The Lady in Red Fur
Chapter 3
"I can't believe it," Aerith cried.
She was pacing under the kupo tree. Her three moogle friends were sitting on a branch above her head. The moogles looked at one another. The princess had explained the situation that had occurred in the marketplace today. Had it not been for a timely intervention from Angeal and Cissnei, the little boy who stole Aerith's bracelet would have been killed. The boy would eventually been given a warning and his parents would be notified before being sent on his way.
"But the boy is okay right?" Mog asked, he was munching on a kupo nut. Cosmog next to him had a lap full of nuts. Moglin was the only one not eating.
"Yes but, King Weiss was beyond happy." Aerith explained. "He said we were too soft. That he committed a crime on royalty and should be punished. Yes, he did something wrong but to go as far as kill him for a petty crime?"
Aerith shuttered, wrapping her arms around her. "It's cruel and it doesn't fit the crime at all."
"Well, maybe that is the punishment where he is from?" Moglin said thoughtfully.
Aerith looked up at her with anger. "That is not right!"
The female moogle frowned. She floated down to the princess.
"I'm sorry but rules are different in each kingdom." she said. "I know we made our home here in your kingdom but we've been to other places before too."
Mog nodded as he floated down. "Yeah, Moglin is right."
Aerith looked away. "But it didn't give him any right to impose his laws on my kingdom's people."
She sighed and sat down on the grass almost pouting. Moglin and Mog sat next to her. Cosmog joined them with his pile of kupo nuts.
"Don't be sad Aerith," Cosmog said. "Here have a kupo nut. It always makes me feel better."
Moglin snorted, "Any food would make you feel better. Seriously, do you think about anything other than food?"
Cosmog chomped loudly, "Can't hear you I am eating."
Aerith laughed and took one of the kupo nuts that the moogle already shelled out. She popped it into her mouth and ate it. Aerith felt better. Not because of the kupo nut but because her friends seemed to always put her in a good mood. The sky was getting dark and Aerith was sure someone would be looking for her to call her for dinner.
Almost on cue a voice called out to her. The familiar voice of Cissnei echoed through the garden. The moogles fled into the tree. Several of Cosmog's kupo nuts fell from his grasp. He desperately wanted to retrieve them but both Moglin and Mog held onto the chubbier moogle to keep him from exposing himself to someone else.
Cissnei appeared moments after. Aerith looked at her grimacing.
"Dinner is about to be served," she announced.
"I know," Aerith said.
"Princess are you all right? After the events of earlier you seem... troubled."
"I am still in shock that something like that could have happened. Had it not been for you and Angeal... that boy..."
Angeal and Cissnei instantly intervened when king Weiss signaled for a swift death. Angeal had deflected the blow with his sword. Angered, Rosso wildly swung her sword and Cissnei was the one who stopped her. Angeal then forced Azul to let the boy go who scrambled away quickly after Angeal reprimanded him for his foolishness. An uproar among the people began shortly after. Forcing Angeal and Cissnei to hurry Aerith to safety. The whole ordeal happened so quickly it was like a whirlwind in the princess's mind.
Cissnei was only slightly taller than the princess and a few years older. At times, Aerith thought of Cissnei like an older sister rather than a bodyguard. Cissnei placed a reassuring hand on the princess.
"It's unfortunate that in the Tsviets Kingdom stealing is dealt with harshly," Cissnei said. "It's how they keep peace in such a large kingdom."
"It was a petty crime," Aerith tried to reason.
"Don't worry, Angeal spoke with your mother and is handling the situation. It will not happen again."
Aerith hoped so. She then looked at Cissnei, finally noticing a bandage on her hand.
"What happened?" she indicated the older girl's hand.
Cissnei looked down and placed her other hand over the bandaged one. "King Weiss's bodyguard hit my hand when Angeal and I stopped them. It was an accident and I should have been more careful."
Aerith nodded and Cissnei began to usher her back to the palace.
Once at the dinner table, Aerith took her usual seat. Her mother inclined her head to her daughter, acknowledging her presence. Cissnei took a her place next to Angeal. The older man looked down at her, his face stern.
"Did you speak with her highness of the incident?" Cissnei asked so only he could hear.
"I did," he solemnly said.
"And?" She inquired.
"We shall see." and to that he nodded his head toward the table.
Just then King Weiss, his brother, and their bodyguards appeared. Ifalna remained in her seat but she called to the king in a firm, no nonsense tone.
"Yes your majesty?" King Weiss said.
"I was informed of an incident in the marketplace today." she said eyeing him. "I'd like to make it clear that while the laws in your kingdom are more strict you are in my kingdom. You're a guest and if you wish to remain so, you will do so by following the laws of my kingdom."
King Weiss did not seem to waiver but casually nodded his head. "It shall not happen again."
"In addition," she added. "One of your guards injured one of my own. I demand that she restrain using her weapon the remainder of her stay unless absolutely necessary."
Rosso gripped her weapon tightly as it rested at her side. Her eyes narrowed toward Cissnei.
"As you wish your majesty," King Weiss said. "Rosso will refrain from using her weapon."
"My lord," Rosso interjected. "She injured herself do to her own clumsiness."
Cissnei clenched her fists as Rosso continued. "If I were some bandit or thief she would no longer be standing there alive. How she became the princess's bodyguard amazes me."
"I am quite capable of protecting her highness," Cissnei snapped.
Angeal grabbed her arm hoping to hush her but Cissnei broke free and marched toward the woman.
"I will gladly show you what I am capable of."
Cissnei stood face to face with Rosso. The ruby haired woman smirked at her.
"Go back to your corner and lick your wound mutt." Rosso rudely said. "Unless you wish to truly be embarrassed by a superior fighter."
Cissnei growled and Angeal from behind was hoping Cissnei would not be baited by her words. However, the prince's brother interjected himself into the conversation.
"Please," Nero said, "would it not be better to show you how capable we are for protecting your weak kingdom. Your guards are nothing more than mere flies easily swatted away. That is why you are easy targets. Let Rosso show your little fledgling what a proper guard is like."
Cissnei took the bait and Angeal shook his head disapprovingly. Aerith caught sight of his look and then stared at her mother.
"Mother..." Aerith begged, "you can't allow this."
"King Weiss..." Ifalna began.
Weiss looked at her and with a smile said, "A simple demonstration. Rosso will even be refrained from using her weapon. Besides it looks as if your little guard is looking forward to a fight."
One of advisers sitting at the table, Palmer, piped up. "Yes, let us see who is better."
Lazard looked mirth. "This shall be interesting."
Heidegger stroked his beard with amusement as he looked over at Bugenhagan but the bald man did not look pleased.
"Such a waste of time," Bugenhagan muttered.
"Now, now" Palmer said, "let's see if the rumors are true of Tsviets kingdom guards... or is it nothing but idle boasting."
"Please your majesty," Cissnei asked. "My reputation as a guard of this kingdom and your daughter's bodyguard has been compromised."
Ifalna sighed. "Do as you wish."
Instantly the Tsviests were up and ready to watch the fight. A commotion began to break out through the dining hall.
"Mother!" Aerith gasped.
"I'm sorry Aerith but if Cissnei wishes to do something foolish than so be it. She is a grown woman and is free to make her choice."
Aerith looked at Angeal for help. He shook his head disapprovingly but remained stoic.
"Where is your training grounds then?" Rosso asked, smirking devilishly.
Nero looked pleased and whispered to his brother, "Finally something interesting."
King Weiss gave a smile as he stood up to follow Cissnei and Rosso to the training grounds. Aerith lifted herself from the table without looking at her mother and followed. Ifalna did not stop her but she looked over at Angeal.
"Please?" the queen asked, vaguely.
However, Angeal understood what she was saying. He had been around the queen long enough to understand her. He also would never deny any request she asked because to him "please" from the queen was just a command but in a polite way. Angeal bowed to his queen and trailed after the princess.
The only people now remaining in the hall were a few of the older servants, Bugenhagan and a man at the far end of the table. He was young, handsome with a neatly trimmed beard. Ifalna inclined her head to the only two men at the table.
"Not interested in the fight?" she asked.
"Bugenhagan spoke first, "A waste of time is what I have to say to that."
Ifalna looked to the other man and said, "And you Reeve?"
"Unfortunately, my queen," Reeve replied, "I have more important things to do, by your request."
She smiled at him. "If only more people would be as serious and helpful as you. Alas, I think you will be needing to fetch the castle physician."
"Are you ill?" Reeve asked to which Bugenhagan looked at the queen.
She shook her head. "No, Miss Cissnei will be in need though."
Bugenhagan snorted disapprovingly. "These youths are so easily angered. She is going to be licking her wounds for sure."
Once Aerith and Angeal arrived outside in the training grounds they found Rosso and Cissnei on the sparring platform, which was surrounded by a barricade. Already several of the guards who were off duty or practicing came to watch along with the servants and the advisers who came along. Many were already taking bets on the victor.
Rosso unbuckled the sword attached to her hip. She handed it to Azul who took it from her.
"Don't be too hard on her," Azul chuckled. "But make it interesting."
"Should I be blindfolded?" Rosso snorted out a laugh. "I could very well tie one hand behind my back as well."
"Why not both it might give her a sporting chance."
"HEY!" Cissnei yelled. Rosso and Azul had not kept their conversation out of her earshot. It only baited Cissnei more. It made her want to wipe the floor with Rosso.
"Are we going to begin?" Cissnei asked. The brunette girl dropped her weapon over the barricade.
"Oh, I would keep that," Rosso teased, "You are going to need it."
"I prefer a fair fight." Cissnei retorted, fist clenched.
"Trust me, it won't be fair either way. What are the rules?"
"The first one to submit is the loser. You cannot step out of the ring or you shall be disqualified. No weapons of any kind. Agreed?"
Rosso nodded, "Agreed."
An evil glint was in Rosso's eyes. She took a fighting stance, lifting up her fists to head height. Cissnei followed suit and soon the hooting and shouting from the crowd became silent. However, Rosso held out one hand and opened and closed it, indicating for Cissnei to come at her. Cissnei ran at her, delivering several punches to the woman but none of them connected. Rosso moved between her attacks with the agility of a cat. The way she moved was like a dance, smooth and in a sense elegant. The soldiers were in awe.
Cissnei went to punch her again but Rosso blocked it, knocking her arm up into the air thus leaving the princess's bodyguard wide open. Rosso's own fist connected to the girls cheeks sending her wobbling backwards. The next thing Cissnei felt was her feet being swept from under her. She landed hard on the ground but she managed to recover and avoid a stomp from Rosso's boot.
Cissnei regained her composure. Rosso placed her hands on her hips.
"Are you finished?" the red haired woman asked. "You don't want me to embarrass you do you?"
Cissnei flew at her once again. Rosso parried the advance and slammed her elbow into her attacker's back. Cissnei grunted out in pain but then felt a knee being slammed into her stomach. The princess's bodyguard fell to the ground the wind knocked out of her. Rosso grabbed her by the hair and with one big pull threw her into the barricade. The crowd groaned themselves from he impact. King Weiss was smirking at the display. Azul and Nero were enjoying the fight immensely.
Rosso ran at Cissnei and slid across the ground and straight into Cissnei's body. The impact was hard and the brunette girl lurched in pain, spit flying from her mouth. Rosso laughed as she did a back handstand, and flipped back into a standing position. She circled the ring, getting the crowds attention.
Cissnei picked herself up and ran at the woman seeing her busy with the crowd. She went to strike the girl but Rosso jumped away, landing on the barricade with grace.
"You are disqualified!" Cissnei said.
Rosso clicked her tongue. "Tsk, tsk, you said if one of us were to set foot outside it. I am not... however..."
Before she finished her sentence she jumped into the air and landed behind Cissnei. The girl spun around but only met with a fierce uppercut. Cissnei went flying into the air and landed into the sparring ring hard. A second later she began to spit but this time blood accompanied saliva.
From the crowd, Aerith's hand flew to her mouth in fear. She looked over at Angeal her eyes pleading.
"Please stop this, Angeal!" Aerith cried.
Angeal looked at her and shook his head. "I cannot. It is her choice to do this and she can submit."
Aerith looked horrified. She then turned toward King Weiss, his brother, and other bodyguard. All three were amused by the fight. Aerith moved through the crowd toward him. Once at his side she spoke.
"Your highness," Aerith pleaded, "please stop this."
Weiss turned his head toward her. "And why would I embarrass my guard in such a way?"
Suddenly, the sound of a collective "oooh" was heard. Aerith looked over and saw Cissnei being pummeled by Rosso.
"Please... I..." Aerith was on the verge of tears.
"I'll stop her if you promise to accompany me tomorrow, alone."
"Yes, yes whatever! Just stop her!"
Weiss smirked and called, "Rosso, enough."
The red-haired woman who holding a bloodied Cissnei by the collar stopped mid punch. She looked at her king in displeasure. However, she did not argue when Weiss looked at her. Instead she dropped Cissnei carelessly and walked toward the barricade toward her king. She vaulted over it and rejoined Azul. He handed her sword back all the while smirking.
"I believe we should get back to what we were doing before this occurred," the king said to everyone. He turned to Aerith and grabbed her arm. The princess looked shocked when he brought his lips to his ear. "I shall be waiting for you after breakfast princess."
Once he let her go, he walked back within the palace. Aerith, however, flew into the sparring ring to Cissnei's side. Angeal was already there, lifting the woman into his arms. Without a word, he carried her to the infirmary with Aerith in tow.
XXX
It had been several months since Aerith and the moogles found the cabin in the woods. Since then they cleaned and furnished the abandon home and made it their own. Mog who was good with making things repaired the old furniture left behind. Moglin patched up the linens, curtains, and other things to make the house more cozy. Cosmog helped Aerith clean and gather food from the area around the cabin, after all his nose was the best out of all the moogles. Moglin was skeptical that any food would make it home if Cosmog was there but Aerith went with him and made sure.
Now the cabin was their home. Aerith loved the cozy place but it worried her that someone would come by and spot her. She resolved to always wear her hooded cloak of red fur whenever she was out. When she was in the cabin she had any window, hole, or even the tiniest crack covered up so she could walk freely without her cloak. She always worried that someone would peek through the window and see her. If she had the curtains drawn she would remain in her cloak. The moogles thought she was paranoid but seeing how King Weiss was, proved her point.
One morning, Aerith awoke to the moogles rustling in the kitchen. Since coming here, Aerith had taught herself how to cook (with much of Cosmog's input). She learned how to make an assortment of dishes but the ones her furry friends like the most all involved kupo nuts. She walked into the kitchen pulling her cloak on and she saw the three moogles eyeing a loaf of bread. Not just any bread though. It was KUPO NUT bread. Aerith had made it last night. She had refused to let them have it as it was going to be apart of their morning breakfast.
"Good morning," Aerith called.
"Morning," the moogles chorused, floating away from the bread. Cosmog lingered a tad longer wishing a crumb of the bread would fall into his hand. When it did not happen he joined his friends at Aerith's side.
"Oh I love sunny mornings," Aerith said. "Also love being able to sleep in without having a servant knocking on my door to get up."
Aerith giggled. Despite her worries, Aerith found some joy of not living in the palace. She loved the freedom it gave her.
"It's a bad habit to sleep in," Moglin scolded. "You will end up getting lazy. Not to mention you should still keep up with your studies. Also, there are chores to be done. We cannot let our home become filthy again. My fur was so dirty I thought I would never be clean again!"
"You're sounding like my mother," Aerith said flatly.
"Unfortunately," Mog interjected, "Moglin is right, sort of. We need to start planning ahead for winter. We need to get tons of firewood, food stored up, and stuff."
Aerith sighed, "You are right... but I never used an ax before."
The fireplace was filled with sticks that the moogles and Aerith could easily carry but the fire needed a lot to remain burning. Actual logs of fire would help keep the fire burning longer. Yet, like Aerith said she did not know how to chop wood and the moogles were too small to hold an ax properly. Food would definitely be a problem. As of now, the moogles had been able to find food from the forest. Of course somethings they "borrowed" from nearby travelers such as flour to make bread.
"I don't know what to do though," Aerith said defeated. "The ax is pretty heavy too. I don't even know how long we are going to be able to keep fruits and vegetables here before they rot."
"I know," Cosmog said suddenly. "I think better on a full stomach... so let's eat?"
Aerith could not help but smile. Moglin rolled her eyes.
"You're right... we'll think of something." She said.
Together the friends got their breakfast together. Mog and Moglin cleaned up the table and set it with dishes. Cosmog hovered over Aerith as she made food. She brought up a piece of food to his mouth. With a quick puff of air to cool down the hot food, Cosmog took the bite. He chewed and when the flavors melted on his tongue, he nodded his head and gave her thumbs up. With piping on food on the table along with fresh slices of bread, the four sat in their chairs and ate.
"Kupo nut bread is the best bread ever," Cosmog said, taking a big bite. "Sooo gwoood!"
Moglin look disgusted. "Don't you have any manners it is rude to eat with your..."
Cosmog shoved a piece of her own kupo bread into her mouth to silence her. Moglin chewed the bread finding it delightful. Aerith looked over at Mog. He rolled his eyes. Even though the two seemed annoyed by one another, Aerith and Mog both knew that the two cared for one another greatly. They just had one odd way of showing it. Although, Moglin would never admit to liking Cosmog's antics.
After eating and cleaning up, Aerith wanted to go out for a walk since the weather was so pleasant. Perhaps the fresh air would give her an idea to solve her problem. She gathered a basket, hoping to get some flowers to decorate her home. She also needed more firewood and if she were lucky perhaps one of the moogles would discover some berries or other fruits and vegetables that she could cook with. Yet, the idea of winter weighed heavy on her mind. She knew Mog was looking out for her best interest. Perhaps, that is why the cottage was abandoned. The person who lived their previously must have found it too hard to live there. Either way, Aerith needed to come up with a plan, or hope one of her furry friends could if she could not.
Aerith picked up her hood and placed it over her head, concealing her face. Next she grabbed a bucket, knowing she would need the water from the river. Mog who had made his own makeshift satchel placed it around him to gather and food he came across. Aerith stepped outside and followed the moogles down to the river. The moogles happily flew around her, zipping by to get some exercise. The sun was bright and not a cloud in the sky. Aerith took in a long deep breath.
The day was perfect. Aerith only wished she did not have to keep her hood up. She missed feeling the sun on her face and at times the cloak felt so heavy. She sighed softly and picked up a stick from the ground and used it as a walking stick. At one point, Mog balanced on top of the stick as she walked. It was not as if he would fall and hurt himself but he kept as good of balance as he could. Moglin saw this and pushed him off purposely.
She giggled and flew off. Mog followed after her determined for revenge. Aerith smiled as her friends played with one another. Seeing them being at such ease made any concerns she had dissolve. Had she been alone she would have fallen completely apart on her first day. However, they offered her the support and courage she needed. It made her heart warm.
Cosmog watched as Moglin and Mog zipped past him, He carefully held his kupo nut to him, not wanting to lose it. He moved closer to Aerith to avoid his friends antics.
"So what's for dinner tonight?" Cosmog asked, as he hovered by Aerith.
"Is that all you can of is food?" Moglin asked, when she caught wind of what he said.
"Do you always have to ask that when I ask what's for dinner?" Cosmog grunted.
Moglin stopped suddenly next to him. Mog however did not stop as fast and went whizzing past them.
"It's rude!" Moglin snapped.
"But... but..." Cosmog was blushing red. "I want kupo nut soup!"
Moglin stopped short in midair. Mog had overheard and instantly zoomed over to them. If there was one meal the moogles looked forward to it was kupo nut soup, Aerith's specialty.
"Well, if it's kupo nut soup then it wouldn't hurt to ask," Moglin said, trying to sound nonchalant.
Aerith gave a playful smile, placing her hands behind her back.
"Well..." she trailed off. "I don't know..."
"Oh please!" Both Moglin and Cosmog begged.
Aerith spun around and then said, "Okay!"
They cheered happily. The three moogles began to chant "kupo nut soup," as the headed toward the river following Aerith. However, their chanting stopped abruptly as they all collided into Aerith who had stopped.
"Ow!" Moglin cried.
"Ouch!" Mog whined.
"I dropped my kupo nut!" Cosmog moaned trying to find where it fell.
"Why did you stop?" Mog asked peering over his shoulder.
One by one they peered over her shoulders to see what she was looking at. The moogles looked over at the river and their eyes widened. Lying face down on the bank was a person.