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Beloved readers, it is I, Goedleimneidr.
Here is yet another chapter of Tales of Rhia, I most certainly hope you enjoy it.
Regarding how I space my sentences, I am trying to space text out without destroying what I feel is the text flow. However, most novels I read like George R.R Martin's - A Song of Ice and Fire - keeps their lines together. I most definitely understand the frustration you lot may feel as it is quite hard to read this way online but please understand that it is my style of writing. Something I find rather hard to change as I try to improve as a writer, apologies.
It is my dream to release a book series on par with Tolkien's world or even George R.R Martin's. Although I know I am far from there and may never reach their level. However, it does not hurt to try as practice makes perfect. This is the first time I am writing a tale that people may read and I am doing my best to satisfy myself and at the same time my readers.
Sincerely yours
/Goedleimneidr
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Chapter 9
-Different-
Treat people with the respect they deserve often conflicts with treating them the same way you want to be treated.
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We wander east although I am quite sure Dueilen said there should be a village to the south. Makes me wonder if there is a reason it did not mention what lies towards the east. Yvette however, seem to have lost all guard around her which somehow makes me feel rather comfortable around her. She is rather talkative and she freely speaks her mind about her life and whatnot. It is a blessing as I have no prior knowledge about this area and I better yet do not have to inquire about such things.
It would seem that Yvette hails from a town called Varges. The largest town up north in this kingdom or so she claims. She did not mention the name of said kingdom but I am sure I will find out soon. Yvette did not originally hail from Varges but one of the larger farms around. Her father had married her away to a prominent merchant in Varges when she had reached the age of fifteen summers. That was four years ago and according to her, her husband treats her decently enough although it begs me to wonder what decently enough means.
“You must be a great adventurer of some sort, oh how I envy you. My life must seem so dull in comparison.” Yvette laughs and sighs in a dreamy manner.
“Not at all! Please, do tell me more.”
“How kind you are but look at me talking away. Please tell me something about yourself instead.”
How I dreaded that question but knew it was coming. “My life is hardly anything worth mentioning.” Although my try at dispelling her interest but spurred her on.
“Nonsense, you could for starters tell me about that strange bow you have strapped on your back. Never before have I seen something like that. It looks almost like it was ‘grown’ that way although I know how silly that sounds.”
“This thing? It was a gift I received quite recently but I fear I have not had any time to test it out yet. Lost my previous bow when I had that run-in with that troll I mentioned.”
“Oh do tell me more about it, was it as frightening as the tales let on?”
“Worse, it ran so fast that I could not hope to escape it. It tackled me down, lifted me by my hair with one giant hand and its odour was definitely out of this world.” Yvette seem to lean in closer listening with keen interest. Her blue eyes frightened but at the same time curious. “But its face was the worst part. Its yellow eyes stared into mine as it pulled me up to his level. Its long nose, pointy ears and tusks but further told me what horrors awaited. Just remembering this gives me the shivers.”
“How did you escape?” Her voice almost whispering as she stares straight into my eyes. Yvette had stopped walking at this point and barred the way ahead.
“It happily dragged me through the woods, pulled me by my hair. How it hurt. I struck on roots, stones and stumps on the way what seemed like forever. When it grew careless, I snuck out my dagger and cut part of my hair off. Luckily, it did not notice until but a few moments later at which point I had hidden myself.”
Yvette gasps and firmly grabs my arms. “What happened then? You can’t stop there, what happened then?”
“Well, it came back looking for me of course. It still carried part of my hair within its grasp and for some reason, it started sniffing my hair. It slumped down crying but did not find me and I am very glad so.”
Yvette breathes out in relief. “You cannot imagine how lucky you are.” Her grasp around my arms lighten up until she finally releases me. “We are not far now from home now but thanks for telling me. How exciting, I definitely want to hear more of your tales later!”
The foliage beneath our feet give way for a dirt road. Cartwheel marks amongst others on the road, signs of heavy use. However, it would seem that people rarely if ever visit the shrine as there is no real pathway there. Begs me to wonder if the gods are worshipped around here. Perhaps the goddess of light holds influence over this area.
Farmlands stretch far and wide and a rustic town that definitely look like something from the medieval era stand before my eyes. There was however no wall around Varges but instead a large fencing around the area. Watchtowers, countable on one hand made out of either wood or and stone sprout up from the ground in what would be key locations.
As we walk towards the town I notice that we gather a lot of stares from people around. Most are dressed far worse than Yvette and I with clothing that show much wear and tear. Being married to a merchant may have its perks as Yvette’s thick robes are made out of furs and nice textiles. Coloured clothing seems to be rare amongst the people but Yvette carries her slightly blue robe with no care in the world. Perhaps she finds these people beneath her or have simply given it no thought?
“They are staring at you Rhia.” Yvette says noticing my gaze with a slightly amused voice as we walk up towards the gate.
“And why is that?” I ask now concerned.
“You are dressed in leathers and carry weapons, something rarely seen on a woman. Also, your red hair surely turns people’s gazes.” Her eyes sparkle as she looks at me with a mischievous grin. Something tells me that she has caught onto me that this worlds common sense is far beyond me.
“My hair, what about it?” Quirking my eyebrow, I blatantly ask her.
“Well firstly, it looks awful due to your earlier encounter and secondly. Red hair is associated with witchcraft and evil if not in some parts nobility. Surely you know of this as this hardly is the first time you have spoken with people. It is common knowledge.”
“Ah silly, I have of course spoken with people before. It is simply that I had not paid much mind to it now until you mentioned it.”
Yvette laughs as we reach the gate. A hardened soldier standing guard with a spear in hand nods his head as we pass by. “Ladies.” He says with an all too nice tone to which I nod in return.
We finally reach a house that presumable is Yvette’s home. She asks me to wait as she heads on inside. Seeing her close the door and now standing alone on the street makes me nervous as I have no idea what to expect. What is her husband like? How should I act? Now that I think of it, I have hardly ever spoken with girls or women before. How did I fare so well until now? Will I act too much like the boy I am or was? Perhaps I should not have come here but it is far too late now.
Yvette opens the door once more and motions me to come inside. Entering her home, I am met with a rather dark damp house that smell of lavender. I am met with a set of stairs leading towards the second floor. On the ground floor here is but a receiving area with a hearth and a kitchen combined dining room. There is no sign of any other people other than Yvette and I. A small fire in the hearth is given attention as it builds up to a budding flame giving warmth to the cold house.
“Shall we get started then?” Yvette asks with a smile. “Seat yourself over there and we’ll get to it right away.”
“Thanks but where is your husband? I had thought he would be home by now?”
“Silly, he is with the guild but he’ll be back later for supper.” Yvette with skilled hands begins her work on my hair with dagger and shears. “I used to help my sisters with their hair all the time. Hope you do not mind if I work freely.”
“Not at all, please do as you please.” Something I should not have said as she indeed takes liberties.
It feels as if my hair is about to come off as Yvette pulls, cuts and braids my hair. However, the torture was not for naught as I am shown a mirrors image of myself. Had I not worn these armours then I would have looked like a proper lady. However, I somehow feel like I at least look the part of a heroine in a glorious tale. Yvette laughs as she catches me stare at myself in the mirror.
“Yes, that is indeed you. Quite a beauty, don’t you think?”
Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.
“Yeah.”
“Almost a shame that you spend your time exploring cursed forests. With a face like that I am sure you could find yourself a good husband.” She says in a half serious but rather mischievous tone. “Although I do envy you.”
“Why is that?”
“Well it feels like you have no care in this world. That you do whatever you want to do.” Her smile genuine as if caring for and spoiling her little sister. “That is the impression I get of you. There is nothing tying you down and somehow I feel liberated when being with you. I do hope you plan on staying here in Varges for a while. I could really use a friend like you.” Yvette sound so sad which makes my heart ache. “What am I saying, we barely know each other.” She tries to laugh it off but it feels rather forced.
“I have setup camp near the shrine we met at and I have no plans whatsoever to move for a while. So, I could stick around if you want.” Yvette feels like a close friend of mine already. My first friend I made in this world and at this point I might need her more than she needs me.
With a beaming smile she hugs me close. “Thank you. Thank you Rhia. Thank you for being my friend.” Her voice trembling, perhaps it is her in need of a friend more than I.
Yvette had demanded that I sleep over for the night and thus begun preparing supper. Her husband should be coming home soon and she would share the news with him then. Although I do feel rather nervous. It felt odd having seated myself alone in the receiving room as per her orders whilst she is cooking a nice something in the kitchen. The hearth is burning nicely and spreading its warmth around the house making it feel rather homely. The room itself screams extravagancy in whatever medieval sense there is. There is a large bookcase filled with books and other trinkets. The sofa I am sitting on is rather soft which came as a surprise as well. Her husband must be quite a successful merchant considering the luxuries spent on this room alone.
Yvette had asked me to change into more proper clothes but reminding myself of Elain’s dolly dress up session made me decline. Besides, I have no clothes with me apart from whatever I am carrying on myself at this moment. Borrowing any dresses or whatever from Yvette right now feels kind of odd. Her disappointment indeed apparent but she did not pursue the matter.
The door into the house is swung open and a man enters. He looks rather old with his scruffy grey beard and hair. A tired look donning his face and crow’s feet shows his age. His appearance screams veteran merchant and he must be at least double Yvette’s age if not triple. Something which took me by surprise. The man pays me no mind at all as he did not even throw a glance towards the receiving room. Perhaps he has not noticed me yet.
“I’m home” He says with an indifferent tone as Yvette quickly makes her way to the doorway to aid him out of his clothes.
“Husband, we have a visitor. A friend of mine I had hoped you to meet.” She says with a very different, cautious tone compared to what she uses with me.
He hums as he finally turns his gaze towards me. His eyes evaluate me for a few moments before he finally says. “Wife, upstairs.”
Yvette’s demeanour steeled, already prepared and without any questions she moves upstairs with him in queue. He throws me another glance before finally disappearing upstairs.
They make no sound but I am sure they are talking. My guess would be that he is rather angry with her. However, it is far too quiet upstairs. That is until I hear a thud and his loud voice shouting something. It was but for a moment then he alone descends. His demeanour now professional as he walks over towards me.
“It would seem my loving wife had seen it fit to invite you to our home without my prior consent. Upon my reputation, you are welcome in my house.” However, his voice carries no kindness whatsoever. It is instead rather cold yet professional which invites trust. He is definitely a man of his words yet he frightens me. “I’m Lothaire, son of Léon and who might you be to bless us with your company this evening?”
Yvette makes her way down the stairs and head straight towards the kitchen without as much as a glance towards us. Lothaire seems to be waiting for an answer and he seems to grow impatient. Just giving me my name at this point feels wrong and disrespectful. However, I cannot use the title of the wilds as Elain does but I can probably use the name I had in my previous world. “I’m Rhia Engel but please call me Rhia. It is a pleasure meeting you Lothaire, son of Léon. Thank you for having me over this evening.”
“Oh?” The man looks at me, evaluating me for a few moments as a slight smirk is showing on his lips. “Please call this humble servant Lothaire or if it pleases you, Lothar. I believe my wife has prepared supper, please join us Rhia.” He motions towards the kitchen room and I follow queue not quite daring otherwise.
Once everyone is seated, Yvette presents what she has prepared for this evening. A stew made of rabbit, carrots and potatoes and it smells delicious. This will probably be the most delicious meal I have had since coming to this world. Heck it smells better than what father used to prepare. However, regardless how tempting the food is I cannot help but look at Yvette’s cheek. It is bruised and slightly swollen as proof of abuse. Lothaire must have struck her earlier as punishment for having me over to which I feel disgust. He struck his wife for merely inviting me over. Yvette does not seem to mind as if this is a common occurrence for misbehaviour yet I cannot help but feel angered.
Yvette serves each of us a bowl but it seems my serving receives far more meat than hers only losing to Lothaire’s bowl. Grabbing my spoon, I almost begin eating immediately until I notice that the pair of them are grasping each other’s hands. They both look at me in a strange manner waiting for me to join them to which I awkwardly do.
Lothaire’s voice breaks the silence as our hands now form a circle around the dinner table. “Oh almighty goddess. We thank thee for this dinner. We thank thee for the company tonight. We thank thee for keeping us safe from all that is evil. We thank thee for thy guidance in our darkest moments. Blessed be thy name oh Goddess of Light.”
With the prayer concluded, the pair of them begin eating. However, I am now given the answer. This area is indeed devoted to the goddess of light and that might be the reason why Dueilen did not tell me of this town. Quite stupid of me to blindly go here but let us hope that the goddess of light does not care for me any longer. That I am no longer a target of her wrath should I believe the tall tales the elder tree shared. There must be a way to perhaps learn to cooperate with the goddess somehow.
“Rhia, is something the matter? Is the food not to your tastes?” Yvette sounds her concern as I am brought back from my thoughts.
“Apologies no it smells delicious. Probably better than anything I have eaten in a long while.” The stew is indeed delicious, Lothaire should count himself lucky to be able to eat such delicious food every day.
Lothaire with a mouthful of stew looks at me inquisitively. There is something on his mind for sure and I am not so sure I want to find out what. “Apologies Rhia but there are far too many questions I have to ask you. May I?”
“Certainly, it is proper etiquette to regale my host with tales and answers.” It is however quite hard to hide my irritation and sarcasm in my voice. Yvette’s eyes open wide with worry. However, Lothaire seems rather amused instead.
With a grin he says. “Thank you dearest guest. Let us begin with the most apparent question first. What’s with the clothes and weapons really?”
“I am a huntress; this is a common getup for those of my trade.” Albeit I am a self-proclaimed huntress for now but it does not matter really. It might take quite some time until I find a path in life I am happy with.
“Quite so but not that many of the fairer sex decide to tread that path. Does your father or husband approve of this?”
“Quite a strange question you ask, father is not around and I have no husband. A good thing as I could not stand having a man strike me for no apparent reason.” My mind is screaming, telling me to stop being so irritated lest I invoke his wrath but I cannot forgive him. Yvette looks at me with terrified eyes as if asking what is wrong. Asking me to calm down.
“Quite strange indeed. Forgive me for being so presumptuous, I meant no disrespect of course.” It seemed the man took no offense to my outburst but instead find my tantrum quite amusing. “I seem to have grown fond of you Rhia. It seems my barren wife have found herself a great new friend.”
Yvette is barren? I turn to look at Yvette whose head looks down in shame. His words seem to deeply hurt her but she does nothing to retort. Although that explains why we met at the shrine. She had tried to turn to the old gods with hope that Flidae, the goddess of hunt and fertility may give her a child. Poor Yvette, Lothaire must have put all blame on her.
“If I may be so bold, my younger brother is looking for a new wife. I get a feeling that the two of you would surely get along.”
Oh you got to be kidding me. “Rejected.”