The more Lenoria thought about it, the job offer sounded more and more dangerous. She was asked to relocate to a village in Thule, a land known for having undead roam the wilderness; but first, she had to make a trip through the northern mountains, a dangerous venture on its own; once she made it safely to Thule, she would have less than six months to touch base with Gabrielle, finish her work, and return in time for Starflower’s trial. The reward of three thousand gold - plus gratuity based on the quality of her work - was to be split between her and Clara. The terms seemed less favorable than she had initially hoped for and at times she had second thoughts.
So why, then, did she decide to go?
Two reasons motivated Lenoria: First, she was driven by spite. It was unlikely the authorities were going to let Starflower go if she was absent from the trial to testify, but she feared they would show leniency if she never showed up. Not to mention, Starflower didn’t want Gabrielle to hire her, and thus accepting the job and finishing it on time to attend the trial would make a fine twist to the knife. And secondly?
Alistair.
It was cliche and she would be the first to admit it, but from the moment she laid eyes on him during the graduation ceremony, Lenoria felt attraction towards him. That attraction grew exponentially once he did everything he could to bring her back to life. Granted, Lenoria was actually dead, but Pearl’s spell brought her back to life. The lad’s efforts didn’t go unnoticed; if he went so far to save the life of a civilian, how far would he go for someone he truly cared about?
“Hey, Pearl?” Lenoria was already on her bed back home, but she couldn’t sleep.
“What?” Asked Pearl. Her eyes were glued to one of Lenoria’s books, ‘Tales from the Tavern.’
“Have you ever been in love?”
“Like you and anyone else,” Pearl said without batting an eye.
Lenoria sat up. “Well, don’t just sit there! Give me the deets!”
“Hmph. Do you really want my life story, or do you need advice?”
Busted.
“A-advice, please. How could you tell?”
“It’s written all over you. I’m a little surprised; weren’t you the type to avoid men like the plague?”
“N-not all men!” Lenoria gripped her white sheets firmly. “I didn’t have much of a social life during my time in Helix, thanks to Starflower. Part of the reason I want to go to Thule is because it’s a new experience. I might just meet some new people and have a good time despite the dangers.”
“And you need advice on how to behave around Alistair, and perhaps around other potential suitors.”
“Hey, it’s not like I plan to ditch the guy! But I’m bracing myself in case he’s not even open for a friendship.”
Pearl closed her book and set it on the stand next to the bed. “For starters, don’t show how much you’re gushing about him right off the bat. He seems like a decent sort, but most people will try to manipulate you if they know you’re looking at them with rose-tinted goggles.”
“Is this about the incident back at the station?”
Pearl nodded. “Part of me suspects you left a bad parting impression on the Bisset family.”
Lenoria had eventually snapped out of her fantasy earlier and apologized to the Bisset siblings. Gabrielle promised she understood, and under hushed whispers she also promised not to tell Alistair. Beau, not one to partake in girl talk, just kept his distance and told Lenoria not to apologize for things he himself could not understand.
“You really think so?”
“Most people won’t show their true colors right off the bat. Not even me; we’re working together in this mission, but I’m not obligated to divulge anything about myself more than necessary.”
“Bummer.” Lenoria was hoping she could get to know more about Pearl, but she understood her feelings completely. As Carter has proven to her, opening up to the wrong person has a heavy cost.
“That’s all for tonight. Go ahead and get some sleep. Tomorrow is another day and you have a week to prepare.”
“Got it. Good night, Pearl.”
***
12th of Cobre, 1659, 7pm
Four days have passed since the school fire. The girls had rested thoroughly and were ready to make preparations for their adventure. Gabrielle promised food and lodging was available once they made it to Thule, but they needed to procure seven days’ worth of rations since it would take that long to reach the mountains and the cable car service that would take them to the finish line.
Let’s take a look into the lives of the three young people who will make this journey.
First was Alistair Adams. The young paladin was raised from nobility at a young age under the caring nature of House Leone. House Leone was (in)famous for their worship of the Hammer of Justice, a deity of retribution with a strict set of rules. Most people of Thule followed the Sun King or the Crimson Witch, for the Hammer’s doctrine demanded his followers to take a look at themselves before passing judgment on others.
In other words, he was also the deity of accountability.
For this reason, House Leone and House Bisset were always at odds with one another, for their doctrines were sometimes opposing each other. Until one day, when Alistair was asked to guard Gabrielle Bisset because her brother Beau was taking a sick day. Gabrielle was loved by many but had an equal number of enemies. One of them was bold enough to hire an assassin to slay her during a public outing, but it was thanks to Alistair’s detection abilities that the day was saved. The culprit was arrested and died from the interrogation before he squealed.
Ever since then, House Leone and House Bisset decided to call each other friends. Hatchets were buried, grudges were settled, and differences were set aside. Gabrielle was forever grateful for Alistair’s quick thinking and selfless disposition, while Beau saw a younger brother in him once he made a full recovery. Alistair was always invited to accompany Gabrielle anywhere she went since then, and when she learned he needed to make a pilgrimage in honor of the Hammer to finish his paladin training, she was happy to arrange a trip to the Artificers Guild a week earlier than scheduled just so Alistair didn’t have to pay for a trip of his own.
Once they were in Helix, Alistair met Lenoria, Beau fought a bird, and Gabrielle cleaned house with the Scholastic Guild. The rest, as they say, is history.
But what was Alistair doing this whole time?
After he and Lenoria parted ways, Alistair had to make the rest of the way to his destination on his own: The eastern province of Pom, home of the St. Jenkins Cathedral. A nightmare to travel on foot, Alistair took the train on Gabrielle’s orders. In just a week, he had to report back to Helix City where, if everything went according to plan, the girl he had recently saved would be there waiting for him to travel the rest of the way home.
Gabrielle was a busy woman and could not be out of the country longer than necessary, and neither she nor Beau could afford to wait a week for Alistair. But at least she had arranged for everything to fall into place at just the right time. This aspect of Gabrielle frightened Alistair and he was glad he was not her enemy.
“Rise, young paladin.”
The night of initiation had arrived. It was time for Alistair to be fully vested in the holy power of his patron. He had already displayed some of his power on the day he met Lenoria, but the rite of initiation would grant him the official title of paladin amongst his battle brothers.
Alistair rose at the command of the hierophant, Andrew Silvermoon. He was a half-elf with brown hair, golden eyes matching his priestly garments, and a scent of incense coming from a bowl sitting on the podium behind him. He held a scepter, which up until now had been used to tap on Alistair’s shoulders since the beginning of the initiation. Now that it was nearing the end, it was time for him to grant Alistair the Hammer’s blessing.
“Alistair Adams, by the power vested in me, I officially name you paladin of our order. From this day onward, anyone wearing the symbol of the Hammer is considered a fellow brother, and should your cause be just, your brothers will be there to support you.”
“I thank the Hammer for this blessing,” Alistair replied as part of the rite.
“Bless this child, O Hammer, and grant him your wisdom,” said the congregation in attendance, all speaking in unison.
The moonlight pierced the stained-glass windows one by one. Each had the image of angelic beings or regular people who have done extraordinary things in the name of the Hammer. With this combination, the resulting light show could be seen on the pathway between the pews, and it was as if the images on the windows arrived to offer their respect to the new paladin.
“Everyone. I will not fail you,” Alistair whispered as he gazed in the direction of the moon.
***
That very night, Clara had taken initiative and took inventory on her belongings. She couldn’t take everything with her on the upcoming adventure, and every item had to be useful one way or another. Tsukuyomi and Alistair could serve on the front line, while Lenoria and herself could provide backup with ranged weaponry. She took her time going over each and every item; with the threat of bandits and mountain wildlife, failing to account for even a single thing could prove fatal.
This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it
With a sigh, the elven girl thought about her confession. Just two days after the fire, she finally caught up to Instructor Gardens and poured her heart out for him. But...
----------
"Mr. Gardens!" Clara had called Instructor Gardens to the courtyard, one of the few places in the Guild that was still intact.
"Yes, Clara?"
"Mr. Gardens, I don't know if this is the time or the place, but if I don't say this now, I feel like I'll regret it for the rest of my life!"
"Slow down, Clara. I'm not going anywhere."
"But I am! I'm traveling with Lenoria in just a few days, and well..." A fidgety Clara stared at the ground. She glanced at a nearby bush, from which Lenoria raised a thumb of approval to her. "The thought of being away from you has been unbearable."
"Don't feel that way, Clara. A day will come when you have to apply everything I have taught you on your own. Your choices must be made independently!"
"It's not that, sir! These past four years...you've always made my heart flutter!"
"Pardon?"
"Your kind words and your willingness to help your students is something I rarely get to witness from anyone else! I yearn for a companion like that, one who will always love me despite my flaws. I yearn for someone who will always help me stand on days I feel weak, never judging but always choosing love!" Clara locked eyes with the instructor. "That's the word! Love! I'm in love with you, s-sir! You have a hold on my heart, a powerful grip that not even an adamantine sword can ever hope to slice! My admiration for you burns hotter than the sun! These past four years have been brief, but they were the best years of my life!"
"Clara, I-"
"It was thanks to you that I met my best friend! Nothing I say or do will ever express how thankful I am that you came into my life!" Clara stopped to catch her breath. "We're two different people, but I have always dreamed of this moment, and now that it's here, I don't want it to go away!
"Clara, please listen to me!"
Clara paused to let Instructor Gardens speak.
"You're right. We're two different people. That's why I must decline your confession."
A pain never felt before rippled in Clara's soul. It was indescribable; it did not hurt anywhere in her body but at the same time it was something she knew was a bad feeling. It reminded her of a time when she was 20 when she asked her father for a piece of licorice and he said no, except this was a hundred times worse.
"Please don't misunderstand. I value each and every single one of my students. I am well aware of how hot emotions can burn, especially in elves. But there's something you must consider." Instructor Gardens turned his back on Clara. "I'm nearing middle age, Clara, and your life is only beginning. By the time I die, you'll barely be reaching middle age, yourself. Do you plan to be a widow for the rest of your life onwards?"
Words escaped Clara. She stumbled with her words, but had no counterpoint to offer.
"When I took this teaching job, I vowed to put my students first. And that's why you must know that what you're feeling probably isn't love, Clara." He turned to face Clara again, this time with a gentle smile on his face. "I'm touched by your level of admiration, but you should reserve your feelings for someone around your age and not some silly old sod like me. Even if I returned your feelings, you'll be sad on the day I die, and feeling that way for another century or two isn't a pain I want to inflict on people dear to me."
Clara sniffled. "Mr. Gardens..."
"I know it hurts, but trust me, this is for the best."
----------
Days later, Clara still couldn't believe it. She was not used to rejection, and the rippling pain remained in her. But deep down, she knew her mentor had a point. What if it wasn't love that she felt? What if the feeling of rejection passes in mere days and she's ready to move on to someone else? Would that mean she never loved her instructor to begin with?
There was a knock on the door. “Clara, can we come in?” asked her mother.
“Sure! It’s open!”
The wooden door creaked open and in came Clara’s parents. The two of them sat with her on the bed and Clara stopped what she was doing to hear them out.
“We’re glad our little girl is going on an adventure, and on official business from the Guild!” Alain beamed with pride and patted his daughter on the head.
“We want you to have some things from our adventuring days.” Yolandra nodded at her husband, who then placed a box on the bed. He opened it to reveal a sling and a handful of rocks. “And here’s mine.” Yolandra reached into her apron to grab a wooden carving and placed it on Clara’s hand.
“Mom, is that-?” Clara stared at the carving, which was shaped with a full moon and an elven head in the middle.
“This holy symbol has always been my good luck charm. I want you to have it.”
“Lenoria’s a tough girl, but you’ll need something to defend yourself,” her father added. “I used this sling when I was an adventurer. I know there are better weapons out there, so if you’re short on coin, then-”
“I wouldn’t dream of it!” Clara brought the items closer. “Thank you! I’m sure they’ll come in handy!”
The couple leaned closer to give Clara a hug.
“If you ever feel like giving up, you’re more than welcome to come home,” Yolandra said.
Alain nodded. “But most importantly, have fun and don’t you worry about us. You should see as much of the world as you want to see.”
“Dinner’s almost ready, so put your things away and help set the table.” Yolandra patted Clara on the shoulder and signaled for her husband to leave the room with her. Once the couple closed the door behind them, Clara hugged her new items and stored them under her bed.
"I can't tell them what happened." Clara sighed. She was scared of how her parents would react to the instructor's rejection. Perhaps the trip to Thule is something she needed, after all.
***
15th of Cobre, 1659, 8am
The day of departure had arrived. The countdown officially began at midnight and Lenoria made sure to make every second of it count.
“Rise and shine, Mistress!” Lenoria had programmed Hayate to wake her up early in the morning. With a love tap near the eye stalk, Hayate silenced himself and waited for Lenoria to fully wake up.
The girl was quick to stand, even if she was still groggy, and made breakfast, took a bath, and took a final tally on her inventory (in that order).
Backpack? Check.
Several changes of clothes? Check.
Water and rations? Check.
New battle outfit?
Lenoria paused to search for her new outfit. “Oops, silly me!” She opened her closet and there it was: A brand new chain shirt along with her favorite green shorts and sleeveless top. She put on the clothes first before adding the armor on top of them, but that was not it.
When Lenoria had sent her chain shirt for repairs, she made a request. “Glamer the new one, too!” Once she strapped her chain shirt on, she tapped the chest area to activate the armor’s magic. The armor disappeared, and in its place was a sleeveless yellow duster that reached all the way to her shins. It came with buttons, but Lenoria chose to keep it open. All the better to grant as much mobility as possible during a fight.
image [https://i.imgur.com/JIWrJ4El.png]
Lenoria's new look and the default outfit for the adventure.
Credit: GreyChameleons
With her gear in order, Lenoria wrote a note and set it on the table. She owned very little and the landlord was free to help himself to anything she left behind. On a separate piece of paper, she wrote another note, folded it, set it on the table, and locked the door behind her before she left her home for the final time.
“If you see the old man, tell him I’m sorry and that I’ll be in Thule for six months. If he’s looking for me, tell him I’m in Goodsprings.”
~Lenoria.
***
The first thing Lenoria spotted when she arrived at the reopened park was a wagon parked by the entrance. She spotted Clara, her parents, and Gror petting a brown horse with fluffy white lower legs attached to the wagon.
“Hey!”
Lenoria’s shout was enough to grab the attention of the two, who immediately ran up to greet her. The park brought bittersweet memories - the moment she died and meeting Alistair for the first time - but she chose to keep smiling to not worry those present.
After all, it’s a new day and there was so much to look forward to.
“What are you doing here?” She asked Gror.
“The Constable said you were leaving for a while, and he invited me to see you off.”
“Have you been good this past week?”
“Yeah! I haven’t gotten in trouble at all! Ask the Constable!”
“He’s right, you know.” Constable Richards arrived with Alistair not far behind. “He’s been a bit of a nuisance back at the station, but he’s only been trying to help and make amends.”
It was then when Alistair and Lenoria locked eyes. The lad was the first to avert his gaze, but Lenoria barely held on and did the same right after.
“Remember what I said,” Pearl whispered.
“Oh, right!” Lenoria cleared her throat. “Alistair, right? I wanted to say thanks for saving my life. If it wasn’t for you, who knows what would have happened to me.”
Alistair believed Lenoria was referring to his healing magic, but the girl was actually referring to the time Alistair kept Thomas away from her. The deceit was intentional to keep Alistair in the dark about the Soulstones. If only he had one of his own, at least then she wouldn’t have to lie to him.
“You’re, um, y-you’re welcome,” Alistair said, doing his best to keep his composure.
Meanwhile, Clara and Apus were observing this interaction.
“Are you thinking what I’m thinking, Clara?”
“I know, just look at them,” Clara whispered. “Lenoria can’t spit it out, and Alistair looks a little nervous.”
“I guess it’s up to us to play matchmaker!”
“Do you think we should?”
“Sometimes, all two lovers need is a little push before they realize just how in love they are!” Apus circled around Lenoria and Alistair before returning to Clara. “Let’s give them their space for now, and step in when they need help.”
“Got it. I’ll do my best.”
Pearl nudged Lenoria. “We better speed this along.”
“Right.” Lenoria clapped her hands together to grab everyone’s attention. “I guess we’ll be off, now!”
“You’re right.” Alistair moved over to the horse and fed it a sugar cube. “There, there. That’s a good boy,” he said as he patted the horse’s tuft. “Ladies, go ahead and load your belongings inside the wagon. I’ll start getting ready for departure.”
“Then I guess this is it,” said Alain. “We haven’t been together for long, but you’re like a second daughter to us. You girls take care of each other, okay?”
Yolandra bowed solemnly. “In the darkness of the night, may the Guardian guide your path with moonlight. You’ll always have a home here, no matter what happens.”
Lenoria shook the elven couple’s hands. “Thank you. We’ll be back as soon as we can, okay?”
“We’ll send letters from time to time, too!” Clara huffed, and then heaved her backpack inside the wagon.
Gror looked at Lenoria expectantly. “You’ll come back and teach me magic, right?”
“It’s a promise!” Lenoria knelt on a single knee and shook Gror’s pinkie finger with her own.
“There are plenty of dangers on the road ahead.” Constable Richards grinned. “Give ‘em hell, girl.”
“All aboard,” Alistair announced.
The girls quickened their pace and got in the wagon. Lenoria set the flap of cloth aside so she and Clara could look at everyone even as the wagon departed. They waved at the group goodbye, and the group waved back.
“So long,” said Constable Richards.
“Take care,” shouted Gror.
“Pay tribute to any Moon Shrines if you see them,” said Yolandra.
“Always chew your food thoroughly, and chew twice as much for tough foods,” said Alain.
"Bye, everyone!" The girls stood on the back of the wagon to say goodbye. "Be safe!" "I love you!" "Be good!"
It was not long before the wagon arrived at the northern city gate. Once the party crossed the gate, they would be in the wilderness and would need to use their strength and abilities to make it to the next town.
Next stop: Cedar Forest!