*En route to Arestoth City*

Sarya couldn’t help but tear up while the ferry pulled away from the dock. Seeing Eliza crying, but forcing a smile and waving with all of her might gave her a well of emotions she couldn’t contain.

                “Bye, Sary! Bye!” the little voice tried its best to be louder than it was. “Promise you’ll come back!”

Sarya couldn’t help but feel a tug in her heart as she heard this. Eliza was absolutely precious to her, the likes of which she never thought possible. Staying on the deck of the ferry for as long as she could, the sight of Eliza disappeared along the ocean’s horizon. Turning to head to her quarters for the duration of the trip, Sarya wiped the tears from her cheeks.

Entering the cabin hall, there were doors lined up along the hallway with various people conversing. There were only a few that were not demi-human, but the people brave enough to venture forth into demi-human territory were mostly traveling merchants. Where it didn’t matter what you looked like or how you sounded, money is money, and if you were able to produce it for the goods they peddled, you were welcome.

Sarya couldn’t help but think highly of them for realizing that physical appearance meant nothing in the grand scheme of things. They were people just like any other. But things that are different were always met with less than favorable outcomes.

Bowing slightly to those that greeted her, she headed to her own cabin. Turning the handle and entering the room, she noticed someone was already in there. It took her a moment to realize that it was the lady in waiting that Cassus had assigned to her.

                “Ah, welcome back my lady.” She quickly stood and bowed to her.

                “Oh, thank you. Are the beds comfortable?” Sarya asked  in an attempt to make some light conversation.

                “I…I believe so, yes.”

Frowning a bit at the response she realized she wasn’t exactly good at making small talk. Especially if the person she was attempting it with was too nervous to reply.

                “How long until we reach the main land? And where are the others?” Sarya asked to push the conversation forward some more.

                “I believe it will take a day and a half, after which we will proceed towards Arestoth via the carriage His Majesty has provided.” She fidgeted slightly in the chair she was seated in. “The others are tending to the carriage and horses, and securing the provisions for the remainder of the trip below deck.”

                “I see. Thank you.” Sarya sat on one of the beds in the room and turned to face her lady in waiting. “Your name is Trisha, correct?”

                “Oh, yes ma’am!” she seemed to perk up that Sarya knew her name.

                “And the others are…” she paused for a moment to think.  “Belis, the captain of the guard, Ransell also a guard and Wendell the driver correct?”

                “As you say, milady. We are all here to aid you and protect you.” Trisha said with a smile. Showing just a little of her white fangs.

Even though Trisha was her lady in waiting, Sarya couldn’t help but notice that she was quite young to have been sent on a journey such as this. The other three were grown men, but Trisha couldn’t have been older than fifteen or sixteen years old.

                “Trisha…do you mind if I ask how old you are?”

                “Oh, not at all milady. I am thirteen years of age.”

Sarya’s head reeled back slightly and her eyes went wide. She was aware that the demi-humans didn’t age similarly to humans, or elves, but this was a bit too much.

                “I…I’m sorry. Thirteen?” Sarya asked concerned and confused.

                “Yes. I understand that it must be hard to accept, but I’ve been told that I’m…special. And due to my training as well, I don’t look my age.” She said fidgeting in her seat.

                “I see. Are you sure you should be joining me on this journey? It may be quite dangerous.”

                “Oh, I am aware, milady. But I assure you, I am quite the capable, um…lady in waiting.” Trisha said the last part with little confidence. Either because she didn’t quite know what it meant, or because it wasn’t what she truly was.

                “I look forward to our journey together.” Sarya smiled back. “If you wish to head out onto the deck and enjoy the ocean, you certainly can.”

Trisha jumped slightly at the words and began to twiddle her fingers nervously.

                “Oh, n-no. I’m perfectly fine here, ma’am.” Her voice made it obvious she was hiding something.

                “Are you ok? If there is anything wrong, or if there’s another passenger causing trouble just let me know and I shall see what can be done.”

                “No! No, milady. Nothing like that. I just…I just do not care much for the ocean.”

Sarya was slightly confused at this. Tranquil Refuge was an archipelago kingdom, so it was surrounded on all sides with ocean no matter where you went.

                “But…the kingdom itself is an island. How are you…”

                “It can’t sink. Ma’am.” She replied quickly.

                “Sink?”

It finally dawned on Sarya. Trisha wasn’t worried about the ocean itself, but being on something she had no control over whether it sank or not.

                “I see. Worry not, Trisha, I promise you that nothing will happen. But if you wish to stay here and keep me company, I would enjoy that as well.” She said with a sincere smile.

Trisha lit up with joy at hearing this. Her worry of the ocean and any minuscule possibility of the ship sinking were swept away.

The voyage was uneventful and they traveled the day and a half from Tranquil Refuge’s harbor to the mainland docks with no issues. Much to Trisha’s relief. It was already passed noon and the cargo below the deck of the ferry ship was being unloaded. Wendell ushered the horses out slowly, they were slightly agitated by the trip over the ocean and being confined for so long.

Belis and Ransell, using brute strength pushed the carriage out from another part of the cargo hold and onto the land. All three then began to double check all of their supplies and cargo, as well as began to hitch the horses onto the carriage to begin their long journey. Trisha, a lady in waiting, normally accompanied their Lady within the carriage, but she decided to sit with Wendell for now since he wished to discuss something with her first.

The carriage had been traveling for a few hours already and she had read over all of the documentation she would present to any who would be able to assist her and Cassus with locating or hiring an Overseer for the Guild chapter within the Tranquil Refuge. The rate of pay, the room and board, the responsibilities and the environment they would be working in were all detailed in the documents.

Since it was the first of their positions, the offer was very attractive. But the ever looming problem of refusal the moment they found they would have to work in a purely Demi-human occupied kingdom was immense. Regardless, she had promised to find someone who would be honorable and worthy enough to hold such a position.

The thought of honor weighed heavy on her mind however. Who was she to talk about, let alone judge, the honor of anyone? She closed her eyes and exhaled hard. A large crunch and jarring of the carriage caused her to flinch and brace herself against the carriage wall and wonder what had happened.

She peered out of the window to see if there was anything noticeable. Seeing that the carriage had not stopped and nothing of importance was happening outside she assumed it was something in the road. Reaching behind her, she grasped a small metal knob connected to a sliding door and opened it.

                “Is everything alright?”

                “Oh, my apologies, ma’am. There was a branch in the middle of the road, and it was much larger than I had anticipated, I’m sorry if I disturbed you.” The driver said worryingly.

                “No, it is fine. Tell me, how long of a journey until we reach Arestoth?”

                “Assuming the roads are in good condition and we encounter no…complications, we will arrive by weeks end. So three days, ma’am, give or take a day.”

                “I see, thank you. Please let me know if there is anything that comes up.”

                “Of course.” He said.

Sarya closed the sliding door gently and looked outside the window into the distance. The sky was clear and birds flew through the air. The fields were filled with grain and crops that swayed and danced with the breeze. She noticed a few farmers toiling away at trying to remove a stump from a field that would most likely be used for the next harvest and smiled, seeing the cooperation and hard work they put into it. Everything was peaceful.

Everything was as she thought it should be. A moment later they drove passed a young man and woman walking hand in hand along the road, smiling and laughing. The woman was very tan and had platinum blonde hair, almost white. The image made Sarya frown and quickly look away.

Memories she wanted to bury or erase began to flash into her mind. It angered her so much. She wanted nothing more than to forget the one named Meladris. Because of her, because of what she did the man she respected and admired and the people she called family fell apart. It was then she suddenly remembered Amrin. His smile, his kindness, his brilliance and unending wealth of knowledge.

She was captivated by him. She looked up to him like an older brother and sometimes a father. He was everything she aspired to be and everything she valued in life. And because of Meladris…he was gone.

Her teeth clenched and she began to quiver slightly. A stinging pain struck the palm of her hand and she quickly loosened herself and looked down. She had apparently been gripping her fists so hard that her nails had just broken the skin on her palms. She let out an exasperated sigh and licked the blood away absent mindedly and again looked out of the window.

Not wanting to think about Meladris which caused her anger, or Amrin which caused her sorrow, she just closed her eyes and slowly fell asleep.

The sudden lurching stop of the carriage made her head hit the back of the seat and then lunge forward, causing her to quickly awaken. She looked out of the window and it was already sunset. She heard a knock on the sliding door, so she opened it quickly.

                “Yes?”

                “I’m sorry to disturb you ma’am, but we’ve arrived at the last village before nightfall. Would you like to rest here or proceed on?”

                “If we proceed, how long until we reach the next village?”

                “It won’t be until morning ma’am.”

                “Would that not mean you and the guard will be up all night then?”

                “W-well I suppose that would be correct. But worry not, we are willing…”

                “We will retire at the inn then. King Cassus and I are aware this will be a long term mission, there is no need to rush.”

                “As you wish. I will bring the carriage around to the inn for you.”

                “Thank you.”

The snapping of the reins filled the quiet night and lurched forward. A few moments later it stopped with the same jarring motion as before, but she was prepared for it this time, by being awake. A few moments after it stopped, the carriage door was opened and a lantern was produced to illuminate the steps. Stepping out of the carriage she was in front of the only tavern in the village.

It was nothing too impressive, but so long as the beds were comfortable she would be fine. The driver offered his hand to help Sarya down from the cart. Nodding to him in appreciation after reaching the ground she proceeded to enter the inn. One of the guards, who wore a long hooded cloak opened the door and followed her inside.

                “Excuse me. I wish to rent a few rooms for the night, if possible?” she said gently to the clerk behind the counter, his back facing them.

                “Huh? Oh, customers?” he said with a raspy and loud voice. “What…how many ya got?”

                “We would like three rooms if possible please? Each with two beds is fine.”

                “Eh? Well afraid I can’t get ya that many. We only got two rooms free at the moment. One has one bed the other has two though. Did’ya still want’em?” he was slurring and speaking faster than Sarya was used to so it took her a moment to decipher his way of speaking.

                “If that is all you have, that will be fine. How much will they be?”

                “Ah, each room will be two silver.”

                “Two silver!? That’s outrageous!” the guard that accompanied her shouted louder than he had anticipated.

                “Please, Belis, it is fine.” She said to calm the angered man.

She reached into a small pouch she had strapped to her wrist and presented the clerk with four silver coins. She had to admit silently that it was quite expensive for a room in an inn such as this, but she did not want to make a scene, especially since her current company were all demi-human.  It would not do well for them to be put into a situation that could be resolved peacefully.

                “Thank ya kindly!” he said and handed over two well used copper keys. She kept one and handed Belis the other.  

The two left the Inn where the rest of her group was waiting patiently.

                “My apologies, they only had two available rooms. Trisha will be sleeping with me, while I’m afraid the three will have to sleep in the other. Luckily there are two beds. I’m sorry the other will have to sleep on the floor it seems.”

                “Worry not, my lady. I will stay with the carriage. It doesn’t seem they have a stable, so I wouldn’t feel comfortable leaving the horses on their own.”

                “I see, are you certain?” she said, eyes soft with concern.

                “Aye, of course, ma’am. No need to worry, but I’ve slept in worse conditions.” He said with a large smile, showing his large fangs.

Each within her entourage had worn something to mask as much of their appearance to make the mission that much easier. The guards wore their hooded cloaks, the driver wore a large leather hat and mantle to hide the tail. And her lady in waiting, Trisha wore her long hair in a twin braided bun in a way that covered the top of her head, and therefore her ears.

The only thing that none of them were able to hide was their eyes. Trisha’s eyes were bright green with long black slit pupils. Ransell’s were similar but a more subdued brown color. Wendell’s eyes would stand out the most, his bright blue and yellow heterochromatic eyes were stunning to look at. Luckily for Belis, his eyes were the most human-like in appearance and were a deep copper color.

Each of them, save for Belis, were of the feline sub-species. Cassus chose them for a specific reason, of all the demi-human races they were the most agile and capable trackers, night or day and due to their heightened reflexes and they were also excellent combatants.

Belis was of the ursine sub-species, making him a massive and imposing figure.  Needless to say, his forte was brute strength, there was very few whose strength surpassed any of the ursine clans.

                “I see, very well. Thank you for your understanding.” She smiled at each in turn. “Oh, I’m sorry Trisha, but our room will have only one bed, I hope you are ok with sharing it with me?” she said sincerely.

                “Oh, no ma’am, I would not think to do so.” She bowed her head quickly.

                “It is of no concern, please. I’m quite used to sleeping with another in my bed anyway.” She said with a giggle. “I’ll be sure to scold Eliza for that when we get back.”

                “O-of course. My lady.” She raised her head and smiled.

                “Now, let us all retire for the night and start fresh in the morning?” she paused for a moment. “Oh my. What am I saying? We have yet to eat!”

                “No worries Lady Sarya, Ransell and I will hunt for something in the forest just outside of town. It will allow us to stretch our legs and survey the surroundings.”

                “And I took the liberty of packing dried fruits, bread and cheeses for the journey until we can reach the Academy of Highleaf. Compliments of Chef Prantis.” Trisha opened the basket she was holding to reveal the food items.

                “And you Wendell?” she asked the driver.

                “Ah, if you would be so kind as to share the bread and cheese, I would be grateful. I have some dried meats myself already.”

                “I see…well…it seems that everything is in order.” She said with a smile. “Very well then, Trisha and I will retire for the night, you three please be careful, and we shall head out first thing in the morning.”

They each bowed to her and went on their way. 

*****

                After returning the keys to the innkeeper, Sarya headed out of the door and was greeted by Wendell. He was holding the door of the carriage open with a bow.

                “Good morning, my lady. I hope you had a pleasant rest last night?”

Sarya bowed and noticed that Trisha was already inside the carriage waiting. After what happened last night she decided to tease her just a little.

                “Ah, I did. Although…” she paused for effect. “There was a little matter of someone not able to fall asleep without holding me tightly, as if I was a pillow.”

Trisha shot upright in her seat and immediately blushed. Sarya chuckled while Wendell cast her a teasing gaze.

                “Is that so? I wonder who could have done such a thing?” he said.

                “I…I’m sorry, milady.” She lowered her head in guilt and began to twiddle her fingers, the same way she did on the ferry.

                “Aw, do not worry Trisha. I was just teasing you is all. Eliza is the exact same way. Although, you are much bigger than she is.” She laughed.

Trisha cast her gaze downward and began to pout. Sarya would have felt guilty if Trisha didn’t look so adorable. After entering the carriage, Sarya placed a hand on top of Trisha’s and squeezed to show she was ok with it and not to worry.

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                “Well, shall we head onto Arestoth?” she realized something as she looked outside. “Where are Belis and Ransell?”

                “Ah, yes. They apparently camped out in the forest…making your purchase of the other room a waste. I will make sure to reprimand them for wasting coin and your hospitality, milady.” He bowed fervently in remorse.

                “That’s fine, but…will they be joining us soon?”

                “I made a point to track them down before sunrise and get answers. They will meet with us a few miles down the road where the forest and road will converge. Their reasoning is to scout the road ahead.  But I’m quite confident they are enjoying the lush forest and differing vegetation compared to the Refuge, ma’am.” He said dryly.

                “Is that so? Well I guess there’s nothing we can do about it now.” She shrugged. “Very well, let’s make way and meet with them as soon as we can then.”

                “As you say, ma’am.”

Wendell closed the door and made sure it was secure. Climbing into the driver’s seat he snapped the reins making the carriage lurch forward. Trisha was sitting opposite Sarya in the carriage, she still had an embarrassed look on her face and couldn’t look her in the eyes.

                “Sorry I teased you. I couldn’t quite help myself.”

                “Ah, no. It’s my fault that I’m not a normal sleeper. Please forgive me.” She lowered her head in remorse.

                “Oh it’s perfectly fine. Like I said, I’m quite used to snuggling with another body thanks to Eliza. It keeps me warm at night.” she said absentmindedly looking at her embarrassed face. 

Sarya noticed the bun on top of her head slightly wiggle. She could only assume the ears that were hiding underneath it were struggling to break free due to embarrassment.

Not wanting to tease her any more she turned to look out at the sun rising above the trees. She listened to the sound of the carriage wheel roll along the dirt road and the various sounds that were so different to the ocean atmosphere of the castle. Closing her eyes, she couldn’t help but smile as she took it all in.

                “It’s quite different.”

                “Hmm?” Sarya replied, eyes still closed.

                “The sights and sounds. They’re quite different.” Her voice was timid as she spoke.

Sarya opened her eyes and turned to look at her. She too was looking out of the window of the carriage, taking in all that passed by the small square space.

                “Have you never been off the island before?”

Trisha shook her head gently in reply.

                “Yes, but never on my own, and never like this. It was always part of an assignment and directly there and back.” She winced slightly as she continued. “I’ve heard stories. Such…terrible stories. I’m sure some weren’t true, but others sounded possible.”

Sarya knew exactly what she was referring to. She had heard the same kind of stories, and just as Trisha said, some were over exaggerated to cause a panic and drive a wedge between demi-humans and the greater races, while some were very much true.

                “Why do they hate us so much? I don’t understand. Why…what did we do?”

                “I wish I knew, dear. I really do. But the only thing I can tell you is that people don’t like things that are…different.”

                “But you are not like them.  The travelling merchants I can understand, they are trying to make a living and gain some coin any way they can. But you…why are you not afraid or disgusted by us?”

                “Because I too am different.” Sarya replied matter-of-factly.

                “But you’re a High Elf. You’re so beautiful, smart, and elegant and…perfect.” Trisha blurted out.

                “I am a High Elf, yes. But I assure you I am far from perfect.” She replied gently. “While I may not look different, I most certainly am. But it’s those differences that I love in people. If everyone was the same as another, it would make for quite a boring world.”

Trisha looked confused and tilted her head.

                “Music, art, food, even entire styles of architecture. They are all different. Because the people that dreamt up all the ways we enjoy all of them now…were different.” She paused and sighed. “But that’s what humans don’t understand. It’s the differences in people, physical or not, that makes this world great.”

Sarya placed her elbow onto an armrest built into the carriage wall and slumped her chin into her palm and stared out of the window.

                “If you think about it, even among the humans, they have vastly different appearances do they not? Tall, short, large, small…I fail to see how having a tail or ears not on the side of your head makes demi-humans any different than a human who’s not tall enough to reach the top shelf of a shop’s wares.” Her voice began to have an edge of annoyance to it.

                “I…I agree. Of the merchants that have come to the Refuge, they seemed nice, and even though they had no tails, or fur or scales…I wasn’t afraid.”

                “If only the world had more people like you, Trisha.” Sarya said smiling. “I’m sure he’d think the same way.”

                “He? Milady?”

                “Oh, nothing, dear. I was just saying that you are a very special person indeed.”

                “T-thank you. You are too kind.”

                “Well that’s enough about depressing things. I would like to know more about you Trisha.”

                “Me?” she said surprised.

                “Of course. If we are to travel for an unforeseen amount of time I would like to get to know the people which I will be in the  care of.  Are you well versed in any elements? What about your interests? Hobbies?”

The questions were coming at her too fast for Trisha to register it all. She was never put into a position where someone with Sarya’s standing would be this curious about her life, so she sat there with mouth open wide and stunned.

Sarya saw the expression and began to laugh slightly.

                “I’m sorry. I suppose it’s become a habit to bombard someone with questions I would like to get answers to. We’ll start with the first question. Which element are you best attuned to?”

Trisha was relieved that she decided to slow the pace a little and visibly relaxed her shoulders.

                “Oh, air. I’m quite well versed with the air element.” She once again twiddled her fingers. “Master says that I show great promise with hidden arts and speed.”

                “Master? You have formed a pact with someone?” Sarya said surprised.

                “Pact? Oh, no. He’s my teacher. He’s a master of his trade, therefore as his student, he is my master.”

Sarya opened her mouth slightly and raised her chin in acknowledgement. She was under the wrong impression and was caught off guard. A pact isn’t something just anyone would be capable of doing, or would be willing to enter into so casually. Or at least that’s how she thought about it.

                “Ah, I see. My apologies. I misunderstood. What trade is he in?”

                “No need to apologize milady.” She reassured her. “And he instructs us in…umm…less openly discussed practices to protect the kingdom. Ma’am.”

It took a second for Sarya to realize what she was trying to say. It finally dawned on her that Trisha was most definitely not just a maid or lady in waiting. If she was correct, her master was Aldrach, a master assassin and spy. Sarya knew of him, but has never met or spoken with him. Cassus had discussed some of the events he was involved in during the Scourge Wars and was also impressed with his skill.

If Trisha was really Aldrach’s student, despite her appearance, she was a formidable fighter, and with the aid of the Air element would be capable of quite a few impossible feats. She couldn’t help but remember Little Gin. While he was only a thief and not an assassin, Gin was able to perform such amazing stunts due to his affinity with it.

                “I see. I understand, you don’t need to elaborate. What about interests? Is there anything you’re hoping to find or experience on this trip?”

She perked up slightly and smiled ever so slightly. Then quickly regained her posture and remained straight faced.

                “Oh, no milady. This is a mission, I’m afraid I am not here for pleasure.”

                “Oh please. Take it from me, if you dedicate yourself to your trade, work or focus so hard on what you’re supposed to do and not take at least a little bit of time to enjoy the little things…they’ll pass you by.” Sarya’s voice became sullen towards the end. “So, I know you’re looking forward to something.”

                “I…I hope to see a mountain or a desert!” she replied happily.

                “But, aren’t there mountains on the islands?” Sarya replied confused.

                “W…well yes. But I mean a huge mountain range! Large enough to reach the skies!” she said, excitement filling her voice.

                “And a desert?”

                “Ah, well since the island is so rich in life, I want to see what it would look like. All that sand, as far as the eye can see!”

It wasn’t that odd for someone to want to experience something that they’ve never seen before. Like someone wanting to see the ocean if they were born and lived their entire life in the middle of the country. Only knowing of its existence would fuel the desire to experience it personally even greater.

                “Oh and snow!” she shouted louder than she intended.

It took Sarya by surprised and she jumped slightly at it. She began to chuckle slightly at Trisha’s enthusiasm and innocence.

                “Ok, ok. I’m sure we’ll see at least one of those two.  In fact. I can guarantee it. Arestoth is located very close to the Spinel Mountain Range. From my understanding, they’re the largest and most gorgeous mountains on the main land.”

                “Really!?”

The excitement that Trisha exhibited was almost infectious. Sarya had seen them once before herself, but seeing Trisha so elated by the news made her want to experience it with her.

                “Yes, yes really.” She laughed. “Also, although I doubt we’ll get close enough to really experience it, there is also snow atop their highest peaks.”

                “Oh that’s great! I’m so excited. What about a desert?”

                “Hmm, that might be a bit harder. I’m not sure if you know, but deserts aren’t very hospitable for life. So there usually aren’t any cities or kingdoms within them.” She pondered for a moment. “The only desert I know of is the Dremnyth Wastes. And it’s not anywhere near any of the cities we are intending to visit. I’m sorry.”

                “Oh, no! Its fine, I mean it! I’m just still so happy I get to see snow and mountains. Real mountains!”

Sarya shook her head in surprise and amazement that someone could be so excited to see what amounted to be nothing more than a giant rock. But she enjoyed it nonetheless.

                “So, now that I know what you’re looking forward to, what do you like to do on your spare time? What do you enjoy?”

Trisha once again began to twiddle her fingers, which made Sarya aware that she was embarrassed by what she liked.

                “Promise you won’t laugh?”

                “Why would I laugh?” she asked concerned.

                “Because everyone else does. They say that it’s not like me.”

                “I see.  I promise you, I shall not laugh.”

                “I…I like to bake…” she whispered.

                “I’m sorry?” Sarya shook her head.

                “I like…I like to bake!” Trisha shouted.

Sarya sat in her seat wide eyed and once again surprised by the girl sitting opposite her. Looking at her directly, you would see nothing more than an innocent and childlike young woman who wanted nothing more than to see snow and mountains and loved to bake. But was also a skilled and highly trained assassin and spy. The contradiction was unlike anything Sarya had seen in quite some time.

A large smile broke out onto her face and quickly turned into an open mouth grin.

                “You said you wouldn’t laugh!” Trisha started to pout and blush.

                “Oh, dear. I am not laughing at you. I promise.” She reached over to squeeze her hands once more. “You are…adorable. I am all too happy to have you on this journey with me. And maybe I will be able to try some of your baking? I hope?”

Sarya leaned back in her seat and gave Trisha the biggest and most sincere smile she had ever seen. The only thing she could do was tear up slightly and nodded her head fervently in agreement.

The two continued to talk about various things they enjoyed, or saw in their lives. Although Sarya was able to talk more about that aspect than Trisha, since she was born and raised on the islands of the Refuge. An hour had passed by with occasional laughing and shouts of surprise.

Suddenly a knock came from behind Sarya, causing her to jump slightly in surprise. She slid the small door to the side to see what Wendell needed.

                “Sorry to bother you ma’am. But we are almost at the rendezvous point.” She peered out of the small opening and saw him point further down the road. Two large figures in hooded cloaks were waving their hands in the air at their approach.

                “I see, I’m relieved. Thank you Wendell.”

                “My pleasure ma’am.”

Sarya closed the door and turned to look towards Trisha. The look on her face was one she did not expect. Trisha’s brows were furrowed, her eyes narrowed and she was looking down towards the floor of the carriage but at nothing in particular, her head tilted to get a better listen on her surroundings.

                “Something is wrong.” She said simply. “We have been followed. Five…no. Six.”

Quickly darting towards the small sliding door, Trisha threw it opened.

                “Quickly, we are being followed.”

Without any sign of hesitation, Wendell snapped the reins and forced the horses to begin running. They needed to cover as much ground as possible to meet up with Belis and Ransell before their pursuers caught up.

                “What’s…what’s going on?” Sarya said slightly concerned.

                “My apologies, my lady. But it seems that we are being chased.” As Trisha said this, she began to disrobe from her dress slowly. Beneath the dress was a tight fitted leather outfit that without knowing what she was trained for, would make anyone look on in utter confusion and worry. It also made Sarya wonder how she did not notice something like that last night when they went to bed.

The black leather conformed to Trisha’s body as if it were custom made for her, and no doubt was. It didn’t leave anything to the imagination in regards to her figure either. But since she was so young, even though physically she looked well matured, she was not endowed. Either that, or the leather caused her proportions to be compressed to an uncomfortable level.

Horizontally laid across her stomach were various short throwing knives and spikes. On her thighs were two daggers that were small enough to conceal beneath clothing, but large enough to be used effectively for offense as well as defense if necessary. The various dark brown straps of leather wrapped around her body made the outfit look entirely too uncomfortable, but served a purpose to keep her body tense in specific parts and limber in others.

As Trisha pulled a pair of black leather gloves from behind her back she began to fit them tightly onto each of her hands. The look on her face was one of guilt and remorse, but Sarya didn’t know why she would look like that.

                “Why do you look so sad?” she asked.

It took Trisha by surprise, causing her to twitch and halt fitting the fingers of her gloves tighter.

                “I…didn’t want you to see me like this. I know what I do is terrible. One of your standing would no doubt hate…” Trisha said reluctantly and looked up to see Sarya’s gaze.

She had a frown and one raised eyebrow after hearing what Trisha had to say.

                “Nonsense. Unless you enjoy taking the lives of others, you serve a very important role in the lives of King Cassus as well as the kingdom. Everything you, as well as the others do, is important.” She paused. “I am also not naïve enough to believe that the world is so prefect that your skillset is not needed.”

                “My lady…”

Sarya reached out and placed her right hand on Trisha’s cheek.

                “I only wish that one so young didn’t have to do such things that we adults should be taking care of ourselves.” She said, eyes soft and lips pursed slightly.

Trisha closed her eyes and felt the warmth of Sarya’s hand on her check and smiled. She couldn’t help but imagine that if she had one, this is what she would feel like.

                “Be careful. I still want to try some of your baking. Remember?” Sarya said, and smiled at her once more.

Trisha’s eyes widened after hearing this. She didn’t know what to think. Anyone would naturally be even slightly concerned at the fact that she was an assassin, a murderer. But Sarya didn’t even bat an eye. Instead, she looked at her with kindness and warmth…It was in that moment Trisha vowed that she would follow and serve her till her dying days.