The Letter

"Life was never meant to be lived this way. Trapped within these colossal walls of concrete, our city of Cavaria has become a prison for thousands. How did we end up here? I don't know. But what I do know is that it cannot continue like this. It's up to me to put an end to this madness and free us from the grips of the Elites who live luxuriously while the Serfs suffer and die from disease, neglect, and threats. This cycle must be broken, and I will be the one to break it.

"I am sure you are wondering who I am, but my identity is not important. What matters is that we take action before it's too late. Before long, even the Elites will fall victim to these walls, and then there will be no hope left for anyone in Cavaria.

"But I can't do this alone. That is where you come in. Are you willing to join me on this mission? Together, we can find a way to bring down these oppressors and give our people the freedom they deserve. Let us join forces and make a change that will go down in history. The time for action is now."

1 year later...

As I lay there, squinting up at the sun, I couldn't help but think about how this situation felt like something straight out of a cheesy fantasy novel. The unlikely hero staring wistfully into the sky, hoping for some grand adventure to shake up their mundane existence. But let me tell you, that's not how it works down here. There are no heroes or epic quests. Just me and my boring ass life.

Don't get me wrong, my life isn't terrible. But it's definitely not rainbows and sunshine either. I don't have some tragic backstory or noble aspirations. I'm just trying to survive in this dull and oppressive society.

In this society, questioning things is like signing your own death warrant. Any hint of doubt or dissent is met with swift and brutal punishment- a sharp blade to the neck. And if, by some miracle, you have the courage to question those in power, well then you might as well dig your own grave. Believe me, I've experienced it firsthand.

But hey, at least we all have our basic bodily functions. We breathe, walk, talk, eat, and shit...you know the drill. It's all just routine. No one truly lives here...and no one even considers questioning why.

Here's the lowdown on this place called Cavaria, It's one of three 'shining' cities in Sagely, a concrete jungle where the rich call the shots and everyone else is just trying to scrape by. The Elites, they've got it all - money, fancy houses, and a holier-than-thou attitude. Meanwhile, us Serfs are stuck in our own filth, slaving away until we drop dead or get the order from an Elite to do so. And don't even get me started on how easily they control everything. We're just pawns in their game. But hey, that's life as a Serf for ya. As the popular saying goes down here, "It is what it is."

I scoff as I gaze up at the sky and realize it's already noon. Time flies when you're living in misery. With a tired groan, I sit up and run my hands through my tangled black hair. I really should cut it soon, but it did a decent job of keeping my ears warm during the harsh winter months. Not that warmth mattered much in the Expired Centers' basement where I lived. But hey, beggars can't be choosers.

Yeah, that's what they call this place. It's where the old folks are sent to die when they've outlived their usefulness to this world. The Elite don't want us cluttering up their precious society, so they're left to rot until their barcodes expire and are recycled like trash. Speaking of barcodes, I adjust my cuff to hide mine - can't have bad manners in this dump.

My mind drifts off into a world of wishes and possibilities, but like always, it's just a futile escape from reality. Sighing, I force myself to leave the comfort of the bench and make my way back to the grind. But before I can fully stand up, a sweet sound catches my attention: a soft, melodic laugh. Turning towards the source, I see Oliviana prancing over with a basket in hand. Her chestnut locks cascade down her back in effortless waves, and I can't help but wonder how she manages to keep them so glossy in this dreary place. She greets me with a grin that could rival the sun's radiance, brightening up even the dingiest corners of this world

"Zander! I've been looking everywhere for you," she chirps cheerfully. I just stare at her, not really wanting to engage in conversation. But of course, she doesn't get the hint.

"I brought you some lunch - just took my own break," she says, and makes her way over to me before plopping down without waiting for an invitation. She's average height for a nineteen-year-old, with hazel eyes that always seem too bright for this dismal place. It annoys me how she insists on befriending me every day. Can't she see I have no interest in her cheerful banter? She hands me a sandwich and I take a small bite, which seems to make her even happier.

"Is it good?" she asks eagerly.

I nod without looking at her. "Yeah, thanks," I mutter. It's always good, but then again, Oliviana could probably make cardboard taste delicious. Maybe she should be working for the cook instead of Ms. Dorsey, the head nurse here.

As she bounces in her seat with glee, I can't help but wonder if she's just gullible or genuinely content with being trapped in this dump. Either way, she's a nuisance, but I suppose she's also my only friend in this literal nursing home for human waste.

That thought alone is what keeps me from running for the hills every time she says my name. The silence between us grew as a cool, brisk breeze blows through the courtyard where we are sitting and the smell of fresh cut grass travels along with it. These days are always my favorite: quiet, tranquil, and uneventful. Just an average day in the life of Zander Ingalls.

As the half eaten sandwich rests in my lap, Oliviana climbs back to her feet and offers me a sweet smile while brushing off her cream and brown leather dress. I never understood the line of fashion in this city. Puffy dresses, corsets, aprons, boots, top hats, and goggles as far as the eye can see. Most of what these people wear are over extravagant and bothersome. However, Oliviana has always made it apparent that she preferred simple to complex. Her ruffled, knee length dress was a plain cream with a tan accent corset to match and was topped off with her brown apron and ankle height hiking boots. It was a simple outfit design that she consistently wore, not that I've taken much notice of it. As the clock ticked on, I began wondering if I'd be able to avoid work for the rest of the day. It's true that I help keep this blasted place running, but I know I'm nothing more than a simple handyman. Light bulb busted? I'm there to fix it. Leaky sink? I've got my tools. It's a simple job that Ms. Dorsey assigned me, but I owe her more than I'd ever care to admit. Going above and beyond, Ada Dorsey is the heart and soul of this place, and if it came down to it, I'd take a bullet for her. With my luck, it might just come down to that one day. Glancing at the clock tower that stood proud in the center of the courtyard, I start gathering my duffle bag filled to the brim with various tools and supplies.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

"How long do you have left on break?" I ask, my gaze sliding to the girl before me who currently seems to be in her own little world. Realizing I have just spoken, Oliviana jumps a bit and turns to face me nervously.

"Pardon? Oh wait...break...yes I still have a few more minutes left." She says and her gaze wanders back toward the distance, probably outside the protective bubble that surrounds the 'Expired' Center and towards the dingy, smog induced city known as Cavaria. From our tiny little bubble, we could see the steam-powered airships and smokestacks that rose over the tiny run down shacks that us commoners go home to every night. Well, everyone except me. Even though she seemed pleased to have gotten several words out of me, her eyes told another story, one with pain and loss just like the rest of us. Once her gaze clears and she realizes I'm about to head back to work, her smile turns to one that promises happiness and companionship. Two things that you will never find in this city.

I don't know why I put up with her. Maybe it's the fear of being alone in this godforsaken place that keeps me from running for the hills every time she says my name. The silence between us is only broken by a cool breeze, carrying the scent of freshly cut grass. It's days like these that I cherish the most: quiet, uneventful, and average. Just another mundane day in the life of Zander Ingalls.

As I absentmindedly munch on my half-eaten sandwich, Oliviana finally gets up from her spot on the courtyard and gives me one of her sweet smiles, brushing off her ridiculous cream and brown leather dress. I never understood the fashion in this city. Puffy dresses, corsets, aprons, top hats, and goggles...it's like they're trying too hard to be different. But not Oliviana. No, she prefers simplicity over extravagance. Her boring cream dress with a tan corset and practical hiking boots may not catch anyone's eye, but at least she's comfortable.

As the clock ticks away, I wonder if I can dodge work for the rest of the day. Sure, I may help keep this place running as a simple handyman, but let's be real, it's nothing glamorous. A light bulb needs changing? Call Zander. Sink is leaking? Zander's got his tools. It may be a mundane job assigned to me by Ms. Dorsey, but I owe her more than I'd ever care to admit. She may run this place with an iron fist, but she's also its heart and soul. And if it came down to it, I'd take a bullet for her. Knowing my luck though, it might just come down to that one day.

Glancing at the clock tower in the center of the courtyard, I start packing up my duffle bag filled with various tools and supplies. "How much longer do you have on break?" I ask, my gaze shifting to Oliviana who seems lost in her own thoughts. She jumps at the sound of my voice and nervously replies, "Um...a few more minutes." Her eyes drift towards the distance, probably towards the polluted city of Cavaria beyond our protective bubble. From here, we can see the towering airships and smokestacks that dominate the skyline, while us Serfs go home to our dingy little shacks every night. Well, everyone except me.

Even though she's clearly happy to have gotten a few words out of me, her eyes betray a deeper pain and longing, just like the rest of us trapped in this hellhole. But as soon as her gaze clears, she puts on a fake smile promising happiness and companionship. Two things you'll never find in this city. Except for maybe in a bottle of whiskey, if you're lucky. Now if only I could sneak one into work without Ms. Dorsey catching me...

I should probably let you get back to your work. I can't imagine how busy you must be, running this entire place by yourself and making sure everything runs smoothly," she says, a playful grin on her lips.

I roll my eyes at Oliviana's attempts to minimize the situation. "Come on, don't act like I'm some busy hero running this place. It's not that impressive," I retort with a smirk.

She was just about to speak her mind when some pompous Elite barreled into her, sending her crashing to the ground. And it wasn't one of those accidental bumps either - this guy had a chip on his shoulder bigger than his oversized top hat. Dressed in all white like he's some kind of angelic being, with his fancy cape and condescending smirk, he oozed superiority. But let me tell you something, these so-called "Elites" are nothing but pretentious, entitled pricks hiding behind their expensive suits and smug attitudes.

"Watch where you're going, drudge," he sneers at us, his words dripping with disgust.

My blood boils and I'm ready to give him a piece of my mind, but Oliviana stops me with a firm grip on my wrist. Her eyes plead with me and I know she doesn't want to cause a scene in the middle of the quad.

"Don't," she simply says, her voice filled with enough power to calm me down and bring me back to reality. I can't risk getting into a fight with an Elite and causing trouble for both of us.

But just as quickly as she calmed me down, she changes her demeanor and bows low to the man, apologizing for our supposed ignorance. I can't help but feel annoyed at being called her "brother," knowing that title will never truly apply again.

Before I can protest, Oliviana sharply kicks my shin. She gives me a stern look before flashing her signature sunshine smile and pretending like nothing happened.

Meanwhile, the nobleman continues to taunt us before finally walking away. And just like that, our peaceful day is ruined by one arrogant noble.

"Ugh, what an obedient little girl," I mimic the noble's mocking tone as we watch him leave. But as soon as he is out of earshot, my attention goes back to Oliviana. "Are you okay?" I ask, concern lacing my voice.

She nods with a relieved sigh before that bright smile of hers returns like nothing happened. But I can't let it go that easily. "I can't believe you bowed down to him," I mutter, still annoyed at the whole situation.

"I'm just trying to avoid trouble," she says with a shrug. "It's not worth causing a scene over."

I shake my head, still not understanding her actions. Oliviana is too kind and forgiving for her own good sometimes. And as much as I want to protect her from these types of encounters, I know there will always be more Elites like that one lurking around every corner. It's just something we have to deal with as commoners in this world filled with self-righteous pricks, no matter how much I hate it.

Yeah, this is the kind of crap that really grinds my gears. Serf's have no clue how messed up this place is and they just keep walking around with their fake smiles like everything's peachy. But I can't go off on her, not when she's looking at me all innocent and worried. Why does she even care? With a sigh, I turn to face her and take in her slight injuries. Should I bother Ada for a med kit?

"Are you alright?" I ask, snapping her out of her daze. Her face turns pink and her eyes focus on me as if she just realized I was there.

"Y-Yeah, sorry...I'm fine. Just wasn't paying attention," she stammers, nervously fiddling with her dress. The wind picks up again, irritating me even more, but I make a show of rolling my eyes before gathering my things and slinging my tool bag over my shoulder. Oliviana takes the hint and starts packing up our lunch boxes with her usual sweet smile. Well, there goes my peaceful afternoon. I take another look at her injured knee and notice how she keeps shifting her weight.

"That has to hurt...you shouldn't be walking around like that," I suggest, trying to be helpful. Any smart person would take it easy with an injury like that.

But nope, Oliviana insists she's fine and will just ice it later. Yeah right. As if she'll actually do that. Before I know it, she's yelping as I scoop her up in my arms and carry her out of work.

"Put me down!" She protests as I carry her through the crowded city streets.

"You're not going back to work like this," I tell her firmly, ignoring her complaining about Ms. Dorsey getting mad at us for leaving work early.

As if Ada would actually reprimand Oliviana for going home with an injury. She'd probably yell at me for not taking her home sooner. With a sigh, I make my way through the bustling city, carrying Oliviana and ignoring her chatter. Man, this girl can talk. But she's lucky to have someone like me looking out for her, even if she doesn't realize it.