Chapter 6: Visits to Chlorba
Arden, as she grew older, continued with her visits to Chlorba. Not much had changed for her. More calluses, more muscle, sure. Her mindset was steadfast. The days passed like minutes, never a moment wasted. She filled her days with her studies, her nights with practice and meditation.
She was a quiet child, and her parents were ever concerned for her, but never did it dampen Esme's kind smile or shake her father's dedication to his family. Arden came to love them. She knew she shouldn't grow so close, but they were good people. They lived and laughed and were free in their affections. It was new for her.
She was old enough to go to Chlorba without her father's accompaniment. Arden often found rides with the Lancasters, a relatively wealthy family in their village, by volunteering to do work around their home.
They planned to stay the weekend in the city, in the home one of the Lancasters' extremely wealthy associates. Arden planned to express her interest in the military, hoping their connections would be an asset.
Esme gave her daughter a rucksack of necessities, tucked her hair back, and pressed a kiss to her temple. "Be safe, my darling." She whispered.
Arden let a gentle smile form. "I'll be careful, mother. You know I'll be back in a few days. Say goodbye to father for me."
"Will do, sweetheart."
Arden clambered up next to the driver, who grunted a greeting at her. She acknowledged him with a sharp nod, and gathered her roughspun cloak about her. Mercer worked for the Lancasters in the stables, and was a rough, quiet man.
They exchanged few words, but Arden felt they had an understanding about them. She flipped down her hood and drew a comb from her bag.
The ride was not terribly long, but there was little to occupy her time, so she set about working knots out of her hair and trying her hand at elaborate braids. She closed her eyes and felt her mother's nimble fingers threading through her hair in memory, weaving it into a complicated nine-strand braid.
Arden had little luck, but practice was good for dexterity.
Having departed late in the evening, night had truly fallen when they arrived in Chlorba. The moon was obscured by clouds. The only light was reflected from oil lamps burning low in their windowsills, and the lanterns hanging off the side of the closed carriage.
They passed through the empty marketplace, eerily quiet in contrast to its regular hustle and bustle. The hooves of the white horses seemed to echo on the cobblestones. Gnats clustered around the lanterns, and Arden pulled her cloak tighter.
Finally, they reached the large estate. She hopped down with all the grace she could muster, suffering from an unfortunate case of jellylegs. The door to the carriage popped open, and Arden rushed over to help Mrs. Lancaster down, earning a grateful smile from the tired woman.
A man emerged from the estate, bowing slightly to the Lancasters, while Arden offset herself into the shadows.
He introduced himself as Carlisle, and welcomed them inside.
Arden was instructed to wait in the foyer while he guided her accompaniment to their room.
She leaned against the cool stone wall, and several moments passed in silence before her trained ears picked up footsteps approaching.
"Ah, sleeping arrangements for the young lady."
Arden cleared her throat. "If you have an extra bed in the servants' quarters, that would be just fine." She intoned smoothly.
"Nonsense. There are guest rooms aplenty. I can have Arlen prepare one in due time."
She coughed slightly. "No, no. Thank you very much, but I can't bear to burden another. Whatever there is already is perfect."
He hummed. "Very well, mistress."
"Er, Arden. Just Arden."
A nod. He lead her through the dim hallways until they reached their destination.
"My sincerest thanks, Carlisle. I find myself quite tired, though. I would be quite appreciative if someone might wake me early in the morning. I have no money to offer, and I'd be ever grateful if I could prove my worth using my own skills." She murmured.
"Very well. I bid you goodnight, Arden." He rejoined with a bow, a perplexed smile on his lips.
Hmm, so this kind of wasn't planned, it just sort of happened. But here we are! A new chapter is on the horizon, friends! I just got a membership for an MMORPG, and I'm loathe to waste a single second, so that's taking a lot of my time, but I'm going to a Fall Out Boy concert this weekend and I'm suddenly ready to do everything.