The patrol completed without any issues. They made it to the nearest settlement on the main road close to the border of Castezin and turned back.. It became dark as they were returning to the town.. Rather than continue straight up to the manor and the barracks, Miller turned onto a side street a little after they entered the town.

“Where’re we going?”

“Like I said. I'll show you where the soldiers and Knights drink after their shift.”

“Is that alright?” She wondered out loud.

“Have you ever been on such a long patrol? It basically ends in town. So long as it's uneventful we can end the route in town and have a little fun.” He paused. Ayla was staring at him in disbelief.

“For your information, Rast himself has said it's alright so there's nothing to worry about.”

Ayla took him at his word but also looked to Samson for confirmation. The man offered an affirming nod.

“It's true.”

“Why do you need to ask him if it's true?” Miller whined.

Ayla held in a chuckle. She looked at him and offered a subtle. “As before, you seem very knowledgeable.”

“What a weird thing to say. I'm sure you knew where to go to have fun in the capital.” Miller argued.

Ayla did not answer, because she did not. She didn’t socialise much and she had only been to a few events in the Capital.

`It’s troubling that my only joy comes from swinging a sword. I’ll try to live a little. Maybe I can have fun in this life? The way normal people would. So long as I work hard.' She began to hear music and see lanterns lit. An entire front of a building was opened with tables pouring out into the street and glowing gold lights shining from inside. There were fires between each one and people gathered around singing and drinking. Some were locking arms and dancing in a circle between tables with drinks in their hand.

“I'll take the horses and tie them off.” Miller said dutifully.

“Samson, find us a table. Ayla, when I get back you better tell me what you do for fun in the capital!” He shot Ayla a wink.

She laughed it off awkwardly. 'I will have to make something up.' She dismounted and handed him her reins, as did Samson. Miller skillfully led the three horses around the side of the tavern towards a tying-off point with hay and water. Ayla stared up and read the sign. It was half-lit but she could see easily in the dark. 'The Wintergreen.' She guessed it was due to the trees that remain green all year round. She appreciated the straight-forward naming convention as she followed Samson and the soldiers followed her, leaving their halberds at the door. Everyone piled into a table. A soldier she hadn't properly met yet introduced himself with a handshake.

“I'm Hadley, Dame. The rolls you gave us were great.” The man looked positively giddy to be introducing himself. He had blueish-black hair and dark-brown eyes. His build was a bit more developed than the others. When Ayla took his hand she was able to note something.

`This one trains. Is it in his spare time?` She did not ask. Typically, soldiers did minor physical training. Most of the importance was centred around drills and formations because a common man was not going to stand up to a Knight or a real Monster no matter how strong they got. Multiple soldiers, however, could do work within a formation.

“Don't mention it.” She said humbly.

“Nice to meet you Hadley.” As a result of her politeness the other four leaned more readily in and began thrusting their names upon her. She wanted to make a point to memorise each of them so that she could continue to fit in later. It was a common technique she used to get close to people without there actually being any closeness.

“Mark here!” A young soldier with dirty-blonde hair and pale blue eyes raised his hand, giving a somewhat curt introduction.

“Grayson.” A black haired man introduced shyly and far more subtle than the previous men. He lowered his helm down over his eyes.

“My name’s Mayson, Dame!” A dirty blonde announced proudly.

“Born in May?” Ayla asked.

“You got it.” Mayson grinned.

“I'm Tallow.” Said the tallest and thinnest of the soldiers. A man of large stature, but thin frame that was already balding. His uniform was just a bit too small on him.

Ayla made a very standard introduction to all of them once they ran through theirs. “It's nice to meet all of you; Hadley, Sam, Mayson, Grayson and Tallow. Please help me out, since I'm new and I'm bound to make mistakes.”

“Of course.” Samson remarked.

“Who wouldn't want to help you out?” She caught him eyeing her and suddenly felt a bit unsure of where he was looking and why. He realised right away and averted his gaze up.

“Ah. Don't get the wrong idea. I'm married. My wife would kill me. She's scarier than a werewolf.” The whole group laughed.

“I think Miller likes you, though.” He volunteered rather forwardly.

She lifted both brows. “How do you figure?”

“Very few things I've seen that'll prod that guy out of bed before the sun comes up on a day where he's allowed to sleep in.” He smiled at her, holding up eight fingers high enough to be seen over the crowd.

Ayla looked up. “What're you doing?”

“They sell one thing here. If you hold up your fingers they'll bring that many to your table. You drink it, finish your mug and keep it right side up and they'll keep bringing them until you die or pass out.”

“Whichever comes first.” Mayson laughed. As she was looking down a pale hand passed a drink in front of each person at the table. It was a tall wooden mug filled three-quarters full, with the rest of the space being up by foam.

Ayla gripped the handle and tasted it. As soon as it passed through her mouth to her throat she coughed and sputtered. The assembled soldiers and Samson cackled. He patted her on the back lightly. It was both unpleasant and pleasant at the same time.

'I’d like to try the bubbly one again, minus the poison... That was good.' She stared down into the tankard in her hand.

`This is good too. It doesn't taste good, but something about being here with these people and drinking this with them feels nice.` She prepared herself for the second sip and downed a mouthful easily. She began to feel comfortable so she ignored the loud noise of the tavern and the conversation around her to gather her thoughts. She was waiting until the end of the day to really start thinking about things going forward..

`The Werewolf plague started, as far as I know, from one unique monster. It was the Albino. Based on reports from my past life it tore through patrols and preferred to infect rather than kill... After that all of the Monsters that appeared began to behave more intelligently and became stronger in general. It was like a switch being flipped. To find that guy early on in this life I just have to look for the hints. Finding a werewolf isn’t actually all that hard. Hair colour and eye colour transfer over even after they transform, as does gender. It is a rare combination so I just need to find a male albino in Castezin.` As she was thinking and idly sipping, Miller squeezed in between her and Hadley rather insistently.

“What'd I miss?” He asked, picking up the mug that was already laid out for him. He gulped some back greedily, leaving the foam on his lip.

Mayson blurted out. “Dame Ayla! What kind of man are you looking for?” The other men around the table grinned like hyenas, their eyes lighting up.

Miller spat out whatever was in his mouth that he had just attempted to drink. Ayla looked up and without thinking said.

“White hair, red eyes.”

Miller coughed to clear his throat. “That fast!?”

“I guess Dame Ayla knows what she wants. Good to know for sure none of us are in the running.” Mark scratched his chin.

Ayla blushed at the misunderstanding. `It was on my mind so I said it... I didn't expect that question.` She tried to clear the air though it came off as insincere.

“Kidding. I was kidding.”

“But your ideal man is right over there.” Samson pointed out.

Ayla perked up and noticed a tall, Albino man that must have been in his early twenties. He wore a white tunic with a brown apron over it. He was tirelessly ferrying drinks from the kitchen to the tables. She immediately remembered the pale hand that passed out the drinks.

`What are the odds?` She stood up without considering the implications of approaching the man and waded through the crowded tables to reach him.

From the table of soldiers half gasped and half whistled and cheered. “She's actually going for it right away!” Mayson whooped, clapping loudly and encouragingly.

Tallow covered his face with a thin hand. “Dame Ayla is incredibly bold.”

Samson grinned apologetically and patted Miller on the back, fitting his arm around the man's shoulder.

“Sorry bud.” Miller swayed a bit with a dazed look, then downed his whole mug before swiftly raising a finger into the air.

As Ayla reached the albino he looked past her at Miller's raised finger. “One!” He shouted back to the bartender. He turned back and jumped after seeing Ayla right in front of him.

“I'll bring it to you, Dame.” He offered while inclining his head politely.

“Not that. Can we talk in private?” She asked insistently.

His pale cheeks showed some colour and a wry smile crossed his lips. His red eyes seemed to ignite before her. Despite the reaction he raised a hand shyly and asked in a begging tone.

“Not now. We'll slow down in about an hour so come talk to me then, okay? The boss’ll kill me if I step out now.”

“Okay.” She turned around and returned to her seat.

The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

The soldiers, Miller and Samson stared at her closely. “Did- did you get rejected?” Miller asked, on the edge of his seat.

Ayla looked at them, furrowing her brow. “You all are misunderstanding. I just went to talk to him.”

Miller took a deep, relieved breath, patted Ayla on the back and wrapped an arm around her shoulder. “There there.”

“I didn't get rejected...” She muttered, finishing her first mug. Another was slid in front of her quickly, before she could put the one in her hands down. She looked back and caught the Albino winking at her before rushing off.

“Does anyone know his name?” She asked after he ferried off to another table.

“That's Hans.” Miller said. Gracefully he admitted:

“He's a very nice guy.”

“I'm telling you, you're all misunderstanding.” She insisted. None of them seemed to believe her.

After an hour business slowed down. As Ayla walked up to him again Hans removed his apron and walked into the back. She followed. It was even quieter in the back room with the cutting bench and several big barrels. Before she could say anything Hans leaned back on the cutting bench and released the top button of his tunic. He asked bashfully.

“Be gentle, Dame... It's my first time.”

She gave him a frank stare. “This is not why I followed you.”

“I know.” He shrugged, cocking his head to one side.

“I was just curious what you'd do.”

She could not tell if he was serious or not. Ayla eyed him appraisingly. He was in good shape, but he was not big. He was a half-foot taller than her. In short he had a tight body. Then of course there was his snow-coloured hair and red eyes. His face had a smooth, androgynous architecture to it around the eyes and cheeks, but his jaw and chin squared off a little, making it more clear once the full picture came into view.

“Are you okay?” It was the only thing she could think to ask.

Hans looked surprised. “Yeah! I got a Dame doting on me. How could I not be?” He offered in good humour.

“Have you ever had an encounter with a wolf or a werewolf?”

“Glad I haven't. Never want to.” He said comfortably while scratching over one eye. He pulled at his collar.

“Do you wanna do a search for bite or scratch marks? Maybe make a few of your own?” Hans teased.

“Please stop.” Ayla rested her face in her hand. She finally showed a blush, which seemed to satisfy the man. He shrugged his shoulders and suddenly became quite serious, his thin lips tightening.

“Why do you ask?”

“J-just a random checkup.”

“I don't think that's what it is, but I'm not being accused of being a vampire so it's actually a welcome and unusual change.”

She looked up sympathetically. In the Holy Knights they would scrutinise any Albino they happened to see out of superstition. Many reports would also come in for those individuals from neighbours. She understood all too well what he must have been going through because of people like her. Still, the errant thought still crossed her mind.

`If it’s him, and I kill him, many could be saved.` She fought back that conclusion, though it was a hard one to argue against. The only reason she could find was that she had resolved not to for the sake of her vow.

“I'm really sorry to bother you.” She turned, unsure what else to say. She resolved to just keep an eye on him.

Hans grabbed her arm. “Hold on!” Ayla stopped and turned back.

“It didn't sound like you were accusing me. I know what that sounds like. But... You sounded concerned, which is strange. That means you know something I don't, right?”

It was an astute observation. “That's right.”

Hans crossed his arms over his chest. “Spill it.” He offered before realising and correcting his tone.

“Please.”

Ayla tried to gather her thoughts. She asked carefully. “Do you ever leave the town proper? Into the woods?”

“Never.” He said truthfully.

“You shouldn't.”

“I'm telling you I wouldn't! I have no reason to and I wouldn't agree to if someone asked.” He raised his hands.

“I'm a coward. I don't like fighting and I run at the sight of blood.” He seemed far too happy to admit that. She was convinced.

Ayla sighed. She tried to think about what to do. She was stumped. `Is it a different person?` She shook her head and finally just asked.

“Are there any other people like you? Male and-”

“No. One of a kind.”

“Right so-”

“Whatever it is it's me then, right?” Hans interjected. Ayla was surprised at how receptive he was. He also seemed to pick up the subtext behind what she was saying disturbingly well. He was clever, despite being a coward.

“Just tell me... You're making me nervous.” He let out a nervous chuckle.

Ayla felt bad all of a sudden. Hans genuinely did not look like he wanted any part of becoming a werewolf and he was being very genuine in his desire to not put himself in the way of one. He was the definition of the type she should be trying to protect. Soft and scared. Her questions were making him even more frightened. He put on a front with her at the start but he was social, and naturally timid. She dug into her pocket and pulled out her holy symbol, turning it over in her hands a few times as she considered what she was about to do. She gave herself a short nod.

“Take this.” She offered it to him in her outstretched hand.

“Woah! What? Is that real silver!?”

“It is.”

“Is it a test? I just hold it and-”

“It's for you. Not a test. You take that and keep it on you. Close to your heart. If anything happens, pray and think of God, the Hero, anything that might give you strength. You won't have to be scared if you have that.” She was not entirely truthful, but also not entirely dishonest. Holy Symbols were seen by her to work for some people, though she was never able to get them to work for herself.

He looked hesitant to take it. “This is way too much... Why?”

“You said it yourself. I know something you don't. Let's leave it at that. Do me a big favour and stay out of trouble, Hans.”

He exhaled sharply through his nose and let the large ring fall into his hand. He held it up and raised it to the light to read the inscription.

“'The Aura of the Moon is a reflection of Sol.' What does that mean?”

“It's just some silly verse. Don't worry about that. The point is, the silver and the holy power will protect you if you have faith.”

“I don't know how to thank you.” He smiled widely and genuinely. She noticed in that moment that Hans was actually quite beautiful.

“At least tell me your name, Dame.”

“It's Ayla. You can use it, if you want. I don’t care too much about titles. Not anymore.”

He connected the chain around his neck and stuffed the symbol itself beneath his tunic. He patted his heart. Hans stared at her affectionately.

“I won't even take it off to sleep.”

“Good.” Ayla felt relieved. It may not be enough, but she thought it could at least change something if Hans was attacked.

“I have to go. I’ll try to keep an eye on you as well whenever I can.”

“Don't know what I did to deserve this, but I'm glad. Keep as many eyes on me as you want, Ayla.” Hans grinned.

She nodded to him and left the back. Hans watched her go. Once she was out of sight he lifted the holy symbol and read the inscription again with a comfortable smile. He held it up to his face and kissed it.

“Truly... What did I do?” He threw his head back as he tried to steady his breathing and looked up at the ceiling.

Ayla emerged from the back room. Miller was whining loudly. “Ay- Ayla how could you?”

Samson was holding him up. “He's drunk. In case you couldn't tell.”

Ayla stopped and looked at him. “I can tell. Is it time to go?”

“Yeah, it's about time.” Samson sighed, hefting Miller further up onto his shoulder.

“Gotta get this guy to bed.” They began walking.

“I'll get the horses, since Miller is in no condition to.” Ayla offered.

“Thank you.” She left and came back with the three reigns in hand and the horses in tow. Samson waited until she was close before speaking.

“So-”

“It really isn't what you think.”

“Yeah?” He smiled at her, not seeming to care one way or another. She did care, however.

“Nothing is going on. Nothing went on.” Ayla Insisted.

“I swear on my honour.”

“On your honour? Once you lose it you can't get it back.” Samson stated offhandedly. That stung her deep in a way he would not fully understand. He noticed and added delicately.

“Didn't mean anything by it. I'm saying I'll believe you, Ayla.” He lifted Miller onto the back of his horse with a grunt.

“I'm taking this guy back. You take his horse. It's a good trade... Believe me.”

“I will.” Ayla smiled weakly. Samson gave her one last glance before slowly trotting up the road. Ayla looked down sadly.

`I’m someone who already lost my honour. Did I even have a right to swear on it?` She took a deep breath and stared up in thought.

`What is this second life? I don’t think it’s a punishment, but how can I know if it’s a chance to fix myself? It may already be too late.`