Soft sunlight filtered through the gauzy curtains of a room that smelled faintly of lavender, decorated so beautifully, it left the young elven girl speechless. Lying bare against the silken bedsheets, Ophilanna stirred, her eyelids fluttering open to an unfamiliar sight. The bed she lay in was far more luxurious than anything she’d ever experienced. The sheets were crisp and clean, the mattress so soft it felt like sleeping on a cloud.
Her gaze shifted to the figure beside her. Eric. His peaceful face was slack with sleep, his breathing slow and steady. The events of the orphanage rushed back to her like a wave, and she felt tears prickling at the corners of her eyes. He was alive. They were both alive. It was.. bliss.
Not only had she managed to overcome her fear of fire, but, Ophilanna thought, even a part of her guilt had been.. dissolved. As if, just by accomplishing this meagre task, she absolved herself. When she came to, relief washed over her. Ophilanna was, in all save one aspects, weak. The fact she couldn't protect anyone still lingered in her mind. Though as her eyes wandered around the room, taking in the dainty furniture, pastel-colored walls, and the intricate floral rug on the floor, she thought the whole setup felt… feminine. She frowned, confusion clouding her thoughts. It's not Eric's room, is it?
"Well, even if it is.. at least he's safe!", Ophilanna murmured to herself, still sleepy. Hesitantly, her fingers reached out, touching his shoulder, but sudden movement under her touch, when Eric turned in his light sleep, made Ophilanna pull back her hand.
“Thank you for being alive,” she whispered. A sleepy yawn escaped her lips, and before she knew it, the comfort of the bed and Eric’s steady presence lulled her back into sleep.
A comforting, enthralling sense of peace had taken over her, ominously looming over the girl. It swallowed her whole, as if to not let her out.
She fell asleep once more, next to her friend, Eric, whom she had shared a sense of cameraderie with, now that they saved people together, and he depended on her. Ultimately, this is all that Ophilanna wanted.
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It wasn't long until Eric woke up. While the sunlight kissed his face, coaxing him awake, Eric blinked slowly. His body feeling heavy and sluggish, slight wounds and bandages covering him still, he was no less exhausted than last night. Hell, he barely recovered. But his eyes, slowing dancing around his room, landed on Ophilanna, who curled up in bed, right beside him.
In a deep crimson, suddenly his face flushed red. Eric didn't remember her getting in his bed. For a second, he was worried he did something to her..
Or that Ophilanna found out he was a girl.
"For crying out loud!", he mumbled quietly, as to not wake her new friend. Though a glance was stolen at her soft features. She exuded a faint trace of vulnerability, etched onto her sleeping face.
Then, Eric came to a realization. Not only had he dragged Ophilanna into a burning building so selfishly, but he had disregarded her.. entire trauma, too.
It's not that he didn't know of her fear of fire. Eric definitely did! And still, he didn't care in that moment. It made him feel really guilty, enough for his hand to pull away from her shoulder, shortly before touching it.
It seemed like he wanted to wake Ophilanna, but was too scared, guilt-ridden, to do so.
But, he thought and hoped, she would forgive him, if he gives her a proper apology later.
While she had been through so much, well, Eric as well, he definitely needed to be more considerate.. of her, given their rough start. It wasn't long they had been friends. In fact, it was rather short-lived, he feared.
In reality, it was nothing like that, but Eric was too deep in thought, overthinking the entire situation - to realise, Ophilanna had come to take a liking to him.
Before Ophilanna lunged into even deeper sleep, a gentle knock interrupted Eric's thoughts, rattling awake the young girl, as well. Eric took a moment, sat up carefully, blissfully unaware she was waking up slowly.
“Lady Erica? May I come in?” a maid’s voice called from the other side of the door. She sounded at ease, indicating how comfortable Eric and the maids where, their close relationship.
“Yes,” he replied softly. The door opened, and a woman stepped in, carrying a tray with water and a towel.
“You and your guest have been asleep for some time,” the maid said with a kind smile. “Once you’re both ready, the Baroness wishes to meet you.”
Eric nodded, taking the towel. “Thank you, Anne.”
The maid, Anne, blushed a little, leant forward, and excused herself after, as quietly as she entered.
Eric stole a glance at Ophilanna, who had just shifted slightly, in the process of waking up. He pulled the blanket up, right over her shoulders, before stepping out of bed. Ophilanna blinked as the morning sun greeted her. In a rather tranquil state, she yawned goood morning.
On the other side of the room, Eric stood at the washbasin, beginning his clean-up. Slowly, he unbuttoned and removed his shirt, rinsing his face, hands, and chest, when a groggy voice could be heard behind him.
“Eric…?” Ophilanna mumbled, her eyes half-open. She froze, staring at him, or rather, her, now turned towards the elven girl. She didn't expect... Eric to be a girl.
Expectedly, Eric's eyes widened, realising too late Ophilanna was awake. Covering up, he reached for a towel, but the stunned expression Ophilanna was wearing stopped him dead in his tracks.
"Eric..", she said slowly, her lips now curling into a mischievous grin. "You're.. not a man, are you? They don't have chests, last time I heard."
His face was burning bright red. Eric grabbed the towel by this point, covered himself. The only exclamation he made was a rather loud "W-What?!".
“You’re a girl,” Ophilanna said, sitting up fully now. “Why didn’t you tell me? Wait.. why do you act like a boy?”
Eric—no, Erica—stammered, clutching the towel to her chest. “I-it’s not something I advertise, alright? It's.. a secret. I have my reasons, you know!”
Ophilanna tilted her head, still grinning. “Alright, fair. But you have to tell me the story when you're ready.”
"My actual name is Erica", she said, standing in front of Ophilanna. "Just call me that. In return, I want to call you Fia! And.. please tell me your story too..", Erica sighed, with the embarassment slowly subsiding.
Satisfied, Ophilanna nodded. "Deal. We're friends, after all. I'm not mad at you, just so you know! Let's get cleaned up and start the day, Erica!"
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After the two of them had washed up and changed into fresh clothes, provided by the Baroness, most tension between them eased. Not only that, but even the maids and other staff of the mansion noticed their cheer. Unbeknownst to Ophilanna, Erica was known to be a girl in this mansion. She kept glancing at her friend now and then, marvelling still at the unexpected revelation from this morning.
"Gee.. you're staring", Erica said while she adjusted her shirt.
"No, I'm not!", Ophilanna retorted, but her grin clearly betrayed her amusement. "Let's go meet the Lady of the house, that master of yours. I remember you singing praises for her everytime you brought up the name of the Baroness!"
Assuring, Erica answered and nodded. "Yes, she is. I don't know a person more caring and magnanimous than her."
While their footsteps echoed through the reception hall, Erica launched into what could only be called a pre-emptive tirade. "But.. please remember, she is still nobility. Don't disrespect her. I beg you. You'll be fine, otherwise."
Ophilanna took Erica's advice to heart. With that, both of them made their way into the Baroness' office, as a servant opened the door. It fell in lock behind them.
The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.
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Ophilanna was speechless. The Baroness had a rather large, spacious office. Tall windows, which let in an abundance of light, loomed over her. Amidst bookshelves lining the walls and a rug of the finest material, a grand oak desk sat in the center.
Behind it was the Baroness. A woman so striking and enchanting, it would be difficult to mistake her for another. She had beautiful, silver hair and a set of piercing eyes that were looking for their match.
As the two girls entered, she stood behind the desk, expecting them. Her gaze somewhat softened as it landed on Erica, then Ophilanna. It was a gaze of longing, relief, happiness.
But for some reason, Ophilanna couldn't put quite the finger on it - since she didn't understand why - this creeped her out.
“Welcome,” the Baroness said warmly. “I'm glad you're fine, Erica. And you, little lady, must be Ophilanna?” She extended her hand to Ophilanna, culminating in a handshake that was firm, yet comforting for the girl, who hesitated at first, but nodded. "Yes, my Lady. I'm Ophilanna elis Acalynh, daughter of Fina elis Acalynh, from the Tirula tribe, hailing from the Great Forest of Salinus."
With a clumsy curtsy, Ophilanna moved to sit down, next to Erica. Amused, the Baroness spoke.
"Please, just call me Reina. I am a Baroness, Reina of Soriam. Pleased to meet you, Ophilanna. We have much to discuss."
Reina leaned forward, her expression serious, yet kind. "First, Ophilanna, I will formally adopt you as my daughter. Later, we will have a talk - just you and me - to finish the details. In public, you shall take the name Fi. It will provide you with the protection and status you need, and you shall have a home, right here. I can see that you made friends with Erica as well?"
Ophilanna's eyes widened, a question written across her face. "Your.. daughter?"
"Why, yes." Reina said gently. "You have been through much, I assume, and so I would like to provide you with a safe place to grow up, learn, and become a proper adult."
Ophilanna’s hands fidgeted in her lap. “I… I don’t know what to say. This is all a little unexpected.”
She was obviously taken aback. Erica whispered to her, squeezing her hand. "It'll be alright."
After a pause, Ophilanna nodded. "Thank you.. it will take me some time to get used to this, though. Especially.. since I don't know anyone here, apart from Erica and Granny Lisette."
Reina's smile grew. "I am delighted to hear you accept my offer. On the other hand, Erica, your cover is blown anyway - from this day forward, you will serve Fia as her attendant, Erica."
Picking up a pipe, she recounts the events of yesterday, especially the motivation Erica's adoptive mother had. "You two, well, caused quite the stir at the orphanage. I believe the Queen will question me, too, for what happened. My informants.. had their ways.. and got the answer. Are you fine with me giving you a recount, Erica?"
She silently stared at the floor and mouthed a "yes". Ophilanna held Erica's hand firmly, lifting her mood a little.
"It will take some time for all of this to settle. Terrorism in the capital of Silvale.. isn't just any day-to-day occurrence. We ought to be watchful and attentive to the signs of time. Now, then, let us proceed to the events from last night."
As Reina went on to explain the entire situation, Ophilanna grew a bit worried for Erica, who sat there, motionless. Empty. A husk.
"In essence, Erica's adoptive mother took the children hostage to make a statement for a group called the Council of the Shade. It is a congregation of beastkin, elves, vampires, dwarves.. all non-humans, that is. You can have a healthy guess as to their goal. They operate across kingdoms and republics, with a single goal."
Ophilanna opened her mouth, uttering a single word. "Revenge."
With closed eyes, the Baroness nodded. "Precisely. Against.. the human kingdoms who expanded into the Great Forest, treating non-humans as undesirables, slaves, dirt. In a way, it's hard not to empathize with their cause.."
Playing with her quill, Reina picked up the thread of conversation. "But this time, the perpetrator was misguided. Erica was the goal. Her adoptive mother believed the Queen to be an ally of those humans that raided the Great Forest."
"Wasn't that.. the Empire of Isrule?", Ophilanna asked, tilting her head.
"Indeed, it was. Matter of fact, the first-born prince, the Duke of Entover, rebelled against the king of Isrule then and there.. and split the country smack down. One side, the rebels, against the royals, believing in human superiority." Reina spoke confidently, sure of the truth.
"It's really hard to believe.. why take beast-kin children as hostages, though?"
Erica, feeling down, stood up. Still staring at the floor, Reina asked her if she was fine. "Child, please, stay. You haven't done any wrong. It's not your fault. The children are all fine and well. Rest assured, I will care for them."
Biting her lip, Erica nodded and backed down. "Understood... my lady."
The Baroness turned to Ophilanna. "Well.. now that we ticked that point off, Fia.. What are your goals, what do you wish to do under my wing? I would like to hear your goal in life."
Reina tempted Ophilanna a little, to test her. "Is it revenge? Do you want to kill whoever invaded the Forest you are from? If so, I can nurture you towards that goal."
Ophilanna’s gaze was steady. “I want to grow stronger. I want to learn magic so I can protect those I love and become someone dependable... dependable enough not to die in the eye of danger.”
Reina’s eyes softened. “A noble goal. But tell me, do you know of any relatives of yours?”
Fia shook her head. “No. My mother hardly spoke of any. I barely remember my tribe, at this point. Only mother.. anyway. As for my father.. his life is one I want to extinguish, someday.”
“I see. Then allow me to tell you something. Your mother was my niece. That makes me your great-aunt”, Reina sighed, "in a way, we are not so different. I know what happened to Tirula, your tribe, and your mother. In fact, a squad of soldiers I sent to Tirula, to check on my niece, arrived a day too late. I deeply regret not sending one earlier.."
Ophilanna's breath hitched. Tears welled up in her eyes. She squeezed the hand of Erica, who stole confused glances at the two of them, being clueless about.. their blood relation.
"I'm.. I'm not alone, then?", the girl asked, hope filling her eyes.
"That you aren't.", Reina reaffirmed. "Erica.. since you seem a bit shaken, why not go and rest up? I'll send Ophilanna your way once we're done talking. There is a lot to discuss between the two of us."
Erica quietly nodded, letting go of Ophilanna's hand and leaving the room. She seemed less upset than earlier. Now, the Baroness stood up and moved to Ophilanna.
"Child.. you aren't alone. As long as I live, you won't ever be." Reina wrapped her arms around the trembling child, who was still coming to terms with not being the last of her family.
But can she really believe this woman? Sure, the Baroness is actually an elf - one that caused a major scene, as the Queen made her the first non-human nobility of Silvale, albeit the lowest rank to be given, it was a message. One for the world to heed.
"Gosh.. I really depressed you two, mhm?" Reina comforted me, recalling memories of my mother and her when she was much, much younger. "I'm rather old now.. my tribe, when it was still alive and kicking, I actually became the chief. Your mother was a child I took care of when she visited. There is much history."
Ophilanna, listening intently, could only think of all the details the Baroness would tell, and how they matched her view of her mother. It.. was less suspicious with each story shared. Perhaps, Ophilanna noticed, Reina is more perceptive than she lets on. This isn't just to recount stories, but to make the girl believe. But given the amount of details and truth, there is hardly any reason not to trust Reina.. for now.
Ophilanna clung to her, opening up with each passing moment. It felt, truly, like she struck home. A make-shift family that could blossom into one. Right. She had all but forgotten about the warmth of her mother embracing her. Such warmth.. was currently holding her tightly.
Reina pulled back slightly, brushing Fia’s tears away. “Now, there are a few more things we must address. You are addressed as Fia - or Fi - and will call me Mother in public. Of course, in private, I require no such thing.. I leave that up to you. Anyhow. First, you wish to learn magic, correct? I will arrange for a tutor. Once everything has died down, I will allow you to attend the magic academy."
Ophilanna's eyes lit up. "Thank you.. I'm really grateful.." She began to cry, tears rolling down her cheeks.
"Second, since you two share a bond, Lisette and you may meet and she will be invited regularly. Of course, I owe much to that haggard old lady." Reina brought up Madame Lisette, and how she would visit in the evening. It wasn't exactly a goodbye.. moreso a check up.
The Baroness’ tone grew serious. “Finally.. have you heard of the Goddess Gaia, or the Goddess referred to as Enia?”
Ophilanna shook her head, hesitating to answer. “No... well.. Gaia, yes. I believe..” Instinctively, she reached for her neck.
Reina's gaze followed the girl's hand, landing on her neck. "A mark you carry.. Hmm. What do you know of it?"
Ophilanna felt like Reina was poking around for something. Something specific. "Uhmm.. I remember.. mother telling me it was a mark of Gaia. The Goddess we, in Tirula, worshipped. She said I'd been marked right after birth. A stigma, I think."
Reina’s expression darkened. “It may not be what you think, but I will explain when the time is right. For now, rest and recover.”
Ophilanna nodded. The Baroness responded with a warm, gentle smile. "Good, well then. I look forward to seeing your growth. You are quite the intelligent child. I shall call for you, once I need more. You may leave now, Fia. Prepare for Lisette's visit, alright?"
As Ophilanna left the office, her heart felt lighter. For the first time in a long while, she had hope for the future.
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The following days were a blur of adjustments. Ophilanna—now Fia—learned the intricacies of noble etiquette under the guidance of Reina’s staff. Erica, now her attendant, stayed close by, providing both support and a sense of familiarity in the overwhelming, new environment. Their shared bond grew stronger as they navigated their new roles together. Not just that, their friendship became one of close friends.
Late one evening, both sat quiet in the study. Ophilanna turned to Erica. "Do.. you ever miss it?", she asked softly.
Erica raised an eyebrow. “Miss what?”
“The life before all this. Before the Baroness, before me. With.. your family.”
Erica paused, her gaze distant. “Sometimes. But… I think this is where I’m meant to be. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for a purpose, right? That reminds me.. we still have a story to exchange..” She moved to tickle Ophilanna, who smiled.
Her heart warming at Erica's words, she responded in kind. "That's.. I feel much the same. Thank you. While everything is new, I want to give it my best. And also, we sure do! You completely forgot our promise!"
Their laughter echoed softly in the room, a sound of healing and newfound hope. Together, they faced the horizon of possibilities, ready to take on whatever came next.