As the sun begins to tower over the hills, over the mountains, so too do the clouds begins to mantle its sunlight. Mizzle rains, then pours across the land as mist coats the hills and the forest. The grassland withered in brown, as the cold begins to worsen. And seems to be said… winter is near.
Once they have filled their morning meal, the two go where merchants park their carriages. Fifty coppers were left from that one silver Shar. Yet before they could reach the merchants' square.
"Um… can that fifty copper buy me a book and a pen?" Natalak spoke.
Ashalain didn't speak; she steered her direction to the shop of parchments and books. All in all, thirty-eight was spent, but what Natalak had was a magical quill that didn't run out of ink and an empty book to ease the long, weary journey ahead.
And, much like before, the two didn't offer coins but rather their profession. But for some reason, the two find themselves in a caravan that was already under the protection of other adventurers. Her name, her shield, and the armour she wears, as to her family crest, are quickly recognised by the adventurers.
The journey quickly commences, and soon the two find themselves sitting side by side inside the wagon. The two couldn't even leave any space between them because of the large quantities of cargo the caravan is carrying. You can hear the wagon's axle squeaking, irritating to the ears, but the horse's footsteps ease the sound.
Keen on her duties, she couldn't help but sometimes glance at Natalak, his scribblings and the silence he gave. Furthermore, Natalak's work becomes more enigmatic to Ashalain's eye. The words were strange to her, yet there was one resemblance she noticed, and that was a pistol, but not the kind of Vashkeil's flintlock.
Too, there were strange symbols, prompting Ashalain to gaze more keenly at the pages. It was nothing more than a percentage of the black powder's ingredient ratio.
"What are you writing?" Ashalain said.
"Just some children's toys."
Ashalain gave Natalak a look of disbelief. "The more I get to know you, the stranger you become."
"Or maybe you just had a bizarre perception. I'm just a human, you know."
Ashalain rolled her eyes and shifted her vision away from Natalak. Crossing her arms, she tries concentrating on sensing danger. But as time passes and Natalak's comfort begins to fade. Moreover, frustration boils his blood, perhaps because he discerned Earth's technology was too much to take.
"I best needed to obtain black powder first." Ponders Natalak, closing the book.
"I've been curious… why can't we just use those fancy teleportation things?" Natalak spoke.
Ashalain didn't reply; she didn't even dare to look at Natalak. Leading the two in complete silence, and even when they've reached the village of Phelenar, there were no words spoken. The caravan stops, and then the party leader comes.
"Lady Ashalain." The leader of the adventurers spoke as he unhorsed. "We've reached Phelenar, shall we continue to Ravalind?"
"Thank you, fellow adventurer, but I'll be staying here," Ashalain responded, slowly dismounting from the wagon.
Shaking hands and bidding farewell, Ashalain led Natalak to her family's estate. He could see six private guards stationed at the main gate. The land was vast that it even had a diminutive, well-kept forest. Floating orbs that are deemed to be magic wards encased in a brass material, humming to the skin and ears as one takes a closer look. Through the top lies the great house of the Shilvia family. Its walls were not of peasant materials but marble and chiselled stone.
"I'll wait for you here," Natalak said, sitting on the pavement's kerb.
Too tired to persuade the man, Ashalain hooks his armpit and drags him inside the estate. He couldn't even overpower her, let alone escaping her mammoth-like grip. The gate was open, and guards greeted the paladin with utmost respect. Ashalain nods back at them and continues her matter.
Once they've reached thirty meters away from the gate—
"Stay here," Ashalain stated as she relinquished her grip. "And don't try to run, the wards could burn you in seconds without any protective equipment." She continues going back to the gate, to the guards.
"Is there something you need, Lady Ashalain?" the guards said.
"No matter what happens, don't let that man exit the estate."
Firmly nodding to her request, Ashalain then returns, again dragging Natalak inside the mansion.
"Blondie, can I just stay here for a moment? You already know I am powerless to exit the place."
Ashalain, still in a straight face, didn't respond to his complaint. She merely called one of the guards and said—
"Guard him, and if ever, don't let him leave the spot."
Before she could resume her steps, Ashalain measured him, his armour and the sword he carried.
"Do forgive me, Natalak, but I must confiscate your equipment."
He agrees without any hesitation. Stripping the equipment before giving it all towards the paladins.
"Wait for me here, Natalak." Said Ashalain before cornering at the end of the corridor.
She didn't think much of changing her gears or sinking into a bath. Instead, the paladin continues her step to the second floor, to her father's chamber. And what met her was an unlikely meeting.
The door to her father's chamber was ajar, allowing the guards to watch over him. The windows are open, welcoming a cold breeze. But the most interesting was the guard station outside the room.
"S-sir Roland?!" Ashalain's eyes agape, stammer at the sight of the hero.
Descending, we go… to the first floor we return. There, on an isolated bench, Natalak couldn't do anything but sit like a statue, zealously guarded by one person, and just beside them was another passage leading to the eastern wing of the mansion. But as silence prolonged, so too did it break when a familiar person came to him. From behind comes a woman; her footsteps are like a cat's… undetected, unheard.
"It's really pleasant to see you again, Natalak." Comes Ashena, tilting her body to take a glance at the man.
He couldn't speak, only a mouth wide open. "Y-you're…" Natalak stammered, gazing up towards Ashena in a golden dress.
Ashena smiled and shifted her gaze to the guard. "I'll be taking him, thank you kindly, dear sir."
"But Lady Ashalain ordered me to—" The guard protested, but was interrupted when Ashena raised her palm.
"That will be all right, dear sir. I merely wish to borrow him for a short while. Surely, my sister would forgive such a small transgression. Don't fret, I'll be the one confronting her…" Ashena said, pulling Natalak from his seat, and much like Ashalain, her strength is equal to hers. "Now then." She continues dragging Natalak out of the mansion, into a certain pavilion.
Outside, Natalak couldn't help but become more curious about Ashena's behaviour. There was something from her that he couldn't distinguish, but only felt. The only thing he could tell was a teasing reprisal, or perhaps something deeper between the two sisters.
A glance at the land's surroundings… something interesting caught his eye. A simple headstone was sitting right beside a pond, where a very enchanting tree shaded it from the sunlight. He could tell that only sunrise and sunset would be time when it was illuminated.
At a distance of no more than five meters, he was able to perceive the letters.
Lady Illenar de Shilvia of Norreveil.
Into the pavilion they rest. Natalak couldn't help but stay silent, still embarrassed by the presence of Ashena. And she can tell that the man was not comfortable, even from his posture and the uneasy look in his eyes.
"You seem worried?" Ashena initiates. "Is there something the matter?"
"No, it's just that it's my first time entering such a place."
Ashena gave a faint smile, "I think there's more to that, I can tell. Did my sister give you some trouble?"
"No, not likely, it's just that… your sister had kept my bag hidden. I really need it for my travels, and I pretty much need to reach Ravalind this day."
"Ah… if it serves, there was a delivery three nights ago. I believe, I know where Ashalain may have hidden it." Ashena stood, smiling. "Wait here, this won't be quick."
As Ashena returns to the mansion, Natalak awaits. There, on the second floor where the master's chamber lies, Roland and Ulgar gave the summary of their findings.
"I see." Ashalain gently nods. "I don't know how to thank you."
"But still, we couldn't heal your father's mysterious illness. Lady Ferish said she'll need more time. We're deeply sorry. It's been days, and Lord Ariendal hasn't been awoken yet."
Ashalain paused for a long time, her eyes darting, looking from the ground to the walls as her mind pondered. "Can I have a moment with my father?"
Roland nods and quickly steps aside for Ashalain to enter the master's chamber. True enough, Ariendal's breathing was that of a dying man—fading. Frail and thin body, the only thing that suspended his death was a small golden orb glued to his chest.
"I'm home, Father. I'm sorry for everything." Mutters Ashalain, kneeling as she gently holds Ariendal's arm. And then something came to her, of what if—
A green flame erupts from her hand, and on it crawls to her father's hand, spreading all over his body. The door still opens, allowing Roland and Ulgar to witness her actions, but Roland panics and, before he can take a step, Ulgar stretches out his arm, preventing the hero from disrupting the procedure.
"Please, please…" Ashalain whispered, begging with her eyes closed.
Seconds turned to minutes, and when Ashalain was just about to surrender. She felt her father's hand move. Suddenly, she looked and saw that her father had opened her eyes; the old man had regained his consciousness.
"You're home, Ashalain," Ariendal spoke, his voice still weary.
"F-father?" The paladin's mouth opens, her eyes turn watery. She wanted to tighten her grip, but his frail hand couldn't withstand her strength.
"Can you bring me some food… I haven't eaten for a while." Ariendal said, slowly perched himself on the headboard.
Then quickly, Ashalain hurried through the door, calling for a maid, a guard, or a butler—any servant available. The news spread rapidly, transforming the once-quiet, melancholic mansion into a hive of activity. The cook in the kitchen who once felt as if they were counting their lord's days is now overwhelmed with work.
Kitchenware clings to the sound as fire and oil sizzle when the provisions are poured.
Before the news, before Ariendal's recovery… Ashena managed to find Natalak's bag, hidden in her sister's secret compartment behind the painting.
"Oh, sister." Ashena giggles. "How easy it is to read you."
Ashena returns, smiling as she flaunts Natalak's relic. The bag was given without any negotiations. A quick rummage, and Natalak sighed in relief; the book and all of his previous items were intact. Yet something crept into Natalak's mind.
"Um, if possible, can you help me get to Ravalind? I don't think the guards might be too happy seeing me exit the gate. And ahh…" Natalak paused, his eyes wandered through the pond.
"You can tell me, I'm not like my sister."
"Well, ahh… during our travels coming here… your sister owes me te-twenty silver Shar." Natalak continues, his face flushed; he couldn't even look straight at Ashena.
Somehow, Ashena burst out laughing, which made Natalak even more embarrassed. Ashena tried her best to cease her laughter, but she couldn't—hold her stomach was all she could do.
"Okay-okay… that's enough, it's funny that my sister would borrow a coin," Ashena said, clearing her watery eyes using her fingers. "Wait for me here, I'll go grab some Shars."
Upon her return, Natalak couldn't believe his eyes when Ashena gave Natalak one gold coin.
"Um… I don't have any change in me right now."
"That's alright, it's my gift to you," Ashena shakes her head. "As for the guards." She adds, adjusting her hair, clearly matching Ashalain's style.
Furthermore, when Ashena's expression became stiff, Natalak could no longer recognise her original appearance. Even more surprisingly, a mere clearing of her throat shifts her voice to that of her sister. Now, it was as if he were facing a duplicate version of Ashalain. And when the two passed the sentries, the guards couldn't help but look at each other in confusion.
Outside, Natalak noticed that Ashena seemed to be having fun with such small trickeries. Moreover, being with Ashena brought a sense of warmth and a more promising companionship. Unfortunately, their meeting was cut short when the two finally arrived at the merchant's square.
"You know, sister… I'm quite jealous of you. Even for you, Natalak." She mutters, a sad look flashing across Ashena's face.
"Um, come again?" Natalak quickly looks at Ashena.
"Nothing… oh, and if ever you have time, please come by to my mansion. I would like to hear more of your stories."
"I will." Natalak nods before vaulting, climbing onto the wagon.
"And almost forgot." Ashena steps closer, "The capital is having a strict border patrol for today, you might need this to enter the capital." She adds giving him her family crest. "But in return, you must give me a good book; you can deliver it to my mansion or deliver it."
"Thank you, I don't know how to repay you, but I'll see what I can do about a book."
Departed in mere minutes, and when Ashena returns to the estate, the guards again look at each other—confused. There was no sign of Natalak.
Still in her sister's mask—a quick nod to the guards is enough to ease their tension. And upon her arrival at the mansion, she quickly discards her disguise.
Returning to when Ariendal regained his health, Ashalain was still in her armour. The dried sweat, the stained blood, and the pungent smell were rancid in the face of her father's meal.
"I'll be shortly heading out, and thank you again for looking after my father," Ashalain gave a slight bow at Roland before leaving the second floor.
"My pleasure, Lady Shilvia." Roland mirrors back, but with a hand placed on his chest.
Though when Ashalain is still in her armour, rummaging through her wardrobe, she suddenly remembers Natalak. Shifting—she then goes to one of her vaults and, with a few waves of her hand, the walls crack into cubes. The walls, now divided into cubes, levitate and drift freely sideways, revealing her personal wealth.
Silver and gold stack neatly, as some gems and golden Avitah Tesen are piled in a chest. There are also tons of documents wrapped in golden cloth. Though in the eyes of someone not noble, this, however, was just a speck of her own wealth.
Grabbing only five gold Shar, Ashalain gave a smile.
"Perhaps this might convince you to stay," Ashalain whispered, yet when she returned where she last put Natalak—
"I-I—forgive me, my Lady." The guard kneels, heads bowed, sweating. "Lady Ashena came and took the man."
"My sister?!"
"Y-yes."
Ashalain rubs her forehead. "Resume your duties. But do you know where they're headed?"
"I believe they went to the eastern wing of the estate, if perhaps at the pavilion."
"I understand." Ashalain sighs in relief, but when she reaches the pavilion, her heart races.
She reverts to her room and searches for where Natalak's bag was placed. Right there and then, the only person she knew capable of opening her room was—
"Ashena!" Ashalain exclaimed, not loudly enough to alarm the whole estate.
Frustrated, the paladin runs to the main gate, and when she arrives, the guards feel her dreadful presence.
"My lady, we thought it was you who accompanied that man?" Said the guard, his voice cracked, and a face pleading not to be punished.
"Are you sure?" Ashalain's face straightened.
"Yes, we all saw it, but she was wearing a golden dress."
"The one who escorted that man was my sister. Since when did they depart?"
The guards look at each other. "Forgive me, my lady, but your sister already returned."
"And the man?"
The guards shake their heads, unable to look at the paladin.
With a surrendered face, Ashalain spoke dolefully. "I see…Carry on with your duties, then, gentlemen."
Dusk was coming, and soon Natalak arrived at the border of Ravalind. Upon entering, he could see dozens of gryphons and mysterious flying objects patrolling the whole capital. Border checkpoints are stationed at every road.
"Where did you get this?" The border patrol asks Natalak about Shilvia's crest.
"The Shilvia family gave it to me. I am to deliver an item to one of their estates."
The guards look at one of Adra's priests, and when the priest nods that what Natalak's saying is true, the guards then proceed to grant him passage. Passing another three more border checkpoints, the caravan soon enters the capital. Asking questions about whether Natalak is related to a follower of Adra, but thankfully, they didn't give a complicated query.
"Damn… if they ask me if I had some connection with the cemetery and that cult thing. Things wouldn't be too good for me."
Amidst his arrival, Natalak quickly headed to the blacksmith. But when Barry said he still needed more time, Natalak, without any thought, consciously stood at Sheila's home. He didn't knock; he paused, standing at the front door.
Natalak smiled, and the moment he turned around, Chifya was blocking his path, holding what appeared to be alchemy ingredients in a bag, clutching them tightly to her chest. Her face was full of shock and caution.
Frozen and no words spoken, furthermore, the door groans, and when Natalak shifts his glance—
"Natalak?" Sheila spoke.
The atmosphere turns silent, dead silent. But when his stomach groans in hunger.
"Good grief." Chifya sighs, and without a word, she marches past Natalak. "You coming or what?" Chifya utters, standing at the entrance. "Sheila cooks great amounts of food, so it's not wasted."
"Yeah, I'm coming."