Chapter 1: Nameless Maiden

(Arin's POV)

İt's been half an hour since she started laughing. Her whole body was trembling as she re-imagined what the kid said. "Enough." A weak voice protested the woman that bent down because of how hard she was laughing. "Believe me its not even close." Arin was a 34-year-old woman who was living with Anos. Endowed with a curvaceous body, azure hair and eyes. She was once a soldier of a little country that was ravaged by war for over a century. She became acquainted with Anos's father during her period when she fled her country. After her return and the destruction of her country he found her again and they welcomed her as one of their own. For the last seven years they lived together. And more than her friend who saved her life and his wife that welcomed her, it was this little boy that saved her soul. He was an energetic, funny, too honest, and most of all a gentle kid full of love. She loved talking to him about things of her past. Of course, she phrased them accordingly. Yet the things he said made her see things so differently. And since he couldn't stand in one place they played together. After learning Arin was a warrior, he asked tons of things. Yet none of them contained any violence or monsters. He was fascinated by skills of warriors. Polished techniques, achievements. Training by self and with brothers in arms. They loved you right? He used to ask. Even when drawing blood from each other. They would never abandon you. You would move mountains for them. One time when a shadow passed her face he calmed and said that he was sorry and would never ask about her friends or past. Though she playfully caressed his hair he smiled and started to talk about some hypothetical situation. İt was like his imagination had no limit. And he could go on until the worlds end. They were from a country that did not believe in gods. Even when there was a myriad of them for a thousand years now. They believed in some greater force that created all the gods. Even then his parents were kind, dignified honest and respectful so they were quite close with a particular chief god. One that is respected by nearly all and yet did not make himself a name in the lower world. Hades was around them until three years ago. Arin didn't think they were close, but both were fond of each other. Anos liked to read, and hades had a lot of books. he always had his what if stories and hades loved to discuss. That's why when this smart kid said something that wasn't suited to him, she had a hard time stopping her laugh. Like when he learned Hades was a god. A real god. He just couldn't believe it. And she couldn't contain it. When asked about the different aura that the gods exude, he said he never thought about it. İt was the first time Hades lost his composure. The other time asking the whereabouts of a pen that was already in his hand. She poked him. She ran with him in the woods. She wrestled; she spoke, she listened. But even with all that they've been through, Arin just couldn't stop. "Okay tell me again, this time it's the last." Kid lowered the pillow he was hugging and hiding his face to the point where his eyes could be seen. His face was red like a tomato. "No. You'll laugh again." Usually, he wouldn't let things go this far. But Arin was an exception. And worst of all, she knew it. "Come on say it again. I wanna know this girl who stole your heart. Tell me." A little bit of seriousness in her voice made the kid talk again. Though it didn't diminish the shyness. She was beautiful. So much. She had silver hair. and her skin and and. He was burying himself to the pillow again. Just when Arin was going to say something he lifted his head up and continued. She was beautiful. But it was like she wanted to tear something. He got a little serious. Like she was… he stopped. His face told the rest. He had a faint smile on his face, but his eyes had a hint of sadness in them. Like a hope that has yet to be realized. Arin couldn't help but looking at him again. His eyes were shining like starlight upon a calm sea. What were they trying to say? The more she looked at him the more he smiled. His posture got right. He was brimming more and more. "And what did you say to our little princess then?" one question destroyed him where he stood." Ariiin." She started to laugh again. The night before when he did not return home Layla, his mother, got a little worried so Arin went out to look for him. Just as she become a little too concerned of what might happened to him because she couldn't find him for about an hour, her eyes stumbled upon some ruins. When she got there, he was laying down, unconscious. She got him to her room without saying a thing to his parents except "he slept on the way". Once he woke up, she demanded to know who did it so she could personally deliver their punishment. He was happy that she got mad for him, but the guilt was also real. He talked her down, so they decided to postpone it to morning. She forced him to tell the girl he saw. And his unique opinions. Everything was good for a while. Arin was calm, Anos was healthy. Until she heard what he said. Arin fell to floor just as she fell from the chair the first time she heard. "Mom, you said. MOM" another burst of laughter while Anos was trying to explain why he said that. As if doing that would clear things up. Poor Anos. Lot of things to learn about women, she thought to herself. After calming down and apologizing for further teasing him he tried to explain again. "Enough already." he was surprised. "Anos forget what you said, it never happened." But- She threw him a look. She could see that it was important to him. He always wished for things to be clear and good. So even this girl he couldn't even meet, it was clear he intended to set things right. Though it might not be the only reason, she smirked. And the boy was desperately searching for a solution to a problem he didn't know that existed. "Listen. If, and it is a big if, you see that girl ever again do not explain, do not apologize, act like such a thing never happened. And never ever and I mean ever call any lady, any word that could make them feel slightly old. Even if all the gods will it. Ever. And definitely not mom except your own". I wasn't myself either you know that. Its our first time here. I was too excited and ran all over the place. He was finally acting like himself. Though a little grumpy. My fault Arin said in her head while smiling. His eyes were unsure whether to follow what she said. But he was going to. Probably. So, if you see- Arin stopped midway. "What was her name again?" Anos' eyes opened wide, and he stood like a statue. Arin got her answer. He sat down and started thinking. Arin interfered. "Stop thinking things you can't figure out." So, should I just go out and try to bump into her? Or try every door on the city? Arin replied with a confused tone. Isn't it all the Homes. After all she must belong to a familia right. I doubt a normal ten-year-old girl would knock you out like that. What is a familia? The kid who was raised with hero stories. Th kid who sang the song of the soldiers of his homelands. Who once she found he was crying upon a hero's demise. Upon a soldier's oath. A warrior's end. Like he could see their hearts. He might be disinterested anything other than living, playing, imagining or his family. He might ask dumb-looking questions, but he wasn't dumb nor was he an airhead. She looked at him to find him smiling at her. "You nearly got me boy, nearly. İt might be a long shot but maybe the guild knows huh?" and what is that? A genuine question and he was serious. Well, he is disinterested in the world but really. Arin just told that for nothing, but he was planning to try it. To look for an adventurer who might even be Level 1 in a city that is full of them. And even more than that he was looking for a name not a person. You know we are returning home tomorrow right she said nonchalantly. We are here because your dad got a bussines meeting and then we're gone. Let' just keep our little mom as a funny memory, okay?

"All right, I'm going out again." Don't be late your mom and sister will be back before sundown. And I won't cover for you if you're late to dinner. He just waved a hand and got out. He's planning something but what? Arin went to kitchen and poured herself a beer and looked outside the window. Orario. The city where everyone was running. Everyone was living. The city that life never stopped. She took a sip and thought to herself. Things just might get interesting.

(Anos' POV)

Things got so messy he thought. Arin did not give him room to breathe. He was a mature kid for his age. Responsible and open-minded. But Arin was like a divine force that made him act like a baby. Even mom is easier on me. He continued to walk while hitting the depths of despair. She will never let this one go. Finally, he reached to the building he was looking for. The Guild. Since Arin said it, I must have a chance. He entered the building. There were people from nearly all races, lining up before the desks, swarming around billboards. After taking a deep breath he joined one of the lines. A few of looked at him and said something to each other. The rest didn't even know he was there. After a while a voice sounded. "Hello, how can I help you?" the red-haired woman's face changed once he saw him. Maybe because he was still looking like a child, or maybe he is one. Young lady forced a smile and asked again. "I was looking for someone, an adventurer. I've heard you could be of help." Of course, what was the quest you wanted to post? Anos replied with a little disappointment in his voice. "No, not a quest but, I wanted to know a certain adventurers name." the girl was taken aback. And a little irritated. Was he joking? The kid looked serious. Though he was looking at the floor. So even he knew the meaning of his question. She tried to answer as kindly as possible. But she couldn't. Look this is the guild and we have the information of all adventurers in the city of adventurers. And we are busy as it is. I'm sorry but we can't help you. I have other adventurers and people to help know so can you go back please? "Sure, can you help me once the line is over then?" he was looking at the girl. How much he wanted to know one can see, but he wasn't pushing it whatsoever. Such genuinety took her by surprise. All she could say was "Uhm, sure uh why not?" Thank you, onee-san." With it he just went and sit at one of the sofas there. She found herself waiting to help the kid. Filled with surprising energy she continued her work. "Next."

Everything went fine. Once the guild lady said she could help he started to look around. People who come and goes. Full armored warriors, weird clothing people, cool looking beautiful ladies. So these are adventurers. They all had a charm of their own. While looking at them he started to create stories in his head. Anos's parents were truly in love. So when one day he said he would want a harem his mother gave him a scolding while belittling him saying he couldn't handle even if he did manage to get one. Though in her eyes it was a pointless thing. His father supported him in his words, but he knew his eyes sees none other than his wife. So, the solution was simple. Dad, wouldn't it be so good if you had more than one people you love as much as you love mom, and them loving you as much as she. And they could be different. One blonde, one- he couldn't continue for his father already acknowledged it with wide eyes, so he was getting a scolding from his mother. And while they went at it Arin looked at Anos and laughed while calling him a "naïve fool who didn't know know mature love." Then his parents went after her. While he was reminiscing about old days and observing the people in matching them in his head thinking about countless situations time flew and there was nearly no one left. The guild lady came towards him and sat across the table. You're still here. What was your name again? "Anos, what about yours one-san?" Rin. But is it all right Rin-san? He looked at her. "you've been working since morning no, aren't you hungry?" It was afternoon and the sun was going down. I can wait so you should eat before. Rin smiled while putting a lunchbox at the table. It is the same for you right? you were waiting here all time. So why don't you join me and then we can talk. Although I doubt I can be of help. "it's all right you're already helping right, but I can only take on bite. I need to go back to dinner." Fine. If that's the case lets first find this adventurer you are talking about. What do you know about him or her? Nothing. The answer came straight. I mean not her familia or level or name. Actually I just want to learn her name. Rin looked at him and thought "her" huh. She was a 15-year-old young lady. Would someone go this much trouble to just learn name. imagining it was beautiful enough. Her girly instincts wanted to know who this mysterious girl was. Besides it might be a good topic for them to talk about. After all the guild girls couldn't possibly gossip right. She could imagine her colleagues' face once she tells them he couldn't learn her name. the aawwws and cute right? and- he was looking at her while she got lost in dreams. Uhum yes so what can you tell me about this girl? "Hmm she is around the same age as me, she has long silver maybe a little wavy hair. her skin is fair. And her eyes have different colors. The right one is green but not like grass like and the left one is silver and she is beautiful. And she maybe have a mysterious power. Like the sound of wind in a stormy night whistling on steel or, or. Rin was listening as the kid was describing. He was telling these things like he did not want any other to hear it and yet was so enthusiastic when speaking about it. And unknown to rin herself, even though she thought she could talk to the kid just to make him happy because it was impossble to help him, a name was coming to her mind. People usually knew people in their domain. Not everyone in Orario knew every adventurers. There might even be those who didn't even heard about the Empress who ruled over all other adventurers, the strongest woman on earth. Zeus and Hera familias were leading forces of Orario, the strongest in the world for about a thousand years. Each of their member had exceptional abilities so except for their captains, even forgetting warriors from their upper echelon would seem normal. Although the reverse was also true. The guild had the information of all adventurers. Their name at least if they ever ventured to the dungeon. And Rİn didn't know much about the zeus and hera except for what she knew as someone who was interested in heroes. But the girl he described. Silver-haired child with different eye colours. She knew because she was there when the reports were being fileda year ago. She knew the girl who was known as the incarnation of talent. The one who dealt the final blow to the ruler of the seas, one of the three great beast. Slayer of Leviathan. A core member of the familia that housed countless monster. Before all this realization hit her head, she nonchalantly answered the kid when he asked if she knew someone like that? "Aah you're talking about Alfia of the Silence?". Only after hearing herself did she understand. This kid wanted to know her, of all people. Just imagining it made her shudder. No one would mess with Hera and this kid was interested in one of the executives. Before she could say anything Anos calmly muttered to himself: Alfia. He smiled faintly. His eyes were so calm. He turned and thanked Rin. Then slowly moved toward the door. Before going out he returned once more and "Good afternoon, Rin-san. Take care." He started to move towards the house they were staying, unaware of the silhouette of the guild lady that was shocked and didn't understand what in the world just happened.

While on the road home he saw a patisserie. There was one around the corner of their house but since they were here for just three days they could try as much as possible. Anos bought a few things on the way home. Not to go empty-handed. That was something he saw from their parents. He started to eat one of the sweets he did not put in the paper bag in order to eat it before getting home. He passed to another street through an alley. There weren't many people in the streets, maybe because they were getting back from work or readying themselves for the night. A few people passed by him and then suddenly he stopped and turned "Hey Alfia." He was surprised. It really was her and he just. She turned and looked at him with a little surprise in her eyes that disappeared probably the moment she recognized the sinner. Without giving any thought he offered one of the pastas he held in his hand. One that he did not unravel its package. "Uhm, would you, like to have some?" he smiled at her while holding the sweet in his hand. She just looked at him and then proceeded to take it from his hand. And then they started to walk together while eating their sweets. Then she just went inside a church. Anos hesitated. He was troubled but he didn't know the reason. He just followed her and. After taking a breath he too entered the church. After walking down the aisle he saw her sitting in the pew at left. He sat at the one at right. after finishing hers she just stood there her eyes closed. They just sat there. Neither of them saying anything and yet, the mood was peaceful. When he looked at her she looked happy. After a couple minutes of silence, he stood up and he smiled at her not sure of himself. She looked at him devoid any strong emotions. He put the bag in pew behind him. "Uhm, thanks, for accompanying. You can have these." Why? He heard her talk for the first time. Though she sounded as disinterested as one can be. "You know, you can eat later or, share it or give it to someone else…?" she looked a bit irritated, or he thought. So he just smiled and said no reason. "Uhm yeah, uh goodbye." After saying these he went back to his house. Running. Maybe because he didn't know what else to do if he stayed any longer? Alfia looked at the back of the kid running out of church. After he got out Alfia looked at the bag. She nonchalantly took one more from the bag, held the bag and started to walk back to her Home.

Anos went straight home. The moment he entered house he heard his mother. "Anos we're about to start hurry." After washing his hands, he joined his family at the table. Dad, do you think we can get a house here. They were borrowing the house of a family friend. Since they were at vacation Anos and the others were there. "Why the sudden interest?" yeah why? Arin jumped right after his dad. She was looking at him with wicked eyes. Anos just continued to eat. You know, Orario is a big city. Wouldn't it be better for us. You know you could have work better? Since he didn't know that much about his father's job, his arguments had no weight whatsoever. We can think about it. That alone would be enough for him if he heard. But Anos was already planning how to escape from Arin tonight. After dinner he and his sister, Daphne started to play with each other. She was a seven-year-old girl who had difficulties talking to people or expressing herself. With anos being the exception. After a long night both were sleeping on the sofa. Arin looked a bit disappointed. Then proceeded to lift them as gently as possible and laid them to their beds. There is still tomorrow, little wolf. Still tomorrow.

After the breakfast Anos and Arin were waiting by the carriage. So, have you found what you were looking for? She happened right tell me have you found your mom? Anos' expression didn't change in the slightest. He just looked at her with disappointment like saying to her what are you talking about. Even jokes had their limits. And whatever the reason may be he didn't want any silliness about anything concerning her. At the very least it should be within bounds. Arin gave him a look, then both just stood there until the rest of their team joined them. He just looked out of window without saying anything. But he wasn't there. He was already deep in thought. When they finally got out the city border, he whispered. Alfia. The only one who heard him was Arin. İs that so? She closed her eyes while laying back. Neither looked at each other. Maybe they didn't even say it to each other. But both knew their heart. Alfia huh. She muttered. How or why didn't matter but, Arin was grateful that she did not search for the culprit. She smiled to herself as she fell asleep.