The state shenanigans are over at long last. One is still ongoing and not showing any further hiccups and stops. Situations are dire, yes. I can concur with that. Food and water are relished on us - the military, taking all of the resources of the kingdom. The guilt of it is taking the toll on me, of course, we didn't mean to be allocated the food and supplies all by ourselves. I do emphasize my empathy towards the farmers and the artisans and to those who are employed themselves in the arts of crafting for our sake. I mean, yes, we do these things to make Kehina safe from harm. I reckon protecting lives is more important than producing stuff. From time to time, it's not all about bloodshed. We do take rest if there's no threats lurking around to respond to it whilst the artists behind the line are working their asses off without repose, and worst, without ample sleep.
Daybreak, a voice trails to where I am heading. After a while, I meet this person holding a lantern in its hand. The figure is quite surprising and sure, it is alarming. "Good morning, Lord Aisla." she says, a maid who sports in a skimpy costume. First of all, why is she dressed like that? I know Kehina empowers women with what they feel and they express. But, this kind of apparel practice is overkill. Lastly, condemning and reprimanded to adhere to the endeavors and the doctrine of men tantamount to treason. For us, men, it's best to keep our opinion to ourselves. According to Kehinan law, men enforcing towards women will be reprimanded and apprehended, no questions asked.
"Hello, miss- -... ?"
"It's Jyana, milord."
"Oh right, 'Jyana'. Why are you wearing it like that? Are you not getting cold?" as I vary to the choosing of her clothing, as she giggles at my comment.
I don't know if she is flirting with me or whatnot. She is trying to bewitch me. If that's the case, then, I'm sorry I can't help her with that kind of request. I raise a single eyebrow of mine, wondering if I really slipped up with my wordings to her. I am not an arbiter because I, for one, don't have the right to judge people. If Jyana really is serious about this kind of advances upon me, pardon for my gesture due to the fact that I am happy with the union between the chieftess and I. Well, at my disposal, this kind of thing is quite queasy. This maid, in front of my presence, right at the time of dawn, is attempting to steal another ‘rib’ from me which I don’t have and my ‘rib’ now belongs to Lady Anda.
She chuckles still, continuing her laughter: "Oh, milord. I assume you can help me with that. If I ever get drafty, maybe, I could use your body to warm me up.” seductively implores, while having no shame dictating the statement unto me.
It sends chills down to my spine, to be honest. She is not holding down her horses! She really is genuine about her words for me! A confession! My body just freezes when the proximity of our body comes in contact. It’s so daunting whence there’s another damsel touching me. It’s not that I am no gynophobic, you know? It’s so disrespectful assuming me as one. I have my late-mother, my aunties, my female cousins, and lastly, the lady whom I honored and happily married - Lady Anda.
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“Jyana, get off of me.” I warn her, as I cast a stoic look to show ‘I mean business’, entailing me a giggle of her face.
“Jyana,...” this time I shove her away from me in a gentle manner.
Break off the ice, a figure has saved me all of these tribulations that I am facing. When the sun radiates a speck of a ray, Lord Geoff has appeared to the scene. The moment he sees me and Jyana, he comes to investigate what’s happening. I tell Lord Geoff the truth yet it seems it’s not working. He then warns: “Slander is a grave accusation, you know? I do mind not giving me the full details around what is transpiring, Lord Aisla. But it’s erroneous to point fingers, especially, to women.” and of course; this demi-human, quarter-orc seems to be buying not of my verdict which he sides quickly with this unknown woman. He then claims. It’s a shame that he didn’t believe my anecdote. Well, what can I do?
“Since you did believe not in my antecedent. Why will you not take care of this venture, Lord Geoff?” I suggest, giving him a sour note. He agrees by nodding his head. Transferring the duty of managing this dubious woman in Lord Geoff’s stead.
As I escape from the grasp of uncertainty and dread, I meet Clyden waiting at my personal working chambers at the doorsteps. He gives me a wave which I return back to his gesture - waving my hand of my own.
“What’s new, milord.”
“Not quite special, Clyden. Just an inadvertent meeting with a stranger. That’s all.” I reply, where there’s a slight intrigue upon my second-in-command’s face.
“Really?” intimately say, I fail to convince him.
“Okay… Are you familiar with the name, Jyana?” I respond, asking Clyden whether he knows her or whatnot.
“About her?” based upon his answer, he knows her.
“I see.” I sigh, a surmised rhetoric confirming about the relation to him.
We then retreat into my office to discuss something more vital than talking about the new moxie inside this stronghold.
“Jyana is quite a find, milord.”
“Didn’t I tell you earlier that we stop speaking about that woman? What’s good about her, anyways? She is ju- - …”
“She is a cartomancer. Good with cards - playing cards. Summoning out of piles of deck… creatures, monsters, whatever.” that description coming out of the mouth of Clyden takes my tongue, he stresses.
“By the way, she harnesses the power of the cards, not only, through divination but also manipulation.” he adds by fortifying his allegation derived from the songs of the minstrels he's heard of.
“Quite an interesting character, she is.”
“Yes, aside from those I have mentioned, she is adept in the field of her cardistry. That damsel is not a regular specimen like you see in Inglovia - confidence-wise.” he bolsters as if I set my foot in that ruffians’ land. Well, soon to be.
Not an ordinary gal, so he claims. Hmmm… this is so dubious. For now, the war against Inglovia and the imminent uprising from the north will be on hold. This ‘Jyana’ is a must to confirm.