumi a far-cry from my current standing.
What I wouldn't give to be out on the road, fighting besides my Master instead of this.
"You're looking quite productive Raphtalia."
I jumped up in my chair, the voice of Naofumi forcing me to sit straight and respectfully. What a coincidence that i would be thinking of him at the second he found me! I glanced to my left to find him standing there, but how long he had been hovering was a mystery to me. He could be incredibly stealthy when the need arose, how often that need was to startle I had no clue.
"Mm, yes… My group has processed 36 adults and accompanying children, there were 10 seniors among them. Some had herbal experience, but of course anything relevant is in the registry." I laid out what my morning had been, feeling proud of our work, even if it was soul draining.
"I assume you made them feel welcome?"
I blinked, looking over and up to Naofumi, who had this strange look on his face, perhaps a familiar one. What a weird question, the energy around that statement was off putting.
"Uh, yes I believe so."
I nodded firmly, to which he would chuckle, moving around to my right before taking up one of the spare chairs to sit beside me. He was close, which wasn't an unfamiliar concept to me, but I could never ignore his presence.
I could almost…
Focus.
I silenced my wandering brain and cleared my throat, waiting for him to speak.
"Do you want to go over this at dinner?"
He questioned, I took a moment to reply.
"Yes, I think that would be best."
I turned to face him, slightly pushing out my chair so my entire form could look on towards him. Using one of my hands to quickly peel back a strand of rebellious hair as the air took it.
"We can assign work lists appropriate to their skills, and finish up sleeping assignments until more housing becomes available." His green gaze stared over the list, taking in every detail, as was typical of my intelligent Master.
"That sounds fine Raphtalia, speaking of, I was thinking of where to put all of us for the time being." That piqued my interest and I tilted my head a bit in a show of curiosity.
"What were you thinking?" He momentarily chewed on his lip in thought before speaking.
"Well… I hate to put you in this position but since Filo has been insisting on her own space for the time being…" He paused and I sensed that awkwardness from him once more.
"We… if you don't mind, we would have to share a tent for a while."
His eyes glanced up at me to see my reaction but I would quickly face away from him. Feeling a smile creep onto my face, which I quickly forced away but my tail gently wagged at the suggestion. Which I find incredibly more difficult to hide. But I couldn't silence the deafening drum in my chest, the temperature around me becoming several degrees warmer.
The best possible outcome.
Externally, I had to remain calm, but I knew for a fact a happy blush was on my face.
"Well, if it has to be that way, I'm fine with it." Now it was Naofumi's turn to be puzzled.
"Really?" He said with an amused chuckle in his throat.
"Yes, the space was too large for me anyway, we don't need to waste anything special for me." He scoffed silently at that and looked away from me and out to the holdouts.
"Well I'm glad you're not upset, I promise you the utmost privacy when you need it." He said firmly.
"I'm sorry? Master Naofumi we've shared sleeping arrangements before…"
Naofumi turned to me with a suddenly piqued look on his face, which left me quietly thinking about my phrasing. The silence was palpable, I gulped before looking back to him with a steady look.
"It won't be a problem.." He huffed at that, and his look kept reminding me of something, I couldn't quite place it still. A cross, it seemed, between indifference and concern.
"Raphtalia are you feeling well?" Suddenly Naofumi's hand came up to grasp me at my forehead. Causing me to squeak under my breath.
What's with this all of a sudden!?
"I- I am feeling fine Master, why?"
He continued feeling my head, moving it so the back of his palm could test me.
I can't lie to myself, something about the way he did that felt extremely familiar, it was a good feeling but my embarrassment grew even more. Quickly peeling myself away from his firm hand, feeling quite short of breath.
"You looked a little hot, and you feel warm as well." He said with his stern tone.
"You could've asked me…" I say sharply, perhaps being a little standoffish will draw him in.
Not that he has to…
Focus.
"You know I can tell when you're hiding something from me. Since you're so bad at lying." He said as I tried desperately to regain my composure.
"It's just the heat, and…"
He raised one of his eyebrows before I finished.
"I haven't… eaten yet." Naofumi's eyes widened as he realized he had basically checked me for no reason. Pulling a small distance from me that made me cry internally.
"Then… let's get lunch."
He said gently.
"You sure Master Naofumi? We still have some holdouts to process." I said with an unamused look on my face, an act, to allow me to revel in his embarrassment.
"O-of course! After." I smiled and looked on to the stragglers once more.
"That's fine by me Master Naofumi." It wasn't adventuring, but I could feel the itchiness in my legs slowly ebb away. As long as I was with Master, I think this would be alright.
A few hours had passed since the registration process ended, Naofumi and I had grabbed something to eat and we were currently drawing up plans for the new tent structures.
In an effort to cut down on time we would need later, Naofumi and I had begun packing his things in between drafting the plans to move him into my space.
The entire time I couldn't help but feel giddy, scenarios and fantasy running through my mind at an unbelievable pace.
I had to admit it was getting harder to flat out ignore them, and I found myself distracted by the sight of my Master more and more. I always had these feelings, but why did they feel amplified lately, maybe it was simply the close nature of building a home together.
Or was there something mutual I could sense on a deeper level than just surface emotions?
Nonsense…
Master isn't as weak-willed as me, I needed to concentrate more if I was ever going to return to a manageable state.
"Raphtalia?"
His voice called over to me with a gentle inflection in his tone. Of course, gentle with him meant that his stern cut voice was just slightly less so, but that small difference was enough. I peeked over at him as I put the finishing touches on his small chest of things, gently shutting the lid. He had most of his things packed already, clothes, any equipment and of course his cot. It worried me how little he actually had for personal effects, everything he owned had a purpose.
What was keeping him here beyond his duty?
Everything, aside from his chest, had already been placed outside so we could move them next door. Filo had become far more picky than either of us expected and had her preference for her own private space, hence the need to move absolutely everything in Naofumi's tent. It had shocked me initially to hear she'd prefer sleeping all alone in her quarters, but I suppose there was enough time for her to start going through some semblance of desiring independence.
"Yes Master?"
I said gently, standing up from the chest before leaning over to dust my knees of any clinging dirt. My boots slightly crunching on the hard earth, I had noticed something different about Naofumi's tent, like a different energy and smell. It wasn't bad, just altogether removed from the feel of my own space, I don't believe I ever had the opportunity to sense the difference between us as individuals. With our own homes, leaving marks upon the world in our own unique ways.
Perhaps with time I'll get to experience—
NO! NO!
Do not think about that!
My heartbeat began to throb in my chest and I quietly attempted to slow my breathing, my eyes still watching him. Waiting for whatever he had to say with palpable anticipation, even with the rest of my existence being devoted to keeping my wandering mind complacent. My hearing caught the small inhalation of air before Naofumi would speak.
"I was thinking of organizing the temporary housing in a grid formation."
He held out a roll of parchment, his gaze roaming over the page. They were the plans for the entire village, a blueprint for the future and present, he had drawn them up at the very beginning of all this. Adding and subtracting from it repeatedly, though he rarely took it out when not in his quarters. I could hear him writing on it late into the night, and it used to worry me, but I knew it just meant he was passionate. My focus came back, thoughts pushed away as I moved to reply.
"That'd be fine. That could make it easy to navigate, correct?"
He would nod quietly before muttering his next few words.
"I'm sorry Master, what was that?"
He cleared his throat and looked up from the blueprints as he would roll them up and tie it shut with a coarse strip of twine. The binded roll disappearing into the inner confines of his cloak, the slight warping in his apparel disappearing as he readjusted himself.
I could never figure out what he was hiding on his person.
"I was comparing it to a city in my world is all." I gave a soft 'hm' at his words and that seemed to catch his attention.
"Something the matter Raphtalia?" I blinked and let out a soft chuckle, feeling a tad embarrassed that he caught my reaction.
"It's… childish Master, nothing to be concerned about."
He would cross his arms as I spoke, like a disciplinarian, it reminds me vaguely of my time with him In the beginning. Back when I had no idea what this man intended with my life, quiet memories played themselves and I let a small smirk tug on my lips. Even back then he was a caring man, even if he forced me to take that horribly bitter medicine. He seemed so different now, but I knew it was because he was comfortable around me, everything he's shown me was always there. I wonder what he was like in his world, was he quiet?
Was he… popular?
I winced when that thought occurred to me, maybe Master was trying to get back to someone and not just his world. Something about that train of thought made me extremely bitter. Master moved to speak and the thoughts dissipated once more, my smirk having faded.
"Okay then, would you like to start moving things into your tent?" I thought about it for a brief second, was there anything left? The minutiae of planning had been completed, I had played a part in this idyllic place. What Master was planning, however, was truly a city in the making. A place where we can build a home, and by extension a much more useful army.
"Hm, yes, I suppose after that we'll start setting up the new tents?" He nodded before moving to my side of the room, causing me to freeze up a bit at the way he crossed towards me. I became almost unresponsive as he did so, my fingertips twitching against the inner breadth of my palm. Before he would lean down to pick up the chest at my feet, ushering me ahead with his eyes.
I need to stop reacting so much…
I thought to myself as I slowly relaxed and moved on from my spot to the entrance of the tent.
Reaching out to draw open the flap and allowing Naofumi to head out ahead of me. Taking one more look around at the now completely empty tent and feeling a small sense of melancholy before I would slip out. Outside I watched as Naofumi moved down the short distance between his tent and mine, lugging the chest in his arms, he turned himself to move diagonally into my quarters. Slipping into the confines as I stood there watching, before it hit me that I wasn't being much help.
I would move myself to one of the things we had set outside beforehand and take it up into my arms, the object had little heft but I handled it with the utmost care. Probably some learned respect for my Master's things.
If only he took care of himself the way he takes care of us…
I sighed softly and proceeded to move my way to my tent, knowing that it wouldn't be long until Master was set up. Wondering if we'd have to move some of my things around.
"...and there!"
Naofumi says after finally organizing his things in a way pleasing to him. We hadn't spent that long moving his things to the tent but it was quite precious to watch Master as he tried to decorate his side of the room with what little he had in that department. Speaking of, Master had opted to take the opposing corner of the tent, so if one were to walk in they would see me on the left-hand side furthest from the door. Then Naofumi, who sat on the right-hand side closest to the entrance, I had made an objection that he didn't need to set himself by the opening but it was quickly spurned.
"I prefer a breeze when I sleep."Is what he said. I sat on my cot to watch him work, quite satisfied with my position. Trying to think back to another time he had done the same but it was lost to me.
We never had our own space in the early days and I'd hardly count our carriage as...
Scratch that, that wagon was our home, just like this place is now.
Nevertheless, it wasn't necessarily our own living space since we shared the back with our stock.
Hm… watching Master trade was like watching him fight, focused and detailed, never missing a thing.
Forethinking and ruthless.
He moved his chest a little to the right at the foot of his cot, I assume to make it centered. He took a step back and made a strange symbol with his hands, peering into it with his tongue slightly stuck out.
"What's that supposed to be, a spell?" I asked him, I don't remember him ever making that sign with his hands before. But Master just snickered at that before looking over to me as his hands returned to his sides, a low smile on his face.
He looks so comfortable.
I felt my hands squeeze on the edges of my cot, feeling a tad embarrassed. But when he spoke he did it with a strange softness.
"No Raphtalia it's… um… why don't I show you?" I brightened up, feeling my tail softly swish across the covers before uttering.
"Are you sure—" Naofumi signaled with his hand for me to stand so I did, not even finishing my protest.
"Come, stand at the end of your space like me." I do as I was instructed and move over to the end of my bed, with a wave of his hand he'd motion me to take a small step back.
"You're going to want to get it all at once." I gave him a confused glance and he just gleamed at me, coming over he would move behind me.
"Master?" I inquired gently before he would speak in return, almost in a curt way but there was still that softness.
"Put your arms up like I did." I would oblige him and hold up my arms, feeling incredibly ridiculous all the while. Holding my hands out as if I were some priests addressing their flock. My thoughts drifted back to the day when we were all almost wiped out by that horrible priest from the church. Thankfully we were able to survive, but how much more powerful could our enemies become, like that Glass woman. Naofumi seemed to defy expectations at every turn, but what if one day he alone wasn't enough? What if I wasn't enough?
A soft inhale before he would speak.
"Now… here." His arms came up my sides, feeling them brush against me almost made me choke. My rampant paranoid thoughts coming to a quiet end. But his hands came to gently take my own, if I wasn't shivering before I certainly was now.
"Are you cold Rapthalia?" His fingers brushed the inside of my palm and I could almost cry out in delight.
Compose yourself!
"No Master, my skin is naturally cool." I could just hear his skepticism but it didn't last.
"Now… what you're gonna wanna do is…"He wielded my hands, shaping an L with my left and right hand. Using my thumb and forefinger from each to do so as he closed the rest of my digits.
He'd twist the positioning of my left hand so the top would be facing me, then the right's so it's palm was facing me. Through all this, I felt as if I were on fire and to spite the needles in my nerves it was paradise to be virtually held like this.
"Raphtalia." I was not paying attention and recognized he held my hands in the same way he had his, his own pulling away to gently grab me at my shoulders. My reinforced clothing impeded him from fully holding me there, but still, it sent tremors down my spine.
"Do you see?" He asked.
I glowed, looking through the symbol he created for me and saw what he hinted. Framing it almost concentrated my side of the room, I could see all I wanted to see here. It could certainly help with decoration.
Practical.
But it looked like a drawing in a frame, though I never saw a sketch of the inside of a tent before, it was like it was composed here. Just for me at this instant.
"Like a picture." Naofumi uttered so softly that I could barely make out his words, he was still gripping me, and now that fact became all I could focus on.
Breaking the frame so I could bring my hands up to his, keeping him in place against me, feeling their firmness. Startling myself when he didn't jerk away, I couldn't say why but I knew for a fact I stunned him. I moved my fingers along his bare knuckles and felt my heartbeat pound so wildly in my chest.
This was it...
There was so little time in the day, and everyday could be the end by some unseen threat, why should I hesitate in attempting to make us both happy? I had to be truthful to him, since this might be the only opportunity I would ever get, right now. This moment, this rare moment in time where it was just for us.
"Ma-Master I—"
"Raphtalia!?" A third voice rang out.
I was interrupted, I lost my momentum and instantly my words petered out. Master Naofumi abruptly pulled his hands away with a sharp awkward cough that made my nerves turn to ice. I felt my breathing begin to strain in my throat before I stagger away instinctively, taking a few steps away as he took a half step back. He was gazing at me, I could feel my breathing settle as my heart's pounding deafened my hearing. I would reach up with my right hand and run it through my vibrant hair, trying to relax as the intense mixture of anger and humiliation washed over me in waves. I turned myself slightly to look at him, feeling there was bright red on my face so I would attempt to hide my expression. Not knowing what I could say but my brain settled on something and I felt my lips move before I could stop myself.
"I… I'm sorry Master."
"For what?" He asked which made me sort of ponder what I was admitting guilt for.
He didn't know what I was intending to say.
Right?
"Um… just, I'll get the door." I promptly stuttered, still not looking at him as I moved on from where I stood to the front of the tent.
"Yeah." He said, moving back to his side of the room.
Good lords above I hate this.
I reached up to gently massage my features, aiming to calm myself down for whoever was at the door. The voice sounded familiar but I still had no inclination to who it was. I reached out and pulled open the flap, the rays of dying sunlight blazing on the low lit interior of our tent. A tiny form stood outside and bounced up as soon as it saw me.
Fiiiiiillllloooo…
I groaned internally, of course it'd be her interrupting me and Master Naofumi. I gently started gnawing the inside of my cheek. Trying to hide my distinct frustration.
"Hey Raphtalia? Have you seen Master?"
I felt a hasty jolt of jealousy race up my spine, my hand starting to grip onto the burlap tent.
It was an unpleasant emotion that forced its way into my mind, I felt momentarily shocked with myself but even that couldn't stop me from replying.
"Why? What's the matter Filo?"
She would tap her toe behind her on the ground, hands before herself pressing her index fingers together. She looked upset, and that look was slowly wearing away my internal dissatisfaction.
Of course she'd want to see him, stop being so selfish.
"He… wasn't in his tent when I came by, and all his stuff is gone…"
She paused and suddenly she reached up to wipe her eyes, sniffling softly.
"D-did Master leave?"
She squeaked out, and it hit me that Filo wasn't dumb. She knew about the way Master had been talking and it suddenly occurred to me that this was the reason she was trying to become more independent. Trying to estrange herself so it wouldn't hurt so much if he did up and leave one day, which is the exact opposite to me. Trying to hug desperately to him so he'll never leave, or at least so i'll never be alone.
Before I could understand what I was doing I got to my knees before her, and reached up to gently cup her face in my hand. She finished wiping her eyes and I smiled somberly, moving so my sleeve could dry her face. She looked towards me with her bright blue eyes glazed over with tears, reaching up with my other hand to stroke the top of her hair, my thumb touching over her cowlick before settling in her scalp.
"Listen Filo, Master Naofumi will never leave us." She gave a weak noise in response and leaned into my hand. Pausing for a brief second more before suddenly rushing in to hug me, stifling her face into my neck.
She's still so young…
Just like me…
I brought my right arm around her back, my left hand still holding her head with a soothing stroke of her hair. I could feel her warm tears welling up on my skin, she was trembling. Simply terrified at the idea that Naofumi could leave us.
"Raphtalia is right you know."
Naofumi was listening of course, and I could hear his boots come up behind me from inside the tent.
"And we all know how terrible she is at lying."
Huffing my exasperation I expected Filo to tear away from me as soon as he moved up, but for some reason she just held me tighter, adjusting herself so her face could look up at Master. I gently pat her on the back and she loosened her grip on me, allowing me to stand up from our embrace to look at Naofumi. His expression was firm, like he was showing us without words his resolve in being with us. But the look was tinged with a somber mood, at least to me.
"P-please don't leave us Master…"
She whimpered out before she slowly moved in to hug him, burying her face in his shirt but with her height, it was only into his stomach. I could see the tear stains on her face as she moved to him, drying herself against him as he looked at me.
Looking lost.
I motioned for him to go ahead, it wasn't something I could help with, but I knew Naofumi already felt what he had to do. He looked back to our Filolial Queen with his expression drifting in thought, before he refocused himself.
"Hey, hey… what'd I say, Filo?"
He spoke softly, his hand coming over to rest at the top of her head, gently smoothing over her scalp.
"Raphtalia was a bad liar?" She murmured into him. Getting me to frown as this had suddenly become a point of humor.
I could be lying!
Neither of you know!
I crossed my arms with a slightly sharper huff of air, but any sense of frustration faded away as warm emotions bubble up instead. Watching them reminded me of my first night with Naofumi. I simply couldn't help myself, moving over to the two, Naofumi looked at me expectantly but I had no intention for whatever he was possibly thinking. I reached in to slide my arm through his, he blinked down to me as I softly laid my head on his shoulder. My free hand reaches down to massage the other side of Filo's scalp. The young Queen nuzzling into her Master's clothing. Naofumi continues, his voice vibrating subtly, a pleasant sensation as we all embraced.
"Yes, Raphtalia is a bad liar."
"Master!" I quietly growled next to him, tightening my form against his as a warning. Only getting the man to chuckle softly at my expense. He seemed surprised by my actions but he would relax as he spoke.
"But… she was right about me leaving, and that I won't. For as long as I live I will never leave your side." Filo tugged on his front, getting us both to look down at her as she moved to speak.
"Then you better live forever and ever Master!" Finally I felt a soft chuckle leave my lips, nestling myself against Naofumi as he looked at me before he would look back to Filo.
"Forever and ever." He said incredibly softly, letting his cheek press against the top of my head.
I allowed my eyes to close, just enjoying the moment.
I couldn't describe the time we spent like this, it was beyond words. Time became a distant memory, but of course there had to be an end.
"Raphtalia?"Naofumi spoke, his weight lifting from my head causing me to reactively murmur in discomfort.
"Raphtalia." I opened my eyes and peered up at him, my face only turning part way towards him since we were so close. I fought with myself at the idea of facing him head on with only a few centimeters of space between us. Naofumi smirked and suddenly I was aware that he was trying to pull his arm from me.
Which I was resisting without realizing.
Lost in the feeling.
Still holding him to me I blinked, my face becoming quite flushed in the seconds I continued to hold him.
"So-sorry Naofumi."
I removed my hold on him, taking a half step back before crossing my arms around my stomach.
Trying to preserve the feeling of warmth he had, but it had already gone. Naofumi now turned his attention to Filo, who looked up towards him with a pout on her face.
"Now now, we can't stay like that forever." Filo muttered something that made Naofumi chuckle, turning to look at me once more before she would also release her hold on him.
"Filo? Do you want to stay with me and Raphtalia?" She nodded vigorously, seeming to be returning to her happy outspoken self which was endearing. But a nagging thought at the back of my mind told me that something was still off.
Life wasn't as simple as a quick hug and a kiss away from being less complicated.
… Why a kiss?
W-we haven't kissed!
My gaze drifted to Naofumi with that thought and I felt my nerves scream at me, turning away from them both in preparation for my growing embarrassment. Ears perked up in attention as my tail unwillingly swished back and forth, I thought I had gotten better at controlling it.
"Well where are your things Filo?" I heard him ask.
"My room, will Master help me bring them over?" She asked in her signature sweet voice.
"Of course Filo, Raphtalia do you want to help as well?"
I felt his eyes on the back of my head and I turned to look at him, not directly with a bashful smile on my face as I spoke.
"Of course! It'll be faster with the three of us anyway, and we can pass the plans on to the volunteers so they can start on the tent building." Master nodded once before ushering Filo out of the tent, she left and I moved to follow her out but suddenly Naofumi barred the way. I had refused to look directly at him but now I looked up at him baffled for a moment, but his eyes said this wasn't the time for me to talk.
"We need to speak, in private." What happened, was there something wrong?
My mind began racing, concocting theories and strategies but all of that disappeared when I realized that I was the issue in his eyes. He hadn't mentioned anything else of note, he was staring directly down at me, expression firm and imposing. My heart deflated at that, thinking all this time I was finally breaking through his shell. Only to have all the tenderness from today completely devoid in his request.
Scratch that… his order.
I thought…
I thought we were getting through this.
But here I am, nothing but a disciplined child under his look.
My eyes quickly shifted from his unflinching face and to the ground, I breathed in and looked up at him. I felt my lip twinge unexpectedly as a surge of emotions boiled up in my throat.
No.
I'm not a kid anymore.
The way he said that to me just set me off, and even my tail started to puff aggressively. He could see my frustration, and he met my growing scowl with one of his own. His dry look now turning to a displeased glow. Normally I would break under his look, but I was different now, I'm not weak.
I am his equal.
Now I stood up straight, crossing my arms with a hushed 'hmpf' as I spoke.
"Fine." With that I moved past him and out the tent, his footsteps following behind me as I felt the open air breeze past my face. Looking out after Filo, who had already moved several steps ahead of us, I would pick up the pace as Master fastened the entryway closed. My thoughts swirling in a bubbling mixture of disappointment and anger.
Master Naofumi will know I am his equal.
I had to admit the difference between Filo, myself, and Master was drastic.
In that order it was apparent that we had developed radically different habits. Filo as it turned out was quite flippant when it came to her personal items, gathering many things for herself in the relatively short time we lived here. I believed myself to be modest in my pursuit of objects. But then there was Master, who's possessions only consisted of the essential, the only gift he'd ever received to my knowledge was his jewelling hammer.
"Raphtalia, give me a hand with this?" Naofumi spoke out.
Enticing me to twist around on the solid wooden flooring with my boots softly creaking on the breadth of one of the planks. I was acting pleasant, but Naofumi and I had this growing aura of conflict surrounding us. Every time after we left the tent, when I would look at him he would have this unresponsive expression on his face. That look only continued to make me more resolved in my frustrations. I moved across the room to him as he seemingly struggled to lift one of Filo's chests, slightly confused. I looked towards her as she stuffed a few more of her things into a pack. Bending over to assist Naofumi as I spoke.
"Filo, what do you have in this chest?" Naofumi lifted his end slightly from the ground and I moved my hands around my side to find a proper grip before lifting it in return. I probably should have paid attention to Naofumi's strained expression because as I lifted it, it became strikingly clear this chest was extremely heavy. Even with the two of us we struggled to hoist it up to our waists. I felt my muscles strain in exertion, paying close attention to Master's steps as he led us out of the room, Filo following us with her eyes as we did so. Myself refusing to look directly at him, still only stealing side glances every now and again. But even with those my emotions hardly ceased being angry.
"Oh you know… pretty rocks, shiny metal, and some monster bits that I thought looked neat."
I felt baffled at that response, which distracted me long enough to look up to Master. However Naofumi remained quiet, my gaze flicking away before the confusion subsided. Only to have my growing animosity replace it.
I cleared my throat and just resigned my thoughts to the task at hand, it wouldn't do me any favors to stew over any of this.
Surprisingly, getting Filo set up was a short affair, even with the ungodly amount of what seemed to be Filo's cartsworth of items. But within an hour we had the entire space ready for the young Filolial. Any momentary reprieve wouldn't last as we had all decided to help out with the finishing touches of the new tents. Assisting and assigning the newcomers to their temporary homes. It was relieving to see their sullen expressions lighten as they were given places to sleep. At this point in the day the sunshine had dwindled to a dimmed orange hue, the last hour of daylight upon us until darkness set in.
We were ahead of schedule in every respect. Even with many refugees stopping Master Naofumi to praise him for being an honorable hero. He would dismiss them gently. Never really being the one to bask under the spotlight. But at one point our gazes found one another and he was the one who quickly shifted away. I was quick to attribute that to something that could've grabbed his attention, but I knew it was because of what he wants to talk about.
That order still hung over me like a storm cloud and I simply couldn't shake the implications from my mind.
Was he going to be mad with me?
Why does he get to be mad!?
I'm the one who should be mad!
I felt my pulse rise, and as I felt my hands clench firmly into fists watching him ignore my look.
I took one large step in his direction before a voice stopped me in my tracks.
"Hey Raphtalia! Over here." Someone needed me.
That someone happened to not be Master.
I thought with a bitter vitriolic tone in my head. I turned towards the voice and called back.
"I'll be right there!"
Still fuming I marched off from his sight, not even looking back as I found myself at the opposite end of the housing the volunteers constructed. Only to find Keel waiting for me with a wide grin on his face.
"Hey Keel, I've seen you've been helping out tonight." I say warmly, forcing myself to remain pleasant even if I wanted to scream at the top of my lungs.
He always gets to be the one angry, or frustrated, or annoyed!
Why can't he see that I care about him.
Why does he just…
Keel had said something but I was too engrossed in thought to notice.
"I-I'm sorry Keel, what'd you say?" I asked after shaking my overbearing thoughts away. My young friend chuckled softly at that and moved to speak again.
"I said, I missed you at lunch, did you eat?" He had this warm concern in his voice, which was strange since between the two of us I was the adult. I rolled my eyes in an exaggerated way before nodding.
"Yes I did, Master Naofumi and I had to go over the plans for this today so we ate while we worked." I gestured as I spoke, to the many tents that had already been built. We had instructed the head builder before we left for Filo's things, so work could continue without our oversight and they had made incredible progress in our absence. My gaze drifted back to Keel and I thought for a moment I could see him scowl, that expression disappeared as I looked at him.
"So you ate lunch with Naofumi-sama?"
I nodded once before idly wondering how many more tents needed to be completed.
"Well at least you got something, how about dinner? Some of the other workers were talking about doing a small celebration for the newcomers and I'm sure they'd love for their hero to show up." I scoff quietly, tilting my head a bit to the right down at him as my arms crossed over my torso before saying.
"Who are you calling a hero?" Keel chuckled and shrugged his shoulders.
"I think I was calling you one." I huffed quietly and felt my chest ache slightly, turning off to look towards where Naofumi once was. Not seeing him, I made the conclusion that somebody had asked for his help, most likely setting up another tent.
"Master Naofumi is the only Hero I know." I said quietly, despite our current conflict I still couldn't shake my feelings or disparage him. I sighed, considering the possibility of apologizing for my behavior.
I just wanted him to be happy, and to be happy with me, why was it so hard to be...
… Be what?
I asked myself, I felt my mood take a turn and rather than anger or bubbly happiness I just felt the cold sting of emptiness.
I want him to acknowledge me as his equal.
But for what purpose?
I knew that, but I knew there was something far more intense under that desire, was it love?
Had I really considered the possibility in reality. Fantasies and daydreams are a touch more manageable than when I look Naofumi in the eyes and see the man who saved my life.
Who made me the woman I am today. I can never repay him, but maybe I could give his life here something to hold on to.
Something to live for.
To fight for.
What am I even thinking…
There's so much at stake and here I am, being angry, jealous and longing.
So trivial but it feels so important now.
Keel hadn't said anything more so I turned back to him before saying.
"I would love to, but Master Naofumi and I have a lot to do before we need to head to bed, if we finish before the celebration ends I'll try to go–"
"Don't worry about it Raphtalia." He said rather suddenly.
So much so my train of thought was cut off, my lips in mid motion but now they just hung open, before I let myself close them. After a brief second Keel turned from me and started walking away.
"Um… see you around, Keel." He gave me a wave that felt incredibly dismissive, I couldn't quite put into words how that made me feel. But I moved my hands to my hips, exhaling noiselessly before turning back to the direction of Master Naofumi. My mind now fills itself with nervous, paranoid theories of what Naofumi has to speak to me about.
Hopefully…
My mind drew a blank, what was I hoping for?
My boots crunched on the earth, my hair was tugged by the sea breeze blowing in the air.
Dread seeped into the earth around me, but everything was healing, my ear flicked as a particularly strong gust of wind caught the inside. I inhaled the taste of salt from the sea and remembered a time with my father. Those thoughts calmed my eager mind, but my hopeful mood never ceased. I suppose I'll know when I know, but next I would have to talk to Naofumi.
Then everything will be better, or it won't be.
