"Will you quit hovering over me, Aisha. I cannot perform my duties if you do not give me space," Lucelia heard an unfamiliar voice snap.
"Sorry," a voice who Lucelia assumed belonged to Aisha replied apologetically, "Look she's waking up already."
Lucelia opened her eyes, squinting as her eyes adjusted to the well lit room. Her throat felt scratchy and her body ached as if she had climbed to the peak of Loix and flung herself off of its mountainous cliff.
"Water," Lucelia croaked. Instantly she felt a cup gently touch her mouth. Lucelia's lips parted and she greedily drank the entire contents of the cup. The cool water successfully quenched her thirst similar to that of a thousand deserts. Lucelia shamelessly asked for more water, making it clear that her whereabouts were the least of her worries.
"Here you are dear," the first voice belonging to the older woman said.
Lucelia took in her surroundings for the first time since waking up. Breathtaking is the only word to describe the large, well lit room.
Lucelia lay on a soft bed in the center next to a table littered with various brightly colored vials every color of magic. Strange blue and purple liquids glowed in a jar, beckoning Lucelia to release its contents. The table to her left littered with sharp intimidating tools did nothing to squash the feeling of home coursing through her.
Thirty two. That is the number of various herbs adorning the yellow colored ceiling. Nostalgia flooded Lucelia's entire being as a memory of Lucelia and Mama hanging herbs to dry crossed her mind. Their cottage was always littered with herbs much to Papa's dismay. Papa has always been susceptible to the various flowers Mama and Lucelia grew and bringing them indoors meant an increase in his episodes.
A small smile began tugging at Lucelia's mouth at the memory. Lucelia began crafting her very own perfumes at seven cycles and began selling at the marketplace alongside Mama within four moons. Lady Nix even visited their stall once and bought a perfume Lucelia crafted with Mama. Lady Nix called it the sweetest smelling perfume she had ever encountered. It was her most treasured memory for many reasons.
"Beautiful aren't they?" The older woman said, ripping Lucelia away from her thoughts. "I make them all myself."
"What does this one do?" Lucelia inquired, pointing to the jar filled with blue and lilac liquid.
"Aoslax is its name. Place two drops of this under the tongue and the user will get a restful sleep void of any nightmares."
"And this one?"
"Tison. Great for persistent headaches."
"Where am I?" Lucelia finally questioned.
The older woman's curious green eyes met Lucelia's brown ones. Her layered robe was embroidered with what appeared to be a single wave inside a circle strategically placed above her heart. The woman pointed to the sigil, "Marinisle. The young Lord was patrolling the grounds when he saw you floating in the river. He took no time to hesitate before jumping in after you and dragging you to safety. Do you remember how you ended up in that river?"
Lucelia glanced at Aisha who stood next to the entryway and gave Lucelia a small, encouraging smile.
Marinisle.
Enemy to Imitha.
Enemy to King Cyrus.
Enemy to Lucelia.
Lucelia didn't have any recollection of how she ended up here, but she was thankful for every breath she inhaled and exhaled. She said a silent prayer to the Great Ones for watching over her and protecting her, but in doing so she recalled her final moments at the riverbank.
Lucelia's lip began to tremble as she remembered her desperate attempt to bring Edwin back to life. Another innocent person dead because of her. She had sworn to leave that behind when Uly was taken, but fate had other plans for her.
"It's alright dear," the older woman said while placing her wrinkly hand over Lucelia's. "What matters is that you are safe now. No one will hurt you anymore."
Lucelia looked at her with a confused expression. What did she mean no one would hurt her? Surely they did not take Lucelia for the victim here. In what realm could Lucelia ever be the victim? Yes, she was injured thanks to her earlier fight with Edwin with a few bruises here and there. Yet, glancing between Aisha and the woman Lucelia realized they fully believe her to be the one who was probably attacked by some bandits or rogue Irae.
"It was so awful," Lucelia said, playing into the role. Lucelia needed to get out of here and fast. If feeding into their false story of whatever happened to her would help Lucelia get back to Imitha then she will gladly be whatever they wish her to be. "He came out of nowhere," Lucelia's voice cracked as she lied between her teeth.
"What is your name dear?"
"Celia."
"Well Celia, I am Healer Zolani and this mouse over here is Aisha," Healer Zolani pointed to the young girl with silver hair and onyx eyes. "Believe us when I say you are safe. No one will hurt you here. Of course, Lady and Lord Celano will need to speak with you before allowing you to permanently stay here, but do not fear it is simply routine."
"Lady and Lord Celano are fair and I am sure they will be sympathetic to what you have gone through," Aisha said reassuringly after seeing the look of dread on Lucelia's face.
"Have you regained some of your strength now, dear?"
"It seems I have," Lucelia said standing up from the soft bed.
"Aisha, why don't you show Celia to her chambers? I am sure she would like to rest and clean up before tonight's supper."
"I'd be delighted. Follow me, Celia."
Lucelia flashed a thankful smile to Healer Zolani before turning to follow Aisha, both disappearing into the dark hall and into the unknown.