In which Yun encounters Luca Blight in the halls, and her curiosity can only lead to bad things.
If the spirits are saying no, that's usually a solid indicator it's not a good idea.
The contents of this chapter are loosely based on a series of comment threads from January 4th, 2005.
The box of holiday decorations was nearly full as Yun laid the last strand of paper chains across the top. She wiped the back of her hand over her forehead and sighed with pride. There was no better way to ring in the new year than in the company of new friends, and having an opportunity to decorate the castle was an exciting privilege. The moment Thomas assigned her to join their growing event committee, she knew it was going to be fun.
I feel like I'm really starting to settle in.
The shaman smiled to herself. She was starting to wonder if the purpose behind her resurrection was somehow tied to the new friends and experiences she was having at Budehuc. Her time in the Alma Kinan clan was so limited. This second life was full of surprises and new people. Was this part of her new purpose?
A dark presence suddenly approached from behind.
"You. Woman. I'm looking for a red-headed man."
She looked over her shoulder. An unfamiliar man loomed overhead. His aura rolled off him in thick waves. "A red-headed man?"
"Silver-haired man too. Doesn't matter which one. Seed? Culgan?"
Yun shook her head, unable to tear her eyes away. It was immediately obvious by his aura that this man was more than he seemed. She couldn't help but be drawn to him out of sheer curiosity. And most interestingly of all...
If my second life is all about experiences, this will certainly be a new one.
"Do the names ring a bell? Speak up!"
"I apologize, sir," she stood up and dusted herself off. "I can't say I've heard of either of them, but I would not be surprised if perhaps they are here. Have you recently arrived? Welcome to Budehuc Castle. My name is Yun, it's a pleasure to meet you," she bowed, "please don't mind the mess, I'm just taking down decorations from the New Year's party."
"Yun, eh? I'm used to messy places. This castle... Who actually owns it?"
"Thomas is master of the castle. Please be kind to him, it's his first time running a castle. Though, he is doing a good job, if I may say so myself," she smiled. Something about his tone hinted that he most likely already met Thomas and was less than impressed.
"So Thomas really is the owner of the castle. Could've fooled me…" the man grunted.
"It's a shame you missed the party," she continued to smile and sealed the box. "I hope you stay for our next event."
"Next event? Parties are a waste of time... not that I wouldn't mind a little 'fun' every now and then," he grinned darkly. "I'd much rather find something more...constructive to do."
"Something constructive? For a warrior such as yourself?" she blinked and sized him up. Between his broad stature and ornate armor, even for someone who grew up in a secluded clan it was immediately obvious he was accustomed to battle. "Hm... not at the moment, though my birthday's coming up soon," she sheepishly giggled, "not like I have anything planned for that yet...I will be planning for a Valentine's Day party later this month. Are you looking to join my planning committee?"
"As if I would waste my time on something so useless. Birthday, eh? Are you hinting anything, Yun?" Her answer seemed to amuse him, and something in his aura rippled. "And who cares for Valentines... pfft, love. HAHAHAHAHA! Who needs that?"
"Who needs love?" she giggled in spite of herself. His laughter was unsettling and cold. "I suppose it's a bit early to plan for a Valentine's Day party, but I hope to make it fun for everyone."
The whispers of the spirits filled her ears. They had a lot to say about this man and even more to show. But despite their warnings, Yun's curiosity to pry and explore won out.
The man smirked. The edge to his voice eased slightly. He was definitely amused. "It's been some time since I've last seen someone giggle in front of me. What fun is there in planning an event of that nature?" He tapped the blade sitting at his hip, "If anything, this is my companion."
"Your sword is your companion? But...there must be something other than your sword that you turn to... not everyone can depend on their weapons or skills."
"How dare you question my skill with a sword?! Do you know who I am? I am Luca Blight, I don't need anyone to turn to—I sustain myself by fighting."
Yun politely bowed. "I'm sorry, I didn't really mean to question your skills. But we're both from two different wars, so we have not met until recently. Though, it would probably be nice to see you in combat or practicing. It's one of the things I like to do at the castle, since I'm from a village of all women and they mostly use crossbows back at home."
"Hmph. You have some manners too, young lady. But I am surprised you have not heard of me considering my swordsmanship is unmatched. If you do insist on seeing my skills in action, you'll be amazed at how proficient I am with a blade compared to everyone else at this castle—" Luca stopped in the midst of praising himself and narrowed his eyes. "Two different wars? What do you mean by that?"
Forgive me, spirits. I said too much.
"One of your stature and skill...it's clear you have seen your share of war. And if I haven't heard of you before...that could only mean we've participated in separate wars."
His aura flickered. She sensed his curiosity. It was clear he wanted to ask for more information, but something was holding him back. "Hmph. I have plenty of time to learn more," he growled, "It looks like I'll be staying here for some time."
"I'm glad to hear that," she clasped her hands together. The words weren't a lie, she was just as curious about him. "Then I expect to see you at the Valentine's Day party, yes?"
Luca's eye twitched. "You just said Valentine's Day was about love. I thought I made my opinions clear."
"True… although, even though I personally don't have someone to spend Valentine's Day with, it gives me no greater joy than to see the other people here happy."
"Love is the reason why people are weak, and there is no reason to be just like every other scum in this world. I don't get you, giving up your own happiness to make other weaklings happy."
"I suppose it's hard to understand if you haven't experienced it yourself."
Luca's earlier amusement faded to irritation and he frowned. "Tch. And I don't plan to," he scoffed before turning on his heel and walking away.
Yun stood alone in the hallway and slowly sat herself atop the box of decorations. Her hands shook, but not with fear. She tingled with excitement and curiosity. Of all the new residents arriving at Budehuc, there was something unique about this one. Something special, and something familiar.
That man…he died once before.
He's just like me.