“You want to stop adventuring?” Aurelia asked, responding to Ravina’s words while they were in the large, open sitting room of Ravenshield Manor. This room faced the garden and offered a breathtaking view of the carefully manicured landscape.
“Just for a while. Things are about to get busy for me, and…” Ravina's words trailed off into a void as she reread the note in her hand.
“It's not what you thought it was, is it?” Despite herself, Aurelia’s lips curled into a smile.
It had been about a week since they started. Going to the library for some light studying so that Ravina would have something to show for all the hours spent outside the manor. They would then spend around five of those hours outside the gates. Aurelia had always picked the quests, simple collection missions that took them all over the lands outside the city.
It might have been boring, but the experienced woman also taught her the basics of combat. She learned several sword forms and did endurance training. It was easier than she had expected, largely due to the tedious tasks she had performed at home. Plus, with a decent supply of food, her muscles were just starting to show the results of all her hard work in this one week.
Yet, that was all they did: study a little, pick up some plants, and then train.
Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.
“I will have to admit, it's not exactly adventurous. However, that is largely due to our constraints.” How could anyone call picking plants adventuring? “If we can’t leave Ravenport, then all we can do is pick some weeds.”
Aurelia shrugged. “You could always ask to leave for an extended period of time,” she suggested.
“And then I would have to inform him of why, and I don't have a good enough excuse. Either way, it seems I will be getting too busy to do anything else.” Ravina tossed the card onto the table before her.
Curious, Aurelia picked it up. “Formal request for dinner?” Her eyes narrowed, and then one eyebrow rose. “Isn’t the count your father? Why would he formally request you for dinner? Noble families are weird.”
“The elders are here.”
“Elders?”
“Notable members of the branch families. They have enough influence to ensure their voices are heard. Think of them as advisers. The count has the final say, but they can throw their weight around. It seems that it's time to introduce me—to them at least.”
“I see,” Aurelia nodded at Ravina’s explanation, allowing it to go in one ear and out the other. “So, you're taking a step back. I understand. It's a shame, though; you were doing very well. It was just about time for you to pick up your own quest, but if you're sure…”
“I'm sure,” Ravina replied, falling back into her seat. “For now, we will continue to go to the library, and I would enjoy some lessons every now and again.”
“Sure,” Aurelia said with a shrug. “I’m here anyway.”
“Thank you,” Ravina said, rising to her feet and nodding. “Then I'll be on my way. I have to get ready.”
“Alright, have fun then,” Aurelia responded as the young lady left the room. Her gaze fell outside the window to the pretty scene outside, a shadow crossing her face. “I’ll be here,” she mused with a distant sigh, her finger idly touching her sword’s hilt.