Jonen spent the next few days showing basic fighting techniques to a rotating group of men and women that came to the temple’s courtyard. Most of the town’s dwarven population came with dull swords and brooms to practice with. It wasn’t necessarily a bad idea, but Jonen overestimated the basic level most were at. Sunodagh’s tribesmen joined in at the end of third day, after he ran drills with them. Most orcs loved fighting to display their strength and wit. These weren’t any different.

Throughout the days, Jonen spied the auburn hair woman sitting around the garden with the upset girl directly beside her. Tella’s punishment was that she had to be directly beside her until the festival began. Irae appreciated the effort to keep her rested, but the girl still wanted to play.

Mira studied the training exercises and offered advice at the end of day meals. Jonen tried to implement them the next day. Many took to the sword quicker than he anticipated. He wondered if this felt like starting his own company and becoming a commanding officer.

The night before the festival, Jonen waved Mira down to join them. She looked back to Tella for approval before she walked over. The orcs hooted as she casually walked over. Sunodagh rolled his eyes at them and said something in orcin that Jonen could only guess meant to keep it civil.

“Yes, Jonen?” Mira smiled.

“You’ve watched the past few days,” He quirked an eyebrow, “Feeling well enough to join in?”

“I healed well,” Mira stretched, “Tella is tired of entertaining me, I think.”

A red-skinned orc muttered something under his breath that caused the others to laugh. Mira chuckled and grabbed a weapon from nearby rack and tested its balance. Sunodagh grinned as she gave it a few practice swings.

“Frelin,” He pointed to the red orc, “Spar.”

The color drained from his face, “Why me?”

“Yes, Frelin,” Mira grinned and pointed the blade towards him, “Show me how easily conquerable I am.”

“Only a few of you have met aquellan Mira,” Sunodagh grinned, “She taught me fighting techniques I taught you.”

Jonen watched as the other orcs knelt before her. He tilted his head and looked to Sunodagh. The orc shook his head and scratched his scalp.

“Frelin, pick two more to join you,” Mira stretched her back to a waterfall of pops and cracks fell down her spine, “I think that should be a good warm up.”

“Only two?” The older yellow orc laughed.

“Three, if you think it’ll help,” Mira nodded, “I’ll wait.”

Jonen lifted the bottom of his tunic to wipe the sweat from his face. He had seen Mira fight a dozen bandits, swat arrows from the sky, and scare an isle monster. He smirked at the idea and nodded. If she was completely healed, the four orcs didn’t stand a chance.

“I’ll allow it. We can end practice after,” Jonen agreed, “Mira, do you need to change?”

She hiked the flowy skirt up and tucked the hem into her belt, “No need. I will be fine.”

She borrowed Irae and Nara’s clothes while they stayed at the temple. He knew Mira spent most of the past few days preparing things for the festival the following day. Especially after Irae kept asking Tella to help make decorations. He could also tell Mira itched to join in on the sparring matches. She gathered a bundle of the bustling skirt and tied a knot above her left knee to keep it from tripping her.

Frelin pointed to the orcs closest to him. They grabbed a swig of water before following Mira to the center of the courtyard. Jonen marched after them.

“Jonen, instruct us,” Mira nodded to him, “What positions and movements?”

Jonen blinked. He did not expect her to defer to him. He stuttered slightly before making a circle motion with his finger.

“Gentlemen, position yourselves equally around Mira,” He cleared his throat, “Mira, can you make defensive moves for the first few rounds so they can practice their strikes and breaking techniques?”

She nodded, “Toss me a shield.”

Sunodagh flung one towards her. She grabbed the rotating disk and slid it easily on her arm. Jonen held his hand up to ready the combatants. When he lowered his hand, Frelin surged towards her. Mira grinned and swung the shield out to collide against his blade. The momentum threw the orc off his feet. The next orc bolted towards her with his weapon drawn. She gripped the shield tighter as he shouldered into it. Mira slid a few feet to the orc on her opposite side.

Her sword intersected his with a loud clank that echoed through the busy courtyard. The constant collisions of metal sparked interest of passersby. Besides them, merchants constructed their stalls for the following night all around the garden.

“Let me know when I can fight back,” Mira called out.

As Jonen started to say something, a window from the nearby temple wall flew open. Nara stuck her head out and frowned disapprovingly.

“We are getting ready for the festival tomorrow!” She yelled, “Can you take it easy for one night? It’s almost time for dinner!”

“That’s our que to call it,” Jonen laughed, “Sorry, High Priestess!”

The group settled and each orc bowed slightly to Mira. She untied her skirt and brought the sword and shield to Sunodagh.

“These are excellently crafted,” She smiled, “Are you using them tomorrow?”

“Of course! Selling them too, if I can,” Sunodagh placed them nicely on the weapon rack, “Another tribe will be here as well. It will be nice see my nephews.”

“Yes, the younger men have come a long way in fighting, too,” Mira grinned, “Maybe they’ll find partners this year.”

“I’ll believe it when I see it,” Sunodagh laughed, “Jonen, thank you for the lessons. My nerves are at ease. Should we ever be attacked, I feel more prepared.”

“It was a pleasure,” Jonen nodded, “I hope to run my own squadron in the Knights one day. This was great practice for training recruits.”

The bell for dinner chimed overhead. The three walked to the priestesses exiting the temple with trays of food. Jonen plucked a small pie to eat, and Mira grabbed a steaming sandwich. They sat on the stairs leading to the temple and ate happily. The last few days of training helped Jonen with his sore joints from his injuries.

“Any more advice for the next time I teach?”

“Yes,” Mira paused to swallow her bite, “You have them focus primarily on sword and shield techniques. Not everyone favors those, though. Different weapon types will increase what each person gains.”

“I hadn’t thought of that,” He shook his head, “We’re just taught sword and shield in the knights. Some put in requests for other weapons and get specialized training.”

She shrugged, “It’s beneficial to know multiple weapons. You won’t always have access to a sword and shield.”

“Mira!” A priestess clamored up the steps to speak with them, “Would you mind helping in the kitchen? We still have some things to prepare for tomorrow.”

“I can do that,” she swallowed the last bite of her sandwich, “Is Pallik still in lessons?”

“They are making signs for the festival. I believe Gimma will have them busy for quite some time,” The woman giggled and looked to Jonen, “Oh –um, Jonen, was it? You’re welcome to join Mira in the kitchen. It’s a bit empty handed.”

“Absolutely,” He grinned.

The pair walked down the corridor from the entrance and into the bare bones kitchen. A man kneaded dough as the woman next to him took small chunks and filled it with meats and veggies.

The man grinned, “We weren’t expecting you. Can you take over?”

“Yes,” Mira nodded, “How many do you need?”

“Just until we run out of ingredients,” The woman wiped the flour from her hands on her apron, “I need to prepare my things for the morning meal, and I’ll be back. It should only be an hour.”

“You’re working too hard,” Jonen smiled, “Take a break if you need it.”

“In that case,” She threw the apron on the table, “I’m going to take a bath.”

The man laughed, “I’ll show them what to do.”

Mira watched as the man showed where to place the finished rolls. The stack of prepared ingredients were under the table they worked on. She made a few before he left the kitchen. Jonen joined her side and help her prepare the rolls.

“So,” He handed her a few slices of fruit, “You’ve never been to any festival?”

“Maybe one before my memories,” She punched the air bubble from the dough, “Otherwise, no.”

“Well, tomorrow should be fun, then,” He smiled, “It’s nice to celebrate sometimes.”

The kitchen door swung open, and a frazzled elf stepped inside. He hadn’t seen any priestess this casual. Nara wore a normal dress that better suited the constant work she had in preparation for the next day. Her frizzy hair and lack of jewelry surprised Jonen.

“Mira!” She caught her breath, “We are prepping for the dances for the opening ceremony. Can we count you in?”

“Whatever ones you need, yes,” Mira nodded, “I will have to borrow clothes.”

“Thank you,” Nara sighed in relief, “Irae has already offered to lend you a set.”

“What dances?” Jonen asked.

“Much like our praises, we try to do something for everyone here. The other elves and I will dance to Alavala da Vanora –you’re welcome to join as well,” The bronze elf smirked and looked between them, “I’m sure we can find you a partner.”

If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

The dance she referred to was, as Jonen knew, something the elves performed to celebrate the goddess at their ceremonies. In the small area he lived in, it was used to represent souls combining before a bonding ceremony. Shayleigh practiced it with him many times. The last festival they went to, they performed it together before they bonded that night.

“I…” His face turned red from embarrassment and remembering the beautiful plain he recently visited in his dreams.

“I can be your partner, if you’d like,” Mira pinched a small amount of dough around berries, “Alavala is a traditional elven temple dance, correct?”

“I -uh,” He punched the dough in front of him and tried to hide his face, “We don’t have to do that. I barely know it.”

“Okay,” She looked to Nara, “If someone is missing a partner, I can fill in. Does Sunodagh need more for Unthragul?”

“Yes, he told me you already volunteered,” Nara chuckled, “He’s busy making jewelry to sell tomorrow. Apparently, his tribesmen are excited to see the display and plan to join. Are you comfortable with multiple partners?”

Jonen looked up, deeply confused at the question.

“I don’t think it’s a multiple partner dance,” Mira snickered, “But yes, that should be fine.”

“What’s Unthragul?”

“An orcish battle dance,” Mira smiled, “Traditionally, it demonstrates the skills of the best warrior from each side.”

“Irae is leading Saceida’s Rhythm. The other priestesses are teaching Zrud’s Requiem tonight as well,” Nara sighed in relief, “They’ve been teaching the nearby villages for the past month. It should be a beautiful song to end on.”

“Should I plan to participate in each one, then?” Mira clapped the flour from her hands and looked to the elf, “Or is there anything else I need to do during the festival?”

“Mira, darling,” The bronze elf chuckled she shook her head, “The temple is putting on the festivities. You don’t need to do anything. I’m sure watching Pallik and Tella will be enough.”

“Very well. Is there a place for me to practice in the morning? I followed Irae’s orders to remain at Tella’s side.”

“Afraid not,” Nara shook her head, “Looks like you have the entire day off again. Have fun. You deserve it.”

“Anything else we can do tonight to help prepare?” Jonen asked her.

“Finish what you are doing, then stay out of the way,” She smiled, “Make sure you don’t stay up too late tonight. It’s going to be a busy day tomorrow!”

The two worked in awkward silence as Nara left the kitchen. Mira worked the next batch of fruits and meats into small rolls. Jonen thought about what exactly dancing with Mira would entail. Though, he admitted to himself that the battle dance would be interesting to watch.

“Did I upset you?” She whispered as her hands slowed.

“What?” Jonen looked to her, “What do you mean?”

“Nara asked about including you in the dance,” Mira lightly patted flour across the top of sticky dough, “You seemed… disappointed that I offered to be your partner.”

“It’s not like that,” He sighed and stopped what he was doing, “It… I haven’t danced to that song in a long time, is all.”

“Is there a reason why?” Mira tucked a loose lock of curls behind her ear, “I thought it was a traditional dance to do at the temple.”

“Where I come from, it’s more of a bonding ritual,” He bit his lower lip, “It isn’t danced to unless it’s at a festival or wedding with a close partner. Most people don’t learn it until they are betrothed.”

“Oh, I know mating is a bit different with elves. They outlive every other race. They prefer marriage contracts for a span of years but bond with their lovers,” Mira dusted her hands of flour and turned to him, “Are you… bonded, then?”

Jonen looked away from her and took a deep breath. Shayleigh weighed heavily on his mind ever since she appeared in his dreams. Now that Mira appeared there, his conflicting feelings arose more often.

“I was, once,” He smiled softly, “She… she passed away.”

Mira placed a hand on his arm, “I’m sorry.”

“Yeah, story for another time,” He winced to break the tension in his face, “Let’s finish up here.”

Her hand hesitated and slowly moved back to the rolls in front of them. They worked quietly for a few minutes and the warmth of her hand still lingered on him. When he realized something, he cleared his throat to get her attention.

“I noticed that you rarely touch someone on purpose,” He rubbed at the spot on his arm, “Or like being touched. So, thank you for the kindness.”

“I don’t mind being touched, sometimes,” Mira smiled sympathetically, “My reflexes are not trained for kindness. It is difficult to know what someone’s intentions could be and I’ve become accustomed to expect threats.”

“I couldn’t even imagine,” He shook head, “I’ve seen how you interact with Tella and Pallik. It’s so much different than others. Tella can run up and grab you. I tried to shake you awake, and I get a knife to the throat.”

He playfully elbowed her.

“I did not know your intentions well enough, then,” She rolled her eyes, “With Tella, I don’t feel anything telling me to be careful around her. She doesn’t give off malice as some others do.”

“Give off malice? What does that mean?”

“I can sense someone’s intentions. Like with the bandits, I knew they had ill-intent in the way they looked at me and stalked us. Tella and Pallik, however, never give off a similar feeling,” She shrugged, “It’s harder for me to differ when I’m sleeping, so reflexes kick in. Tella also learned that the hard way.”

“Wait,” His eyes widened, “Did you hurt her?”

“No, but I threw her a good distance,” She chuckled at the memory, “It scared her, I think. She waits until I wake up or sleeps near me, so I know she’s there.”

“So, you can feel what people’s intentions are? Hmm,” He thought about it, “I think I understand. It’s part of my job to judge a situation. What, exactly, did you think when we first met?”

“Do you remember? Or is your memory still hazy?” She looked over to him.

“I can’t honestly say I do,” He rubbed his hands together to get the sticky dough off, Remind me?”

“Berkshire,” Mira looked away from him, “The night of the duchy’s attack.”

Jonen blinked, “You were there? I didn’t get any sleep that night. I just remember grabbing the bounty flyer for Isaan after I saw –”

The memories hit him like a rock to the back of the head. The amber-eyed beauty cowering in an alleyway with a wound on her chest. He remembered thinking of the feminine sway of her hips as he escorted her to the winery, the flirtatious remarks he made about taking her to dinner, and how he nearly fought Isaan then in her honor. He slapped his flour covered hands over his face in humiliation.

“Goddess! Mira –” He shook his head, “I remember. I promise I don’t always act that way. I didn’t know I was that drunk.”

“You were kind to me, Jonen,” She whispered as light blush dusted her cheeks, “Even when you knew you didn’t have to be. Most guards would tell me to scurry away if they saw I was branded. You, though, offered to take me to safety. It was nice… then you stood up to my master on my behalf. I’d never seen anyone stand up for a thrall –let alone stand up to my master.”

A question itched at the back of his mind, “Will you be honest with me?”

“If I can be,” She nodded and looked to him.

“Did the wraith attack you that night?”

She wavered and waited for the brand to burn her if she answered. When it didn’t, she shook her head.

“Has he… has it ever attacked you?”

“No.”

“Mira, I’m going to ask you something. If you can’t answer, I understand,” He met her gaze, “Did you have anything to do with the duchy?”

She winced as the brand burned against her, “I have done many things against my will, Jonen.”

She scratched absentmindedly at her neck. Jonen saw the black veins surface and move towards her throat. When Mira saw him looking at her, she covered the growing brand with her hand.

“I do not know if I can answer any more questions,” She cleared her throat.

“Would you be willing to turn him in?” He placed a hand over her to keep her from turning away, “Would you speak against him? I will make sure he pays for his crimes.”

She flinched and tried to pull her hand away. Jonen caught it and pulled her in closer. He searched her neck to see if the branding would harm her further. Seeing the black tendrils under her skin made him cautiously chose his next words. His arm wrapped around her back and his heart fluttered as her honey-colored eyes looked deep into his. He needed to know.

“Please,” Jonen whispered, “I just… I just want to know if there’s any chance, I can save you from him.”

Mira blushed as he held her close. Her brain was a chaotic whirlwind of unfamiliar emotions and thoughts. When she forced herself to relax, his grip on her softened. She placed a hand on his chest and took a deep breath.

“Jonen, I…” She bit her lip, “I would not live through it. My brand prevents me from doing so much. Even speaking here now…”

Her voice trailed off as his hand went over hers. Jonen didn’t want her to pull away when he was this close to her. A calm, cool energy washed over her and flustered her mind. She didn’t understand his spell and how he could make her this comfortable. Was this something similar to the fusing the flower petals? Is that why she couldn’t fight it?

“If I knew I would live,” She gripped his fingers in hers, “I would kill him. I would kill him and run.”

Where Mira felt a calmness from him, the chaotic energy that swirled from her excited Jonen. This woman was the strongest thing he’d ever seen. And yet, she treated him gently. She tried to find a way to help people, no matter how much it physically hurt her. He hated how this beautiful woman was treated and that he couldn’t stand not saving her.

“What if you didn’t have to run?” His hand left hers and moved a stubborn curl behind her ear.

His hand nervously shook as his mind spun with all the possibilities. His heart pounded against his chest, and he felt something he hadn’t experienced since Shayleigh died. His hand lingered for a moment before cupping her face and his heart thumped impatiently against his chest. Mira leaned her face into his hand to absorb the serenity of his touch. The rage she fought against melted away as he shaking hand tilted her chin upwards.

For the first time since he woke up in Isaan’s cabin, they were alone and in good health. His body craved her in this moment. He wanted to hold her tightly against him and kiss her worries away. His sapphire eyes lingered over her lips to see if she understood what he wanted. Jonen needed to know if there was a possibility of something there or if it was all in his head.

“Mira,” He whispered, “Are you okay with this?”

Mira closed her eyes and placed her free hand over his. She nodded and Jonen’s heart flew from his chest. He leaned down but stopped when he felt tears coming from her face. He opened his eyes and noticed the brand stretching and squeezing her neck like a noose. She gasped lightly for air and waited for him to kiss her.

Jonen let go of her and took a step back. The veins vanished instantly. Mira coughed and turned away from him. She heaved and her fingernails dug into the wood table as she tried to understand what on the Goddess’s green earth was running through her head. The pain from her brand threatened to explode the rage that lingered just beneath the surface of her mind. She gasped lightly as she regained her breath from the choke. Mira leaned against the table for support as her breath stabilized.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know,” He clenched his fists in self-hatred, “I wouldn’t have –if you said something I wouldn’t have –”

“Most are afraid to touch me because I may hurt them,” She cleared her throat to get rid of the raspy voice, “It was nice to have that connection, however brief. Thank you.”

Mira started to walk away with her head lowered. He grabbed her hand and pulled her into a hug. His arms shook from the whirlwind of emotions, but she gave little resistance. She wanted to get away from him to stop the odd feeling in her head and her heart rattling in her chest. As she tried to pull away, Jonen held her tighter in his arms. When she wrapped her arms around him, he felt her shake. Mira didn’t know what was going on –that much he knew.

“Mira, I promise,” He whispered and kissed the top of her head, “I’ll find a way.”

“I’m not allowed romantic partners.,” She shook her head, “You’d have to kill Isaan. He would order me to kill you.”

She hesitated before she gripped his shirt in her hands. She felt the brand at the back of her neck burning into her spine. It made her shake violently as the tears ran down her face.

“Please, Jonen,” Mira whispered, “I don’t want to do that.”

“I’ll find a way,” He paused, “I know you’re not a damsel in distress. You’re a hostage to an evil man. Mira, we will find a way.”

“Jonen,” She rested her forehead against his chest, “I don’t want to hurt anyone here. If I’m ordered to –”

“Let’s not think like that,” He pulled her into a tighter hug, “He’s not here. We are.”

“I’m sorry for this problem,” She pulled away from him and took a few steps to put distance between them, “I wish it was different.”

Her face dropped as she looked away. Her blossoming emotions broke through her normal stoic façade since he entered her life. Why did she have such a hard time around him? What was she feeling?

When the kitchen door swung open, Jonen tried to change the subject.

“I remember I asked you to dinner,” He ran his hands through his hair to calm himself, “If you’d like, I can help with the kids tomorrow. I’ll even be your partner to dance –if that’s something you want, I mean.”

Mira smiled shyly and wiped the flour from her face, “I would enjoy that.”

“Mira!” Tella stomped into the kitchen and towards her, “Can we go to bed yet? I’m tired and we have to get up early for the festival tomorrow!”

She tussled the girl’s hair, “Are you not going to pick something out for me to wear? You said you would.”

“Irae and I already did!” She giggled, “And I’ll do your hair in the morning too!”

“What should Jonen wear?” Mira looked up to him, “He’s coming with us tomorrow.”

“No no no,” Jonen held up his hands, “I think I can dress myself.”

“Mira doesn’t know what to wear, so I usually pick!” Tella smiled, “High Priestess said you were dancing in tomorrow, so I got the perfect clothes!”

“Thank you, little one,” She grinned at the girl, “It’s time for bed, then. Goodnight, Jonen.

“Goodnight,” He bowed politely to them as they left the kitchen.

When the door closed behind them, he sunk to the floor and held his head in his hands. Jonen took a deep breath to settle his churning emotions. His mind swam with thoughts of violent acts he would commit to free Mira.

“Get yourself together, Lafayette,” He scolded himself, “You’re in a temple, for Goddess sake!”

Mira’s chaotic energy engrossed him to touch her more. Why was she so warm to touch? It felt as if the sun baked her just for him to hold. How did her lips look irresistibly soft? Why had she let him cause her that much pain? How could she just stand there and let him kiss her when she cried from that brand?