“So where should we visit first, Princess?” May's eagerness for the day's events was apparent for all to see, including her rather embarrassed sister, who rode next to the enthusiastic young August with her head all but hung in defeat.
Elora couldn't help but smile at the excitement in May's tone. Honestly, the Princess of Venos found the woman's way of seeing the world somewhat contagious, catching her up in swirl of anticipation as she stared at the fast approaching centre of the Yelesi Republic.
They'd left the villa about an hour ago, after enjoying yet another long soak in the bathhouse. She'd tried to be strong on the road. Of all their companions, with the possible exception of Deirdric, she was the one who was least used to the conditions of travel. Grinning and bearing the burdens of a prolonged journey had begun to wear on the Princess long before they'd arrived in Yelmora, with skinny dipping in a cold stream being the highlight of her nights on the few occasions that she had been able to do so.
She would have loved to complain about it to one of her companions, but no one else seemed to mind. Even Annabelle, who voiced her own negative thoughts on occasion, seemed to find some strange thrill from being on the road again, her icy facade breaking more and more as the days wore on. The Princess' husband couldn't have cared less about the rough nature of travel, though that hardly came as a surprise to his wife. Orin had grown more and more comfortable after they'd left Myrin. He was wild at heart and loved travelling. Even his punishing training regimen with Boldrin did little to break his spirits. That was perhaps the best thing about being forced to leave Myrin again, to see Orin smile so often and frequently. He had begun to get better after Bonding with Tessa, but Elora knew that recent events weighed heavily on him after they'd arrived home from Paldrum. Hearing from Boldrin about the fate of the Brigade was no doubt working to improve his mood as well. She remembered the relief on his face when he was told of his friends, the pain he felt when hearing the names of the fallen. The Princess was just glad that he could finally start dealing with the guilt he felt. It filled her to despair to see it consume him so.
Thoughts of her husband immediately drew Elora to last night's events and she endeavoured with everything in her to keep the red from flushing across her cheeks as the crystal clear memories threatened to swallow her. She sneakily glanced to her left, where Orin was riding next to her, his emerald eye fixed on the approaching city and an eager grin on his face. As always, his smile made her smile, eyes drifting to the well-made tunic supplied to him by young Lencel August.
She knew every inch of what lay beneath. She'd watched him sleep for some time this morning, her fingers gentle as she examined his scars, touching the marked flesh and feeling warmth flood through her entire body at every brush of skin. He was so beautiful when he slept, completely at peace, his face absent the worries of the day before. She recalled him waking up and immediately fixing her with a loving stare that made her heart pound inside her chest, his body radiating heat and cocooning her in a blanket of safety.
Her feelings for Orin only helped to highlight her past foolishness. She'd thought herself in love with Cellus once and yet when she looked back on that time she found herself rolling her eyes, condemning herself an idiot. Cellus had never made her feel like that, had never make her quake with a stare. The annoying thing was that Orin knew he could do it. All it required was a glance, a smile, a touch and the Princess belonged to him entirely. Last night had been no exception.
Neither had this morning.
“What are you grinning about, Princess?” Orin's whispered words made a shiver run down Elora's spine as she bit her lip, grabbing Orin's chin without looking and feeling the rough stubble press against her fingers. She pulled his lips down to meet her own. She had once been slightly embarrassed by these displays of affection in front of other people. It spat in the face of her training as a Princess, as a Lady of the Court, but she'd found more and more that she couldn't care less. In fact, she quite enjoyed letting all around her know that he was hers.
“You, my Knight,” Elora said, her hand finding the scar that ran through his closed right eye, a habit she had grown quite fond of. Orin told her once on the road that despite the healing he'd undergone, the scar still caused him pain. He also said that it stopped hurting when she touched it. Maybe he only said that to repel her own self hatred. He'd received the wound for her sake, after all, but just in case it wasn't, she decided to keep it up anyway. It comforted the Princess as much as it did her husband, “Only you.”
Orin flushed, his own smile growing all the wider as he kissed her once more, “Good to hear, Princess. Excited for the Festival?”
Elora frowned at the question, not bothering to hide her worry. She'd heard of the Festival of Chivalry many times in the past, usually through some of her maids who liked to rumour insensately about the warriors who had put on a good showing that year. She had found the gossip interesting at the time, the tall tales of gallantry giving her a way to view beyond the white walls of the Venosian palace and Myrin's inner city. Still, now that she was here she couldn't help but be uneasy. Orin would fight. It wasn't a matter for debate, she knew the man she loved had never backed down from a battle in his life and she didn't expect him to start now. It was who he was and his stubbornness was one of the reasons she loved him so.
But her mind went to dark places when thinking of him fighting. The last time he had faced a Knight to the death he'd almost ended up the loser. The mere thought of it made her sick, the idea of life without him in it one of the reasons she found it so difficult to sleep at night.
Not that any of the coming conflicts would be so severe in their intent. Most would be young men and women hoping to make a name for themselves, to battle the famous Scarred Knight of Myrin. Even Elora had been surprised when, the night before, May seemed so keen to see Orin's scars. After Tessa had very nearly killed the woman, she had elaborated on the tales told of Orin in the capital. Many painted the picture of an undefeatable warrior without peer. Elora may not have much experience with combat, but she knew there would be no shortage of young fighters wishing to boost their fame at the expense of her husband.
Not that they could. Orin himself didn't even realise just how good he was. He missed the little talks that Vera and Alden held, how they complimented him and watched him with awe. Trained Knights of many battles and yet even they were taken aback by his skill. Elora knew that, despite her doubts, her Knight was one of the deadliest men to ever take up the sword. The fact that she would be a part of it made it all the easier to accept. The Princess knew her worth as a Smith now. During their trip to Dunwellen and the battle that followed she had been unsure, second guessing herself at every turn, but now she was confident in her abilities to keep her Knight safe and give him all the power he needed.
It was Tessa who had taught her to believe in herself, though not directly. After Orin Bonded with his childhood protector, Elora had expected to be left behind. The Sister's words about Tessa being the perfect Smith for Orin had all but crippled Elora's confidence in her own abilities. This was further enforced when Tess made a Resonant Gift, one which was unique in that it contained not one, but two aspects! The fact that a bloody storm had made an appearance to further enforce the power of their Bond didn't help things.
But Tessa wasn't some super Smith designed since birth to be the best she could be. She was just like Elora: scared of messing up and harming Orin. The mercenary never said so, but after the first time the three of them Bonded, the Princess could see it in her Sister-Smith's eyes. Her unease and hesitation was making her doubt herself, much like Elora had once doubted herself.
For some reason, seeing the vulnerability in Tess at that moment had made Elora feel like she wasn't alone. She had gone through the exact same thing after first Bonding with Orin. Vera and Annabelle refused to teach her anything because they hadn't wanted the Bond to become permanent so the Princess had been forced to use what little knowledge she'd accumulated and make up the rest as she went along. It had been difficult in the beginning. The Princess was constantly terrified of making a mistake and harming her Knight. She wouldn't wish that fear on anyone and especially not Tessa, who had already been through so much. It was upon that realisation that Elora's anxieties fell away.
So the Princess began to speak with her, the two of them discussing all things Smithing as she started to help her Sister-Smith with the harder aspects of Bonding. Elora had half expected it not to work, or for Tess to brush her off, but that hadn't happened. Instead the two had grown closer, at least a little, since leaving Myrin. Now they were teaching each other, with Elora showing Tessa how Orin's inner soul functioned and Tessa instructing Elora on how to fight with a real sword.
The Princess smiled at that. She'd never expected to be able to use a sword, as a Smith it just wasn't to be expected, but she was finding the training rather invigorating. Of course, she wasn't even close to being proficient yet, but progress was being made, albeit slowly. Rionna was the perfect size for Orin, but hardly for the Smith who Forged her. It would be some time before Elora felt she was even slightly confident of winning a fight all by herself. Though she knew that things rarely happened the way we wished or wanted them to.
She was looking forward to the Festival itself. The chance to spend some time with Orin without a sword hanging over their heads was something the both of them needed desperately. But she couldn't help but worry about her Knight, as any good wife should. She still wasn't quite used to thinking of herself in such a fashion and the thought alone was enough to make her want to giggle like she was a little girl again.
“Elora?” The Princess turned to Orin, finding him looking at her with a concerned expression, “Are you alright?”
“Oh, I'm fine, love,” Elora said brightly, “I am looking forward to it. Though I could do without the fighting.”
“But the fighting is the best part, Princess!” May interrupted, falling back in formation, “Sara and I have over a dozen suitors vying for our favour.”
“May, enough,” Sara sighed and turned to Elora, “My sister exaggerates, your Highness.”
“Surely not,” Elora replied, surprised, “You both are very beautiful. I imagine there are any number of young men vying for your attention.”
“Oh, there are,” Sara said with a sigh, “An annoying amount but not so much as May claims. Three men have pledged to fight for me today and five more for May. Each of them is more aggravating than the last.”
“Come now, Sara,” chided the Lady Reanin August from atop her steed. Though not a Lady in title, to think of her as anything other than Nobility seemed foolish in the eyes of the Princess. Reanin was every inch a Noble, if not in name then in appearance alone. Her piercing blue eyes found her daughter's, touched with affection, “Jacob seems a fine choice. Your father is very friendly with his parents.”
“A political marriage then,” Sara dead-panned, staring at her mother without emotion, “Joy.”
“Hush with that nonsense, Sara,” Calliston August, Senator of Yelmora, said from atop his own steed, “We would never force you into something you didn't want to do.”
“Jacob is very nice,” May said with a pointed stare at her sister, “And he is a Knight. You could do worse, Sara.”
“I am aware,” Sara looked severely depressed, “Can we talk about something else, please?”
“My first match is at noon,” Lencel chose that moment to chime in helpfully, gifting his sister with a soft smile, “Will you come and watch?”
“Of course we'll be there!” May said with a bounce on her saddle, “Frederic is fighting for me in your bout!”
“Though why the idiot thought that the best way to prove himself was to beat your brother is beyond me.” Reanin said shortly.
“I'm the best available, mother,” Lencel said sheepishly, “With the exception of Orin, of course.”
Elora turned to her husband then, but he'd not even heard the words, too busy muttering to himself under his breath, his mind a million miles away.
Orin tended to zone out when he was pondering a problem, though Elora had no idea what 'First Sword' was, which he said more than once. She liked to watch him when he was like this. The silly expression on his face causing the Princess to laugh quietly to herself.
She had been present for Orin's spar with Lencel this morning. The two men had moved far faster than Elora was able to keep up with without the advantages of Etherin, but Tessa was helpfully on hand to provide her with a running commentary as to how her Knight was doing. The short of it was that the mercenary would slit her own throat if Orin lost to the young man. While the image was a grim one, Elora trusted Tessa, especially when it came to knowing how good Orin was in combat. She had only caught the tail end of their own spar, one which was far more brutal than Elora believed Lencel was used to, but the surprise alone on the young swordsman's face was enough for Elora to know that he wouldn't last long against her Orin. He was too good.
The Princess felt pride blossom in her chest as she stared at her Knight. She'd had to restrain herself from singing his praises the night before, if only for the sake of propriety. No one liked to listen to one harp on about how amazing their partner was, but Elora would if given half the chance. She was just glad that others recognised the greatness that Orin couldn't, or wouldn't, see in himself.
She was also glad that Lencel hadn't noticed the bruising on Tessa's face fading to nothing within an hour of a sparring match with her Knight. Honestly, the two should be more aware of who was around them and she had told them that in hushed whispers after the fact. At least they had the decency to look slightly ashamed of their actions.
The Princess turned her focus to the city around her. In many ways, the inhabitants of Yelmora had seemingly been energised overnight. Everyone around them had a smile on their faces as they went about their business. Elora had learned at dinner yesterday from their hosts that the Festival of Chivalry was considered something of a public holiday, with nearly every man, woman and child taking part, even if it was in some small way. Be it throwing up bunting or helping their neighbours with preparing a large stew, the air was charged with the promise of the day and all the wonders it would bring. The sheer amount of people was also worth commenting on. It was as if everyone in the city had decided to leave their homes at once. They had left the villa an hour ago, yet they still found themselves being slowed by the nearly completely filled roads and that was even when they included their escort from Calliston's Senatorial detail.
Calliston was much loved by his people, in a way that Elora's parents were not. When the King and Queen of Venos walked through the streets of their capital, fear was the prominent emotion, not joy. Of course, Gida and Julian would never hurt their own citizens, but the differences in class and station were undeniable, obvious to all. Her mother and father weren't treated normally by anyone, not like Calliston as he extended a hand in greeting to a farmer and then to a well dressed merchant.
He treated everyone as an equal. No one was beneath him. Elora wished she could take some of that thinking back for her own country, but she wondered if it was too late, if the idea of Nobility was too ingrained to ever be shifted.
“I don't think I've ever seen so many people in one place,” Deirdric said to the others as he rode near to Boldrin and Alden, “Perhaps in Ionostrum for the Imperial Tourney, but everyone looks so very happy. It certainly boosts ones mood.”
“I agree,” Alden said with a gentle smile, “It reminds me of Nian during the Harvest. Everyone just enjoying themselves.”
“This is considered the greatest day of the year by many,” Reanin August said fondly as she watched her husband shake yet another hand, “And Calliston's by far. He doesn't fight anymore, but he enjoys watching. It will be twice the thrill this year, with our own son competing.”
“I won't let you down, mother,” Lencel said severely and earning an endearing look from the Lady of House August for his troubles.
Lencel was a very serious young man. A handsome warrior who was clearly in love with Vera, much to the woman's amusement. Elora found herself wondering if it was something the First Knight might explore in the future. As far back as Elora remembered, Vera didn't have any romantic relationships of any meaning. Perhaps Lencel held the key to the Knight of the Frozen River's heart?
“He drifted off again?” Tessa asked her Sister-Smith as she pulled up beside her.
Elora smiled at the mercenary before aiming it at her Knight, “Yes. I don't like to disturb him when he's like this.”
“Told him a thousand times he needs to constantly be aware of his surroundings,” Tessa grumbled, her gaze severe enough to cripple a lesser man, whether he was aware or not, yet Orin didn't seem the slightest bit fazed. In fact, he was slowly drifting away from the duo, so lost in thought that his horse had taken control, “And he wonder's why that beast doesn't take him seriously. Its in charge most of the time.”
Elora laughed and nodded as she watched the war horse trot off with his ignorant master none the wiser. Orin was many things, but he didn't have the first clue about how to treat or train horses, “Should we tell him?”
“Maybe in a moment,” Tessa replied, something in her tone making Elora's eyebrows rise in question as she turned to face her Sister-Smith, “I have something I need to ask you.”
“Is it about your control?” Elora asked. As Tessa's teacher in Smithing, that was the topic they tackled the most. The Princess hadn't quite realised how much she enjoyed the process of instruction, not until she met Orin and Tessa. Teaching the mercenary was a particularly hard puzzle to solve. What Tess struggled with came naturally to Elora and she found she almost had to work backwards to find a solution. It was almost as exhausting as sword training, but rewarding when Tess took a step forward, no matter how small. Elora was pleased to be able to contribute something. Perhaps Tessa didn't see it, but she was incredibly intimidating, her combat prowess alone the match of Orin's, if not outright exceeding him. Not to mention her ability to disappear on a whim and move so fast she became a blur. Elora found herself wondering just how deadly she would be once Orin mastered the Gift of the Crown. A pissed off Tessa was frightening, this Elora knew from personal experience. Adding Lightning and a Knight's Weapon to the mix was downright terrifying, “I've come up with a few exercises that I think will help. I haven't had the chance to try them myself but maybe tonight we could sneak away with Orin for some practice?”
Tessa flushed and nodded eagerly, “T-Thank you. Much appreciated.”
Elora fought to keep the smile off of her face and nodded solemnly in response, “Don't worry about it. You've done so much in teaching me to fight, this is the least I could do.”
Things were still rather... stiff, between the Princess and the mercenary. After the Bonding, everything had happened so fast that neither of them had really become settled with their situation. That wasn't to say that Elora was regretting Orin's Bonding to her, it was only that that neither she nor Tess had any idea how any of it works, especially in regards to their own relationship outside of Orin. One Smith to one Knight, that had always been the rule to Elora until only a few weeks ago. Now she found herself Bonded to a man who was Bonded to another.
In the beginning it had been difficult. It wasn't just Tessa's prowess as a Smith which had intimidated Elora, it was the clear connection she had with Orin. She'd known him since he was a child, even if he didn't know it. How could she compete with that? The brief conversation they'd had on her feelings for Orin was just that: Brief and without resolution. Elora was loathe to bring it up again for fear of causing some kind of rift. Already she could see how much Orin valued Tess as a friend and Smith. It was hard not to feel a little jealous over that fact.
But she soon realised that it was futile to think that way. Tessa could seem indomitable at times, almost supernatural. Her abilities lend themselves well to that lie. In truth, Tess was human, one who was just as fallible as everyone else. Elora genuinely believed the mercenary when she said she didn't know how she felt about Orin. She couldn't imagine what it was like to have one person be the sole purpose for your existence for so long. It would no doubt cause your emotions to be all over the place.
Elora would be lying if she said that the old jealousy didn't rear its ugly head on occasion, but it was a shadow of what it once was. The more she got to know Tessa, the more she saw why Orin placed so much faith and trust in her. All of this meant she had work to do.
Tessa was Orin's best friend and Elora was his wife. Steps needed to be taken. Tessa was awkward, found it difficult to accept help and hated interacting with most people. Elora had to take this on herself. She needed to be the one to take the leap towards the two of them forging a bond of their own. They were sisters now, after all. Not of blood, true, but they were both connected to the same soul.
Elora believed she was making headway, but it was a slow process. Tessa had precisely two friends; Boldrin and Orin. Beyond that she had acquaintances and Elora couldn't allow herself to be relegated to that position, not when she and Tess were going to be joined to Orin for the rest of their lives.
The Princess had even noticed Tessa making more of an effort in their interactions. She'd said 'thank you'. It might seem like an inconsequential thing, but a small thrill ran through the Princess when she heard it. In the beginning all Tessa would do was some kind of non-committal grunt. The more they spoke, the more active Tess was becoming, which was an amazing step in the right direction.
'I'm making progress!' Elora thought pridefully within the safety of her own mind.
“I need help with something else,” Tessa whispered, her eyes darting over to Orin's back before her steely stare returned to the Princess, “I need to buy a handkerchief.”
Elora blinked, “What?”
Tessa flushed further, taking a deep breathe as she scratched awkwardly at her neck, “I need to buy a handkerchief. I need something to wave at Orin when he... fuck, this was stupid.”
Tessa went to move away only to be stopped by Elora's outstretched hand, “Wait, Tess. You're saying you want a favour? Something for Orin to take before his battle?”
“Aye,” Tess muttered, her eyes fixed to the horn of her saddle, “Stupid fucking idea. Orin made a joke yesterday about it and I thought it would be funny to actually do it. I don't know. The more I talk about it, the more I think I sound like an idiot.”
“You aren't an idiot, Tessa,” Elora said softly.
As Elora had said, Tessa hated asking for help. The fact that she felt comfortable enough to ask the Princess for something was a huge step forward in Elora's eyes. She didn't know what to say for a moment, so taken aback by the enormity of the event.
“You think it's a shit idea,” Tessa sighed, “I know it. I don't know what I was thinking.”
“What are you talking about? It's a great idea!” Elora blurted out before she could stop herself, more to keep the interaction going than anything else, “I'm sure he'd love it, Tess. But why would you want to do it? They'll ask before the bout and you'll have to step out to give the favour.”
“I don't know... I just...” Tessa sighed before meeting Elora's eyes with her own, “I won't be able to fight with you two this time. I thought that maybe even if I'm not there physically, I can at least be there in spirit. Or some sappy shit like that, I guess.”
Favours were very common among the Nobility, especially during tournament jousting. It was usually done at the beginning of the battle, before the combatants met, and was almost always from a Noblewoman hoping gain the attention of a strapping young fighter.
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Elora felt the jealousy rise once more before she immediately squashed it. If Tessa was trying to steal Orin away from her, asking for her help was a rather counter-intuitive way of doing that. No, the mercenary only wanted to do something nice for her Knight and coming to his wife was proof of her sincerity. In essence, a favour had nothing to do with romance, though many conflated the two. It was a show of support, of resolve, for both the one who gave the gift and the one who received it. Tess was trying to brush it off as a joke, but Elora knew her well enough by now to know better. She couldn't stand with Orin, not this time, and so wished to show her support for him in another way. If the Princess couldn't help Tessa in that, then she wasn't much of a Sister-Smith at all.
“Alright,” Elora smiled at the young woman, “So how can I help?”
Tessa froze, her eyebrows rising in confusion, “You'll help me?”
“Of course I will, I'm your Sister-Smith,” Elora said, “So what do you need from me?”
Tessa looked relieved, the tension leaving her body as the smallest of smiles crawled across her lips, “I need to get away from Orin for a little while without raising suspicion.”
“Ah, I see,” Elora said musingly, her gaze finding her Knight once more. Orin had broken from his fugue was currently talking with Alden and Boldrin. Tessa's need for secrecy was more than a little adorable. The Princess doubted that Orin would question the buying of a handkerchief but it wasn't her place to say so. Besides, it could be fun, “Easy enough to achieve.”
“What? But how?” Tessa asked curiously, her gaze fixed on Orin as well, “He's hardly likely to let us out of his sight. He's an idiot, but he won't see us alone.”
“Watch and learn, Tess,” Elora whispered back before raising her voice and addressing another member of their party, “Oh! May! I was wondering about what you mentioned in the baths last night, about the shops that open only for the day of the Festival?”
The young woman spun her horse around so fast that the poor creature almost got whiplash, the grin on the daughter of August's face so wide that it looked almost ghoulish, “Of course, Princess! Some homes in the market quarter actually rent out their space to merchants hoping to make a killing with the crowds. You can find rarities just by walking the streets! It's all incredibly exciting.”
“I think I'd like to see something like that,” Elora beamed enthusiastically, “I've never been shopping before, though the Ladies at Court would often comment on the thrill of it. Would you show me how?”
May trembled, her face turning pale in excitement as she did some kind of half bow curtsey from her saddle, “It would be my honour, Princess. I can't believe you've never had the chance to shop before. I promise you'll love it.”
“A most excellent idea, Princess,” Annabelle said, right on cue, from her place behind Elora, “I should like to peruse the wares of these merchants as well.”
“Would be fun, I guess,” Vera grumbled, though her eyes remained fixed on the approaching Senate building, “But I'd like to catch as much fighting as I can. Maybe I'll be challenged?”
“Who the fuck would be mad enough to challenge you?” Orin said with a snort, “I'll fork over five gold if an idiot does.”
“I'll take that bet, and didn't you almost fight me back in Myrin, Lord?” Vera quipped innocently.
“Aye, but I didn't. Big difference. I know my limits.”
The rest of the formation spoke amongst themselves as they discussed their options. The biggest point of contention seemed to be that Lencel's first bout would be beginning soon and while a few amongst them were happy to miss it, others such as Sara, Reanin and Calliston were not.
“The first fight isn't until noon,” May said, exasperated, “We can all go and look around with some time to spare. Come on, it'll be fun!”
“I believe our definitions of fun may differ, lass,” Boldrin muttered under his breath.
“Come now, Boldrin,” Annabelle said with the barest hint of a smile, “Perhaps you could find yourself a new tunic, one that doesn't smell like rancid meat left in the sun.”
The large man laughed so hard that the many people around them flinched away in panic, “You've got some bite to you, First Smith.”
“Then that settles it,” Elora said lightly, smiling at those around her, “We'll head for the markets and see what we can find.”
The situation actually presented something of an opportunity for the Princess. She was truthful in that she had never been shopping before. The closest she'd come was when Holonzo the tailor would come with samples to the palace for her approval. Perhaps she could take a leaf out of Tessa's book and get something for Orin? Of course, she would need coin for that and the Princess hadn't carried her own money since... well, she never had.
Perhaps she could ask Vera for a loan?
The group gave their nods of assent and they continued on their way. Thankfully, the sea of people opened up as they arrived in the densely packed entrance to the city proper, allowing the formation easier access into the winding streets of the Burrows.
“What was that!” Tessa hissed, her eyes furtively jumping around her, “We'll never get away from him if he follows us into the damn shop!”
Tess was panicking, the grip on the reigns of her horse growing tighter as she glared.
“He'd never leave us, Tess,” Elora said gently, her voice soothing, “What we need is a distraction and I have just the person for the job.”
Tessa followed Elora's eyes to Boldrin, the bold mercenary commander speaking with Lencel and his young Smith, Rig, who looked very much like he wanted to be anywhere else, “Ah... But what kind of distraction?”
“Don't worry,” Elora replied calmly, “I have a plan.”
They continued on in relative silence, pulling stares from the people around them wherever they went. It was hard to go unnoticed when you had an entire company of Legionaries surrounding you. Senator August had tried to convince the captain of his guard to forgo his escort, but that had gone about as well as could be expected. The Legionaries of the Senatorial detail were no less diligent than Elora's own guard back in Myrin, especially during an event as important as the Festival of Chivalry. After all, the Senator had already managed to end one threat thanks to the mysterious blind woman who could see the future. He knew better than most that such a day could invite any number of dangers upon himself and his family.
Elora's eyebrows furrowed as she thought on the note Orin received. It troubled her, scared her even. The words, though vague, seemed to be written with purpose, each letter chosen to convey the heavy meaning of the message. The problem was that it was so nonsensical it meant nothing to any of them.
Well, with the exception of two.
The Princess had noticed the First Knight and Smith of Venos whispering to each other out of the corner of her eye, voices hushed and words heated, at least in the case of Annabelle. Vera seemed to have been trying to reassure her sister, but for what reason Elora could only begin to guess at. There was something more to it, something that Elora was missing. She would ask them outright if she thought they'd give her an answer, but that seemed highly unlikely. It was something to keep an eye on, at least for the moment, until the Princess' worries could be put to rest. They only started doing it after Orin read the letter.
The Burrows of Yelmora was quite the sight as the group finally moved into the streets of red earth. The houses were tightly packed here and the people even more so, though they moved when presented with the challenge of the Legionaries. The homes around them were made of the same yellow stone as all the others, though some looked to be in need of dire repairs. It was even more claustrophobic than the Commons of Myrin, but the people who inhabited it couldn't be more different.
Smiles were on display as women leaned out of their windows to shout down at the men below, laughter blossoming in the exchanges. A cart rumbled by, laden with goods and children who scrambled over the heaped goods like it was a mountain to conquer. May was right about the merchants, many of whom had decided to set up shop at the side of the road with stalls filled with spices, flowers and trinkets, flashing their prizes to potential customers with a practiced smile.
It couldn't have been more different from Myrin. Elora hadn't spent as much time as she'd wanted to among the peoples of the Commons, but she knew that most walked hunched and afraid. The gangs of the city had terrorised the people for so long that they now wandered to and fro destinations in small groups to avoid being robbed or killed. A dour sense of depression hung over the inhabitants of the Venosian capital, one which was not helped by the hidden sun and constantly falling rain.
But there was light, Elora reminded herself. Hope did exist. She'd seen such kindness amongst those very people and every time she did, it renewed her faith in humanity as a whole. The Sister walked with her shoulders back and head held high, as did Orin and many others that Elora had met within the Commons. The darkness in Myrin didn't break them, it only made them stronger.
Elora smiled wryly. She wondered if being in Yelmora was making her sick for the city she had called home for so long? Once upon a time she couldn't wait to be free of it all, to escape to distant lands and explore far flung places. Now she found herself nostalgic for the royal gardens, for the white, cobbled streets of the inner city and even the orphanage which had almost become a second home.
With memories of home came the fate of her parents at the hand of Samuel. Elora quickly clamped a tight hand down on those particular thoughts. She'd allowed herself to wallow in misery enough. The Princess could do nothing to help them and so had to trust that they knew what they were doing. Her mother was the mightiest Knight she had ever seen and that included Zelato, who'd fled at the sight of her. All she could do was hope.
She looked to her husband and wondered if he felt the same way?
The tight streets of Yelmora opened up soon after and Elora had to cover her eyes to prevent herself from being blinded. The sun blazed into a square of stone and dirt, filled with the voices of hundreds of people as they moved from stall to stall, stepped into shops with hastily constructed signs and lounged about a large fountain that lay at the very heart of the marketplace, one which was shaped like a man with a sword pointed skyward, clear water bursting from the very tip.
“Welcome to the central market of Yelmora!” May said with aplomb as she swept a hand across array of sights laid out before them, “This is only the centre of the market quarter. The whole district will have been taken up by now!”
“We can't stay for long, May,” Rig said with a sour expression, “We need to get to the sparring rings soon.”
“I know, I know, but the Princess wanted to see it,” May looked expectantly at Elora.
“I don't know where to start,” Honestly, Elora found the sight a little intimidating. She hadn't been around this many people since Dunwellen and that had hardly ended well for all involved. She looked to Tessa and saw her own nervousness reflected in her Sister-Smith, though the mercenary presented it differently. Her eyes narrowed and glaring at all who approached her as nimble fingers touched the daggers at her waist.
“This is where Reanin and I must leave you, I'm afraid,” Calliston said with a sad smile, “I have three meetings before the challenges begin and so must be away to the Senate building. I will be
sure to meet you at Lencel's bout. Ten of my guard will remain to see you safely to the arenas.”
“Thank you, Calliston,” Annabelle said with a demure nod, “Have no fear, we will keep your family safe from harm.”
The relief on the Senator's face was evident as he nodded, “Of that I have no doubt, Lady Annabelle. Lencel, I won't have the chance to speak with you before your bout. Good luck, son.”
“Thank you, father,” Lencel said sheepishly. For some reason the interaction pulled at Elora's heartstrings, reminding her of her own father back home in Myrin, “I will do my best.”
“Then that is enough,” Calliston smiled and hugged his son from the awkward position of horseback, “I'll see you all soon. Enjoy Yelmora! She has much to offer!”
After another round of goodbyes for Lady Reanin, the two heads of House August were on their way, forty Legionaries following them into the twisting streets of the Burrows and out of view.
Elora saw her chance and clamped a hand on Tessa's arm, “Keep Orin occupied!”
“What? How the fuck am I supposed to do that?”
“I don't know, think of something, Tess,” Elora said urgently, “I need to speak with Boldrin.”
Tessa rolled her eyes, “Fine. But this plan is growing more elaborate by the minute. I only wanted to buy a fucking handkerchief.”
The mercenary seemed to be insistent on trying to ruin Elora's fun, but she wouldn't allow it. She was enjoying the game of tricking Orin, especially so seeing as it was for his sake, “Come on, Tessa. It's a surprise, so try to sell it!”
“I said fine,” Tessa mumbled as she spurred her horse forward, “Don't have to tell me twice.”
As soon as her Sister-Smith had managed to draw Orin away from Boldrin, Elora made her move, expertly manoeuvring her horse next to the commander's large charger. Elora's nose wrinkled at the smell of the large man. The Princess held the highest of respects for Boldrin as a warrior and leader after seeing him work in Dunwellen, but she would be the first to point out that the man had a problem with personal hygiene.
“Boldrin? May I speak with you a moment?”
The giant seemed surprised, turning to Elora with a curious look, “Aye, course you can, lass.”
Elora explained that Tessa was planning on buying Orin a gift and the two of them needed a few minutes alone to browse what was on offer. The man's smile grew larger the more she spoke, “Ah, so you need me to keep the kid occupied for a bit? Aye, I think I can handle that. Won't be for long though. The lad won't want to leave you two alone for too long.”
“I know, just a few minutes. It would be terribly helpful.” Elora said earnestly.
After Boldrin's agreement, Elora made her way over to her Knight and Sister-Smith, who were perhaps having the most bizarre interaction she had ever seen.
For one, they weren't saying anything, only staring at each other fiercely. For another they were both perfectly still, as though they were about to hurtle themselves at each other from atop their horses.
“Orin?” Elora looked from Tess to her husband in confusion, “What are you doing?”
As slow as the creep of death, Orin leaned down to Elora, his shining eye never leaving Tessa's for a moment, “I have no fucking idea. Tessa just got my attention and started staring. I don't know what's going on. I feel like I might be in trouble.”
“No, it's fine now,” Tessa cut in, dismounting her horse, “I got what I needed.”
Orin blinked, “What the fuck does that mean?”
Tessa shrugged in response but didn't elaborate, only causing her Knight to look even more confused.
“Hey, kid!” Boldrin shouted over to Orin, “You see they're making shit out of Legion steel over there? The best swords on the continent, I guarantee you that.”
“Aye?”Orin asked, though his curiosity was tempered by Tessa's rather poor attempt at distraction.
“Aye, best you'll ever see outside of a Knight's Weapon. Want to have a look?”
“Sure thing, boss,” Orin replied, shaking himself slightly as though to forget the interaction with Tess, though his eye seemed to keep returning her suspiciously, “You two coming along?”
“I think I'll just stick with May for a little while,” Elora whispered as she too dismounted her horse, painfully aware of the fact that she was wearing a dress, “She wanted to take me shopping, after all. We'll stay in the square, I promise.”
Orin immediately looked hesitant, torn between his two wants, “Why don't I join you? I don't need to see some swords anyhow.”
“I'll go with Elora, Orin,” Tessa said as she pulled a dagger free from her belt to check its sharpness, “So will Vera and Annabelle. We'll be fine.”
“We'll walk around the square and meet you at the fountain,” Elora placed a hand on Orin's arm after he dismounted, “Have no fear, love. Go and have some fun, we'll meet you soon.”
“Are you two trying to get rid of me?” Orin asked, his suspicion reaching new heights and his piercing eye jumping from one to the other.
“You're paranoid.” Tessa said flatly. So flat in fact that it very nearly made Elora burst out laughing.
“We'll be fine, love,” Elora wrapped her arms around Orin's shoulders and kissed him, hard and fast enough to rip the air from his lungs, “We'll never be more than a few feet away.”
“A-alright,” Orin said, his face red and eye slightly glazed. Elora loved that she could do that to him, “But stay nearby, and if I feel even the slightest quiver over the Bond, I'll come running.”
“You always do,” Elora replied sweetly, kissing him once more, “We'll see you soon.”
They quickly arranged themselves into two groups as the men left to see the swords and other martially focused shops on the left side of the square while the women took the right, leaving their horses with one of the Legionaries. Elora was all but bouncing as she walked away from her Knight. Was the plan needlessly complicated? Yes. Were there a hundred other ways to get some distance from Orin? Absolutely. But none would have been as fun. Spirit, they could have just asked him and the Princess was positive he would have agreed. Well, almost positive.
“I'm impressed, Princess,” Tessa said with a shake of her head, “I really didn't think that would work.”
“The kiss was the key,” Elora replied with a self-satisfied grin, “Orin always becomes more suggestible after I kiss him.”
“Men always are,” Vera cut in with a yawn, “I suppose there is a reason for you two wanting to get away from him?”
“Tessa wants to buy Orin a gift,” Elora said lightly to the First Knight, “We just needed a few minutes without him nearby.”
“An excellent thought,” Annabelle said demurely, “And one I'm sure he'll appreciate. Anything come to mind?”
Tessa reddened, the attention of the First Knight and Smith were bad enough, but the Ladies of August were also staring at the young mercenary curiously, “A handkerchief, to give to him before he fights.”
“A favour? But Count Orin hasn't been challenged yet, has he?” Sara asked, “What if no one comes forward?”
Vera laughed at that, “Once you get to know Orin, Sara, you'll understand just how silly that question is. He'll fight and he'll win, of that I have no doubt.”
“I don't know. The competition this year is rather fierce,” May said as she inspected the stalls the women passed, the four guards assigned to them keeping their distance as she smiled at the merchant behind the counter and touched some of the finer pieces on display, “All of my suitors are exceptional warriors.”
“Maybe he will meet his match then,” Annabelle said politely, though the words caused Tessa to snort and roll her eyes. Elora was inclined to agree with her Sister-Smith. If Lencel was the best this city had to offer amongst the younger warriors, then her husband would not suffer defeat. Especially so when Bonded and wielding a Resonant Gift.
“There, Elora,” Tessa nudged her Sister-Smith and pointed at a small shop just off of the square, behind a few of the stalls, “It says 'Fine Fabric Favours' under the name. Is that what we're looking for?”
Elora turned to where Tess was pointing and looked to the sign that had caught her eye. It was a hastily constructed thing, much like the many others around it, though this one looked to be even more ragged, “Eldric's Fine Wares. Well, that should do the trick.”
There truly was a declaration that the store sold handkerchiefs under the title of the shop, but it was strange. 'Fine Fabric' was written in an elaborate cursive, standing out against the black background in booming white. The word' favours' seemed to have been added recently with bright red paint in a scrawling script that was clumsy at best. It was still wet.
“It looks promising,” The Princess said to her Sister-Smith with a smile as she indicated for the other ladies to follow her in, “Let's have a look. We'll see if there's anything you think Orin might like.”
“I didn't really think that far ahead,” Tessa muttered hesitantly, looking angry with herself for the oversight, “I just didn't want to have one that was used.”
“Don't worry, we'll find something,” Elora said insistently, taking the mercenary's arm and dragging her along, silently thankful that Tessa allowed that to happen.
The Princess was under no illusions as to what would happen if she didn't.
They passed through the door into a quaint little shop. It appeared like they were still setting up. Goods were still piled high near the door and a pile of clothes lay further in. The hastily erected shelves were cluttered with all sorts of things, from teapots to hairbrushes. There didn't seem to be a single lick of order to any of the mess around them.
“Perhaps we should look somewhere else?” Sara asked weakly as she glanced around her, taking in the madness that was Eldric's Fine Wares, “I don't see anything resembling a handkerchief.”
“I don't see anything that looks functional,” Vera said distastefully, picking at one of the dresses that was strewn on the floor, “It's like someone had a fight in here.”
“The sign said they were here, so they're here.” Tessa replied, her tone set and filled with stubbornness, “I'm not leaving without one.”
“H-Hello?” Elora called out into the partially lit room, her eyes searching for any sign of life, “Is anyone there?”
“I think it best we left, Princess,” May replied, looking a little disappointed, “They can't all be filled with treasures.”
“Hello-ah!” The sound of something hitting the ground sounded out to their lefts. Elora turned to see a small counter with a door behind it, already opened, “I-I'll be out in a minute!”
“Are you alright!?” Vera shouted back to the voice.
“I-I'm fine, sorry! I'm almost there. Just one more...”A heaving gasp came next as something slid across the floor before a sigh of relief came from the source of whom was speaking, “There! I did it!”
The women watched expectantly as the merchant made an appearance. When she did, Elora was glad to note that she wasn't the only one who was surprised.
A young woman, shorter even than the Princess but of a similar age, walked in from the back room while wiping her hands on an already soiled rag. Her skin was the colour of moonlight, so pale that Elora questioned how she had even managed to enter the city in the first place without being burned to a crisp. Her eyes were blue, but so light that they nearly bordered on white. She was dressed in a casual tunic and breeches, a bandoleer hanging across her chest as she dabbed at the sweat on her beautiful face. But that wasn't what drew the eye the most. It was the hair.
A fine river of black ran down her back, done up in perhaps the most incredible feat of braiding ever undertaken. It must have taken hours to fully achieve and would no doubt have required at least three people to tackle it. Elora was positive that if the braiding pattern was undone and the various clips removed, the young merchant's hair would be nearly twice the length of her own body. As it was now, it very nearly touched her ankles.
She smiled at the assembled group, her blue-white eyes filled with joy as she surveyed each of them in turn, “Welcome to Eldric's Fine Goods. How can I help you?”
“Don't you mean 'Fine Wares'?” Annabelle asked, her icy gaze taking the young woman's measure.
The girl's eyes widened as she bashed a delicate palm against her forehead, “Of course, I'm sorry. My father owns this store, you see, and he's always coming up with new names as we travel. Says it helps drum up business, though I can't imagine it helps much.”
“I see,” Vera said, “And where is your father now?”
“Out at some tavern, I imagine,” The girl grinned, something dancing in her eyes for a moment that seemed almost... wrong, to the Princess. Almost unnatural. Then it was gone. A moment later, Elora wondered if she'd just been seeing things, “Left me with all the work as usual.”
“You sounded like you were fighting something back there. Is everything alright?” Annabelle continued as she approached the counter that the young woman was now leaning against.
“Oh, nothing serious, though thank you for asking! Just moving some stock, you see. I had an unwanted guest earlier,” The girl's eyebrows pulled down adorably as she pouted, “A rat. An annoying, gnawing, filthy little rat.”
“I hate rats,” May said with a high pitched squeak, her eyes finding the floor beneath her as she picked up the hem of her skirt, “We had an infestation in the villa three years ago. It took weeks to get them all.”
“Have no fear, miss,” The young merchant grinned as she bounced from foot to foot, “I took care of the little blighter. It knew I was on the hunt, so it fled. I wouldn't be surprised if it was half way to the Empire by now.”
“Handkerchiefs.” Tessa said, looking more than a little impatient as she took a threatening step forward, “Your sign said you carried favours. I need one.”
Elora almost apologised to the poor woman, but her expression showed that she wasn't intimidated by Tessa's behaviour in the slightest, “We do and only the finest.”
The merchant girl reached beneath the counter, her expression becoming strained as she lifted a fine wooden box, placing it on the top and wiping some of the dust free with her already soiled rag.
“As you can see, I haven't exactly got everything in order yet, but soon I will,” The girl's delicate digits pressed against the top of the wood, her eyes flickering to Elora's face and then to Tessa, “Please, take your pick. Who is the lucky warrior?”
“Not your business,” Tessa fixed the girl with another crippling stare and the merchant remained completely untouched by it. In fact, her smile became gentle.
“You're right, of course. But colour matters, you see,” The merchant opened the box to reveal row after row of handkerchief, each with a different pattern and palate, “Colour says a lot about a person. The lack of it says something more. I wouldn't go with solid black or white. They're strong, bold, but they aren't you. Plus, they are far too impersonal.”
Elora watched as Tessa's expression became conflicted, her hesitation rearing its head as she stared at the choices arrayed before her, “There some kind of fucking protocol to this or something?”
“A favour says a lot,” The merchant tapped a finger against her porcelain chin, eyes gleaming with excitement as she watched the mercenary, “It lets the person who receives it know what they mean to you. A terrifying concept for many, I would wager.”
“You sound like an expert in such matters,” Annabelle said doubtfully, moving forward to stand next to Tessa, “Have you given many?”
“No, none at all,” The merchant giggled girlishly, a hand coming up to cover her mouth as she stared at Tessa and Elora over splayed fingers, “There is only one man I'd ever be interested in giving it to, but that is unfortunately impossible for me to do.”
“Oh? Does he stay far away?” May broke in eagerly, her earlier fear of rats all but forgotten.
“He's closer than you might think,” The merchant smiled cryptically, perfect lips pulling back to reveal perfect teeth. Elora couldn't help but find the pure symmetry of the woman annoying. The fact that she was a merchant made it all the more aggravating, though the Princess could begrudgingly admit her looks would make selling her wares that much easier, “And he's quite the fighter.”
“This one will do.” Tessa said after a moment of thought, ripping a deep red handkerchief free of the box, touched at the edges by an intricate design of bone.
The merchant's lips turned downwards, “I would urge you not to rush. Colour holds meaning and I don't think those suit you. Saying that, I can't tell you what does. It has to come from you.”
The mercenary raised an eyebrow at the merchant incredulously, her disbelief plain for all to see, “I don't really think I need to put to much thought into it.”
The young woman shrugged, her long hair rippling from the movement, “If that is your wish, then I won't stop you. But the man you're giving the favour to deserves something personal and so do you.”
Tessa hesitated, her eyes narrowing at the merchant, who met her stare easily and with kind eyes. Elora's Sister-Smith examined the box again, glancing from one to the other as though searching for something specific before fixing on one square in particular. Tess reached into the box and pulled free a new favour, one which was gold in colour, streaked with sharp lines of white that shimmered across the silk in seemingly random patterns.
“This one.” Tessa whispered as she rubbed at the handkerchief, her voice filled with conviction.
The merchant smiled, her earlier disappointment banished as she nodded eagerly, “A good choice! It suits you. There is a wild beauty to it.”
“I don't know about that,” Tess mumbled before presenting the handkerchief to Elora, “What do you think?”
The fact that Tessa was asking for Elora's opinion on something so meaningful was enough for the Princess, who grinned approvingly at her Sister-Smith, “Orin will love it, Tessa.”
“Do you think so?” Tess replied shyly, a smile appearing as she ran the kerchief through her fingers. She looked strangely vulnerable in that moment, more so than Elora had ever really seen before, “It'd be a shit gift if he hated it. This is the first time I've gotten him something that can't be used to kill someone else.”
The Princess thought that said quite a lot about her husband and his second Smith.
“I'm glad I could help,” The merchant said quietly, her pale eyes flickering from Elora to Tess, “That will be three silvers.”
The mercenary fished three coins from within the pouch at her hip and placed them on the counter. The merchant made no move to grab them, instead carefully closing the box and returning it to it's home under the counter, “Is there anything else I can help you with?”
“I think we should go and look around the other shops!” May said, her enthusiasm clear as she edged her way closer to the door, “I want to explore!”
“I think we are done, thank you for your insight,” Annabelle nodded thankfully as she turned to Tessa and Elora, “We'd best go with May. We don't have much time until we have to meet with-”
A crash outside pulled the attention of all present with the exception of the merchant, who continued to stare at the Princess and the mercenary with a hint of a smile. Shouts of alarm were quick to follow as Tessa and Elora exchanged a knowing, concerned look.
“I think that might be for you.” The merchant hinted with an unconcerned shrug.
Elora looked sharply at the young woman.
“What was that?” Sara walked to the small window next to the counter, her expression worried, “The people are all running to the other side of the square.”
Elora felt fear worm its way into her stomach as she reached for the Bond within her. Nothing from Orin, but that didn't mean much. Her Knight was hardly one to scare easily, even if he was about to get into a fight.
“Three guesses as to who is the cause of the trouble?” Vera said sarcastically, rolling her eyes as she made for the door, “We'd best be off.”
“And I was hoping to buy a new dress.” Annabelle said with a tired sigh.
“I understand,” The merchant said with a smile, “Until we meet again. I think it will be sooner rather than later.”
That same sense of wrongness rose up like an angry leviathan inside of Elora again as she continued to fix the merchant with a stern stare. The young woman did nothing, meeting her eyes and smiling all the while. Why did Elora feel the shadow of fear crawl over her heart? What was this uncomfortable emotion rising up from the depths of her soul?
“We must go!” Tessa said as she grabbed the Princess' arm, “Orin!”
The Princess broke off from her staring contest and took in the concerned look of her Sister-Smith. She nodded and followed her out into the street.
“Goodbye, Elora!”
The Princess spun in place, her lips parted as she readied a response. But she was brought up short by a rather immediate issue. The girl was gone, her place behind the counter now completely empty. The three silvers had also vanished, leaving behind slight indentations in the dusty top. Elora was stunned.
How did that young woman know her name?
“Elora!” Tessa yanked the Princess after her and the store vanished from sight.
Before she even had time to properly formulate any kind of answer to her query they found themselves pressed in by bodies at all angles, all of them moving in the same direction and the Princess had more than slight inkling as to where.
“I wonder what's happening?” May asked, slightly afraid as some people pressed in beside her, only to be scared away by the Legionaries who had waited outside the shop for their return and now formed a protective circle around the group, “I've never seen anything like this before.”
“We can't leave him alone for a second,” Tessa hissed as she continued to pull Elora along, shaking her head, “I'm an idiot! All for a fucking handkerchief!”
“He's fine, Tess,” Elora shouted over the roar of the mob around them, “The Bond isn't twitching.”
“You know that means little,” Tessa said darkly, “We need to help him.”
The ladies cut through the crowd, their guard helping in aiding their swift arrival to their destination. The mass of people seemed to have gathered outside of a small smithy and as Elora finally burst out into the small clearing the rabble had made, she quickly understood why they were so interested.
Young Rig lay on his back, his nose bleeding profusely as Lencel tended to him. Boldrin, Alden and Deirdric all stood beside the young Knight, their eyes fixed on the back of her husband, who stood before perhaps the largest man Elora had ever seen.
And that included Boldrin the Bold.
The man was young, with sandy hair and brown eyes, his body thick with corded muscle as he stared down at Orin with a superior air, his lips pulled back into a cruel sneer. The man was clearly a warrior, not an inch of fat to be seen anywhere on his abnormal frame. Elora's husband didn't seem the least bit intimidated despite this fact, instead staring up at him with an intensity to his eye that Elora only saw before violence ensued.
“Berthold! Leave him alone! He's just being nice to me!” A young girl, hidden before behind the back of the giant, made an appearance, pulling at the hem of the man's tunic, “You're being an idiot!”
“I warned him,” The giant growled, his scowl still fixed on Orin, “He needs to learn his place.”
“Does he now?” Orin said with a smirk, his eye flickering over to meet hers, as though he could sense her through the crowd. His grin widened and she knew that he would've winked if he'd still been able to, “Can't say I know what the problem with him talking to your sister is, can't say I care much either. But he's a nice enough kid. If you touch him again, I'm going to beat you to death in front of your kin.”
The tension in the air reached new heights as Orin smiled. It was empty of mirth and joy, but filled with the promise of his prophetic words. Her Knight wasn't kidding.
Elora couldn't help but sigh at her handsome husband. She'd only been gone for five minutes, how had Orin managed to get into another fight in such a short amount of time? Her Knight truly did have the worst luck.
The beautiful merchant was already forgotten.