Speech = ``...´´
Thoughts = [... ]
ºº
Of all the things that could have happened…, all the things that she had prepared herself for….they were rendered void now as she tried to hold her head between her hands had not Alpha tried to pry them off to the side to do something.
How things had come tot his….!?
Rose really had no idea, one moment she was sprinting to attack whoever was coming through the door, and the next she had found herself apologizing for hitting his friend in the head with what little strength she had left after the horror of striking her savior had settled into the very marrow of her bones.
And she had done so while screaming for her home country….
What should have been an awe inspiring moment turned now into a rather embarrassing situation, especially when the boy tried time and time again to dissuade her from trying to look at the spot she had landed the clumpy stick..
``Why couldn't it be bandits again..?´´ She mused to herself
``I know that you are distressed, but could you make it less problematic for me?´´
``Eh..?´´
Rose tilted her head to the side, looking at Alpha who was still wrapping a pair of bandages around her hands. The movement of her fingers was rapid and fluid, though she did sensed the way the blond elf took a moment or two from now on then to make sure the tethers of white cloth were correctly in place before resuming
Clearly showing some skill in the process as she not felt never a pang of pain course through her hands while she worked on them, or perhaps..there was some magic attached to the layers of white cloth that were numbing and healing the previous stomps her fingers had suffered..?
The more she thought about it, the more questions started to pop left and right…, not realizing for a while that the process was well and truly over.
Alpha was still looking with a rather analytical expression at her work, studying with cold eyes as if challenging the bandages to come undone if they dared, before she leaned backwards, seemingly to be contempt at a job well done. Finally switching the attention of those blue orbs upwards, towards Rose herself.
Who would join in that exchange of stares soon enough, once she was finished in staring at her hand at the way it..didn't hurt at all to move and flex her fingers.
She had heard of using magic to heal wounds…
She had also known that the old ways were useful, but rather more slower…
Who would have thought someone could mix the two of them in such simple bandages...and by someone so young as-well. Reinforcing the thought that with some training, she as-well could learn how to do that by herself.
``Something wrong, Rose..?´´
``No, I-well, I was just thinking….how did you do that?´´
``Mm? You mean this..?´´
``Yes...´´
``Something that I saw the elders do in my village, though only this time I applied magic to it like Koldarrd said I should.., the results are rather promising, aren't they?´´
Rose nodded, still baffled at the ease of the affirmation. To say that the results were more than good would be to put it mildly….though now that she thought about it, had Koldarrd said that to her? She didn't remember..., but perhaps she had been too busy and distracted to notice..
That...was perhaps what had happened. It actually made more sense..
She lowered her hands over her lap.
``Still, I...I should not have done it...´´
``What do you mean? Getting hurt? Or hitting him..?´´
She lowered her head, hoping her hair would hide away the heat spreading through her cheeks at the reminder of her folly.
``Both, if I had just stay put..nothing of that would have happened..´´
``I see…, but I don't think you will have to worry about it much anyway´´
That...that surprised her.
``What do you mean..?´´
``You made a mistake, I know…., but since he is not blaming you for it…, then the only thing you can do now is vow to never make the same mistake again, wouldn't you say?´´
``Is...is not that simple´´
``Is it so…? You don't believe in R-Koldarrd...?´´
`` N-no, I mean Yes, what I-...´´
``Is okay, I know...believe me, Rose, I know...´´
``It seems that the two of you are having fun, that is good to know..´´
The cool, tender voice of the only male in the town caught her attention like lightning striking the ground right next to her, making her whip her neck in his direction, finding him not that far away, leaning against a wall, his arms crossed and pressed against his chest. His expression a stoic mask, his demeanour uninterested, a stark contrast with the playfullness of his words.
``Koldarrd! I-I..´´
However, it was Alpha who beat her to the punch as she spoke instead with none of the uncertanty and nervousness that were holding the young princess back.
``We were discussing about how we should try to mend our mistakes..´´
``Is that so?´´
Once more Rose tried to speak, but when a lump of spit became stuck in her throat she could only nod as a response. Satisfied, Koldarrds gaze switched then towards her own hands, drinking in the sight of the bandages for a second before his attention switched back towards another point in the room.
His eyes finding Alphas, who smiled in return..even before he had uttered his response, as if they had been shared telepathically before slipping through his lips..
``You did a good job Alpha…´´
Then without a word, he pushed himself away from the wall and in two steps he reached them, stretching his hand forward before he started to softly tap the head of her friend. Slim fingers softly and smoothly stroking those golden locks, making the heat in her elven friend more and more visible.
Rose too felt rather flustered…, though for a different reason altogether.
After all, it was as if she was being witness of a scene rather..private. With her...being an intruder to it. Not because she wanted to be the one in the receiving end of his hand. N-not at all!
But just as that thought came to be, Koldarrd removed his hand from Alphas head. His eyes glinting, his face arching downwards, then to the side. Prompting Alpha to stand up and walk away.
``Where is she going?´´
``To look for timber, its gonna be cold...´´
He said, almost dryly, with the temperature of the room seemingly plummeting on the spot as if to match his words. Her breath coming out through her lips in both clouds of moist and warm vapor.
Before she could formulate any response at all, he resumed to speak again. His voice growing a little frosty in the process, but not much..
``I believe that you were worried about me…´´
He then redirected one of his hands towards his chest, no, towards the open hole in his vest. Fingers tapping the expensive cloth that had been ruined beyond measure.
She clenched her jaw, her fist balling into small fists…
That wound should not have been there. He would not have been harmed had it not been thanks to her carelessness. Her chest started to ache as the throbbing of her heart grew rapid, her throat suffering under the clutches of the biles that tried to climb up at the memories of the way the blood had flowed out.
``Yes, I was worried about you…, it was because of me that you got hurt..and then you left, and then I hurt you again..´´
His eyes seemed to soften, a warmth starting to lick in the depths of his eyes, wanting to be let out. His lips however remained wrapped with a frown.
``You couldn't have known what it was going on, what was about to happen...´´
She clenched her hands. ``But I should have..!´´
``And worrying about this now, matters? You are fine, we are fine...we should celebrate the victories we achieve, not lose our minds about what ifs and what nots. You will live a while longer that way...believe me, you will´´
``But-´´
``Not buts….watch and listen´´
He cut her off, taking himself a step forward, then another, once again pointing with his hand at the cut that had push through the vest. This time more vehemently, the act more forceful...more….rigid.
``See? Is fine, there is nothing to worry about...´´
He replied coolly, gesturing down towards where the blade had lanced him through. The cloth was still drenched in red ichor, tarnishing and marring whatever beautiful hues and colors the cloth had once bore in its prime…
And yet, jut just like he had said.., now that she actually paid far more attention to the thing he was pointing at was that there was no more blood pouring out from the wound.
In fact, it was then that she realized for the first time, that he didn't seem tired nor in pain…
Was he trying to hide it from her? Was he trying to ease her doubts and worries? She would have appreciated his concern, to go this far for her...even now, but she could not in good conscience feel or express such gratitude if it was at the expense of someone else health.
And just as she finished thinking that she denoted a grimace warping on the black haired boy. As if something had struck him, or he had heard something foul.., but of course, the latter could not b-
``I am healed´´
``What?´´
``I. am. healed...´´
Rose bit her lip, golden eyes narrowing with apprehension. She knew what he was trying to do, to lift her spirit, to soothe her worries, but his reassurances were having the opposite effect, making her feel more and more guilty.
She rose her hands, trying to placate his dear friend...
``Koldarrd...I understand´´
``You..do?´´
For some reason, there was doubt in his tone, which was neatly accompanied with the way his eyes narrowed with bafflement..
Was it because he was surprised she had believed him, or because deep inside, he knew she actually hadn't.?.
Well, it didn't matter..
``Yes, but you don't have to lie to make me feel better..´´
Disappointment, exasperation and annoyance drew on his fair features...all at the same time, all with the same intensity that was hard to know which one was the first and the last.
``Ah, it was going so well...plan b it is then..´´
``Just tell me the truth an-w-w-hat are y..KOLDARD!?.WHAT IN THE GODDESS NAME ARE YOU DOING!?´´
She started to say, only for her voice to break in shock at the sight of the boy starting to disrobe in-front of her..!
``Showing instead of telling...´´
He replied as it was the most obvious thing in the world, not even stopping for a moment to look at her as he did, his jacket fell into the ground with a non existent thud, then he started to pull out the bottoms of his shirt, one by one with fast skillful fingers.
``By taking off your shirt..!?´´
To say that she had no idea what was going on would be an understatement. What in the goddess name was happening..!? Why was he taking off his clothes..!?
She knew that she had an interest on him.
But this felt wrong, it was wrong..
And so right….
She immediately started to shook her head as if possessed, trying to hide the heat that was spreading all over her face.
[NO! Bad Rose..! Focus! Focus on what actually matters!]
And with trembling hands and even more shaky legs she stood up and started to walk towards him. Graving Koldarrd by one of his arms and pulling it away from completing their task.
``N-no! Don't disrobe, not in-front me, I am not ready to take this step, not yet..´´
``What in the seven hell's are you on about? ´´
``I understand that passions ran hot like the summer heat, but, this is not the place or time to let them ran rump-´´
Her words came short as her legs stumbled between one another, prompting her to fall over him, making the two fall into the floor with the grace of a bag of potatoes...
Luckily enough, it was not a painful thing, given that she apparently had fallen over something soft, albeit sturdy. But that did not last long when she came to realize that her face had landed not on a pillow, but right onto his now exposed, firm chest...
``This is so wrong, so wrong, I..I can, but if you are-´´
``PLOCK…...!´´
``PLANCK…..!´´
``BOOONK….!´´
``AYYYYYYYYYYYYY…..!´´
º
….A few seconds later….
º
Rose was crouching on the ground, her hands trying to sooth and block the steam coming out from a new collection of bumps forming a tower in her head.
A sudden gift of Koldarrds own knuckles., which were comically leaving some steam as-well.
``Why did you hit me..!?´´
``Because you deserved it! Be grateful I did not cave in your skull...´´
Was his harsh reply, making her flinch by the sheer iciness of his words, but it was not long before she started to pout.
There were very few times that getting hit by the equivalent of a hammer could be considered good, funny enough, this was one of them as she was no longer a mess of nerves jumping at the first sight of flesh.
Or making a fool of herself among other things..
``Are you gonna do something stupid again?
``No..´´
``Are you gonna jump the gun and fool around again?´´
``No…´´
``Then look up..´´
She shyly complied, placing her fingers over her face, though allowing her eyes to see through the cracks as she rose her head.
She had expected fasc-terrible things, really terrible things once her eyes landed on him.
Curiously, he was not naked like she had expected. Not understanding why a part of her felt disappointed by that, in fact, he was still wearing his shirt and with the way his arms were placed, they covered most of it. But not all as she realized the scar tissue where the blade had landed.
Clean….and shut tight.
Clean and-Wait! What…!?
``You...you are healed?´´
She could not help but squeal in surprise. The boy nodded, huffing for a moment….
``That is what I have been trying to tell you, you stubborn mule...´´
``B-but how..?´´
``This is an illusion and nothing is real..´´
``What..´´
``Through magic.., Rose, how else could it be..?´´
Ah right, that made sens-
``Wait, you mean….you healed yourself?´´
``Indeed..´´
``So... I..misunderstood that situation?´´
``Understatement of the century...´´
Rose hung her head low. The embarrassment of this day would never leave her, that was for sure. Still, healing magic really was impressive…
But, that...that did not change much.
``Are you not angry? Or just a little bit upset...?´´
He titled his head to the side, confused.
``Are you talking about you making a fuss out of nowhere? Because if its that, then yes...´´
``No.., that..was not what I meant´´
``Then I don't know what you mean..´´
``The fact that I got you hurt in the first place ...!´´
``Why...? Why should I...?´´
Why? He was asking her why..? There were too many reasons for her to do so...
``I hit you…, I didn't listen to your warnings, you got hurt..and-´´
``You want me to hit you back, that is what you are really saying..?´´
She had started to say, only for him interrupt her midway, but she did not mind.
Rose bit her lips, and though a part of her would have have preferred he had phrased it in a different way…, she was in no way gonna correct him.
Because, that was definitely the gist of things..
``I..I should be punished for my failings…, people will depend on me in the future. If I am not going to be held accountable for my mistakes, then I am not worthy to follow my fathers footsteps….´´
Perhaps it wasn't right for her to demand this, to ask this of them..., but this was a matter of pride, one that pulsated inside her veins with each breath she took, a pride which was older than her...
And in face of such matters, they rarely were resolved with simple words.
Besides, she would not forgive herself if her acts, no matter how well intended they had been, had no actual repercussion afterwards...and so she glared at the boy who had saved her life, not once, but twice in the spam of less than a week with all the courage and determination she could muster.
The raven haired boy remained silent, whatever playfulness that there had been before...it was long gone. Lips shrinking into a pale slit into his face, his eyes closing in.
He was studying her, the cold shimmer of silver coming off from those eyes seemingly trying to peer into her soul.
After what felt like an eternity, a fraction of a change appeared in his features as he knelled right in front of her...
``You got spirit, girl...´´
The voice was chilly to hear, almost frosty...but she sensed the respect flowing through the words, which made her heart flutter a little more quicker.
Which made her completely miss the way he had not called her by her name.
Another brief moment of silence stood in between the two, before he rose from his position. His face still obscure by a stoic mask that hid what emotions ran through or thought he held on his mind.
Like being stared down by a statue of godly realism...
The ever progressing silence made her feel a pang of unease slowly take root at the base of her mind. Would he say no..? Would he try to dissuade her..?
It was surprising how many thoughts could cross one mind when poked by uncertainty and given the silence needed to hear one own thoughts, but by stretching a hand towards her, her doubts were dispelled when the next following words reached her ears.
``But if that is what you wish, then I will not deny you...´´
And with that said, Koldarrd rose his hand. Clenching it, and closing it into a tight fist, knuckles cracking as a result.
Rose flinched, closing her eyes then at what would with no doubt would be coming…, feeling the air switch its current as something moved through at a high speed. Cold sweet sliding down her forehead as the air brushed against her face, toying with her hair...
But nothing happened..
Confusion dawned on her at the lack of any sting of pain whatsoever in her skull. Shyly she opened her eyes, finding not a fist, but two fingers barely a whisper away from her head holding into them-
``PACK...!´´
``Auch..!´´
She moaned in pain as she brought her hands up towards the spot Koldarrd had flicked her. For some bizarre reason steam was coming out from the bruised spot in her forehead.
How two fingers could do so much damage...!?
``There, that is my punishment..´´
``This...this was it...!?´´
``Yes..´´
``But.., but that can not be!´´
``Why...?´´
``I thought you were going to-´´
``Hit you? I did..´´
``Well, yes..but when I said it I was not thinking to be...like this...´´
``Rose, Rose, Rose…..you still don't get it. Fail and commit as many mistakes as you want, Rose. You can feel down, even upset because of them, but never look down on yourself for your failings, be better...´´
``B-but I did! I told you t-..´´
``Punishment doesn't always have to be physical, you will carry the weight of your mistakes on your back from now on. That is punishment enough...no need to intervene.´´
``It seems that you always have some profound and deep knowledge to share….´´
``Profound? What sad state of affairs this world is to believe that...´´
``What..?´´
``It doesn't matter, now...care to explain why you got hurt?
``I…´´
``You?´´
``I wanted to give you a gift…´´
``Ok..´´
``Ok? ´´
``It wasn't that hard, wasn't it..?´´
``No..´´
``Then that is the end of it.., I am sure that those wreaths were very pretty´´
The princess of Orianna could not do anything but stare at the boy, baffled or just shocked at the way he said things.
Was it that easy..? Was it really though..?
…
She shook her head, a soft chuckling coming by. If he said it, then it was...and she trusted him.
``You..really are something else..´´
``Hmm...?´´
She shook her head, smiling a little bit as she stood up, slapping away the dust from her knees and dress.
``Nothing, you big dummy...´´
He shrugged. ``Well, that is far better than what I have been called before.., so I will take it as a compliment.´´
She was about to respond, when the sound of wood planks falling down into the floor startled her, Drawing her attention away from him and towards the origin of the disturbance, which had the form of a certain elf girl that had just returned.
``Ma-Koldarrd...can you explain to me why your shirt is half open?´´
``Alpha..I can explain..´´
``Alpha, is not what you may be thinking..´´
``Is that so, Rose?´´
``Yes, he was just showing me his chest..´´
Rose started to say, but just as she did she felt a terrible aura started to emanate from the two who now glared at her with two pairs of glowing eyes. Alpha tilting her head to the side on what should have been a cute gesture now made her back shudder while Koldarrd started to crack his knuckles..
``Ara ara….., he was just showing you his chest? Is that right, Rose..?´´
``Rose, we are gonna have a looong talk about your poor choice of words..´´
Rose could not help but nod nervously as she started to sweat bullets on what would probably be a rather long and awkward conversation. All the while a ghost laughed hysterically at the nonsensical nature of what she had just witness..
ºº
A/N
Here comes another chapter,I don't know why, but this chapter was suppose to be way more smaller, but well, I just kept on going..and well, here we are.
The arc is coming to an end, the other chapters are already done so yeah, next arc more girls will join the roster. Who..? Well, just wait and find out.
Actually, I have been playing with ai generators to make images of the characters, but apart from Alpha and Epsilon..there hasn't been much luck in that department. For some reason Deltas purple marks never get displayed, and when they do the body is wrong..uh, well, one day I will get it right.
I hope you like it. Feel free to comment to give some feedback. Any commentary will be appreciated and I appreciate those who have by far reached this point.