I look around at my surroundings. I'm on top of one of the high points of the lands. Right next to me is a medieval looking mansion and as I look beyond the mansion I'm greeted with a beautiful view. All below me is a what seems like a thriving city, though, a very old city.
The bustling life from my world seems to be ever present in this one. The people seem like ants from up here, bustling to one place from another.
"I see the nightlife has stayed the same, that's one thing I loved about this place. The people knew how to have fun, it seems like they still do." Liliana says to me. I can hear the nostalgia in her voice. I can... Feel her nostalgia?
As she finishes her sentence I feel seemingly what she feels. I can feel the want to go down there and talk to the people. I can feel the weight of responsibility she feels for these people. I can feel the love she has for them. However, just as fast as these feelings envelop me, they disappear.
"Liliana?" I say her name in my mind, not knowing what else to think.
"These were once my people Roman, and now that I am your Telum I have the strength to protect them. I won't ask a lot from you but please accept this one request. Help me protect these people, you have no real responsibility to but please, do it for me." Liliana says.
The sudden serious request surprises me. We've only known each other for a day. A day. Yet, I feel like I've known Liliana for a long time. Is this the relationship we have as a person and a spirit? Although it's a strange one I can't help but appreciate it. With no one else here, Liliana is all I have right now.
"Of course, don't worry. After all it's only because of you that I was able to survive. It's only right that I help you in return." I say with a smile.
It's silent for just a moment.
"Thank you Roman, you are a kind boy."
Just before I can respond I hear two voices behind me.
"Madam Liliana?" I hear Bale say.
I turn around, expecting Liliana to take over my body and respond but she doesn't.
"A rule I have for myself is I'm only able to take over your body without permission if you are in danger. Plus, it's important for a boy like yourself to learn how to talk to people. Especially in this world!" Liliana says.
Though the first part of her speech made sense, the second part seemed a little demeaning despite the truth behind her words.
"I will be speaking on behalf of Liliana." I say while mustering up as much confidence as I can.
"Very well, this is Sir Vaneer's home. As it is late in the night, the king is not seeing anyone at the moment. You are welcome to stay in his home or explore the city at your leisure. We are in Ignis, the capital of Noctis, the city has much to offer so if you decide to explore I'm sure you will be pleased." Bale says.
"What would you like to do Liliana? I'm fine with either." I ask in my mind.
"Hmmm, I think I would like to rest. We both need it and I don't think I am ready to see the people just yet." She says to me.
"Ok then!"
A bed sounds like an amazing treat right now.
"We will be resting for now. Thank you" I say to Bale and Sir Vaneer.
"No problem, please follow me and I will have one of my maids guide you to your room." This time Sir Vaneer spoke.
Maids?
I remember my dad would always joke about having maids since we basically were incapable of taking care of ourselves.
I smile to myself for a moment. It was a silly memory but now more than ever I miss those stupid jokes.
"I will now take my leave, once again, I apologize for my behavior madam Liliana." Bale says as he bows down to me.
"Don't worry about it." I respond whilst keeping my smile.
As he see's my response, he nods one last time before grabbing a small crystal from his belt. He grips the crystal until it shatters, releasing a small burst of light. As the light fades, he is nowhere to be found.
"That Bale... He knows those crystals are a pain to create yet he still uses them with no thought." I hear Sir Vaneer mumble.
He looks up after mumbling to himself, waves his hand towards his home and starts guiding me.
We walk into the home and it's just as a impressive on the inside as it is on the inside.
A white marble floor cools my bare feet and a few feet from the main door is a large velvet red staircase that leads to both the right and the left.
Columns wind up to the high ceiling and everything seems made with the most intricate details in mind. It's beautiful.
As I admire the mansion, a young woman approaches me from the staircase. She's wearing simple clothing, a white blouse and a black skirt. However, I notice a red string tied around her neck. Does that mean she's a maid?
"This is Camila, she will guide you to your rooms and will care for you while you stay here." Sir Vaneer says to me as he walks up the large staircase.
I look back at Camila and she gives me a smile before speaking, "Hello sir, please follow me to your bedroom."
I nod and follow her up the staircase while admiring Sir Vaneer's home.
"What does Sir Vaneer do? Surely it's not easy to have this kind of home," I say as I graze my fingers on the gold lining of the hallway we're walking through. I ask Camila.
"Spirit teleporters are rare, especially those as skillful as Sir Vaneer, the king takes good care of him because of the services he is able to offer." Camila responds to me with a monotone, almost angry voice.
Wasn't she just smiling a moment ago? She sounds really mad...
"That makes sense." I reply to her.
"Seems like she's not a maid by choice! That is extremely disrespectful." Liliana says, I can hear the sarcasm in her voice.
"Being a maid is not the most sought after job, most woman only turn to it when they are unable to find a job anywhere else. Not that it's taboo or anything but I'm sure it's extensive work for not much pay. Plus royals are not always the most pleasant people." She explains to me after making a joke that didn't seem to land.
"I see..."
Well, a sour attitude won't help her situation! Maybe a nice gesture will improve her mood.
Eventually, we get to our room and once again I'm amazed by the details of this home. The room is fully furnished, with paintings covering the wall. The bed in the center of the room is huge and the consistent red, white and black color scheme I've seen through the home is really satisfying.
"I will be back with a new pair of clothes soon. Make yourself comfortable." Camila says, once again in a robotic voice. She begins walking out of the room.
It seems like a command more than anything.
But, the more important thing is that she's leaving! I didn't even get to attempt to cheer her up...
"Wait!" I yell.
She turns around and her face seems more annoyed than her voice, which I didn't think was possible.
"Yes?" She asks with a forced smile.
"I, erm, I..." I stumble with my words.
"I can go get my own clothes! Just tell me where. It's late at night, I'm sure your tired. Go rest." I say with an awkward grin.
Her annoyed face changes until a neutral face slowly, then, a genuine smile finds its way to the surface.
Mission success.
But, not for long as her smile disappears quickly as if she didn't want me to see it.
"Thank you for the offer. But it's my job and I'm sure your tired as well. I'll be right back." She quickly says, giving me no time to respond as she scurries out of the room.
Did I, do it?