Note: I do not own any character or element other than Lithe. The rest belongs to Nix Hydra. This chapter also has a bit more straight-from-the-game elements, but there are plenty of modifications. This is a re-imagining, so there will be lots of similarities, but plenty of differences too.
Ch. 2: Along the Way
Up ahead is a narrow stairwell, where the masses and their animals are tightly packed. As I climb the well-worn steps, something catches my eye. A fortune teller's booth, tucked away in a shady corner. Silver moons adorn the tapestries draped over the entrance, shrouding it in secrecy. In spite of my inner turmoil the sight teases a smile out of me. How nostalgic… When we met, Asra was operating out of a place just like it.
I fight back a pang of grief thinking about back then. I needed a lot of help. I was completely useless back then. But Asra was always there for me. He didn't have to bring me to the shop to recover from whatever happened to me, and he certainly didn't need to take me on as an apprentice. But he did.
As I'm lost in my musings, a patron emerges from the booth, caught up in conversation. I give a wide berth and keep my head down. I don't notice them backing into me until we crash into each other.
"Ack!"
The impact makes me stumble, teetering on the edge of a step. It also upsets the basket balanced on the stranger's hip…which sends a dozen or so pomegranates rolling down the stairs.
"Oh, perfect! As if I wasn't already late…"
I drop into a crouch beside the stranger to help, dark hair falling into my face as I do so. These are luxurious fruits. It's unusual to buy them in bulk. I spot one as it's about to be stomped under a stray hoof, and swipe it at the last second. When I hand it back to the stranger, their eyes sparkle with delight.
"Ooh, thank you! How sweet of you to help. And after I bumped into you in the first place."
I know I'm late, but this is kind of fun, and it helps settle my nerves about the palace. And about Asra. Together, we hunt the rest of them down, maneuvering through the steadily increasing foot traffic. Though we're nearly trampled trying, we manage to recover every last one.
"Well, I can't thank you enough!"
They rise to their feet, and offer me a hand. Their grip is strong. The skin of their small palm is rough against mine, calloused.
"Probably shouldn't do this, but…"
Rubbing it off on a sleeve, they offer me a fruit from the basket. When I accept it, the stranger gives me a smile that warms my chest. I don't remember ever eating this myself. I'm not even sure how. Maybe I could share it with Asra, if he gets back before it rots.
"Take care, all right?"
With a cheeky wink, they depart, slipping into the crowd.
"That was Portia, you know."
A rattling cough draws my attention. The fortune teller has moved to stand at the entrance of the booth, and is eyeing me with avid interest.
"She's the Countess's favorite. Favorite servant, that is. As for you… you look like a wanderer, yes? Wouldn't you like to hear what fortune the fates have spun for you?"
I haven't had my fortune told by anyone but Asra. It seems silly, but I feel like this is something too intimate to share with just anyone. I don't think I could be comfortable. Besides, I'm already really behind schedule.
"No thanks."
I turn to leave, but a hand claps me on the shoulder and I pause.
"As you wish. But know this… Your fate will come to you either way."
I spot two gold teeth in their playful grin.
"A bright future awaits you."
Their hand lifts from my shoulder and they disappear back into the booth.
As the sun journeys across the sky, I climb stair after stair after seemingly infinite stair. The higher I ascend, the fewer travelers I encounter along the way. By the time I reach the top of the stairs, I can barely walk.
Thankfully, it's near dark. I wipe the pouring sweat from my sunbeaten brow and look ahead. Before me is a towering gate of twisted iron. Beyond that, I can see the Palace closer than ever before. The sight of it makes it hard to catch my breath. It is much more enchanting up close than it is from the city below.
A guard stands on either side of the gate, I notice. They were so still, I had mistaken them for designs in the metal.
My name is Lithe. I have come at the request of the Countess.
"Lithe?"
The left guard is the only one to speak, but they share a look, seeming unimpressed.
"We have no knowledge of you." The right guard speaks up.
"Unless you know the code, you must leave at once."
The left guard folds their hands over the hilt of a planted sword.
"What's going on here?"
Portia is gleaming with sweat, hair melted to her shoulders. Against her hip is the pomegranate basket, once again full. I practically sigh in relief.
"You!"
Her eyes gleam with recognition. The guards turn to address her, hands still at their swords.
"Do you know this miscreant, Portia?"
She rolls her eyes.
"That miscreant is the Countess's guest this evening. So you might want to watch your tone."
The guards shuffle in their armor, and Portia turns to me with a sweet smile. I smile wearily back. I've been walking for hours on very little sleep. I just want to be led to my accommodations and sleep for a week. Maybe two.
"After you."
I nod, keeping my composure even as a thrill goes down my spine, giving me a jolt of energy. I walk past them and Portia follows at my shoulder onto a long, steep bridge. The palace is right before me. I hear the gate slam shut, and there is no turning back.